January 2007 Mommies - Part I

[mommydearest]

Jilly--good luck on the fifths' disease and congrats on picking your date.

Jenahdawn-welcome and congrats on twins!

[January2007Mommies]

UPDATED TO HERE
Welcome Allison78 and thechick79! :D

[Lucy Van Pelt]

I had my third u/s yesterday afternoon. Good news - there's a head, two arms AND two legs!! Woo hoo!! :D

I have officially "graduated" from my RE and now I will just have to see my reg OB. I also got to stop taking the Prometrium!!

Today I have my nutrition class...should be interesting!

[Indiana Bride]

Good luck with your NT test today Robyn :)

Congrats on your twins jenahdawn!

Heartbeats-I usually don't believe in old wives tales either but was surprised to hear my doctor say that our little one's heartbeat "sounded like a girl". So for now I'm liking the one that says that the higher heartrate is more indicative of a baby girl:D

jilly-congrats on setting your date:) I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your bloodwork comes back with good results!

Lucy Van Pelt-How did your u/s go-any new pics?

Welcome thechick79 and Allison78:D

ButterflyJen - Yippee for getting the go ahead to attempt your VBAC! I'm hoping for the same-I'll have to make sure I talk to my doctor at my next appointment.

Hey to anyone that I missed.

As for me not much going on-I'll be 13 weeks tomorrow:D My next appointment isn't for a couple of weeks. I really need to take some belly shots:rolleyes:

[jmvan74]

Congrats on your twins, Jenahdawn! How exciting!

Winter Biscuit: I have fun using the old wives tales to make predictions, but I don't put any stock in it. It's just a game to me.:D


Robyn:Glad your bloodwork came back fine. How did the n/t go?


Ginger:Congrats on moving to your reg OB!

Stacey: Don't get too excited about the HB rate! LOL!:D

New QOTD: Okay ladies...the Feb. thread already has way more posts than us! Do you think we are less chatty b/c there are so many ROs in here that we don't have as many questions?

[Winter Biscuit]

New QOTD: Okay ladies...the Feb. thread already has way more posts than us! Do you think we are less chatty b/c there are so many ROs in here that we don't have as many questions?

I noticed this too. I have to say that I am always surprised when someone posts in here and says this thread is moving so fast. I'm always like, "Huh?! You think this thread is FAST?" :) I tend to lurk in the February thread (and have even posted a few times) because, well, I'm bored and this thread just doesn't move fast enough for me :p I'm a RO but still want/need to chat about pregnancy-related stuff with anyone who will listen. I'm sure I am driving my family and a few friends nuts by whining about morning sickness and wanting to talk about baby stuff non-stop. That's why I like this thread -- it's an outlet for everyone who is going through the same thing (well, primarily the same thing!) and I can only assume that most of you won't get too sick of talking about morning sickness, nausea, appointments, ultrasounds, belly shots, etc.!

I wonder if this thread is slower due to people not logging on as often, for whatever reason. I get bored at work easily (:o ) so I log on to CC probably 4-5 times a day and check for new posts each time.

[zhannushka]

Hello ladies! Sorry to have been MIA again... I'm back from our trip to Canada now and ready to post! :)

Welcome to Allison78 and thechick79! :D

Welcome to Jenahdawn and congratulations on your twins! :D

Thank you for being such a great co-threadmistress, Stacey!

Robyn - YAY for a good doc's appointment and good luck on the NT test!

Ginger - congratulations on graduating to the OB! Last night I took my last prometrium pill as well! I am hoping that some of the yuckiness I've been feeling will go away now.

Sorry if I've missed anyone!

Old wives tales - from what I hear (boards, doctors, friends) - it's just a myth, so - I don't believe it.

Slow moving thread - I think this has a lot to do with our current mood... For example - when I am really nervous or anxious about something (like now, waiting for DH's blood test results), I am not in such a great mood, therefore - I don't post as much. On the other hand, when everything seems to be going smoothly - I'm all into the posting...

Me - still waiting for DH's test results as well as for the NT test results now. I hate the waiting and the not-knowing, so - I'm feeling kind of bummed right now. My nausea has subsided, however - I still have some food aversions and no real cravings. I do notice my belly expanding a bit, but not yet enough to wear maternity clothes. I can't fit into any of my old jeans, so - I've been wearing stretchy pants only for the past 2-3 week. My next doc's appointment is on 7/25 and my 16-week u/s (early anatomy) is on 7/28.

ETA how far along I am

[jmvan74]

Winter Biscuit: Inever get tired of talking about being pg either. With my first pg, three of my friends IRL were pg, too, so I think I felt like I talked about it more. This time, none of my other friends are pg, so this is my main source of pg chat.:D

Zhanna: Sorry you're still waiting. I'm sure it's frustrating. :( Hopefully, you won't have to wait much longer. Glad to hear your nausea has subsided.

Maternity clothes:I'm in them full time now. I'm going to start belly shots next week. I know I already look like I'm 4-5 months along! LOL!:p

I can't wait for my appt. next week. I'll feel so much more secure after I hear the heartbeat. ;)

[robyn]

Just got back from my NT test. Everything went well and the feedback we got while there looks good. Now we just have to wait for the blood results.

I'm actually measuring a week ahead (13w 1d) but I'll keep my original date for now. Maybe I just have a big baby! No luck on finding out the gender ... I did ask but she said she couldn't see anything. She said that once in a rare while she will be able to see it if it's a very showy boy, but that's about it. Darn!

Funny anecdote, though ... I've read so many people's stories where they needed to fill their bladder more, or needed to eat some sugar, etc. so that the tech could get a better ultrasound. So being the good patient I am, I drank a huge thing of water on the way to my appointment and ate a few squares of chocolate. By the time I was on the table for the u/s I thought my bladder was going to burst and I was very uncomfortable. When the tech started the u/s she actually started laughing and told me I had the fullest bladder she had ever seen! She had me get up and go to the restroom to empty it. Guess I didn't need all that water after all!

Here is my u/s pic. Threadmistress, please replace my old u/s with this one, if you don't mind!

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/robynld/CIMG0884.jpg

Ginger - congrats on your graduation and sucessful appointment. Yay!

Zhanna - welcome back!

QOTD - I had noticed that we were slower than the Feb. moms group as well. Maybe we're just a little more shy over here? I tend to lurk much more than I post! Plus, I feel like we're a pretty small group compared to some of the other months I've seen.

Hope everyone is enjoying their short week!

[zhannushka]

Julie, can't wait to see some belly shots! I don't have much to show yet, but I'm so excited for those of us that do! :)

Robyn - great u/s picture! Hmm, this is making me wonder now:
She said that once in a rare while she will be able to see it if it's a very showy boy, but that's about it.
The tech who did my u/s was 100% sure of the sex last week, but we opted not to find out. Could that mean that it's a "very showy boy"? :D

[robyn]

Zhanna - oh no! I wasn't even realizing that could be a clue for you. We didn't have a 4D ultrasound, though. It was just the regular. So I think your tech had a much better view of the "parts" ... I could see how on our regular ultrasound you would only be able to tell if there was a prominent boy part sticking out!

[wine_o_girlie]

Y'all have me excited with the pictures you are posting from your NT screens - mine is next week and it looks like the baby might actually look like a real baby! It will be my first ultrasound and I am really excited. :) Wow, that is exciting that sometimes the tech can tell the sex so early. We are still on the fence about finding out. I guess we need to decide soon.

All family has now been told about the baby and everyone is excited. We got personalized onesies for "special" family members and wrapped them up. Watching everyone unwrap them and finally get the "aha" moment was great.

I keep meaning to go maternity clothes shopping but haven't yet. I don't know why I am avoiding it - denial I think. ;)

QOTD: What has been your weirdest pregnancy craving so far?

For me, it's chicken noodle soup. Last week at work I see a pot of it and bingo! it's the only thing I want to eat for lunch. The next day we go to Panera and I see it on the menu and immediately have to have it. The following day I beg my husband to take me back to Panera for more. Then, last night we had to meet someone there and we stayed for dinner. Chicken noodle soup again. This morning I was frantically checking my work's cafeteria menu for the week and was so sad to see no chicken noodle soup this week. Bummer.

Prior to last week I have honestly never eaten chicken noodle soup in my life. I don't really know why because I like all the independent parts but I have just never eaten it. The weirdest part about this is that chicken noodle soup is one of my husband's absolutely favorite foods. This has been cracking us up since last night - apparently the baby favors my husband's tastes. :p

[zhannushka]

I just HAD TO quickly post this - just got a call regarding the NT testing - the results came back and they are excellent! I am so happy. :D

Now, if someone could just call me back about DH's blood test results... :eek:

[purpleorchids]

Hi Ladies! Hoped everyone had a great 4th of July. Sorry I haven't been around, but work has been busy - that's about the only time I get online since DH get's home late and I have to take care of DD.

Food - still sooooo undecisive of what to eat. DH says he's starving since I don't cook & I haven't cooked since I don't know what to cook or what I feel like eating!! :p When I was pg with DD didn't have much problem with what to eat since I ate all the time.

Maternity Clothes - I have been shopping for some new items - although I do have some from the last pg, but never got back to my pre preg weight. I still show but haven't gained much weight.

Robyn - great u/s! Also a great chuckle on you filling your bladder. Not sure if I need to drink anything or eat anything since they didn't give me any instructions and I have my u/s tomorrow.

Dr Appt.'s - U/S tomorrow morning. And on Monday with my OB.

[January2007Mommies]

UPDATED TO HERE

[jmvan74]

Robyn:great u/s pic. I love that you can tell it's a baby. So cute.
Too funny about your bladder. I actually had a similar problem with #1. They told me to drink 3 8oz glasses of water and hour before hand, so I did. I was so full it hurt. The tech said my bladder was so full the baby was being squished!(not dangerously or anything)

wine_o_girlie: Glad everyone is excited for you. It makes it that much more exciting when you share the news.

Zhanna: Hooray for good news! I hopee you get some more tomorrow!

purpleorchids: Enjoy your u/s tomorrow!

Cravings: Shrimp! Yum. I craved it at the end of my pg with DS and I had to have some on Monday. I've also been craving roast beef sandwiches, but I don't want it steaming, so I've had to limit that one.

[Winter Biscuit]

Zhanna - I'm so happy you got good news! And robyn, I'm glad everything is looking good and hope you get good news, as well!

I had my appointment today...I haven't gained any weight at all, but I wasn't really surprised because I have been puking so much :( The doctor couldn't find the baby's heartbeat with the doppler and I wasn't exactly worried because I know it can sometimes be difficult to find before 12 weeks, but the look of concern still alarmed me a little. She ordered an ultrasound to make sure everything was OK, so I actually got to see my little nugget today :) That was a nice surprise, considering that my OB typically doesn't do ultrasounds until approx. week 20 unless there is a good reason. There's only 1 kid in there (whew!) and everything was looking good. He/she had a strong heartbeat (162 bpm) and was squirming around. They revised my due date to January 25, but I'm going to keep the January 27 date for now, until I get my c-section scheduled (which will be earlier than January 27 anyway!). I don't have access to a scanner so I'll have to take a picture of my ultrasound pic and post it later. Not sure when my next appt is (in 4 weeks), as I got out of the ultrasound after 5pm and the whole office was already gone. I need to call tomorrow to get it set up.

That's interesting that some of your ultrasound techs were able to detect the sex so early. I asked the lady today if she could tell and she responded with, "Oh now, it's way too early."

Robyn, that's funny about your bladder because I also had a VERY full bladder today for my ultrasound too, only she didn't tell me to empty mine (darn!) I had to pee SO bad at my appt (before they sent me for an ultrasound) and then they told me I needed an ultrasound and asked me to come back in 30 minutes. They also gave me a big glass of water to drink. I told them I couldn't drink it - I already had to go SO bad - but the nurse insisted that they really needed me to drink it in order to get a good ultrasound reading. So I drank it and then danced around the waiting room waiting for the ultrasound appointment. Man, that was painful! I seriously thought I was going to pee my pants!!

Weird cravings -- not a food, but lately I just have to have bubble gum. Original flavored Bubble Yum or grape Bubblicious. Gotta have it, and I NEVER chew sugary bubble gum! For some reason it makes me feel better? :confused: I think it's the high fructose syrup or something.

[magdesilver]

Hi all, haven't posted in a while. This thread is moving along. It won't be long before we are all in the 2nd trimester! Maybe another 10 days or so?
Things here have been good. I am still feeling crappy but have only "puked" 3 times. I say "puked" because every time I didn't have anything to throw up, just lots of spit. It was lovely! So I am not as sick as I was with DD, for sure. Hopefully it will be better, DH is really wanting to DTD but I just haven't felt up to it lately. Fortunately (sort of) DH is out of town for work for 2 weeks so I have a bit of a reprieve on that end.
I got my doppler last week and have been listening to the heartbeat every so often. I love that thing! I'm not as obsessed as I was when I was pg with DD, but it's still a nice way to end or start the day and know that the little bean is still happy in there!

zannushka we are going to probably have DH screened for the Jewish genetic diseases sometime soon as well. I had myself screened for just tay-sachs last pg., but then I've since read that it is not reliable to test while pg, so I brought that up to my m/w at my first appt. and she referred me to a genetic obgyn. I am waiting for the referral to go through and my appt. to be set up, if they want to test DH it will have to wait a few more weeks though, since he's out of town. I'm not extremely concerned, because I am only half ancestorally Jewish and so not very likely to be a carrier myself, but I'd like it taken care of.

Gotta go eat before I get sick again but hope everyone is doing well!! Can you believe there is already a March 07 mommies thread!! Time sure flies!

ETA: QOTD I have been loving california rolls from supertarget!! I get them every time I am there, for lunch, dinner, snack, whatever!! I like them normally too, but now, I can't get enough!

[mommydearest]

Weirdest craving--I haven't had anything too weird so far. All things I loved before like creamed spinach, cheapo popsicles, and slushies/slurpees.

Slow Moving Thread--I'm a teacher and bored to tears at home, so I check this board about 50 times a day. Please...post questions, stories...anything!!!!

New QOTD: What do you miss most so far about being pregnant?
For me, its Mountain Dew and Diet Coke.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

I did my nutrition class this afternoon. I leanred a bit more, but it wasn't overly stimulating. I didn't get a chance to eat before I went to class so I was dying by the time I got out. I had planned on doing my bloodwork right after class, but I would have passed out if I didn't eat so I went home instead. I cooked up a chicken breast sandwich and chugged a Pepsi. It was soooo good! :p

Dh is on vacation this week and decided to shampoo the carpets today. Instead of smelling the carpet cleaner, I decided to head back up to Kaiser for my glucose test and bloodwork. It wasn't too bad, but while I waited for my hour, I sat in the back corner hoping to read my book in peace and quiet. However, right after I sat down, here comes the family of 4 kids whose Mom is also doing the 1 hour test. Of course they sat right behind me and the kids took turns screaming and crying for the whole hour. Am I still allowed to complain about crying kids now that I will soon have one of my own?? ;)

After my hour was up, the technician took about 100 vials of blood...ok, more like 8, but she was really quick about it and then I met up with Dh for our genetic counseling class. The class was interesting and we are pretty set on having an amnio next month. We discussed what our decisions would be should our baby have a birth defect. It wasn't a fun discussion, but I'm glad it is out of the way and we never have to discuss it again.

QOTD: I haven't had any "weird" cravings...at least not that I can think of right now!

[wagsgirl]

Hi all! Gosh, it's been forever since I've been here. We went out of town for the 4th weekend and this is the first time I've been on CC since we got back! It's been a hectic week :)

I had my first appt yesterday (FINALLY!!). Everything went well. The doc and I actually talked about tubal ligation during my c-section, but I'm not ready to call that one yet. This will be baby #3, but we'd always talked about 3, maybe 4. Then, I got pg this time and I've been waaay more nauseous and tired, so I thought that was the way to go. Now, I'm just not sure. And if any of my IRL friends are lurking in here, they'll call me on this one ;)

BTW- Hi Jenah!! This is my thread, you stay in your own!! :p Love ya girl, and I'm soooooooo excited for you. We should do lunch soon

Anyway, we didn't hear the heartbeat (normal for me, didn't hear it this early with DD or DS), so she scheduled an ultrasound for Monday. So, now someone besides immediate family and my close friends will know. My doc's ultrasound tech is my husband's friend's mother. Luckily, there's such a thing as HIPAA!

My nauseousness has subsided a bit, so that's good. I lost a couple pounds between the +HPT and my first appt. YAY! hehe.

So, now that I'm caught up with you all, I promise to do S/O's soon!

QOTD: No weird cravings per se. I was craving a big juicy steak this weekend, though. Never got it and it still sounds waaaay yummy. Which I guess is kinda weird for me. I'm not a big steak eater.

QOTD: I missed alcohol this weekend. Not that I'm a big drinker either, but EVERYONE around me was drinking something with alcohol content. What I wouldn't give for a good margarita or flirtini. Mmmmmm...

ETA: Ultrasound scheduled 7/10 and next appt is 8/2

[jmvan74]

Winter Biscuit: Hooray for seeing your "nugget"!

Margaret:I can't beleive we are all almost in the 2nd trimester! Luckily, DH has not brought up the subject of DTD. I just am not interested at all. :rolleyes: I had a doppler with DS, but opted not to this time. We'll see how long that lasts. ;)

Kristin: What do you teach?

wagsgirl: yeah, for your first appt! Have fun at your u/s!

QOTD: I miss feeling like a human. :o I still have my coke a day, so I don't have to miss that. Some days I miss coffee. I figure one caffinated beverage a day is enough, so coke wins. LOL!

[Winter Biscuit]

I have my next appointment scheduled....August 2.

Before we know it, we're going to have our big ultrasounds scheduled :)

QOTD -- does anyone have any good recipes for shakes, smoothies, etc.? I am having such a hard time keeping food down, and it's even difficult to find food that doesn't make me gag when I try to eat it. I think I am going to try liquid shakes to see if I have better luck getting some calories in me. I'm open to any suggestions for healthy shake/smoothie options with as many calories as possible..."good" calories, preferably, although at this point I'll take whatever I can get as long as I can keep it down and gain some weight. My new mantra is to eat whatever I CAN now, and I'll worry about eating what I NEED later.

[Alegna]

I've been feeling much better lately and I haven't been napping as long in the afternoon. I still get sick almost every time I wake up. This sinus drainage is horrible. But food has been staying down just fine.

I had a lady at work ask me how much weight I've gained yesterday. Can you believe some people?

Maybe since there are so many ROs here I can ask a question....

My husband thinks I should go back to 2nd shift (4pm - 12am) once the baby is here. That way I could stay home during the day with him/her and not pay for daycare. Then he'd have the baby duties while I'm at work. Plus it would be a 10% raise for the shift differential.

I'm torn. On one hand it would be great to not have to rely on daycare (cost savings) and to get a raise. But on the other hand I'm concerned that it's going to be crazy. Will I get any sleep? When will I see Mike? My job is a desk job. Nothing too stressful. Mostly waiting for something to happen then responding to it. And I live only 10 minutes from home. So I could run home for dinner if I wanted. If I go back to 2nd I'd pretty much have to wait for someone on 1st shift to leave before I'd be able to get back on days. I might be stuck for years.

So ladies. Is this a feasible option? Or are we just kidding ourselves?

[Winter Biscuit]

Alegna, that's a tough question and I'm not sure anyone here can tell you whether it's a feasible option for your family. I think it all depends on how willing you are to make it work, and whether you're committed to making the sacrifices. (Parents make sacrifices no matter what -- but in this case, with parents working on different shifts -- I think you'd be making more than the typical family.) From your post, I'd be most concerned about the things you mentioned: your sleep schedule and when you'd find time for your DH. I can tell you from experience (and what I've witnessed of my friends) that your relationship with your husband WILL change once the baby arrives. Before my DD arrived, DH was my main priority and I had all the time in the world for him. Once DD arrived, she became my first priority since she was completely dependent on me for nutrition (I breastfed her) and most comfort measures. Then I was my second priority -- since I had to take care of myself in order to be a good mother to DD. I was exhausted in the beginning...so if I had any free time, I was most likely sleeping. DH got whatever was left of me, and I'll be the first to say it wasn't much. There were times when I was all "touched out" after spending a day with DD and nursing her on demand, that the thought of DH putting his arm around me when he got home just made me cringe. It definitely took time for things to return to "normal" in our marriage once DD arrived, and I can even say that they never actually did return to normal - they just got better. But it took time.

Another thing to consider is whether you plan to breastfeed or not. During the first several months, breastfed babies tend to eat every 2-3 hours, so if you came home from work at midnight and went straight to bed, chances are that you'd still be waking up frequently to feed your child throughout the night, which will just disrupt your sleep cycle more.

It's a tough decision that only you and DH can make. Good luck!

[mommydearest]

jmvan74--Orchestra--right now seventh, eighth, and ninth grade, although I like elementary much better. Middle schoolers are so weird! Some are still sweet innocent children, and some are already mini-adults. It doesn't help that I teach in inner city Indianapolis, so lots of the kids have more life experience than me. I had 2 eighth graders and a ninth grader have babies in the last two years. That was really hard when we were struggling to get pregnant, then moved to the adoption route and there were no children available. These babies have literally about nothing, but "I'm keepin' my baby" because its a doll that gets them attention. It makes me frustrated and sad.

