July 2006 Mommies - Springtime is for flowers and baby bellies!

[July&August2006Mommies]

July 2006 Moms of Constant Chatter!

http://www.101funpages.com/html/imgs/page_imgs/images/baby_us_flag.jpg


Congratulations and Welcome!!
Whether this is your first child or your fifth, we look forward to sharing this journey together.

1st Trimester Thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=9139)
2nd Trimester Thread #1 (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=14441)

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:

*Please posts all updates in RED.
*When posting, please put in the subject line how far along you are!


The threadmistresses are Lizard and who else?

[July&August2006Mommies]

Mommy List

Amaye It's a Surprise!!
Me: 29
DH: 30
Married: 8/30/03
TTC: Started Sept 05
BFP: 11/8/05
EDD: 7/21/06
Gender prediction: No clue!
Any other children: Nada

a_spark It's a Girl!!
Me: Courtney, 29
DH: Jonathan, 36
Married: 10.17.03
TTC: 9/04
BFP: 11/04/05
EDD: 7/17/05
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children: This is our first!!!!

CarlaB It's a Surprise!!
Me: Carla, 29
DH: Todd, 38
Married: 05/06/02
TTC: 08/05 (came off BCP)
BFP: 11/19/05
EDD: 07/29/06
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children: None

Can't_Wait It's a Girl!!
Me: Leslie 26
DH: Mike
Married: 5/24/03
TTC: 08/2005
BFP: 11/18/05
EDD: 7/26/06
Gender Prediction: Hoping Boy but DH thinks it's a Girl
Any other children:Nope, this is our first

cece It's a Boy!!
me: cece-34
dh: j-34
married: 6.22.02
ttc: weren't really trying
bfp: 11.21.05?
edd: 7.14.06
gender prediction: no clue
any other children: finley owen 8.29.04

cpbride8203 It's a Girl!!
Me: Jen, 29
DH: Jim, 33
Married: August 2, 2003
TTC: We weren't...this was a big surprise!
BFP: Mid-November
EDD: July 12, 2006
Gender Prediction: BOY!!
DD:Kylie Jean, 8/30/04

duke's flygirl It's a Boy!!
Me: Joelle, 31
DH: Denis, 36
Married: 16/08/03
TTC: August 2005 after getting PPAF
BFP: 11/28/05
EDD: 10 August 2005, but I am a repeat C-section and DD was 10 days early, so I figure this one will be a July Baby
Gender prediction: DH says Boy
Any other children: Ryleigh Jane 04/11/04

emmjay It's a Boy!!
Me: Molly, 33
DH: Matt, 33
Married: 5.22.04
TTC: went off BCP in Aug 05
BFP: 11.11.05
EDD: 7.23.06
Gender Prediction: Girl
Any other children: Nope

Fluffy Bunny It's a Girl!!
Me: Linda, 29
DH: Dave, 31
Married: 12/28/02
TTC: nope, big suprise for us
BFP: 11/23/05
EDD: 7/31/06
Gender prediction: not a clue
This is #1!

hotmama It's a Boy!!
Me: Samantha, 31
DH: John, 36
Married: July 26, 2003
TTC: Weren't really trying but...October 05
BFP: November 05
EDD: July 29 - August 5 (the Dr and i aren't agreeing right now but we'll say July)
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children: Aiden is 16 months old

Jerseygirl16
Me: Stacy, 31
DH: Dan, 32
Married: 4/24/2004
TTC: about 6 months after getting married but suffered two m/c's in 2005.
BFP: November 4, 2005
EDD: July 12, 2006
Gender Prediction: Girl
Any other children: no other children

jewamese It's a Girl!!
Me: Cindie, 32
DH: Five, 34
Married: June 14, 2003
TTC: April 2005
BFP: November 21, 2005
EDD: Not sure...late July or early August
Gender Prediction: Boy.
Any other children: Daughter, Taya, born March 7, 2004

kellyann1972 It's a Girl!!
Me: Kelly, 33
DH: Glenn, 33
Married: 9/7/02
TTC: forever
BFP: 10/25/05
EDD: 7/6/06
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children: Ryan 18 month, Connor, born to heaven

klav It's a Boy!!
Me: Koren, 34
DH: Dennis, 32
Married: 10/11/03
TTC: Jan 2004
MC:11/15/04
BFP: 10/30/05
EDD: 7/10/06
Gender Prediction: Girl
Any other children: Fur Baby's Maxwell, Mozart, Princess & Deuteronomy

Lil_Mrs_0702 It's a Surprise!!
Me: April-21
DH: Shannon-24
Due Date: June 27th
How long TTC: First try!
Any Other Children: No
Gender Prediction: Girl
B-Day Prediction: Anniversary Baby July 2nd

lindybug It's a Surprise!!
Me: Tracy, 30
DH: Greg, 37
Married: 6/1/03
TTC: 10/05
BFP: 11/4/05
EDD: 7/18/06
Gender Prediction: ?

Linnybubbles It's a Girl!!
Me: Lindsey, 26
DH: Stephen, 30
Married: 7.23.05
TTC: 8/2005
BFP: 11/16.05
EDD: 7/28/06
Gender Prediction: Not yet!
Any other children:Nope!

Lizard It's a Girl!!
Me: Liz, 31
DH: Chris, 33
Married: 9/20/03
TTC: April 2005
BFP: 10/22/05
EDD: 7/4/06
Gender Prediction: Girl

Lolavix
me: Kris, age 38
DH: Aaron, age 37
Married: 10/13/02
TTC: September 2005
BFP: 11/4/05
EDD: July 15
Other children: DD (Caroline), 23 months old
Gender prediction: none

makena32204 It's a Girl!!
Me: Darla, 27
DH: Tom, 36
Married: 3/22/04
BFP: 11/6/05
EDD: 7/11/06
Gender Prediction: hoping for a Boy!
Any other children: nope, our first

maryanne It's a Girl!!
Me: Maryanne 34
DH: Josh 35
Married: 10/01/05
TTC: a wedding night surprise!
BFP: 10/27/05
EDD: July 4th
Predicton: ???Boy???
other: no kids just a furbaby Pogo the cat

maybebaby It's a Girl!!
Me: 26
DH: 30
Married: April 2005
TTC: September 2005
EDD: July 9, 2006
Other kids: none
Gender prediction: Just praying for a healthy baby

mia's mama It's a Boy!!
Me: Stacey (32)
DH: B (34)
Married: 09.02
EDD: 7.24.05
TTC: We weren't trying, wern't avoiding
Other Children: Mia Cameron ~11.14.04
Gender Prediction: Boy.

MKVH It's a Girl!!
Me: MKVH 29
DH: D 31
TTC: July/August 2005
BFP: 11/4/05
EDD: 7/14/2005
GENDER PREDICTION: Girl

mmisabel It's a Surprise!!
Me: Megan, 30
DH: Aaron, 30
Married: 11/16/2002
TTC: 8/05
BFP: 10/22/05
EDD: 07/04/2006
Gender Prediction:No clue
Any other children:None

MMK It's a Boy!!
Me: Kelsey
DH: Jack
Married: Dec 27, 2003
TTC: Aug 2005
BFP: Nov 1
EDD: 7/10/06
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children: this is #1!

mrst2b2003 It's a Boy!!
Me: Amy, 31
DH: Randy, 37
Married: 9.7.03
BFP: 11/17/05
EDD: 7/23/05
Gender Prediction: no clue just want our baby to be healthy.
Any other children: This is our first

Mystikal It's a Girl!!
Me: Rachel, 25
DH: Joe, 31
Married: 6.22.02
TTC: 5.2005
BFP: 10.16.05
EDD: 6.27.06
Gender Prediction: DH and I say Boy everyone else says Girl
Any other children: just our furbaby, Star

nuhmah It's a Boy!!
Me: Jen, 27
DH: James, 32
Married: December 18, 2004
TTC: July 2005
BFP: October 27th, 2005
EDD: July 12, 2006
Gender Prediction: - Healthy!!!
Any other children: - this is our first

rande It's a Girl!!
DH: Rob
Married: June 14, 2003
EDD: July 13, 2006
Other Children: Andrew James (Drew) Dec. 16, 2004
TTC: We were soon to start trying
Gender prediction: really not a clue!

ShelbyMay It's a Girl!!
Me: Shelby, 25
DH: James, 27
Married: May 17, 2003
TTC: February 19, 2005
BFP: October 28, 2005
EDD: July 11, 2006
Gender Prediction: No clue. DH thinks it will be a Girl.
Any other children: Just our 3 furbabies

Sophia It's a Girl!!
CC Name: Sophia
Married: 8.2.2003
EDD: 7.11.2006
ADD: 7.7.2006
Other children: DS, 14; DD1, 11

Soulmate It's a Boy!!
Me: Kristen, 30
DH: James, 30
Married: 8.11.02
TTC: 4.7.04
BFP: 10.22.05
EDD: 7.4.06
Gender Prediction: Boy

Sunchaser26 It's a Boy!!
Me: Carrie, 30
DH: Tom, 38
Married: June 14, 2003
TTC: August 2005
BFP: November 8, 2005
EDD: July 14, 2005
Gender Prediction: Girl

Wrighty26 It's a Boy!!
Me: Michelle, 27
DH: Dan, 27
Married: 12/28/02
TTC: 05/05
BFP: Digital - 10/30
EDD: 7.8.06
Gender Prediction: My first instinct is Boy- but I'm good with either!
Any other children: Nope, this is our first!


In Our Thoughts: flygirl, roberta, icedwhite, kischer, PaisleySloan, cmon, almostthere

[July&August2006Mommies]

Estimated Due Dates
June
21 - Lil_Mrs_0702
27 - Mystikal

July
4 - Lizard
4 - maryanne
4 - mmisabel
4 - Soulmate
6 - kellyann1972
8 - nuhmah
8 - Wrighty26
9 - maybebaby
10 - Klav
10 - MMK
11 - makena32204
11 - ShelbyMay
12 - cpbride8203
12 - Jerseygirl16
12 - Lolavix
12 - Sophia
13 - rande
14 - cece
14 - MKVH
14 - sunchaser26
17 - a_spark
19 - lindybug
22 - Amaye
22 - emmjay
24 - mia's mama
27 - Can't Wait
28 - Linnybubbles
28 - mrst2b2003
29 - CarlaB
29 - hotmama
31 - Fluffy Bunny

August
10 - duke's flygirl



Upcoming Doctor / Midwife appointments

May
25th - cece
25th - mmisabel
30th - Mystikal

June
1st - Amaye
1st - klav
5th - Lil_Mrs_0702
6th - Wrighty26
6th - Lizard
7th - sunchaser26
12th - Lil_Mrs_0702
15th - klav
19th - Lil_Mrs_0702
26th - Lil_Mrs_0702


Boys!!
[SIZE="2"]cece
duke's flygirl
emmjay
hotmama
klav
mia's mama
MMK
mrst2b2003
nuhmah
Soulmate
sunchaser26
Wrighty26

Girls!!
a_spark
Can't_Wait
cpbride8203
Fluffy Bunny
jewamese
kellyann1972
Linnybubbles
Lizard
makena32204
maryanne
maybebaby
mkvh
Mystikal
rande
ShelbyMay
Sophia

Surprises!!
Amaye
CarlaB
Lil_Mrs_0705
lindybug
mmisabel

[July&August2006Mommies]

Ultra Sound Pictures

mrst2b2003 - 6 weeks
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc23b3127cce95f6a0f54e3e00000016108Qcsm7Zy2ZU

CarlaB - 6w 3d
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/carlaarmorgan/bean12-06.jpg

lindybug - 7w 1d
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/lindybug/7weeks.jpg

Soulmate - 20w 2d, it's a boy!!
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/twinkiestuff/20w2dfull.jpg

nuhmah - 20 weeks
http://jamieandjen.com/Gallery1/albums/album02/profile.sized.jpg

[July&August2006Mommies]

More Ultrasound Pictures


Sophia - 21w 5d
http://img5.ranchoweb.com/images/padme_amidala/us1-3-06-06edit.jpg

Can't_Wait - 26w
http://static.flickr.com/56/140404640_ea484197ee.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/55/140400332_8f9f673381.jpg?v=0

klav - 11w
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/klynch/peanut/baby3.jpg

a_Spark - 12w 3d
http://www.courtneyowens.com/bean/2ndultrasound1_sm.jpg

[July&August2006Mommies]

Lil_Mrs_0702 - Big U/S
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df38b3127cce96e96f6b61b000000016109AbtmzFs5c6

lindybug - 15 weeks
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/lindybug/15weeksC-smudged.jpg

hotmama
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v519/bwiched/babypre210w4d.jpg

MMK
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6dc39b3127cce97d21c605dbc00000016100CcNW7ZwzYsX

sunchaser26
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6dc00b3127cce970932f4f8fd00000046129AbOHDNq3aE

Wrighty26 - 20w 2d
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f189/Wrighty26/46878014.jpg

[July&August2006Mommies]

Belly Shots

lindybug
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/lindybug/progressionto23weeks.jpg

Soulmate
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/twinkiestuff/e5619640.jpg

ShelbyMay
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j239/ShelbyMay/895db151.jpg

nuhmah - 24 weeks
http://jamieandjen.com/Gallery1/albums/album03/100_3613.sized.jpg

Lil_Mrs_0702 - 30 weeks
http://static.flickr.com/51/147393799_c8b8aa8e0e.jpg?v=0

Sophia
http://img5.ranchoweb.com/images/padme_amidala/bellyshotcomposite6.jpg

[July&August2006Mommies]

More Belly Shots

Can't_Wait - 26 weeks
http://static.flickr.com/53/140404645_2556473b98.jpg?v=0

hotmama - 24 weeks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v519/bwiched/24weeks.jpg

mia's mama
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f88/pleasant123/47b6db01b3127cce893012b3850d0000003.jpg

CarlaB - 24 weeks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/carlaarmorgan/24w4d.jpg

Wrighty26
http://static.flickr.com/46/138744291_7b7e2f9ef0.jpg?v=0

[July&August2006Mommies]

Helpful Links
Please feel free to suggest others.

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/)
Plus Size Pregnancy (http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/f...or%20Pregnancy)
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)

[July&August2006Mommies]

Helpful Links cont.

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)
Pain Relief Options (http://www.painfreebirthing.com/english/welcome.htm)

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)

[July&August2006Mommies]

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

[July&August2006Mommies]

POST AWAY!

http://www.101funpages.com/html/imgs/page_imgs/images/baby_us_flag.jpg

[Sophia]

Yay! New thread!

I realized earlier today that I'm only 3 weeks away from the 3rd tri. Ack!

[maryanne]

whooohooo!!! a new home!

[Lizard]

3rd trimester is definitely creeping up on us! I was gonna title it something with the 3rd trimester, but I figured I'd wait... at the rate we all gab I'll have to make another new thread soon anyways. :D

[maryanne]

Thanks for all your work Lizard!

[mia's mama]

Thanks for your dedication as threadmistress Lizard! Feel free to post my newest belly shot on the front page, if there is room!
22 weeks, 2 days
http://static.flickr.com/44/116471849_771b5a52a5_m.jpg

[Wrighty26]

I realized earlier today that I'm only 3 weeks away from the 3rd tri. Ack!

I had this thought on Saturday-- and it totally freaked me out! EEK!

Thanks, Liz, for doing such a great job with this thread!!

Mia's Mama - You have DEFINITELY rounded out in the past couple of weeks! It's looking more like a boy belly now ;) You are still super tiny though!

I think I've said this every day this week-- but is it the weekend yet?? :rolleyes:

[ShelbyMay]

Does 3rd trimester start at 27 weeks?

[jewamese]

Late as usual. I love seeing everyone's GORGEOUS kids and cute bellies--of course, I like seeing the rest of you, too--Hotmama, you are stunning!

Cece, I'm sorry about your dog.

[Wrighty26]

Does 3rd trimester start at 27 weeks?

According to several books that I have-- yes!

[Soulmate]

Still following along.... :D

[jennylou]

Just wanted to delurk while the thread was still small and say that I lurk along with all of you ladies because I'm do at the beginning of August and I'm closer to some of you (EDD wise) then I am to the ladies in the August thread. Hope you don't mind. :)

[klav]

Goodmorning mommies!!!
hope all is well!!

[Sophia]

Does 3rd trimester start at 27 weeks?


According to several books that I have-- yes!


Yep! Same here! I can't believe the 3rd tri is so close.

Hi, Jenny! My mother was due with me the first week of Aug., but I was born July 31, so you never know. ;)

[CarlaB]

Just waving hi to everyone. Thanks to Lizard for the new digs.

Cece sorry about your pup. I hope you are hanging in there.

Jenny I lurk over in August sometimes for much the same reasons. :o

Everyone else is looking great. I need to update my U/S shot and get around to posting a belly shot. TM, my next OB appointment is on 4/3.

[sunchaser26]

Can't believe we are so close to the 3rd trimester...

Welcome Jennylou!

Mia you belly shot is great, you are so round and tiny.

Hotmama looks like you had a wonderful trip! Your son looks just like you.

[hotmama]

awww, thanks for all the photo comps, ladies! you're too sweet! i had to share the one of Aiden on the swing while it was snowing. that is something you would NEVER see in SO CAL where we live. it was strange going to the park yesterday...no snow at all to manuver around. lol!

thanks for the new thread, TM...looks awesome!

[ShelbyMay]

The good news: The baby seems to be fine. Her heartbeat is still going strong and the doctor said I shouldn't worry about counting movements until 28 weeks. She also said that my belly measured just right, at 24 weeks and 24 cm.

The frustrating part: I spent the first 16 weeks getting fussed at for not putting on weight. Between 16 and 20 weeks, my appetite came back with a vengeance and I gained about 5 pounds. My doctor seemed pleased. Between 20 and 24 weeks, I gained another 5 pounds. Then the doctor I saw today (because my regular doc was not available) griped at me about gaining too much weight. :rolleyes: There is just no pleasing people.

Also, I don't really understand her logic -- She said that my weight gain so far is "probably fine" overall, but that I wouldn't want to gain this much every month. I've gained 10 pounds so far and have 16 weeks to go. If I gain 5 pounds every 4 weeks for the remainder of the pregnancy, that will put me at 30 pounds. Everything I've read and been told has said I should gain between 25-35 pounds, so wouldn't 30 pounds be, um... perfect? I don't get it.

ANYWAY... thanks to all who have been thinking of me and this little girl. And thanks to the TM for the new thread!

[a_spark]

Shelby I'm so glad to hear that all is well! That's ridiculous that the doc would give you a hard time for gaining 5 lbs this past month. I mean, overall, you've only gained 10! It sounds like she's not looking at the big picture.

[jennylou]

shelby - perhaps she was concerned because most people seem to gain the most at the end? Which then might put you over 30 pounds? At any rate, if you're only at 10 pounds up, I wouldn't be too concerned at this point!

[Sophia]

Shelby: Glad everything is ok. :) Sorry the doc gave you a hard time about your weight gain.

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Welcome JennyLou from lurkdom! No worries about being an August mommy- I was originally due June 28th and figured I would do both threads since you never know. My due date got bumped up to the 21st and they still let me in!

ShelbyMay- My doc said something similar the first time I gained weight. I didn't gain at all in my 1st trimester then when I went in for my 16 week appointment I had gained 6 lbs. I think they want to make sure that you are still watching what you eat so that the next time you come in it isn't another 8 lbs then 10 lbs in a months. There are some people with that mentality... My friend gained 80 lbs during her pregnancy because she just kept thinking she only gained a couple more lbs than she did the previous month.

[klav]

Shelby: Glad everything is ok! my girlfriend said she gained 35 and the baby was early by a month so she thinks she would have been around40 when AVA came.. so to be at 10 seem like nothing. I would not worry about it.


Lil Mrs you snuck in on me but your friend gain 80? WOW I guess that can happen if you don't watch it... hoping that will not happen to me...

[mia's mama]

Yeah, I would totally shut your ears to that nonsense, Shelby. It's bad enough that we have to deal with all these body changes that are occuring without doctors making us feel like cows for gaining "too much" (which 10 pounds is NOT at 24 weeks). My friend's doctor is giving her a hard time too, and this girl is hardly showing! I want to yell at him! I understand that they don't want us to gain 50-60 pounds, but geez...5 pounds in a month is hardly anything to mention. :rolleyes:

When I was PG with Mia, I gained 5 pound one month and 6 pounds another month- but then I would have a month where I only gained 2 or 3 pounds...it all worked out and I gained 28-29 overall.

[Wrighty26]

Jennylou - Welcome! I must admit, I lurk in both the June and August threads. Regardless of when you are due, it's interesting to read about each others pregnancies!

ShelbyMay - Glad to hear your little girl is doing good! The weight thing just pisses me off! Your metabolism goes a little nuts when you go from not wanting to eat, to wanting to eat everything-- so it's no surprise that you've gained the 10 lbs so quickly! I think that as long as you are providing your baby with as much nutrients as possible- then you are good to go. The last thing you need to be lectured on right now is gaining 10lbs (which, is average--if not a little under- the recommended weight gain for 24 weeks!).

