October 2006 Mommies : 2nd Trimester

[Mommy2ml]

lawgirl congrats on your girl
mamabear congrats on your boy

Bubeleh the infant safe seat is supposed to be even better than the snug ride I have heard, as it has higher weiught and height allowances for longer use and safer use for bigger babies, etc. HTH


update on us amnio results are in, and all seems to be normal, so we just do a wait and see, continue with the u/s checks every couple of weeks, etc, and it's either a blockage or absolutely nothing as far as echogenic bowel goes.

Has a faint spell yesterday, did not collapse, but came close. They lady behind the register at KFC was certainly helpful - gave me water and helped me to a seat while they prepped my order and she stayed with me till my head cleared a bit. I called the doc, left work early and went in. He thinks it was either the heat or a hypoglycemic episode. So I have to carry some fruit oor something with me just in case and if it happens again I go straight back to the doc for a more thorough check. But everything looked and sounded fine yesterday. He did have me lay down in the room for around 10-20min with the lights down and rest too and that helped a ton. All of a sudden, since yesterday I have been very tired very easily, so who knows?

Baby boy is doing well and we are set on the name Logan Henry for him. Mackie is even calling him interchangably "the baby in your belly" or "Logan" depending on her mood :)

Oh, and I am buying my co-sleeper from a friend of mine for about half what it costs in the store. She is not using it anymore and barely got much use from it, so it's like new without a box, so I am so siked!

I also got in the mail a huge box of barely used, some NWT boy clothes from the same awesome friend ! :)

I need to send in another payment for the dipes and inserts ASAP and pay for the cosleeper and then we can concentrate on getting our room ready for baby :)

Oh yeah, and the amnio triple confirmed we are having a boy LOL

[MichelleRenee]

Mommy2ml, that is great that the amnio showed that everything is fine! I had an "almost" fainting spell last week and it was really scary. I hope neither of us has to go through that again!

[marathongirl]

mommy2ml - good news about the u/s results! If Logan does turn out to have echogenic bowel, what can be done about it? Surgery after birth? Sorry, I don't know much about it. I used to have dizzy spells w/ DD. They were scary but thankfully, I never fainted.

Not much else going on. DH is in Argentina for 2 weeks so I'm busy being mom and dad 24/7. My business venture won't be taking off either. DH really wasn't happy with the arrangement and I can't risk my marriage over it. Oh wel, life goes on....

[Mommy2ml]

michellerenee Thanks, I hope we're done with them too!

marathongirl thanks. The echogenic bowel is how things show up on the u/s. It means parts of his bowel are showing brighter, abnormally bright. At this point it could mean nothing, or a bowel blockage. If it is a blockage it could resolve itself before birth or he might need surgery to repair it. Chances are now though that it truly is nothing :)

[nutter13]

We had our big u/s yesterday as well. Everything looked great! Baby is doing great! My placenta is anterior and that is why I haven't been feeling as much movement as I did with DD.

Please add us to team......................BLUE!

Mommy2ml I'm so glad everything looked okay! I have had episodes where I feel the same way, I feel like if I don't eat something that minute I will pass out. It is scary.

Quick question....Does anyone feel more "wet" down there lately?? I think I had the same worry with DD. I was scared that I was leaking fluid. I think I remember the Dr. saying to smell it (sorry if TMI) b/c amniotic fluid doesn't really smell, or might smell sweet, urine on the other hand definitely has a smell :rolleyes:

[Mommy2ml]

nuttercongrats on the boy!

The wetness is normal iirc. There is an increase in vag. discharge, watery, clear stuff, through most of the pg due to hormones. I seem to get it most at the beginning and then the entire 2nd half of pg. The leaky bladder for me came towards the end with DD, but who knows what this time aroudn will bring? LOL Just another joy of pg I suppose

[maplekitty]

congrats on the boy Nutter!

I've been feeling more "wet" but I think it's normal wetnes and not amniotic fluid or pee just yet. It's definitely enough to have to wear a pantyliner.

mommy2ml - I'm glad the amnio went well. I'm also interested to know what they can do for a echogenic bowel after birth?

fainting is no good...I've been having a few dizzy spells and I think its from not drinking enough water.

QOTD: Anyone planning on maternity shots?
I've started emailing a ton of photogrpahers in my area and getting quotes. Most are comparable, now it's just a matter of figuring out which package is better and who we like more. Obviously we dont have them taken a few more months, but I know I need to book it now since it's getting much more popular and wedding season is upon us so more photogs are getting booked up.

[Pamela]

Last night hubby and I were entertained for awhile watching my belly jump around with kicks! It is just so funny to see, it makes me feel like I'm made of Jello or something. We had a good laugh watching it :)

Mommy2ml, I hope that the echogenic bowel turns out to be nothing at all! I did have one fainting spell about a month or so ago, but that was due to meds I was taking. Not fun!

Nutter, Congratulations on your Boy!!

QOTD, Maternity shots, I haven't really thought about it. Probably not. I guess we could go to a nice park and just take some nice ones, that could be fun. The ones I'm most excited about are the family pics after the baby arrives!

edited to add: Wow, team Blue is ahead for the first time!

edited again to add: Threadmistress I love how you've organised the first page with all the colours and cool stuff!!!

[Ericka_Jarett]

QOTD - I will be letting my hubby take my maternity photos. He did them for my best friend back with her first child 2 yrs ago, she was the practice round and we think they came out good. She loved them, so hubby is just praying my belly starts to round out more than going wide like it is right now. We have other ones but these are the ones we have on the site. Here are some that he took of my friend:
This first one we loved, because he was just looking at her belly, like what did I do!!!!
http://www.ducklingphoto.com/proof/jessica/glare_std.jpghttp://www.ducklingphoto.com/proof/jessica/together_smile_std.jpg
Hubby wiped out all her stretch marks out, which she was grateful for.
http://www.ducklingphoto.com/proof/jessica/kneeling_bw_std.jpghttp://www.ducklingphoto.com/proof/jessica/kneeling_color_std.jpg

[Mommy2ml]

qotd-I take belly pics whenever I remember to... but actual professional shots, I don't think so.. I would rather save my $$ and use it for professional shots of the baby and DD:)

[Mommy2ml]

thought I might post a pic of my big boy:

http://pics.livejournal.com/mama_of_mackie/pic/00004xp7/s320x320

[bunnybeth]

Bubeleh Baby Bargains doesn't have an official review yet, but in the parent reviews section of their website, it seems to be well-liked: reviews (http://windsorpeak.com/reviews/items/Car_Seats/infant_car_seats/Graco/sbr/date_desc/395/index.htm)

Mommy2ml That's great to hear the amnio results are normal. :) I haven't come close to fainting, but do sometimes feel lightheaded, it's a really strange feeling.

marathongirl Too bad about your business venture, but hopefully that doesn't mean it won't ever happen. It sounds like a fun idea, but maybe just not the right time.

nutter13 Congrats on your boy!

QOTD maternity shots I have an amateur photographer friend who I plan to ask for maternity shots later this summer. I think I would like professional baby/family shots before Christmas though (especially as my friend has no studio so outdoor sessions are a must for her!)

We have picked the main fabric for the nursery:
http://www.kidsfabrics.com/swatches/EE164-11.jpg
Just have to decide on the exact curtains and get a pattern for them, then I can order all the fabric and get sewing. :D

Wow, a Feb. mom already, time sure flies!

[Michelle]

Mommy2ml - I'm glad to hear that the amnio went well. I love the name Logan! That was going to be our boy name if baby turned out to be a boy. It's a great name! Great U/S picture too!

Marathongirl - I'm sorry to hear about the business venture. You never know what else will come your way in the future!

Nutter - Congrats on your baby boy!

Ericka - Your husband took great pictures!

Bunnybeth - I love the fabric you bought! So cute!

QOTD - Maternity Shots. Nah, I don't think I'm going to do it. I'll be going picture crazy once baby comes!

Wetness - You guys are so not alone! I'm with you!

- - - - - - - - - - -

I've been having some cramping. Kind of like mild period cramps. I did end up emailing the dr's office yesterday and a nurse called me right away. She thought I'd be okay and it's probably just my uterus stretching because I really have nothing else going on. I also felt a lot of movement yesterday. I took some tylenol just to see if that would help and it helped a little. I feel better today though.

I have an appointment on Friday for an u/s and checkup so I'll talk to the dr. about it then. I'm looking forward to the u/s! I just want to see baby and confirm that she's a girl. I looked at one of the 16 week u/s shots and it's a money shot for a girl, but I'm anxious to hear it again. I'd hate to paint the nursery purple and then redo it blue for a boy after giving birth!

I hope that everybody is having a great afternoon!

[lawgirl4]

just wanted to drop off my new ultrasound photo - baby's profile!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/lawgirl4/preggo/21wkprofile3.jpg

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

QOTD - I would like to do professional photos, but haven't really looked into anything yet.

mommy2ml - very glad to hear all was ok w/your amnio results! Logan Henry is an adorable name!

nutter - congrats on your boy!!

bunnybeth - very cute fabric. the beatrix potter peter rabbit stories were a big favorite in my household growing up!

michelle - sounds like round ligament pain. I described mine to my dr yesterday and she confirmed that sometimes they can be really sharp and painful. apparently they are often at their worst around 20-24 weeks.

[MidwesternGal]

Hello all! Nothing much to update, just dropping by to say hi!

re: Wetness: Oh yeah. Pantyliner everyday.

Maternity Shots: We're having professional photographs taken with my parents and sister before my sis leaves for the Peace Corps this summer. We may do a few with just DH and I, but my tummy is too flabby to do actual shots!

Have a wonderful day!

[Michelle]

lawgirl - Great u/s picture! :)

[Ericka_Jarett]

Thanks for the compliment Michelle.

My friend was more than willing to let him take photos, as she knew she was sort of the guinea pig since he hadn't taken maternity ones before. We did that at their house in the living room so it made things easy for all involved. She feels bad that she didn't have any taken with her 2nd son, but she is ok with it now. Just for the heck of it, here is what was cooking inside during those photos (incidently she delivered 3-4 days later): This photo is one of the unedited one we took at his photo shoot, when he was only 3 days old.
http://www.ducklingphoto.com/proof/eliotday/dscf3572_1_std.jpg

[Mommy2ml]

so cute! :)

[MichelleRenee]

Whoa... page 2? I don't think so!

Threadmistress... the front page looks great!!!!

[Bubeleh]

Ericka - The first page is great!

[maplekitty]

I'm so excited I get to find out if Baby Muffin is strawberry or blueberry tomorrow!! :) I called and confirmed that yes they will indeed tell me because I'm far enough along now! Yikes, listening to you all find out these past 5 weeks have been killing me....I'm so impatient!! :D

Oh and baby is so active these days, I feel him/her all day long. I'm starting to feel it higher up too, not just in my lower abdomen, now it's kind of around my belly button.

[lawgirl4]

maplekitty, have fun tomorrow!!!!!!!! it's so exciting!

[SlvSpring]

bubeleh- the graco safeseat is actually the infant car seat we are going to buy. we've researched it and have really been impressed with the reviews. we wanted our child to stay rear-facing as long as possible and all other infant seats max out at 20 or 22 pounds and many babies get bigger than that before they are 1 and wind up getting turned around around 10 months. anyway, that my 2 cents. :)

lawgirl4- congrats on your girl!! such a cute profile u/s picture!

maplekitty- good luck at your u/s tomorrow! i know what you mean about having to wait through everyone else! i am thinking now that i will be the LAST person to find out.

My appt with my new OB is 9AM tomorrow. Can't wait!! Hopefully they will get my big U/S scheduled SOON!!!

[SlvSpring]

oh and I forgot to add, yes, Ericka, the 1st page looks fab!!! you are doing such a good job! thanks!

[Bubeleh]

Thanks everyone for the advice on the car seat, I think we are going to with it because of all the benefits and its the one that matches the stroller!

Have fun tomorrow Maplekitty, don't forget to comeback and tell us!

[marathongirl]

Ericka - the front page really does look great!!! Does your DH do photography full time? The pics are beautiful!

maplekitty - I hope muffin gives you guys the money shot! Can't wait to hear the results!

I love the u/s pics everyone is posting! Such beautiful babies! I'm getting excited to see the real pics!

Hope everyone is doing well!

[Ericka_Jarett]

marathongirl - Thank you for the compliments on both things. My husband started doing it more pro while he was unemployed a few years ago. He has a regular full time job now though so does photography on the side. We shot a wedding a few years ago, he mostly does baby or church (VBS) photos. Although this weekend we will be shooting Special Olympics events. He has always liked photography.

me - got on a roll with cleaning the kitchen yesterday, I scrubbed the floor, cleared the cabinets of older food and reorganized them. I ironed this morning, going to scrub the laundry room floor and washing my sheets and a load of laundry.

[MamaBear]

It's almost Friday! Why is it that the week after you have a 3 day weekend is a very long one? I can't wait until it is over.

Thanks for the congrats everybody. We are so excited to be having another boy. Now I have to stat thinking about how we are going to change the nursery. I think that he should have his "own room". Although we may reuse the bedding and just get different accessories. We shall see. Oh, and names. We cannot seem to find a name that we both agree on or that we really love. That is going to be a hard one.

Bunnybeth- I love those stretch rings. I just might have to get one. I love the Beatrix Potter fabric! It is so cute.

Pamela- Yay for the stroller! I can't wait to see my belly jump.

mommy2ml- So glad that he amnio results came back and that it was all good. What a relief! How scary about your fainting spell. I hate that feeling you get- so out of control! Hope you are better now.

marathongirl- Sorry to hear about the outcome of the business meeting. It sounds like you are on to something though. Maybe you could go into business for yourself or the original arrangement could change?

Nutter- Congrats on your BOY!! Wetness- yes, there has been an increase. When my water broke, I sat there looking at the toilet paper to see if it smelled different or looked like it was straw colored. I remember not really being able to tell :o

Maplekitty- No pics here. At least I don't think so right now. Have fun today at your u/s! I hope that Muffin cooperates!

Erika- Your DH takes beautiful shots. I especially love the one of the baby! So cute! The first page looks great!

Michelle- Cramping at any point in a pregnancy is scary. I hope that you are feeling better. One more day until your u/s! My DH was the same as you. At every u/s, he would ask the tech or dr. to re-confirm the DS was indeed a boy. He started to annoy me. Hopefully you will get the reassurance you need!

SlvSpring- Good luck with the new OB!

Not much to update here. DS is going to MIL's house this weekend. DH and I are going out to dinner for our anniversary. I love having the time alone with DH, but I miss my little man so much when he is gone!! The house is so quiet without him :( But when I get to sleep in in the morning, I start to enjoy the time away from him- but just a little :o

I will check back in to see u/s results. Have a great Thursday ladies!

Sara

[Mommy2ml]

Went for the u/s this morning and all was well. I go back in 4 weeks. It looks like the echogenic bowel might be getting better and/or going away! :)

So we're back to mostly everything going normally. Lots of kicks and movement in there everyday, too. Since Tuesday I have been getting more tired more easily though. But I suppose that would happen the closer I get to the third trimester, right? I remember losing some energy around then last time... just thought I had a few more weeks before then!

Doctor's appt is next week - the 8th and the next u/s is the 29th. I am 22 weeks along today! :)

Oh, liking this from Ikea:

http://www.ikea.com/PIAimages/22208_PE083569_S3.jpg

for clothes storage for Logan. Should fit in our room too! :)

[Mommy2ml]

Question...

For those of you with at least 1 child already. When did you start introducing the idea of sleeping over at someone else's house? Like grandma/Grandpa's, etc. We're going to have to try to intro that soon... but Mackie has never been away from us overnight yet, not even once, and she is so attached to us at night and with her nighttime routine!

Also, how do you handle it? I have never been away from my baby for more than a few hours (like a work day) at a time. She does go to daycare, I do know others can care for her well and will take good care of her. But I am so not ready to let go yet!

[bunnybeth]

Michelle Thanks! I feel it's hard to have bunnies not be cute. ;)

lawgirl They were favorites of mine and DH as well, I actually picked out the theme pre-TTC. That's an adorable profile shot of your little one.

maplekitty Hope you find out today, exciting!

SlvSpring You don't even have your u/s scheduled yet? I'd be so impatient! Hope you can get that in soon, I'm certainly towards the end myself so I understand the wait.

MamaBear Good luck on the names, but there is time left to decide at least. And, happy anniversary and enjoy your quiet weekend with just DH.

Mommy2ml I was thinking about IKEA for a dresser as well, the one you found is really cute. (I'll need a skinny one, too.)

[lawgirl4]

thanks everyone for the compliments on the u/s photo! I put that photo in a frame that DH gave me for Mother's Day - it looks so nice! :)

slvspring - hope your new OB is everything you're hoping for!

mommy2ml - so glad to hear things are looking up re: the echogenic bowel. I'm not a 2nd time mom, but my nephew (now 3) has been sleeping over at our house since he was about 1-1/2. That first time was kind of funny (he woke up in the middle of the night, wanted to nurse - he literally pulled down my shirt and reached inside! - so I had to take him over to a mirror to show him I wasn't his mom!) - and he was totally fine. I think you just need to make sure that she's really comfortable with the person at whose house she's sleeping over.

[Mommy2ml]

lawgirl thanks... I just worry so much sometimes. I worry she'll think I "left" her or something. I know she'll probably have a blast though :)

[emermel]

Sleep overs:

We have stayed at both my moms and at my IL's (given, this isn't leaving DD at their house, we just stay with them when we come into town) and she ususally does fine. I will admit though, that if she wakes up in the night, she kinda freaks out, just because she doesn't know where she is.

We have left DD at our house overnight with both my sister's and with DH's secretary/babysitter when we had to go out of town. It was GREAT both times. There was more stress about it on my part than on DD's.