But, I also have some incredible kids in the honors program who I swear will be president or CEO some day. They make me love my job most of the time. Now, if only there weren't silly parents...

[jilly]

Hi Ladies.
Still no word on my bloodwork. I'm getting impatient. I called yesterday, but the dr. hadn't gotten it yet. At least my pap came out OK. I better hear today. You don't mess with a preggo woman. lol!

QOTDI heart iced tea. I could drink it by the gallon, and I cherish my one glass per day. And funny it's not the caffeine, it's the actual drink. Ah, I miss it. Even more than wine. ;) And after pregnancy #1, BFing for a year, and now preggo again...you'd think I'd be used to not having it. But alas, it is my weakness.

Alegna That's a really tough predicament, and really, like Biscuit said, a decision that has to work for your family.
My first question is when do you plan on returning to work?
As for my experience, I left my full-time job after my baby to go into teaching jr college part-time. I started teaching four months after DS was born. I had to take whatever they'd give me when I first started last fall, which was a morning class and an afternoon class (different days).
A year later, I have more say on my schedule, and I'm actually choosing mostly evening classes. I teach two afternoons and three evenings. This summer I taught four evenings.
Even though we have free, reliable childcare through both of our parents, it's still really important to me that I'm with DS as much as I can be. That's my #1 priority. In just a few short years, he'll be in school most of the day. Right now, he's impressionable, and vulnerable and MY little baby. I want to be the one taking care of him and enjoying every milestone that I can. The last thing I ever wanted was to come home and have my MIL say, "OMG! Justin walked today. You missed it." :(

Now that's my choice, and it's not for everybody. I have friends who say they would go insane staying home all day. And what I don't think a lot of people understand is that I'm really working two jobs. Although it's the most enjoyable thing I'll ever do, watching DS is a job. (Of course now that he's 15mos, it's much easier than it used to be) And then heading to work (three nights per week) at 5pm to teach until 10pm is hard work too.
But really I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Yes, it strains my relationship with DH a bit. But we just know that we have to work on finding time for 'us'. Prior to this, I was working and going to school in the evening to get my masters (to teach JC). So I guess we're just really accustomed to having us always going in different directions. Plus, what's most important is that we are both on the same page that having one of us home with DS for most of the day is our goal.

I do have to say that my DH loves his daddy time in the evenings when I rush off to work. It's really made him resilient in taking care of him. Which we both really appreciate.

So I've rambled a lot, and don't know if I've helped at all. Like I said, this is just our experience, and we are quite lucky that we have free childcare available.

Things I think you may want to consider:
When do you plan on returning?
Do a cost analysis with the two salaries and daycare costs.
Talk openly about yours and your DH's priorities once the baby arrives. Look at all angles: money, your relationship, who's watching your baby, etc.

HTH! :D

[mommydearest]

Alegna--That's a hard call. My mom had to do it when I was about 3 and my bro was 1 because they were totally tapped out financially with two kids in daycare. It wasn't the best, but they got through it. We did get lots of daddy time, which I think in the long run helped him to be a better/more involved dad. Mom wasn't home, so he had to deal with things, like it or not. I really don't want my baby in daycare, so that choice would be easy for me. We are lucky that my mom is going to stay with him/her for the first year at least since teachers can't change their hours.

My thoughts are that it depends a lot on where you are financially. If you can comfortably afford daycare, great. If not, will the financial struggle cause problems between you any more than you working? For us, money arguments seem to last for days becuase we are both stubborn. That extra money might mean a nice vacation or more time that you could have a sitter and mommy/daddy time.

Good luck in your decision. I'm sure you'll make the right one for your family.

[wine_o_girlie]

New QOTD: What do you miss most so far about being pregnant?


ALCOHOL. :)

[zhannushka]

QOTD (cravings): I've been craving lemondade, which I couldn't stand pre-pregnancy! I find that it helps out a lot with my nausea as well.

QOTD (what do I miss now that I'm pregnant): I feel horrible saying this, but - I really miss smoking cigarettes. I've smoked for years and even though it's a horrible habit, I enjoy the actual process. Hopefully though, now that I haven't smoked in a few months (I quit the day we got the BFP) and won't smoke for quite a few more, I'll be able to kick this habit altogether even post-pregnancy.

Ginger - I am so glad that we did the genetic testing. Even though it is nervewrecking, at the same time - knowing what to expect gives you a certain piece of mind. But that's just my personal opinion of course. I know that everyone feels different about this.

wagsgirl - YAY for the nausea subsiding! Good luck at the u/s on Monday!!!

Winter Biscuit - I actually have 2 "BIG" u/s's scheduled already - one for week 16 (early anatomy) and another for week 20 (regular anatomy). The imaging lab told me that it's their standard procedure and our insurance policy will cover it - so, why not do it?! :D

Alegna - I worked a late shift once before, for about 1 1/2 years. Of course, that was before I got married and I didn't have any children to take care of, but - I remember that my day was totally messed up and because my and DH's (fiance then) schedules were so different - it did cause some tension in our relationship. As everyone else said, it is definitely a decision that you and DH need to make together.

jilly - I actually feel this way about hot tea, which I normally drink at least 3 times a day. I have now limited it to once a day. I've tried herbal teas, but - it's just not the same... :(

I hope that you will get your blood test results real soon and that everything is great! I know how annoying this waiting is. I hate it!

Me - I've got very happy news today - DH's blood test results came back and they are negative, which means that everything is excellent and we have nothing to worry about! I can't even begin to tell you how great I feel right now! :D

[ButterflyJen]

Hi all! :)

Zhanna - yay for good N/T results! Crossing my fingers for DH's results to be as good.

Robyn, great u/s pic!

Lucy, hooray for a head, two arms, and two legs! :D And no more RE, either! That's awesome!

Alegna - that is a really tough one. My DH is on 3rd right now and it's completely stressful for all three of us (me, him, and DD). We're crossing our fingers that he can switch to 2nd, but that's because I am mostly a SAHM (I do WAH, but mostly when DD is sleeping). It's tough, and only you and DH can decide - together - if this is the right solution for you. Other ladies have posted very good questions and thoughts for you. I hope you're able to work it out together! BTW, glad you're feeling a little better, too.

Hi to everyone else! *waves* Hope I didn't miss anyone. On to the QOTDs...

Slow thread: Yeah, I'll admit, I don't post very often, mainly because I'm barely on the computer anymore. :D It's not because I don't want to talk pregnancy, because I DO, I DO!

Cravings: Yesterday, on the way back from a family outing, I made DH stop at KFC because I was absolutely dying for their mashed potatoes and a biscuit. :) Beyond that, it changes lots. Mostly it's been ice water, really.

What do I miss most? Wine. Kahlua. A good beer. Boy, did I miss those things this past week when we had a family reunion of sorts. It's for good reason though!

Smoothies: Let's see, I usually just throw bananas, frozen blueberries, maybe a few fresh strawberries, and some milk into the blender. Works for all of us. I've never tried adding protein powder or wheat germ or anything like that for extra oomph though.

That's about it here! Nothing else really new...just boring, boring. Can't wait to be out of the first trimester, that is for sure. :)

edited because I'm having issues remembering exactly how many weeks/days I am. :p

[Winter Biscuit]

YAY, Zhanna, I'm so happy that you got good news!!! :)

What do I miss the most? I want to say wine or a good beer (or a killer margarita - 'tis the perfect season for them) but since I've been so sick, right now I really miss just having a normal appetite.

Last night I gave in and bought some Unisom, and tried it with the vitamin B-6. I guess it worked because I haven't gotten sick yet this morning :) I did get really queasy and thought I was going to puke, but quickly ate a wheat bagel and felt much better. I guess I can say that I've found some relief and I might actually be able to eat breakfast again...BUT I'm nervous about this. I don't want to be dependent on a sleeping pill for relief. I am the type of person who doesn't like to take meds unless absolutely necessary. (I was planning an unmedicated birth before I found out i needed a c-section. I don't even take aspirin for headaches or Motrin for cramps.) What if I get addicted? How do I know when to stop taking it? If anyone has any experience with Unisom/B-6, I'd love to hear your experience.

[jmvan74]

Hooray for the Good News Zhanna!! I'm sure you are feeling wonderful.

Kristin: It's so sad what you see in the schools these days. I taught first grade in a pretty rural area and even there....some sad, sad sights.

Angela: Yikes. That's a tough decision. Personally, I know I couldn't do it. I use to work shift work at a bank and whenever I worked nights, I was useless during the day. I think doing a cost analysis first would be helpful. There are so many things to weigh. I hope you and your FH can come to a decision that will work for your family.

Butterfly Jen:That smoothie sounds yummy. I was thinking for more calories you could use icecream or frozen yogurt instead of milk! MMMMMM.

Winter Biscuit: I've used unisom in the past. I've always had sleep issues. As long as you don't take it everyday for weeks, you should be fine. Just use it on days you really need a break from the nausea. The biggest problem I have with it, is that even half a pill takes the oomph out of me all night and half the next day. :o

Still waiting to wake up and feel good. I don't think it's gonna happen any time soon. Boo Hoo. I woke up at 2am this morning with gas and stomach pains. I couldn't get back to sleep until after 4. I've been miserable all day and DH and I have reservations at a dinner theatre tonight. *sigh* Oh, I just want to feel good.:(

[Indiana Bride]

Just popping in to say HI!

Glad to hear your test results were good Zhanna:D

Okay-I'm a horrible poster but I'm making a resolution to be more involved and to do personals starting tomorrow:)

[robyn]

Just rescuing us from page 2! :)

I can't believe that we are so close to the 2nd trimester. The beginning seemed to go by so slowly, but I feel like we're picking up speed!

Hope everyone has a great week!

ETA - QOTDs ... (I know, I'm late!)

What's your biggest craving? - Cold, slushy things. I had a snow-cone on vacation last weekend and it was to die for. I could have eaten 10!

What do you miss most? - Probably sushi ... I could really go for some quality ahi right now. And a nice glass of wine.

NEW QOTD! - I know it's early, but do you have names in mind yet? DH and I were talking at breakfast yesterday and I don't think we are EVER going to come up with a boy name that we like and agree on. Let's hope we're having a girl because we do have a girl name. :)

[zhannushka]

Thank you again ladies! DH and I are so relieved about the results - now I can finally start to enjoy this pregnancy the way I should! :)

Winter Biscuit - I am glad that Unisom is bringing you relief. I personally believe that as long as the medication is doctor-approved, is taken in reasonable moderation, and most importantly it makes you feel a whole lot better - you will be OK.

Julie, I'm sorry that you're still not feeling well. Hopefully, the "yucky days" are almost over for all of us at this point!

Hey Stacey! :)

Robyn, I really miss sushi too! As far as I understand, we can still have California rolls and cooked rolls (like eel and tempura rolls). I haven't had any since I got my BFP, but I think it' time I visit my favorite sushi place for lunch... Maybe today... :)

QOTD: We actually have both names set (boy and girl). We're naming the baby after DH's dad who passed away 2 years ago, and my grandpa who passed away 2 weeks after our wedding. So, it's Joseph Edward for boy or Josephine Edina for girl.

New QOTD: I've been getting headaches every day for the past week or so. So, I've been taking Tylenol almost every day. Sometimes, more then once a day. According to my OB, you can take Tylenol "every 4 hours as necessary". Does anyone know whether taking it every day for a week could cause a problem?

So, other then the headaches, things have been pretty good here. The nausea has definitely subsided. I can eat pretty much anything, except for beef. :confused: I've had "beef aversion" pretty much since the very beginning of pregnancy. I also consider myself to be in the 2nd trimester at this point, since I'm almost done with week 13! :D

[jmvan74]

Robyn: It has been going pretty slow. I think once we get through the summer months it will fly by. ;)

Zhanna: I felt almost human for the first 4 hours of the day today! Now, it's starting to deteriorate, but I'm hopeful!

Tylenol: I went through a headache stage last week. My OB said to take the Tylenol as long as I needed.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Congrats on the great results Z!

QOTD: I have had horrible headache issues since forever and I don't even bother with tylenol. I have an open scrip for vicodin and they say I can take it as needed. My headache I have had since Thursday finally was gone when I woke up this morning.

I finally bought some maternity clothes this weekend. Kohl's was having a big sale and I got 4 shirts, some denim capri pants, a pair of shorts and a new bra for $87! My boobs are out of control...I've gone up a cup size and two inches. :eek:

[anniegirl]

Hello Ladies,

I hope that you don't mind my posting here with a TTC question. I am sorry if this is TMI and totally in the wrong thread. I've tried to do internet searches on this topic and I just can't seem to find anything that would put my mind at ease. I have friends who are TTC who say I am normal and I think that this question was discussed in one of the TTC threads a few months back, but I just wanted to get some info from women who are pregnant.

I am concerned that my periods are light and that the lining isn't heavy enough to support implantation. I would love to know what your experience was before you got your BFP. I was on the pill for 4 yrs before TTC and the doctor had warned me that it may take time for things to go back to normal. It's been 6 months since the BCP and the periods are still light (MAJOR TMI WARNING: I have what I would think is normal flow for a day and a half and then spotting for two days or so. By normal flow I mean flow that if (absent hygienic reasons) I didn't change the tampon until it was full, I'd fill up 3 regular ones on the first day and 2 on the second.) I used to have really heavy periods when I was younger with heavy bleeding for the first 3 days and some bleeding up to a week. Though I didn't pay much attention at the time ...

Again, I am sorry to intrude on your thread. Congratulations to all of you and H&H journey!!!

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Hee hee - almost forgot to add my newest u/s pic!

http://www.4dfx.com/brad/images/x3d_small.jpg

[mommydearest]

Annie--it took me more than a year after stopping the pill to get pregnant. I was charting, so I knew when things were happening, and still, no luck. It wasn't til we gave up trying, scheduled an adoption homestudy, and wham--BFP. That is my experience. That being said, I don't think I am going to go back on the pill after the baby because TTC was way too frustrating and I think a lot of that was hormonal. So, we'll try other methods in between kids.

***What do you miss most? - "Probably sushi ... I could really go for some quality ahi right now." ***
I've been eating the cucumber and carrot rolls the whole time. Its not the same, but I love them and don't see a prob.


****NEW QOTD!***

Nicholas Becker or Abigail Grace. The girl name is set in stone, but the first name for the boy might change. We also like Mitchell Becker. However, the governor of Indiana is Mitch Daniels, and a lot of people don't like him. His slogan was My Man Mitch. Some friends (who hate him) think its wrong to name the kid that. I'll admit, we probably will sucumb to peer pressure. Becker was my grandma's maiden name, and my grandfather's mothers maiden name. The Becker family came over on the Mayflower and settled eventually in York, PA. I think its cool to have a family connection.

[Allison78]

Annie - I was much MUCH lighter than you with AF, one solid day (1 light flow tp for the whole day) and light spotting for a couple of days after that and I still managed to get pg. Just for interest's sake, I was charting and had been off the pill for 2 years.

So if you're concerned that your AF is too light, based on my experience, I wouldn't say so.

If you would like a more substantial AF, you might try acupuncture. It did wonders for my cycle (which was almost non-existent before). It can really increase flow. However, sometimes these things just take time, so I wouldn't worry.

Just wanted to let you know that there was a pg person out there who had very light cycles.

:) Allison

[jmvan74]

Annie: Just give your body time. It will adjust. It took me at least 6 months to have a semi-normal (more than 3 day) AF after going off BCP. Try not to stess too much.

Ginger:Great u/s pic. The babies at that stage remind of little teddy bears. :D As for maternity clothes...I hope you weren't large chested to begin with! That's a pretty significant jump already! LOL!

Names: We have some ideas for girls, but nothing for boys yet. I just know it's going to be a boy b/c we can not agree on anything. :rolleyes:

[fsb2005]

A Feb 07 mommy popping in to reply to anniegirl.

My periods were really light of BCP too -- like really only 1 day of real flow followed by a few days of light spotting.

I also remember my periods being a lot heavier when I was younger before BCP.

I charted about 5 cycles before TTC, my periods were really light the whole time, and we got pregnant on our first try.

My doctor had said not to worry about the light periods, and it turns out she was right. I too stressed before TTC that it was going to be a problem. However, other people on these boards and on the FF boards said that they had gotten pregnant without a problem even with light periods. So, try not to stress about this -- even if your periods don't get back to what you remember, it probably doesn't matter much.

[wagsgirl]

Just popping in to update on my ultrasound...unfortunately, I don't have much time here...

Everything looks fine. Baby is measuring right on schedule. Heartbeat was 160, which is what it was with both my DD and DS. I had to take both kids with me. Greydon was oblivious, but Briley loved seeing "her" (the baby) on the screen. She thinks it's a girl. It's all about "she's" and "her's" in our house ;)

[ButterflyJen]

Hi all! :)

Great u/s pic Lucy!

Yay Zhanna, sorry I missed DH's results but I am so glad they're negative! hooray!

wags - awesome about the u/s! :)

Nothing new here - same old, same old. A return of nausea last night, but it's gone today. I'm having back issues already but I am guessing that's because I was just off work for 1-1/2 weeks and it's not used to me standing for four hours at a time. Yikes! ;) Otherwise, nothing's changed for me. Just can't wait to get into the 2nd tri!!!

QOTD's
Headaches: I would say that if your OB said it was fine, then it's fine. :)

Names: Benjamin Matthew was our boy name last time, and it still is our boy name. I'm guessing this is another girl, though, because we're having trouble AGAIN deciding on a name! Ack! I have three or four that I love, we just haven't discussed and settled on one yet.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

UGH - I'm sooo irritated! I got a call from the nurse. My 1 hour glucose test came back "a little high" so now I have to do the three hour test this Saturday. I was going insane from boredom for the one hour test. How I will make it for THREE hours is beyond me. :mad:

[zhannushka]

anniegirl - I never had light periods, so - I can't really offer any advice on that, but I just wanted to say that I've never been on BCP, O'd every month, and still - it took us 6 months to concieve. As other ladies said, I think that your body just probably needs time to adjust. Best of luck to you!

Ginger, love the u/s pic! :) Sorry about the glucose test results and that you have to do a 3-hour one. Good luck on Saturday!

My OB never mentioned to glucose test - is it something that's required? Has everyone else had this done already?

Yay for the good u/s, wagsgirl!

ButterflyJen, Benjamin Matthew is a very cute boy's name! :)

[Ericka_Jarett]

Lucy - I had to take the 3 hour GTT, my advice: take a good book or puzzle books to keep yourself busy. I mentioned to the tech the first hour is slow, the 2nd flies by and the third is right in the middle. Try not to think about how long you have to be there.

[January2007Mommies]

UPDATED TO HERE

Due to the limit in the number of u/s images we can store in each post,
I only left everyone's latest u/s picture on the first page.

[ButterflyJen]

ugh, Ginger, I'm sorry about the 3 hour test. Good luck keeping busy on Saturday - and I hope it goes fast!!!

Let's throw out another couple of QOTDs, since I'm all about food all of a sudden. ;)

What foods do you have a sudden aversion to, that you didn't before pregnancy? For me, it's fresh spinach and edamame. I tried to have a nice healthy salad a few weeks ago and it didn't go well. Ugh. I can't even look at the bag of edamame in my freezer. Bleh.

What foods are you loving that you never loved or even LIKED before, if any? Guacamole. Homemade. I hate avocados and tomatoes, so to love guac is a total departure for me!

[zhannushka]

QOTD's:

What foods do you have a sudden aversion to, that you didn't before pregnancy?
Beef. Coffee. Tuna. There are many more to name, but these are the main ones I guess...

What foods are you loving that you never loved or even LIKED before, if any?
Fruits. I was never big on fruits, and I just can't get enough of them now. I don't think I've ever had a fruit salad before in my life, nowadays - it's pretty much the standard lunch for me...

[Alegna]

Ok that's it. No more posting about how I feel better. Every time I do I end up getting sick the next day. :rolleyes:

I had a monster headache yesterday. I knew it was going to storm last night. My head always feels like that right before a storm. Luckily the headache is gone now. I'm not sure I could handle another day like that.

I had some sushi last week. A Califorina roll and an unagi roll. I asked them to cut the rolls into smaller pieces and it was awesome. So instead of 6 big pieces I got 10 bite size. GOOD STUFF!!!

We have been chatting about names but nothing to serious. If anything we are trying to top each other with the most outrageous name we can think of. Instead of making a list of possible names it's more like the list of names we aren't using. :p

I'm going to have to do some clothes shopping soon. I have a 8 day conference I'm working at the end of the month and I don't have any black pants or white shirts to wear. Figures, the first year I get to go they stop providing the shirts and letting you wear khakis.

[amwilson615]

Sorry, I haven't been around AT ALL. I have been reading every now and then, but haven't felt like posting. I just read the last 10 pages to catch up, and I don't have time for individual SO's right now. I apologize for being such a slacker here. :o

I do have to say, Zhanna, I'm so excited that your husband's bloodwork came back negative. Hooray!

To everyone who has posted u/s pics--thanks. I enjoy seeing them.

I went to the doc on June 21 and had an intravaginal u/s and all looked well. We got to see the heartbeat (FH and DD went with me). Based on my u/s, doc set a due date of 1/25. My next appointment is July 18th.

My morning sickness has subsided for the most part. I cannot drink coffee or OJ--it makes me so sick. Maalox is my best friend--acid reflux is the worst right now. But, at least I am not nauseous all day and night.d


For some QOTD's that I remember:

James has been a lot more nauseous than usual lately, and all of his co-workers are teasing him about it being m/s.