[emmjay]

ShelbyMay - that's good news about the baby! I can't believe now they are complaining when you had trouble gaining weight at the beginning! :rolleyes: I wouldn't worry about it.

My friend gained 70 lbs. She is 5'-1"! She normally works out constantly and really watches what she eats, so I think she just said "forget it" while she was pg and went crazy. I think that's pretty unusual!

I signed up for my hospital classes - BFing, Baby Safe, and Childbirth Preparation after 30 (which includes a tour). They are all in June/early July.

My only other news is that I leave next Friday for 10 days in Portugal! Woo hoo! I'm going with 3 friends - I've been there before but I'm really looking forward to a vacation. The only downside is that I love Portuguese wine so I'll have to just bring a bunch back for later. ;)

[Amaye]

ShelbyMay Glad to hear that everything is going with your little girl. Echoing what all the girls are saying - don't even worry about the weight gain. l think you are doing great!!

Emmjay Have a blast!!! Going to Portugal sounds like so much fun. l'm with you on the wine. At least you can bring some back with you. My friends/DH laugh at me cos l miss wine so much. At time, l sniff a glass just to smell the aroma I miss so much! :o :D

Good reminder - l need to sign up for classes soon. I need to figure out where l will take them too.

[ShelbyMay]

Wow, Portugal! That sounds like fun. I still wish DH and I were going on vacation somewhere, but the finances just didn't work out. Maybe we'll go to the movies this weekend, though.... :D

I am not too worried about the weight thing -- Just a little exasperated with the expectations. My mom told me she gained 40 pounds with each of her pregnancies, and she was fine.

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Emmjay- Have fun in Portugal! Speaking of alcohol and pregnancy. Now that all the bars are smoke free DH go to a couple of local spots that have the best food (I told my lil bro that the best part of turning 21 is the bar food). I treat myself to a Sprite and it's funny because I get all sorts of looks like WTF is that girl drinking? When we went there earlier this week I forget how much I am showing... Right after I ordered my Sprite the bartender was telling me that there was some woman in there last weekend that had to be 7-8 months pregnant that asked for a free pour Long Island and told her not to be stingy! I couldn't believe it. I feel self conscious when I take a tiny sip of DH's beer (He's into all the special brews and I like to try them).

[nuhmah]

Damn - a Long Island Iced Tea when 7-8 months preggo? I can't even have a glass of wine!!!

Just checking in - yay for a new thread!!! :)

[MMK]

Wow, a new thread...we're really getting there now aren't we??

Had a doctor's appointment this morning and everything is measuring right on track. It's so weird, even when I feel my little guy moving around I still get SOOO nervous everytime the dr gets ready to check for the heartbeat. I just still can't shake the feeling that he'll find something wrong!

shelby: I'm up about 12 pounds as of today and the my dr said everything looks great so I would just completely ignore any comments about 10 pounds!

By the way, I found out the other day that Gap crib bedding is made by the same makers of PBK. So anyone who loves there stuff should love the Gap stuff as well. I ordered a crib bumper and a couple of sheets and am really pleased with the quality.

[mkvh]

I'm with Wrighty...this is the longest week EVER!

Lizard--thanks for the new digs! You ROCK!!!

[ShelbyMay]

Anyone know what the consensus is on self-tanners (sunless tanning cremes)? Are they safe to use during pregnancy? I think it is going to be shorts weather here in the next couple of weeks, and I am glow-in-the-dark pale. I used the Jergen's sunless tanner last year and liked it okay, although it was a very subtle tan.

http://a1468.g.akamai.net/f/1468/580/1d/pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/143070/200.jpg

[Lizard]

Good question on the sunless tanner? I've eyed it in the store and wondered the same thing. Usually around this time of year DH and I try to go on vacation to somewhere sunny (we love cruises), and I always do a little "pre-tan tan" at a tanning salon. I kinda miss it this year.

Glad all the doctors appts are going well! ShelbyMay, as everyone's already said, I would NOT worry about 10 pounds. And honestly, I'd probably take it a step further and let your regular doctor know what this doctor said. She shouldn't be worrying you like that!! I could probably take a big poo and lose 5 pounds right there, LOL. :D

I actually had someone ask me when I was due today, that didn't know I was pregnant until they saw me... yay! And funny enough, today is one of those days where I REALLY feel like I'm showing. The kid has been booting around like crazy... the other day, my belly was moving so much that I called DH over, and he could see it too. He put his hand on it and got quite a dance routine! I think it freaked him out because I heard him talking to his mom the next day about it, and how he didn't know how I could handle feeling that all day... ha ha. To him it's freaky, to me it's comforting... I guess that's why the women carry the babies. :)

Not much else going on.. going to try to find a glider this weekend, I think.

[ShelbyMay]

Thought of another random question: What are you planning to wear AFTER the baby is born?

All of the shorts I wore last summer were a bit on the snug side, so I recently realized that it is extremely unlikely they will fit comfortably soon after the baby arrives. It will be about 100 degrees here in July, and there is no way I am going to want to put on the stretch pants I wore at the beginning of this pregnancy. I figure my maternity shorts won't work because they'll be too big. Should I plan on buying a couple of pairs of regular shorts in a size bigger than I wore last summer? What is everyone else doing?

In case you can't tell, I am a chronic planner. :rolleyes:

[cece]

shelbymay- i couldn't agree more with what everyone has said! re: clothing, i wear alot of skirts in the summer and with my last pregnancy bought more with an elastic waist. i wear things under my belly for the most part, so the stretch in the waist was perfect during and post pg.

lizard- the BEST tanner IMO is clarins. i use the self tanning milk with spf 6 and mix it with lotion. it gives the perfect, sun-kissed tan...not dark. i also totally love the shimmer after sun moisturizer, it smells like summer and has a shine to it...i put it on after a long day in the sun and it's the best! so funny, because i always go to the tanning salon before a vacation just to get a tiny bit of base color so i don't have to be so paranoid about burning. i was all set to go next month and everything, and the other morning i went "oh my gosh, i can't go to the tanner, i'm pregnant!" literally hit me like a ton of bricks. so, i'll try to get a little sun if i can before we leave. i'm really diligent about using a high spf, so i just like to look "healthy" instead of pastey which is what i am now!

i'm sentimental about our last thread....this new one is a good thing though!

*c

[nuhmah]

Jergens Tanner - I have been using that stuff this whole time. I guess I should have asked, huh? :o

Summer clothes - I am planning on wearing skirts (I don't usually wear shorts anyway) and bed pants/cropped bed pants through my summer, so I am beginning to stock up in those and some nursing tanks to wear.

Buying Baby Clothes - I can't stop! I need a support group!! I was ready to buy out Baby Gap the other day, as well as a lot of shopping online at a few other places.

[Mystikal]

Shelby I'm glad to hear everything is okay with the little one. FWIW, 10 pounds is not a lot. I'm 26 weeks and I've gained about 25 pounds so far!!! That worries me! :eek: I've been trying to eat more fruit and protein and less, ummm, shall we say, crap? lol. Once it gets warmer I'm going to be walking, but right now it's too cold when I can't zip my coat!!

Summer clothes I'll probably just wear some stretchy exercise shorts or something while I'm home on maternity leave, and maybe some sundresses. You can usually find them cheap at ON.

Outfit for bringing home baby? Since it's going to be the end of June/July when we bring our little ones home it's going to be warmer, especially for those that live in more tropical climates. What type of outfits are you planning on using for baby's homecoming outfit? At first I was thinking sleepers, but will they be too warm? I don't know how to dress a newborn - help!!! :o

I came home from work early today because I feel totally craptastic - almost like I'm getting the flu, but I don't have a fever. I'm all achy, and I hope it's just from not sleeping much the past couple nights. Anyway, when I got home I was laying on the couch and I could feel Julia moving quite a bit so I put my hand on my belly, but couldn't really feel anything outside. I lifted up my shirt and looked at my belly, and I couldn't believe what I saw - my belly was MOVING!!! :D It was an incredible feeling and brought tears to my eyes. I hope DH can see it this weekend!!

Thanks for the new thread, TM! My next OB appointment is April 12 and after that I start going every two weeks!! Exciting! :D

[a_spark]

mystikal The moving belly is the best thing ever! I could just watch my baby squirm and kick under there for days :)

summer clothes Yikes, hadn't even thought about that. I have some good stretchy gauchos I can wear and will probably live in stretchy skirts and nursing tanks :)

[Sophia]

Summer Clothes: It was 95F on Monday. I'm already in summer clothes. ;)

Coming Home outfit: I'm pretty sure she'll be wearing the Carter's Little Duckies outfit my mother bought her a few weeks back. Not sure if she'll need the cardigan. I guess it'll depend on how long the car has been in the sun before we're discharged. I have car heat v. car a/c to deal with.

These are the pieces she bought, all in Newborn size.

Cardigan
http://store.babycenter.com/MEDIA/ProductCatalog/57760_209312_md.jpg

Dress Set
http://store.babycenter.com/MEDIA/ProductCatalog/57740_209307_md.jpg

Cap & Socks
http://store.babycenter.com/MEDIA/ProductCatalog/57772_209315_md.jpg

Bib
http://store.babycenter.com/MEDIA/ProductCatalog/57720_209302_md.jpg

[nuhmah]

I suppose I should also update my belly and u/s shots - Threadmistress, you can post these on the first page, and my next OB appointment (with Glucose Test) is March 30th.

24w
http://jamieandjen.com/Gallery1/albums/album03/100_3613.sized.jpg

and my 20w u/s

http://jamieandjen.com/Gallery1/albums/album02/profile.sized.jpg


As for bringing home the baby - a friend reminded me that you shouldn't bring them home in a bundler/sleeper because you strap the buckles for a 5-point seatbelt harness through it. We will probably do a cute onesie or t-shirt with a small pair of pants.

[rande]

Nuhmah-Great belly shot!

Sophia-Such a cute dress and cardigan!

Self tanners- My doctor told me not to use them during pregnancy since most contain chemicals. However, there have not been any studies to prove that they are unsafe.

Shelby- That is ridiculous that the doctor would comment on your weight. You seem to be right on target for this stage of the game. Glad to hear that all is well with your baby girl.

[duke's flygirl]

Hi Ladies, I'm like Jenny, I do lurk a lot and I will know for sure in a week or 2 when my c-section is scheduled for, but it is looking like end of July.

I did have my BIG U/S today, and I am now a proud member of the

BLUE team.

Everything looked really good, and I certainly have an exhibitionist on my hands! He was shy about showing his face, but not about showing us his goods!

He is measuring about a week ahead of where I am, but that is totally normal according to our tech! He kicked the wand about 4 times, and it was so funny!

Here is my 20 week BOY belly shot:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/dukes_flygirl/20weeksLiam2.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/dukes_flygirl/20weeksLiam.jpg

No u/s pictures yet, I have to do something with them first so that I don't lose them.

Everyone looks great! Thanks for starting the new thread.

[makena32204]

Well, work has been crazy this week, so I havent even had time to check in with you guys. But, I'm loving the new thread!

I had my doctor appt on Tuesday. The hb was 148 and all my measurements were right on track. Shelby - I'm up 23 lbs at 24 weeks and my doctor didnt even mention my weight. I gained a lot of weight at first and it is finally slowing down. Everyone gains differently.

TM - my next appt is april 18th. I'll have the Glucose test done then.

summer clothes - This hadnt even crossed my mind, but it should have! It is going to be hot and humid here in FL. Guess I need to go shopping!

Coming Home Outfit - I've been searching, but havent found anything yet. I want something cute, but not too expensive. I've heard of people paying a lot of money for an outfit and then saving it and not having the baby wear it again. I just dont see the point. But, that's just cheapo me.

MMK - We bought the ABC bedding from the Gap and Love it!! I would definitely recommend it.

[ShelbyMay]

Coming home outfit: I got a little green & white check dress with matching diaper cover at Target in NB size. I hope that will work. If not, we'll just bring her home in a simple onesie -- I'm not particularly sentimental about these things. :) Also, I don't really want any visitors at our house right away, so I doubt anyone besides me, DH, and the hospital staff will even see her that day!

[mia's mama]

Will have to come back after I give Mia dinner to chime in about summer clothes and coming home outfits, but I wanted to answer your question, rande-
The denim skirt is from babystyle, but I bought in several months ago from the "outlet" section online...I just checked and they are out of them- I'm sure they'll get some cute ones in by late spring/early summer though!

[Lizard]

duke's flygirl - Congrats on your Boy!! :D

Coming Home Outfit - My initial thought is to get a cute onesie with a sun bonnet. Babies with little hats is so cute to me... maybe because my mom loved them and I have so many baby pics of me with a hat on. :) But honestly, I haven't thought about an exact outfit yet. It won't be anything fancy.

Post-baby clothing - I have a bajillion tank tops...hopefully they will fit post-partum. I'll probably pick up some comfy cotton shorts though in a bigger size, as I'm a jean short wearer normally and that might not be comfy for a while.

[mia's mama]

Summer clothes-
Honestly, I was in maternity for about a month after Mia was born...it was just way more comfy, I didn't fit in any of my pre-preg clothes, and I didn't want to spend too much on clothes in a few sizes bigger. I did finally bite the bullet and buy some stuff 2 sizes larger, which worked for another month/6 weeks, and then I started slowly fitting into my pre-baby stuff. Remember you will look likely about 5-6 months PG when you leave the hospital, so stuff that fits you now, will probably fit you then. Even though I lost all the weight within a few months (12-14 weeks, I think?), My pre-baby bod didn't return for a bit longer... I wasn't able to comfortably wear my jeans until 5 months post-partum, but then I kept sheding the lbs, and had to buy jeans a size smaller by 7 or 8 months pp.

Coming Home outfit...not sure yet- so many cute options!

Nuhmah and Joelle- Cute bellies! Joelle, Congrats!

[Sophia]

duke's flygirl: Congrats on your BOY!!!

[Fluffy Bunny]

Delurking to be added to the girl team. The office I go to tried to schedule the ultrasound for April when I would be 24 weeks. They should know not to make a pregnant lady wait that long to see her baby. I talked them into giving me the ultrasound at 21 weeks.

Everybody looks great. I love all the bellies.

[maybebaby]

Shelby wow, I totally would not worry about a 10 pound weight gain. I have gained 20 pounds at 25 weeks and my doctor was not thrilled about that. Get this, though, I was basically a little underweight before so she said it's not "unhealthy" for me or the baby, but that I should slow it down so I don't have to lose it later.

I can kind of see her point but I also just want to enjoy my belly and not stress about it...some of it is probably fluid retention, some is the baby, whatever...and I don't feel overweight...it's all in my belly, and I'm ok with that. Maybe I'll end up gaining 35 pounds when ideally they want you to gain 25, but I'm not sure how much control I have over that since I'm not supposed to be dieting either at this point. Anyway...

Anyway, you sound right on track to me with 10 pounds!

[makena32204]

duke's flygirl - Congrats on your Boy!

Fluffy - Welcome to Team Pink!

I agree w/ maybebaby - about 95% of my weight gain is in my belly section. My thighs and hips have gotten slightly larger, but I'm the only one who's even noticed. Even my DH really cant tell. It just goes to show you that everyone carries differently and gains weight differently. And, that there's really no consensus b/n doctors b/c the ONLY time my weight has been mentioned by my doctors was when I brought it up. And, both times, they told me not to worry.

Okay - off to another busy day at work. Presenting a new budget to the executives....

[Wrighty26]

Nuhmah - Awww! You look so cute :)

duke's flygirl - Congrats on your Boy! Welcome to team blue :)

Fluffy Bunny - Congrats on your girl! I can't believe that they were going to make you wait until 24 weeks to see your baby...at least you talked them into changing it!

Summer clothes - I'm not really into wearing shorts (even though I live in humidity hell), so I'll probably just stock up on those really comfy gauchos that seem to be really popular right now. If you ladies do not have any of these pants-- go out and buy them ASAP! They are like heaven :)

Bringing Home Outfit - It will either so hot and humid here that I'll definitely just be dressing him in a onsie-- possibly an FSU one (my hubby and I are alumni) or something with a cute saying on it.

Hope everyone has a GREAT Friday!

[cpbride8203]

Summer clothes- Like Mia's mom said, I too wore my maternity shorts, capris and tanks for the first month or so as my belly deflated. They were just so much more comfortable. And the tops were nice and roomy to accomodate the little tummy and huge chest I acquired! So I plan to do the same.

Coming home outfit - My DD came home in an adorable Carter's romper that I had bought in the newborn size and instead of being shorts, it was like pants on her...was so huge. So I bought an adorable preemie outfit in Wal Mart last week (will have to take a pic). The tag says it will fit up to 6lbs, but just by looking at it and thinking back to how small my DD was when she came home, I think it should be fine for a full-term newborn.

Not much here - my back is feeling better, still not 100%. I go for my glucose test on the 30th.

My big thing right now is that my 30th birthday is approaching. It is next Wednesday. I always thought it would be no big deal, but now I am not handling it to well. Maybe it has to do with being pg!

[mkvh]

... I'll probably just stock up on those really comfy gauchos that seem to be really popular right now. If you ladies do not have any of these pants-- go out and buy them ASAP! They are like heaven :)


I tell everyone at work that they feel like pajamas! (I own the non-maternity ones in three colors.) :D Can't wait to wear them with tanks and flip flops once the weather warms up here!

Congrats on your BOY, duke's flygirl!

Congrats on your GIRL, Fluffy Bunny!

Coming home outfit--NO idea yet. I'm gonna wait and see what I find closer to the time. I was just thinking this morning that all I really want for the first few weeks are some cute onesies and matching blankets!

I feel HUGE today. I have on a full-blown maternity top, and even though everyone keeps telling me I look great, I feel monstrous! my belly is now starting just a couple of inches below my boobs. Nice look! I am terrified of what the scale is going to say this afternoon at my appointment. And I cannot fathom how much we're all going to grow in the next 3-4 months.

In more exciting (less complaining) news, I saw my belly move last night! In retrospect, I probably could have seen it about a week ago because that's when her movements "changed". DH is too impatient to see it, but it looked like little earthquakes going on!


Name Poll--We found out a couple of weeks ago that DH's great grandmother's name was Clara. He is now really attached to the name. What do you ladies think of it? And how popular is it in your circles??? TIA!

[sunchaser26]

Congrats on your BOY, duke's flygirl!

Congrats on your GIRL, Fluffy Bunny!

Coming home outfit--NO idea yet. I only have two outfits so far, I was going to see what I get during my shower before I buy too many outfits.

I second feeling big lately and I know this is just the beginning so I'm trying to get used to it.

mkvh,

Belly starting right below your boobs, that confirms that I'm still carrying quiet low. Mine is just about at my belly button maybe a bit over. So cool that you can see the baby move now... I'm still waiting, I just feel the thumps right now. I haven't heard of any Clara's around & our subdivision is just full of babies and kids. How do you feel about the name?

Summer Clothes:

I was looking for items for now yesterday and I started thinking about them, but it is really hard when it is just 36 degrees outside and we are having snow flurries...

[Lizard]

mkvh - I don't know anyone named Clara right now.... one of my friends has a daughter named Claire though... they call her Claire Bear. :) Clara is a great name!

I really really want to post a belly shot... I am carrying sooo low compared to most of you ladies. I have one from 25 weeks but it's on my CF card, I'll see about getting it uploaded this weekend.

This weekend I'm going to go out and look at gliders, and hopefully buy one... my grandmother has graciously offered to foot the bill for it. :D I was just planning on a cheapy rocker, but I might get something a little more cushy now. I also need to do some serious house cleaning, I believe DH's older brother, girlfriend and daughter are coming up next weekend and our guest room is a pigsty.

[lindybug]

mkvh ~ I love the name Clara. I don't know anyone by it, so it is "different" enough but still recognizable. Wasn't the little girl in the Nutcracker named Clara?

summer clothes ~ Am I the only one who can't pull off those gaucho pants?! They are just not flattering on me at all.

coming home outfit ~ No idea! Probably nothing fancy. I am assuming we'll get lots of onesies and stuff at our shower, so I'll see what we have then.

weight ~ At my last appointment, I had gained 16 pounds at 22 weeks. The doc said I was right on track. The way I have read it, if you are a healthy weight to begin with, you should gain 25-35 pounds. 25 is not necessarily more desirable than 35. They say average gain is 10 pounds by week 20, then a pound a week after that... But everyone gains differently. Don't stress about it!

[Lizard]

Can I ask a question to you 2+ timers? :) There are bouncers, and swings... do you need both? Is one better to get in the beginning than the other? I know it's gonna depend primarily on what the baby likes (and they might not like either one), but I really don't want to get both if I can help it due to limited space in our house. I was thinking a swing might be better?

[klav]

mkvh I don't know any Clara's
I really like it!

summer clothes I have two pair of Goucho type pants I have to start looking for a skirt and tanks because the one's I have will not work.