[Mommy2ml]

Thsat is another possibility... maybe having my mom sleep over at our house or something like that... but then DH would have to find a place to sleep when he finally gets home or whatever. I guess it will depend on when I go into labor and how long L&D is, etc.

She's fine at our house or others' for during the day, but always wants to go home when she's tired and it's late.

[Tika]

Hello ladies! I see that you have been moving in here since the last time I posted.

Thanks to all for the congrats on the boy. Now we need to focus on narrowing our list of names. It is a little trickier for us as we need to make sure that the name can be pronounced in both French and English without it being butchered by either side of the family/friends.

MidwestGal and She-Ra thanks for understanding! I think that I am getting used to the idea that I am having a boy and not a girl. It is all good! Either way, I love my child.:)

Marathongirl--- One of each would be nice! Hopefully I will get the girl with the second child.;) BTW, sorry about the business venture, but I agree, it’s not worth rocking your marriage. I’m sure you will think of something else to pursue.

Lawgirl---- Initially I wanted the Bugaboo Cameleon, but now I am trying to assess if we should just get the Bugaboo Gecko (we are both about the same height and that was one of the extra features that really interested me). We are going to play with both this weekend before making a final decision. BTW, congrats on the baby Girl!:)

Nigelas--- Don’t feel bad! As you can see, you are not the only one who has not made any major purchases. And I am not even on bed rest! Congratulations on baby Boy! These are cute diaper covers; I wish I had the time and guts to go with CDs.

MamaBear---- Congratulations on having a boy!

Bubeleh--- I’m glad you found a top for the wedding. I have to attend one next week and still don’t know what I will be wearing!!! I will be doing some major searching this weekend.

Mommy2ML----- Glad to hear that things are looking better and that the amnio results were fine. I’ve had a couple episodes of dizzy spell myself and they are not fun! Congrats on baby boy! I like the name you picked.

Nutter--- Congratulations on having a boy! WOW, there have been a lot of boys lately!

Pamela--- It must have been so much fun watching your stomach jump around! I can’t wait to get there! All I feel now are little thump or flutters.:confused:

Michelle--- Hope the cramping subsided.

MapleKitty--- Enjoy your appt. You get to see so much with that u/s!

QOTD: Ericka, like you, my husband does photography on the side. That is his passion, but he is too afraid to give up working as a CPA at this time in order to pursue it. Anyway, he will be the one doing the shots. He has been talking about it for ever and has it all planned out with studio, make-up artist and all. Oh lawrd!!!!:rolleyes: I am looking forward to the session though!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, now that I have written a book, not much going on with me. We will most likely go register at Buy Buy Baby this weekend and also look at more furniture options. We went to Bellini last weekend and found a crib and dresser that we really like, but I want to see what else is out there. I would rather not spend so much money on baby furniture.

[Rippy1010]

Mommy2ml ~ Your Logan did much better than MY Logan at the u/s!!! He would not behave, so we couldn't get an profile shot like the awesome one you got!!

[Nigellas]

Mapplekitty - How'd it go??? :D

[maplekitty]

We've got ourselves a Strawberry Muffin! :D

[MichelleRenee]

Oooh, team blue and team pink are neck and neck! I guess I get to break that tie tomorrow! Congrats, maplekitty!

[lawgirl4]

welcome to the pink team maplekitty!

[maplekitty]

threadmistress, here is Robyn Abigail at 22 weeks :)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid207/pdaa885335d68c519ba91e82958d83b0a/eeb7731d.jpg

[Pamela]

Maplekitty, Congratulations on your Girl!! Thats a beautiful name!

[MamaBear]

Maplekitty- Congrats on your little girl!!!

[Michelle]

Congratulations on your GIRL Maplekitty!!!!!!!! :) I love the name picked out!!

[MichelleRenee]

Beautiful picture, maplekitty! Beautiful name, too!

I am currently drinking my 32 ounces of water. I can't believe it is already the day of my ultrasound. This pregnancy stuff really does fly by!

I am glad it is Friday too. My sister is moving into hew new condo with her husband this weekend so I am watching their 6 month old overnight Saturday. That should be some good practice, eh? Except for that he is a super good baby that never cries. We'll see how it goes though.

[Mrs-Mac]

Morning,

We had our doctors appt last night. Everything went great. We got results from both the ultrasound and the quad screen. Both were fine, perfect, no problems, which was SUCH a relief. The heartbeat is still nice and strong (about 150). My weight went down a pound. Still haven't gained any weight yet and down 5 pounds from my pre-preg weight. It has been bothering me, but the dr didn't seem concerned and Peanut is exactly the size he/she should be, so I'm not going let it worry me. I'm sure I'll gain weight eventually.

I am now starting to get comfortable and anxious to get started with baby prep stuff. Maybe start a registry, look at furniture, register for birth and breastfeeding classes. I've been really hesitant to do or plan too much because of a fear that something might go wrong. I think I'm finally getting past that. Not that I don't worry still, but at least I know at this point, the baby is strong and as healthly as it can be.

QOTD - Photos Not sure about this. I'm normally the one behind the camera taking the pics (did maternity photos of my SIL during her last pregnancy). I might see if I can coach my DH through taking pics. But there is a possibility that I might just get them done, not sure yet.

Congrats to all the moms who found out if they are having a girl or boy!!!

[Jenzen01]

Maplekitty - Welcome to the pink team! Congrats on your little girl!

Mrs-Mac - I hear you on the anxiety. You're right ... I was in the May thread with you for a while. Anyway, I had a dream last night that I lost the baby even though I was 20 weeks along. I just can't shake the fear sometimes. We'll be OK. :)

Gabe got the all-clear from the dr. on his ears, so hopefully, we'll all be healthy for a while. Oh, and the exciting development at our house is that he's starting putting two words together. Last night, he said, "bye, daddy." So cute.

This weekend, we're planning on going to "Breakfast on the Farm" on Saturday and then a parade on Sunday. It's June dairy month, for all you non-Wisconsin people. :) We do love our milk up here. Breakfast on the Farm is hosted by a family in each county ... the public is invited to the farm where they serve pancakes, etc., and give a tour of the milking facilities and whatnot. I think the local royalty (Alice in Dairyland) might be there as well as the 4-H queens and stuff like that. They have a little farmer dressup competition for the kids and a few other activities.

We're experiencing a bout of beautiful weather up here ... it's making it hard to concentrate on work.

Jen

[Bubeleh]

Running out to catch a plane, but COngrats to Maple on your Strawberry muffin and good luck to Michelle on your U/S today!

[Quartercentury]

In the midst of being away and getting caught up, so many baby boys and girls coming out of hiding!!! Very exciting news!!!

We're still undecided on whether to find out the sex... But the amount of yellowness that has recently come my way leads to to believe that maybe telling people the baby's sex is a good idea!

When I was home, my parents and sister organised a baby shower, which, given that I'm not really even showing yet, was a bit weird. But it was lots of fun. A few photos:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v448/quartercentury/October%202006%20Pumpkin/littlesocks.jpg
tiny baby socks

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v448/quartercentury/October%202006%20Pumpkin/yellow.jpg
masses of yellow clothes for the baby

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v448/quartercentury/October%202006%20Pumpkin/wool.jpg
despite the hesitant face, this was possibly my favorite gift: handmade wool diaper covers! yay! :)

I am feeling the baby squirming around a lot the past few days, even kicking hard enough to feel from the outside sometimes. Which is very reassuring... a woman at work lost her twins last weekend at 25 weeks. Such sad news and makes me selfishly worried for myself.

I am looking forward to spending some quality time sleeping this weekend - jet lag while pregnant is not recommended!

[Mommy2ml]

rippy Thanks! :)

Mapplekitty congrats on the girl! I love the name - actually, the middle name is same as my middle name :) I have always liked it.

michellerenee I drank the water before the u/s last time around, but since then I found out it does not aways really matter... I pee before I leave the house, then don't go again til after the u/s and they see everything fine so far :) Good luck and I can't wait to hear about blue or pink!

Mrs-Mac with my DD I lost weight the first half of my pg and then did not gain above my pre-pg weight til the 3rd trimester. All was well and as long as baby is growing well and you're eating well, I think you can rest easy about it :)

quartercentury I kwym about worrying after hearing others' stories. Try to focus onthe positive - if something was wrong, you would not be feeling your little one's kicks and punches :)


As for our goings ons... not miuch additional to report. Still feeling more tired since Tuesday, and i have been tiring easier and quickly as well. I have actually had a couple of days here and there I did not feel I needed to use our doppler at home because I felt such constant movement :)

[MichelleRenee]

It's a boy!!

We are very shocked, and very excited! EVERYONE thought it was going to be a girl!!

Introducing.... Tristan Michael:

Sucking his thumb (threadmistress, please use this picture)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/AngelyWangely/Tristan%20Michael/DSC00360.jpg

Skeletor!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/AngelyWangely/Tristan%20Michael/DSC00361.jpg

This really was a shock!

[nutter13]

Good morning,

Well yesterday was eventful....I ended up calling the OB/GYN about the "wetness" down there and I missed the phone call since they called me at work I had already left. But basically the RN just said to call back at my convenience. So I called back yesterday morning, the RN wasn't in so the receptionist talked to the Dr. She gets back on the phone and tells me to go to the hospital :eek: I reallly didn't think I needed to go, plus I can't drive right now and didn't have anyone to take me, so she said she'd have to put "refusal to go to hospital" in my chart and sounded almost as if I didn't care. I talked to DH and he said let's just go and have it checked out, luckily my fav OB was there. Registration took almost an hour, and the OB had me in and out in about 20 minutes, the nurse checking me in said he'd have me out of here before she could even have me checked in!! Everything looked great! I'm fine, the baby is fine. I'd rather be safe than sorry, but I felt so embarrassed :o My OB in no way made me feel dumb, I wish I could just see him and not have to see all the OBs in the practice.

maplekitty congrats on the baby girl!

MichelleRenee can't wait to hear the news!

[Mommy2ml]

michellerenee congrats on the boy!

nutter I find it odd they did not just have you come in to the office at y9our convenience. Most times I complained of the wetness when pg with my DD I was told simply that it's normal unless it is a constant drip or a gush or trickle or something. I am glad they found all to be well! :)

[Pamela]

Here's my 22 week pic

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/MrsPamela/Baby/22weeks2days.jpg

We've got a level II u/s later this morning, so I'll be back in later.

MichelleRenee, Congratulations on your Boy!!

Its wierd hearing about everyone having to drink a lot before their u/s, at the office I go to they have signs everywhere saying you don't have to have a full bladder.

Quartercentury, love your shower pics!

Nutter, glad everything is ok! Definately better to be safe rather than sorry.

[nutter13]

MichelleRenee-we must have crossposted congrats on your boy!

[Sua]

Congrats Maplekittyon your beautiful little girl! Lovely name!!

Congrats Michellerenee on your handsome boy! THat thumb sucking photo is adorable!

Nutter - Your ob sounds wonderful! Glad all is okay!

Pamela- have fun at your u/s. My u/s was the same, no water drinking required. They asked me to be sure to empty my bladder before the scan.

Mommytoml- glad things are continuing to look well with your son! I've been feeling exhausted the past week or so also. I need me some of the alleged second trimester energy I've read about! ;)

QC- Cute shower photos! Sorry to hear about your coworker's twins. Hearing about things like that does make those little squirms even more precious.

Jenzen - The farm visit sounds so fun for your son! Have fun!

I found a dresser on clearance this week, so I have everything I need to finish Grey's big boy room and to set up the baby's nursery. I'll probably be doing the setup at the last minute, but at least I have everything I need. I'm sure I'll find a few clothing items between now and then, but all the big stuff is procured! Yay!

[Jenzen01]

michellerenee - Congrats on your BOY!!! I was shocked with DS, too, but now I wouldn't want it any other way. So far, I absolutely love having a little boy. He's a lot of fun.

nutter - Don't feel bad about going in. I ended up with a slow leak in my bag of waters, and it took me days to figure out what was going on. Those leaks can be tricky sometimes, so don't hesitate to call. Better safe than sorry. I did the smell test and everything, and I couldn't figure it out.

quartercentury - You look so cute! Looks like you enjoyed yourself.

pamela - You're finally getting a belly! You look terrific!

[lawgirl4]

michellerenee, congrats on your little boy! great u/s photos. that 2nd one is unlike any I've ever seen! our little girl was sucking her thumb too - we could see her mouth moving. amazing!

qc - adorable shower photos! love the handknit diaper covers - what a great gift! and how great that you are feeling movement from the outside already - I think I have too much "padding" for that still! :eek:

nutter - glad that everything is okay!

pamela - my dr's office doesn't have us drink water either, and we've always gotten great imagery. I always find, however, that I *magically* have to pee like crazy once they take out that u/s wand, though!

EVERYONE: I started a new thread in "pregnancy" for "gender determination" ultrasound pics - I thought it would be a good resource for people. so if you have a shot of your little one's "goodies," it would be great if you could add it!

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

threadmistress, my next OB appt is 6/27. please use the following collage for the front page, thanks!

here's my 21 week collage...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/lawgirl4/preggo/21wkcollage.jpg

I can't believe I was once so thin!!

[maplekitty]

Congrats Michelle on your BOY, Tristan is a great name!!
:)

[maplekitty]

michellerenee, congrats on your little boy! great u/s photos. that 2nd one is unlike any I've ever seen!

They don't give you the "skeletor" pictures? We usually get two face (or "skeletor") pics, two profiles and a foot or hand.

[lawgirl4]

maplekitty, no, I've never even seen any u/s photos like that! either mine or anyone else's. it's amazing! I've just seen profiles.

[MichelleRenee]

We got 3 skeletor pictures and one profile. She almost couldn't get the profile shot because he kept moving! Kinda creepy, but kinda cool!

[marathongirl]

maplekitty - congrats on your GIRL and michellerenee on your BOY! You ladies have picked out great names!

Skeletor pics - we have one of DD and of K2. Personally, I prefer the profile shots. Much less scary looking.

qc - looks like you had a blast at your shower!

mommy2ml - about sleepovers, DD has spent 5 nights in 21 months at my parents house. The first when she was 13 months old. I was more upset than she was. She actually STTN for my parents - wouldn't do it for me! It's still tough to let her go, but sometimes both DH and I need a break and some adult time together and everyone feels renewed and refreshed afterward. Plus, DD loves going to my parents and cries when we have to leave.

nutter - glad everything is OK! Definitely better safe than sorry!

jenzen - have fun on the farm tour!

sua - glad you got all the furniture purchases done!

lawgirl and pamela - great belly shots!

mrs-mac - yeah for the good appt!

Hello to everyone else!

[Mommy2ml]

marathongirl thanks:) It will be harder on me than her I am sure. I worry too much! I don't want the first time to be while I am in Labor, so at least if she really wants to come home she can :) I guess I am kinda hoping Logan comes in the morning, that way Rob could be home for her at nights and she won't have to stay with anyone else till she's like 10 and begging for a slumber party LOL Or during the night, so my mom or dad would come over to our house for the rest of the night so to not wake her up... etc.

Friends of ours have offered an overnight sometime... not sure if I should take them up on it as they have 3 kids of their own to deal with, i would not want to burden them... their oldest and MAckie are like BFF though, so it might make it easier...

I think I am just going on and on now... need to think it over and make a choice already! LOL

[bunnybeth]

maplekitty Congrats on the girl! Or, I guess I should say strawberry muffin. ;)

MichelleRenee Wow, I can't believe they're made you drink 32 oz at a 19 week ultrasound. (I had to do that at an 11 week u/s and I *hated* it so much!) Congrats on your boy! "Skeletor," LOL...

Mrs-Mac I hear you on being hesitant, I just started really looking up baby stuff this week. It's always great to have a reassuring dr appointment.

Jenzen Down by Kenosha there's a giant CHEESE sign off I-94 at Mar's Cheese Factory which always cracks me up. I do love my dairy, so it's a plus being close to WI. :)

QC I think you get the award for first baby shower in the group. ;) Timing isn't always perfect, but it looks like you had a good time and that's what counts.

nutter That's great the you and the baby are doing fine. Crazy how long the hospital registration takes though!

---

We're going to start looking at baby stuff this weekend, mostly cribs. I like having time to make a decision, and we don't live in a great location for anything other than Babies R Us and Target. I was interested in at least checking out Pali or Bambino, and we may have to drive a bit to find a place with those, so we may not get to that tomorrow.

[Sept&Oct06Moms]

FYI - the Third Trimester thread will be open on June 19th, instead of the 1st of July. Will leave more spaces open for u/s and belly shots for those that will be posting them. The baby arriving thread will start in Mid-September, this way all baby pics can go in that thread, instead of the 3rd trimester thread. Should we have babies arriving before mid-September I will start the thread earlier, but will have the third trimester thread stay open a little longer until more babies are coming along.

[kenswife]

Wow! I had personally guessed right for both maplekitty and michellerenee!!! Congrats to both of you and I love both of those names!!!

I love the whole finding-out-the-gender!!!! It's so exciting. I can't believe that the *score* for boys and girls has been so even. I guess the 50/50 thing is true!

As for us? I just got over yet another flu - one of the benefits of having other children to spread the germs around. I'm finally feeling better though. Unforunately, the kiddos are not too great still. Hopefully a nice, relaxing weekend will have them back up to par soon. If anything, this has confirmed our decision that 3 is the magic number for us. I can not imagine having more than 3 sick at the same time! Haha.

[Nigellas]

MapleKitty - Congratulations on your girl!

Michelle- Hurray! Welcome to Blue! Tristan is one of my favorite names.