I cannot STAND looking at raw meat in the grocery store. Nothing, in particular, jumps out at me as something I CAN'T eat. Just when I smell it, I know. Couldn't eat bacon the other day, but have eaten it since. That sort of thing.

Foods that freqently "call my name" during this pregnancy: salad, fried chicken, chocolate snack cakes, dill pickles, olives, bologna and lettuce sandwiches, cheerios with bananas, Fudgesicles...........hmmmm, that's all that's coming to mind right now.

We don't have any names picked out. We picked out a girl name like a year ago, just for fun, and that name is Kenna Jaymes, but it remains to be seen if that is a serious consideration now that a baby's on the way. As far as boys' names, I like Darian Marshall, but James likes the name Jadis (like Jade--isss (rhymes with hiss). I detest that name for a boy. But, like I said, not a lot of thought/consideration/discussion has gone on about it, so we'll see.

Thing I miss the most: alcohol. amusement park rides.

I have bought a few maternity clothes on ebay. My mom picked up a few things from a consignment shop. I need to get some new panties and bras, cause they are TOO little. Money is tight right now, so I don't know how that will work out.

End of QOTD's.

I am no longer working. After being openly discriminated against and in a hostile work environment for over a month, I quit my job on June 27th. James does not make enough to support us, so I have applied for benefits. We'll see how it all works out. I am nervous, scared, and depressed. James and my relationship is the absolute worst it's ever been, and I don't know if it's gonna work out. Anyway, that's why I haven't been posting. I am not excited about being pregnant. I am not enjoying it. I can't even afford the kid I have, shoot, can't even afford myself...............................

Hope everyone else is having a great day!

[Winter Biscuit]

My OB never mentioned to glucose test - is it something that's required? Has everyone else had this done already?

Yes, it is required, but most doctors don't test for it until around 24-28 weeks. That's probably why your doctor hasn't mentioned it yet. :) I may be wrong, but I think the folks that have already had the test have a family history of diabetes or have had gestational diabetes in the past and therefore are being tested earlier.

What foods am I loving? Sadly, none :( See below.

Sudden food aversions - Practically everything right now :( But especially vegetables.

I packed a lunch, but nothing sounds good, and some of my food has already made me gag. On top of that, I am still really sick today. I got sick at home, I puked in my car on the highway on the way to work (yes, I had a barf bucket in my car), I have been puking all day. I had to interview someone this morning and had to run out of the room to puke in the bathroom :( I just can't seem to get this under control. This will sound like TMI but I am shocked at how much stuff keeps coming out of me. My stomach is totally empty yet my body is having no problem finding stuff to puke up :(

ETA how far along I am

[jmvan74]

Ginger: I had to take the 3 hour test when I was pg with DS. I'm gonna be honest...it sucked! You'll get through it though. Just bring some reading material and maybe an ipod or something.

Food aversions: chicken breasts, anything too spicy.

Food desires: Plums, peaches, icecream and salt and vinegar chips. ( I do generally like them, but want them in abundance now)

Angela:DH and I try to make up horrible names, too! It's so funny. Sorry about your headache. I had a massive one yesterday, too.

Amanda: I'm so sorry this pregnancy is causing you so much stress. *HUGS* I hope things work out for you and FH. You need each other now more than ever. Hang in there.

Winter Biscuit: Ugghh. Sorry you are still feeling so awful. I will be so grateful when January is here and this baby is born. I'm not a fan of being pregnant. I know all of the crappy days are worth the end result, but still no fun. Hope you feel better soon.

[purpleorchids]

My apologies ahead of time if I missed anyone on the SO’s.

Winter Biscuit – It is scary when they can’t find the heart beat, but I’m glad that you got to see the little pea early and he/she is doing great! When I had my u/s – they also told me it was too early to detect the sex. I hope your feeling better.

Wagsgirl – Yeah on seeing the little pea & heart beat.

Alegna – I don’t know why people ask how much weight we gain, it’s very irritating. As for switching your shift – that is a hard decision. I would also do a cost analysis.

Zhannushka – Yeah on the blood test results! I hope your headaches will go away soon. Yes, everyone has to take the glucose test. Haven’t had mine yet though. Last time when I was pg, I took it sometime in my 2nd trimester.

Lucy Van Pelt – great u/s picture. Sorry to hear about the 3 hour glucose test. I remember taking that when I was pg with DD.

Amanda: Sorry to hear about all the stress your having. Hugs.


QOTD’s:
Names? Haven’t thought about it yet. We will start looking at names after our next u/s when we can find out if it’s a girl or boy.

Food aversions: smelly fish

Food desires: ice cream

My NT u/s went well, baby is normal and now waiting for the blood test results. I also got to see the pea in 3D version (it is a little weird looking) and we got to tape it. I scanned some pictures so I hope they turned out ok. The heartbeat was at 159, and at my Dr. appt on Monday it was at 164! My nausea has subsided and now I can drink coffee again!!!

ETA: Ultrasound scheduled 8/28 and next Dr. appt is 8/11

First u/s I had around 6 weeks
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n208/cherylsusan/us1.jpg

u/s at 11w
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n208/cherylsusan/us2.jpg

3d picture - baby's back
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n208/cherylsusan/us3.jpg

3d picture - side front view
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n208/cherylsusan/us4.jpg

edited: I used shutterfly guess that didn't work! Reposted pictues

[January2007Mommies]

UPDATED TO HERE
Purpleorchids, I can't see your pics... :confused:

[GardenGirl]

Holy cow! I have a lot of reading to do. I'm back from our "vacation" to see the inlaws. I think when I left we were on page 38 or 39. We are at 56 now. Geez! I just wanted to post and say hi to everyone and I miss the chit chat. I'm going to go catch up now ... post more later ...

[ButterflyJen]

Awfully quiet in here this AM....:)

purpleorchids - great u/s shots!

WB, I'm sorry you're still having so much sickness. Ugh. I wish there was something they could do to help you!

Zhanna - yeah, the glucose test is required but usually we don't have to take it till around 28 weeks or so. That drink is....interesting. ;)

Amanda - I'm sorry this pgcy is so stressful for you! I hope you and James are able to work it out. Big hugs to you.

Hi to everyone else! *waves*

Not much new with me. I did learn where my nausea comes from last night, though: if I don't drink enough water!!! I woke up at 3AM to pee and felt so awful. It was all I could do to get downstairs and get some water....but as soon as I sat in bed and took a few sips, I felt totally different and MUCH better. It was amazing, the change just a few sips made for me. Believe me, I am sucking down the water today like crazy!!!

[amwilson615]

Thanks jmvan, purpleorchids, and Butterfly for the support and hugs. I guess I just get down, and the total uncertainty about how it will all get better frightens me. At any rate, I have resolved to change my attitude. I read a story about one lady's loss of her baby (in her LJ), and it made me realize that I need to be more thankful for what I have been given--a LIFE growing inside of me--and stop stressing so much.

Winter--Yikes! I am so sorry that you are dealing with such sickness. I hope it goes away soon.

Jmvan--Surely not chicken breasts, what would I do if I couldn't eat a chicken breast??

Purpleorchids--Smelly fish is an aversion for me all.the.time. Part of me was hoping I would suddenly like it while pregnant, just cause it's so good for you. But, alas, it's only worse. lol. Nice u/s pics. I hope we get to do some 3D, maybe 4D, but I have no clue what my doctor has. Plus, I don't have insurance, so I doubt it is gonna be in the cards for me.

GardenGirl--Welcome back.

Butterfly--Water works wonders, right? I drank water before being pregnant, but, now, I have an ice cold glass next to me at all times.

Hope all is well with everyone. I am lounging on the couch eating dill pickles with DD while watching The Doodlebops. Pickles good, Doodlebops, not so much. ;)

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Not too much new going on here...still nausea off and on most of the day. I did make my amnio appointment for August 7th. The thought of that needle scares the crap out of me...:eek:

Sorry - no time for so's. I actually have work to do! My job ends on July 27th and then I get to relax for a while. I can't wait to be able to sleep in. Getting up in the morning is the hardest part of my day.

[ButterflyJen]

Amanda, it's going to get better. It will! Definitely just keep remembering that little one inside you and it'll help a lot.

and ITA about the Doodlebops. Oh yeah....we're the Doodlebops, we're the Doodlebops...what a dumb show! :)

Ginger - yikes, I'd be scared about the needle too! Good luck getting through these next few weeks of work and then you're done! Hooray!

[jmvan74]

purple orchids: Those u/s surprise me everytime! It's crazy how much you can see.

Welcome back, Tera!

Butterfly Jen: I thought lack of water might be a contributing factor in my nausea as well, but it doesn't seem to be making a difference. *sigh*

Amanda: The Doodlebops kind of creep me out....However, I like the scene where they "Get on the Bus". LOL! There's just something about Bus Driver Bob! LOL!:D I'm glad you are going to try and look at your pregnancy in a positive way. Things will come together for you, you'll see. ;)

Ginger: I hate getting up in the morning, too. Luckily, DS has been sleeping until 7:30-8:00. :p

Early this morning I woke up to use the bathroom and had some major pains in my lower left side. Ouch! I'm pretty sure it was round ligament pain and it started after I tried to stretch out. Ugghhh! I forgot how painful that could be. There were days with DS that I felt like I couldn't walk! :eek:

[ButterflyJen]

Oh yikes, JM! I've had that already too and it SUCKS!!!

I honestly haven't made it far enough in the Doodlebops to see them get on the bus. :)

[Winter Biscuit]

Hi ladies,

Just wanted to post a quick update. Yesterday was one of my WORST days yet. I puked ALL DAY LONG. I wasn't able to keep anything down, and hadn't eaten anything since Monday evening. I seriously have no idea where my body found so much stuff for me to puke up. I had some morning sickness with my DD (I basically dry-heaved every morning from week 9 until week 25, but once I got that out of the way, I felt great all day and only vomited a handful of times) but NOTHING like this. I got sick in my car on the highway on the way to work (thank God I had a bucket in my car), I was sick all day at work and could NOT stop puking. I was desperately thirsty, but couldn't keep any fluids down, not even sips. I tried sucking on ice cubes - I even puked those up. Popsicles...puked those up. I got sick in my car on the way home (barf bucket to the rescue once again), and continued to vomit ALL evening until 11pm. This morning when I woke up, I started vomiting again and called my doctor. They had me come in immediately. They took my blood pressure - too low. They checked my weight...I have lost FIVE POUNDS since my last appointment on July 6. That is FIVE pounds in 6 days :eek: :( They checked my urine (what little urine I was able to produce) and I knew from the color that it wasn't going to be good...my pee was fluoroscent orange. Sure enough, they confirmed that I was severely dehydrated and diagnosed me with hyperemis gravidarum, which is "a severe and intractable form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy."

I had to have an IV put in, and I was so dehydrated that they had trouble getting the IV needle in. They finally got the smallest IV needle inserted, and I had to have 2 liters of IV fluids pumped in. It took over 2 hours for the fluids to drip in. At least I got a nice nap out of it, although I was so darn cold the whole time.

My doctor prescribed Zofran - which is an anti-nausea drug that cancer patients take to help ward off the nausea/vomiting that accompanies chemotherapy. I had really been hoping to avoid Zofran for a few reasons (the main one being that one of the side effects is drowsiness...I have to drive, work, and take care of my 2.5 year old toddler and am concerned about how the meds will affect my ability to do my day-to-day activities) but at this point, I feel like I have no choice. I have GOT to find a way to keep food down.

I stopped at the pharmacy on my way home from the appointment to pick up my Rx (but not before pulling my car off the road so I could puke AGAIN - ugh!! :( ) and I took a Zofran right away. I am already feeling better, so I am really hopeful that it will work for me.

I have to go back to the doctor next week -- July 17 -- so they can check my weight and make sure I am staying hydrated. I still have my next "regular" appointment on August 2, but will need to be monitored closely to make sure we get this under control.

I did some research online and saw something that said that most people with hyperemis gravidarum have symptoms until week 20, while some have it until the end of pregnancy. I am trying not to think pessimistic thoughts but OMG, I hope I don't have it until January :(

Sorry to have been such a downer, but thanks SO much for all your encouraging words and thoughts!!!

amwilson615 - I am sorry to hear that you are going through so much right now. Hang in there, I really hope that things look up for you soon.

water -- with my first pregnancy, I could NOT get enough water. I was literally drinking 100 ounces a day and it always made me feel SO good. I'm not surprised to hear some of you say that water makes your nausea go away...it definitely helped me the first time too. Sadly, with this pregnancy, it just doesn't have the same effect. This time my beverage of choice is Gatorade or Propel (flavored water with calcium and other vitamins added). Maybe now that I'm on Zofran I'll be able to drink water more. There's nothing like a tall glass/bottle of cold, refreshing water :)

baby names - we haven't really discussed this yet at all. We still aren't sure if we are even going to find out the gender or wait until the birth. With my first pregnancy, we had settled on 2 girls names but never once came to an agreement on a boy's name. Good thing we had a girl and didn't need to deal with that :D

Hope you are all having a good day!

[ButterflyJen]

Oh, WB, I am so sorry to hear all of this. :( I know you wanted to try to avoid meds if you could. I hope the Zofran works and doesn't make you too tired, because you have had enough of this by now!!! I am crossing everything I can that it ends by week 20 for you. Not till January, for sure!

[jilly]

Hi Ladies!
We're still doing well. I have yet to hear if I'm immune to Fifth Disease. The lab didn't run the right test the first time, so after waiting a week...I had to do another blood test yesterday. At this point the fear has totally faded. It's hardly even on my mind anymore.

Luckily DS and I are on the mend from our colds. I still have bouts of nausea and dry heaving, but just keep counting down. Last time, week 15 was the time it ended. I'm hoping it's similar this time.

WBI'm so sorry to hear that you're having such a hard time this pregnancy. I hope the Rx helps you. You need SOME relief. Hang in there!

Z So glad to hear that the test results came out well! What a relief!

AM Hang in there. There's a ton of hormones running around now too, so be easy on yourself.

Names Oh gosh...if this is a boy...we're really out of luck. We just about killed the other names we liked last time going around and around in circles. For girls, the conversation last time was short lived...ended after the u/s. "Paige" was the only name we ever agreed upon. And we both still like it. We'll see. Just 6 more weeks till we find out the sex!!

Aversions Steak. UGH. We bbq'ed on Sunday night. I took one bite and gagged. My DH was happy...more for him ;)
Loves Ummm can you say crap? Just like last time...pizza, ice cream, creamy soups (Panera Baked Potato...yum!)

[wagsgirl]

WinterBiscuit-Sorry you're feeling so lousy! Hopefully you can gain a pound or two by next Monday :(

DOODLEBOPS!!!! AAAAHHHH!!! They're one of my daughter's favorites and they drive me INSANE!! Although, the bus part is ok...

[Lucy Van Pelt]

WinterBiscuit - so sorry you are having such a rough time. Yikers! I hope the zofran helps you keep things down soon!

I never answered the name questions...

If it's a girl, I love the names Isabelle Renee (my middle name) or Morgan Isabella. I hate that Isabelle is sooo popular right now, but it's been my favorite name for many years and I can't bear to think of not using it!

For a boy, I like Noah Justin (Justin is my best friend's son's name. He is very special to me.).

Not sure what DH likes so far as names. He won't talk about it yet. He's too superstitious...:rolleyes:

[zhannushka]

Amanda, I am so sorry that you're feeling sad, but I'm glad that you've found a way to put things in perspective. Stress is not good for both you and the baby. I know it's easier said then done, but - try to look at things positively!

Ginger, amnio does sound scary, but - it's such a common procedure now - I'm sure it'll go well for you!

ButterflyJen and Julie - sorry about the round ligament pain you've both experienced already. I don't yet know what it feels like myself, but I'm sure it's not pleasant at all!

Winter Biscuit - I hope that Zofran helps and you can gain a few pounds soon!

jilly - that's crazy about them running a wrong test! Things like that just really bother me... I hope that you get your results soon and that you are immune to the Fifth Disease!

Hi to anyone I missed! :)

I am officially in the 2nd trimester now. Somehow, knowing this gives me a feeling of security... ;) I've been feeling almost normal lately, which makes me very happy! I get really hungry at night nowadays, and I've been craving Indian food. So, I had Chiken Tikka Masala for dinner 3 days in a row now... :p

[Alegna]

Oh see, now I'm going to have to get some Sagg and Mali Kofta for dinner.

mmmm Indian.......

[zhannushka]

Oh see, now I'm going to have to get some Sagg and Mali Kofta for dinner.

mmmm Indian.......
YAY! My cravings are rubbing off! :D

[robyn]

YAY! My cravings are rubbing off! :D

I'm sad. Indian used to be one of my favorite foods (esp. the Tikka Masala!) and now it is one of the many, many things I have an extreme aversion to. Enjoy some for me!

[zhannushka]

Awww, Robyn - I'm sorry... :( If this makes you feel any better - this craving has only just started this week - until then I couldn't even think about eating Indian! So, hopefully it'll change for you too soon.

I feel like such a pig! I just had a huge lunch and now can't even move... - a pint of Wonton soup and a whole order of Cold Sesame Noodles. What's wrong with me??? :eek:

[ButterflyJen]

LOL at the food stories going on in here! :) I have to admit I've never had Indian food, so I have no clue what you're talking about. Though the Sesame noodles sound darn good. Mmmm....

My cravings aren't quite so exotic. I've got a mixed box of Popsicles/Fudgsicles/Creamsicles in the freezer. :D I am limiting myself to one a day, though!

Zhanna, hooray for the 2nd tri! There's got to be quite a few 2nd tri people now...I can't wait to join you all!!!

BTW, if anyone just wants to call me Jen, that's totally OK with me. :)

[jmvan74]

Okay, I'm 12 weeks, so why don't I feel good now? LOL!:p

Jilly: Glad to hear you are feeling better at least in the cold department. ;)

Zhanna: Hooray for the second trimester! I'm jealous that you have an appetite. I sooo want to enjoy food again. :rolleyes:

Jen: I've never had Indian food either, so I guess I don't know what I'm missing. I have a feeling it's spicy and would not work for me now anyway! LOL!

12 week Belly Shot: Remember this is my second pregnancy in less than 2 years, sooooo..... I'm already looking quite pg.
http://images1.snapfish.com/3475%3A6%3A%3B3%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3238%3E66%3B%3E8%3A 3%3EWSNRCG%3D3233943785969nu0mrj

[GardenGirl]

Well I had my first official OB appointment. My other ones were with my RE. I think I was anticipating this appointment too much. I was expecting some information or something. Instead I got 6 vials of blood taken, a pap, and a physical exam. She (my new OB) was in a hurry to go deliver a patient's baby at the hospital next door and I could tell she was rushing. Her nurse told me, she didn't. Anyhow, it was brief. At least I got to schedule my big ultrasound. It and my next appointment are on August 10th. Plus the NT test and bloodwork came back negative and I can finally stop the prometrium (that was getting really old). So that's good too. I just didn't expect it to be so quick and formal. I don't know why, but I was expecting a little more. I still have all the crap I got when we were welcomed to the "Infertility Side" of the office.

I too am in my second trimester. My m/s has really worn off. It's just hunger now. My energy hasn't really come back yet though. I'm still waiting for that.

We just got back from a very long "vacation" to Indiana to see my inlaws. I love DH's family, but his mom gives way too much unsolicitated advice and it gets old.

Everyone at my office knows now and it's all anyone can talk about. I'm in administration so I have contact with pretty much the entire company so it's the gossip of the office now. I know this sounds silly, but I'm already tired of talking about it. Even though I'm an extroverted person, how my body is changing is private to me.

Well, I'm going to do some reading. Talk to y'all later.

[usafwife]

Okay, I'm 12 weeks, so why don't I feel good now? LOL!:p

12 week Belly Shot: Remember this is my second pregnancy in less than 2 years, sooooo..... I'm already looking quite pg.

Julie ~ I can sympathize with you. I'm 10 to 10 1/2 wks (depending upon what due date you want to use) and I'm still feeling so sick some days. How long did your m/s last with C? I seriously hope mine doesn't last as long as it did with S. I don't think I can handle another 20 wks of it. Though not all days are horrible ones this time around.

I can sympathize with you on already looking pregnant too! You are braver than me. I haven't posted a belly shot yet.

Back to lurking for now (as I very well could be a January mommy but it's too early to tell right now.) So I maybe joining all of you down the road.

[jmvan74]

Hey Meri. I was sick with C until about 15-16 weeks, but after 12 weeks it was really mild and intermitent. I remember you having it really bad with Sarah. I just realized that our due dates are basically in the same interval they were with Collin and Sarah! Just so happens to be in different months this time. :D

Tera: Although rushed, that seems like a pretty typical appt. Most of them you will find that you are in and out in minutes.

[Alegna]

For those of you that have experienced round ligament pain. Where are you feeling it?

I have had the worst pain in the center on my lower back for the last couple days. It's only when I try to get up from laying down. I'm fine when sitting or standing. But rolling over in bed is almost impossible and it's taking me a couple tries to stand up out of bed.

I've had this happen before. Ususally right before my period would start and it would go away after a few days. I'm just wondering if this is round ligament pain or something else. I have an appoinment on Wednesday so I'll ask the doctor then.