Lizard I'm liking the swing. but we really don't have room or a door way for the bouncer, or are you talking about the one that you put the child in and they are surrounded by fun stuff? I would use a bouncer later I think? when he or she is a bit older

coming home outfit still looking

[Lizard]

By bouncer I meant one of these - maybe they are for older? I guess I don't know.... so much to learn! :)

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0002ZOICO.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS384_.jpg

[mia's mama]

Lizard- We used both...A LOT. If I HAD to pick one, I would go for the swing- and although it's kind of busy looking (in fact I think it's a bit ugly), the Fisher Price Aquarium swing was a LIFE SAVER in the begining. It is a basket swing that can go front/back or side to side, and Mia slept in it quite a bit during her first few months. When nothing esle would calm her, the swing ALWAYS would. I liked the bouncer for the bathroom while I showered, and the kitchen while I cooked/cleaned...

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Congrats to flygirl and fluffy bunny for finding out the sex! Way to get one on both teams to keep things even!

Sophia- That outfit is adorable!!! I need to go shopping!

Gauchos/Summer clothes- I can't pull the darn things off either... I'm an all hips and butt girl. I have a couple of maternity capris that I can wear and then some capri length yoga pants from Old Navy. I'm all about the comfort this summer.


I like the name Clara. It is really cute and makes me think of when I was little and my grandpa used to tell me that Mickey was Clarabelle Cow. Like others have said. I know a Claire and a Clarissa but no Clara. Yet it isn't unheard of.

Liz- I think we are getting both. One of the girls I work with has a portable bouncer that she brings into the office with her sometimes. I think she keeps it in her trunk for when she goes to other people's houses she has something to put her down in.

[klav]

LIZ my mistake.... were registered for both! I love them

[ShelbyMay]

Clara: I know a little girl named Claire, but no Claras -- I like it.

Summer clothes: I don't think I could pull off gauchos. I am only about 5'1" and don't even dare wear capris because my calves are kind of wide. I go with shorts because they cut off at a less awkward place on my leg.

Bouncer/Swing: I am a first-timer, but we are just going with the swing for now. This is mostly due to space issues. I hope to get the Ocean Wonders swing, and it will probably take up semi-permanent residence in our living room. Maybe we will spring for a bouncer seat thing later if the swing is not meeting our needs.

Feeling big: I feel huge. I know I am only going to get bigger (and probably MUCH bigger) but I can't bear to think about it right now. I am also just generally achy and uncomfortable this week, which doesn't help matters. I just want to stay in bed, under my nice soothing covers, with everything properly supported by my body pillow. It's the closest I can get to weightlessness right now. :rolleyes:

ETA: I'm also sitting here at work with my "natural waist" maternity jeans unbuttoned and partially unzipped. I think it is time for the stretchy panel. :(

[klav]

ShelbyMayETA: I'm also sitting here at work with my "natural waist" maternity jeans unbuttoned and partially unzipped. I think it is time for the stretchy panel thank you for the giggle:)

Does one else have this?: when I roll from one side to the other, and this mainly happens on my rightside when I lay on the left side. I don't know if he's resting on something but I get this pain/ ache around my hip area... it goes away but happens every time I change sides?:confused:

[rande]

Clara- I like this name, very cute and sweet!

Swing- My ds had reflux and had to sleep upright for 6 months. He slept in the Ocean Wonders Aquarium swing and would sleep wonderfully long stretches in it. DH and I laugh now because looking back we remember how funny he looked-just like he was in a hammock. We ended up buying two of these-one for our bedroom and one for the living room. I also used my bouncer alot while I was making dinner and in the shower. It was perfect for the shower and getting dressed in the morning.

[hotmama]

lizard: tough choice b/c we absolutely got a ton of use out of both our swing and bouncer. if i had to choose, i would say the swing to begin with. you could always wait a while for the bouncer. we used the bouncer for a long time, too...actually, we used it longer than the swing.

a few words of caution (regarding swings) for those with first time babies on the way...i would suggest a swing without poles that the baby can reach and a swing with a 5-point harness. we received the basic graco baby swing as a shower gift. within days of aiden using it we knew it was a bad apple...mainly b/c of the one lap belt. there isn't a shoulder strap to help keep the baby propped up right. he would flop over all the time...we had to keep him in a reclined position for most of the swing's use. in addition, when he was a few months old he figured out how to grab the poles. he would reach out and stop the swing by grabbing the poles. i would hear the mechanism clicking and knew he had done it. not sure if having a 5-point harness would've stopped that from happening...b/c they can reach pretty far in the swing. just a tip for you ladies that i wanted to share! :)

registries: this is sorta a question and an FYI. after seeing all of these amazing little websites you all are posting...and having looked at each website finding all sorts of cute things that i want for me or the baby...i wondered if there was a registry website that would encompass everything. turns out there is! it's called myregistry.com. i haven't looked into all the details but it seems as if you could register at a number of places and only worry about sharing one registry site with friends and family. since this is our 2nd baby, i'm sure we won't be having a shower. but a number of friends have asked if we're registered anywhere. i'm thinking of signing up with myregistry...meaning i can register for a cute sling, newborn diapers, and ointment...all in the same place.

sooo, now my question...has anyone ever used that site? any suggestions for a different site?

[cece]

love the belly shots girls! i don't own any of those gaucho pants, but they would be great for pre and post baby, huh? where have you girls been finding cute ones?

duke's flygirl- congratulations on your boy!!

bunny- congratulations on your little girl!!

mkvh- our friend's have 2 girls, maisie and clara. i love the name clara...it's a really sweet name.

outfit for baby- not sure yet, but will be the outfit finn came home in or something similar.

swings & bouncers- we were so in love the fisher price ocean wonders swing and boucer seat.

the bouncer had bubbles, classical music, vibration and water sounds...it was ideal for him at different times of day. we kept it mostly on the dining room table where he could look outside, or the kitchen while i was cooking. i loved it personally because it wasn't circusy like so many of them are...we used it for the 1st 6 months. as he got older, he liked to play with the fish and it was a great place for him to sit and hang. the swing was awesome for those 1st 6 months also...we had it set up to face forward and swing side-to-side. it also had water sounds and was a great place to put him if he got fussy. i didn't put him in there more than a few times a day since i didn't want him to always need movement to be calm.

http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/02/70/84/21/0002708421030_500X500.jpg

http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/02/70/84/21/0002708421020_500X500.jpg

at about 6 or 7 months, we got the exercauser and jumperoo.


hotmama- i haven't seen those registry sites, but they sound great! if nothing more than a place to organize my own wishlist!

*c

[cpbride8203]

Swing and bouncy seat - We could not have lived without the swing or the bouncy seat. DD used to love to nap in the swing and the bouncy seat was great...I would sit her on the counter while I made dinner, on the table while we ate, or the table while I folded laundry.

DD tired of the swing around 4.5 months and that was just so upsetting to us! We still used the bouncy seat alot, and actually used it quite a bit to feed her when she started cereal. I don't remember when we stopped using the bouncy seat, but the other thing we could not have lived without was the Exersaucer...highly recommend those as well!

ETA: My PSA on these things...if they are sleeping in the swing or bouncy, make sure that their heads don't rest to one side. No matter what we did, DD always wanted to go to her left. She didn't have tortocollis...guess she just liked it. So she ended up with a pretty nasty flat spot. All is well now, but it was very stressful at the time...hearing things from family, her ped, etc. What I loved and would move it from swing, to bouncy, to car seat, was the Boppy Noggin Nest...

http://www.boppy.com/asset/large/nogginnestdenim.jpg

[Lizard]

Wow, so much info!! I was actually looking at the Ocean Wonders swing, so after hearing all these raves I stuck it on our registry. :D Maybe I'll stick a bouncer on there too. I guess another benefit to the bouncer would be its portability - we can carry it wherever we need it and take it to Grandma's, etc. Speaking of that, my grandmother has already said she's buying us an Exersaucer, because my cousin's baby had one and was walking by 8 months. She thinks the Exersaucer strengthened his legs so he could walk so early... not sure if that's true, but I graciously accepted her offer, heh.

This kid is gonna have more stuff and more clothes than her parents do, before she's even born.... lol. :rolleyes:

[MMK]

mkvh: I think Clara is very pretty and I love the idea of using a family name...definitely don't think it's too popular. It's funny to hear that you're carrying so high...I'm all boy belly. A round bowling ball right behind my belly button!

lindybug: Thank-you for mentioning the nutcracker; I was going crazy trying to think of what "clara" reminded me of! Also, as someone with a very long body and very short legs, there will be no grauchos for me!

makena: I purchased parts of the ABC bedding too, I loved the stripes and the citrus colors. Have you decided on what color you're painting the walls? This has been a struggle for me...

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Does one else have this?: when I roll from one side to the other, and this mainly happens on my rightside when I lay on the left side. I don't know if he's resting on something but I get this pain/ ache around my hip area... it goes away but happens every time I change sides?:confused:

Collin throws a fit when I switch sides. He won't stop kicking and fussing until I move back over to my other side. I'm guessing he won't have any problems telling mommy what he likes.:p

Thanks for the info CPBride: I never considered using one of those with a swing.

[a_spark]

mkvh Clara is a beautiful name! It reminds me of the Nutcracker too :)

lindybug I'm not sure if the gauchos really look that good on me, but they're so comfortable that I don't care! They really do feel like pajamas

CPBride Thanks for the Bobby suggestion!

I had one of those nights where I just didn't sleep well, as a result I am walking around in a fog. I hate that! I have the rehearsal dinner for the wedding I'm in tonight and all the bridesmaids are expected to say something at dinner. Hopefully I don't forget how to speak English! :) Words are escaping me all the time due to preggo brain.

[Can't_Wait]

Lots of replies to get to today!

maryanne Yes! What a wonderful excuse for my 6 pound weight gain... the extra fluid. :)

klav Kohl’s sells maternity?

mia’s mama That is crazy about Mia's eyes being hazel! Who would have thought? You are looking great! Love that round belly. :)

Sophia If you don’t mind me asking, what is Bella’s middle name? We are naming our baby Isabella but will call her Bella for short, so I was just curious as to the middle name you chose… we are having a tough time finding one!
belly/baby is growing, I'm shrinking. My arms and thighs are slightly smaller, I've lost a bit of the fat pad on my lower abs, and my cheekbones are more prominent. Really??? That is nice.. wish that would happen to me!

Amaye I wish we were moving this month instead of the first of July... I know I could do a lot more now.
I keep wondering when the baby will move up... it feels like she is running out of space sitting so low!

Wrighty 26 Wow! That is awesome that you are saving so much $ with the different plan!

rande Looking great! You don’t look fat at all & I surely don’t see a double chin!!!

ShelbyMay Glad that the decrease in movement is nothing to worry about… I had one day where I hardly felt the baby move at all, I think it was b/c I was really active that day. I wouldn’t worry about your weight gain, sounds like you are right on track to me!

Hotmama glad to hear your screen came back negative! What a relief.

emmjay I’m jealous of your trip to Portugal! Sounds like a blast. You’ll have to show pictures when you get back.

cece When you mix the self-tanner with lotion, are you careful about how much you mix with it to make sure it is even, or does it matter? Have you heard it is safe to use during pregnancy?

numah great pictures! Love the profile. :)

duke’s flygirl Congrats on your boy. :D Great belly shot.

Fluffy bunny: Congrats on your girl. :D


Weight Gain: I was at 13 lbs. at drs. visit on 3/17 (21 weeks).

What are you planning to wear AFTER the baby is born? I think I will just wear my summer maternity clothes until they get to be too big to wear.

Outfit for bringing home baby? I am always on the lookout for cute outfits. So far though, this is the only one I've seen that I really like that will fit a newborn:
http://www.babystyle.com/images/product/19327_MID_l.jpg

[a_spark]

can't wait I LOVE that outfit- I just got a Babystyle catalog in the mail and can't stop staring at it!

[Sophia]

Sophia If you don’t mind me asking, what is Bella’s middle name? We are naming our baby Isabella but will call her Bella for short, so I was just curious as to the middle name you chose… we are having a tough time finding one!

It's in my sig. ;) Isabella Faye. Faye is also my mom's middle name.

And the reason I'm losing weight while the baby areas are growing is because I no longer eat a bag of mini powdered donuts every day at work. Seriously. I was SO stressed out and gained 10-15 lbs from spring 2005-fall 2005. Quitting that job was the best thing ever.

[rande]

Oh, almost forgot. If you get the Ocean Wonders Aquarium swing, make sure you get lots of batteries. They run out pretty quick since it has so many things that it does-movement, sound, etc. Still definitely worth it.

Can't wait-I love that outfit!

[makena32204]

MMK- We painted the nursery walls a color called "apricot flower" made by Behr. It matches the dark orange stripe perfectly. At first we were concerned that it would be too obnoxious, but we have white plantation shutters that take up most of one wall, two white closets on another wall and white french doors on a third, so it softens the color.

We registered for the Ocean Wonders bouncer and someone has already bought it for us. I'm so excited. I havent even finished my registry and it's gone already! I would register for the swing, but a friend offered to loan me hers.

[July&August2006Mommies]

*** Updated to here... 12 boys, 16 girls and 5 surprises!! ***

[Lizard]

I hope things are OK with Lolavix... she has not posted in almost 2 months, and she used to post very often.

Took my GTT today and passed! I was surprised, it was just like a regular diabetes finger prick, so they gave me the score right away. Glad that's over and done with. :)

[klav]

Can't_Wait yes they do it's only a few racks though in the baby dept. not very big at all

Lizard yeahy!!t hat is awsome, mine they usually take a whole vial full and I have to do the three hr. one again!!:(

makena32204 that is wonderful someone already bought it or you I've checked my registry and nothing no one has bought a thing.. hoping somethings start to move soon...

I'm at 25v weeks on MOnday!! yippiee having issues sleeping and beng comfortable ... I wake up not really feeling rested:(

[klav]

just remembered I need a shirt that say's hands off do not touch or something to that effect for my belly I had 2 people (MIL&SIL)yesterday wanting to but at least they asked frst and of course the answer was NO so where to find this type of shirt!! need it fast!! thanks!!

[lindybug]

just remembered I need a shirt that say's hands off do not touch or something to that effect for my belly I had 2 people (MIL&SIL)yesterday wanting to but at least they asked frst and of course the answer was NO so where to find this type of shirt!! need it fast!! thanks!!

Doing a quick search, I found:

these (http://www.cafepress.com/materni_tee/225028)

and this one (http://www.jenniferkaufman.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=68=Maybe%20Tomor row&products_id=649)

[cece]

cpbride- what a great head rest! i'll have to look for that. we used a burp cloth on either side of his head to keep it steady.

can't wait- that outfit is so feminine and pretty. babystyle 0-6 used to run huge...ds who was considered a big baby didn't fit in their 0-6m until 3m. but, i think they've added a 0-3 size now.

makena- your nursery sounds gorgeous with those paint colors, plantation shutters and french doors! you'll have to show is pix!

klav- well, i may be the only person on the planet that doesn't mind my belly being touched. and with my close friend's/family, i can't help but hold their baby bellies. i would never do that to a stranger though!

*c

[Soulmate]

New belly progression...this can replace my old one on the front page

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/twinkiestuff/870b3f4f.jpg

can't wait I love that outfit! It makes me sad that little boys clothes are not as cute.

lizard Yea for passing the GTT! It must be a big relief.

duke's flygirl congrats on your son!

Fluffy Bunny congratulations on your daughter! I'm glad you didn't have to wait until 24 weeks...that would have been very hard to do!

Touching bellies I am with you cece that I don't mind people I know touching it but don't like people at work or strangers touching it. I actually surprised myself with this because I actually like the people I know touching it. I am super proud of it and don't mind showing it off. Plus it is so big right now that it doesn't quite feel like my body anymore so I don't get the space invasion reflex. However, this crazy lady at work keeps touching it without permission or warning and I have to block her everytime. She also tied my untied shoe without warning or permission :rolleyes:

Baby shower dilemma I am a first-time mom and really need help with those big ticket baby items. However, I really don't know of anyone who will spontaneously throw me a shower. We have no family in the area and friends all over the country. The females I do know here I don't think would volunteer to throw a shower. Plus it would have to be co-ed because we mostly hang out with the male pairs of the couples. I know it is very tacky to throw your own and I really don't care if I have an actual shower. Does anyone have experience with this type of situation?

[MMK]

cece: it's so funny, as soon as I read Klav's post I thought to myself, "I may be the only person in the world who doesn't mind having their belly touched!" I don't even think I mind when strangers do it though I haven't experienced this yet! I have no shame.

That said, the "hands off" tank top is really cute. I thinks it's amazing how you can find anything you desire online!

makena: thanks for the inspiration; I picked up the paint chips for both apricot flower and one a few shades lighter but in the same orangy family (chai latte). I think since the room doesn't get a ton of light we're going to go with the lighter one and paint a beige color below the chair rail (making it a little more boyish). I also think I'm going to use the mint alligator color for accents throuhgout (chair pad, changing pad cover etc.). We'll have to compare when everything is done!

soulmate: cute belly! I'm actually traveling a couple fo hours for my shower since that's where most all of our family lives and they're the ones hosting it. Will you be travelling at all to where some/most of you family is in the next couple of months? If so, you might want to let a close family member know your plans and maybe drop a subtle hint. Even without a shower, I bet if you registered a lot of distant family and friends would still send those needed items. I'm sorry you have to deal with the stress of hoping someone step up to the plate. Fortunately my dh's family is really into this kind of stuff so they're the ones planning everything. If it were just up to my family, I would be in the exact same boat.

[Soulmate]

Will you be travelling at all to where some/most of you family is in the next couple of months? My closest relative is my mom and she is 750 miles away so that would not help. If she was closer I would bluntly say, "hey throw me a shower". My ILs live an hour and a half away but they are Korean and showers are not in their culture. They may give us money which would be the same but DH keeps turning it away (I told him to stop). I am hoping that people will send things.

[makena32204]

cece- If you could see my nursery right now, you wouldnt ask for pictures! Talk about a work in process! Right now, my DH's two guitars are in there, my computer & desk are smack in the middle of the room, plus all my old office stuff flowing out of the closets.

soulmate- I'm with you on the touching. I dont mind family or friends touching my belly - In fact, I like it, but I hate when random strangers come up to me and touch it w/out even asking. Would you touch someone you dont know?

As for the shower, I really dont know. Is there a way to have a close friend, even if they live far away, organize something for you where people could go together or mail gifts - maybe having them arrive around the same time? Most of my family and friends live far away, so my sister is putting a note on the invitiation that people can mail gifts to her house. i dont really know if that helps or not. Sorry. I'll keep thinking.

MMK - We are doing mint accents too...changing pad cover, basket liners, etc. We bought a closet organizer and over the door organizer at BRU in a mint green color today!

[makena32204]

Warning.....I am going to totally brag and be obnoxious about my most recent purchase....read at your own risk!!

There is a local store that was having a huge sale to get rid of their 2005 strollers and floor models. They carry all the big brands....britax, peg perego, inglesina, maclaren, combi, baby jogger, zooper, etc. Anyway....we got the inglesina 2005 liberty model stroller. It comes w/ a bassinet and seat that hook onto the stroller in both directions, facing you and facing outward. The seat has 4 recline positions and the bassinet has two. An older child can even stand and ride on it. We were going to get a Graco travel system, but how can you pass up a stroller like this??? It retails for $550-600 for the bassinet, seat, and carriage. We got it for $200 plus tax!!!! Here's a few pictures (we didnt take any w/ the seat on it):

http://static.flickr.com/47/118323964_a5ee2af3f6.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/42/118323966_37f6f6d5db.jpg?v=0

We almost bought a Britax Marathon car seat too, but figured that was enough for one day. If anyone is interested, their website is www.arunningstroller.com. I dont think they can advertise these closeouts online b/c most of these brands price fix, but if you call, they might give you a deal.

[mkvh]

OMG makena!! What a deal!!! Feel free to brag. I know that when I get a bargain like that sharing is almost as good as the bargain itself!

I don't have time for SOs, but I did want to thank all of you ladies who weighed in on Clara. It's growing on me a lot. DH seems to be pretty set on it. Your feedback was really helpful! I'll let you know when we decide...


Dr. Appointment Update--Run of the mill. BP was "great". I'm up three lbs total since my first appointment, all the gain since my appointment 4 weeks ago. I feel huge, but the dr. assures me that it's just the baby. She was a wild woman while the dr. was listening with the doppler. The dr. even commented on how active she is. Great. My next appointment is April 21st.. GTT plus all the normal stuff. My last monthly, and then I move to biweekly! :eek: Time flies.

Hope you all are having a good weekend. I have a busy week at work again, so I'll be reading but not posting much.