QC- AWESOME diaper cover! :D

Beth - Have fun this weekend! :)

[Michelle]

We just got back from our u/s. Baby is still a girl! :) So now I get to paint the her nursery a girly color. She weighs about 14oz and is in the 44th percentile. Everything checked out well and her heartrate is 153.

After seeing the u/s today, I think it's pretty much official that we are naming her Madison.

It's so much fun to see baby on an u/s and I can't believe that I'm only 19 weeks or so away from meeting her!

[maplekitty]

Michelle - Madison is a lovely name!

[MidwesternGal]

Hello All!

Maplekitty--Congrats on the Strawberry! I'm a bit jealous!

MichelleRenee--Welcome to team BLUE!

Things here are going okay. My little sis has started planning a baby shower for mid-July, yay!!! She's freaking out because she can only find "gross" games to play (dump baby food in diaper and try to ID it. . . smear candy bar in diaper and try to ID it. . . LOL).

I took my furbaby Cassie (2-yr old lab mix) for a walk today, whew it was hot! 85+ for June 2nd is high for Iowa! But the corn is sure growing. . . .

Has anyone else noticed their abdomen tightening when they exert themselves/exercise? It feels really weird! However, I need to keep up because I'm not growing this kiddo in my thighs. . . lol. . . .

RO's: Stupid Question from a 1st time Mom!!: Can a newborn sleep in a crib? Because my mom and MIL and everyone else IRL think I just *have* to have a bassinet. . . . but we've got limited room. I hope I don't sound like an idiot, but they are all making me think that the baby can't go in a regular crib. . . ?? I mean, I know not to put anything in there with him (ie blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals) and things like that. . . but I never heard anything about not being in a crib at all! Thanks in advance!!

[emermel]

Newborn in crib: We had DD in her crib right away. We had a bassinet in our room, but we really didn't get any sleep at all with her in our room because we would wake up every time she moved. Some people really like having their babies in their rooms so that it's easier to get to them when nursing. I needed to have some light in order to nurse and since I didn't feel like it was necessary for DH to be up while I was nursing, it was easier for me to have her in her room. It's really personal preference.

I will say though, they look SOOOOO tiny when you put them in that big crib! But I really don't think that there are any differences in terms of safety between the crib and the bassinet.

[Pamela]

pamela - You're finally getting a belly! You look terrific!

lol, I feel so enormous some days! I know that I'm totally not, but it is just so wierd having this belly, and I can feel all this extra 'stuff' out front. Kinda freaks me out some days, but I get such a kick out of knowing that I'm full of baby!

We had our second level II u/s this morning. It was a lot of fun, and we got a good video of it too. Last time she was so scrunched up and sleeping that we couldn't see much of anything, but this time she was wide awake and was kicking the whole time (the tech and I kept laughing 'cause she'd kick and we'd both feel it).

22week 2day u/s pics

We got a couple of baby skeletor/alien pics, and I'm so excited about them 'cause I think they're just so darn cool looking!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/MrsPamela/Baby/22wkus5.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/MrsPamela/Baby/22wkus2.jpg

She's still a girl too.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/MrsPamela/Baby/22wkus3.jpg

We got a nice profile pic too. Threadmistress, please use this pic on the first page

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/MrsPamela/Baby/22wkus1.jpg

And here's a foot on the left. Those other grey blobs? umbilical cord maybe??

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/MrsPamela/Baby/22wkus4.jpg

It was so funny, the tech needed to count all her toes, but she didn't want her feet looked at and kept swinging them from one side of my tummy to the other out of the way and made the tech keep chasing her.

Oh, and it turns out she doesn't have a 2 vessel cord after all! Last time at 16 weeks it was just too small to get a good enough look. She weighs about 1lb 3oz now and everything looks great. So no more u/s.

MichelleRenee, forgot to mention earlier, but I love the name Tristan!

Lawgirl, great pics! And I like the idea for the thread you started. I'll have to head there next.

Bunnybeth, have fun looking at baby stuff!

kenswife, hope you're feeling better!

Michelle, glad to hear your girl is still a girl! Madison is such a pretty name!

[SlvSpring]

Maplekitty- congrats on your strawberry muffin!

Michellerenee- congrats on your boy!!
both of you guys picked great names!

My appt with my new OB went great. I really like him. He has a great bedside manner and we seemed to "click" and be on the same page about everything. My U/S is scheduled for June 9th! We can't wait. The only really big news is that he may want to change my due date back at the original date of October 21st. He said he doesn't want it change it just for a weeks difference...He will decide for sure next week, he said. So I am either 18wk 5d today or 19wk 5d. I just wanna know for sure!!!

My next appt is June 28th

[MichelleRenee]

MidwesternGal, I always thought that a bassinet was just more of a convenience... it can be moved to whatever room you are in (or whatever floor you are on). Obviously if you want your baby in your bedroom a bassinet is more logical than trying to move the crib in there.

I'm kind of in a "bassinet debate." I fell in love with one and I want to put it on our registry, but my sister offered to let me use hers since her youngest has outgrown it. I know this is dumb, but I want my OWN bassinet! I definitely want the baby in our room at night so I may just end up borrowing hers and keep our registry more "clear" for other stuff. Who knows... this baby stuff is hard when you start having to choose between things you need and things you want.

[Ericka_Jarett]

My mom bought our bassinet. The pack-n-play we have has one, but we got a separate one anyway, since the p-n-p will probably be in another room anyway.

MichelleRenee- you can just borrow your sister's although I know what you mean about your own, but really the baby is only in them for like 4-5 months for the most part and unless it's one that collapses it takes up space (mine comes all apart so it goes flat when not in use anymore) JMO

[MichelleRenee]

Ericka, that's exactly what I have been thinking. I am just in a rut, I suppose. With Tristan being the 5th boy that will be born within a year in our families/circle of friends I feel like we have to settle for so many hand-me-downs though. While I appreciate the thought I also feel like Tristan deserves new stuff of his own. Plus, my sister's is a big, modern looking wodden one. It is very nice, but it is not on wheels. I kind of like the ones with wheels so it can easily be moved.

I really am in debate over this. While we were TTC I used to stop by this bassinet at Target all the time and just imagine our little baby in there and it became like a goal for me. Silly, I know. I think I may just leave it on my registry and if someone buys it... great! If not, we'll make do with what we've got.

Here's a QOTD: Are any other first-timers getting a ton of hand-me-downs? If so, how are you handling all the "stuff?"

I've already gotten a ton of onesies and some pajamas, but I am still registering for some new stuff. We were also given a crib, but once we put it together we found that it was wobbly and not in that great of shape. I felt bad not wanting to use it, even though it didn't seem safe. We ended up buying a new one and giving the "donated" one back. One problem I have with the clothes is that a lot of it is stained. I know they will get stained anyways when Tristan wears them, but I like to think of them as being HIS stains, ya know?

[Rippy1010]

MichelleRenee ...
One problem I have with the clothes is that a lot of it is stained. I know they will get stained anyways when Tristan wears them, but I like to think of them as being HIS stains, ya know?

A few of my friends have already said that they will be giving me BOXES of boy clothes. I figured the way I would handle it is to keep the clothes that were in the best condition, and then see if I could donate some of the other stuff to a mission (Good Will type of place). The stuff that wasn't in good condition, I would just get rid of.

Since many people love buying baby clothes, I'm sure I will still get lots of Brand New stuff, too.

[Ericka_Jarett]

Ericka, that's exactly what I have been thinking. I am just in a rut, I suppose. With Tristan being the 5th boy that will be born within a year in our families/circle of friends I feel like we have to settle for so many hand-me-downs though. While I appreciate the thought I also feel like Tristan deserves new stuff of his own. Plus, my sister's is a big, modern looking wodden one. It is very nice, but it is not on wheels. I kind of like the ones with wheels so it can easily be moved.

I really am in debate over this. While we were TTC I used to stop by this bassinet at Target all the time and just imagine our little baby in there and it became like a goal for me. Silly, I know. I think I may just leave it on my registry and if someone buys it... great! If not, we'll make do with what we've got.

Here's a QOTD: Are any other first-timers getting a ton of hand-me-downs? If so, how are you handling all the "stuff?"

I've already gotten a ton of onesies and some pajamas, but I am still registering for some new stuff. We were also given a crib, but once we put it together we found that it was wobbly and not in that great of shape. I felt bad not wanting to use it, even though it didn't seem safe. We ended up buying a new one and giving the "donated" one back. One problem I have with the clothes is that a lot of it is stained. I know they will get stained anyways when Tristan wears them, but I like to think of them as being HIS stains, ya know?
i would leave it on than. as for clothes get rid of stained stuff and get new. onesies are something cheap

[lawgirl4]

QOTD - hand-me-downs - no one has really said anything to me about this. My SIL just had a little girl in April, so presumably she will have a ton of stuff that my niece has outgrown by the time our baby is born. However, they have 2 dogs and 3 cats, and I am totally, terribly allergic to them - so I really *don't* want too much stuff from her!

most of my other friends don't have kids yet. and this baby is the first grandchild on my side of the family, so again, there aren't a lot of hand-me-downs to be gotten!

I will say, however, that not all hand-me-downs are going to be stained/dirty. I've bought a bunch of "gently used" clothes on ebay and most of them are almost in pristine condition. I wash them in hot water twice, and they are good to go.

and I agree with Ericka, you can always buy inexpensive onesies (the Carter's ones have cute animals and patterns) and not feel like you are wasting money on stuff the baby will wear for such a short while.

on that note - if you go to amazon.com and search for items made by "luvable friends," you'll find a ton of inexpensive basics - many in great colors. for example - this 3 pack of terry footed onesies is $13:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0006SUTTI.01-A2QDNO6F1X5EFL._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Another QOTD: is anyone doing a 3D/4D ultrasound? My mom is coming in to visit in 2 weeks and has offered to pay for an ultrasound (my OB's office uses an outside company to administer the u/s - so they *have* to charge a lot for it, and insurance won't cover it unless there's a "reason" - so my OB suggested doing a 3D since it actually would cost us less out of pocket).
I honestly have mixed feelings about it! The images are neat, but it kind of freaks me out to think about seeing the baby more "realistically" before she is born!

[marathongirl]

QOTD - nope, no 3D/4D u/s for us.

bassinet vs crib - I think it's totally fine to have baby in a crib from day 1. You've gotta do what works for you. Because I was BF'ing, we kept DD in our room in a bassinet which led to co-sleeping. I think K2 will start out in our room (again so I can BF easier) but we are going to avoid co-sleeping if possible. DH is an extremely heavy and active sleeper so I would worry. Plus, I am an extremely light sleeper, so if I heard DD's hair growing I would wake up.

hand-me-downs - I guess it would depend on the condition. If they were in great shape, sure why not? If they were very stained, no. Even with hand-me-downs I'd still want a few items that I bought or received brand new just because.

SlvSpring - glad you like your new OB!

Not much else going on. I can't wait for DH to get back from Argentina! I'm pretty tired from being mom and dad 24/7. I have a totally new respect for single parents - you *never* get a break.

[Pamela]

Threadmistress, could you please use the profile u/s pic on the front page, not the foot one (sorry if it wasn't clear).

[MichelleRenee]

I think that is what I am getting at here... while I appreciate and will use hand-me-downs I still want to buy and register for some new stuff. I don't want to feel like I shouldn't register for new onesies and jammies just because I got a bunch of used ones already.

[Ericka_Jarett]

MichelleRenee - It's your first and your child deserves new things just as much as your siblings first kids did. He is not a sibling to any of them, he is the cousin, register for what you want, if you get it as new great. I know when I was a nanny the woman had 3 boys already and was pregnant with a 4th. Well the 2nd and 3rd got mostly hand me downs, but by the 4th he was getting lots of new because the others were worn out but also stretched quitea bit because #3 was a lot chunkier than the 4th.

I am the first to have children so will be getting new. The closest relative to have had a baby recently has a son that is now 6 yrs old. My stepson is already 7 so won't be getting much from him besides a few things that hubby had that were brand new or almost new. I say if your sister offers things and says you can take it off the registry, I would just say thanks for the offer, but I am leaving it on the registry, as I would like to have new things of my own.

(sorry my comment before may have been misunderstood or whatever, was typing it while sitting at the Special Olympics and had to send a really fast reply.)

QOTD - No 3D/4D u/s here, can't spend the extra money for a session. Just living with my normal u/s since I am suppose to have a lot more before this pregnancy is over.

[Rippy1010]

QOTD: is anyone doing a 3D/4D ultrasound?

We are paying to do one 3D ultrasound in the 8th or 9th month at a private facility. I really like the pictures, and thought it would be kind of cool to see a realistic picture of our baby before he was born. :)

[Pamela]

SlvSpring, thats great you've got your u/s scheduled!

MichelleRenee, I've been debating about a bassinet too. I really like them and would love to get one, but the pack 'n play I just bought has a full size bassinet, so I really don't need one. I just love how they look!

QOTD, hand-me-downs, probably not many if any. We're the first in our group of friends to have a baby.

QOTD, 3D/4D u/s, I'm not sure if anywhere here does them, I haven't looked. I think it would be really cool to do, but we most likely won't.

[jbemommy]

Ugh, the swollen ankles have started already! This is about when they started with DD, too and I ended up having to work part-time b/c of PIH. I was hoping to avoid that this time (although I'm still working part-time). We spent the morning at the mall/Target and they are really huge now. I had to wear medical support hose last time--can't see that happening in the middle of summer, though.

Hand-me-downs Luckily we don't have much chance of getting many. If people offered them, I'd be pretty picky about what I actually used and donate the rest. But one of my "hobbies" is dressing DD, so it's pretty important to me to be able to choose her clothes myself.

3d u/s We won't be doing one. However, I'm pretty unhappy that we only got the "skeletor" shots at our u/s and am considering seeing if the u/s tech at the hospital I work at will just print out a quick profile shot for the baby book! Should have asked at the time, but didn't realize that's all we were getting.

[Ericka_Jarett]

My 22 week photo. Different shirt this time. I still have slight split belly, but my uterus is above my belly button now, so in another 2-4 weeks will probably be one belly.
http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3C677%3C5%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3278%3E943%3E%3A57%3E WSNRCG%3D32337%3A63%3B7737nu0mrj

[SlvSpring]

Bassinets-

We are planning on getting a pack-n-play and using that as a bassinet and then we will able to use it for traveling as well. After looking at them more thouroughly in the store, we decided to for the travel lite crib from Graco rather than a pnp. It is smaller (easier to travel with!we will taking a plane trip around the holidays) and I feel like the bassinet partion will be a little cozier and because it is smaller I think it will fit in our bedroom better. I am a little sad about not getting the changing station that is on the pnp though.
Here is a photo:
http://www.gracobaby.com/assets/images/product/9097CNP_z.jpg
I think if you are getting a pnp, you realy don't need a bassinet too, unless you live in a house with lots of floors or you just feel like spending the extra money.

3D Ultrasound- We have talked about it a little bit. Not sure whether we wil do it or not. Probably will depend on how much extra money we have. I think they are so cool though, and if your mom really wants to do it, I say, why not!

Hand-me-downs- I recieved a lightly used baby bjorn and a fisher price aquarium swing (which I ordered a new seat pad for) from a friend. Other than that, not really anything. I am maybe on the other side of the coin. We don't have family close by and I have no siblings and my DH's only sibling lives out of state and her children are over 6 now. So we will buying most everything new. I did get some maternity clothes hand me downs and I treated those as I would treat hand me downs you might get for your child. Said thanks, and have used what I like and feel comfortable in and gave the rest away to goodwill.

We started a registry at Babies R Us this weekend. It was fun! But I started to remember from getting married how overwhelming registering is! At least this time it is only at one store. I feel kind of out of my element with all the baby stuff though.... we will go back and add more once we find out if it is a boy or girl!

QOTD- I don't think we have talked about this before, but what are everyones thoughts on methods of pain management during labor? I have been reading through my booklet from the hospital and there is a birth plan form in there that has me really thinking about it. Has anybody decided for sure on a epidural or natural childbirth? I am still up in the air here and trying to do some research on pros and cons.

Have a good Sunday, everyone!

[hmdelf]

bassinet- I don't think they are necessary. SIL had DS in the crib from the end of the first week and he is a great sleeper. I had my DS in a bassinet in our room (BFing) for 4 months. He is also a great sleeper.

pain management- I prefer no epi, but if nec. I will take one. I didn't have one with DS and was fine. I did have a very quick labor & delivery at the hospital. i had DS at 4:08pm after being admitted to the hospital at 2:10pm. I did labor from 12 am the previous night at home.
So, If I have another speedy L&D, I plan on passing on the epi

Hand me downs-I received a lot. I went through them and donated or discarded the ones I didn't want/need. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. I do agree to wash several times before using especially for EBAY purchases or consigned clothes.

Otherwise, not much to report. I (baby) am going through a big growth spurt these past few weeks. I've started to gainmore weight. This next OB app. will probably show a big increase. I think this was my biggest weight gain month with DS too! They say you gain the most between 20-30 weeks, so I don't feel too too bad.
I hope everyone had a great weekend.
Congrats to the mom's who found out what they were having last week!!!
It's cool boy-v-girl is so close!!!

[Pamela]

QOTD, pain management, I'd like to avoid an epidural if possible, but if I decide I need one I'll just ask. Same with other pain meds.

New QOTD, Music, reading etc., Is anyone playing music or reading to their babies? I've got a box of our old books and I just got a Baby Einstein Lullabyes CD and have been playing it while I'm on the computer. I'm not sure if she likes it or not, she's so active these days its hard to tell. But I'm enjoying it :)

[Ericka_Jarett]

QOTD - pain management - I am definately getting an epi, unless my labor is really fast like it was with my daughter (had her 10 mins after I got in the hospital but was having lots of pain for a good hour) I will not have an unmedicated labor like the first time (although it wasn't my choice last time)

[maplekitty]

QOTD - hand me downs - I'm sure I'll be getting a lot of SIL's DD clothes, which is fine with me because they are all new (her DD is only 3 months old right now), and super cute. I've already been to swap meets and bought some onesies and sleepers that are practically new for 1 and 2 dollars. Other than that I don't really know anyone who will give me hand me downs, so I'm not too worried about having to decline. I like being able to go buy my *own* things and what *I* want.

