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.