[Wrighty26]

mkvh - Glad to hear that the Dr appt went well! Sorry you have been crazy busy at work...better now than in June/July, right?

makena - What a great deal! Brag away-- you deserve it :)

Soulmate - I have no advice on the shower-- but I did think about throwing myself a shower! If my friend did not volunteer to throw it (she's going to be flying in from Buffalo), I really would have just had a big party. Guess I have no shame? While my parents live here, my mom is super superstitious-- she likes to do the showers after the baby is born. My thinking is -- this is my first baby and actually the first grandchild for both our families we deserve to celebrate him! The shower IS going to be co-ed. I do agree that if you register and tell everyone, I'm sure you will receive a ton of gifts from family and friends. BTW-- Your belly is looking so cute!

Belly Touching - I'm in the camp that doesn't really like the belly touching. I let my friends do it-- but it's not something I necessarily enjoy. I also don't really feel comfortable touching anyone else's belly. I'm not a big 'hugger' and I'm definitely not touchy-feely, so it probably has more to do with that than anything.

I had SUCH a productive weekend! I registered at BRU on Saturday. I went with my newly "expert" friend (her DD is 8 weeks old). It was fun :) I also cleaned, cooked, baked, unpacked stuff (I still have boxes that I neglected to unpack when we moved in December), painted, cleared out the baby's room, and brought a bunch of stuff to Goodwill. I can officially say that the nesting has begun (I was wondering when it was going to kick in!). I also did my "usual" stuff-- going to the gym and vegging out in front of the TV. Who knew I had time to do all that!

[maybebaby]

makena I so love the orange! I am thinking about buying the Maclaren Quest in tangerine (we are city dwellers so a light stroller would be good) or possible the Peg Perego in orange. Great bargain!

soulmate I think I may have a little work shower but I'm a little sad I probably won't get a shower here before the baby. My family and long term friends (i.e. parents' family friends) live in another state; they offered to throw one, but if it happens, it will likely be after the baby is born. It's not the 'stuff' so much as that it would be a nice experience, but oh well... Hope someone surprises you and steps up to the plate...

Clara personally I think it's really sweet and really like it.

[makena32204]

maybebaby - It might be worth your while to call. I know they had the Peg Perego in organge, along w/ the car seat. They had a bunch of Maclaren's, but I dont remember which colors. I dont know where you live, so I dont know how much shipping will be, but I know they only charge the actual shipping amount, so you dont pay a fortune. You could just casually ask if they have any models from last year on sale. Okay, I'll get off my stroller kick. Can you tell how giddy I am from my bargain??

[a_spark]

makena Love the stroller-- it's SO cute! And what a great deal. Way to go!!

soulmate I don't really have any advice about the shower, but I do think that registering and just spreading the word may get the hint out to people. I hope someone gets their act together and throws you a shower! :)

belly touching I only get touched by my husband, mom, and really close friends, so I don't mind at all! If a stranger started grabbing the belly, I'd be pretty freaked out, though.

Well, ladies, I survived the wedding! The dress didn't look as bad as I originally thought (it's a wonder what hair and makeup can make up for!), and people were really nice. I got a ton of "you are such a cute pregnant lady!" comments, which made me feel a lot better. It was also my first big social occasion where I could not use alcohol as a lubricant. I'm a really shy person with strangers and tend to just hide behind a glass of wine. Not this time! I had to go clean and sober with my soda water for protection. And I was great! It was a nice realization that I really don't NEED a little buzz to interact with people. If anything, I was less nervous because my mind was so clear. I even gave an impromptu toast at the rehearsal dinner! The wedding day was long (was in dress and heels for 9 hours and a Catholic Mass ceremony) but so much fun and the bride was gorgeous. I did pay for it yesterday, however. I was just exhausted all day! I basically took a "sick" day and spent it on the couch resting.

Tomorrow is my GTT! I am a little nervous about it. I hope I don't barf!

[Lizard]

Good morning everyone!

makena - That stroller is awesome!! That's the style that DH really wanted, but we couldn't find out that was in our price range. Although last year at a rummage sale, someone was selling an old fashioned pram for 40 bucks!! We looked at it and decided it'd be bad luck to buy something like that prior to pregnancy... not 2 minutes later someone else bought it. :mad: I really wish we'd gotten it.

a_spark - Glad you survived the wedding!! Good luck on your GTT tomorrow too... I didn't have any problems drinking the orange stuff, it tasted a little like Sunkist. Leaves a terrible aftertaste though. :(

Shower - Our families are 4 hours (his) and 8 hours (mine) away. I have a friend that said she'd throw me a shower sometime in April, but she mentioned that months ago and hasn't said anything since. So I'm really not sure if we'll have one or not. I'm kind of indifferent about it either way. We needed help on the big ticket items too, but so far it's worked out in that we've had family offer to buy or build them.

I SERIOUSLY overworked myself this weekend... Saturday I spent running errands, cleaning the kitchen really good, and glider shopping. I found one I like, but they only had it in a green fabric that would seriously clash with the green on the walls. Then on Sunday we went and worked out in the morning, then I spent all day cleaning out our guest room, doing laundry, and finishing up some painting. I have 3 bags of crap to take to Goodwill so far. DH's brother and girlfriend are coming up to visit on the 31st, and we've been using the guest room as a junk depository while we fix up the baby's room. I still have more to do, but the majority's finished I think. I slept like crap last night and feel like crap today. I really need to learn to take it easy... I've been feeling good so it's easy to overdo it without realizing. 1 more week and I'll be in the 3rd trimester - it just doesn't feel like I'm that far along already.

This is so stupid, but I'm stressing about finding curtains I like for the baby's room. :rolleyes: I really don't want to spend big $$$$ on them 'cause I'm cheap, lol. I just haven't found anything I like yet. I've been stalking eBay this morning in hopes that I'll find something good.

[makena32204]

lizard - I've never used this site, but my Mom swears by www.domestications.com for curtains. They may have a good deal.

[klav]

makena awsome deal on the stroller!! you go girl!!

a_spark yeahy about the wedding !!:D , so glad you were comfortable!!

Wrighty26 hee hee we did the same thing after we got the crib in the room!! he's got enough clothes to sink a ship!! and I have to move some of mine out of there to make room. I'll have to post what the room looks like.

mkvh hurray for the good apt!! funny she was a wild women!!

Belly Touching Sorry I'm just not into touching someone elses belly and all it's more like an invasion, I feel. So I don't touch yours so why are ya touching mine.LOL So far I've only had about one person do it without asking but that was way early on. But it's a comfort thing and I'm not comfortable with it. I dont' want to be mean about it but come on... your not touching the baby your touching me. So... just need a funny light hearted way to tell people I'm not comfortable with it. I've never done it to any family or friend so.
Any way!!
CRIB!! We got the crib!!
was sorta a fluke. we went in just to see how long it would take to order it and the lady wa like I thnkI have one in the back and she did!! we do have an order in for a replacement peice but that's OK we have it!! the lifestyle crib by italia baby in expresso!! LOVE it and relized with the room we could fit the low dresser in the room!! but we'll wait on that to see if my dad give me any money for the baby and use it for that!! will be taking pic's tonight of the room with the crib but the guest bed is still in there... O-well

[mrst2b2003]

makena - love the stroller...what a great deal. I love the color!!!

You ladies are making me feel way behind. We haven't even started the nursery yet. We have an idea of the furniture that we want, but I am struggling with DH on bedding he like really busy bedding with tons of stuff on it and I like really simple designs....hopefully we can come to an agreement on something soon. Also we are remodeling our bathroom, so after that gets completed in a couple of weeks we will start working on the nursery. It's the smallest room in our house so there isn't a ton of room. Hopefully we can fit a crib, dresser/changing table and a chair. We'll see:)


We registered this weekend though, so that is off our list.


hope you all have a fabulous week!



Amy


Oh and here is a current picture of our little boy at 22 weeks..I think we might have a thumb sucker on our hands:)
http://static.flickr.com/47/118808636_db55e00462_m.jpg

[mkvh]

Belly Touching--I forgot to post this in my haste last night...but we were at a concert Friday night, and I had to chat with the usher about some of the crazies around us. While commenting that I shouldn't have to deal with them, he reached out and rubbed my belly!!!!!!!!!! A TOTAL stranger, and a man to boot! I was horrified, but what do you say? I don't mind much when it's someone I know, but really!

[MMK]

mrs2b: I hear you on feeling behind. We've been remodeling our kitchen so the nursery has been on the back burner. Hopefully now that that's just about done, we'll be able to get down to business in the rest of the house.

makena: that stroller is beautiful, good for you! I'm so into orange lately...I have no idea where it's coming from.

Lizard: window treatments are seriously my arch enemy. I've had the hardest time deciding on what to put up everywhere else in the house so I don't expect the nursery to be any easier. My method these days is to just get something super simple (sheers or roman shades) and then just keep my eye out for something fancier. Needless to say, most of my windows are indefinitely covered in sheers!

maybebaby: I've seen the orange hip hop 2005 perego on sale all over the place on-line. I really like it but am leaning toward the mint currently. Anyway, you should be able to find a really good deal if you look around some.

mkvh: I can't believe after the next appointment we're transition to biweekly appointments! For some reason that hit me so hard when you wrote it!! I'm starting to really crave holding this baby! However, I probably should clear out all of the crap from the nursery before I get to ahead of myself!

[mrst2b2003]

MMK- I'm glad I'm not alone on feeling behind. There are just so many things that I want to get done before the baby comes.

I too long to hold my son, but I definately want to get things in order before he is here.

[a_spark]

Lizard Thanks! I think what I'm also nervous about RE: the GTT is that I can't eat, drink water, or even chew gum for 2 hours before the appt. I'm so thirsty all the time, I can't imagine going that long! I'm sure it'll be fine, though. I tend to get myself all freaked out about things :rolleyes:

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Great Belly Shots SoulMate!!

Looks like you got a great deal on your stroller. Feel free to brag!