QOTD - pain meds - hell yes! I'm sorry, I'm just not into that whole natural labour stuff. I'm a wuss, and I want the meds. Obviously I realize there are times when it goes so quickly there is no chance for them, but if there is a chance, I'm taking it :p

QOTD - 3d u/s - well, since money is tight enough as it is having just bought a new house, DH says I've got the choice of 3D u/s or maternity pics. I want maternity pics, so I guess 3D u/s pics are out - but I'm still working on him ;)

QOTD - bassinet - no we will not be using a bassinet. We have an heirloom craddle that is in Curt's family that we will use for teh first few months, and then it's the crib.

[emermel]

DRUGS!!! I will try to go as long as I can without, but if it's anything like it was with DD, it won't be long. I thought that I had a pretty high tolerance for pain, but after 4 1/2 hours of contractions that were 90 seconds apart and lasting for 60 seconds, I've had enough of that to last me. The hospital I delivered at said that there wasn't a doc available to do my epidural...personally I STILL think that that's a load of crap (still bitter...can you tell?)

Anyone who can do without...I bow to you.

[marathongirl]

Where is the time going? This pregnancy is flying by! Someone please slow down the clock!

I need to take another belly pic soon. K2 must being going through a major growth spurt b/c the skin on my belly feels like it's being stretched to the max and it's itchy! I can't believe how big I am this time around already! I guess that's what happens when your kids will be 24.5 months apart.

ericka - you look great in your belly shot!

QOTD - pain meds - no, I'm going to just use my lamaze techniques. I had a very fast and easy labor with DD and avoided them. Don't get me wrong - it still hurt like he!!, but I was admitted to L&D and 7pm, started pushing at 8:55pm and DD was born at 9:15pm.

QOTD music and reading - DD and I read together for about an hour each day so hopefully K2 is getting something from that. When I was PG w/ DD I would listen to classical music during my commute.

Hope everyone is feeling well!

[Ericka_Jarett]

Sue - thanks so much for that compliment. Wish my body would figure out how it's going to carry now, if it will be across my body like Rebekah or out and round. :)

[MichelleRenee]

Just dropping off today's belly pic:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/AngelyWangely/Belly%20Shots/DSC00369.jpg

[MichelleRenee]

QOTD, meds: I want the epidural!!! I don't want to jinx myself though. I'm sure we've all heard a story like this, but I'm gonna tell it anyways. My sister had a baby in November. From the time she got to the hospital to the time her son was delivered was 1.5 hours. She kept asking for the epidural and the doctor said there wasn't time. I felt so bad for her. She looked so scared. With her first they accidentally did the epidural wrong and she had the equivalent of the spinal they give to those having a c-section. So she had one natural birth and one without feeling ANYthing. (they had to play tug-of-war with a bath towel to get her to push) I was in the delivery room with #2 and I think that if my labor and delivery were guaranteed to be that short I could do it med free, but like my mom says.... if they can offer something to make it less excruciating, TAKE IT! I do remember the doctor saying after he was born "see... we'd still be waiting on the epidural right now."

QOTD, music: I don't play music or read to Tristan, but I do talk to him a lot. I will get out of the shower and Mike will say "who were you talking to?" because I have whole conversations! I'll probably start reading to him once we start getting some books in the house that are appropriate. I'm not sure he'd appreciate Nicholas Sparks.;)

QOTD, u/s: I'll have whatever my insurance covers. I love the 3-D ones, but we are trying to buy a house and nervous enough about finances after the baby comes.

QOTD, bassinet: Still arguing with myself on this one, as well as other things. I might let fate decide by leaving it on my registry and if we get it, we use it. If not, we borrow my sister's.

[Quartercentury]

I hope everyone had a good weekend! Seems like summer is finally on the way here - I actually had to use sunblock and a hat to work in my veggie patch!

We're not planning to get a bassinet. Our flat is, well, flat (all on one floor) and not huge, so we'll never be too far from the sleeping baby. We're planning to co-sleep and/or have a crib side-car arrangement (kind of like this (http://www.boots.com/images/product/1068661/ehero.jpg)), which sort of eliminates the need for a bassinet in our room.

And we're not planning a 3D ultrasound. I'm skeptical because the facilities/providers aren't regulated or required to have any training. And there was a woman here on CC who had one but still didn't discover until birth that her daughter has Down's syndrome, which makes me wonder what the point is, really.

And, ah, the music... I've received three baby music CDs as gifts already: two Baby Einsteins and a "traditionally lullabys" CD. The lullaby CD was given to me by a friend who still plays it at night for her 2.5 year old and swears it helps her sleep better. I put it on last night, and damn is it annoying! But if it gets the baby to sleep...

On labor and pain relief... We're planning a home birth, so my drug options are limited. Midwives use "gas and air" (laughing gas!) routinely in the UK, and bring it to homebirths, and it's possible to have pethedine (I think it's known as methadone in the US) at home. But I would like to avoid using drugs. I can't really justify to myself not getting tipsy on the weekends or otherwise occasionally indulging in vice if I am saying to myself, "Abstain now... but when I am in labor, I can take all the drugs I want!"

[Jenzen01]

Hi all,

Wow. Lots of QOTDs this morning. Let's see if I get them all ...

hand-me-downs - I love them! The more money I don't have to spend, the better. With Gabe, we got loads of clothes from a coworker as well as a swing, carseat, toys, a Graco exersaucer and other stuff. Seriously, most of the little clothes were barely used because kids grow out of them so quickly. When they get to the 2T stage and past, the clothes are a little more worn. Granted, I like buying clothes, too, but when you can save money, I'm all for it. With this baby, I've already been rummaging saling, and I'm hoping to get some stuff from a few friends/coworkers.

3D ultrasound - No. I don't even know where you can get one around here.

Bassinet - We have a pack-n-play for the bedroom to use for the first couple of months.

Drugs - Would rather go without them. With Gabe, I had Demerol or something like that during hard labor, and then nothing during pushing. I was pretty darn proud of myself, and it really wasn't that bad with the exception of transition. Holy crap! That is one intense feeling. The pushing was more tiring than painful for me. This time, I'm going to try everything before drugs, although I am open to them if worse comes to worse.

We had a great weekend. Took Gabe to "Breakfast on the Farm." That boy loves tractors and big trucks! Then, we went to a parade yesterday, and Gabe had the same reaction to the fire trucks and semis and whatnot. It was so much fun watching him. And, we loaded up on candy. :)

Hope you all are having some nice weather. It's beautiful here!

ttfn,
Jen

[lawgirl4]

QOTD bassinet - we have this pack n play:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/lawgirl4/preggo/packnplay.jpg

similar to yours, slvspring, except that ours is the regular full-size PNP rather than the travel crib, but ours doesn't come with that cute little canopy thing! we'll probably keep it close to my side of the bed for those nighttime feedings. Though I would be interested in it, we won't co-sleep with the baby in the bed - DH moves around too much and sleeps like a LOG so I could easily see him smushing her, or at the very least waking her too frequently! so I think this will be a good arrangment for us.

QOTD music - not much yet, but it's definitely something I plan on starting soon.

QOTD pain medication - I am all about the epidural. I am not a big fan of pain, and I know I am going to be nervous anyway for the L&D, so I definitely plan on having an epi. I also wouldn't be surprised if I were to have one of those 12+ hour long labors, so I think I'm going to need it!

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

thanks for the feedback on the 3D ultrasounds... I figure since my mom is paying for it we might as well do it. You get a DVD of the session too, and I was thinking how neat it would be for our daughter to be able to see herself in utero someday - I tend to be sappy about stuff like that! ;)

QC, you brought up some interesting points about the 3D u/s training and the down's syndrome - every 3D place I've researched has explicit disclaimers that state that their u/s is NOT to be used in place of a diagnostic u/s done in a doctor's office - so the "point" is that they are essentially for "entertainment" purposes, not medical/diagnostic purposes. I think those techs are basically analagous to a photographer - they are just capturing the images. In fact, the place that I will be going to requires a certification from my OB and/or a copy of my 20 week u/s report - otherwise they won't do it. Thus, no one should ever go in for a 3D u/s expecting to receive any kind of a medical evaluation.

[nutter13]

Wow! Lots going on in here this weekend and today...let me see if I can get to all the new QOTDs...

hand-me-downs-we'll take them if we're offered, and keep only the ones that are not stained. I think we'll be going through DDs unisex ones and only keeping the good ones as well.

pain meds-I'm having a repeat c/s so it'll be a spinal for me

3D u/s-we did it with DD but won't this time, it was fun to try it once, but not really worth all the money we paid to do it again.

bassinet-we have a pack-n-play that we kept in our room the first 6 weeks and then DD went to her crib. We'll do the same this time. We actually borrowed a bassinet but DD hated the small space...she kept hitting the sides with her hands and feet.

music/reading to baby-we read a lot to DD, so I'm hoping the baby likes to hear the stories as well! Music, not so much yet, maybe as I get further along.

When is it that the baies can start hearing sounds?

This weekend we started clearing out the nursery which used to be our office/junk room. The crib is up, there's still a lot that needs to be done, but can't until we paint it. We're thinking just white b/c the room is so tiny that any color seems to make it smaller!

[Ericka_Jarett]

Went to my OB appt and it was uneventful as expected. I got my script for bloodwork in 4 weeks when I am 26 weeks. I am getting antibody and another count bloodwork done before they want to give me the Rhogam shot at 28 weeks. The baby was on my right side and than moved as soon as she put the doppler on. The OB finally was able to get a good place to hear the heartbeat at my belly button area. She told me to tell the u/s tech tomorrow that I want to know the gender, it was attempted a few weeks ago but I would like to know now. She said they should definately be able to spend some time looking for gender. Other than that the baby sounded great and growing great.

[Mommy2ml]

I really want this:
http://mii.babyuniverse.com/product_images/pic/86/l86-40540.jpg
Definitely no bassinet for us though. This cradle I like turns into a toddler love seat when you're done with it, so it can be used for years instead of months. Still not sure if it's worth the space, but I have wanted it since... well for a couple of years now, so I figure it's on my registry and if we get it, I will love it, if not, we'll do without it. :) I definitely don't think you need a bassinet if you don't want one. You can have the crib in your room, or a cradle, or a co-sleeper or a safe-sleeper (the kind that goes inbetween you and DH in bed) or just co-sleep like we did the first time around. As long as you do whatever you do safely, that is what counts!

HAndmedowns - Accepting any and all hand me downs. If it is stained or ripped, we'll toss it, but honestly, the clothes are a huge expense for stuff they will wear a few months and then outgrow... sometimes even less time. Why buy new when you can be given for free like new? I might get a new coming home outfit, but for DD we used anprecious little pink and white one pice we found on eBay :) We have 2 boxes already and more coming. I also am getting a safe sleeper for $25 from a friend no longer using hers (they are around $50 in stores) I would not register for clothes this time around since no one pays attention anyway, they look for the gear, buy the clothes they like for the baby LOL I have 2 friends who had boys this year and are done having kids, one of them had twin biys... so it seems to ALL be coming to us... boxing it up till we can save up for the bureu we want from IKEA, and our crib has a little drawer under it for linen so when that's set-up and we have the bureu, we'll wasjh it all and put it away :)

3D/4D u/s? - If it comes to us covered in one of our monthly u/s then we'd love it, but no way will we pay for an unecessary medical test out of pocket!

Pain management? - I had an epi with DD and I had back pain for weeks and the headaches, etc. I don't want to use narcotics, since that can affect the BFing relationship and the baby themselves, too. So I am goign to try without. if I can't do it, then I will have to decide if I want the days of bloating, weeks of back pain, etc again this time around. My feet could not fit in my shoes for 2-3 days after she was born, and those were the shoes loosened and fitting at 9mo pg. I hate to think of going through that again if I can manage to get through without... but I try to keep an open mind (like maybe I'll get a good anesthesiologist who will put my fears to rest and do it better this time around? LOL)

Anyway, nothing much else goin around here... the usual money and work woes and lots and lots of movement and kicks and punches every day now!

[Mommy2ml]

Just had to show this:

http://mii.babyuniverse.com/product_images/pic/505/l505-67190.jpg

For chaning your new little boy! :) LOL

[maplekitty]

Just got back from my OB appnt with my new doctor. And all teh nurses are very friendly (my good friend's mom is the office secretary).

I found out that I have a low placenta (??), so I have to go back for another u/s at 32 weeks to check it.

eta: info about low-lying placenta or "placenta praevia" (http://www.babyworld.co.uk/information/pregnancy/complications/complications_low_lying_placenta.asp)

My next appnt is June 19th and that will also be the date of my glucose test.

[Mommy2ml]

maplekitty I think as long as it doesn't block the cervix later on it's all fine. I was told my placenta was towards the bottom, but that it is not over the cervix, so all is well right now. Hopefully, it will just move upwards as your uterus expands and there won't be a problem! :)

[bunnybeth]

kenswife That stinks that the flu is making rounds through your family again. Hope you all feel better soon!

Michelle Madison is a cute name, I like it a lot. :)

MidwesternGal Gift bingo is a non-gross baby shower game.

Pamela Great u/s pics, and it's so nice to hear the cord is normal!

SlvSpring That must be such a relief that your new OB is great so you don't have to worry about that anymore.

hand-me-downs We haven't really gotten anything yet, but we will. I won't mind except on a few things I need/want to have new, for safety reasons (crib, car seat) or personal preference. For those things I'll say "thanks, but no thanks" or just... not use it. Depending on who gives what.

3D/4D Nope, I wouldn't pay for extra u/s anyways.

pain management I won't choose to go natural, especially as with my m/c I had a sort of mini-labor and if that's only a taste of what it will be like... ! But, the whole epidural thing scares me (DH actually had one that went kind of bad). However, I won't rule it out now because I have no idea what my labor will actually be like.

music, reading, etc Once the baby can hear external noises (end of the 2nd tri?) we're going to start reading to him/her. I bought a children's book to kick things off shortly after getting my BFP.

----

Had fun going around Babies R Us over the weekend. Was surprised by how much DH was into the idea of a baby carrier, and that he put up with me going around all the cribs twice. ;) The other area baby store was closed for inventory, so we'll have to go back there later.

[MidwesternGal]

Thanks to everyone who replied regarding bassinets vs. cribs! I think we'll skip a bassinet and just have a crib. . . we're getting a pnp handed down.

jbemommy--I had my first swelling incident this weekend, too! I could barely get my rings off! This is early for swelling, but my mom warned me that she swelled a lot, so I know it'll be a big thing for me to watch for.

Hand-Me-Downs--We're not getting a ton. . . a pnp, doorway bouncer, a walker/toy thingy, and some clothes. MIL is hunting for good used clothing and some toys at garage sales, etc. We registered for quite a bit.

Pain Meds--YES!!!!!!!!!! In fact, part of the reason we chose the hospital in the town over was because ours is known to make women "wait just a bit longer" until it's too late to get an epi or something similar. I hate pain, and if I could be fully knocked out, I would be!

_____________________________

My weekend kinda sucked. We had a family reunion on my MIL's side. Well, I got pretty much one of the most insulting things said to me yet. . . by an aunt of DH's. . . which was then seconded by several other women sitting by her. . . . this is the comment:

"OH, you're pregnant? I just thought you were really FAT."

Now, if I was just fat and not preggo (which yes, I'm bigger to begin with), isn't that just plain outright rude to say??? It's not like I don't KNOW that I'm a big girl, I have seen a mirror in the last few years!!!! DUH! I didn't know what to say. I just sat there and then kinda smiled and said, "Well, I'm a bigger gal to start with, but I am 1/2 way through my pregnancy."

Anyway, that's about it. Oh and baby (who we still haven't picked a name out for yet!) is a party animal. . . . kicking me allllllllll night long for the last week or so. . . . now he's big enough that DH can feel him kick on the outside really lightly! YAY!

Have a great day!

[lawgirl4]

midwesterngal - that is a terrible comment! some people... unbelieveable.

[Mommy2ml]

Oh ugh! That is worse than the lady in my elevator saying her sister is about as far along as me and no where near as huge! :p Some people just need a case of laryngitis!

[Tika]

Hello ladies! Hope everyone had a great weekend.

QOTD Crib vs. Bassinet: A bassinet is really just a convenience, not a necessity. I wanted to get a cradle, but since we are getting the same pack N play as Lawgirl, we may skip the cradle. DS will only sleep in it for the first month or so anyway.

QOTD Pain Management: Not an issue for me since I will be having a c-section.

QOTD 3D u/s: Even though I think they are cool, I don’t feel the need to have one done.

QOTD hands-me-down: I don’t have any, but Michelle I agree with Rippy and the others. Just go through the clothes and pick what you want. I think it is still OK to register for what you want.

QOTD music/reading etc: I haven’t started doing that, but hubby did buy a Pooh book and we plan to start playing some music as well. From what I read yesterday in the Pregnancy w by w, the baby should be able to recognize noises now. I say go for it!

JBemommy---- hope the swollen ankles don’t get too bad.

MapleKitty--- Hope the low placenta does not cause any problems.

Nothing much with me! I was having some joint pain this weekend, but it may have to do with me doing some cleaning on Sat and going to Buy Buy Buy Baby to work on our registry both Sat and Sun. The good thing is that we cover all the items. I just need to clean it up a little bit online.