[jmvan74]

Angela: If the pain is in your back it's more likely sciatic nerve pain or just normal growing pains. Round ligament pain, is generally in your lower abdomen/groin area where the ligaments are stretching to accomodate the growing uterus. Sorry you're so uncomfortable.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Well, ladies, I am about to make my first official baby purchase. Yes - so far, I haven't had the nerve to buy anything, but now that I am about to hit the 12 week mark, I thinkk I can pick up some small things here and there. Anyway, I am buying the Shanghai II diaper bag from http://www.kecci.com/cgi-bin/tlsstore.cgi. I won't post a pic because they are kinda big, but you can check out the website if you want! I am leaning towards the chartreuse one, but I don't know why they call it chartreuse. It's a dark green...:rolleyes:

[GardenGirl]

Alegna - I'm not sure what you call it, but I'm definitely having pain in my hips. My butt feels like I've been sitting in the same spot for days. It's gettin more and more noticeable every day.

I have problems rolling over in bed, but I think that is actually my stomach muscles starting to stretch. If I move too fast I get a pulling pain. It's not horrible, but it is disruptive.

I've also noticed that if I sit in a car too long or in my office chair, my right pinky toe and my heel start to tingle and go numb. It freaks me out a little. I quickly get up and move around to get the blood flowing.

Let me know what your doctor says. I meant to say something at my appt yesterday, but I was so rushed I didn't get to ask any questions.

In fact, when I started to talk about my awful breakout on my face and chest, she just said "Oh don't worry, it will eventually go away." That stopped me from asking any more questions.

Gonna go get some water and take a bathroom break now, that seems to be an hourly event ...

[robyn]

In fact, when I started to talk about my awful breakout on my face and chest, she just said "Oh don't worry, it will eventually go away."

If it makes you feel any better, I have been breaking out like crazy too. As if we don't already feel like crap, we have to look like it too?!?! Some things about pregnancy are just so unfair! (Although I am so happy to be pg that I can deal with the breaking out and such. :)) I wonder how long it takes to go away? Does it last throughout the whole pregnancy??

[jmvan74]

Breakouts: Count me in! I told my friend there was enough oil on my face to solve the worlds oil issues! Gross. :o I don't know how long it lasts b/c I didn't have it this bad with DS.

Ginger: Have fun purchasing your diaper bag. Have you been in the Master Diaper Bag thread? Very fun.

Tera: Sorry you felt so rushed and didn't get to ask your questions.

I had my 12 week appt. today. We heard a strong HB. It was in the 160's. Everything looked good. Had my internal with all of the fun cultures. Yippee! My next appt. is August 10.

[ButterflyJen]

Julie, you look great! it's amazing how fast we look pg the second time around, isn't it...and YAY for the nice strong h/b!

Tera, that is totally standard, but it's sad that you felt so rushed. I hope next time she's not delivering someone and can actually take time to listen to you. My last OB with my DD was always rushed so I never felt like I could ask anything.

I have that pulling pain too and it's lots of fun, isn't it? ;)

Ginger, that bag rocks. So pretty...I just got the standard boring Graco with DD, but I might need to treat myself this time around. HA! Right! I bought a couple of super-cute outfits at work the other day because they were from last season and cost me a total of $4 (for six pieces). I kid you not.

Robyn, LOL! Why must we feel and look like crap? :D

Angela - I'm sorry you're so uncomfy! Especially when you're rolling over in bed. Ugh!

Not much new here...:)

[Lucy Van Pelt]

UGH - I am soooo miserable right now. I did my three hour glucose this morning. It was heinous. I felt so weak and dizzy and nauseous. I can't believe I made it through. There were other women there doing the same test. One girl threw up a few minutes after drinking the "soda" so they sent her home to try it again another day. Blech! Luckily, my friend came and sat with me to help me pass the time.

After my final draw, I practically sprinted out of the lab and we went to Chilis. I started with a side salad and just slammed it down - BIG mistake. Then I started shaking and almost passed out. I slowed down a bit and ate half of my chicken sandwich and fries and then I came home. I crashed for a couple of hours and woke up with another migraine. :mad: I am kinda hungry right now, but the thought of eating anything makes me want to puke. I will probably choke down some toast so I can take my meds and try to just go to sleep and feel better tomorrow.

[jmvan74]

Thanks, Jen! I think I popped out a lot this weekend. It is pretty obvious I'm pg now. :o

Ginger: Sorry your 3 hour GT sucked. At least you had a friend with you to help the time go a little faster. I remember leaving my 3 hour and going right across the street to friendly's. :p


Not much going on here. I'm still tired, but I am hopeful that things are going to get better very soon. ;) I keep reminding myself it could be sooo much worse and the end result will be so worth it.

[thechick79]

Ginger, sorry that your glucose test wasn't fun. I am NOT looking forward to that. So you have to drink a yucky drink?

Julie you look great!

I have been feeling so much better lately. I have been able to eat normal foods. I have been breaking out too. I thought you were supposed to look great when you are pregnant. I still haven't gotten used to people checking out my belly whenever they see me. It's so weird! Does this feeling go away when you get bigger?

I have my third appointment on July 20 and we'll probably schedule the big ultrasound to find out the gender soon. Fun stuff! Hope everyone is doing well!

[mommydearest]

Hey Guys

I hope everyone had a great weekend. We had a crappy start to the weekend (note to anyone going to Wisconsin soon: drive no more than 2 miles over the speed limit). We had a $200 encounter with Milwaukee's finest 1 mile after the speed limit changed from 65 to 55 and we didn't realize it. But, my uncle's ceremony was nice and it was fun to see my cousins. The rest of the time, it was one big alcohol fest, which mad me feel VERY left out. DH was nice and only had one drink each night, then drank water with me. He also stuck up for me when I was hot and tired and just wanted a nap on Saturday. So, I was thankful for him. It feels good to be home though. I hope everyone else had a relaxing time and was able to beat the heat!

[ButterflyJen]

thechick79 - see if they'll give you the glucola at the appointment before your test (I hope that made sense). That's what happened with DD; I got the drink a few weeks early and was able to keep it in the fridge till I needed it. Ice cold is the ONLY way to drink that stuff. ugh.

Ginger - sorry the 3 hour test sucked so bad! I'm glad it's over for you though and I hope the results come back OK. Hope you're feeling better!

mommydearest - really? Sorry that happened to you! I drive about six or seven over on a regular basis (and I'm not going any further, because I don't need to jinx myself!). Glad your DH stuck with you!

Not much new here. I'm also getting my appetite back, and the nausea seems to be decreasing. I still can't eat salad though. I tried again tonight and pushed it away after half a bowl. It just tastes bad to me. Grand. :rolleyes: That's about it from here!

[jmvan74]

thechick79: That nasty drink for the glucose test is like a super syrupy version of orange Hi-C. The one for the one hour test is bearable. The three hour drink....blahhhh. Glad you are feeling better. When you get bigger, it gets annoying when people are trying to touch you, but I always felt kind of proud of my belly. :p

Kristin: Sorry about the speeding ticket. :mad: Glad you had a good time and DH was supportive and all.

Jen:I'm starting to get my appetite back, too. Whew. I hope it's not a fluke. ;)

[GardenGirl]

Gosh I can't believe I'm 15 weeks already. This is crazy!!!

Ginger - glad to hear you made it through the 3 hour glucose test. Refresh my memory, did you have GD in a previous pregnancy or do they think you'll have it this time. I'm just curious as to why you had it so early. Or is it not early. I'm obviously new at this - I am really not looking forward to that test. I hate sugary drinks, and I really hate it on an empty stomach.

Jen - it's so funny how everyone is different. You can't come near a salad, but that seems to be the one constant thing I can always eat. I've always liked them, but ever since this pregnancy I'll wait until the Jason's Deli opens on the weekend at 10 and I'll go in for a salad.

thechick - I hear you on the breakouts. These are itchy and on my jawline. Little ones are appearing on my chest and I know this is totally hormones, but it still sucks. My doctor says they will go away and gosh I hope so. Otherwise at my next appointment I'll make sure I ask her that question.

Speaking of next appointments. Our big ultrasound is on August 10. We should know the sex then since I'll be 18.5 weeks. I thought they day would never come and it's already 3.5 weeks away. Crazy!!!! Let's just hope this baby cooperates!

Quick question - my tailbone really hurts. Does anyone have any relief options. I tried sitting on a pillow at the office and it isn't helping. My lower back is sore, but mainly my tailbone is the site of most of the pain. I'm going to start doing my prenatal yoga more frequently and do some stretching exercises. I'm sure it's just my body moving, but I need some relief. Thanks!

[Lucy Van Pelt]

I had to do the glucose tests early because I have a family history of diabetes - lucky me.

I still have my headache fromthe test on Saturday. It just won't go away. :(

[Alegna]

Well, I'm finally able to roll over in bed without the stabbing pain in my back. That's definately a welcome relief. My afternoon naps have been getting shorter too. Maybe I'm starting to get some of my energy back.

Of course I'm sure it's just like everything else. I come here and say it and then jinx myself. :rolleyes:

I'm still trying to decide which room I want to make into the nursery. I feel like such a slacker. I haven't done anything. I got my first book this weekend. It was the free State Farm book about babies for the first 5 years.

The only thing I've mangaged to do is put some things Mike's sister gave us into plastic boxes. I didn't think the garbage bags she brought them in were the best idea for storage.

Maybe if it cools down some I can go to some garage sales this weekend. I'm such a sucker for good deals.

[Winter Biscuit]

Ugh - Lucy Van Pelt, sorry to hear the 3-hour test was so horrid. If it makes you feel any better, we'll all be going through it sooner or later, and you'll be DONE! I remember all too well how nasty that orange drink was. My last OBGYN told me I only needed to drink half of the bottle that they gave me. I was so happy I "only" had to drink half - I can't imagine having to drink that whole bottle. Ick!

GardenGirl -- no advice on the tailbone hurting, but one thing you can try is sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs if you aren't already doing this. With my first pregnancy, I had some backaches and my OBGYN gave me some info that said if you sleep with a pillow between your legs, you take 50 pounds of pressure off your back. Again, this was for general backaches, but I wonder if it might bring some relief for you??

I went to the OBGYN today for a quick check-up. I'm back up 4 pounds - yeah! :D Only one more pound and I'll be back to my pre-pregnancy starting weight, and then I can watch myself gain, gain, gain from there! The Zofran is definitely helping - I have not puked or even dry-heaved one single time since I started taking it. On top of that, smells don't even make me nauseous anymore so it has practically canceled out any food aversions I had. I can eat and cook practically anything without gagging. It's so nice to feel "normal" again as far as food is concerned. Too bad the Zofran doesn't cure fatigue, as I'm still really tired and going to bed at 8pm every night.

We heard Nugget's heartbeat with the doppler today - 152 bpm.

My August 2 appointment was canceled and rescheduled for August 14, as there is no need for me to come back in 2 weeks. So, 4 weeks til my next visit.

[GardenGirl]

WB - thanks for the pillow tip. 50 pounds, huh? I'd would never have guessed it was that much. Unfortunately, I already sleep with a pillow between my legs. I normally sleep on my stomach/side with a pillow wedged in between (for now). I'm sort of sleeping at a 45 degree angle instead of exactly on my side with the pillow between my knees. I move back and forth from stomach/side to all night. The pain is mostly from sitting in my chair at the office. I switched chairs today, and I feel better. Hopefully that will help. I've also been putting my feet up on a box to relieve a little more pressure. We'll see if it works.

[ButterflyJen]

GG - ugh, I hope switching chairs and putting your feet up at work helps you. :( You can eat all my salads, OK? I just can't even stand the thought of one!!

Alegna - I heart garage sales! You find the best deals there, sometimes.

Ginger - I hope that headache goes away!

WB - HOORAY! :D Hooray for gaining, and not being sick since, and being able to cook and smell food again, AND for a good strong h/b! Too awesome!

Nothing much new here. I'm having a Tastefully Simple party tomorrow. I had to make beer bread (the house smells amazing), six dips, and two cheese balls tonight. Tomorrow I have to make almond pound cake. Oh boy, all this food in the house isn't a good thing with my appetite coming back. ;)

[jmvan74]

Tera: I hope the chair switch helps your tail bone. Ouch. Your big u/s is coming up soon! Wow! How exciting.

Angela: You have plenty of time to get ready. No rush. ;) I need to check out some yard sales myself.

WB: Hooray that the Zofran is working and you are feeling "normal" again. DH would be so pleased if I started cooking again. :o I'm glad you got to hear a nice strong HB.

Jen: Mmmmm....tastefully Simple is yum! Right before the m/s hit I was chowing down on some garlic dip. Man it's good stuff. I can't wait for my appetite to return in full force!

Everything seems the same here. I think I'm starting to get some energy back. I was napping when DS napped, but now, I'm not tired enough to sleep. Not quite ready to clean house, but at least I'm awake. :D

[mommydearest]

Jen: Yum Yum! I could go for some beer bread right now!

WB: Hooray for feeling normal again!

Alegna: The daughter of a friend "didn't know she was pregnant" until 2 days before the baby was born and managed just fine. Babies are born in Iraq every day with nothing but a blanket and seem to do ok. You have PLENTY of time to shop. The only benefit of starting early is spreading the expenses out a little more.

I went to the doctor this morning and the heartrate was about 150. Hearing it on the doppler was pretty cool. I was sad DH wasn't there. My BP was 100/60, and all the bloodwork came back as normal. So, I'm pretty happy. The doc asked if I had any questions, but you guys have answered most everything, so there wasn't anything to ask. My next appt is AUG 16th and we have to decide before it if we want a quad screen. I'm so torn on it, so this is going to be hard.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Someone PLEASE tell me I won't feel like hell for the next 6 months...it does get better, doesn't it? I'm just a mess and while I expected it to get better over the last week or so, I'm feeling worse every day. My throwing up had been limited to when I brushed my teeth, but last night I was out talking to DH in the backyard when I just started throwing up. I put my hands against the house to hold myself up and proceded to throw up all over the outside of my house. Lovely.

I came inside and tried to eat something just so I could take some meds. It was just awful. It's been so hot here and we have no air conditioning so I am just miserable.

This morning I had an extreme version of the "throwing up when brushing teeth" ritual. I thought I was just going to pass out.

I made it to work if only to enjoy the airconditioned building, but I amhaving horrible pains - maybe gas pains? - that are making me double over. I've been running to the bathrom hoping to get sick at one end or the other (sorry, but true) just to make the pain stop and nothing happens.

I have my first official OB (instead of RE) appointment on Thursday. Should DH come with me? He went to all of my RE appointments, but it feels weird for some reason to have him at an OB appointment. I have a pregnancy counseling appointment right afterwards that is just me, of course. I'm sure they want to discuss my depression issues and what I can do to improve my outlook.

[January2007Mommies]

UPDATED TO HERE
Ladies, the September Mommies threadmistress, MSH, has kindly offered to make Mommy ID's for us for our 2nd Trimester thread. Here's what they will look like (the ID will incorporate belly shots, u/s pics, and mommy's info):

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mrs_natalie/Mommy%20IDs/MommyID_MSH.gif

Please let me know what you think about this idea. I personally love it! :D

[jmvan74]

Kristin: Sorry DH had to miss your appt. My DH had to miss my last one, too, b/c someone needed to stay with DS while he napped. :rolleyes: Hearing the HB through the doppler is amazing, isn't it. It always makes me smile.

Ginger: I wish I had some advice for you. If the throwing up gets worse, I'd talk to the OB about meds. They did wonders for Winter Biscuit.;) During my first pg, I felt crappy for about 16 weeks. In all honesty, there were very few weeks that I felt good. Sorry. I know that's not what you want to hear. However, I think that's atypical. Most people do start to feel better between 12-15 weeks. Good luck.

ID's: I love the idea. I noticed it in another thread and thought it was so cute!

[thechick79]

Ginger, Zofran was great for me. My doctor prescribed it for me because they were concerned about my weight loss. It does get better though. Your appetite will start to come back. At 15 weeks I feel the best I've ever felt. If your DH is able to attend with you, he should go. My DH went with me to my first OB appointment and is going with me to this OB appointment as well. They just brought him in when it was time.

I think the IDs are a great idea. Now we can start seeing some belly shots :D

[wagsgirl]

I like the idea of the ID's, but I probably won't be able to post any ultrasound shots...unless it's a pic of a pic...I think they're really cute, though!

[Alegna]

I've got plenty of time, but I just feel like I should be doing something!

It's just my nature. I'm a planner.

I think it's too early for a registry so I started a wish list at Target today. That way I can go back and edit it before making it a real registry. It's fun to go through all the different things and read the reviews. I'm making a list of things I need to research further. (Ok, so really I was just really bored at work, but still....)

And I ordered some maternity clothes. Not much to choose from locally as far as plus size maternity goes. So I'll have to get most of it online.

Went upstairs and actually looked at the spare bedrooms last night. The one I want to use is covered in glow in the dark stickers. :mad: It's going to be fun getting those all down and getting the sticky residue off before painting. Maybe I'll just leave them and pay the painter extra to take care of it. :)

I want to go to Mike's sisters and get the furniture. That way I can see if I want to use it or not. But it's been so hot and the truck doesn't have air conditioning. Not to mention the crazy gas prices.

Oh well. I guess I should just settle down. Plenty of time right?

[jilly]

First and foremost - I f-i-n-a-l-l-y got my blood work results, and all is good. Phew! Although the asst was the one who called and said that it came back negative. Which I thought we were looking for something, so we'd want it to be positive. So I just asked...so all is clear?...and she said yes. I'm still going to follow up with the dr., since this has been such a mess so far! I want the peace of mind that truly all is well from her mouth.

In other good news...I've hit trimester #2! I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy is flying by. I'm feeling on the up and up morning sickness-wise. I still am dragging in the energy dept. Maybe it's the heat, I dunno. But I'm still napping most days.

IDs Wow! That's high tech. Very cool.

Lucy It WILL get better. My first pregnancy, I was much like you. I'd have a bout of m/s every morning when I'd brush my teeth. And it was pretty mild the rest of the time. I hit trimester #2, and I had two weeks of really bad sickness with full-on vomiting and such. Just when I thought I was in the clear, of course. Hang in there!

[Winter Biscuit]

I love the mommy ID's too :) Although I will have to take a picture of my ultrasound pics because I don't have a scanner.

Ginger -- I second (or third) the assurance that things WILL get better. If you're having a hard time keeping food down, or starting to lose weight, definitely ask about Zofran. Like I mentioned earlier, it's done wonders for me. My doctor prescribed it as a last resort though, and I don't think it's something that is prescribed frequently. (It's also VERY expensive...$850 for 20 pills, although with our insurance I "only" paid $50 for 20 pills.) Re: whether your DH should come with you to the OB appointment, do you know what they will be doing? Right now they just test my urine, take my weight and blood pressure, listen for the heartbeat, and answer any ?'s I have. It's very routine and boring right now. If your OB will be listening for the heartbeat with the doppler, your DH might really enjoy that part and you might want to consider having him there. Don't feel awkward dragging him to the OB appointments - it is very common for pregnant women to drag their DH's :) Plus, anything he might see at an OB appointment is a far cry from what he'll be exposed to during labor ;)

jilly -- glad you got good news re: the blood work. yeah! What a relief. So far I think everyone that was waiting got their news AND got good news, right?

[zhannushka]

Hello ladies - I've been feeling so lazy the last few days that I haven't posted or updated... But I'm back now! :p

Tera - I hope the chair switch helps your tail bone! I've been feeling funny back/side pains every time I get up after I've been sitting or laying down for too long. It's annoying and makes me feel like I'm 90...

Julie - great to hear that your energy seems to be coming back! I don't even know how all of you RO's do it, having to take care of your kids these days...

Kristin - YAY for a great doctor's appointment! :D

Ginger, so sorry to hear that you're not feeling well. I hope that it gets better for you soon! As far as DH coming to the OB with you - my DH has been super-obsessive about making it to EVERY appointment I have, and while it's nice to have him there, it's not necessary, since they've been so short lately.

Alegna - you definitely have plenty of time still! What website(s) do you use to buy maternity clothes? I've been looking, but can't find ANYTHING I like... :(

Jilly - I am so happy to hear about the good results!!! :D

Hi to anyone I've missed! :)

Mommy ID's - I am glad that everyone likes the idea! Those who don't have scanners can just take a pic of a pic. That's what I did with the first u/s pic I had, 'cause I didn't feel like scanning it. It's better to put your camera in the b/w mode, 'cause if it's color, it comes out kind of orangy. Before Natalie starts working on the ID's, we should compile our u/s pics and belly pics. However, she can also add pics after the ID's have been made.

Me - nothing new here. Still having headaches. I wonder whether it's pregnancy-related or not... My doc's appointment and the 16 week u/s are next week. I'm so excited! :D

QOTD: Does anyone else wear contact lenses? Have they been bothering you more then usual? My eyes start burning like crazy now, by the time I get home from work. It's never been so bad!

[Winter Biscuit]

QOTD: Does anyone else wear contact lenses? Have they been bothering you more then usual? My eyes start burning like crazy now, by the time I get home from work. It's never been so bad!

I don't wear contacts but do have glasses for when I'm on my laptop for extended periods of time at work, and my eyes do ache and burn more than normal. Pregnancy hormones can affect your eyesight during pregnancy, so the burning could very well be a result of that. (Gotta love those pregnancy hormones... ;)) I was advised not to get my bi-annual eye exam until after I have the baby (because the hormones can affect how your eye exam turns out), but I have to go before the end of the year since we bought vision coverage this year (we only purchase it every other year).