Belly Touching- I get a little squeamish when people reach for the belly. What's weird is that it's never the people that you would expect. Like we have vendors and contractors that are in and out all the time and it will be one of them that I never talked to until I started to show and now whenever they come in they pat my belly and ask how I'm doing. It's creepy.


~~~~~~~~~~~
So I have a lot to catch you guys up on...
First of All Friday's Baby Shower!- It turned out so great. We had a really great group come in. We had cupcakes and lil individual sized cheesecakes in different flavors like Strawberry, snickers, and plain.
I got a ton of great gifts. A bunch of people in sales pitched in together and got us a $150 gift card to Target and a couple of little things to open, HR got us a baby tub, diapers, wipes, and some much needed cleaning tools, Purchasing got us a bouncer, a cosleeper, the most adorable Pooh blanket, and a couple of out fits, then from a couple of other people we got more gift cards, lots of ducky stuff (lots of multiples), some adorable lil neutral outfits, blankies, and one girl made us the most adorable picture frames. It was all so nice of everyone... This weekend I treated myself to the gift cards and got our mattress, a boppy cover, diaper trash bags that fit on a key chain, bins for under the crib and a matching out fit for our lil one and in preemie size for my old Cabbage Patch Doll Randy. I thought it would be cute and I figure that it's safe to buy one Preemie outfit just in case.

Then theres the bad news.... I spent all of Friday night nesting and getting everything set up in the nursery. Everything is just in place and I didn't finish until 9:30 or 10pm. I just sit down to relax and DH's uncle (M) knocks on the front door. He says he just moved back to the state and is staying with a friend and wanted to let DH know that he's back and he'll stop by Saturday to visit. Well he knocks on the door at 8 am the next day! I tell him that DH is out for atleast another couple of hours and to come back this afternoon since he was out late last night he'll be sleeping in. He comes back at 10 am and I wake DH up. We spend most of the day together.. whatever.
Well we get a phone call that night at 11:30 from one of M's friends calls and says that M gave him the # to reach him at. DH explains that no M is not here and please don't call back this late he's got a pregnant wife in bed that's now going to be up for the next hour.
Then the next morning we get another call for M that wakes us up! I'm like WTF??? Sure enough we see where this is going... DH walks outside to do laundry and there's a post-it note on the front door. "My friend and I got in a fight and I'm living in my car. Can I stay with you guys? I'll compensate you when I get my first check."
So now we have a 35 year old man crashing in the nursery that I just set up for the next month or so! Usually, I wouldn't think twice about it... He's family and he has no other place to stay but come on... He was giving out our phone # and telling people that they could reach him here before he even got kicked out of his friend's house. And the truth is I don't like or trust the guy. He used DH's social security # to get phone service a couple of years back and never paid the bill and we didn't find out until they came after us for a $600 bill. Also DH and him just got on speaking terms before he moved out of state before and living together they are going to get tired of eachother quick and probably get in some huge fight before the month is up. He smokes like a freaking chimney and the nursery already reaks of smoke just from putting his stuff in there. And oh BTW... We have a teeny tiny two bedroom apartment and a baby that can come at any moment. I'm due in less than 3 months and you never know when a baby is ready. He could come super early and then what am I going to do? Oh and he's already leaving his crap all around the house. Keys here, pack of smokes there, receipts there, towel in the middle of the floor and he's only been here one day!
Yesterday I already moved all of our personal information, check books, and credit cards to my parent's house.

It's just that this is the last time that we have a place to just DH and I and now he's just moved right in... Oh and he keeps giving me the eye like I'm a bad mom. Like when we took him out to breakfast Saturday I had a cup of coffee and he's all "Oh you drink caffeine? Oh, so then you're pretty relaxed." Then when I was doing my ball exercises he's all "What are you doing?" so I have to explain to him that they are suppose to help ease labor and keep me in shape through out pregnancy blah blah blah... And he's all "Right, SIL was doing all that crap too and sure enough she was begging for drugs soon as she got in the delivery room."

I WANT HIM OUT OF MY HOUSE!!!

[Lizard]

Lizard Thanks! I think what I'm also nervous about RE: the GTT is that I can't eat, drink water, or even chew gum for 2 hours before the appt. I'm so thirsty all the time, I can't imagine going that long! I'm sure it'll be fine, though. I tend to get myself all freaked out about things :rolleyes:

The GTT thing is so weird, I swear every doctor has their own rules for it. My OB didn't tell me to fast or anything, so I drank water right up until I drank my orange drink. My appt. was at 4:30, and I had a snack about 2:00 just to tide me over. My friend's OB told her not to eat or drink for 4 hours prior! I just don't get why one OB has totally different rules than another one.

[mkvh]

Yeah, Liz....no special rule for my doc either, just don't drink anything other than water after you drink the orange stuff. But that's on the label of the orange stuff, not from the doc.

[Sophia]

GTT: I had mine this AM. I was dreading it because I barfed during it when I was pg with Bella. Well, I didn't barf. It was like the orange soda one I had when pg with Alex. The one with Bella was a lot thicker and syrupy. The only minor problem was finding a vein, and the tech ended up using a butterfly as she often does because my veins suck. I wasn't told to fast beforehand but did anyway. During the one hour wait I was told I could have water only, but I didn't have change for the machine so it didn't do me any good.

Belly Touching: This, along with comments, don't bother me unless it's a total stranger. In fact, on Friday I met DH for lunch and then went back to campus with him (he has conference after lunch and was going to grade papers). When I was leaving, one of my former co-workers saw me and called out "hey, fatso!" I wasn't offended at all because I know him & I know his personality, and he's really a sweet guy. He asked how I was feeling and said I looked beautiful, and told DH to take good care of me. And he touched my belly. None of it bugged me. However, during lunch we went to Subway and the guy behind the counter asked "So you're having a boy?" That annoyed me. I don't know him from Adam. I just said "no" and continued talking to DH.

Lil Mrs., that sucks. Can't you get him out of the nursery at least? Have him sleep on the sofa?

[klav]

Lil Mrs O-MY I would be pissed too. YOu have everyright to be!
I would do the same thing Sophia said have him sleep on the sofa why make him comfy in your nursery so it stinks like smoke. he's being very rude and I think he should at least sleep on the sofa. As for his things around the house pile them up in a trash bag. so when he askes where the stuff id just point to it and say it smells so I had to contain it! maybe he'll get the point! How rude. I'm so sorry this is happening to you:mad:
On the other hand I'm glad you had a wonderful shower from your co workers that is awsome!! sounds like such fun!!

[Amaye]

Lil_Mrs Ugh! That sounds horrible. l so would not be a happy camper at all. l think your husband should sit him down and give him some rules - no smoking, no messiness, etc. I also think he should give him a deadline as to when he has to be out of your house. It's not fair that you should have to deal with him right in the middle of your pregnancy!

Belly touching I am very surprised - l thought l would hate people touching my belly but so far, it hasn't been a problem. I guess it's cos it has only been close friends and family and they are all so happy and excited that l don't mind. I definitely can't deal with strangers touching me and have been trying to come up with a good one liner if they try to touch me...;)

mrst2b2003Don't worry - you aren't alone. We haven't really done anything yet - not even registered. I think April is going to be the month to get a lot done but we have been busy with other things so far.

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Thanks guys so far. He doesn't smoke in the house but he just drove up here in his car and was basically bathing in his smoke for 2 days so all of his stuff stinks.
He's sleeping on the floor in the nursery so trust me it isn't comfy. Plus I exercise in the morning in the living room and I don't want to be tip-toeing around my own house in the morning. It's better that he stays in the nursery but I'm going to put the air purifier in there and tell him that he has to keep the window open. I don't care if it's rude... I'm not letting that smell settle into my house.
He already found a job at a restaurant and will be starting this week and is applying for a 2nd job at AM/PM so hopefully he gets that and will be out of my house that much quicker.

I just can't believe he came up here with out having all that stuff lined up. Who moves to another state without a job or a place to stay? It's just so irresponsble.

[ShelbyMay]

Belly Touching Comebacks: How about something like, "Hey, shouldn't you at least buy me dinner first?!?" ;)

Maybe that will get the message across.

[a_spark]

Lil Mrs That would drive me INSANE! In fact, my blood boiled just reading about it! I agree with the others that maybe your DH can set some ground rules for him. I hope he'll be out soon!

Lizard and Sophia Thanks for the feedback on the GTT! It's so weird that everyone gets different instructions. My friend is pg also and her doc told her she didn't have to fast.

[sunchaser26]

Soulmate:

Great Belly Shots!

Belly touching

So far, I have only had close friends and family touching my belly and they are all so happy and excited that l don't mind. Although, I would definitely feel differently with strangers touching me...

GTT:

I was only told to drink it an hour before I came in for the test and to fast before hand. I hope that I can have some water, I better check the instructions again and read the bottle.

Lil_Mrs

I agree you husband should sit him down and give him some house rules and a deadline as to when he has to be out of your house. It is not very thoughful of him to put you in the position he has especially while you are pregnant adding un-needed stress.

[Can't_Wait]

Sophia Faye is a cute name. :)

Rande I don’t even think I’ve been in the baby section there!

cece Yeah, I love how it looks. Thanks for the tip on the sizing. I wonder if the 0-3 months would be too big on a newborn?
I’m with you- I don’t mind people I know well touching my belly. I just see it at the only way they can touch the baby & everyone loves a cute pregnant belly!

Soulmate Yeah, we had wanted a boy & it was disappointing looking at the boy clothes most stores had to offer. I’m definitely having fun shopping for our little girl.
Cute belly pics!

Makena32204 Don’t you just love finding great deals… especially on baby stuff?? I purchased our stroller, car seat, & high chair the same way- they were 2005 peg perego models that they were closing out. Can’t beat that! And that stroller you got is really good looking!

Lizard PBK has some of their curtains on sale (in the store only though, I think). That is where I got ours for the baby’s room.

Klav looking forward to seeing a picture of your new crib! That is so exciting. :)

Lil mrs 0702 I don’t blame you for feeling uncomfortable about your DH’s uncle staying in your house… I wouldn’t feel good about it either. Actually I probably wouldn’t be as nice as you are being to let him stay there! But I have no patience, so maybe that is just me. I hope everything works out soon & he finds a new place to stay!

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

The free letters we got with our bedding purchase came in last week & they are awesome. Here's a picture- sorry it is kind of yellow... haven't figured out this new camara yet: (& they are kind of cramped... they wouldn't all fit)

http://static.flickr.com/41/118963095_60c340655c.jpg?v=0

And here is my belly picture at 22 weeks (last Thursday):

http://static.flickr.com/33/118963094_f5fce2e65f_m.jpg

I am wondering if this baby will have anywhere to go in the next few months! I look so big already!

[MMK]

can't wait: LOVE, LOVE the bedding and the letters! Where do you order from? Great belly shot, it's amazing to think how much growing we still have to do isn't it?

[Amaye]

ShelbyMay LOL! Thanks for the line. I'm going to have to remember that one. I'm still looking for an evil response to the annoying people who will try and touch my belly while being obnoxious...eg. "Oh my god, you look so big"...;)

Can't Wait Love your bedding too!! I'm also curious where you got it from!

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Can't Wait- That bedding is adorable! I love the letters and great belly shot!

GTT: My doc said to do as normal since they want to see how my body as it always is. The receptionist was also good at giving me tips on how to spend as little time there as possible. She said to come in a half hour early drink my juice then have the blood drawn after my appointment. They don't give it out to take home.

Thanks for everyone being so nice about M staying with us. I am so lucky to have this place to vent. If I didn't have you girls I'd probably be pulling my hair out in the corner. It's hard enough dealing with everyday stuff when you're pg... let alone a suprise roommate.

[klav]

[COLOR="Purple"][B]BABY'S ROOM!!!
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/klynch/DSC03097.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/klynch/DSC03098.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/klynch/DSC03100.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/klynch/DSC03101.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/klynch/DSC03099.jpg
the bed and mirror will move out of the room when our basement is redone. hopefully soon

[klav]

BELLY SHOTS AT 25 WEEKS!! [/COLOR][/B]
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/klynch/7cd837a2.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/klynch/a9b725f9.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/klynch/6c8530d1.jpg

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Klav- You look great and it looks like you have made some serious progress in the nursery. I really like that shelf/organizer that you have in the closet. Where did you find that at?

Well DH just called and he wants to go out for dinner to celebrate. He talked to his boss and got a raise! Yay! They covered the position that DH is hoping to get when it opens up and boss said that of course nothing is set in stone because it's not open yet but DH will be getting some sort of boost in his career when we open the new building in August! Again big YAY!

I know it seems like there's something new everyday lately! I swear we really don't have this much going on all the time... We're usually really boring.

[mia's mama]

Hi ladies,
I have been following along when ever I can, but havn't posted b/c my little Mia is going through teething hell...I feel so bad for her, but she is a clingy, whiny mess!
Anyways, love the new bellyshots and I'm so jealous of Makena's new stroller! SCORE! Also love the letters and bedding, Can't wait...I agree, Babystyle runs pretty big- I don't think Mia was in the 0-6 month sizes until she was 4 months, and is STILL in their 6-12 month size, at 16 months. I have a feeling that outfit (although SO totally adorable) will be gigantic on Isabella for a while. I would look for something pretty tiny for a coming home outfit, and maybe bring that outfit in case you have a REALLY big baby...Mia was 7.5 pounds at birth and came home in a petite bateau premie outfit (which says it fits up to 7 lbs. but fit her perfectly).
Congrats to all who recently passed the GTT!

Belly touching- doesn't really bother me, but I havn't had any strangers try.
Lil Mrs.- Congrats on all of the fun & exciting stuff that has been coming your way.

Love the green walls Klav! Looks great!

[a_spark]

can't wait I LOVE your bedding!! And the letters are adorable. You look awesome!

Klav Beautiful walls! You look great too :)

DH and I just had a long night. Our dog has been really lethargic today and vomited twice, a little blood in it the second time. We took him to the emergency vet and they did an xray and gave him some fluids for dehydration. The xray didn't show anything concrete but I guess he has a strange "gas pattern" in his intestines which may be a blockage, so we have to keep an eye on him tomorrow and possibly get a barrium treatment. This stuff is soooo expensive. Thank goodness we have pet insurance!! Jeez. Anyway, he's such a sad little guy right now, moping around, and I'm worried about him. I really hope he gets better.

In better news, we closed on our home equity loan today, so we will be paying off all of our credit cards and getting new carpets and putting a hardwood floor in our bedroom! We're really excited. :)

[ShelbyMay]

ShelbyMay LOL! Thanks for the line. I'm going to have to remember that one. I'm still looking for an evil response to the annoying people who will try and touch my belly while being obnoxious...eg. "Oh my god, you look so big"...;)


How about, "I know, it's like looking in a mirror, isn't it?" ;)

[rande]

Hi Girls,
Haven't had much time to post lately. MIL is having surgery this week and Drew has also been a teething monster (I feel your pain Mia's Mama-Drew has gotten 4 molars and two eye teeth in the past 3 weeks bringing his tooth total to 14). I have been pretty emotional as well. We just weaned Drew off the bottle completely and it is making me really sad. He was never a cuddle bug baby, but he loved me holding him for his night bottle. I loved it too! Now, I feel like he doesn't need me, he is so independent. He squirms down when I try to hold him. I know that it is good for him to be independent but a selfish part of me wants him to be more affectionate. He does however, bring me gives while he is playing-books, blocks, etc. which is really sweet. He has also been giving me a bit of the cold shoulder since we are not giving him the bottle. Hopefully, it will get better soon.

Can't wait-You look great and love the bedding!

A-spark-So glad that the wedding went well!

Klav-You look great and the baby's room will be fabulous.

Makena-awesome stroller. Great deal!

Coming home outfit-I just got one and got a size newborn for up to 8 lbs. A little white sundress and matching blanket. For Drew, we had a 0-3 month outfit and it was huge!

GTT- I am so surprised to hear that so many have taken the GTT. All the obs by me wait until 28 weeks for this test.

Insurance-I am so happy. I just found out that our new insurance through DH's work covers my entire pregnancy-no copays or fees. Coverage is at 100%. All that we will be responsible for is $100/per night in the hospital. It doesn't get much better than that!

Hope everyone has a great week!

[mia's mama]

rande- Mia just cut tooth # 14 too. She has had the molars for about 2 months now, but the eye teeth are just coming in this week. ouch! Ugh- you are so brave weaning Drew off the bottle completely...I need to do this soon! Mia has been off all bottles EXCEPT the 6am one for about 3 months, but that morning bottle is her time to come into our bed and snuggle...and selfishly it gives us an extra 15 minutes to drift off back to sleep with her. I'll think she'll be fine with it, but will I? ;) She's totally into her "Dora" sippy and straw cups, but they are hard to lay down and snuggle with, ya know? :rolleyes:
Hope your MIL's surgery goes smoothly!

My GTT will be done closer to 28 weeks as well.

[Can't_Wait]

Thanks for all the compliments! And for those who asked, I purchased the bedding online at http://www.gigglebrushdesigns.com/index.html (Giggle Brush Designs). It is the Caden Lane bedding (Taylor design). She is running a special where you get free letters to match if you purchase the bedding. Couldn't pass that up since I was getting the bedding anyway. But from her website it looks like her main business is painting various items for the nursery. She was great though to work with- very quick to respond to emails & super nice.

klav I love your walls! And I love the dark stain on the crib... looks great!

rande I cannot believe you have such good insurance!!! That is awesome.

mia's mama The babystyle outfit comes in a 0-3 month... but if they run big overall, then you are right that it will be too big on a newborn. I'll have to check out the smaller things!

[maybebaby]

Can't wait, you are TROUBLE. Now I'm contemplating baby letters!

Part of me is a little superstitious about buying letters right now...what if we change our mind about the name?

[maryanne]

This is where I ordered our letters from..still waiting for them to arrive. ..

I liked that I could chose both the font and that I could get them connected.

I can' wait to get them and paint them!

http://www.woodlandmanufacturing.com/CONNECTEDLETTERS.HTML

[mkvh]

Just had to swing by to say that your walls are GORGEOUS, klav!

[sunchaser26]

Can't wait:

You look great and love the bedding & letters! Wish we could decide on a name so we could order some too. I think we'll wait till after the baby is born for them.

Klav:

You look great !!! Love the baby's room with those stripes and chair rail.


Coming home outfit:

Thanks to the second time mom's for the information I'll be sure to get something smaller for the baby's coming home outfit. Wish I would have known sooner I have seen some cute premie stuff while looking. I'll probably bring more than one outfit just in case the baby is on the larger side but I doubt it.

GTT:

My OB said they like to do the GTT between 26 and 28 weeks so mine won't be till my next appointment at 27 weeks.

[Lizard]

Klav - I think we have the same color walls! No striping on the bottom of ours though... as a matter of fact, we had to paint OVER the dark blue striping that was there before, and it was a PAIN. :p

The letter are all so cool! I kinda want to do that too, but I was thinking more of something that'd sit on her dresser or on a table. Not sure why. I did see that WalMart has cheapo wood letters for about $1.00 each that I could paint and fuss up, I might do that for fun. :)

I realized something cruddy the other day. Each year, Omaha hosts the College World Series. It's a HUGE deal - we get tens of thousands of people here and the city is packed, including the hotels. This year, the CWS is June 16th through the 26th. I'll be about 38-39 weeks at that time. I'm hoping beyond hope that I don't deliver during that 10 day period, because it will be IMPOSSIBLE for anyone in our families to find hotel rooms, campsites, or anything within 50 miles of our house. And, there's no way in Hades that I can or want to host all of our parents at our house after the birth. :eek: So here's hoping I don't go early....

[CarlaB]

In case anyone was considering Dwell bedding, they are having a sale on some of their patterns.

Dwell Crib Bedding Sale (http://shop.urbanbaby.com/front1.html)

Klav, you are looking great! And so do your walls!

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Sorry to those of you who are dealing with teething. It must just be that time of year because 2 of my coworkers are dealing with eye teeth as well this week. It's so weird overhearing or looking at the conversations about teething because it is still so greek to me yet in a year I will be having similar conversations with other moms and know all the lingo.

Coming Home Outfit- I have a couple of things in mind that I put in to the hospital bag for consideration. (I haven't packed it all but I have been throwing things in there as I buy them that I think we might need that I'll sort through later). In there so far I have- a Classic Pooh onesie, a cars preemie onesie, an overalls out fit, and a couple of cute onesies. Okay don't laugh but what can the baby wear home? I'm not sure how careful you have to be with the umbillical cord. Are there things I should avoid such as overalls, or pants w/ elastic? Should I have a onesie or a newborn tee?

Part of me is a little superstitious about buying letters right now...what if we change our mind about the name? Tell me about it. I have been set on the name Collin and then DH brings he's not sure that the name fits. He doesn't have any suggestions of course he's just not sure. So then we went online and looked at the "Baby Names You Love" thread and I was reading off every other suggestion for a boy's name. He liked a lot of weird ones (Cyan) or the ones that we could almost agree on he would try to change the spelling on to make them 7 letters like his name (change Landon to Landynn). If someone has the one cool baby book can you tell me what goes well with Collin? Maybe off that list we may come up with something.

Other names we can somewhat agree on are Mason, Hunter, Grayson, and Landon.

[klav]

All thank you for the complaments on me and the nursery. I painted the walls as soon as we moved in. and DH put up the chair rail I still have to caulk the rail and paint it white. it's just primed.
Lil_Mrs_0702 the cubbies were there when we moved in abut they are not in the closet but right next to it I was going to remove them but dh said to wait on that.

Lizard hoping you don't deliver early that would really be awful if noone could be closer than 50 miles!!

[Amaye]

How about, "I know, it's like looking in a mirror, isn't it?" ;)

LOL!! That is hysterical!! I love it! Thanks!:D

[Sophia]

can't wait: LOVE the bedding and letters for Isabella's name! That's going to look fabulous!

klav: Your nursery is really coming together! I love the stripes!

Lil Mrs: If I could find my copy of Baby Name Wizard I'd be glad to help. I can't find it anywhere. :confused:

Coming home outfit: I'm going to use newborn size. The preemie sized stuff looks way too small to me, and my other kids weren't big, either (Alex was 6lbs 11oz/20 1/2" and Bella was 6lbs 3oz/18 1/2"). Plus I like for things to fit on the looser side (not baggy) because it looks more comfy. :)

I'm still trying to decide between the Carter's Little Duckie dress set I posted a week or so ago and a Carter's Just One Year romper with attached dress that has little pink flowers all over it and an appliqued heart near the neck.

Name Letters: I'm planning to get some, but I need to decide ona font, etc. I really like Curlz, and her name looks pretty in it, but I don't think it'll go with the crib we got. Blah. And then I need to decide how to paint them.

Baby Clothes: I had to run a few errands today and ended up looking at baby clothes. I know, shocking, huh? LOL I went to several stores, including Gymboree & Baby Gap, but apparently I really like Carter's, because almost all the stuff she has so far is made by them and I got more today. I bought two dresses:

Pretty in Pink dress set
http://www.boscovs.com/wcsstore/boscovs/images/store/product/images/022425838119185.jpg

Bunches of Love dress set
http://www.boscovs.com/wcsstore/boscovs/images/store/product/images/022425838119177.jpg

I also got two cotton knit rompers. They're both lavender, but one has appliqued flowers and the other has a kitten on it. Everything today was size 0-3 months.

ETA one of the creepers:

http://www.boscovs.com/wcsstore/boscovs/images/store/product/images/022425838118141.jpg