[Tika]

"OH, you're pregnant? I just thought you were really FAT."



That's messed up!

[MamaBear]

Happy Monday!

I hope that everybody had a relaxing weekend. DS was at MIL's so I actually got to sleep in :) It was very nice! Home for lunch so I will just answer some of the QOTD's.

Sorry about the RUDE comment Midwesterngal. I can't believe that somebody would actually say that!! I second what lawgirl said- unbelievable!! Just had to get that in there.

Hand me downs- I don't know anybody that has little boys so no clothes for us. We saved all of DS stuff, so no problem there. Alot of stuff was only worn a couple of times too. I have gotten a couple of toys from a dr. I work with. She has a Peg high chair she wants to give me. I might take her up on it. I just don't know where I will put it.

3D/4D u/s- Probably not. We got one with DS because I had to have another u/s at 25 weeks. We have a u/s machine at work but I don't think it does 3D. I will have to look into it.

Bassinet vs. crib- We will have the baby in a bassinet (or poss. a co-sleeper) in our room for the first couple months. It makes it so much easier to BF at night. I remember putting DS in the crib for the first time. He looked so tiny in it!

Pain meds- I am not opposed to pain meds. If my labor is anything like the first, I will not be getting them. There just wasn't enough time. My water broke at 9am, checked in at 12 and he was born at 1:41. I went from 3 cm to complete in under an hour. When the nurse said I was complete, I wanted the epi- too late. I kind of lost it at that point. Good thing my Mom was there! She made it all better like only a Mom can. I will go as long as possible without meds if the labor ends up being longer this time. There seems to be alot of quick labors amongst the repeat offenders in this group.

Have a good Monday!

Sara

[TaterBaby]

So I have had this TERRIBLE pain in my lower left abdomen since Saturday. It's been a constant pain, but does get more intense from time to time. It keeps me awake at night and hurts all day long too!

I have an OB appt on Friday, but I went ahead and called the office today just to make sure that this was normal. I had a feeling it was round ligament pain, but wasn't sure that it should be lasting this long or this intense. The nurse said that's what it sounded like to her and as long as I am still feeling fetal movement, which I am, things should be fine. I felt a little silly calling, but it's better to be safe than sorry, right?

Hand me downs: I am all about buying clothing at consignment stores lately. I also have a co-worker who has given me a stroller, car seat, swing, changing pad, etc. As long as it's in good condition, I am all for it. We will have enough expenses as is.

3D/4D u/s: We don't be doing this because of the expense.

Pain meds: YES, PLEASE! Anything to make me more comfortable is appreciated!

[Bubeleh]

Wow miss a couple days and the thread passes you by! I'll try to catch most of the QOTD, but probably won't do all SO's

Hand me downs: We've been told that we will get lots of clothes as hand me downs, so assuming they are in good condition we'll take them.

U/S: We have one more scheduled with the high risk Dr., I'm not high risk, but she is the one my OB uses. We got the 3d/4d for free at the 18 week, but if we want it on the next one its $300. Umm yeah, no thanks! I can wait 6 more weeks to see him in person. With so many other costs, I just can't justify that. I just want to make sure he is healthy.

Pain Meds: If at all possible I will take the EPI. I'm am so scared of the pain, I just want to be as comfortable as possible. But I have a lot of respect for the women who do it naturally.

Bassinet vs. crib: I think we have decided to just do the crib. The nursery is in the room right next to ours and there will be a bed in there. DH is a super light sleeper and I think it will better for all of us to start DS in his own crib.

QOTD music/reading etc: Everything I've seen says they can now hear noises outside. I have been playing the miracle CD by celien dion while driving and other classical music at work. If the comments are true that it will help calm him once he arrives I'm all for that!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I took my first flight this weekend since beoming pg and it went well. There was a little turbulence on one leg and I got a little quesy which normally never happens, but overall it was fine. We are flying to Chicago in 3 weeks so hopefully that goes just as well.

I woke up this morning to a lopsided belly. It was the oddest thing. I think he was scrunched up on the left side because it was so much higher than the right. After about 10 minutes he leveled out again.

He's been kicking up a storm which is really cool, but still to sporadically for DH to feel. Hopefully soon.

DS received more clothes this weekend. My Mom started buying 12 month - 18 month clothing. So we got these really cute golf outfirts and a jacket for next winter ('07-'08) from the Heartstrings outlet. I also found a steal at the Strausberg outlet, a cute holidy outfit for my side of the family's x-mas party that has gingerbread on it. Originally marked $72.99, I got it for $7.00!

This post is long enough, hope everyone is doing well!

[Pamela]

My dh painted the nursery yesterday, it is a beautiful light aqua blue. I think it looks very soothing and calm. The ship date for our furniture got pushed back a couple of weeks (darn), so it'll probably be another month or so for that. But I've cut out the patterns for the bedding and will cut up the fabric and get sewing.

Quartercentury, I had laughing gas when I had my wisdom teeth out, and boy they sure call it that for a reason!

Maplekitty, hopefully your placenta moves up out of the way.

Midwesterngal, I cannot believe someone actually said such an awful, insensitive and hurtful thing to you!!

Taterbaby, I hope that the pain you've been feeling is just round ligament pain and that it goes away soon! Definately phone your doc if you're not sure about something.

[jenniferlynne]

Hi everyone! We've been gone for a week and I am hopelessly behind BUT I did want to report that we had our big ultrasound and it's a .....



















SURPRISE!


EXCEPT... The ultrasound technician slipped and revealed that we're having a....
















GIRL!!

I could not believe it. DH and I had finally decided NOT to find out, and we'd been telling everyone it was going to be a surprise to help keep our resolve firm, and then the technician just blurted out, "She's a really active little girl. Oops. Did you want to know the gender?" She was mortified and tried to cover but when we assured her it was okay she told us she was "pretty sure" about the gender and even showed us what looked to me to be a pretty clear image of the three lines. So I *think* it's a girl. We may keep it to ourselves since we're not 100% sure but I had to tell you all. :)

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

Crib / bassinet : We'll use a co-sleeper for at least the first few months, and then maybe a PNP till DS is out of the crib. I don't want to have to buy another crib but he is not ready for a "big boy" bed yet. I loved the co-sleeper last time!

Hand-me-downs: Probably lots, though if this really is a little girl, I know my MIL will be shopping like crazy.

Pain meds: Most likely, yes. Last time I went into it with an open mind, figuring I'd make the decision in the moment. I went till 7 cm without meds but then couldn't handle it any more and practically begged for the epi. Once I got it, I was in heaven. I was kicking myself for not getting one earlier. Unless my labor goes really fast this time and there's no time for an epi, I'll probably have another one.

[Pamela]

Jenniferlynne, Congratulations on your Girl!!

[maplekitty]

jennifer - congrats on your surprise girl! ;)
And now the teams are evened out again...

[Ericka_Jarett]

Congrats Jennifer.

Well tomorrow I go for my u/s, hoping this time we get some cooperation and the tech can tell what we are having.

[MamaBear]

Jenniferlynne- Congrats on your little girl!

I so hope that baby cooperates for you Erika! You will be the latest tie breaker.

[dzmattie]

Congrats to all the mommies who found out what they are having!!!

I have been reading along but haven't been able to post - so here are some of the QOTD's!!

Bassinett - we had one that was a hand me down from my cousin - DS hated it - I remember wishing it would rock on its own b/c that was the only way he would stay in it was if it was rocking. He later slept in the travel lite PNP and stayed in that for awhile in our room. I will probably move the new baby into her crib sooner - I was always so nervous with DS but I know we all slept better when he was in his crib. It was nice in the early months while nursing to have him in our room.

Pain meds - Epi was wonderful! And they gave me something through the IV when I first arrived at the hospital and that took the edge off...

Hand me downs - we don't really have anyone to give us stuff - our friends are having a baby two weeks before us and have a DD who is the same age as our DS - we keep joking that if they have a boy we will just switch bins of old clothes!! They are keeping it a surprise though.

U/S - no 3D one here - we will probably end up having a few more since I am high risk so we will get to see Little Girl a couple more times.

Midwestern Girl - boy that was the rudest thing ever. So sorry....
Taterbaby - I don't blame you for calling - that is what they are there for right? I always feel better after I make a call about something I am worried about....
Bubeleh - I have been feeling ALOT more movement lately - that is funny that he was only on one side - the little one still has alot of room at this point - they think they run the joint! :p

I know I have more SO's but I am so tired - got to run! Have a great night ladies!

[MichelleRenee]

Just a quick post:

I have been in a ton of pain. I am just so achy today. This baby must have hit a growth spurt. I've also had a bit of an upset stomach. It just feels like things are starting to get crowded in there. I hope it doesn't get too much worse... I still have 20 weeks to go!

[emermel]

Michelle:

I hear you there! I feel ginormous already and I'm only 21 weeks! It doesn't help that it was 111 degrees today:eek: Thank goodness we are getting out of this heat in 17 days (but who's counting???). I can't imagine being fully pg in this heat...how miserable!

[marathongirl]

Here are my 23w 3d surprise belly shots:
http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3C83295%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3239%3E645%3E638%3EWSNR CG%3D32337%3B48%3B85%3A4nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3C83295%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3239%3E645%3E638%3EWSNR CG%3D32337%3B48%3C262%3Bnu0mrj

jenniferlynne - congrats on your GIRL!!!

ericka - I hope Baby isn't shy today! Can't wait to find out - don't keep us in suspense!

Midwesterngal - the nerve of some people!

Tater - definitely call your doc with any questions! That's what they are there for.

pamela - yeah for a painted nursery! Aqua sounds very soothing.

Achiness - count me in! My hips when I'm sleeping and sometimes my knees and back.

Sorry I missed so many people - gotta get DD to the library for story hour!

[MichelleRenee]

I don't really LOOK like I am growing, but I think my belly is starting to grow wider and that's why it hurts so much. It actually looks smaller to me from the side, but has definitely taken on a new shape altogether.

Ericka_Jarett, I am anxiously waiting for your u/s results!!! I guess.... boy!

[Jenzen01]

Ericka - You'll have to let us know how the ultrasound goes! I really hope you can find out today.

michellerenee - I hate to break it to you, but it's going to get a lot worse. :rolleyes: The last month is enough to make any woman testy. At any rate, I hope you're feeling better soon.

jenniferlynne - Congrats on your little surprise! Glad you weren't too upset at the tech. By the way, I agree with you that 7 cm was the magic number for wanting pain meds. I was dealing with it pretty well until I hit that point, which is when I accepted the Demerol or Stadol or whatever it was.

We had a great night with Gabe last night. My in-laws were over with my brother-in-law who is visiting from California. Gabe kept calling him "Bop" instead of Bob, and it was the first thing he said this morning when I got him out of his crib.

It's raining today. Supposed to be pretty humid with T-storms this afternoon.

ttfn,
Jen

[Mommy2ml]

just a quick question.... does the news upset anyone else? Yesterday I heard about this couple that was found and arrested in MX for selling their children. One of the children they sold has yet to be found! :( I was so upset last night I could not sleep till very late. Kept checking on Mackie and my mind was just racing with all the what ifs and such. I was afraid also that it would make its way into my dreams. I don't remember if it did or not, so I guess I was spared, but I am still so upset! :(

[MichelleRenee]

The news has always upset me, but moreso now that I am pregnant. I just try not to watch it.

[Quartercentury]

Yeah, I have been getting upset at the news lately, too. Yesterday there was an article in the newspaper about babies being stolen/sold in Kenyan slums and them passed off as "miracle babies" by members of a dodgy church congregation that has followers here in the UK! I have got to stop reading about stuff like that at work... makes me way too emotional.

Here's a new belly sequence:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v448/quartercentury/October%202006%20Pumpkin/4to20weeks.jpg

Could this go on the first page, please?

[Michelle]

Ericka - Can't wait to hear the u/s results!

QC - Great belly shot montage!

Mommy2ml - Yeah, the news is always upsetting to me.

Jenzen01 - Glad you're having fun with your In-laws! That's cute about your DS calling your BIL Bop.

Marathongirl - Great belly shot!

MichelleR - Sorry about the pain! I hope you feel better soon!

[Ericka_Jarett]

What an appt today!!!!

Found out that looks like little one is definately a BOY, still not a great shot as his butt was at my belly button and his legs were tight, but the tech got a better view after a little jiggle. HB was 143

My cervix is shortened a little more than last week and open slightly. I have to go Thursday for a non-invasive cerclage (will be a ring instead of stitches), praying that it will take us to term with no further issues. Going on modified bedrest as well now. I am scared just the same though.

http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3C8458%3A%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3278%3E943%3E%3A57%3E WSNRCG%3D32337%3B5785348nu0mrj

[Michelle]

Congrats on your boy Ericka!

[bunnybeth]

MidwesternGal Ugh! I hate those stupid comments, why is it that people think they can throw out all tact when speaking to a pregnant woman?

TaterBaby That sounds terrible, I hope the pain gets better soon. And, don't feel silly for calling. I think it's better to be safe than sorry, and I'm sure they get it all the time.

jenniferlynne Oops on that slip-up, but maybe you were just fated to know? Congrats on your girl! (Unless you slip-up there's no reason why you can't keep it a surprise for everyone else.)

Ericka Congrats on your boy! Hope everything goes well for you.

emermel I was in Phoenix last August, and boy I sure don't blame you for wanting to get out of that heat, it's so miserable.

MichelleRenee Some days my belly gets an achy/stretchy feeling as well. I hope it doesn't increase in intensity as we get bigger.

QC Love the belly progression!

---

Gave into temptation this morning and drank a Frappuccino, and now the little one is kicking away. I'm really going to have to give up coffee when they're big enough to really hurt with the kicks. ;) My ultrasound is (finally!) tomorrow afternoon, and I'm taking a half day off work. I'll probably stop in with my results tomorrow evening! (:D)

[MichelleRenee]

Ericka_Jarett, I guessed right! Woohoo! congrats on your boy! That is two right guesses for me this week. I am on a roll! I too had to move around to get the shot.

[Mommy2ml]

bunnybeth - do they make frappuccinos in decaf? you could enjoy the taste and not get beaten up about it ;)

Good luck tomorrow!

[maplekitty]

Ericka - congrats on the little boy!! I hope the cerclage is successful, and bedrest isn't too boring for you! When do you go to get that done?

[Mommy2ml]

Erika - Congrats on the boy! :)

I can tell you I have known a few people with a cerclage and things turned out great for them - full term babies and healthy, too! :) I hope they let you up and around a bit more as the pg progresses... I know I go stir crazy just having to rest for the afternoons! I have noticed that just laying back and watching movies is not really that bad though LOL I hope all goes well!

[Ericka_Jarett]

maplekitty - I am getting the non-invasive procedure done of the ring instead of stitches (which you have to go to the hospital overnight for IV and get the procedure in the AM) I can get the ring put on at the doctor's office. Not sure when he will want to see me again to make sure it's holding, but they don't do it after 24 weeks I think he said. Just praying that this works and pregnancy can progress as normal.

[Bubeleh]

Erika Congrats on the BOY! And welcome to the team. Hopefully the modified bed rest isn't too bad, and the procedure does it job.

[marathongirl]

ericka - congrats on your BOY! Sending you good thoughts and prayers that the cerclage does it's job and you go on to have a great pregnancy and a healthy son!

[Jenzen01]

Ericka - Congrats on your BOY!!! I hope all goes well with the cerclage. My thoughts are with you.

[Mommy2ml]

BTW: The u/s pic that is on the fron pages for us, is from 13wks. :) (the one from 20wks is all blurred and we were not given one to take home last week :P

[Pamela]

ErickaJarett, Congratulations on your Boy!! I hope that the cerclage procedure goes smoothly for you and that it does the trick.

[Nigellas]

Ericka - Congratulations and welcome to boy-land! :) As you may know, I too am on bed rest for a shortening cervix - I'm happy to chat with you anytime - PM me or I'm on LJ with the same name if you want to stop by. I'll be thinking of you lots.

[Mommy2ml]

I am feeling awfully unsettled/restless/impatient today... anyone else having issues of short temper, short attention span, and the need to go do something else before being done with your current work?

[MichelleRenee]

Mommy2ml, YES!!! I have felt that way for weeks now!!

[nutter13]

Yes!! Not sure how I'm going to get through work the next 4-5 months! All I can do it think of baby stuff and wanting to be at home, keeping the house straight. It has all gotten so out of hand. DH and I are too exhausted after work and taking care of DD to do much else.

[Mommy2ml]

michellerenee and nutter - it's been getting worse and worse for me lately. I too have been revisiting my registries... and it just today occurred to me that perhaps I should go to the store and register for in store stuff too! LOL Iwish I could do the BRU, but I am so mad with Amazon right now I do not want to risk it after what they did to us.

Buy Buy Baby is on my list to to dos for this weekend though :)

I have literrally been talking and typing online more than working the past few weeks LOL

In addition half the time people ask me something I feel like growling at them... like stay away, I have more important stuff on my mind YKWIM?

Luckily with the reduced hours I have been on, I get out at 3:30, but even with that I am impatient by noon! LOL

I know whatyou mean about not having time to clean up and such aroudn the house... I am home hours more tahn I used to be now... and I still can't seem to get much done! LOL

I do recall having similar restlessness last time I went through this, but I worked f/t with little problem then too. I think the fact that I dislike the place I work for contributes too...

[MichelleRenee]

Is it like an early stage of nesting or something?