[GardenGirl]

Contacts - yes, I'm a contact lens wearer. I was completely out of contacts and my prescription was way overdue so I had no choice but to go to the eye doctor. She didn't dilate my eyes, she said to wait until after the baby is born, but we did do a vision check. No change in my vision, BUT my astigmatism went away. She said it must be from the pregnancy. Having the astigmatism meant I wore special lenses that I had to take out everynight, but now that my eyes are changed I can wear disposable lenses that I only have to take out once a week. That was actually the first POSITIVE change I've had through this pregnancy. We'll that and the longer stronger fingernails.

So in the end, I was glad I ran out of contacts otherwise I'd still be wearing those harder lenses.

Oh, but yes, my eyes do burn a little throughout the day even with the new lenses. I sometimes don't blink all that often while staring at my computer and I think that has more to do with it than the hormones, but you never know.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

I actually made it through most of the day today without a headache - just the nausea. Of course when I got home, the headache kicked back in. I'm sure it's because of the heat. It's been in the 90's here this week and our house is like an oven. Luckily it is finally starting to cool down, but I did take my vicodin as well. I only have a week and a half left of work and I can't afford to miss any more time! I am already taking a half day off on Thursday for my OB appointment and I need the money to pay for nursery furniture!!

Has anyone else picked out any bedding or furniture yet?

[robyn]

Nothing much new going on here ...

Sorry to Ginger and the other girls who are still feeling sick. :( I am usually pretty good throughout the day, but for some reason I start to feel yucky around 8 or 9PM until I go to sleep. Better than it was before, though, so I'll accept it.

Alegna - I'm anxious to start gathering stuff as well. I actually did make a Target registry, but there is only one thing on it. Hee hee. And last weekend I made DH help me move a bunch of stuff from the baby's room into the guest room so I can get ready to start making it a nursery.

Zhanna - I'm still having headaches too. :( I think I get one at least every other day and it doesn't seem like much of anything helps to make them go away.

Can't believe I'm starting my 2nd trimester!! Woo hoo!

[jmvan74]

Contacts: I only wear glasses for reading, so no help from me. :o

Headaches: Count me in. I'm still getting them, too. I ran out of Tylenol yesterday, so I need to remember to get some today. It at least takes the edge off.

Zhanna: Luckily, being a SAHM, I don't have to report to anyone! If I feel like laying on the couch, I can. DS is pretty self sufficient in the play area, so that helps a lot. Sometimes getting his lunch ready makes me gag, though. :rolleyes:

Nursery Furniture: I've been browsing at cribs, but we already have a changing table and glider from DS's room. DS will still be in his crib, so we can't take that. :cool: I'll probably end up with a crib from target and a dresser from Ikea. ;) Nothing too fancy.

Robyn: Hooray for the second trimester! I'm almost there.

It's still pretty hot here, but there seems to be a bit of a break. I need to run some errands and it's been way too hot to take DS out. I went to the grocery store (literally 1/4 mile away) and by the time we got back, he was flushed. Poor baby. It's a good thing he loves water. Well, I think I'll go take a nap...because I can.:p

[mommydearest]

We did pick our our bedding. It was last years PBK Tie-Dye fish. I bought it on eBay but not from this seller. We have everything in the picture except the crib , the left and right artwork, the rocker, and the mobile. I got the Fisher Price Ocean Wonders mobile, which has a remote control and cost about $45 less. We have a white Legacy crib, which was about $300 less than the PBK one.

PSA--My Legacy crib ordered this spring from USA Baby really took the full 12 weeks to arrive. But, don't buy anything but furniture there/bedding there. For most things, they have them so much cheaper at Albeebaby.com and other places. Especially strollers, althout Bugaboos are the same ridiculous prices everywhere.

http://i11.ebayimg.com/02/i/07/1c/b9/9d_1.JPG

http://www.childcraftindustries.com/pictures/29011.jpg

[Alegna]

What website(s) do you use to buy maternity clothes? I've been looking, but can't find ANYTHING I like...


I got some from http://www.motherhood.com/home.asp?website_Id=1&MasterCategory_Id=0 and http://jcpenny.com/jcp/default.aspx I just needed some black pants and khakis for work. And I picked up a few items that were on clearance.

Of course, right after I place my order my sister tells me she got a free shipping coupon in the mail and a 15% off coupon from JCP. :rolleyes:

Has anyone else picked out any bedding or furniture yet?

I'm leaning heavily towards Alphabet Soup by Cocalo for the bedding. http://webimgsrv.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/erez3/erez?src=webimages/images- I like the colors and I think the animals are so cute. I'm getting the crib from Mike's sister.

Well, off to my appointment to check my weight. I had lost 7 pounds between my first and second appointments. According to my scale at home I've lost a few more pounds but who knows what the doctors scale will say. I personally think it's controled by aliens.

ETA: I give up. I've tried to find a pic of the bedding that will show up here and haven't had any luck.

[Winter Biscuit]

PSA--My Legacy crib ordered this spring from USA Baby really took the full 12 weeks to arrive. But, don't buy anything but furniture there/bedding there. For most things, they have them so much cheaper at Albeebaby.com and other places. Especially strollers, althout Bugaboos are the same ridiculous prices everywhere.

I second this PSA. We also have a Legacy crib that we purchased from a USA Baby franchise (we bought it 3 years ago when I was expecting DD) and it took 26 weeks or 6.5 months to get in. :eek: :mad: We finally got our crib when DD was 2 months old. We ordered a Legacy crib, double dresser, bedside table, rails (to covert the crib to a full-size bed) and book shelf about 3-4 months before DD was due. Everything but the crib arrived after about 12 weeks. (They had told us it would take 8-10 weeks, but no more than 12.) We had a very bad experience with them. There is another CC member (Delaney21) who just bought some nursery furniture from a USA Baby franchise. She posted in ChitChat about a horrible experience she is having with them. Buyer beware if you have a USA Baby franchise in your area.

Re: bedding and funiture -- DD is 2.5 years old and already in her big girl bed (which is actually her crib converted to a full-size bed). What we are planning to do is buy a new bedroom set for DD, and move all her old nursery furniture into the baby's room and convert the bed back to a crib. We do have a bassinet that the baby will probably sleep in for the first few months.

I didn't buy any bedding other than sheets and a crib skirt for DD's crib (as you really don't need anything besides a mattress pad/cover and sheets :)) and we'll be using those same gender-neutral sheets with this new baby.

I am trying to decide how to decorate the nursery. I am personally not a big fan of "themes" but I did hand-paint some pastel-colored tropical fish for DD's room and she had a school of tropical fish that swam across her wall. It was pretty cute, and it wasn't too "baby" so it was something that we could have used as DD got older too. (Only reason she doesn't have the fish in her room anymore is because we moved to a new house and she wanted a lavendar big girl room.) I could always hang those fish in the new baby's room (they're very gender neutral), or I could do something different. I haven't decided yet!

[Winter Biscuit]

Well, off to my appointment to check my weight. I had lost 7 pounds between my first and second appointments. According to my scale at home I've lost a few more pounds but who knows what the doctors scale will say. I personally think it's controled by aliens.

:( I'm sorry to hear that you've been losing so much. Have you been really sick? If so, I bet your doctor will want to address this pronto. I lost 5 pounds in 6 days and my doctor was very concerned. I was diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, which is usually characterized by a weight loss of greater than 5% of pre-pregnancy body weight (usually over 10%). If you think you might have HG too, please make sure you get help. Early intervention is critical. There's no significant risks to the fetus, but HG can cause renal failure, hypoglycemia, malnutrition, and other serious effects in the mother. Take care of yourself. I'll be thinking of you, and hoping you can get your weight back up. (Hope I didn't sound like I was lecturing you. Your post just alarmed me and made me concerned for you.)

[Alegna]

(Hope I didn't sound like I was lecturing you. Your post just alarmed me and made me concerned for you.)

no problem.

I've lost another 4 pounds. They aren't concerned as much. BP, urine and baby's heart rate (160) were all ok. The nurse said it's probably just my body working more efficiently. And they expect it to swing back now that the first trimester is over.

I've been feeling fine. I've only thrown up food 4 times the entire pregnancy. The rest has just been sinus drainage when I first get up/brushing teeth.

I started out over 70 pounds overweight so I guess I've got some to spare. ;)

My next appointment is Aug 16th

[mommydearest]

Alegna--I'm glad everything is ok for you. Perhaps its because you have been really careful about nutrition. I didn't gain any weight for about 11 weeks because I ate really good food/veggies and cut out most of the carbs (but not all). I still haven't gotten sick. Around here, I feel almost a little guilty for that. But last week, we went on vacation, ate lots of pizza, fried foods, McD's, and massive amounts of chips and salsa every night, and I gained 4 pounds. So, its back to healthy eating for me!

[GardenGirl]

To those ladies out there that I never gave a SO to regarding their headaches - I apologize now. Geez my head hurts. Good glory I just want to lay down, shut my eyes and put a compress on it. Unfortunately I have to work. Yuck! I actually think it's a stiff neck from sleeping wrong last night. I was so tired from not getting good sleep the past two nights that I think I slept like a log last night, but in an uncomfortable position. I may go get a massage to work out the kinks. We'll see.

Just wanted to share in the misery you ladies talk about so much and I never gave you any kudos for walking around like this. You the woMAN!!!

[Elenna]

Headaches: Are the headaches a hormonal thing? I've had one every day since Saturday. Its been worrying me. I have an OB appt today so I'm going to ask my doc about it.

GardenGirl: I could have written your post for myself. I hadn't slept well the previous two nights, either. Then last night I slept like a log (on my back all night). But then, I woke up at 4am, turned onto my side, and heard and felt a pop in my neck. Now, I can't turn my head to the left at all. It really hurts. I also have a nice headache to go with it.

Winter Biscuit and Mommydearest: Thanks for the heads up about ordering things from USA Baby.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Elenna - I do think most of the headache issues are a hormonal thing. However, I think mine have been so bad because of the hot weather we have had lately.

GG - I know what you mean about needing a massage. I am acutally making an appointment for next week. Luckily my fav spa has some prenatal specialists.

I actually managed to brush my teeth without throwing up this morning. Thank God for small miracles!

[magdesilver]

Hi ladies! Good to hear that most of us seem to be feeling a lot better lately. Gotta love the 2nd trimester! I'm feeling a lot better too, not 100% but not as crappy as I have been.

Had my 2nd midwife appt. today and everything was good. I gained no weight since my last appt. (which surprised me, I feel like I've been eating a lot!). Baby's heartrate was 148 which was good, and everything else seemed fine. I didn't schedule my u/s yet, but I will be having a level 2 one somewhere between weeks 18-22. Other than that, no news to report!

[jmvan74]

Kristin: love the bedding! Too cute. DS has the lamb bedding from PBK from last year. Too cute. I'm waiting to find out the sex this time. I'd like to do something more gender oriented this time around. That crib is so pretty.

Angela: I'm glad that the DR's aren't worried and everything looks good. Take care of yourself. ;)

WB: Wow! I can't beleive the furniture took that long to come in. We got our crib from a specialty store and luckily they had it in stock so we didn't have to wait. The only negative is I could have gotten the same crib online for almost $100 less! :eek: Live and learn. The fish sound cute. DH and I are a little obsessed with fish themes...I don't know how we avoided it in DS's room. :D Anyhow, it could be fun to do something new, too. Hmmm.

Tera: Sorry you are experiencing the dreaded headache. Ugghh. I hope it goes away soon.

Elenna:Headaches are pretty normal during pg. A friend of mine had one for a week straight! Gacck. Mine tend to come and go.

Ginger: Hooray for brushing your teeth without vomitting!

[purpleorchids]

Hi Ladies - Looks like I have to catch up on some reading! Popping in really quickly to say my blood results came back great!

Mommy ID's - what a great & cute idea!

[GardenGirl]

Well I gave in and made an appointment for a deep tissue massage on my upper body for tomorrow afternoon. My neck is stiff and my shoulder is popping. And the headache this is causing is ridiculous. It's put me in a bad mood and I hate that.

I've really been trying to cut down on my "beauty expenses" (that's how I labeled hair, makeup, nails, etc. in my budget for DH - we are planning on me being a SAHM ). But I can't help it. Right now I can't put a price on my well being. I just feel miserable.

To top things off, I caved in at lunch and order half a tuna salad sandwich (yes, I know, stay away from things with mercury but I hadn't had one in over a month). Well they put it under the heat lamp while my ding dong waiter was messing around and not bringing me my food and it sat there too long. The tuna was dripping out of the sandwich. I took one bite and the tuna was hot. Gross. Now I can't get that nasty taste out of my mouth.

This just confirms what I thought when I got up this morning - don't go to work, stay home and take the day off.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

What's wrong with this picture?

Yesterday
Breakfast = bagel and apple juice - got sick
Lunch = sandwich - got sick
Dinner = ice cream with fresh raspberries - a little sick, but not as bad

Today
Breakfast = yogurt - almost threw up WHILE eating it and got sick afterwards
Lunch = Taco Bell - don't feel sick AT ALL

Moral of this story - only eat fast food and/or ice cream :p

[jilly]

Lucy - Just looking at the words "sandwich" and "yogurt" make me wanna dry heave.
I'm so jealous of those preggo ladies (and I think we've had some in our group) who crave fruit. Both pregnancies, it's been cheeseburgers, pizza, and ice cream for me.

So go get a Crunchwrap Supreme and an ice cream cone!

[GardenGirl]

The first trimester I craved fruits and veggies. Then the past couple weeks it's been cheeseburgers and fast food. Sweets are becoming a little more "cravealbe" but before I could care less about ice cream and such. I still do eat a lot of apples, that is a great snack I keep at home for when I get home from work and I'm starving.

Taco Bell craving - I always get at least one crunchy taco with no lettuce and they generally give me more cheese because they think it looks empty (which it pretty much is). Weird I know. But I've learned to work the system:)

[ButterflyJen]

Gah, I'm behind!! Will try to catch up a bit.

Julie, ahhh, I greatly enjoyed eating like a horse at the TS party last night. Yum. That garlic garlic is deee-vine, isn't it!!!

Ginger, I'm sorry you're feeling so sick. Definitely mention it at your OB appt; maybe they can help you, like they helped Winter. You shouldn't have to puke all the time! :(

GG - tuna salad once in a while isn't bad. I've had it a couple of times and it's not like you're eating the whole fish, right? ;) Hope that massage helps you out!

Zhanna, I wear contacts, but they aren't bugging me any more than usual.

Kristin, cute bedding! :)

Hi to everyone else - sorry, I know I'm missing someone, but I am SO far behind!!! Just no time to catch up lately. I hope everyone dealing with the headaches finds relief soon. That's just no fun at all.

QOTD's:

I do love the Mommy ID's. Very cute!

Bedding - we'll just be using DD's old set. We bought gender neutral before she was born so we could reuse it. We'll also be using her crib (that is, of course, if we can transition her out of it within the next six months. Yikes.)

Not much else is new here! :)

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Sorry - to clarify, in the morning and evening I sometimes throw up...but the other times I get "sick"...it's the *ahem* other end. :o

[jmvan74]

Sorry - to clarify, in the morning and evening I sometimes throw up...but the other times I get "sick"...it's the *ahem* other end. :o

That's been my newest ailment as well. :o (no throwing up, though)

Purpleorchids: Hooray for good bloodwork!

Sorry about the tuna sandwich,Tera! Yuck. I need to call about a massage myself. i hope it helps.

Ginger: I've been eating entirely too much fast food. :o I still crave fruit though. I guess it balanced out.

Jen: Glad you enjoyed the party. I really need to start eating again.

[zhannushka]

Ginger - YAY for brushing you teeth without throwing up! :D

magdesilver - Glad to hear that your appointment went well and everything looks good!

purpleorchids - YAY for great results!!!

Tera, I am so jealous... - I really need a massage as well. I should make an appointment... I made a tuna casserole when I was about 5 weeks along, 'cause I was craving it. I tasted some and got an instant aversion to it for some reason. I haven't had any tuna since. But, my doctor said that tuna is not as high in mercury as they make it sound, and is perfectly safe as long as you don't eat it too often.

Cravings - I was craving fruit, yogurt, cereal and veggies throughout the first trimester. That's pretty much all I could eat for weeks. Now, my cravings have changed (even though fruits and veggies still sound good) - I crave anything spicy and salty. Except for anything fried, greasy and fast-food. My sister constantly jokes that this baby will turn out to be a health freak. :)

I've been feeling funny and weird flutter in my belly ever since last night. It's kind of freaking me out... Could I be feeling the baby move this early? I thought I wasn't supposed to feel anything until around 18 weeks...

[GardenGirl]

Zhanna - except for today, I've been feeling that fluttering feeling in my stomach for 3 or 4 days now. It's sort of a nervous feeling. I was wondering the same thing. I was told you might feel it early, but that most likely it is gas. I've had plenty of that and I'm starting to tell a difference. But since this is my first, I have no way to confirm that.

[amwilson615]

I fell behind really quickly, but just wanted to check in with you ladies.

First, thank you for all of your support where FH and my whole outlook is concerned. I truly appreciate it.

Yay for us starting to feel, generally, better. I am feeling much better where food is concerned. Vomiting is almost non-existent now for me and that is so exciting.

Glad to hear the Zofran is working so well, winter. You're better than me, cause I would've been on meds way sooner than you. What a trooper.

Hooray for strong heartbeats, positive results, and routine OB visits. My appointment on July 18th was cancelled and rescheduled for July 31st, so I'm just hanging out in limbo right now.

I am not working and have been home with DD everyday. Our finances are in HUGE trouble. I am searching for a new job--any job, just to have an income. In reality, I am tired and having trouble sleeping at night, but I HAVE to work, or my credit will be ruined with this pregnancy. I have applied for a few and have a phone screening later this morning. FH doesn't believe in SAHM's, so I envy those of you who have that option. Even if we could afford it, SAHM (SAH parenting, in general) is not part of his belief system, so it is not an option for me. Waaaaaaah.

I really enjoy reading about all of you, even if I don't post a lot, or if I don't do a good job with SO's. I'm following along and wishing you all the best.

QOTD:

With DD, the nursery wasn't gender specific, so we'll be using her crib and bedding again. We have a round crib like this (same color, same everything, except for the huge bows--ours are less obvious and frilly)

http://www.crib.com/upnewimages/vanilla_lra.jpg

For other nursery decor/furniture, we will just buy accents since the bedding is pretty much set. We will need a dresser/wardrobe and changing table. Most likely a bassinet will be in use for the first month or so. We, too, are considering the Alphabet Soup theme/accents.

http://www.babysupermall.com/main/products/coc/coc711033-big.jpg

and Barn Yard

http://www.babysupermall.com/main/products/kli/kli5005beds-big.jpg

and Snuggle Bugs

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/dreamtimebaby_1904_26512347

[ButterflyJen]

Zhanna and GG - that TOTALLY could be the baby moving! :D And it's not too early for you guys. I think 18 weeks is the average, so you know that means some women feel it earlier and some later. I think I was around 14w when I felt DD for the first time (super early, I know, but she made herself known with a huge THUMP! There was no mistaking that!). Actually, I've been feeling little flutters lately, but I know I'm probably WAY too early to even think it's the baby. I'm sure it's just gas. ;)

Amanda - thinking of you as you search for a job. I hope you find something soon! Big hugs to you.

[amwilson615]

Hahaha. I haven't felt an flutters, but the gas is defintely present. lmao.

Jen--thanks. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

[robyn]

Big catch up ...

Jen - How fun to feel her at 14w!! I just can't even imagine that happening yet. I certainly haven't felt anything fluttery at this point. I hope you get to feel this current little one soon!

Amanda - Good luck with the job hunt. On the SAHM issue ... my DH did not believe in being a SAH anything either, back before we got married. Over that past few years he has done a total revolution on this, and I am actually staying home, even through the pregnancy. (There are other reasons for this, though.) So there's hope that your FH might change his tune at some point in the future!

Tera - I hope it is the baby you are feeling. How exciting is that?!?! :D And I do the same thing with my Taco Bell tacos ... hee hee. Their lettuce is kind of gross anyway. (As opposed to their meat being gross or anything. Like where I pick my battles? ;) ) Oh, and enjoy your massage! I keep meaning to book one now that I'm out of the first trimester. I think for those first couple of months it was all I could think about!

Zhanna - You are so lucky you have been craving healthy stuff. I'm sure your baby is appreciating it. Maybe even so much that he/she is wiggling around in there to let you know how happy he/she is! :D

Ginger - So sorry to hear you are still really sick. I had the same thing where healthy stuff made me sick and junk food sat okay. That is some cruel trick of nature!! I'm hoping that you will feel much better in the next couple of weeks. I am still getting queasy at night, but generally I have started to feel progressively better over the last week. (Week 13 into week 14.)


Sorry to anyone I missed ... hope everyone is having a great week!

Things have eased up a bit on the headache front, so hopefully that means they are in the decline. (I'm sure I'm speaking too soon and I'll have a raging headache tonight!)

Bladder Question: Does anyone know if your bladder gets more pressure when you are laying down? I don't feel like I have to go to the bathroom all that much during the day when I am active, but it's like the second I go to bed, I'm having to get up every half hour! Is this just psychosematic? What a pain!!

[Alegna]

There's Alphabet Soup! I spent 20 minutes yesterday trying to find a place to link the picture from and none of my attempts worked. Thanks amwilson615!