[Amaye]

Klav You look great and l love your nursery. I also think we have the wall color. Wow - you are so good and have gotten a lot of things. We are still starting - l think we have bought only 1 item so far...:o

a_spark Hope your dog feels better soon!

Liz Ugh - hopefully you won't deliver early. It sounds like Omaha is going to be slightly insane around then!

[a_spark]

amaye Thanks! :) He seems to be doing better, so I'm happy!

Lizard Yikes, I hope you don't go early! Tell the baby to stay in there!!

So I just got back from my GTT, which was totally painless! I drank the stuff (tasted like syrupy orange crush), hung out for an hour, then got my blood drawn. Once it was over, I ran out and had a bottle of water and a blueberry muffin. Done! I also had my 24 week appointment in that time and saw a different doc in my practice. She was really nice, but seemed rushed as they always do. I feel like, even though they always ask me if I have questions, they don't really listen to me or give me thorough answers. If I didn't have this board or my books, I'd be clueless! I told her I'd been having some really mild cramps occasionally and she just nodded and went about her business. I finally asked later, "sooo is that normal?" And she just said it meant I should slow down a little. No explanation, nothing. I know from reading and stuff it's most likely just BH but she could have told me that.

ETA I think all that sugar is making me cranky! Anyway, forgot to add that I am up 19 lbs. total so far. Not bad, I guess! We'll see how I do these next 16 or so weeks. I'm hoping not to go over a 35 lb. gain.

And Sophia, those outfits are ADORABLE!

[mia's mama]

Just popping in really quick to let you all know that the fleece slings are on sale at www.hotslings.com ! $29 plus shipping! Just bought 1 for me, and one for a PG girlfriend. I ended up returning the baby pouch since it is EXACTLY like my tinokis, just a different fabric. At $89, I just couldn't justify it, but $29 is a steal! And FYI, the girls on the sling thread seem to think you should order ONE SIZE SMALLER than the webiste reccomends.
I got this one:
http://www.hotslings.com/assets/products/large/wintermodel.jpg

and since that one was such a good deal, I also got this one for the regular price ($49) ;) :
http://www.hotslings.com/assets/products/large/97699319.jpg

[rande]

Mia's Mama- Love the hotsling purchases. I am planning on getting one and love that second print.

Drew is killing me. Last night was our first night without the bottle and he proceeded to scream from 7 to 11:30. It was just awful. Now, he has screamed for both of his naps when he usually goes right to sleep. I have no idea what to do. He has been in there now for 1 1/2 hours screaming and I have already gone in to tuck him in three times. I thought that I was a patient person but my nerves are on end.

Sophia- Super cute little dresses!
Name letters- I will definitely do these but we want to see the baby before we decide on a definite name!!!

Furniture- we got a really sweet shabby chic armoire today for the baby. It is a Bambino by Ragazzi and is super cute. Now, I need some help figuring out how to shuffle the furniture around in the babe's room. My office furniture in the sitting area of the room is being moved into our bedroom. However, I am keeping a guest bed in the room. Any ideas?? DH thinks that the crib and changer should go where the office furniture is now, but I feel like I am shoving the baby in the corner........
entry to room
http://images.snapfish.com/34667%3C348%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D325%3A%3E94%3B%3E548%3E WSNRCG%3D32335%3A68%3B5485nu0mrj
opposite wall from door
http://images.snapfish.com/34667%3C348%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D325%3A%3E94%3B%3E548%3E WSNRCG%3D32335%3A68%3B5486nu0mrj
small inlet in room
http://images.snapfish.com/34667%3C348%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D325%3A%3E94%3B%3E548% 3EWSNRCG%3D32335%3A68%3B2698nu0mrj

[klav]

cece when they ask about size. do they mean before the baby or during the PG?

[mmisabel]

Hey Ladies!

We got back from FL on Saturday and it took me quite a while to catch up on this thread. We had a great, relaxing time. The temperature was in the low 80's and we ate a lot, slept a lot, and hung by the pool. It was perfect!

MMK and Makena - I also am getting the ABC bedding from Gap. Close friends are actually going to give it to me at my shower in May. Our walls are a pale yellow, I'm hoping it will pull some of the yellow out in the bedding.

a_spark - I knew the dress wouldn't be so bad at the wedding. It's odd experiencing these kind of events sober. I was in a crowded bar in Boston on Saint Patricks Day. Talk about odd person out!

Lil' Mrs - according to Baby Wizard brothers for Collin are Brendan, Alec, Ian, Trevor and Lucas. Sorry about the uncle situation - that just blows!

We bought our baby furniture this weekend. They will deliver the crib and dresser in 10-12 weeks. We went with Munire, well rated by Baby Bargains. We also splurged on this glider, I ordered it from www.babycatalog.com
Friends swear this is a necessity, so I wanted something comfy and nice. They offered free shipping and it was about $100 less than the store.
It's by Dutailier:
http://images.snapfish.com/34667%3C384%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3269%3E966%3E993%3EWSNR CG%3D32335%3B523%3B%3B86nu0mrj

We are getting it in honey maple with this fabric:
http://images.snapfish.com/34667%3C5%3C2%7Ffp346%3Evq%3D3269%3E966%3E993%3EWS NRCG%3D32335%3B923%3B889vq0mrj

[Mystikal]

In honor of hitting the third trimester I thought I'd post some belly shots...I wish I could do a cool collage...anywho, don't mind my pj pants or my stretch marks, like one of the girls in the June mommies thread I'm pretending they are my linea nigra. lol.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/raek622/Belly%20Shots/fb64a94d.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/raek622/Belly%20Shots/2c682548.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/raek622/Belly%20Shots/92da93c1.jpg

So, I was still feeling like crap yesterday so I went to the walk-in clinic only to be told I have a sinus infection and bronchitis. Yippee skippee. *sigh* I have antibiotics now and I'm feeling a lot better, so that's a good thing.

Love all the pictures everyone has posted. Everything looks great!!

[maryanne]

I just got the most depressing update from the APA---my belly is going to grow OUT a half an each for every week from here on in!

[ShelbyMay]

rande, How big is the bed? If it is a queen or smaller, I think it should go in the little inlet area where the office furniture is now. That way, you have the rest of the room as a conventional nursery and the focus is on the baby's stuff. The bed is more of an accessory. If it's a king size bed, I'm not sure if it will fit in there -- can't tell for certain from the pictures.

[Sophia]

rande, I would try to fit the bed into the alcove, as Shelby suggested. If it won't fit, I'd put it in a corner of the room so you have more room for the crib and stuff in the main area, and make the alcove a play area.

[sunchaser26]

Mia's Mama

Thanks, for the notice of the sale on the hotsling. I think that I might have to get one living here in the cold (Michigan) most of the time. How long can you use them for, I forget. It will start getting cold here about October or so and baby will be about 3-5 months.

Sophia

Cute little dresses! When I see little outfits like that I wish I was having a girl...;)

Rande

Love Ragazzi furniture but was way too $$$ for our budget! I can't wait to see your nursery when done, about the placement of baby furniture - does the bed have to stay in the room? If so would the bed fit in the corner where DH wants to put the babies furniture instead?

mmisabel

We went with Munire furniture as well! Which style did yod decide on? Yay for the savings on the glider!

Mystikal

Love the belly shots! Sorry to hear about how sick you have been... Get well soon!

Update:

Nursery:

Originally our nursery was supposed to be painted last weekend but we got talked into satin paint and once we got the primer up we decided we liked the look of flat better so yesterday we bought another gallon of eggshell. So hopefully this weekend we will have the nursery finished as far as paint goes.

Last weekend I got ceiling light for the nursery since we just have a builder light bulb fixture up in that room now. That will go up this weekend too. Plus on our list for this weekend is pick-up the crib that came in about 3 weeks ago. Dying to see what it looks like.

Last week we got our crib bumper (Farmyard Friends Collection) from PBK but everything else is on backorder...

Insurance:

I'm in a pickle since DH works for Ford and they have decided that if your wife works she either has to have her own insurance or they have to pay a penalty to have your wife on your insurance. So I have to look into mine and see if they drop me if I can pick up my insurance and if my Dr. and Hospital except them or I have to switch Doctors again... I really don't need this kind of stress right now. (Sorry for the vent!)

Breast Pumps

Do any of the second time moms out there have any suggestions? There are so many options manual/electric, etc. I'm having a hard time figuring out what is the best option, considering that I won't be a SAHM after the baby is born.

[lindybug]

Updates:

We had a follow-up u/s the other day, just to get some additional measurements they weren't able to see last time. The baby was not as shy this time around, so that was good. We actually had to look away from the screen in order to keep the sex a surprise! Oh, and we saw it yawn... That was the cutest thing.

Our baby is currently breech. But I think they do a lot of flipping around between now and 40 weeks... So, I shouldn't be concerned quite yet, right?

Other misc news:

I signed up for our childbirth and parenting classes.
I won't be taking the GTT until 27/28 weeks.
Have done nothing with the nursery yet.
Invites for shower #1 (in FL) are out. Should be small, but nice.
Invites for shower #2 (in MD) will be going out soon. Should be a bigger turnout.
We are just now researching daycare options... And a lot are all booked up. Of course. I probably put it off because I subconsciously don't want to go back to work! Which is a possibility too... We need to think on that some more.


klav ~ I love those cubbies/shelves in your closet. Where did you get them?

[mmisabel]

Happy Wednesday!

sunchaser - We ordered the Munire Marina crib - the sleigh style. But the store said that crib has been taking longer than others, so if there's a problem we are going to switch it to the Charleston, also by Munire.

Breastpumps - I've heard from other moms (this is my first) that the Medela Pump and Style is the best. I've also known a few people to use the Isis manual pump by Avent. I am going to borrow the Isis from a friend for when I first get home. If BF goes well I will get the Medela for when I go back to work.

Daycare - we actually enrolled back in February for 2 days a week at a center. My mother and DH's mom are doing the other 2 days and I will be off work every other Wednesday (with grandma's taking the other 2 Wednesdays). I feel lucky we don't have to pay for full-time daycare.

[klav]

lindybugklav ~ I love those cubbies/shelves in your closet. Where did you get them? THANKS!
those cubbies are on the outside of the closet on the left side. they were there when we moved in. it goes from the floor to ceiling well the bottom part does not touch the floor but is open to put either a tention rod there or I can put a small toy chest there. I was going to rip it out when we moved in but DH told me to wait. so now it works for the time being.

[klav]

Mystikal you look great!!

rande Love the room. it looks thought the bed may be too big for where you have the office. not sure what to do with out really knowing the room size. I'm sure you will figure something out. Put the crib where the small chest of drawers are and leave the bed in the room. I assume it will be the baby's when he/she gets older? or move the bed down and put the crib between the two windows?

Got one comment yesterday at the dentist
That I actually did not look like I was at 25W(6 monthes) I was small. was that good? so I just look fat then? I think it depends on the shirts I wear some just make me look large not pg.

lindybug awsome two showers! I have recently heard mine has been moved 3 times!! very nerve racking at least to my DH

still have not looked at day care?

[a_spark]

Hi Ladies!

rande I agree with everyone else, that the bed would work best in that alcove, if it fits there. That way, the room will be more about the baby.

mystikal I'm sorry you've been sick, hope you feel better soon!

sunchaser Hopefully you can get your insurance situation figured out soon- I know how stressful that is, especially now!

According to UPS, my stroller is being delivered today! I am so excited. I'm working from home in order to accept the giant package. The one weird thing is, a UPS truck pulled up to deliver stuff to my neighbors, but never came to my door. I ran out and asked him if he had anything for me and he said no, so I explained that according to their website I'm getting a delivery today. He said that he was given another driver's stuff and that maybe it's on another truck. I hope it comes today!! I purposefully had it delivered to my house because it weighs 30lbs and my office is on the 4th floor of a building with no elevator. I was trying to save myself and the UPS man a hassle so they better come through!

[mia's mama]

rande- I like the putting the bed in the alcove since it seems as though it probably won't get too much use- just the occassional guest right? If it won't fit, I think you can totally fit the baby's stuff (crib/changing table) in there instead. Considering how much stuff we have jammed into Mia & Baby 2's tiny room (crib, toddler bed, dresser, changing table, glider & ottoman etc.) I think you'll be fine. ;)

Mystikal- Lookin' good girl!

Lindy- yep, pleanty of time for the bebe to flip...even up to 34-36 weeks, I believe. Yeah for 2 showers! So fun! I'm not having one this time since this is #2, but can I tell you, I think I am having more fun PLANNING one for my friend who is due 7/4! I love throwing parties and all the little details...but I do have a bit of a problem sharing responsibilty with the 2 others who are helping...I just want everything to be "perfect", and they have slighty different taste/opinions. ;)

a spark- whohoo, I love deliveries...and your stroller at that! I forgot which one you ordered?

Sunchaser- ugh...good luck with the insurance BS...what a pain- I'm sure it will all get worked out! You can use the slings for a pretty long time, just putting the bebe in different positions as they grow.
Newborns are best positions like this:
http://www.hotslings.com/assets/products/large/HotSlings140.jpg
Once they have better head/neck control and want to see out, you can carry them like this:
http://www.hotslings.com/assets/products/large/cherryfleecemodel.jpg
But Mia can STILL use it, sitting up on my hip, like this:
http://www.hotslings.com/assets/products/large/outbackmodel.jpg

[cece]

great belly shots girls!!

i'm thinking this may be the week my uterus doubles in size...the baby is jabbing and flipping and kicking like nobody's business. it actually hurts! otherwise, things are good. i craved sunkist orange from about 20w and on when i was pg w/finn and it looks like i'm on track with it again! can't live without the stuff now. so funny too, never had it before my pg and haven't had it since finn was born...all of a sudden, need it in my life every day. i'm only allowing myself 1 glass/day though since it has so much sugar.

lil mrs- i'm so glad you had such an awesome shower! so sorry about your unwanted houseguest. i would say no way...sounds like he's using you both big time.

can't wait- LOVE the bedding and letters!

klav- the nursery looks great! and i LOVE the stripes you painted...they look awesome! i'm assuming your sizing question was for mia's mama re: the hotsling. i ordered a size 3 which is a pretty large size range and i input my bra size during bf'ing and weight about 10lbs above my normal.

a spark- i'm so sorry about your dog. did you find out if he had a blockage or not? congrats on the home equity loan!

mia's mama- did you order the hotsling in size 3? you mentioned to order smaller, but the range for that size is so big...i'm not sure now. i ordered the same cotton print you did and then last night the pumpkin fleece one! thanks for the sale info!

rande- oh, bottle weaning. i'm so sorry you're going through this right now. i'm wimping out...i want to, but i can't even imagine. he get's one in the morning and sometimes one before bed if i cave. otherwise he gets a sippy (which he spills everywhere no matter if it says no leaking). finn's so "busy" all the time also, i wish he wanted to cuddle more. he actually had night tremors last night for the 1st time...literally sobbing. dh brought him into bed and he clung to me and cuddled for like a 1/2 hour...i was in heaven. i wish he would have fallen asleep, but then he sat up and wanted to play. we put him back in his crib and he fell right to sleep. hope your "operation bottle ditch" is more successfull today!

sunchaser- i have the medela pump in style which was passed down by a good girlfriend. saved me about $250. i just had to wash the part on the machine that the tube connects to, buy new tubing and plastic cones and i was good to go! it's a great pump.

lindybug- i think the babes turn at the end...finn was head down and dropped for the last 2 months i think, which is why i thought he would come early, but no. i think they spin alot now.

*c

[Sophia]

Slings: That Hotsling looks so neat, but I'm SO reluctant to order a sling because I have such major back issues (I have lordosis, aka extreme swayback). It would be nice for around the house, though, and maybe at the mall, etc. I wouldn't be able to use it outdoors for quite some time because it's fleece and gets so hot here. Does anyone with a history of back pain use these successfully?

Lindy: yes, the baby still has plenty of time to flip and will probably do so quite regularly until the last few weeks.

[mia's mama]

Forgot to mention...
Breast Pumps- even if youare a SAHM, I think it's a great investment. I stayed at home with Mia full time for 9 months, but I was REALLY engorged in the beginning, and the pump helped so much....I was able to take all of that extra milk and freeze it for months. That way when Mia was a little older (a few months), DH and I could leave her with a babysitter and go out for the evening without worrying that she would get hungry etc. I actually started leaving her with DH for a few hours evey weekend, just so I could have some ME time when she was just a few weeks old. Babies BF SO frequently in the early days though, that I wouldn't have been able to leave her more than 2 hours if I hadn't had milk stored. It also helped DH feel a little more connected, being able to feed her a bottle of expressed milk once in a while. Just my 2 cents.
Of course, another option is to wait and see how BFing goes for, you can always rent one form the hospital...and you get WAY more milk WAY faster from the hospital grade ones.

I have the Medela Pump in Style...love it.
http://www.medela.com/graphics/PNSOlrgW.jpg
I also took it to work with me and pumped once/day when I returned to work part time. I don't think I would have been able to BF Mia for a full year without it. Expensive, but well worth it, in my opinion. From what I have heard, the mannual ones just don't work well at all, unless you are just using them to relieve a bit of engorgment.

[mia's mama]

cece- I X-posted with you. No, I actually ordered the hotslings in a size 1! I think the 3 is going to be way too big on you! The webiste told me a size 2, but the girls over inthe sling thread seem to think they run large...I hope they arn't too small! I am only 21-22 inches from shoulder to opposite hip, have no boobs to speak of, and am 5'5". The small New Native Carrier was HUGE on me, so I hope these work...we'll see! I have been having some painful kicks and jabs this week too! It feels like this little guy is getting so big! Can't believe I still have another 16-17 weeks to go!

Sophia- wish I could help, but no back pain here (well, excpet the reg. pregnancy back pain). Those little outfits are adorable, by the way. :)

[mia's mama]

RO's- have you guys heard anything about the Mclaren Twin Techno...this is the one I'm considering buying...still may wait until baby 32 arrives, to make sure Mia will still tolerate the stroller at that point, but I love the color, and like that you can use it with a newbor, comes with individual hoods with UV protection, etc.
http://www.travelingtikes.com/online-store/scstore/images/maclaren/twin_techno_tangerine_front.jpg

[cece]

mia's mama- i measure about 24" shoulder to hip, am 5' 9" and my bra size while bf'ing is 36DD. maybe i should get a size 2 instead..? which i guess would make the pumpkin fleece size 3 perfect since it says to order 1 size larger on that one. hmmmmm. i know, the jabs are crazy. i keep thinking my belly is enormous and i look at myself in the mirror and laugh because i know it's going to be about 3 x's this size in a few months! i'm so jealous you're planning i shower! i want one to plan...how fun!!

sophia- from what i understand, the slings are supposed to really support the back, but i know the 2 i had killed mine. i'm pretty sure it's because i was totally lacking in the skills to properly adjust it! for home, the bouncer was perfect for me with finn. i would imagine i'll use the sling mostly for walking finn on his daily wagon/car rides in the neighborhood, and park visits and such for finn. and i guess the market.

[Wrighty26]

You know when you have a lot of replies to do and you just don't feel like writing them all out? That's me today! Sometimes I wish we could all just talk in person :)

Nice bellies to all of the ladies! It's so interesting how distinct each of our bellies are-- there is definitely not just one or two "shapes."

Rande - I agree with the others about putting the bed in the alcove-- if it fits. That's a REALLY nice room, btw!

Sunchaser - Sorry about the insurance :( That sucks! I hope you get everything straightened out. I'm not a RO-- but my coworker has the Medela Pump in Style and LOVES it. I'm going by her recommendation and will be buying that one myself as well (unless she decides to stop with the breastmilk--which she may-- and loans it to me!).

Mia's Mama - TOO FUNNY-- I was looking at the Hotslings website yesterday-- probably the same time that you were buying! I was IMing my coworker and showed them to her as well. They look SO comfy! I'm definitely ordering one today :)

Lil Mrs - Sorry to hear about your unwanted houseguest. What a pain in the ass! Nothing like being between a rock and hard place. Hopefully he will get his act together soon. Sounds like you had a GREAT shower though!

can't wait - BEAUTIFUL bedding and lettering! If my guy had been a girl she would have been named Isabella-- I'm a little (tiny) bit jealous :)

lindybug - I worry about my guy being breech too (I was breech myself)! I think they generally start to turn @ 28-30 weeks and there's still time to do a "version" (if you want) up until like 36 weeks (depending on how big the baby is, I think). I definitely know he's flipping around-- some times he's down low and sometimes he way up high!

Daycare - I don't even want to think about it! I guess I'll start looking in October (since I want to put him in daycare full time next Spring). I do think having someone you know with the baby is important-- but I think it's going to be a really rough 6 months for us (since we'll have opposite schedules). mmisabel - how did you find a part-time daycare? All of the ones in my area seem to be full-time :(

Showers: My shower is June 4th-- and I really need to get cracking on my guest list! My hostess lives in Buffalo, but is going to be in town for another (mutual) friend's wedding shower... and she graciously offered to host my baby shower that same weekend. I'm SO excited :) I'm pretty sure my workplace will also have a shower for me, probably sometime in June.

I know I missed a gazillion people in my replies... I apologize!

Things have been pretty crazy here at work-- which I am loving! I'm sure that sounds crazy, but it takes my mind off of the other 500 things that I know need to get done. For the sake of less stress, I am saving those things for the weekends.

There was a question I was going to ask-- but now for the life of me, I can't remember what it is! Don't you hate when that happens??

Hope everyone is having a great Wednesday...

[cece]

mia's mama- i just saw that one also! i think on the double stroller thread or something..? anyway, it looks great and actually might fit through a doorway! finn definately needs a containment unit...he can't be trusted on his own! the only thing is, will it allow for a drop-in infant seat or would we need to wait until baby can sit up? i guess at that point finn & mia would be about 2 1/2. i'm kind of stumped on this whole double stroller thing...

[cpbride8203]

cece - It made me so happy to ready your post and see that Finn is still getting a bottle. Esp since our kiddos are 1 day apart. People were looking at me like I was nutso when I gave my kid a bottle.

Kylie was still getting one until about 2 weeks ago when I decided to just put them all away, quit cold turkey, and just give her a cup. It has gone suprisingly well...she has not looked for it and is actually not even having a cup of milk before bed every night.

[cece]

cpbride- finn loves his bottle! i meant to ask his ped last week about weaning him...i'm not really so concerned with it since he only gets it when he wakes up and sometimes at bedtime, but it was actually my MIL that gave me crap about it at 14m. said he should be drinking from a cup. whatever. thing is that finn is so darn messy. he holds the sippy's upside down and watches them drip, he chews on the spout of the nub's and gets milk all over his face, his clothes, everywhere. boys are so messy! the bottles are less mess and so i guess are more for me...especially the morning one. his crib would be soaked! i think i probably give him too much milk and i need to figure this one out...he gets 4-6oz sippy's/bottles daily. how much does kylie drink?

[ShelbyMay]

OH MY GOODNESS - I went to the bathroom 5 times in the first 1.5 hours I was awake this morning! I just scored #6, and that's still in less than 3 hours. All I had to drink this morning was ONE mug of decaf tea -- What is the deal?!?

Also, I noticed on this most recent "trip" that one side of my belly-button has totally popped out. It had been on the verge for a few weeks, but I swear it was not like this last night. I think it happened sometime between bathroom break #5 and #6. :o It is totally weird looking, since only one side has popped and the other hasn't broken even yet.

[cpbride8203]

Cece - Kylie probably gets about 16 ozs of milk a day. Some days less, some days a bit more. At her 18mo. check up, the ped said now was the time to really get rid of the bottle, so between that and wanting them totally out of sight before the new baby comes, I found my motivation. The Dr. said that between 16-20ozs is good for this age. I found that when she still had the bottle she was turning it upside down and was letting all of the milk come out. She still tries that with the cups, but not as much. The ones I love right now that haven't really leaked are by Gerber. If they leak, it is one little drop here or there...

[Sophia]