[Mommy2ml]

I don't know.. I certainly do not feel like cleaning or anything... but I live just sitting and looking at baby stuff - online or in person :)

Nesting for me was me running all over scrubbing nearly anything in sight till my feet and lower legs were the size of cantaloups and Rob ordered me to lay down already LOL

I think it's hormones :)

[Ericka_Jarett]

Thanks Nigellas for the offer. You may be hearing from me more shortly. Knowing hubby I will be using his laptop if I need to be on more bedrest. So much for having a summer job to help with expenses this year. Good thing I have my huge Noah's Ark cross-stitch project to work on, as well as another baby blanket that's partially started.

[Mommy2ml]

Pregnancy projects rock! :) I haven't found mine yet... maybe I need to do that and focus a bit more? :)

[Mrs-Mac]

Morning,
Don't have time for SOs or to catch up on the QOTDs, but wanted to post the crib we are buying tonight!! So excited. This is our first purchase for the baby!!
http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3C8%3B476%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E276%3E%3A%3C 6%3EWSNRCG%3D32337%3B97%3A2%3C%3B9nu0mrj

[kenswife]

Hi everyone.

I really haven't been around much. Between me and the kiddos being sick and then just feeling *blah* lately, I haven't had much motivation to do much of anything.

I'm having some slight pre-baby depression I think. Not serious, just down and to tell you the truth, it has little to do with the baby at all. I'm really feeling desperate to be at-home with my kids. It was the plan anyway that I would only go back to work for a month or two after my maternity leave was up. However, I'm just getting really tired. I need some time before the baby comes or I feel like I'm going to be completely overwhelmed with all of a sudden having 3 kids! :eek:

Anyway, thanks for letting me vent. I'm going to talk to a few people and see if I can work out some arrangements with healthcare to be able to leave earlier than expected.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nesting - I've definitely had some nesting urges lately. My 2 girls are in seperate rooms right now and I have to move them into one room. So, I'm getting huge urges right now to start painting their future room and get everything situated in there so that I can start working on this little one's room. I'm sooo eager to start this project!

***NOTE TO PREGNANT LADIES*** Do NOT try laying and grouting slate tile while pregnant. My DH and I attempted laying slate tile the other day. Everything was fine until we started grouting. It was MISERABLE! (Slate doesn't have a smooth surface so the grout quickly gets into the cracks and dries!) And then, the next day, the grout had cracked! :mad: So, now we're in the process of re-grouting the tile one by one since this is the way that we found it works. This *little* project turned into a 2 WEEK project. And let me tell you, I can hardly move I'm so sore from scrubbing and kneeling on the tile!!!

Moral of the story : Stick to baby stuff!!! haha.


Thanks again for listen to what sounded like a ton of complaining!

[TaterBaby]

Mrs-Mac, Love the crib your bought! I also really like the bedding it's shown with. Do you mind posting where it's from?


I'm going on my 4th day of some major round ligament pain. I think that means I'm about to have a huge growth spurt! I was really hoping to stay this size the whole time. ;)

[MichelleRenee]

My ligament pain is back as well. I didn't have any yesterday, but between Monday and today and I just want to lay in bed with a heating pad!

[nutter13]

kenswife Just wanted to say I feel the same way you do. I was planning on working full time until 37 weeks, then 3 days a week until 39 when I'll have a c/s, but now I'm thinking maybe I'll just work until 37 weeks and stop. That would give me 2 - 2 1/2 weeks to hang out with DD, just the two of us and get stuff done before we become a family of 4 :) Although if I could stop working now I would, it's getting very hard to concentrate!

QOTD Anyone notice a pattern of movement with your baby?

The baby doesn't seem to move much during the day but from 5pm on he seems to move a lot! And then at 9pm every night he gets really active, seems like I have a night owl in my belly :)

Just want to say I got the Snoogle pillow last weekend, and it rocks! My hips were starting to hurt when I woke up each morning, but not any more. I hoping it stays that way until delivery! Last time I ended up sleeping upright in a lazyboy for the last month b/c I couldn't take the pain in my hips from sleeping on my sides.

[Michelle]

Mrs-Mac - Great crib! How exiciting that you are ordering it!

Kenswife - Take some time for yourself, you deserve it! Don't get too overwhelmed. You have us to vent to anytime!

Tater and MichelleR - I hope the round ligament pain goes away soon!

Nutter - Glad you like your Snoogle! I'm still debating whether or not I want one. They look so nice!

QOTD - Baby Movement: I have an earlybird on my hands. She tends to be more active in the mornings and the evenings. I'm so not a morning person, so leave it to me to have a morning mover! :)

- - - - - - - - - -

We pick up our baby furniture tomorrow! It came in a few weeks ago, but I was able to push back picking it up for a few weeks. I'm not ready for it yet, but once we paint the nursery we'll be ready. I just can't wait to see it! :)

Hope everybody is having a good day!

[maplekitty]

QOTD - baby movement - She seems to be active around 10am, and 10-11pm. She's getting a lot more active as every day goes on, and it's so neat to actually be aware of her in there. Sometimes I get a few good kicks where I think you'd be able to feel it from teh outside. DH is patiently...er, impatiently waiting to finally feel her for himself! :D

[Bubeleh]

QOTD - baby movement He's really active between 9pm and 11pm, and little spurts throughout the day. More so after eating spicy indian food!

Tater and MichelleR I feel for you on the pain. I had it only for a couple days about a month or so ago, and I do not wish that on anyone. Hope it goes away quickly.

[Pamela]

QOTD, movement pattern, I've noticed that recently she tends to wake up and kick around for awhile when my dh's alarm goes off at 4am (either the alarm wakes her up or else I do when it wakes me up), then she wakes up around 8-9am and generally has a good long active period. She'll wake up and kick around every couple of hours during the day, and then have another major kicking party when I'm going to bed. Sometimes when I wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom she wakes up and I get a couple of kicks then too. Really, any time I lay down she seems to wake up. She is getting seriously active these days! We love to just watch my belly jumping around when she's at it.

[Ericka_Jarett]

bumping us up from the 2nd page, still awaiting BunnyBeth's news.

QOTD - little man likes to kick when I finally relax if I am busy during the day. He shifts around a lot when I first get to bed, but soon after he stops and sleeps, I will than feel him again in the morning when DH's alarm goes off and just off and on throughout the day. Since I have been laying down the last 2 days, he has not been moving quite as much, just feels like a shift at times.

[SlvSpring]

Midwesterngal- I am so sorry about the comment! That is awful! Screw her. :mad:

ErickaJarrett- I will be thinking of you and I hope that cercalage does the trick. Congrats on your boy too, by the way! Please keep us updated on your progress.

Nutter- I got my snoogle pillow yesterday and I LOVE it so far! I have the worse time sleeping lately and I had the BEST sleep last night. I highly recommend it. It also looks like it will be nice for breastfeeding from reading the booklet.

Michelle- How exciting to get your furniture! We should be getting our crib and mattress delivered in the next 3 weeks. Ack! That means I need to clean!

QOTD- There really hasn't been much pattern to the baby's movements just yet. I have noticed that about 30-60 minutes after eating I tend to feel movement, but not always. It is very random.

Welll.... my due date has been changed again!!!! My new doctor does not agree with the old doctor changing the due date so he has changed my date BACK to October 21st. Please let this be last time! I think this is the 4th time it has been changed!!

I can't wait for the U/S on Friday!!!!!! Can't wait to find out what this baby is!

[Mrs-Mac]

Thanks for all the compliments on the crib. We did buy it last night. Taterbaby, The crib is made by Stanely furniture: http://www.youngamerica.stanleyfurniture.com/youngamerica/index.do I think they are normally a pretty expensive company. This crib wasn't too expensive, so I think it may be discontinued (also couldn't find it on their website). It was also something the store (Baby Supermart - a local store) had in stock. We didn't take it with us last night since we are in a hurry, but can pick it up at any point. We decided not to order any matching pieces from the store because they were so expensive (more than double the cost fo the crib for a small dresser and changing table top). I figured I would be able to find something for less that matches the white finish well enough.

We also went to a cute boutique last night to look at the Bumbleride Flyer stroller. Its nice, but I think we like the Zippy better. But I was happy because I actually found a bathing suit there. I've had the worst time bathing suit shopping. Most of the suits do not have ANY support on the top!! Its so annoying.

QOTD Movement Peanut tends to move a bunch in the afternoon and then right before going to bed. Pretty sure DH felt the baby kick last night!! :)

Quartercentury Great belly shots!! Your belly is so cute and round. I'm still waiting a little while to get rid of my split belly before I post any pics!!

Ericka_Jarett Congrats on your BOY! Hope the cerclage procedure goes well and your little one stays put for several more months!!

bunnybeth Hope everything went well with your ultrasound!!!

Michelle How exciting about the furniture arriving! And hope the ligament pain goes away soon!!

To everyone else that I am missing, hope you are all doing well!!

[MichelleRenee]

It's the last day of my 19th week! Does that mean I am halfway through the pregnancy tomorrow?

I've got baby showers on the brain and I was wondering what everyone thinks of this "bring diapers to win a prize" trend. It seems to be all the rage around our area and I don't know if it is a local thing or what. Basically, you write on the shower invitations that everyone who brings a package of diapers will be entered into a drawing for a prize. So it becomes one of the "games" at the shower. It went over really well at the 2 showers I went to. So what does everyone think of this? Is it weird, or just a good way to stock up on diapers?

[Ericka_Jarett]

MichelleRenee - You are half way through tomorrow, Congrats.

Also I like the diaper idea for the shower. I would love it if they would bring diapers to my shower.(Years ago we use to have a wishing well when the guests would bring a pack of diapers for it, no other items usuallywent into it) At the last shower I went to you bring a small item to place on the clothesline that was strung across the room.

Me - Hubby is working from home today to go with me for the procedure, than we will probably hit the store for my stepson's b-day present, maybe get something for our little one as well, we shall see. We bought a bunch of Carter sleepers back in February when we were in TN at the Carter outlet, since most were gender neutral we are set there. Now will be adding boy touches to my registry since everything right now is just the big items and smaller things I want. I do have several onesies that I got for Rebekah that we will use this time around since they are all brand new, as well as I registered for several packs in different sizes as well. I am hoping that we can get the word out that Jarett and I are not big sports fans (archery is our sport) so we hopefully don't end up with lots of clothes that have sports all over them, if I do, will probably end up taking them back. I would like boyish but without all sports covering them.

[MichelleRenee]

Ericka, we're not big sports fans either. I guess it's time for us to prepare for all the cliche boy items we will receive!

Note to first timers: don't read the threads about childbirth! I just read a few posts and I am in tears! I have always been scared of childbirth and now I am terrified!

[Quartercentury]

Ericka & MichelleRenee, I would so much rather receive clothes with firetrucks and baseball themes than frilly pinkness!

Check out what I bought on eBay for the baby:
http://i2.ebayimg.com/04/i/07/52/e0/32_1_b.JPG
Cheeky monkey! Ha! I love it!

Contrary to MichelleRenee's advice, I love reading about birth... I find that knowing what to expect and what can happen goes a long way towards making me less nervous/scared.

On yesterday's question about movement... This kid seems to be most active in the late morning, after I have been sitting at my desk for a couple of hours. If I am patient (i.e. sit still with my hand in my waistband for long enough) I can usually feel the movement from the outside, so I'm hoping that FH will be able to feel the baby when he comes home this weekend(!!! - he's been in China pretty much the whole pregnancy, so it will be fabulous to have him back!).

[MichelleRenee]

I have read some threads that are very positive and make me feel great about it. Others are just too scary for me!

[Jenzen01]

Movement - I get a quite a bit of movement in the morning and in the afternoon and definitely between 8 and 9 at night. Seems like she turns on every couple of hours. I might feel some small stuff in between, but the major movements happen in spurts.

Ericka - What type of archery do you do? Any hunting? DH and I are pretty avid hunters, and I used to work for some hunting publications.

Knowing about birth - Yeah, it's good to know as much as possible, but there is some benefit to being a first-timer because even though you've read stuff, you're going to be surprised along the way. I'm a little more scared this time because I KNOW what's going to happen. Not that any of it is too terrifying ... but I don't look forward to a few things ... like the healing afterward and whatnot. When you don't know, you just deal with it one thing at a time as it comes. This time around, I have the whole picture in my head adn it gets a little overwhelming. On a plus side, I had such a good birth experience with Gabe that I felt empowered, so that helps in the anticipation of this birth.

QC - Tha'ts an adorable outfit! And yeah, as much as I love girl clothes, I wish the baby stuff came in more than just pink. What about sherbert colors? Oranges, lilacs, soft blues, spring greens? Where's the variety?

[Ericka_Jarett]

Jenzen - we just do range type archery, Hubby shoots recurve, so far I am on compound. Hubby was on his way to the olympics at one point is his life, but his ex wanted him to stop shooting. (Hubby puts 2 pics in my journal of me shooting for the 1st time at a range)

QC - There are so many cute boy things though without having to have a sport on them, I would much rather have something plain or even with something about fishing (my dad was an avid fisherman, and I like to go fishing as well) than having a football or baseball all over the outfit. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I told people when they commented about pink outfits or asked what type of clothes I wanted, I said I would prefer to have purples, greens, blues, yellows to all pink things. Pastor's wife actually has some outfits that she got for Rebekah in all different colors, she is holding on to them for when I have a daughter again. The baby's nursery was actually going to be purple bedding with butterflies.

[Mommy2ml]

QOTD- BAby movement - He's active whenever I am relaxed it seems. Mostly when I am sitting or laying down and not too stressed. But he does move some when I am at work too LOL The times when he doesn't move around so much are fewer and farther between everyday I think.

silvrspring I empathize with the changing EDDs. I have been told 10/2, 10/9, 10/5, 10/13 so far. I think the official one is still the 10/5, but I pretty much just rope off the last 2 weeks of Sept and all of Oct and say anytime in there at this point! LOL

michellerenee The only advice I have for first time moms... expect to feel like you are completely out of control of your body. Expect to feel that way and know in advance it is natural that that happens. That, I think, was the worst part for me. I freaked out I could not control when certain things happened. Right down to pooping on the table while pushing. Just don't worry about it, it happens a LOT and those maternity nurses and docs and m/w's have all seen it ll before, so don't stress yourself or worry yourself over the unknown.

The more you relax and just let things happen, the easier things go, the less pain you'll feel, and the faster the labor can progress. The more you worry and stress, the more pain, the slower things can get and the worse you feel.

HTH!


update in us - tonight is my next appt. I plan to ask about telemetry monitoring and walking epidurals to name a couple of my questions... I have a whole list. I am 23 weeks along as of today and looking forward and worrying about next week's milestone of viability! :) Next u/s appt is 6/29 with the peri.

Might head to Buy Buy Baby this weekend to fill in a little on the registry with in store stuff. :)

[Mommy2ml]

The clothes colors and themes have been on my mind too. I have been given some very cute things for logan and am looking forward to seeing them on him. I am realizing though just how few things for my DD were not pink or purple or lacy and frilly! LOL

[bunnybeth]

I'm back with some gender news....



















It's a BOY! So it looks like team blue for me, just as I suspected. Sorry for the delay the CC totally died on me yesterday when I came to post my news. Everything looked great, but the little guy did not like sitting still (it was mid-afternoon!) and it was just amazing to me how much he was moving around, and how fast he could go from his head behind my belly button to down by my pelvic bone. The tech kept having to "chase" him down to get the proper pics. ;)

This is the best profile the tech could get for us- my little acrobat's legs are bent up and his toes are almost touching his head!
http://bunnybeth.net/images/pregnancy/20w_profile.jpg


Ericka Those sound like some fun baby projects. I'm hoping to get my fabric soon so I can start on some stuff. I agree with you on not wanting much sports stuff for the baby, it's just not what we're into. Here's hoping for puppies!

Mrs-Mac Cute crib! Sounds like you got a good deal on it. I was amazed by how expensive those changing tables with the dresser drawers cost, most of them were much more expensive than the matching cribs.

kenswife I hate it when house projects take 10x longer than expected. That tile project sounds like it was a pain... but at least now you can enjoy the finished results. :)

nutter13 I just got a Snoogle last weekend as well, and am loving it! It's a great shape to snuggle up with. DH keeps claiming he's going to steal it, so I told him to get his own.

Michelle That'll be fun for you to see the nursery furniture. Has the room been painted yet?

QC Cheeky monkey! Ohmygosh, that's hillarious, I love using that phrase. Guess I should check out eBay for fun stuff. ;) That's great to hear your FH will be back soon, I'm sure you'll enjoy having him around.

QOTD movement pattern Definitely feel the little guy more in the afternoons and evenings, and hardly at all in the morning unless I have coffee.

[Mommy2ml]

bunnybeth congrats on the boy! welcome to team blue :)

[Nigellas]

QC- I *love* it! Especially the Oooh-oooh! Heee!

Bethany- I'm so excited to have you on the blue team! :D

Erica – Good luck today. :)

-----------------
Well… I figured this was coming but my perintologist finally decided I am going to be on bedrest for the rest of the pregnancy. Oie…. It’s already been 4 weeks, and while it sucked, it did go by quicker than I thought it would. Only 20 more weeks to go… (Though both my Peri and OB expect me to deliver early – just hopefully not too early!) My legs are turning to mush!

[Pamela]

Quartercentury, that outfit is so cute!! And thats great your fh is coming home!

Bunnybeth, Congratulations on your Boy!!

[marathongirl]

qc - cute outfit!

nigellas - sorry about the continued bedrest! Do you do needlepoint or cross stitch or anything? Might be fun to make something for Baby.

bunnybeth - congrats on your BOY!!!

movement pattern - usually after I eat. Sometimes I get woken up in the night by a few goods kicks.

kenswife - vent away! That's what we're here for ;) .

knowing about birth - I think you can know the basics, but it's going to be different for every woman/pregnancy. In some ways I am looking forward to it b/c everything went so smoothly w/ DD. Don't get me wrong - it hurt! But the end result is *so* worth it!