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Bladder Question: Does anyone know if your bladder gets more pressure when you are laying down? I don't feel like I have to go to the bathroom all that much during the day when I am active, but it's like the second I go to bed, I'm having to get up every half hour! Is this just psychosematic? What a pain!!

Oh yes - laying down, I have to pee every few hours yet, if I am not drinking water like I should be, I can go 6 hours during the day without peeing!

I don't know if I mentioned it or not, but I will be a SAHM after this baby is born - at least for a year but probably longer. I may work part time in the evenings off and on or do some light contract work, but I simply don't trust daycare. This is something that DH and I decided back when we were dating. Money will be tight as we live in SF Bay area which is outrageously expensive, but I think it will be worth it in the end.

I have my first OB appointment this afternoon. I'm still not sure if DH is going or not. He said he would if I wanted him to, but for some strange reason, I am not sure if I want thim there or not. For those of you who had your husbands there, was he in the room during your whole exam or did they call him in at a certain point?

Another morning of brushing teeth without vomiting!! I'm on a roll! I am going to eat some breakfast and just pray that it stays inside of instead of running right through like it has lately!

[amwilson615]

Robyn--Thanks for your thoughts and input. I still have to do my phone screen today. I think I am procrastinating cause I really don't want to go back to work. Alas, gotta be a grown up and do it, I suppose. I truly hope FH's view on the subject changes at some point. I don't like absolutes, and his attitude is an "absolute" for him right now and it drives me crazy. Plus, I pointed out to him the other day how hard it will be to pay for daycare for 2 to 3 kids at the same time. I saw a bit of a flicker of understanding cross his face, and then, back to the absolute. hahahahaha.

Funny, the posts about speaking too soon. I just got done saying that I was feeling so much better, and now I am nauseous and have a headache. Great! I was so looking forward to having some chicken and stuff for dinner, and, now, the thought of even touching the meat is making my stomach roll. I had NONE of this stuff with DD, so everytime a typical pregnancy type symptom appears/reappears, I am just blah about it.

Also, I, too, have to pee a LOT more once I lie down.

[amwilson615]

Angela--You're very welcome. As soon as you mentioned it, I knew what you were talking about. I had posted a link in my LJ about a month ago, so I went and got it from there.

Also, forgot to post this earlier, but I am all for the mommy id's. I also will be posting a pic of my u/s from June 21 and a 9 wk and 12 wk belly shot in a bit.

[amwilson615]

Yay for brushing teeth without vomiting!!!!!! Here's hoping that breakfast stays down. I am eating some Oodles of Noodles in hopes they will settle nicely--so far so good. Also, a mini-rant, I was vomiting every morning when brushing my teeth, and FH and my mom both saw this as nothing to do with being pregnant, they just told me to stop putting the toothbrush so far back on my tongue. WTF?! Sometimes, they act as if I'm not allowed to have any pregnancy symptoms. Sorry for the rant, but just thought of it.

FH went to my first appt cause they were doing an u/s, but I doubt he will come to my next one on the 31st. I will leave all of that up to him. It's his first child, so he may want to be there for every step. It doesn't really matter a whole lot to me if he's there or not. Do you ladies think this might have something ot do with doing EVERYTHING, beside the "finding-out-the-sex" u/s on my own with DD??? Or, do some women just not get super-excited about this kind of stuff???

[Winter Biscuit]

For those of you who had your husbands there, was he in the room during your whole exam or did they call him in at a certain point?

Yes, my DH was in the room at my first appt when they did the exam. When it was time for the exam part, he just studied his magazine quite intently ;) I know it can be uncomfortable for guys to see a gynecological exam for the first time but really, that is NOTHING compared to what labor & delivery will be like ;) I don't think my DH came to any of my appts at the end when they started doing the weekly internal exams. He came to my first one where we heard the heartbeat (and did the exam), he was there for the big ultrasound, and he came to my last appt where we were discussing whether to proceed with a c-section or not. But other than that, I went solo and was perfectly fine with that.

Or, do some women just not get super-excited about this kind of stuff???
Most of my appointments with my DD were quite routine and boring, and so far they've been the same with this baby too. It seems like many other woman have pretty routine appointments too. (I've lurked in some of the other pregnancy group threads, and it seems like people are often remarking how disappointed they are with how uneventful their appointments are, especially the first ones.) I really don't care if my DH comes to my appointments or not. Yes, I want him there at the 20-week ultrasound (and he definitely wants to be there too), but I personally see no reason for him to take time off work for my appointments now when all they are going to do is check my weight, blood pressure, urine, and listen for the heartbeat. Yeah, listening to the heartbeat is always fun and the best part (and I'm sure he will want to come to at least one appt so he can hear it) but other than that, there's really no need for him to take time off work and drive 30 minutes for a 10-minute appointment, IMO. Everyone is different, and some DH's insist on coming to every appointment because "it's their baby too." I say whatever works for YOU!

Flutters -- I've also been feeling some light flutters lately, but I am starting to think that it was just gas. Or maybe I'm just in denial?! :D

[jmvan74]

Amanda: Adorable bedding options. That crib is beautiful. Good luck on the job search. :) Maybe FH will change his tune when he sees how much it costs to have more than one in daycare. ;)

Baby movement: I haven't had any yet, but the gas is certainly present. That's so neat that some of you may be feeling the baby already!

Bladder: It's worse when I lay down, too.

DH and appts. He was with me for all my early appts. with DS. He was in the room for the internal exam as well. He actually helf my hand and It made it a lot easier for me. This time, he came to the first appt. and will come to any major ones, but mostly he'll be staying home and looking after DS.

I had taco bell today and it was sooo yummy. I think I'm finally getting my appetite back! I hope it's not 2 steps forward, one step back...:p

[magdesilver]

-SAHM or WOHM- I am already a SAHM to my DD and will continue to stay home. I love being home! I think it's a personal choice but I feel like it's best for our family, and I would be willing to make a LOT of sacrifices if I had to financially to be able to continue to stay home with my kids. Eventually when I am done having babies and they are all in school, I do want to go back to some type of work, but I'm not sure what exactly yet (I was an elementary school teacher before having DD but I'm not sure if I want to go back to that). We'll see! Lately I've been interested in working in public health related to breastfeeding- helping younger moms and those who might not consider it see it as a real and valid choice and also educating others (especially healthcare professionals) about it. I am going to have to go back for my master's for most anything, though.

-crib bedding- I had DD's crib bedding custom made by this lady I found and I love it. It is what we will be using if this baby is a girl. If we have a boy this time I already bought the airplane bedding from PBK! I was afraid they would discontinue it and I'd be SOL so I went ahead and got it and I have a year to return it for a full refund anyhow, so no real risk. DH is a military pilot so having an airplane room for a boy is a must-do!

DH doesn't come to my appts. in general. Last time he came for the u/s and 1 or 2 at the end with me also. He also took a Bradley birthing class with me that met weekly for 3 months, so that was nice. This time he is travelling for work a lot so if he is home, he will come. He hasn't met my midwife yet so hopefully he will be home for my next appt. so he can join me!

Amanda, are you enjoying being home with your DD right now? Did your FH have a working mom? I'm just curious as to why he feels so strongly about no sahm...is it a financial thing? I don't really get how it isn't in his "belief system", just curious. You don't have to get into it if you don't want to, though :) .

[Lucy Van Pelt]

I talked to DH again this morning and he definitely wants to be there for the appointment so we are going to take seperate cars and he can leave afterwards while I go to my counseling appointment. He can work at home the rest of the day.

If we have a boy I have picked out this bedding! I love dogs. PBK had a puppy print at one time, but it has been discontinued. I was just browing and I found this pattern and I LOVE IT!! (sorry the pic is sooo big!)

http://images.nurserydepot.com/images/products/large/133242.jpg

If we have a girl, there are just so many bedding patterns I love, it will be a very hard decision! It won't be anything too frilly, but definitely girly.

My parents are coming to visit us this weekend for my birthday. I can't belive I will be 36. It feels so old...but *I* don't feel old. I think we are going to spend Saturday at the coast to escape the heat. The high temps at Half Moon Bay are in the 60's. Woo hoo!

[amwilson615]

Winter--Yeah, I feel the same way about the appointments. I just wondered if it was *just* me.

Julie--Thanks! I don't know which theme we'll go with. I like Alphabet Soup or Barn Yard the best thus far--both of which FH doesn't like. Go figure. lol. That crib was a very impractical purchase. It was my mom's first grandchild, and she went a little nutso. LOL. Oh well, I used it for DD, my bro was offered--but refused--using it for his DD, so, now I will use it again. I think it is gorgeous. Yeah, about FH and daycare. We will have to swing at least $220 a week in daycare for at least 8 months, then, DD will start school. Surely not yet!!!:eek:

Margaret-do you go by that?--The breastfeeding support thing would be pretty cool. I, eventually, would like to pursue something I am passionate about or, at least care about, and accounting just isn't that. lol.

My cousin just had a baby on July 12th, and they have the airplane nursery them from PBK too! Her husband is obsessed with airports (who knows why), so that was the only logical option for them.

Ask any questions you want, I have no problems sharing any and everything. I do enjoy being at home with DD at the moment. We have fun, and I like waking up with her each day. I, do, however, know that she misses going to daycare and seeing her friends and doing all the activities she does there. So, I spoke with her daycare instructor yesterday, and I'm gonna set her up on a two day a week schedule--so, I'm excited about that. Avery also goes to play with her little cousin on Wednesday at my aunt's house. Her cousin has Down's and his grandparents (my aunt and uncle) keep him at home. He doesn't get much socialization, so Avery goes there one day a week and they have a blast. Sorry, such a long answer to your question about liking to be home with DD.

As far as FH's views on SAHM, his mom had three kids by the time she graduated high school--YES! She was pregnant at 14, 16, and 17. After that, she had two other children for a total of 5. She has NEVER not worked. She also was never around for her kids' childhoods, sporting events, etc. FH feels like relationships are 50/50 in all aspects, and, besides temporary occasions, both people should be working--no excuses, no "ifs, ands, or buts." This attitude infuriates me to no end. His mother is a workaholic, usually doing 3 or 4 EXTRA shifts a week. She's always been that way and it seems like now that's what he expects of me. :rolleyes: :eek:

Ginger--So that's cool. You can still work in your fast food. lol. I like the puppies, very cute. DD would love to do that for the baby's room--she is puppy crazy right now.

[amwilson615]

Here's my u/s pic from 6-21-06. I think I was like 8w3d. We got to see the heartbeat that day also. Sorry so late.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/amwilson615/CameraDump7-20-06108.jpg

And here are some belly shots at 9 weeks. Too early to see anything other than my already overweight tummy. But, what the heck, I'll post. :o

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/amwilson615/amandajames/BellyShot9weeks2.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/amwilson615/amandajames/BellyShot9weeks.jpg

Tonight, I will have FH take pics at my current 12w3d.

[zhannushka]

Bedding - I can't shop for the baby as you all know, but I suppose that I can set up a registry, right? :) There are so many bedding sets and other baby things I already love that I'm actually a little bit upset now about not being able to shop... I didn't know that abstaining from baby-shopping will be so difficult! :(

SAHM - I never wanted to be a SAHM and I feel that I've invested too much time and money in my education to abandon my career right now. Also, I don't think that we could continue being financially comfortable if DH was the only one working. However, I would like spend as much time with my child as I can and I wouldn't want to pay for daycare if I don't need to, therefore - I will try to switch to working from home (my company and position would allow that). I am not sure how this will work though... Has anyone worked from home while taking care of an infant? Is this possible?

Bladder Question - I did notice that when I lay down or sit down for an extended period of time, I have to pee more often, then when I'm walking around.

DH and OB appointments - My DH refuses to miss an appointment and he is in the room with me the whole entire time. He actually gets really into it and watches everything the tech or doctor does. It doesn't bother me and if it makes him happy - I'm all for it.

[zhannushka]

Amanda - we must've cross-posted - love the belly pics and the u/s pic! I can't wait till my belly resembles a pregnant belly already... :)

[amwilson615]

Zhanna--ha. thanks. That baby belly will come soon enough for you. I never lost my pouch from DD, and then I gained like 30 lbs, so here we are. lol.
That's cool that your DH is so involved. FH is excited, I just don't think he knows exactly how to show it for the most part. I knew I wouldn't get emotional at seeing the first u/s (that's just me:rolleyes: ), but I just *knew* FH was gonna be in tears and all. FYI--not being able to have a child has always been his biggest fear, so I based an expectation on his being overjoyed at seeing his biggest fear laid to rest with an u/s. Alas, that did not happen. Ah well--can't have it all I suppose. lol.

[mommydearest]

Staying at home: I'm a teacher and after having been home for the last month, I'm bored to tears. I can tell you what show is good every hour of the day. The dog and I play the in-out game all afternoon. I know the child would occupy me some. But honestly, I think I'd be stir-crazy because I'd want to go out and do things, and all my friends would be working. If I SAH, there would be no money to go to lunch with friends, take the baby places, or any vacations. I think we'll all be happier with me working.

[Elenna]

SAHM: Before I got pregnant I had already given notice to work that I was leaving in August to go to school full time this fall. So, I'll be a SAHM for a while until I can start taking classes again. Though, it'll have to be part time.

[amwilson615]

Yeah, I have 12 hours left until I will have my Masters in Professional Accountancy. I will go back for one class in the fall semester. Then, hopefully, one class a semester after that until I finish. I don't really care about my MPA, but I am over halfway finished with it, so I might as well go all the way with it.

[zhannushka]

I don't really care about my MPA, but I am over halfway finished with it, so I might as well go all the way with it.
I have 1 class (3 credits) left to take to get my MBA, but I have a major dilemma now - I can't take a class this fall, 'cause I've exceeded the tuition reimbursement amount my job offers for the year. So, normally - I would've waited until January to take the class. But now that I'm due in January, I obviously won't be taking one until either the summer or the next fall.

Those of you who already have kids - how long would you say I should wait until taking the class? It will only be one night a week, but there may be a lot of studying involved...

[amwilson615]

For me, it would depend on how stressed you get and what kind of student you are. I am a straight A student, and I get very anal about having my reading, homework, and studying done early/on time. Lately, I haven't been handling stress well, so for me, I cut down from two classes a semester to one. And, that will be a handful for me. I think summer or fall could work for you, depending on the above factors, as well as how supportive DH will be in it all.

[jmvan74]

Staying at Home: I'm a teacher turned SAHM. I love it. It was a major adjustment for since I've been working out of the home since I was 15 years old, but now it's great. I love being the one getting to see all of my son's firsts. Once my kids go to school, I'll probably go back to work in some capacity. Financially it has been a bit of a squeeze, but worth it. I do miss having "my own" money and being able to just shop on a whim, but hey what can ya do. ;)

Zhanna: Are there summer sessions where you take classes? I'd say by next summer, you could probably handle taking a class. I had PPD (mostly anxiety) so I wouldn't have been able to swing it, but I think if everything is going well for you, you could work it out.

Amanda:Even if your degree is not ultimately what you want to do, at least you'll have it to fall back on.;)

Elenna: What are you going to school for?:)

[Winter Biscuit]

WOHM vs SAHM -- I am a WOHM by choice :) I work full-time; however, I have a very flexible schedule, an amazing boss, and get 6 weeks of vacation per year (which is use-it-or-lose-it so I HAVE to take the time off). I work 7am to 3pm each day, so I am home with DD by 3:30pm and have a few hours of one-on-one time with her before it's time to cook dinner. I am able to be pretty spontaneous and still spend a lot of time with DD, without having to worry about losing credibility at work or anything like that. For example, if I wake up and decide that it's a great day to go to the zoo, most days I can easily let my boss know I'm taking a PTO day and then spend the day at the zoo with DD. If my job and/or my boss were pretty inflexible and rigid, and required me to work 8am to 5pm, and my vacation policy was less generous, I really don't think I could do it. My situation right now is ideal for our family. I get the "adult time" I craved and feel like I am doing something for myself, yet I feel like I get LOTS of quality time with DD. I plan to continue WOH when #2 comes. Oh, it also helps that we LOVE our daycare center and think that DD is getting top-notch care there. If I was unhappy with the daycare situation, I'm sure I'd be singing a different tune.

I am not sure how this will work though... Has anyone worked from home while taking care of an infant? Is this possible?
I worked at home one day a week for the first 2 years of DD's life. It is definitely possible; I'm proof of that! In the beginning, it was quite easy. DD was an easygoing baby and didn't do much besides eat, sleep and poop. I was usually able to hold her while I worked on my laptop, or she'd be in the bouncer or swing next to me sleeping. I'd change her diaper as needed. She was breastfed, and I'd take breaks every now and then to feed her. It was really convenient that she was BF because I didn't have to deal with preparing bottles, cleaning bottles, etc. Just whipped the girls out and that was it :D Sometimes I'd even nurse her while I was working, but I generally preferred to stop working, move away from my laptop, and really focus my attention on her. Things were so simple and it worked out quite well until she got mobile. It wasn't so bad when she was rolling over, but once she started crawling, it got more difficult. My DD was a VERY early walker (8 months) so once she started walking....it REALLY got difficult because she was so interested in exploring the environment and was getting into everything. All the babyproofing in the world couldn't keep her out of trouble. When she turned 2, I finally acknowledged that it was simply NOT feasible to work from home with her there anymore, and I started working in the office 5 days a week. By that point, I was ready for her to be in daycare "full time" and she was too.

With #2, I plan to work from home one day a week again, and right now I am planning to have DD be at daycare on those days that I WAH so I won't have to worry about supervising a toddler, and still get some 1:1 time with #2 in between projects. Again, it's definitely do-able...BUT I think it would be challenging if you had a high needs baby or a colicky baby or something like that.

[zhannushka]

Thanks Winter Biscuit!

My fear is that the nature of my job and taking care of an infant will not be a good mix... I am a technical consultant, which means that clients can call me at any minute and I HAVE to pick up the phone if it rings. Some days, the phone barely rings, but other days it's ringing off the hook. There's no way to predict how a day will go, which is what scares me...

If I decided to continue working out of the office - I will barely spend any time with the baby. It takes me an hour to get to work and an hour to get back - I start at 10 and finish at 6:30, which means that I won't get home until 7:30 every night.

DH has suggested that we get a live-in babysitter, which will allow me to take my time travelling to work and back, however - I really don't want my child to be raised by a stranger... Decisions, decisions...

[ButterflyJen]

SAH: I am. Well, actually, I WAH. :) It's tricky, I'm not going to lie to you. I have a complex about making sure I'm getting stuff done on time and not shorting my job, BUT also not shorting DD (and, soon, Peanut) from time with me. It's a tough balancing act but it is sooooooooo worth it. I can't even say how worth it it is to me.

Zhanna, to answer this question:
Has anyone worked from home while taking care of an infant?
Yes, I did. I started WAH when DD was 6 weeks old. It's possible, and in fact it's a lot easier when they're little and sleep a lot, than when they're older and mobile and don't sleep as much and notice if you disappear to get some work done. ;) It can be done!

Hi to everyone else, it's been busy in here today and I've got to get some work done (as noted above!).

I did want to say though that I am 99% sure I felt Peanut flutter today! It was very low down and was so different from anything else I've felt. It felt familiar to me. :) It sure seems early for flutters, but heck, I'll take it!

[GardenGirl]

Well no massage today. I had to cancel it. Today was a very exhausting day. I went to the funeral of my sister-in-law's cousin - they were very close. He was murdered earlier this week at the age of 24. He left behind a 4 year old boy. It was the saddest funeral I've ever experienced. I met him briefly, but I went to support my in-laws. They are very upset, as you can imagine. Then after that, I was driving back with my mom and her oil light came on in the car. So we pulled over and got it towed as to avoid burning up the engine. We sat in the 95 degree heat for an hour (waiting for the tow truck) and DH came and got us, he works on the complete other side of the city as the funeral we were at. By the time we were done at the dealership, it was 5:00, so I didn't go back to work. Well then I got a call from the office that the power in our building went out. Can you believe it! Well, I'm the one that's in charge of things like that and have been dealing with the building management trying to figure out when the electricity will come back on. If it doesn't, I have to call 56 employees and tell them not to come to work tomorrow. Ugh! I'm ready for bed and start the weekend.

Enough b*tching and moaning. At least I'm healthy and have a wonderful baby on the way, right!!! I'll reschedule that massage soon.

[jilly]

Work options
Well I already got quite long-winded about my situation a while back. Basically I teach PT, and it really works out well for our family. It gives me just enough adult time (usually no more than three hours at a time), but I still have the bulk of my day with DS.

We're lucky that we're able to make my substantial cut in salary work...but it definitely takes a tight budget. And we would NEVER be able to make it work if we didn't have family as daycare.

As for working from home, like some of the other moms have said, it's much easier when they're teeny. Once they start walking, it's very difficult. My friend works from home one day per week, and now that her DD is 1 year, she's opted to put her in full-time daycare because she just couldn't get her job done and give her DD the attention she deserved. She found she'd just plop her in front of the TV.

If you are considering working from home, I'd recommend hiring a helper. At least you're in the house at all times, but you'll have somebody available to feed, change, play while you concentrate at work. Other friends have had success posting want ads at local colleges for young girls looking to earn $ on days they don't have class. Just an option, and one that's definitely less $$$ than daycare and allows a more hands-on approach.