Shelby: You're making me giggle! I've had days when I had to pee all the time like that. Maybe all the bladder action popped your belly button out! Hee!

[mia's mama]

cece- Mia still gets one bottle/day too. 8 ounces in the AM. She drinks about 8 ounces of milk additionally and probably 8 ounces of water throughout the day. I think my ped 16-20 ounces as well. I am going to ditch the bottle in another month or 20, but not now, while she's teething. Wer love the straw sippy cups from playtex...have you tried those? My ped suggested the straws so that the liquid goes to the back of her throat, instead on on her teeth. That stroller can be used for a newborn (fully reclines), but not with a carseat, which is a definite bummer. Yeah, so you are quite a bit taller and your BBs are WAY bigger (I'm only a 34 B WHILE BFing), so the bigger size makes sense for you, I think.

Shelby- I'm having a similar thing happen...the TOP of my belly button is popping out now, but not the bottom!

[a_spark]

Our STROLLER came!! I am desperately in love with it. Is is weird to be in love with a stroller? It's so cute and easy to steer and I am so excited to actually USE it. Yay!

cece Thanks for asking about my dog :) He seems fine now! He was tired yesterday and ate a little less than usual, but is pooping and all that good stuff. Today, he's back to his normal crazy self. We talked to his daycare owner and she said that she heard there's been a GI illness going around, so maybe that's what it was. I'm just glad he's okay! He's really our first baby and is only 1. I hear you on the jabbing! I've been getting kicked and punched really hard this week- it actually startles me from time to time. Gone are the vague, poking feelings.

mia's mama We ordered a BumbleRide Flyer in Bloom http://www.bumbleride.com/collection/flyer_bloom.html. I love deliveries too! As for the hotsling, I ordered one as well, in I think a size 3...I tried it on with a towel in it and it seems to fit, but now I'm worried it may be too big! I'm 5'5 and measure about 24" shoulder to hip, wear (right now) a 36B bra, and was 127 pre-preg...hmm.

sophia I have lordosis as well- I'm hoping the sling thing works out for me too! I think if the weight is distributed well and I remember to keep my posture, I'll be able to use the sling for at least a little while.

daycare The daycares here are on about a year waiting list right now, so we're already on like 3 waiting lists without having even gone for tours yet! It's crazy. We'll start daycare next January when the baby is 6 months old. I'm hoping to do 3 days a week so I can have the other two with her and work at home, but we'll see how that goes.

[rande]

Cece, Mia's Mama, and CPbride- You guys are making me feel so much better with the bottle thing. I thought that I was way late since my ped really pushes for 12 months since this is what the AAP recommends. Drew has 14 teeth so I was afraid that I was harming them. It is still rough giving up the bottle. He is only getting about 7 ounces of milk a day right now but he is having yogurt, pudding, and cheese to supplement. He does drink alittle milk from a straw, but like Finn, must be a boy thing, he loves to tip it over and pour it out on himself, the rug, the couch, me, etc. It gets quite messy. I am hoping that his milk intake picks up soon. Oh, and my ped. says that 1 slice of Kraft cheese equals 5ounces of milk as for the calcium. This has helped us some.

Mia's Mama- Thanks for the hotsling info. I also ordered 2-one fleece and one stretch cotton in size 2 since I am 5'6, 117 pre-preg., and chest 34c (36c when breastfeeding). As for the stroller, I love that one but I don't want to spend that much on an umbrella stroller since we will be using it to fly alot and the airlines tend to wreck strollers.

Thanks to everyone for the input on the room. I had initially wanted the bed in the inset but DH talked me out of it. We may have to shuffle things to see how it looks.

A-spark-Nice stroller!

Shelby-Funny, the bottom of my belly button is popping and not the top. It never even popped with my first pregnancy, just flattened abit.

Lil Mrs-Sorry about the unwanted house guest. Hope the situation gets better soon.

Need some advice- My sister's wedding shower is late September in Boston and I am her Maid of Honor. I am thinking of flying with both kiddos-Drew will be 21 months and the baby will be about 11-12 weeks by myself since DH can't take time off of work. He thinks that I am insane and that it is a bad idea. What does everyone think?? My family will be heartbroken if I leave Drew at home, they don't get to see him that often. Also, I am not fully comfortable with him staying behind because MIL would watch him and she is not nearly as diligent with him as I would like. Last time she watched him, she did not strap him into his carseat. She said that her kids never had carseats and they are all fine. I am NOT okay with this. She has not watched him since.

[ShelbyMay]

Last time she watched him, she did not strap him into his carseat. She said that her kids never had carseats and they are all fine. I am NOT okay with this. She has not watched him since.

WOW. I don't blame you for not letting her watch him anymore! I thought it was bad enough my when MIL was lecturing me about how it's silly to buy a travel system because her kids used an umbrella stroller even when they were newborns and they were all fine.

[Lizard]

Quick question... I've been having BH contrax the last few days. My doctor hasn't really talked to me about these yet. I know BH are totally normal, but what should I watch for that isn't normal? Just pain, or how many I have within a certain timeframe, or what? :) I had several in about an hour's time last night, and I've had 2 or 3 so far today. No pain or anything like that, just a tightening of the belly that lasts a little while. I HAVE been on-the-go the last few days, so it's probably just my body telling me to slow down.... I've also been sucking down the water today just in case I'm a little dehydrated.

[mia's mama]

Last time she watched him, she did not strap him into his carseat. She said that her kids never had carseats and they are all fine. I am NOT okay with this. She has not watched him since.

Yikes! This would freak me out too! If you are going to have alot of help once you get to Boston, I would think you'd be fine to take both kids. The plane might be a little rough, but the baby will likely sleep most of the time at that age. If you pop her in the sling, you can have your hands free to entertain Drew. My (step) sister flies with her 3 kids (all under the age of 6) FROM ISRAEL once a year without her husband, and although it's not a walk in the park, she manages. I think you can do it. Once the baby is older it will be a lot harder, I think.

LOVE the stroller a spark!

[mia's mama]

Lizard- I don't know the specifics of what you should watch for, but what you having sounds pretty average. Yeah, pain would be bad, or having more than a few in an hour...just lay low for a little bit, and load up on H2O...they should ease up.

[Sophia]

Bottle use after age 1: *raises hand* Mine did this, too. I can't remember the exact age, but I'm thinking maybe 16-18 months or so at least. When the ped would ask, I'd just lie (and not take bottles to appts). I tried not to stress about it too much. I did take Alex's sucky (pacifier) away when he turned one, though. Bella never wanted a sucky.

Sippy Cups: I'm going to really date myself here (but you all know Alex is 13 1/2 anyway). When I was pg with Bella I had taken Alex to lie down with me so I could nap. He got out of bed, went to the living room, took all the laser discs (think DVDs but with record album size & packaging) out of the cabinet, removed them from their sleeves, spread them all over the floor, and then spalshed little droplets of milk from his sippy cup all over them in a very Jackson Pollock-esque manner. By the time I woke up, the droplets were dry. It was pure hell trying to clean them.

a_spark: that stroller is TOO CUTE!

rande: I'd take both kids with me(the lack of safety seat would really worry me), but I like having them with me when they're so little.

[Sophia]

Lizard: as long as there's no pain it sounds ok. Try to rest (not be so active) and keep hydrated.

[nuhmah]

MMK - I feel you on the bathroom breaks. We went out to dinner with some friends on Sunday night - we were there for over 2 hours and I went to the bathroom about 4-5 times. Doesn't help that all I was drinking was water and tea (with a couple of sips of DH's wine), but I can definitely relate. ;)

No new updates from me, or about my dad. I have my GTT test tomorrow, and another weigh in. I have been super busy at school - the musical, 3 concerts, 4 field trips, and a set of conferences in one month will make anyone snack more than usual. I have been eating on the run and now I am paying the price for it. Time to get my butt back to the gym... I may visit that workout thread. Any words of wisdom Wrighty? :)

I also ordered the pumpkin sling - thanks for the heads up Mia's Mamma. I ordered in a size 3 (I was on the edge of a 2/3) and was suggested to me by a couple of friend's who have them to go UP a size. Grr... mixed opinions, so I just formed my own. :D

[mmisabel]

wrighty - when we looked into daycares around here most centers offered 2 or 3 days a 1 week. They did strongly recommend signing up early as those spots tend to fill up the quickly, hence we enrolled in February. They do charge more per hour ($9 is what we're paying) for less days.

bathroom breaks - I feel like I go SO much more now. And I never have a lot to do, just a constant urge.

rib pain - any got this? It's killing me!

[ShelbyMay]

I swear I am not generally this much of a worrywart, but now I'm wondering:

Is it unusual that I have NOT felt BH contractions? At least, I don't think I have. I do feel kind of a tight feeling every now and then, but it is usually right before I feel her make a big movement. I figured it was her pressing against my abdomen somehow, because the tightness seems relieved when she does move.

[klav]

mia's mama JUST ORDEERED a hotsling but in size 6! sound hug next to you girls getting 2's and 3's but I measerued27-28 from shoulder to hip and I'm a 38 D!!YIKES well used to be I doubled.:eek: I got it in camel hoping it will be a good use when we travel to Europe next year!! yeahy
I was measureing a 5 but ordered a 6 because of the one size up issue

[Lizard]

ShelbyMay - Yesterday was the first day I noticed and recognized that's what I was having. I was walking around in Kohls and felt a tightening in my belly, like someone had cinched a belt around it or something. I thought "Hey, that must be a BH". :) It was definitely different than her normal movements in my belly. Babycenter says they can start as early as 6 weeks, but you don't feel them at that point, and some women don't feel them at all.

Oh, and thanks Sophia and Mia's Mama... I was thinking they were normal but I was just curious. My OB hasn't had had the labor talk with me yet, but my gut instinct said that they were normal and I should take it easy. DH's older brother and family are coming up this weekend, so I really need to clean... maybe I'll just get the bathroom done tonight and call it good. :D

Those slings are so tempting! Klav - I measured at a size 4, and it says to order a size higher for fleece so I guess I'd be a 5 as well. I'm still trying to decide if I want the fleece or not though. I'd probably use it for walks around the neighborhood, and fleece in hot weather isn't good. Can't beat 29 bucks though!

[mia's mama]

Shelby- with Mia I don't think I felt them until 26-27 weeks and pretty lightly and infrequently at that point. No worries if you don't feel them...I'm sure you will near the end.

awww man...I bet I ordered the hotslings too small...they shipped today, so we'll see!

[Wrighty26]

Nuhmah - I recommend any kind of low-impact exercise for you! Walking and the elliptical would be good for you. Because you've been so busy and haven't really had to time to do much I would ease into the workout routine. Maybe aim for 3 days a week. Be sure to drink lots of water-- and have a snack after working out :)

ShelbyMay - The only time I feel BH them is when I'm dehydrated or doing too much. I think it's a good thing that you haven't felt them yet! You probably have them without realizing it.

mmisabel - Thanks for the info. I'll just have to keep looking. Even when we put him in daycare, I'd LIKE to do it for just 2-3 days a week. I don't think there's any reason to send him to daycare when Dan has 2 days off during the week!

Rande- The last time I flew to Boston (my entire family - except my immediate lives there as well) I had a mom sitting next to me with 2 kids-- one was about 2 and the other was an infant. Yes, the 2 y/o freaked out a little when we took off and landed (mainly because of his ears), but overall they seemed to be fine. The mom kept her 2 y/o busy the whole time, while the infant slept in a sling. I think that this is really doable-- especially it involves NOT having your MIL watch your son! I know some people get really frustrated when sitting next to children, but not everyone cares. Would you do a nonstop flight, or try to break it up into a few flights?

Mia's Mama - From what I've been reading-- you didn't order the sling too small. At least you can return it if it is!

Sling- I really need to order one tonight! I am cracking up at the thought of the the whole July 2006 Mommies thread wearing hotslings. :)

[a_spark]

GTT Well, girls, it looks like I failed the 1-hour :( I'm so disappointed! I have to go in next week for the 3-hour and eat a special diet for the 3 days before that. Bummer.

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

I've been so busy at work today! I've snuck in a couple of times to catch up but I haven't really had the chance to post.

Well the Uncle Saga continues... Last night I didn't see his car when I pulled up so I was excited to have the house to ourselves and sure enough... He's on the couch watching tv and he took the liberty to move his car further down the road so that the manager wouldn't think he was there. I was pretty disappointed and a little moody so I went over to my mom's to get away.
Well then I come home today during my lunch hour to get a roast started and here it is 1:30 in the afternoon and he is in his pjs on my couch watching CourtTV! Then while I'm getting everything together and cutting vegetables he wants to talk... Then he tells me that HE'S UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE LIVING SITUATION!!! I thought we were sharing and having an open conversation so I told him very calmly and respectively that it's just that I have my routine when I come home and I like to have my alone time in front of the tv and it's hard when he is always on the couch. Well then he goes completely silent and I continue cooking and I hear him slam the front door. He didn't say a single word like... "I'm taking off for a bit see you later", "F# you guys. I'm out of here", nothing!

So I have no clue where he went. I finished preparing the slow cooker and locked the door on my way out. I'm hoping that he grabbed his crap on his way out and found a new place to stay. I told DH when I got back to work and he just kind of shrugged and rolled his eyes and mentioned that it's no sweat off his back if he decided to leave and if he does come back tonight he's going to talk to him about his hissy fit and remind him that it's my house.

[Sophia]

a spark: Sorry about the GTT. Bummer :(

Lil Mrs: Maybe he won't come back? Do you feel your DH is being supportive or not?

Hotslings: It would be hilarious if we all got them! I'm this close to ordering one. It tells me I'm a size 1. I really want the amethyst, but the smallest is a 2, and it says to order up a size. Can't decide what to do. I don't really like any of the fleece colors that are available in size 1. If I have to get a 1, though, I'll get a chocolate one.

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Now that I have had my vent of the day...

Those slings are really cute... I wonder if DH will care if I splurge a little!

a_spark- I'm sorry to hear that you failed your one hour. Did they give you any advice to pass your 3-hour?

ShelbyMay- I think you're just one of the lucky ones. I have only felt them a couple of times and that's when I have lifted or exerted myself a little more than I should or if I have been bad about drinking my water. Many of the resources I have read said that many women never feel them.

Flying with two little ones- Sorry I don't really have any advice for ya. It's so hard to say because you don't know the temperment of the baby to come. Also how is your older one going to interact with them. I was invited to my cousin's wedding this August a couple hours away and I told them that I can't really RSVP until after the baby is born and it's up to her if she wants to keep that invitation open. I'm just a little nervous of committing to anything right now.

Sophia- Yes DH is being very supportive. He is now feeling how I am... Doesn't want to kick him out but doesn't really want him there either. He's feeling very crammed and taken advantage of as well. Plus I think after I talked to him last night and today he understands how uncomfortable I am and doesn't like me feeling that way. I know if I say the word he's out no questions asked I just don't have it in me to send him out on the streets.

[Sophia]

Lil Mrs: Glad DH is supporting you. :) Hopefully M will be out soon and you won't have to stress about it anymore.

Hotsling: I just ordered the Chocolate one in a size 1.

http://hotslings.com/assets/products/large/chocolatemodel.jpg

I figure: the site told me I'm a 1 + the page for the fleece said to go up one size + the sling thread ladies said to go down one size, so that leaves me with a 1. If I like the fleece one I'll order a cotton one I can use outdoors during our hot weather (that lasts most of the year), and since the fleece ones supposedly run small, I can try shrinking the cotton one by putting it in the dryer. The fleece one should get plenty of use indoors at home, the mall, grocery store, etc. I hope I like it.

[lindybug]

They should give us some sort of group discount on these hotslings, LOL. I ordered two:

http://www.hotslings.com/assets/products/large/outbackmodel.jpg http://www.hotslings.com/assets/products/large/74747898.jpg

Thanks mia's mama, for letting us know about the sale.

[mia's mama]

Thanks mia's mama, for letting us know about the sale.
You're welcome :)

[Sophia]

Lindy: We really should get a group discount! LOL I love that black print one! I didn't even click on the swatch for that one. Much nicer when you see the whole thing.

[maryanne]

Love the slings that everyone has been geting!

***
Life has been a little crazy! If any of you want an update of what my life has been since sunday night---take a peek in my journal

hint...it involves jails, and ER's

ok...I have had a crazy week so far and i feel that i should share it all with you but don't want to take up so much space with my personal saga..lol!

Somehow I am still smiling

here's a link to my journal, if you want to take a peek

http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=6473&page=18

[Can't_Wait]

Thanks on the compliments about the letters. As far as ordering them now, I didn't even think twice about it! I've been sold on Isabella for a girl for a VERY long time now, & there have been no other contenders as far as girl names go. If we could only come up with a middle name though!

a spark I'm sorry that your drs. don't take time with you! That is the one thing I am grateful for with my OBGYN. She sits down everytime she comes in, looks over my latest results (like blood pressure, weight gain, etc.) & comments on them all. Then she asks how things are going & if I have any questions. If I have questions, she takes time to really explain things & I have never gotten the impression that she is in a hurry. I do think a lot of OBGYNs are the rushed kind though... I think I just got lucky!
Sorry you failed the GTT... hopefully you'll pass the 2nd one... I've heard of people doing that.

mia's mama Do you intend to use the fleece sling during the summer? I was wondering if it might get a little too hot... especially for the climate I live in. Just wondering your thoughts on it.

wrighty26 Well we had actually really wanted a boy... so I'm a tiny bit jealous of all of you having boys! :) But I do love the name Isabella & shopping for a girl has been so fun!

rande I am really not one to speak on the topic of bringing both kiddos or not since this is my first baby... but maybe if you kept the baby in a sling while walking (like in the airport & such) & then Drew in a stroller, it might make things a little easier? I don't think it will be a peice of cake - but probably doable. But what do I know! :D

[Wrighty26]

maryanne- Whoa! I am intrigued... I will have to go check out your journal! Hope everything is OK!

a_spark - Sorry to hear you failed the 1-hour GTT :( You will pass the next one...stay positive (I know-- easier said than done)!

I broke down and bought not just one, but two slings as well. I went with these two:
In size 3
https://www.hotslings.com/assets/products/large/85080109.jpg

In size 4
https://www.hotslings.com/assets/products/large/perifleecemodel.jpg

I almost didn't get the fleece sling because it gets so hot here in the summer-- but who am I kidding? I'm ALWAYS cold because of the A/C! What really convinced me was when I saw you bought a fleece one, Sophia. I know it's you have REALLY hot summers! I hope I got the sizing right. I am kinda in between a 3 and a 4 (I'm 5'10, 34B, normal weight is @ 145, and my shoulder to hip measure is 19 inches).

[mia's mama]

SLING ADDICT...
Just won this Mei Tai carrier off ebay for $17, brand new!
http://i15.ebayimg.com/02/i/06/ae/99/18_1.JPG
I had been wanting a new one to use with Mia, hopefully I like it! I'll use it with baby #2 when he's a little older.

Wrighty-
I'm 5'10, 34B, normal weight is @ 145, and my shoulder to hip measure is 19 inches
Is your shoulder to hip measurement 19" diagonally accross your body (right shoulder to left hip or vice versa)? Wow! I thought I had a short torso! Either way, the sizing sounds right for you.

Fleece sling- well, it cools down here at night, even in the summer and we like to take after dinner walks, so I think I will use it then. Also, remember you can use the slings for a long time and it will keep those babies nice and toasty in the fall and winter!

a spark- sorry about the GTT!

[Wrighty26]

Mia's Mama - Yeah, that was diagonal! I have a REALLY short waist (and yes I have waist envy :D). People always suspect I'm short when they see me sitting down. I really surprise them when I stand up! (I have a 35 inseam to make up for my waist!). Great deal on the mei tei! I'm definitely going to move into that direction when the baby gets older-- they are just SO cute.

[Soulmate]

Wrighty I bought the size 4 too in the same color. We all bought one after all didn't we ;) Anyway I think we are built similarly though I am not as tall (but my torso measurement was 22.5). I was a size 3 but they said to buy up a size for the fleece. I guess we'll see when they come!

[makena32204]

Good Morning Ladies! Work has been crazy for the past two weeks, so I havent had much time to post (other than weekends), but I wanted to stop by and say hi!

GTT- I have mine at 28 weeks. My doctor told me to eat normally that day.

slings- My cousin who had a baby in January loves her sling and told me that she's getting me one for my shower. If not, i'll be buying one too!

[mkvh]

Damn! I have been so busy at work that I just now got to the hotsling site, and there is only ONE fleece left in my size. And it's NOT a color that I want. I think I'm going to go ahead and order a regular strecth one, though, because they're EXACTLY what I want. And I'm going to order a fleece one for my girlfriend.

I need a 4 in the fleece and a 3 in the others, I think, because I'm kinda between measurements.

[a_spark]

Slings You guys, this is hilarious!! We have to all take pictures of ourselves in our slings once our little ones come. We're the baby-slingin' moms of July 2006! :D

LIl Mrs I have to eat a special diet (high carb- yay!) for three days before the test and then fast after midnight the night before. I'm pretty sure I'll pass this one, just sucks that I have to take it again!

It's going to be 70 here today! I am beyond excited after a long, cold winter (though actually it was comparatively mild, but being pregnant in the winter is no fun!). Spring is here!

[MMK]

UHHG, okay, I give, I'll go buy one of those adorable slings! You ladies are a baaaaaaaaaaaad influence!!!

wrighty/mia's mama: you guys have waist envy???? I have serious leg envy! I'm 5'5' and ALL torso! I mean, I wouldn't say people point and stare at my freakish body as a I walk down the street but let's just say every pair of pants I buy are too long and I'm not a short person!

braxton-hicks: I also tend to feel them when I'm working out and when I haven't taken in enough water. My dr told me their normal but if you feel several in an hour make sure to sit, drink a bunch of water and monitor yourself. If you're still feeling them (several) call the dr.

[mmisabel]

Good morning ladies!

a_spark - Bummer about the GTT. Did they tell you what your number was?? I think anything above 140 requires them to re-test you, but truly any number under 200 is probably not a huge deal. My friend tested 143 on the 1st and passed the 3 hour with flying colors. Try not to worry too much.

maryanne - I briefly looked at your journal. Yikes! Don't these cops have real criminals to deal with where you live?

slings - I'm ordering the Periwinkle is size 3. I hope it works. If I like it I will get a cotton one after baby is here. I love the fabrics!

[maryanne]

Yikes! Don't these cops have real criminals to deal with where you live?


Yeah, we were laughing about that...he is such a scary criminal..lol! Not only was he arrested b/c of a parking ticket---but in the family STATION wagon. What a badass!!!

[klav]

a_spark don't worry I failed both of my hour test and the first hour of my 3 hour test I passed the 2nd and 3rd hour but I still have to do it again in a few weeks which reminds me I have tomake that apointment. thay onlty do so many a day. and limited on Sat.
So looks like everyone is SLINGING!! too funny :D

[klav]

maryanne what a night!!:eek:

[Sophia]

maryanne: OMG! What a crazy night! Glad you have such a good sense of humor about it.

Baby/Daddy bonding: DH talks to the baby every night before we go to sleep and every morning before he gets out of bed. It's so sweet. This morning he was asking her what she wants to be when she grows up. She kicked wildly when he said scientist. Scientist? Who'd she get that from? (we're both English majors/teachers). Last night I was lying on the sofa with my nightgown up to cool my belly and legs (and it was a thin cotton gown, too, but it was so hot because our a/c froze up and we had to wait for it to thaw out), and we were watching her move around. It's like major tectonic activity or something! It freaks DH out a little--I think he's seen Alien too many times. LOL

Sling: My Hotsling has shipped! Woo!

[nuhmah]

GTT - I have mine in an hour - you ladies are making me nervous!!!

Sling - I went ahead and ordered the Pumpkin Fleece sling. If it comes and I don't like it I can always make one to my own specifications - I love being able to sew! ;)