Hello to everyone else! Hope you're all doing well!

[dzmattie]

Nigellas - I am so sorry you will have to be on bedrest.....how about getting some DVD sets of TV shows? Lost, CSI, Survivor, old 80's shows - or get NETFLIX? I feel terrible....I was on modified bed rest at 26 weeks with DS - which meant I couldn't work, go shopping, etc but could move alittle around the house - no housework but could sit on the couch and move from bedroom to living room - and occasionally go out to dinner with out walking far. Let us know if there is anything you need....

I also found computer games like The Sims - would keep me occupied for awhile - and the characters can have a baby in 3 days! Wouldn't it be nice! :)

[MichelleRenee]

Nigellas, sounds like you were prepared for this. I hope it continues to go fast for you! I know you can only watch so much TV and read so many magazines. Are you crafty? There are a ton of cute cross-stitching projects you can start for the baby. That would help time go faster! (although I would do a bunch of small things as opposed to one big thing!) We'll try to keep things interesting here at CC for you!

I definitely agree that it is good to know a little bit about L&D before yoru time arrives, but some of the info out there is downright scary!

[Mommy2ml]

Nigellas - I hope the bedrest goes quickly for you! I find puzzles like Sudoku facinating and time consuming myself, pehaps your DH could bring you home some puzzle books with your faves in them?

[MidwesternGal]

Hello, hello!

Nigellas--Oh gosh, I'd go stir crazy if I were you. . .. You sound like you have a wonderful attitude though! Another thought for something to do is to put together photo albums that you've fallen behind on (seems like everyone has a box of photos that needs organizing!).

MichelleRenee--I'm with you. I pretty much hyperventilated after reading the "everything you need to know about birth" thread MapleKitty posted. This is why I discussed several pain meds with my doctor and she's going to make sure I get them ASAP. I'd be happy to be knocked totally out for the birth if I could be!!

Movement--Usually around 3 p.m. until around 5ish and then again at night. . . though Baby X has been switching it up lately. It's going to be awful when he gets bigger!

Well, not a whole lot is going on around here. Trying to come up with a name, as we vetoed all our previous ones. Figures, because we're set on the girls name but are having a boy! LOL.

Recently I've become addicted to all things sugar and salt! AACCK! Oh no! This is really bad. I seriously don't want to eat anything unless it's awful for me. Nothing else even sounds remotely appealing. I'm very disappointed in myself. I think part of it is the fact I was eating soooo healthy and still getting bigger and bigger (which yes, I realize I am supposed to!) and I'm having trouble accepting that I'm getting "big"--does that make sense??. . . . so I gave up! I MUST get back on track!!!

Oh and I forgot to add. . . . my boobs are ENORMOUS. OH my gosh!!! It's truly disturbing. I just ordered several bras in--get this--a G!!!!! I thought I'd avoid the boob growth since I was bigger to start with (36DD). . . yikes!! Anyone know of websites to get cheaper bras?? I ordered 2 from Pennys and with shipping it ended up being $90!!! I figure with buying bigger, they'll be more expensive, but still! Thanks!!! (On the plus side, at my last doc's appointment, she eyed me up and down and said I could knock a couple lbs off my weight gain for my boobs alone! I love my doc! Hehehe!)

[Bubeleh]

bunny beth Welcome to Team Blue!

Nigellas Sorry to hear your news, I agree with the netflix suggestion if you are not an arts & crafts girl.

Clothing We actually enjoy sports, but I do not want our son dressed in all sporting outfits. We have found a ton of cute boys clothes with animals, ships, trucks and other little boy things on them. There is stuff out there you just may have to look for it a little longer.

[Mommy2ml]

midwesterngal - try the legs hanes bali playtex outlet online... I forget the web address, but you could look for it on Google. They always have sales and specials and tehy have specific larger busted size pages and plus sized pages that are helpful.

I am growing too... 40D fits now.... I am likely to go up 1 more cup size if history repeats itself.

[Ericka_Jarett]

update - well I am done at the doctor's for at least 2 more weeks. It wasn't too painful at least the first step, the second was a LOT of pressure, I was ready to leap off the table. It only took about 2 mins to put the ring in place. I had to stand up and walk in a circle and than go out to the waiting room and walk a little and use the bathroom before I left. They wanted to make sure I couldn't feel it or had any pain from it. Also found out that I have the start of a yeast infection so he gave me a script for the pill I need (it's 1 dose only) He said the next 6 weeks I have to take it easy. Nothing really strenuous, can go out and do stuff, but to sit as much as possible (well that will be easy with the weddings coming up, hubby and I don't dance so no worries there) He is going to do another u/s in 2 weeks to make sure things are going well. Hubby and I are still pushing to go at least to 37 weeks, so I will be taking it easy as much as I can. Should have good results, my mind is at ease a little now.

Nigellas - so sorry to hear about full bedrest for the next 20 weeks. Is your cervix opening at all or just shortening?

Well I am off to nap, didn't sleep well last night had a nightmare I had one time before early on in the pregnancy, I know everything will be fine though so not dwelling on it.

[Jenzen01]

ericka - Glad to hear the procedure went well. By the way, I think it's cool that you're into archery. I have a Mathews bow, but haven't used it much because I've got a youngster at home now. I got lucky and got it through work. I do intend to get out hunting again after this baby ... but it might be a while.

Nigellas - Sorry to hear about bedrest! Take care!

[kenswife]

Well, I'm feeling much better today. Thanks for letting me vent yesterday. I found a little bit of hope in the fact that I've applied for an alternative health plan that would cover the rest of the pregnancy as well as my DH and kiddos. I'm just crossing my fingers that I get accepted. If I do then I will feel like I have much better flexibility regarding my working situation. I could even cut my days from 5 down to 2 or 3. So, time will tell. Hopefully it turns out well for us. I'm really dying to spend some quality time with my kids and have some time to *unwind* before the little munchkin comes :)

bunnybeth- Congrats on your Boy!!! We'll have plenty of little boys being born in Oct, that's for sure!

Ericka - Glad to hear everything went well. Sending prayers your way for a full-term baby ;)

Knowing about birth - As scarey as it *seems* when you read about it, I know it really didn't scare me at the time it was happening. Half the time I was so overwhelmed with pain that I didn't care what else was going on. It was definitely worth it for the end product though :) And I seriously have no actual recollection of the pain and/or experience. When it was over and done with, I started to forget bits and pieces. It's true what they say about how a person forgets the pain. I know it was bad but I can't remember how bad. That is......until about 36 weeks (like last time) when all of a sudden the memories resurfaced, just in time to make me panic before having baby #2. I'll expect the resurfacing again :rolleyes:

Movement - Yup! Baby T has a definite pattern. The most active times are about 10am, 2pm and 8pm. Although, it seems that he's up and moving about every 2 hours.

[Pamela]

Nigellas, sorry to hear you're stuck on bedrest from now on. Stock up on good reading material, trashy magazines and movies! I hope the time passes quickly for you.

ErickaJarett, glad to hear your procedure went well. From your description it doesn't sound as scary as my imagination can make it!

Knowing about birth, I love love love deliveries at work! I think it is just one of the coolest things ever, and this'll probably make me sound wierd but every delivery all I can think is, "Wow, that looks so totally awesome, I'd like to give it a try!!" The more I see it, the more I want to try it out :rolleyes: Its just such a fascinating process. Plus I'm really excited to deliver where I work, I know everyone there from the nurses and docs to the lab techs and housekeeping staff. I can hardly wait!!

[TaterBaby]

Pamela, you are cracking me up. You said in my journal that you're a private person, but you are excited about delivering where you work and know everyone! That would freak me out bc they would all see me naked!!!

[Pamela]

Pamela, you are cracking me up. You said in my journal that you're a private person, but you are excited about delivering where you work and know everyone! That would freak me out bc they would all see me naked!!!

What can I say, I'm wierd :p I'm not thrilled about the everyone seeing me naked part, but I have a super 'friendly' visit with my OB every time I'm there, plus when I spent a night in hospital as a patient, a few of them already got treated to a show anyways (thanks to my very friendly OB who likes everyone to get a good look). Besides, we/they have seen it all and then some before :D And I'd rather be in a familiar place with familiar people.

[maplekitty]

bunnybeth - congrats on your little BOY!!

Nigella - sorry to hear about a full bedrest pregnancy :( ugh....get yourselvf a laptop, a bunch of books, and like suggested, start soem projects. How much walking around the house are you allowed to do?

Ericka - good to hear the proceedure went well. I'm glad it wasn't painful!

About delivery - yah, I was the one who started the "Everything you need to know about childbirth" thread. Seriously, I want to be prepared, I want to know it all. I don't want to be in there and something happens and I'm freaked out or questioning things. Books seem to keep out the gory details, so who better to tell it to you straight than the ladies here! :D

[MichelleRenee]

maplekitty, yes, you did start the thread. I read parts of it and it scared the bejesus out of me! I've had some time to calm down, but I'm still a little freaked. I've never been one for "gory details!" I have to say, though, that the "birth story" thread was a little easier to read. It wasn't so focused on the "shocking" stuff and really just gave me a good feeling overall about the process. (gotta love those happy endings!)

Pamela, I really admire your attitude about your co-workers seeing you naked! I always wondered what people in your situation do. I mean, you obviously would trust the people you work with more than anyone, so it's not like you'd want to deliver at a different hospital, right?

kenswife, health insurance stuff can be so overwhelming and so scary at times. I hope you get accepted for this other plan as well. I will keep my fingers crossed for you!

Ericka_Jarett, I'm so glad everything went well! Have fun taking it easy!

[Quartercentury]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's cracked up by the Cheeky Monkey business!

Nigellas, I am sorry to hear that you'll have to be on bedrest for so long. Are you able to get up and putter around the house a bit, or are you really supposed to be in bed all the time? I second the Netflix suggestion.

I'm glad your appointment went well, Ericka.

We haven't decided if we'll find out the sex of the baby yet. I am leaning towards not finding out, but FH is leaning towards wanting to know. Hot topic of discussion at our house this weekend!

[marathongirl]

ericka - glad your procedure went well!

pamela - wow, you're brave! I could not have people at work see me naked!

kenswife - I hope you get the insurance you need to work a reduced schedule!

DH and I have revived the name debate. I think if it's a boy, he would be James Mitchell or James Robert. If it's a girl, Hannah Grace or Hannah Kathryn. I guess we still have about 16 weeks to decide.

[MichelleRenee]

I am 20 weeks today! Yay!

I had a dr's appt this morning. Everything looked good. The ultrasound results from last week had Tristan measuring between 2-4 days ahead of where he should be. The dr said the placenta is in the right spot and everything looks great... heartrate was 130.

My next appt is July 7. I have to do the 1 hour glucose test. I'm not looking forward to that at all, but that's just because I don't like blood tests.

I also got the OK to start prenatal yoga, so classes begin July 5 for that. My dr said it sounds like a great idea so I am really excited to start!

[She-Ra]

Hello everyone!

I was traveling again this week, and though it was only 1 night/2 days, it really throws my week out of wack, and I haven't been on her in a while. I did have an AMAZING dinner while in Boston, with a decadent glass of barolo, so that helped me not hate my trip. :)

Congratulations to Ericka & bunybeth on your Boys! & Jenniferlynne on your suprise Girl!


Nigellas: I'm sorry you need to be on bedrest. I hope the time passes quickly for you!

Ericka: I hope the ring does it's job & causes no discomfort.


I cannot believe I am 22 weeks. We have been so crazy busy, I feel we really haven't had a lot of time to "appreciate" this pregnancy. Hopefully things will slow down a bit this summer. I think the majority of my travel is behind me. We want to burn some of the miles I've earned & try to plan a weekend escape to the beach, just the 3 of us, before baby brother comes, so we can relax. Off to research that now.

[TaterBaby]

What can I say, I'm wierd :p I'm not thrilled about the everyone seeing me naked part, but I have a super 'friendly' visit with my OB every time I'm there, plus when I spent a night in hospital as a patient, a few of them already got treated to a show anyways (thanks to my very friendly OB who likes everyone to get a good look). Besides, we/they have seen it all and then some before :D And I'd rather be in a familiar place with familiar people.

I don't think you're weird at all. I'm sure I would feel the same way if I were in the medical field! I was just thinking about me and my co-workers and :eek: :eek: :eek: !

[Mommy2ml]

Erika - I am glad all went well!

Pamela - Id on't think you're weird :)

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

Update:

Went to the doc last night.

1. Seems the CMV testing never came back!! the IDIOT doc that told me all was well, even when I double checked with him that the viral was back and ok too, must not have looked too hard :P so my doc is gonna try to find out today WTF happened and will let me know by Monday. She does not think there is an active viral infection though, because she feels if there were, the echogenic bowel would be same or worse, not getting better. But she is gonna press for the results anyway to be sure.

2. Due to the echogenic Bowel findings, even though it seems to be getting better... I will not be allwoed to go past my EDD. I will likely need to be induced BY my EDD to help try to avoid possible complications. I think it's being over-cautious, but I am becoming ok with it I guess.

3. They use Cytotek for inductions if you're not already dialed at all. Soemthing I really fear because of the higher risk associated with it and the possible effects (including uterine rupture). The doc assures me they barely use any at all and the effects I have heard of can occur at around 8 or 10 times the dose they use, but it still makes me uncomfy to think about. So here's hoping that my cervix opens up in time on its own!!!

4. My next doc appt is 7/5. My next u/s is 6/29 still and I need to go in 3 weeks for the 3hr GTT, so I will be calling the local lab to see if I need to make an appt or not. I know I likely have to go on a weekday morning. It starts out with 12hr fasting, too. :P I should dig out my mp3 player and bring my Sudoku book and a novel or 2 for the part of the time I can keep myself awake! I might just try to schedule it for the 29th, sinc eI have to go tto the hospital for the u/s mid afternoon anyway the day is already shortnened, I can just take the day off and go for the GTT in the morning, u/s afternoon. rest in between. :)

Oh, and we have the hospital tour on 6/24!!! :)

[bunnybeth]

Thanks everyone for the gender congrats. Looking at baby stuff is so much more dangerous already! :)

Kerry I'm glad we're on the blue team together. :) Hopefully you'll deliver just after he's good to come out and not a day later. It seems like you've got forever left now, but if you think about it you're already 4 weeks down and that's a good start.

MidwesternGal That stinks that you need more expensive bras. Don't they cost enough already?! I don't want to get myself measured (but I know I should!) since I think I've gone up to a DD.

Ericka That's good that the procedure went well and now you don't have another appointment for 2 weeks. Hope you have a relaxing weekend.

QC Good luck with your gender-finding-out decision!

She-Ra You sure have been traveling a lot, I couldn't imagine doing that right now. The beach trip sounds lovely though, hope you find a great place to go!

Mommy2ml That's terrible that the CMV testing didn't come back and they said your results were fine! I hope that gets straightened out quickly.

[TaterBaby]

Just returned from the dr. Everything looks great! I'm up 3lbs since last month, but I'm attributing at least 1lb to these heavy jeans I have on today. ;)

Next OB appt is July 7th and it's the 1 hour glucose test.

[Mommy2ml]

too soon to talk about birth control after baby?

I discussed the Mirena with my doc and am looking forward to trying it out... Anyone else been looking into post-baby B/C?

[emermel]

Haven't given an update in a while...

22 weeks tomorrow...had a checkup this past Monday. I'm up a total of 12lbs...but 5 of them are from the past month! I've got to stop eating so much pasta!

Everything looked good with "Fishstick". I go back on the 19th for another checkup as the doctor wanted to get me in before we move. We leave Phoenix two weeks from today:eek: We close on our house a week from Monday:eek: I cannot believe that it's that close! I am so over buying a house though. I'm just ready to be in the new house already!

Glad to hear that everyone is doing well

Erica, I'm glad to hear that your procedure went well

Nigellas: good luck on bedrest...you have us for entertainment!

TIM Question...has anyone else been dealing with diarreha? I seem to have a nasty case pretty much every morning. It's just the one time each day, but I don't know if it's cause for concern or not. Other than that, I feel fine!

[Mommy2ml]

not diarrhea here... more like the constipation for me. I would let your doc know just in case.

[maplekitty]

well the bathroom breaks every 5 mintues have now started! I just read my weekly update and it says the uterus is right above the bladder, that would explain it! I was quit liking not having to go so much, but now I feel like I'm alsways full :(
My SIL had the crazy sneeze induced peeing, so thankfully I havnt experienced that yet, haha.

I've found my new favourite food! Apple-cinnamon cheerios. LOL I bought them for DH, thinking I wouldnt like them and I wouldnt eat it all - nope, I can't get enough! And mini BabyBell cheese rounds. MMmmmm....

DH finally felt Robyn kick last night! It was so cool, he was so excited and litle freaked out. I placed his hands in just the right spot and she gave a nice big kick above my belly button! :)

QOTD - BC after baby - honestly, totally havnt even thought that far ahead yet. I think up here, they just automatically prescribe to you a high dose BC after birth. I have no idea what brand, I assume *not* my ortho-tricyclene I was on before.

[Mommy2ml]

Maplekitty why would they automatically give the pill? Do most moms not BF? I only ask because I thought the %of BFing moms were higher in your neck of the woods and you can't take the regular BCPs while nursing. Just curious...

[TaterBaby]

birth control: I'm thinking of Minera too, although I must admit I'm a little scared of the pain during insertion, which is absurd considering the pain I'm about to go thru in childbirth!

[maplekitty]

Maplekitty why would they automatically give the pill? Do most moms not BF? I only ask because I thought the %of BFing moms were higher in your neck of the woods and you can't take the regular BCPs while nursing. Just curious...