[Alegna]

I still haven't figured out the daycare scenerio yet. I think things would be too tight for my liking for me to completely quit my job and stay at home. I'm heavily leaning towards working 2nd shift. DH is going to have to step up with the baby care and house work during the evenings while I'm at work. But the extra $ I'd make plus the savings on daycare costs are probably worth it. Worse case, I can always find some sort of part time daycare if things are too much for me to take care of baby during the day and work all night.

I wonder if I could do a part time shift? Maybe 4pm-9pm instead of midnight. That way I'd get to see DH at least for a few hours a day.

off to crunch some numbers.......

[amwilson615]

Julie--Yep, it will definitely be there to fall back on. Most likely, I will just continue to have a career in it while trying to figure out how to pursue a passion. lol.

Winter--Wow! I want your job!!!!!!!!!!:p

Hi, Jen! Hooray for the flutters!!!

Tera--Yikes! Sorry to hear about the death and the sad funeral. I bet it was heartwrenching. And, yes, what a long, hot day. Any news on work? Good luck!

Jill--I think this sounds like a great idea:

If you are considering working from home, I'd recommend hiring a helper. At least you're in the house at all times, but you'll have somebody available to feed, change, play while you concentrate at work. Other friends have had success posting want ads at local colleges for young girls looking to earn $ on days they don't have class. Just an option, and one that's definitely less $$$ than daycare and allows a more hands-on approach.

Angela--Good luck figuring out your schedule and daycare situation.

Zhanna--Good luck to you figuring out your WOH and school issues, as well.

[zhannushka]

Thank you everyone for your input on the WAH situation! I guess we'll have to figure things out sometime in the next few months... I am definitely considering Jilly's suggestion to hire a helper while I am working from home. That may be the best option for us as a matter of fact...

Jen - YAY for feeling the flutter! :)

Tera, sorry to hear about the terrible day you had yesterday. Hopefully, you'll be able to reschedule your massage soon and it will give you the relaxation you need!

Angela - part-time shift sounds like it could be a good solution for you. This woman at work just came back from maternity leave and that's what she's doing. She says that it's been working really well for her family.

Thanks Amanda! :)

I don't know if any of you recall me being extremely upset with my OB office for not getting back to me with my abnormal genetic testing results for 2 weeks... Well, ever since then, I feel like I should be switching OB offices. So, I had my dad (who is a doctor) find out about good OB's in the area. He gave me a name and number of a doctor today. I called to see whether I can make and appointment, and this woman is all booked until October! She is not in until next Tuesday, so - they took my name and number and will ask her to give me a call back. We'll see if she could do me a favor and squeeze me in... Meanwhile - I will be going to my appointment next week at my current OB office.

QOTD: I've been feeling this pulling sensation in my abdomen every once in a while. It almost feels like something is pushing on my bladder. This usually happens when I have to pee. I am not really worried about it, since I know that the uterus presses against the bladder as it stretches, but I was just wondering whether anyone else has experienced this as well?

[Lucy Van Pelt]

I had my first official OB (instead of RE) appointment yesterday. Everything went really well. I passed the three hour glucose - thank God!! I will have to do it again in several weeks, but the doctor said it is usually easier later in the pregnancy. Anyway, here is the latest u/s!

http://www.4dfx.com/brad/images/x3f_small.jpg

Today is my birthday - yikers! My parents are coming down for the weekend. Tonight we are eating at one of my fav restaurants and then going to see http://www.idolsoftheking.com/. I am huge Elvis fan so I am so excited to see it! I'm so impressed that DH bought tickets. He's so *not* into theater or live performance. The only live events we ever go to are sporting events!

[GardenGirl]

Zhanna - I didn't recall seeing your abnormal results. I thought everything was fine. I'm sorry for reading that wrong, I would have asked about it. Maybe it was while I was on vacation. Any way, I hope you get some answers soon. Did they say what was abnormal? Sounds like you may have to wait for your new OB to say that. I sure hope you get in before October. I assume that is the first "new patient" appt, right? They'd have to have more regular OB appointments available.

Ginger - congrats on your first official OB appointment. And eveen being congrats on passing that 3 hour test. Do you always have to do it again?

SAHM - while I really do like my job (by the way, we do have power today and the "crisis" is over), DH fortunately makes enough that we can afford for me to stay home a few years. I've run the budget numbers (which I insisted on doing myself) and while we will be having to give up dining out 4-5 times a week, we can do it. You'd think I didn't love to cook, I actually do - we just get home so late that it makes cooking at home difficult. Now, after realizing that we can afford it came the question of do I want to do it. I have friends that SAH and WOH and each situation works well with each family. I'm just a little concerned with the adult time issue and challenging my child educationally while at home. So after weighing all the questions we are going to try it for awhile and take it step by step. We'll see. I wish you all peace and knowledge while you make that tough decision.

[zhannushka]

Tera, I'm sorry if I confused you - my abnormal result on the Jewish genetic testing came a while ago, and that's why DH had to go in for a blood test as well. Since he tested negative, we have nothing to worry about. But I'm still upset with my OB office for taking 2 weeks to give me my results (they knew the results 2 weeks before they actually told me).

[zhannushka]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ginger! :D Have fun tonight!

[jmvan74]

I don't have time for SO's. I've been running errands and packing all day! We're heading to the beach for a week, so I just wanted to stop in and wish you all a great weekend. Be back next weekend!!

[GardenGirl]

Zhanna - okay now I remember. I would be very upset too. Those are important results and they need to be on the ball about telling you. GL getting into a new one.

[mommydearest]

Wow! Must have been a busy day for you ladies.

I went to a baby shower for one of my close friends. She got lots of clothes and blankets, plus several sets of towels and washclothes. She now owns more blankets than she will ever use. So, I just went and removed all the blankets and onsies from my registry!

Afterward, she and I went back and played with all her new things. It is really starting to get me very excited. There are times when it still doesn't feel real to me. When we were adopting, it was always the big "sometime." Now, this is really happening. For Valentine's day, I'm going to need a sitter. Wow!

QOTD: For those of you who have insurance yearly out of pocket maximums--does the money you pay to the doctor this year count toward this years or next year's maximum. Here's my scenario. We have a $1000 out of pocket maximum and 80/20% coverage. So, I have to pay my 20% of the doctor bill ($600) in monthly installments this year. But, if I deliver after the first of the year, do I have to start over again on my out of pocket when the hospital bills come?

Thanks for anyone's insight!

[GardenGirl]

First off, good gosh, I can't believe I just typed 16w1d. That's crazy! Now for why I posted ...

Mommydearest - I hate to give definite answers since all policies can be different, but yes you will most likely have to pay the out of pocket again. Some policies will have a fourth quarter roll over on your deductible, but not your maximum out of pocket. So if the $1000 is deductible, anything you pay from Oct-Dec might be eligible to count towards your 2007 deductible. But if it is truly just an out of pocket and not your deductible you might be paying another $1000 in January for the birth.

With my policy the $1000 is the deductible and the maximum out of pocket. Unfortunately, I've already hit my deductible and won't be able to roll anything over. Now, that is also a good thing - I won't have any medical expenses until January 1.

HTH

[wagsgirl]

mommydearest-If your policy runs from Jan-Dec, you'll have to start all over. Ours is just like yours. $1000 deductible (out of pocket max) then 80/20. BUT, ours runs from July-June. Don't ask me why, I think it's a little strange. So, the nice thing is, with this pgcy, it will all happen within that time frame, so everything we pay will go toward that...The other ? I have for you is, is it $1000 for the family? Ours is $1000 per person or $3K for the family. So since we'll be a family of 5, we won't ever pay more than $3k, but when the baby is born, that counts for another person, so the baby will have it's own deductible...read: another $1k...Might wanna check on that, just to prepare.


As for me, not too much going on here. This week, on Tuesday actually, one of my close friends is having a breast reduction. We took her out on Saturday night and had a "Buh-Bye Booby" party. It was a blast!! We went down to a popular street in town-State St. Tons of bars and restaurants. I didn't get home until 3:15am!!!! That is the longest I've been out in a while, let alone sober! The nice thing is about where we live, you can't smoke in the restaurants and bars. Nice for us preggos! ;)

I'm feeling great! Still a bit tired here and there, but my appetite is back and I don't really feel sick anymore. I only gag when I brush my teeth ;) But that happened with DS, too, up until the 3rd trimester.

[Elenna]

Jmvan: I'm going back to school to get an Associates in Architectural Engineering. I will be able to be a Detailer or Drafter in an architectural firm with the degree. I've been taking classes part time for a year now, but I wanted to hurry up and get my degree so I decided to go full time. I guess mother nature has other plans.;)

Zhanna: My SIL is a WAHM. She hired a sitter to come to her home to take care of her DS so she could concentrate on work. It seemed to really work for her.

Happy Belated Birthday, Ginger!

Mommydearest: Thanks for asking that question. I have a similar insurance situation.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Thanks for the birthday wishes, everyone!! It was a wonderful weekend - except for the hellish heat. Yesterday it was 95 degrees IN MY HOUSE. I thought I was going to pass out. I sent my dog home to Sacramento with my parents so she could be in the house with air conditioning. I'll be heading up to Sac on Friday. DH had a hockey game at 4:30, but we went to the rink at 2pm just to get into the cool air. I work at Stanford University and they pretty much turned off our air conditioning because "the priority is the hospital". They had a portable a/c in the front of the office on Friday but then took it because the "hospital needs it". UGH - if I don't get some cool air in here, *I* will be in the hospital!!! It's outrageous. I am sweating just sitting here at my desk. Of course, the heat is causing migraines so I just popped meds and hope they will help.

[ButterflyJen]

Hi all!

Kristen - I echo what others have said. It depends on when your insurance's year starts and stops. Most are Jan-Dec. Definitely check and see if that $1000 covers just you, or your family, because that's a huge difference!! And OH YES, I second taking blankies off the registry!!! If there's one cute one you really like, leave it, because you'll get it. I got so many blankets with DD it wasn't even funny. I'm talking close to 30! For one child!!! How cold do they think she'll get...right? ;)

Ginger - Happy Belated Birthday! Glad to hear it was good, despite the heat. That's ridiculous!!

Tonya - I had no idea your town was smoke-free. I need to come down there and check that out. ;) (I live about 1-1/2 hours from you) Our town tried to pass that, but too many bars and restaurants complained. Waaa, too bad for them, I say!

Hi to everyone else! Hope you're all doing well. It was pretty quiet in here this weekend! :) All is well here. I've definitely felt Peanut a couple more times, which is just so weird this early...but I'll take it! :) I need to take a belly shot - I popped quite a bit over the past few days. A few more days and I'm officially in the 2nd tri! Can't WAIT!! :D

[peanut]

Hi everybody, sorry it's been so long since I've posted!! But really, not all that much too report. My last appt with the OB was pretty uneventful. Had my nuchal scan which turned out fine, so that was a relief. I've been feeling pretty normal also. So far, I've gained about 3lbs, but am definitely starting to feel thicker in the abdomen. I can't wait till I actually begin to show!

On another front, DH and I are going to have to start to look for new housing soon. Right now we live in a very small walk-up apt. in NYC. We could squeeze an infant in here for a little while, but I don't think I'll be very happy walking up 4 flights of stairs when I'm full term or trying to carry a stroller up and down the stairs. Is anyone else contemplating a move before the new arrival?? I'm going to hold off making any big purchases until I know where we're going to be living.

Well, that's all for now. My next appt. is August 15th. I also have to schedule my big ultrasound for around the same time.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

I've been doing LOTS of browsing of furniture and bedding today! LOL Pottery Barn came out with several new patterns and if this baby is a girl, I don't know how I will ever decide what I want!! DH won't really look too much and he won't discuss any names with me until we know the baby's gender...:rolleyes:

A bit of a break from the heat tonight. It's almost 10pm and it's in the mid 70's outside. :eek:

[Alegna]

Made my first baby related purchase last night. DH found a Jeep diaper bag he liked at Walmart. So we picked that up along with a box of diapers.

He's obsessed with Jeeps.

His coworkers told him to just buy a package of diapers every time we go to the store. That way by the time the baby gets here we'll have a good stock pile and we'll be used to spending the extra money. I told him that's fine but we can't just buy size 1 and 2. Who knows how big this baby will be or how fast it will grow. And we're not just buying one brand. I've seen other ladies talk about how one brand works better than another for their baby. I'd hate to stockpile Pampers and then find out Huggies work better for the baby. How annoying would that be?

Anyway, I had a bit of a rough weekend. For some reason my body wasn't liking lunch. But I'm feeling better now.

Nothing else really happening here. Hope all of you are feeling better and staying safe. Last week was pretty crazy with all the storms, black outs and heat around the country.

[GardenGirl]

I think I've popped out too. What's funny is I'm getting more rounded from top to bottom. I thought I'd mostly just starting poking out around my uterus, but I guess it is moving other stuff up so I'm showing up higher too. I wasn't expecting that. I'm new at this, can you tell:)

I'm going to go maternity shopping sometime this week. I've been very lucky with my summer wardrobe. I have alot of skirts that are A-line or full that fit around my waist (sort of now) and then go out so it doesn't hug the belly. But none of my pants or jeans fit. I need to get some new clothes to be more comfortable in. Besides I figure, I'm going to be knowing the sex soon - I can start wearing maternity clothes. I just feel like such an imposter. That's also probably why I haven't purchased one single thing.

[zhannushka]

I can't believe that I'm going to be 16 weeks tomorrow! WOW! :D

wagsgirl - the "Buh-Bye Booby" party sounds like fun! ;) Glad to hear that you're not feeling sick anymore!

Jen - that's so exciting that you've been feeling the baby! I am still having those flutters from time to time, but I don't know exactly what it is...

peanut - we currently own a 2-bedroom condo in Central NJ. It's a nice size and would be comfortable enough until the baby is at least 2-3 years old, however - it's about an hour away from both of our families and everyone else we know as well as from our jobs. Therefore, we are looking to sell the condo and buy a house in Northern NJ (where my parents live) before the baby arrives. It will also be closer to DH's mom - she lives in NY. The way I look at it - we are going to need all the help we can get, and living closer to our families will be much more convenient for everyone involved. Plus - we will be more comfortable in a house anyway. Do you plan on staying in NYC?

Ginger - it's much cooler here too now. What a relief!

Angela - I think that's a great idea about buying diapers every time you go to the store... And even if they are not the right size/brand - can't you just exchange them if you need to after the baby is born? At least the money will be already spent...

Tera - I kind of feel the same about maternity clothes... I bought my first 2 pairs of maternity pants on Sunday, but haven't actually worn them yet. I keep thinking that I'm not far along enough to wear them, but then again - everything I own feels really tight! I definitely haven't popped out yet, but I have become much thicker all around...

Tonight is our doctor's appointment - why do I get really nervous every time my appointment gets close? :eek: Well, hopefully everything will be fine. I can't wait for Friday - the pre-BIG u/s! I am not sure why the imaging lab insisted on us having the pre-BIG u/s AND the BIG one as well, but - I don't mind! :)

ETA to add how far along I am

[GardenGirl]

Zhanna - a pre-BIG ultrasound, huh. I've not heard of that, that's actually pretty neat. You'll get one more opportunity to see your little one. Always a good thing!

[zhannushka]

Zhanna - a pre-BIG ultrasound, huh.
They actually call it an "early anatomy" u/s and the tech told me that it's a standard procedure for their office... Yep - I'll absolutely take every chance I can get to see the baby! :D

[ButterflyJen]

Alegna - we stockpiled diapers and HOLY COW did it come in handy. Sometimes we just didn't feel like running to the store to get diapers, so it was sooooo nice to have a ton on hand. We bought all different brands, so as to really learn which one fit DD best when she came. (for us, it was Pampers) We'll definitely be doing that again. And if you have leftover size 1 or newborn - save 'em and give them to friends at their baby showers or when their babies arrive. Or just give to other friends who have recently had babies. It is hard to guess how many of which size you'll need. You most likely won't need many of the "newborn" size. After that - I'm not sure, because DD was small at birth (5lb3oz) and grew slowly after that.

Tera - I hear ya on maternity clothes! I am wearing a pair of maternity shorts today and I also feel like a fake, because I do have a belly but not enough of one to fill them out. ;)

zhanna - u/s are great, for whatever reason. Aren't they? :) Glad you get to see your little one more than once! YAY!!!

Ginger - man, I hope it cools down soon for you guys. Ugh!

Hi everyone else, hope you're doing well! Not much new here. I took a new belly shot, which I'll upload in a minute. I got DH to agree on a girl's name last night (our boy name's been set for about 2 years now), so we just need a middle name to go with Holly and we're good to go.

I can't believe I'm 13-1/2 weeks along. Already. This pregnancy is flying by this time! Woo hoo! :) Here's my belly shot from about 1/2 hour ago.
http://static.flickr.com/67/198187765_52314e66f3.jpg?v=0
I swear I feel way bigger than that. Yikes!!

[Winter Biscuit]

Re: removing blankets from baby registry - I wholeheartedly agree with this. I got several as shower gifts, and several when DD was born. I have more blankets than I knew what to do with. (Now that DD is 2.5, she plays with them and wraps her baby dolls in them.) Something else to keep in mind is that most of the receiving blankets that you see at stores are too small to swaddle a baby in.

Re: stockpiling diapers -- not a bad idea to stock up, but I'd second what Zhanna mentioned and make sure you can exchange them easily if you find that you need a different size/brand. Huggies did NOT work for my DD :)

Hi to everyone else. Not much to report here. I've gotten sick a few times, in spite of being on Zofran, but it's nowhere near as bad as it was before. I'm only taking the Zofran first thing in the morning now, instead of every 8 hours, because I find that I can usually get through the afternoon and evening without feeling nauseous. Last night I even cooked dinner - imagine that!

I'm jealous of those of you who aren't in full maternity clothes yet. I've been wearing them since 7 weeks :eek: Just wait until you ladies are pregnant with your 2nd ;) I probably could have gotten away with buying regular clothes in 1-2 sizes bigger but I'd just rather not spend my money on clothes that I may not wear again when I already have the maternity clothes from last time, KWIM? Plus, 2 of my girlfriends gave me a TON of maternity clothes to borrow, so I have lots of options to choose from :)

On Thursday I am participating in a fun video at work and need to dress in 70's vintage clothing. I have a polyester shirt from the 70's that I fit into and I found some awesome bell bottoms to wear BUT they only came in regular sizes. I had to get a pair that is 4 sizes bigger than I normally wear and they are still a little snug :eek:

Zhanna - are you going to find out the baby's sex at your ultrasound on Friday? Forgive me if you already mentioned whether you plan to find out the gender or not. I just wondered if that's what they'll do at the pre-big ultrasound or if you have to wait till the BIG ultrasound.

[wine_o_girlie]

Hi all, I haven't been by in a while but I kinda feel the same way as peanut - not much to report, which is a good thing! The baby and I are just chugging along. I feel fantastic and just getting excited about the baby. The hubby and I can see some definite belly pudge but I am still wearing all of my regular clothes. I did finally go buy a few maternity clothes at Mimi and I ordered some ridiculously inexpensive tanks and stuff from Old Navy yesterday. I had no idea what size to buy since the stuff I bought from Mimi ranged from an XS to a L and everywhere inbetween. :rolleyes: I'm still "in the closet" at work which I strangely prefer.

Our good friends had a baby 12 days ago and it's been so great to go see him. We're in love. :) Our friends are doing phenomenal, but very tired, and it's really been so great to see them go through and think "hey, I can do that". Labor was very unpleasant for my friend which has me a bit freaked out (water broke 4 weeks early, 2 days of Pit, finally ended in c-section) but I am trying not to get too worried about it.

We go back to the doctor on July 31st and for our big ultrasound on August 23rd. Still undecided if we will find out the gender or not.

Our handyman is at our house starting to finish our basement and he's also going to install some blinds in the nursery and the chairrail. It will be exciting to see some "action" in the nursery. We picked out some paint chips but haven't decided anything yet in terms of decor. I have started to do a bit of research on cribs and strollers and stuff but so far, my purchases have been very little stuff - like tiny little socks and blankets. I have a blanket fetish already. I think we are going to order this Phil & Ted's stroller soon though because I love it:

http://www.greatbeginningsonline.com/images/upload/items/philsand.jpg

Oh yeah, my soup cravings continue on. I check my work's cafeteria calendar every Monday with bated breath to see what soups they have for the week. I even ate cream of tomato soup today which I don't even really like just because I wanted soup. I made a beer can chicken last week and I saved the carcass so I could make homemade chicken stock for soup this week. :eek: I am a freak. Not to mention it's been 90's or hotter here for weeks. Oh well, I figure my craving could be wayyyyy worse for the waistline.

Anyway, hope everyone is feeling better and over their MS.

QOTD: - Have you added back in an occasional alcoholic beverage since you began the second trimester? Do you plan to imbibe at all this pregnancy?

My answer: I had nothing at all during the 1st trimester. I finally had an O'Doul's (2 actually, not on the same day) last week and a glass of Presecco last week. It was pure heaven. I think I am okay with a drink here and there.

[wagsgirl]

Jen-I love that Madison is no smoking. It's so nice. There are people still complaining about it a year later, but I know many people that love it now. I know I, as well as some friends, are more apt to go out later in the evenings and actually go to bars because we won't come home smelling like smoke. I hate that smell on me...I think you're friended on another local gal's LJ...Keri (kerbahr), right?? I thought you were from the area. I asked someone else on this thread, but I got the two of you mixed up :o

[gmooter]

Just got back from an appointment. I'm still so tired but my dr. just confirmed that everything is fine and I'm so much more tired this time because I'm chasing my 11 month old and becasue I've had 2 pregnancy's so close together.