Braxton-Hicks - my OB is in denial that I have been feeling them. She says for a first time mom I am feeling them too early. If they aren't BH, then I wish someone could tell me what they are!! They come about every day (maybe every other day) and it is a quick tightening of my lower abdomen/uterus that lasts about 30 seconds. It is not painful or super uncomfortable - but I do stop what I am doing and take a second to acknowledge them. I tend to notice them more when I have been on my feet quite a bit, or pushing my body at a quick pace - although they have come when I was just sitting and doing nothing.

Wrighty - thanks for the gym encouragement! I went and did 30 minutes on the ellipitical yesterday and lifted my legs very lightly on the circuit machines. I felt really good afterwards - in my first trimester I would feel really tired and cranky after working out. So, I am inspired to go back today for some light cardio. :) Maybe I will try to take a yoga class tomorrow.

Baby/Daddy Bonding - I think the baby is reacting to DH's voice and that is so cool to see! :) It is a little freakish to see my stomach move, but cool at the same time.

About all for me right now - I am on spring break and we went down to Sacreamento for a few days earlier this week. DH has some friends from the Air Force who still live there - we brought our 9 month old Boxer (Macie) with us and she was soooo good! No accidents, she played nice with the other dogs, and really behaved herself. We are such proud parents right now!

[a_spark]

mmisabel My number was 144, so not bad at all. I wanted to ask if we could just skip the 3-hour because I was so close to the cutoff! Thanks for sharing about your friend- that makes me feel a LOT better!

[Lizard]

Well, I didn't buy a sling last night and now the size 5's are sold out. :( I guess I could order a 4, but I'm a little hesitant since they said to order a size up. I might do it anyways - if it doesn't fit I can definitely find a good home for it.

Tonight we're going to a HUGE semi-annual kids consignment sale here in town.. I think I've mentioned it before. I've heard good things about it, so I hope we score some deals. They sell everything baby-related so I'm really hoping to get some toys and misc. items I don't want to pay full price for. Maybe a few clothes, but I'm really going to try to NOT go overboard on them. Notice I said "try".....

Question - How do you handle your parents (or others) giving you outdated advice? My mother, bless her heart, is trying to give me advice on things but it's seriously outdated. I was born in '74 and I'm her only child, so she bases everything on that time period. Her two newest things are that I need to give our baby water, and that I HAVE to pump so that DH can feed the baby, otherwise he'll "never bond with her". I try to explain to her that water isn't needed for newborns, and that there are other ways DH can bond, but she doesn't get it. Would it be too presumptuous to buy her a book? :D She isn't offended when I correct her, she just seems confused that things have changed (and I'm sure it IS hard to accept new research.. we'll all be just as confused when our DDs and DSs have kids). :)

Speaking of her being "out of date", we live about 8 hours from her, and she's seen a few photos of me pregnant but nothing with full maternity. She's been quizzing me about what I wear and what pregnancy fashion is like nowadays, because all she can picture me in are giant 70's mu-mus. LOL!!! I had to assure her I didn't own any of those....

[mmisabel]

a_spark - I totally wouldn't worry about 144. If you truly had gestational diabetes you would be >200. Maybe you had some carbs or sugars close to the test to raise it a little? I guess I would still do the 3-hour, but wouldn't worry at all. Plus, my friend asked what was the plan if she didn't pass the 3 hour - they said just watch the diet and the levels closer, but nothing major since it would be be considered borderline.

Maryanne - too funny! Don't you love seeing your tax dollars going towards such important things?? How's the carpal tunnel btw??

[Lizard]

All the GTT talk reminded me.... my OB looks for a score below 160!! It sounds like a lot of yours look for under 130 or 140. It's so weird that OB's have such different requirements.

[a_spark]

mmisabel Thanks for the reassurance! It's totally possible I had something weird before the test. I had to fast for 2 hours prior, but perhaps my breakfast, lunch, or dinner the night before affected it. I don't seem to have a choice to take the 3-hour or not, but I'm feeling confident about passing it.

[cpbride8203]

Hi girls!

I have my glucose test tonight at 6:15. The receptionist gave me a major attitude when I made the appointment, but I said to her, this is my second pg, I know what I should and should not eat all day. So I have been very good...had a bagel with peanut butter this morning, beef and spinach for lunch, some pretzels, and tons of water.

BUT - yesterday was my 30th birthday and one of my co-workers came in today with cupcakes from one of the best places here in NYC and now they are just sitting here on my desk staring at me. I can't have one until tomorrow. This is killing me!!! I want a cupcake!!!!!!!!!! But I will be good because I do not want to have to endure the 3 hour test.

Slings - I am going to have to look into this. I really do not know anyone IRL that has ever had one, but I am thinking it may be handy for #2 to help keep my hands free to do things for DD.

[mmisabel]

cpbride - Those wouldn't be Magnolia Cupcakes, would they?? Good luck on the GTT, take one with you to eat after!

[cpbride8203]

mmisabel - They are actually Buttercup cupcakes, but are the same thing since the lady who opened this place started at Magnolia! My office is closer to Buttercup, so we get these all of the time. LOVE THEM! This red velvet one sitting here is just killing me!

I would take one with me, but there is a Cold Stone Creamery cake in the freezer from my birthday yesterday that would like to be eaten tonight!

[klav]

it's werid I could not eat from midnight the night before and had the Gloucos test at 7ish am the next day and could not have a thing to eat or drink, ok maybe a bit of water but I was told not too much

[cpbride8203]

Klav - The GTT is another one of those things that I have found that everyone does differently. With my DD I went to a different OB and for that test, I had to go to the lab in the morning, was told not to have anything before I came, had the tech freak out on me because I had an apple, and couldn't have any water while I waited. Since I have switched OBs, this one does all bloodwork in his office and told me to just take the orange stuff home, drink an hour before, and since I was coming after work, to watch my sugar intake all day. I had lunch at 1:30 and my test is at 6:15, so I probably will only munch on some pretzels and have some water if I get hungry before I get home to drink my orange stuff. I am going to try not to eat anything at all after 3pm.

[klav]

yeah I just find it strange that everyone does it so diffrent... I don't think I've read on ethat is the same? I have to do the three hour one again lucky me!

[nuhmah]

Well, I failed my one hour. :( She wanted to see a result of 135 or lower, and I got a 157. So, I am going back tomorrow morning for my 3 hour test after 10 hours of fasting. Blech.

When I called my mom to tell her the news, she told me that she had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes with both myself and my sister. Thanks for telling me now, mom!! I was over 9 pounds, and my sister was over 8 - so I guess I could be falling into that track, too.

[klav]

nuhmah so sorry about that funny thing with mom's and not telling I had a scare a few years back with breast cancer( I did not have the greatest OB when this happened) and mom never said anything about it till I told her what the dr said and all then it was lie "O yeah so and so had it and so and so...." then last year my cousin was diagnosed. So it just goes to show you never know and sometime just don't think to talk about it until it happens. my family has a history with juvinal diabetes so I'm a bit more concerned. but the DR say it will be a concern with me later on than witht he baby. my mom was the same but I knew about the JD so we'll just have to wait and see
but it will all work out in the end right!

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

So DH gave me the go head on buying a sling! Ah... Peer pressures a b!tch!

I just got back from my dr appointment. The GTT wasn't too bad. The first couple of sips I was thinking that it wasn't bad but then by the end of it I felt like my entire mouth was coated with it.

So I have some bad news... I told the dr about the baby's foot getting stuck in my ribs and come to find out it isn't the baby's foot. He's pretty sure it's my gall bladder. He gave me a couple of tips to irritate less and told me to keep a close eye on it and journal everytime it bothers me. He said that if it is still a problem at my next appointment they will have to do an u/s on it to see how bad it is and I may have to get it taken care of before the baby is due! I'm so nervous, I'll be on the internet researching it for the rest of the day.

Also I am up another 8 lbs total of 25-30lbs so far... Which sucks because I thought I had been doing really good. I'm eating pretty well and I do a 1/2 hour exercise in the mornings on my ball. OB was really nice about it but I'm still dissappointed in myself. I need to really start walking everyday and getting my heart rate up a little. DH is also being super sweet about it and is telling me that he thinks I'm still beautiful and my weight gain isn't bothering him at all, but it's hard to feel attractive when I'm at what I thought I would be when it was time to deliver. I can't imagine gaining anymore weight!

Oh, I also got my shot in the butt today (My blood type O- so I need it in case any of our blood crosses the placenta). That was pleasant... She had me pull my pants half way down and then she got all her stuff together to give the shot so I was standing there bent over the table with my pants at half mass for 5 minutes while she's sitting there just having a casual conversation. Sooooo awkward!!

Threadmistress: My next appointment is May 1st.

[klav]

Lil_Mrs_0702 ooo So sorry about the half mass pants !! but gave me a giggle!!!:D I just chugg the stuff it's so gross. yikes ! I would be nervios too this is something they can't wait on?(gall bladder) I know my girlfriend had or thought she had an issue with hers not sure what she did I hope it's Ok and they can wait...

[a_spark]

nuhmah I'm so sorry about your GTT-- I feel your pain! :(

[maryanne]

I am so friggin frustrated right now. I have no idea what to do. I had a really bad night, and then it just got worse.

I had my meeting with the orthodpedic surgeon today. I was so excited about it since I just want some answers and help for the pain.

When I filled out the paperwork, I left the question about wether it was a work related injury blank b/c that is one of the main reasons that I was seeing the specialist...to see if he felt that it was work or pregnancy related. the front desk b-i-t-c-h gave me such an attitude , I was taken back. I handed her my insurance card so she already knew that I was covered if it isn't work related.

I got very riled up and then I had to see the doc. I told him exactly the symptoms that I have been experiencing for the last 10 weeks. He runs me thru some manual tests and then said , that he sees nothing wrong...that I need futher tests to diagnose but they can't be done until AFTER pregnancy.

I was in tears , seriously I was about set to loose it --wtf am supposed to do?

What about work? What about pain meds? What about actually treating me?

HE WON"T DIAGNOSE ME UNTIL I HAVE THE TESTS_ I CANT TAKE TAKE THE TESTS B/C I AM PREGNANT_ so...what am I supposed to do for the next 14 weeks.

[klav]

anyone have BB handy or the 2nd time mom's can answer for me .. crib matress what one did you buy?
O - maryanne I'm so sorry what a bitch the receptions was and why can the dr. tell you something? anything? I'm sorry if I missed it but what di you go in for? I'm soo sorry you had such a rought time not fair!

[maryanne]

thanks everyone...it was diagnosed by two obgyns as carpal tunnel in BOTH hands...this idiot seems to just want to play cames (probably b/c of what happened at the front desk).....I just looked up the NIH and Mayo clinics info on it and I gave him almost the exact description of what they say the symptoms are....I 've been bawling for three hours now...I just don't know what else to do. I have already made phone calls trying to get a second opinion but all the docs are playing hookey since it is so nice out and all I get is their answering service. i just don't know what to do...

My job is ready to fire me since I keep calling in...normal Pregnancy Disability is decided by your last eight weeks of work...which means that I won't get anything when the baby is born if I don't work for the next 8 weeks--but I can't work...

I need to know what is happening...if I will be able to hold my baby and not fear dropping her like I have done with every glass lately...I need to know if working will make it worse---I need to know if I will be able to do my job since it is so demanding....

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Maryanne- I am so sorry that has got to be so scary and frustrating. I am pissed on your behalf!

Klav- I got the Sealy Cozy Rest at Target for $50. From what I remember from other posts, it was a Sealy that was the highest recommended and the baby bargains book said don't get into the hype of an expensive mattress.

MiasMama- You are such a bad influence! DH gave me the ok to get a sling and convinced me that I needed it after I told him about the sale on fleece ones.
I got the pumpkin orange.. Way too cute and will be perfect with the brown suede coat that I also need.
http://www.hotslings.com/assets/products/large/pumpkinmodel.jpg

So I'm a little confused, I looked on another thread about gallbladder and they said that they waited until after pregnancy for surgery but I think if it's bad enough they will have to do surgery before then. I just hope that I won't have to deliver before he is ready... My doc will look into it more in this next month which he is really good about. I know it sounds so weird but I'm kind of hoping that I will need the u/s so I get another peek at Colin (head down in shame)... Ofcourse I want the u/s to show that I'm healthy and normal but I wouldn't mind another u/s.

[hotmama]

hey everyone! long time no check-in. sorry 'bout that...life is busy with a 17-month-old around the house. :)

ok, so i read about everyone ordering these adorable fleece slings...went ahead and ordered one, too. i ordered a size 2 in the blue color. i know mia's mommy mentioned we might want to order a size smaller. i hope if i need to return for a smaller size they won't give me any hassles. i would rather try it on first with a baby doll in the sling before going smaller. i worry that it would be too tight.

nothing exciting to report. i need to take an new belly shot. these last few weeks have involved a lot of growing. my tummy is clearly pregnant. and i'm getting a lot of comments. still carrying on the small side but that is how Aiden was.

my nesting mode has halted a bit. we're at a stand-still in the baby's room. still trying to figure out what to do in there. however, we are having 2 major home projects done in the next month; new carpet and new interior paint. once those 2 things are completed, i'm sure we'll be right back in the swing of nesting again. :)

the baby has been moving a lot! actually seems like all day and all night. my husband is now able to feel the kicking and rolling, too. it's always nice when he can be more involved in things.

i'm feeling the need for more exercise in my life. the weather has been off and on here but i love walking...and it's good for Aiden to get the fresh air, too. i've been trying to stay active and even increase it a little bit. i'm noticing a signifigant increase in flab on my body. ugh!

everyone sounds great! hope to be back soon!

[July&August2006Mommies]

*** Updated to here! ***

jewamese - What is your due date? I just realized I never put you in the due date list and it still says late July-early August in the mommy list. Sorry!

[ShelbyMay]

ATTENTION: Skinny-mini moms-to-be! (I know we have some petite ladies in this thread. :) ) GAP.com has a few kinds of maternity pants on REALLY low clearance, but mainly only in 0,1, and XXS. Thought I'd spread the word in case anyone here can benefit from it.

[rande]

Hi Girls,
Can't believe that it is almost Friday! This week has flown by.

Nuhmah and A-spark-Sorry to hear about the GTT!

Maryanne-Yours sounds like a more severe case than mine, but I had carpal tunnel in my wrists while pregnant with DS. My doctor recommended that I get one of those ACE wrist things. It did help some. I took Tylenol when it was really bad and also took several breaks from my computer each day. It is awful, I feel your pain! I hope that you are able to get some relief.


Lil_Mrs-I wonder if my rib pain is also gallbladder. It is on my left side. My doctor told me that it is probably a pinched nerve but I have a family history of people having to have their gallbladders removed (I am not sure of their history since I am adopted). Hope that it can wait until after the baby. Maybe it is not even the gallbladder but a pinched nerve????

[maybebaby]

I took the GTT last Sat and passed w/an 83. They said I could eat beforehand but I took it early in the morning so I just had one slice of sourdough toast and butter beforehand. Good luck, a spark and nuhmah--hope the 3 hour is no big deal and you pass with flying colors. I did find out though that I'm anemic so now I have to take iron supplements. No big deal, I think.

Rande, I think I would fly with the two babies, and just expect the airlines will probably help you out a little when they see you're alone with two little ones, but maybe I don't realize how hard it could be. That story about your mother in law and the carseat is something else!

[a_spark]

maryanne I'm SO sorry the doctor was such an a** about your wrists. Hopefully today you can get an appointment to get a second opinion!!

hotmama How funny- we are doing the same home projects! We just got the interior of our house painted (except for the nursery and guest room, which will be getting recarpeted so we decided to do those ourselves) and will be getting new carpets, and wood floors in our bedroom. I am obsessed with this house being perfect when the baby comes.

lil mrs What do they think is wrong with your gallbladder? Gallstones? I think I read somewhere that they are common during pregnancy. I hope you and your doc can get that figured out soon so you're more comfortable.

maybebaby Congrats on passing your GTT! That sounds like a great number! I really wonder if my not being able to eat beforehand affected the test at all- I mean, it seems like my body would have a lot harder of a time processing sugar if I had been fasting, but I'm no expert.

I'm getting to the point where my feet and hands are swelling a little. It was really warm and beautiful here yesterday and my feet were like hot little sausages! I'm noticing it's getting a little harder to walk, too. I used to walk really fast and now I need to slow down because I get uncomfortable round ligament pain after a couple of blocks. Walking slowly feels so weird though! Ah, the joys of pregnancy :)

I know we're not supposed to do this because we'll get lots of baby clothes as gifts, etc., but I broke down and bought some REALLY cute stuff at Babystyle, including that adorable butterfly-print kimono. I know a lot of you ROs said that 0-3 would be too big on a lot of babies, though, so I need to also find something a little smaller, just in case.

[klav]

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!! don't for get to spring forward this Sunday!! or you'll be late.:)

[Wrighty26]

maryanne - Sorry to hear about your disappointing Dr. appt! I am SO frustrated for you. I really hope you are able to find a Dr who is willing to cater to YOU (like they should).

lil mrs - Ooo...Gallbladder doesn't sound fun! I hope that whatever it is, it's minor!! Keep us posted :)

nuhmah - Sorry to hear about the GTT! I hope you pass the 3-hour. I agree that it would have been nice of your mom to tell you about her GD!

klav - our mattress is a Colgate Othropedic coil. It's included in the price of the crib-- but from what I've read it's pretty decent. I think it's hard to go wrong with a name brand mattress-- I wouldn't necessarily splurge for the high-priced ones, only because babies can literally sleep anywhere! But that's me :)

maybebaby - Congrats on passing the GTT!

a_spark - I've noticed it's getting harder to walk too! My hips have been bothering me lately--and I feel like I'm waddling around-- already!

TGIF!! I'm so ready to get some productive stuff done this weekend... I might as well, while I can!

[cpbride8203]

I had my GTT last night. Thought I was going to be ill from the orange drink, but it went fine, and I am amazed that I do not have a bruise on my arm this morning from giving blood.

I just have to come in here to say how much I love my doctor. I went to a different practice with DD because of where we lived and was so nervous about switching. So I asked around at work for recommendations and decided to go to this guy. Well he is just GREAT! He asked how I was feeling and I said I was starting to get a bit anxious about the delivery since my daughter came so quickly. That I was worried about not being able to have my epidural, that I am alone alot because my DH works nights, and in the summer, my in-laws are away every weekend. He said not to worry, we will schedule everything...which is SOOOO what I wanted to hear.

With my DD, labor started right as my DH was leaving for work, so I was alone all night, and in the morning when I just couldn't take it, my MIL had to drive a 1/2 hour to get me. It was not fun. I just don't want that to happen this time, especially since I do have another child at home. I know this all may sound crazy, but a scheduled induction date really is going to give me a lot of peace of mind!

So, we will probably set the date at my appointment in May.

My next appointment is April 20th for a regular check up and a sono.

[klav]

Wrighty26 thanks for theinfo I ordered one last night from target thesame one that Lil_Mrs_0702 go for 50.00 so it should be here on Tuesday so I then can put the sheets on and bumper on the crib!! yeahy
I read in BB that Colgate was one of there top picks but there like 120.00 seperate. So I went with the next best thing.
thanks for the help!

[Lizard]

Happy Friday! :D

maryanne - I'm so sorry to hear about what you're going through. I wonder if you could call the OB that gave you the initial diagnosis and let them know what the surgeon said, and ask how you're supposed to handle all the time you've been off. You deserve some answers! :(

Gallbladder shtuff - If you have any questions about it let me know... I went through gallbladder troubles for many many years and it sucked. I had it removed a few years ago and it's been awesome. Rande - the gallbladder's on your right side, so if you're having left side pain it could be something else.

Walking etc. - I haven't noticed anything different, except I'm getting tired faster. I go up and down stairs at work a few times a day, and our house is a split-level. I'm definitely getting winded more often!

Yesterday we went to the giant kids consignment sale I mentioned earlier this month... I had a pass to get in early because I'm a first-time mom. The place was PACKED, and it was obvious from the first 5 minutes that there were people there with multiple kids. DH heard someone talking about how they were having their 4th, and people were walking around with 3T and 4T clothing and older kids' toys. Kinda cruddy, but oh well. We got several cheap outfits for 3-6 and 6-9, a brand new Boppy for $10, a like-new Snugly for $4, and a cute lamp for $7, among other things. Oh, DH picked up a bunch of misc. Classic Pooh stuff too... bibs, blankets, etc. that were super cheap. All it all it was worth it.

Tonight DH's brother and family are coming up to go to the same consignment sale. So I think we're doing that tomorrow morning, then probably going to the zoo. We have a fantastic zoo, and their daughter is almost 4 and will love it. Should be a fun weekend! Hopefully I can get more deals at the sale too. :) They had a million children's books that I didn't even get to look at... I'd love to get some old Golden Books for her bookshelf.

Have a great day ladies!!

[cece]

cpbride- well, i've cut back on his milk...down to about 20oz. i'm glad you mentioned that. i was feeling like since he wasn't eating all that much, he needed more milk. but i think the excess milk made him have a decreased appetite...he actually ate alot more at dinner last night than usual! that's awesome about your new ob! and the scheduled induction! my ob is also scheduling an induction for me, but he said mostly because otherwise i'd probably end up with a moose of a baby. i'm pretty relieved because we're a good hour from the hospital, and with finn and all, i am so relieved to not have to scramble at the last minute. i never would have considered this for my 1st, but for the 2nd it's ideal!

mia's mama- you've created a sling frenzy...i love it! love that mei tai you picked up! well, finn has tried to straw cup, but thinks it's more a toy than drinking device! he's trouble i tell ya.

a spark- that stroller is gorgeous! and, so happy to hear your dog is better. i'm glad you ended up getting that outfit at babystyle...it's too gorgeous not to. i'm not sure if they've scaled back on their sizing or not, but even if it's too big to bring her home in, you'll get lots of use out of it over summer.

rande- yah, finn has all his teeth as well...i'm hoping to ditch the bottle soon. we'll see. i think it's definately manageable to travel with both babies. the tricky part is managing both babies, luggage, etc to the plane. the baby will be a dream travelling as you know and i'm sure drew will be fine once you get him settled in his seat. if you bring a stroller for drew, you can push him, hang your carry-on over the handle, sling/bjorn the baby and check your bags at the curb. and maybe try putting a strap on the carseat and carry it over your shoulder...that worked like a charm for us.

maryanne- jails and er's...what a crazy turn of events!

nuhmah-i wouldn't think bh contrax are too early. i'm getting them all the time actually. and at night much harder than i should be. i really need to figure out a way to slow it down a bit!

lizard- oh boy, outdated advice. that's going to keep coming girlfriend! my mil was the one that gave me most of it...water for a newborn, pounding their back to burp, rice cereal in the bottle to get him to sleep better (when he slept perfectly), solids at 3 months, etc. i just let her know that we're not doing those things and that things have changed with the times. i did however pump and have dh give ds a bottle at about 3wks...he sucked that thing back! he never had an issues with nipple confusion but i know some babies do. i loved being able to share that with dh and it gave me a little break from the feeding also!

maryanne- i'm so sorry about that appt! hoping you'll get some clarity on this from someone...how frustrating.

and i'm so sorry for the girls that didn't pass the GTT. mine is 4/10 and since i have low blood sugar to begin with, i'm praying that i pass. i'd never survive fasting.

[a_spark]

cece Thanks! I'm loving the stroller and the outfit. And they match! :)

swelling Anyone having minor swelling in their hands and feet? My hands and feet are so HOT all the time! They really *feel* huge but when I look at them, they're just a tiny bit puffy. I read it's normal but it's kind of uncomfortable!