Like I said, I really don't know all the info on this as I havnt even begun looking into it. But my SIL jut had a baby 4 months ago, and she BF's exclusively. She said her doc put her on BC right after birth - I know this because I asked her if she's had a period yet since birth and she said the BC she's on, she doesn't get her period. So it must be some kind that is ok while BF'ing.

I can look into it more, if you're interested. I always find it interesting the differences between our medical systems.

[Mommy2ml]

birth control: I'm thinking of Minera too, although I must admit I'm a little scared of the pain during insertion, which is absurd considering the pain I'm about to go thru in childbirth!


I am thinking the sooner after having the baby the easier it would be, and the less pain/discomfort. They actually have to open your cervix a bit to get the insertion tube in. But I have been told by others who had it in that it is more like just plain AF cramps.

[Mommy2ml]

Maplekitty I am really curious. Chances are the pill she's on is the mini-pill, progesterone only, like what is in the Mirena IUD. I love comparing and seeing the similarities and differences in the systems too. :)

[Pamela]

23 week pic

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/MrsPamela/Baby/23weeks2days.jpg

We have got to get a new digital camera before the baby is born! This one has been absolute crap taking pictures inside, they always turn out so dark. I wanted this week's belly pic in the nursery with the pretty new paint, but the colour isn't showing very true (Its much prettier, really!)


QOTD, birth control, haven't really thought about it. Most OB's here prescribe the pill when discharging patients home from hospital. I've never really paid attention to which one though.

[Jenzen01]

birth control - Ugh. I briefly brought this up with DH, and he didn't have too much to say. Last time, I didn't go on anything because we knew we wanted to conceive again relatively soon. This time, I definitely want something. With Gabe, I got my first AF at 6 months PP and then got pregnant at 9 months PP but miscarried. I was BFing the entire time. I stopped BFing in December and got pregnant in January with this baby.

I'm thinking about the mini-pill right now only because I don't anything about other forms of birth control. Maybe I'll bring it up at my next appointment.

Jen

[Mommy2ml]

Jenzen - the Mirena is like the mini-pill, but more reliable... I know too many people who got pg on it. The mirena stays inside you up to 5 years and just release a little bit of the same hormone as in the mini-pill, just constantly and in smaller amounts. http://www.mirena.com for more info. I think the mirena and the mini-pill are the only safe hormonal b/c for while BFing, at least as far as I know.

HTH

[Ericka_Jarett]

QOTD - BCP: not even thinking about that right now. I was never on them before I got pregnant with daughter and not on them after her. It took me almost 3 yrs to get pregnant with my daughter, took me 9 months to get pregnant with our son. I am 32 already, so would like to have all my kids before I am 35, not saying I want another baby right away, but since takes me a while to get pregnant, we will take what we get.

[emermel]

After DD I did one round of Depo Provera. Personally, I didn't want to continue it because I didn't like the idea of not having a period every month-I know, I'm wierd. I figured no period...run out and buy pg tests! I didn't get that until my 6 week post-partum appt and by the time I was due for another shot, DD was onto formula (lost my supply when she went on a nursing strike), so I just went back on my regular pill.

Not sure what I'll do this time around...I'll talk to my doctor about what my options are...not crazy about the idea of an IUD, so I'll probably end up on the mini-pill

[Michelle]

Birth Control - I'm just going to go on the pill right away. Since I can't breast feed (well, it would be very unlikely), there is no reason for me not to be on the pill.

I'm starting my paranoid phase. I start to get worried when I don't feel baby kick! I feel like something is wrong when I she's not moving when she usually does. But then she makes me feel better by giving me a good solid kick every once and awhile. I already know that this paranoia is going to get the better of me for the entire pregnancy!

I am having a hard time finding maternity shirts! I call it the boob factor because I have been trying shirts on like crazy, but they are all too big in the chest and if I were to wear them, people would get quite a show! I feel like all I can find is t-shirts. I waiver between a C and D so now I'm on a mission to find some cute shirts that fit! :)

I hope that everybody has a good weekend! :)

[She-Ra]

My dr wrote me a prescription for the mini-pill at my pp check-up, but since I BF for a year, I never took it. Not b/c I thought I was "safe," but b/c I pumped at work & didn't want my supply to be affected.

We knew we would try again this year, so I never went back on any birth control except for TTA around my fertile time. (I charted while TTC DS, and had very regular cycles and always O'ed on CD14/15) This method didn't work so well for us back in January, so I guess we need a new one! We need to decide if we want a third before we take some permanent action.

[jbemommy]

QOTD I used the mini-pill after DD without any problems, and plan to again.
My swelling has gone away for now. I did cut back on my salty snacks and increased my water intake. I even went to the mall yesterday and my ankles were pretty good at the end of the day.
We moved DD into her "big-girl" bed this week and it went great! She's actually very excited about it and wants to play on it all the time. I'm very glad we got that out of the way before this baby came along. Now if we could just get her interested in potty-training.

[TaterBaby]

Michelle, Why is it that all cute maternity shirts seem to be really low cut? It's like I need a camisole under everything!

[marathongirl]

jbemommy - yeah for the big girl bed! DH and I were discussing again the other night what we should do about DD. She's almost 21 months but still seems perfectly happy in her crib.

she-ra - welcome back from the trip!

Glad to hear everyone's appts are going well! Mine is Monday morning - should be quick.

birth control - no idea. I didn't get AF back until DD was 13 months old, but K2 caught us a bit by surprise. We knew we wanted 2 kids but we were going to wait a few more months. We're 99% sure we're done after K2, so we may explore something more permanent.

Hope everyone is doing well!

[MichelleRenee]

Why is it that all cute maternity shirts seem to be really low cut? It's like I need a camisole under everything!

That's what I keep saying! I have one white and one pink cami and I wear one every single day because everything seems to be low cut or see-through. It's like they get the extra belly material by cutting it off of the chest!

[SlvSpring]

We are back from our ultrasound and are proud to announce our....



.............................






..................................





.......................................






.........................................






BOY!!!!




He was not shy either! After about 30 seconds into the ultrasound the tech said, "you wanted to know the gender, right?" and told us.
We are so excited! I can't believe my DH was right. He has had "a feeling" all along that it was a boy.

Here are some photos:

His profile:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/JoshandOona/ul4s.jpg

His face, arm&hand and body:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/JoshandOona/ul3s.jpg

Another of head, arm & body:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/JoshandOona/ul2s.jpg

And, of course, his boy parts (DH can't believe I am posting this on the internet! haha)

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/JoshandOona/uls.jpg


So, we are gonna have A LOT of boys come October!!


We are off to have a celebratory dinner and then will stop off to buy something blue!!!

Have a good night and great weekend, everyone!

[Pamela]

SlvSpring, Congratulations on your Boy!!

[MichelleRenee]

SlvSpring, congrats!! Isn't it such a great feeling to finally know? Great pics too!

I can't believe the blue team pulled ahead like that! Did anyone else check the Chinese gender chart? It was right for me for both my lunar age and my actual age.

[marathongirl]

SlvSpring - congrats on your BOY!!!

Chinese gender charts - all but one said I was having a boy. We'll see in about 16 more weeks.

[Pamela]

Threadmistress, please change my dh's age to 26, thanks!

[maplekitty]

slvspring - congrats on your boy!! :)

[MidwesternGal]

Michelle--It is sooooo hard to find a shirt that isn't cut like a hoochie-bar shirt! I had on what I thought was a fairly high shirt at the reunion last weekend. . . and my MIL's pics have me giving everyone a peep show! Yikes! I did buy a cami to wear underneath shirts, but who wants to wear 2 shirts when it's hot out??

Baby has been awake alllllllll night and alllllll day long today. I am definitely cutting my sugar down from now on!!!!

[jbemommy]

Yeah, what is up with maternity tops showing so much cleavage? I have several that overlap on top, but aren't actually fastened until below my bra. I have to pin them shut. I feel very uncomfortable wearing some of them to work, but I also don't want to wear a cami underneath now that it's hot.

[MichelleRenee]

Yeah, it does suck wearing two shirts in the hot weather! The only other reason I DO like wearing a cami under everything is that I got the ones with the built in bras. So I wear my bra, the cami and a shirt. It gives me the extra boob support I need for these extra two cup sizes I am carrying around!

I hope everyone is having a good weekend. I am trying to relax, but my belly is achy as usual. The only position I am comfortable in is sitting up. I can't wait until I am actually big.:rolleyes:

My newest pregnancy "symptom" is that I am super thirsty all the time. I guess that's good because I am getting tons of water and milk!

[Rippy1010]

Has anyone had a stomach flu lately? Not fun while pg!! I somehow either got 1) food poisoning, or 2) some type of 24-hour bug. I couldn't keep anything down ... not even water would stay down. It was awful because on top of being sick, I had constant anxiety about risk to our little man. :(

Thank god that's over!! Finally at the end of the 24-hours I had a little chicken broth, and downed some Gatorade (to rehydrate and get some electrolytes) and prayed everything would stay down through the night. :rolleyes:

[MichelleRenee]

My sister had something similar about halfway through her pregnancy. She says it was food poisoning. She couldn't keep anything down. It was the only time she threw up her whole pregnancy.

I know that we pregnant women get sick easier because our immune systems aren't working at full force. I hope you are feeling 100% better soon!

[maplekitty]

threadmistress, here is my 23 week belly shot!

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid207/p760ee838c2e12b888310a0955f9be689/ee8f8606.jpg

[MichelleRenee]

I am following you around with belly shots, maplekitty!

Here is my 20w2d shot:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/AngelyWangely/Belly%20Shots/DSC00386.jpg

[She-Ra]

SlvSpring: congratulations on your BOY!!!

[kenswife]

Wow.......SlvSpring, congrats on your BOY!!! The blue team really pulled ahead for sure!!! Welcome :)

I totally agree with everyone on the maternity shirts and cleavage!!! I thought it was only me!! I can't find any maternity shirts that don't make me completely uncomfortable! I've resorted to T-shirts only. I found one T-shirt that I really like so I got it in almost every color they make it in. I won't be shopping anymore this pregnancy anyway.

B/C - Well, I'll go on the mini-pill after this pregnancy. When I'm done BF'ing I will go back on my regular Ortho. It's kind of weird b/c I haven't been on b/c since December of '03. Since we're about 95% sure this is our last, we want to use something more reliable but we don't want to head out and get my tubes tied or a big V for DH. That 5% still keeps us open-minded. So, that's the plan for now :)



As for me, feeling really good! Baby's been more active than ever. I'll never get tired of feeling his little kicks ;) I know he's definitely tumbling around in there b/c one day I'll feel the kicks way down low and the next day they're way up high.

We're starting to paint the girls' room this week. That means we're one step closer to starting the baby's room! I'm soooo excited. I'm even more excited because with this baby I'll have a bed actually in the baby's bedroom which is going to make my BF'ing experience a whoooooollleee lot easier. And, I can avoid waking up DH. I just can't wait to have the painting finished and start actually putting clothes in the closet and dresser. That will make it feel so much more realistic!

Well, I'm off to actually work at work...haha.

[Jenzen01]

Hi all,

SlvSpring - Congrats on your boy!

MidwesternGal - I saw your post over on the pregnancy board ... how are you feeling?

I discovered a baby/maternity consignment shop this weekend. Wow, was that fun. I bought a few clothes items for our little girl as well as some Avent nursing storage containers (brand new for 99 cents!). I'm definitely going back when I have more time to look. I was with DH and Gabe, so I couldn't spend as much time as I wanted to. The store had toys, highchairs, clothes, potty chairs, you name it.

My sister-in-law and I are hosting a baby shower for my other sister-in-law this weekend, so I have lots of party planning to do.

And, I have to take my glucose test this week. Blegh.

ttfn,
Jen

[Mommy2ml]

silvspring Congrats on the Boy!

Rippy Had a bug this weekend, or something anyway... not puking though, I was all "stopped up" and this weekend, let's just say cleared me out for the most part :P and left me with a stomache ache and a TON of gas (sorry TMI)


HAd a mini-scare this weekend. Constipation tricking me mainly... but when I was in labor with my DD I thought at first it was waves of cramps from constipation... Saturday I was headed to the dentist with DH for our check-ups/cleanings and I was feeling waves of cramps... to the point where they were 7-10 min apart!:eek: Rob was nervous... I was still thinking it was just constipation, but when I started noticing the pattern, I got pretty nervous too. Anyway, it "resolved" itself later on, but my stomach still aches, I still have the reflux that the max strentght Pepcid had been keeping away, and I decided to finally start on the stool softeners that my doc has been suggesting for months now :P

3rd trimester exhaustion has hit me earlier this time around. I get exhausted doing almost anything. I am exhausted just sittinghere at work. I walk up the stairs to my apartment and need to sit down a while. I get winded eaily, get aches and pains that won't go away for hours.

I guess I am in the big, cranky and achy part now LOL Trying to keep good humored about it though. It could be much worse, I know that, I need to keep that perspective. I think the baby is really getting up against my stomach now an dthat might be what's causing the majority of this blech feeling.

Oh yeah and they are doing freakin construction in the office right below us. So we're basically hearing banking and drilling and other related power tools below us... desks are shaking, it's hard to have a phone conversation... or think for that matter. Constatnt banging and drill noises... I found a new flavor of tea that is helping my headaches and stomache feel better - Celestial Seasonings Herbal tea - Sweet apple Chammomille flavor. I have already finished off a big hot cup of it this morning and plan another this aftenoon.

Also, I have notice I get fuller faster and easier. (and gasssier - sorry TMI) So I need to eat less at a time, more often and have begun making sur eI have Gas-x with me at all times! LOL

Hope everyone has a great day!

[Nigellas]

SlvSpring – Hurray for your little boy!!!

MidwesternGal – Are you OK? Please update us when you get a chance.

Mommy2 - Glad everything was OK- Sounds a bit scary!
-----------
Thank you everyone for your words of support about my bedrest. :) I’m hanging in here – taking one day at a time.

[Pamela]

I'm going back to work tonight. I'm just doing two or three four hour shifts a week for the rest of June, so its not much, but it'll be nice to get a paycheque again. I'm a little nervous after being out so long, but it'll be nice to see everyone again.

Low cut maternity tops, thank goodness I'm not the only one with this problem! My favourite maternity top is one from the Gap and its really cute, but it tends to slip down low enough to show my bra sometimes! Why are they so low cut in the first place?? Especially with all the growth we get in that region, it just doesn't make sense.

Maplekitty and MichelleRenee, great belly pics!

Nigellas, glad you're hanging in there!

[dzmattie]

Midwesterngirl - how are you feeling? Is everything ok?

[Mommy2ml]

Made my GTT appt - have to get the 3hr at the lab - 6/29, the morning of my next u/s. I felt horrible after it lasat time, so I am taking the day off then to rest, might have Rob work from home that day to help me if needed.

Since with DD I failed the 1hr and marginally passed the 3hr, they are not even gonna waste my time on the 1hr this time.

[bunnybeth]

SlvSpring Congrats on your boy! Welcome to the blue team. :)

Rippy I hope that's over for you now, it's so awful. I had something like that back in April, so I feel your pain.

MidwesternGal I saw your post as well. Hope everything's ok!!!

Pamela Hope you have a nice night back at work. It's great that you're able to ease back into it with reduced hours.

Maternity cleavage I'm totally feeling the pain on this one. I can't understand why you have a choice of either giving a peep show or super-frumpy tops. I have some camis, but with my chest, they show off a bit of cleavage as well!

----

As for me, I'm having some crib frustration. We found out that the only baby specialty store in the area (except the big chain ones) is bankrupt. There was a crib I liked ok at Babies R Us, but I've heard too many bad stories to shop at Baby Depot. So, I guess it's the BRU crib, mail order with big shipping costs, or drive an hour to another store. There's a USA Baby I could check out with the aforementioned drive- anyone know if it would be worth it?

Oh, but on a happier note, this weekend I had someone who didn't know me immediately notice that I'm pregnant. That was a first for me!

[Ericka_Jarett]

Mommy2ml - I know what you mean, the doctor didn't even say the 1 hour, just sent me right for the 3 hour, since I failed the 1 hour last time, plus had what seemed like sugar before I got pregnant.

Me - baby was super active last night, we could feel him for a good hour or 2, was moving to the Christian music hubby had playing It was awesome.

[Mommy2ml]

MidwesternGal I saw your post now... hope all is well!

Bunnybeth I am registered at Buy Buy Baby and online at Babyuniverse.com. I have noticed that a lot of sales and discount shipping is offered at babyuniverse, too.

What baby stores are closest to you?

[nutter13]

MidwesternGal Hope you and baby are doing alright!

I'm having a lot of BH today. Two were kind of crampy :( So I'm keeping an extra close eye on things and drinking a ton of water! I have to pee almost every 20 minutes! This happened with DD as well, I had BH until the day I delivered. I was sent to the hospital once to have them monitored and was put on moderate bedrest for the weekend, the only thing that helped was drinking tons of water as well. My Dr. appt. is tomorrow so I will mention it to him then. The water has helped and I haven't had any since...I can't wait until I hit the 30 week mark. I always feel better when I'm in the last 10 weeks!! I hope June and July go by quickly.

b/c-won't be BF so probably just go back on the pill right away

GTT what weeks does this have to be done during? TIA

[Ericka_Jarett]

Child Safety Seat Ratings: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm

since many of us are getting ready to register or have already, but maybe still up in the air about a carseat to choose, thought this site would be informative

[Mommy2ml]

nutter I think the GTT is usually done in around 24-28wks or so... I get mine at 26wks this time around.

Question - What do you all think of doorway jumpers? I am considering one this time around, since we have a place with doorways we could actually use for one. but then I keep imagining the thing snapping and hurting the baby :P Yrt I know people who swear by them and have never heard of an injury from them when the things are used properly...