She couldn't fine the hb on the doppler again. She really doesn't try for very long because Grace is always with me and I think she realizes that I need to get in and out! So, I got another u/s! Baby looks great, is a good size and has a strong hb.

I go back on August 25th for my big u/s! We will be finding out the sex!

[ButterflyJen]

WB, hooray for cooking dinner! :) That's an accomplishment! Glad you're feeling better than you were. I'm expanding a whole lot faster than I was last time, but still not in maternity clothes yet. I tried on a maternity tank top today and I looked like I was wearing a green tent. Yow!

wine-o - mmmmm, soup. Dang that sounds good. Now I'm all craving really good soup (and it's freaking hot here too!).

Tonya - yep, I'm on her FL. :) I would be much more apt to go out around here, too, and to a lot of our little hometown restaurants and such, but they're the ones making the stink about "losing their customers." Yeah, that makes sense. :rolleyes:

gmooter, yay for another u/s! :D

QOTD - I have not had anything since I found out, besides a sip of beer to keep my parents from finding out earlier than we wanted to tell them. I'm not sure if I'll add any back in either. If I feel comfortable having a little bit here and there, sure, I'll do it....but I still feel weird about it. ;)

[Lucy Van Pelt]

WB - so happy to hear you are feeling better!

QOTD: I won't be consuming any alcohol during this pregnancy. My doctor said that although some docs say it is ok, it is their policy that NO amount can be considered "safe". It's not a big deal to me as I can't remember when I had my last alcoholic drink anyway. It's been at least 6-9 months - probably longer!

Once again, it's hotter than hell in my office...no air conditioning. It's actually cooler outside than it is in here. I've got a couple of fans going, but I'm still sweating.

I think my right boob is out of control. It's always been larger than the left, but now I think it's getting even bigger. I keep having to pull my shirt up onthe right side because it is trying to escape. :eek:

Hrmmm...stockpiling diapers?? That sounds like a good idea. I'll have to run it past DH.

[Elenna]

QOTD: I might drink an O'douls if I want a beer in the second or third trimesters. I haven't had any want of alcohol, yet. Two weeks ago I came as close as to having alcohol as I've had this pregnancy. It was a teaspoon dipped in wine with the excess shaken off (my mom's idea, not mine) just so I could taste a wine my brother and mom thought tasted weird. (It was a Muscat and they'd never had one before. I was the only one present who knew what a muscat should taste like.)

wine-o-girlie: Yum. Soup.<Drool> I've been on a soup kick this past week. I even made up a can of cream of mushroom soup the other day because I had to have soup, but didn't have the energy to go to the store to get anything else. I'm making lentil soup tonight.

gmooter: That's cool that you got another u/s.

butterflyjen: Nice belly picture.

zhanna: Your OB office sounds nice in that they do 2 u/s for the big u/s.

[mommydearest]

QOTD: I am a compulsive worrier, so there will be no alcohol here. There are so many things out of my control, but caffine and alcohol I can control. I am one of those people that always wonder...what if I hadn't done that??? I haven't had any caffine since I found out except one sip of a Mountain Dew one time. Alcohol is a strict no-no.

Wine-oI love the E3s. I really want one since my good friend's baby will be 5 months ahead of ours. It would be nice to have the doubles kit for when I keep her little girl, but to be able to put it away when I don't need it. I bought a Graco Quattro on sale over the internet without playing with one first, and although I love it for walks in the neighborhood when I keep my friend's little boy, it is huge and HEAVY!!!! I had no concept of lifting 28 pounds into the trunk til it came. So, unless you have muscles of steel, stay away from the Quattros and most of the big travel systems.

Good luck on all the ultrasounds!

[magdesilver]

QOTD I have had one sip of beer this past weekend to taste at a restaurant. I'm not really a drinker at all. I haven't had an actual drink in about 2 years because I have been either nursing or pregnant continuously the whole time! I don't really miss it at all. For the calories, I'd rather have chocolate. :p

diapers We didn't stockpile with DD, but I do have some leftovers from her when she would outgrow a size before using them all up. When they are in the size N and 1's, it's so hard to know how long they will stay in those sizes so if you are going to stockpile on sales and such, I'd start with sizes 2 and up. DD was in size 3 for a long time, and has been in size 4 for a few months now. I usually take advantage of the amazon sales they have going on where if you spend $100 on diapers you get $30 to use at amazon. Plus they get delivered right to your door with no tax and free shipping. :)

I am meeting next week with the genetic specialist OB to discuss having DH tested for the Jewish panel of genetic diseases and also to schedule a level II u/s. DD has an issue with her liver (not threatening her health but being monitored) and DH has the same issue, so even though it's not something that is usually considered hereditary, it is pretty rare, so DD's dr. thought it would be worth looking for in an u/s. So hopefully I'll have an u/s date next week! I'm also having the triple screen and a thyroid blood test next week at that appt. since the lab is in the building and the OB is next door to my m/w so I can just pop over and pick up the lab slip.

[Winter Biscuit]

Swinging by to drop off latest belly shot - taken tonight (13w 3d).

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j289/lynnmelms/2e058b9b.jpg

[zhannushka]

Winter Biscuit - we won't be finding out the sex. Originally, neither one of us wanted to find out. But over the last few weeks I've been thinking that it may be kind of fun if we did, however - DH is sticking firmly to not finding out. So, since I don't feel strongly about it either way - I'm just going along with the whole surprise thing. I love your belly shot - so cute! :)

Ginger - I don't know how you do it without a/c! :eek:

Margaret - good luck with all that testing!

QOTD: I haven't been a drinker in a while. Normally, I would get a glass of wine or a beer and not even finish it. I haven't had any alcohol at all ever since I got the BFP and I am not planning to for the rest of the pregnancy. Plus - if I ever did and DH found out - he'd kill me! :rolleyes:

The appointment today was really quick - I did not spend more then 10 minutes in that room! She asked me a few questions, we listened to the h/b - it's 140 bpm. She told me that my headaches are normal and to just keep taking Tylenol if I need to. I did make an appointment for tomorrow morning to have more blood drawn for an AFP test.

[wine_o_girlie]

QOTD
I am meeting next week with the genetic specialist OB to discuss having DH tested for the Jewish panel of genetic diseases and also to schedule a level II u/s. DD has an issue with her liver (not threatening her health but being monitored) and DH has the same issue, so even though it's not something that is usually considered hereditary, it is pretty rare, so DD's dr. thought it would be worth looking for in an u/s. So hopefully I'll have an u/s date next week! I'm also having the triple screen and a thyroid blood test next week at that appt. since the lab is in the building and the OB is next door to my m/w so I can just pop over and pick up the lab slip.

DH is Jewish as well (I'm not) and he is having the panel done this week and we will go from there in terms of what (if any) testing I will then do. Good luck with your tests!

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Mag - good luck with the testing!

WB - what a cute little belly you have!

Just when I thought I was done with m/s, I threw up this morning the worst I have in weeks. UGH!

Tonight we are going to sign the paperwork to refinance our house and then we are hitting Babies R Us for the first time. I'm excited. This is a browsing trip only - no buying yet. DH is so hesitant to buy anything yet just as he won't discuss any baby names either. :rolleyes:

We met with the air conditioning guy last night. The estimate for central a/s is about $15,000. :eek: I'm not sure if we can spend that right now so we are going to get a couple more estimates and then make a decision.

Only two more days left of work! :)

[Lucy Van Pelt]

I don't know if this is even appropriate to mention, but I just noticed that through our first trimester, we have only "lost" one member of our group and I am just thankful for that. We are so fortunate to have all have nice healthy pregnancies!

[zhannushka]

I don't know if this is even appropriate to mention, but I just noticed that through our first trimester, we have only "lost" one member of our group and I am just thankful for that. We are so fortunate to have all have nice healthy pregnancies!
Ginger, I was just thinking the same thing the other day!

[mommydearest]

I also have noticed this and been thankful. It will be so much fun when the little ones start arriving!

[robyn]

DH is Jewish as well (I'm not) and he is having the panel done this week and we will go from there in terms of what (if any) testing I will then do. Good luck with your tests!

wine-o-girlie - This is our situation as well, and our genetic counselor made it sound like there was no need to have DH tested since I would not be a carrier. I'm always so confused when someone gets other info because who knows what is right?

I hope your tests come out well ... I actually should make DH do it just so he has to have some blood sucked out of him for once. ;)

[thechick79]

Hey ladies!

Winter Biscuit - Cute belly shot!

Lucy Van Pelt - Have fun at Babies R Us. My husband is the same way.

magdesilver - Good luck with your testing.

I just wanted to post quickly since I'm so swamped with work right now. My next appointment to find out the gender is August 9.

Here's my belly shot from 15 weeks:
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j100/thechick79/belly/071306.jpg

I hope everyone is having a great day!

[wine_o_girlie]

wine-o-girlie - This is our situation as well, and our genetic counselor made it sound like there was no need to have DH tested since I would not be a carrier. I'm always so confused when someone gets other info because who knows what is right?

I hope your tests come out well ... I actually should make DH do it just so he has to have some blood sucked out of him for once. ;)

IMO your genetic counselor may have oversimplified your risks - the risks of being a carrier of one of these nine genetic diseases is much higher in a person of Jewish (Ashkenazi not Sephardic) ethnicity but is not impossible for a non-Jewish person to also be a carrier. If 2 carriers reproduce then the child will have a high risk (either 25%-100% depending upon the disease I believe) of having the disease. All 9 of the diseases screened for in the Ashkenazi panel are pretty devastating diseases - like Tay Sachs, etc. The reasoning behind having only the Jewish partner be tested is that if they are a carrier for any of the diseases, then the non-Jewish partner gets tested to see if they are a carrier for those specific diseases. If you would like to have your DH get the panel, I would talk to your OB or midwife and your insurance. We are of the opinion that it was worthwhile but that is a personal decision. HTH...:)

[zhannushka]

Robyn - I have to agree with wine-o-girlie. DH and I both had to go through the testing (we're both Jewish), since I tested first and am a carrier for one of the diseases. DH is not a carrier for that same disease, which means that we're safe, but if he was - we'd have a 25% change of having a sick baby. The disease that I'm carrying (Fanconi Anemia) has a carrier frequency of 1 in 90 among the Ashkenazi Jews and 1 in 300 among the general population...

[GardenGirl]

Just got my results from the 7 vials of blood they took at my last appointment. I didn't realize everything the tested for. HIV, Hep B, Rubella immunity, Ghnorrhea, Chlymidia, some RPR something or other, blood count and other various things. Everything was fine - not that I didn't know that already. Except for my urinalysis. Apparently I had bacteria present. So they called in a prescription to knock that out in 5 days. No biggie, but surprised about the bacteria. DH's first response - does it hurt the baby! He's so protective. Cute though.

Doing well today. I feel sorry for you ladies that aren't used to the heat. Houston in July (or 7 months out of the year for that matter) is always hot. Fortunately, we have a/c as a standard down here. I couldn't imagine dealing with the high temps without a/c. I'm used to it and as long as I'm dressed for it, I could care less about walking outside in 100 degree heat. Of course, I have an air conditioned car and house to cool down in ...

Waiting until two weeks from tomorrow when we find out the sex. It's going to be a long two weeks, I just know it.

DH wants to go furniture shopping/looking this weekend. I'm glad he wants to do that. Although my mom probably isn't - she's been dying to go. Oh well, maybe I'll take her sometime else.

[robyn]

Can I just tell you how envious I am of the girls who already have their big ultrasound scheduled?? (GardenGirl, TheChick & Gmooter!) My Dr. doesn't do it till 20 weeks, but I'm trying to think of a clever reason that I would need to do it sooner. I'm afraid if I say I'm out of town that week they'll have me come in later. :eek: Why am I so darn impatient!

Zhanna & Wine-o-Girlie - Thanks for the info on the genetic testing. I'll talk to DH and see what he wants to do. He has said all along that he's totally up for doing whatever needs to be done, so I'll let him know that the counselor may have oversimplified things. Another ??, though: if you do find out you're a carrier, is there a benefit to knowing ahead of time? We did the NT test, but I'm now realizing I wouldn't really have changed anything had the results come back positive. Is this a similar type of thing?

Hope everyone is staying cool!

[wagsgirl]

robyn-From what I remember, my doc does them even later. She doesn't schedule them til you go in at your 22 week appt, so it's usually between weeks 22 and 23... :( We're not finding out the sex, but it would still be nice to see the little punkin.

On a GREAT note, I think I *might* have felt the baby move today. I know it seems early, but I did a poll not too long ago and it seems like with each subsequent pgcy, most moms felt the baby move sooner. I felt my DD at 18 weeks and my DS at 15...I'm still waiting to officially call it, though. We'll see if I feel anything in the next couple days. But, for me, I think it's easier to notice, because I know what to feel for :)

QOTD: Has anyone else felt movement yet?

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Well, Dh and I looked at some cribs at BRU tonight. I found a few that I really liked. They were in the $500 range. I really don't want to spend that much so we am still looking...

After walking around the store trying to absorb all of the supplies we will need to purchase, I asked DH if he felt overwhelmed and he said ye! I was shocked. I ask him that when I start to feel stressed and he always says no. This is the first time I think he has every said yes. Obviously this pregnancy is starting to really sink in for him!

[ButterflyJen]

Hi everyone - not much time, gotta make breakfast and get DD to playgroup. Hooray for Thursday morning playgroup! :) Keeps me sane, I swear. Sorry I won't be doing too many SOs, I'm a bit behind, but here are a few things that stuck out...

WB - now THAT is a belly shot. Nice! I just look like I can't lay off the cookies. (Wait, that might not be too far from the truth.)

thechick79 - looks good! :)

Tonya - yep, I have. I agree, subsequent ones are felt earlier. I felt Peanut around 12-1/2 weeks - doesn't that seem really early? But it has been unmistakable ever since. Yay for feeling yours, too!

Sorry so short, nothing new here...just wanted to say HI! *waves*

[Lucy Van Pelt]

It's my last day at Stanford!! I am happy and sad to be leaving...I do like it here, but I am looking forward to the time off - no matter how long or short that might be.

I just want to be able to sleep in.

Luckily the heat seems to have tapered off a bit. I was able to sleep last night without using the huge fan to cool me off. It was nice and foggy this morning which means cooler temperatures later in the day.

[wine_o_girlie]

Zhanna & Wine-o-Girlie - Thanks for the info on the genetic testing. I'll talk to DH and see what he wants to do. He has said all along that he's totally up for doing whatever needs to be done, so I'll let him know that the counselor may have oversimplified things. Another ??, though: if you do find out you're a carrier, is there a benefit to knowing ahead of time? We did the NT test, but I'm now realizing I wouldn't really have changed anything had the results come back positive. Is this a similar type of thing?


First, if you find out your DH is a carrier, than you would get tested only for the diseases that he is a carrier for. If you are a carrier, then depending upon the disease, I believe the risk that your child would have the disease is something like 25%-100%. For instance, Cysic Fibrosis is one of the tests - if both partners are carriers, the baby has a 25% chance of having the disease. Of the 9 diseases tested for, there are varying degrees of severity of the diseases. For instance, Tay Sachs is a fatal disease with a life expectancy of less than 4-5 years, as is Canavan disease. What you would choose to the do with the results is a personal decision but none of the diseases tested for usually have particularly good outcomes so that is why a lot of people want the information ASAP. HTH.

Here's a list of the diseases tested for in the panel - http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/tv7880.asp

[GardenGirl]

I've had a couple firsts today. I finally broke down and wore a maternity outfit today for the first time at the office. DH and I going to a baseball game after work and I will NOT sit through the entire game being uncomfortable the whole time. So I figured why not where a maternity outfit. SO ... I get to work and everyone is talking about it. They are surprised I'm needing it so "early." Give me a break, I'm freaking 16.5 weeks for crying out loud. My baby is almost 5 inches long and my boobs have gone up at almost 2 sizes. Where do you expect all that to go??? See, I waited until 14.5 to start telling people at the office. In fact, one person just found out today. So that may be "early" to them. Then after feeling like an imposter with my outfit, some one had the nerve to rub my belly. Are you kidding me!!!! Already!!!! I was expecting it to happen eventually, but not this early. I wasn't prepared for a come back. Next time I'll say something like "Hey, no fondling in the workplace, didn't you get the sexual harrasment memo" and then chuckle. Or something cheesy that lets them know to leave me alone, but without being rude.

Hope all is well with you ladies. Back to work ...

[mommydearest]

I've been needing maternity pants for weeks now. I refused to buy bigger pants because by this time next year, I hope to be back in the pre-preggo size. Plus, I knew I'd need capris to get me through the fall anyway. I got some with elastic in the back, but normal in the front and with an untucked shirt, they don't look maternity. But...the couple of t-shirt elastic capris I got are heavenly. I was never a "tucked-in" person anyway, so its not like anyone can tell. My t-shirts are still fitting ok. Old Navy shirts are very long, so they will probably fit for awhile. Now I just need to go get fitted for a better bra. Since I haven't had to work this summer, I've just been stuffing the girls into the old bras and wearing baggy shirts. After watching the Oprah about bras, I want someone to tell me what size I really need!

[zhannushka]

Maternity clothes: I wore maternity capris for the first time today as well! My regular work pants are really starting to hurt now and since Fridays are casual in my office, I figured - why not wear the maternity capris I got last weekend? They do feel heavenly! I am going to go buy more maternity clothes tomorrow - I think I'll be switching to those full-time... I've been wearing maternity bras since I was about 7 weeks along - my BB's grew about 2 sizes right away and there's no way I'd fit them into my regular bras!

My u/s today was very nice - all of the baby's measurements are above average, which is very good. The whole thing lasted about 1 hour - we got to see every part of the baby's body and the tech was really great at commenting on everything. Both DH and I really enjoyed it! I got some 4D pictures, which I will scan and post later today or tomorrow.

My headaches are back and they are terrible... I made an appointment with my family doctor for tomorrow morning - I need someone to tell me how to get rid of these headaches - I just can't function like this anymore! :(

Hope everyone is doing well! :)

[robyn]

Clothes - I finally bought some maternity jeans this week, but I haven't worn them out yet. Most of my pants still fit, but they are getting to the point where they are a tad uncomfortable ... especially at the end of the night after dinner and such. I'm thinking in the next two weeks I'll probably be wearing maternity clothes (at least pants) about 75% of the time.

Garden Girl - How rude of your coworkers!! Who cares if you are wearing maternity? I don't see any point in stuffing yourself into regular clothes just because you can. Ugh, why do people feel at liberty to comment on stuff like that?!

Zhanna - Glad you u/s went well. Still no peeking at the gender, right?;) Sorry to hear about the headaches. I've been suffering too so I'll be interested to hear what your doc says about it.

[Alegna]

Add me to the list of the people who wore maternity pants for the first time today! It's casual Friday and I couldn't make it another day in my regular jeans.

These are a little big so I've spent most of the day pulling them up. Oh well. I'm sure it won't be long before the belly is big enough to hold them up.

Actually almost all the pants I bought are too big. And they're all WAY TOO LONG. :rolleyes: I'm going to have to get the sewing machine out tonight.

I leave tomorrow for a week in Chicago. I'm working a convention. It's going to be tough. I'm not used to 8 hours a day on my feet. But DH is going with me to hang out. So I can send him for snacks and beverages when needed. Or maybe I could get him to work my booth while I go sit for a few minutes. ;)

So I guess I'll see you guys in two weeks.

[mommydearest]

The pants I got were also way too long. My mom is going to hem them, but wants to wait a few weeks til its too cool for capris because as my belly has gotten bigger, so has my bottom. And, she's afraid that the bottom will grow more and make them too short. So the pants are in the closet for now. People must be giants at motherhood.

But...I went to Target and got a cute black cardigan sweater for in the AC. Normally, I wear a small at Motherhood. I bought a large without trying it on, figuring it could last. Not a chance! It already didn't come close to buttoning. So, anything you buy at Target, be sure to try on!

[mommydearest]

Garden: Sorry about the touching. I need my space. Don't touch!

Alegna: Hope Chicago was fun!

Zhanna: I'm glad the U/S went well. That is so cool!

Lucy: Did you get to sleep? Enjoy your time off!


So we went and toured the hospital we thought we liked today. This made it a lot more real, and the tour guide was terrible, so a lot more scary. It is a brand new state-of-the-art hospital with two floors devoted to maternity. The nurse kept referring to "You can try this to help relieve the pain" about everything in the delivery rooms. Umm...we're trying NOT to think about the pain. You can only use the hot tubs if your doc allows it, and since the doc won't be there at that point, you need to clear it with your doc ahead of time. She did have one good suggestion--buy a birthing ball instead of an exercise ball if you want to try a ball. Birthing balls have more elasticity and will not pop, which they have had several cases of exercise balls doing. But, once you have the epidural, you are not allowed to get out of bed.

I came the closest I have ever had this whole pregnancy to throwing up by the end. I know I had some naive thoughts. But the place, although very beautiful, was locked down like a prison. DH will get a code to get on the unit. If the baby is in the hallway, you are not allowed to be carrying it. It has to go in the bassinet so A) they can track it and B)it makes baby-knappers more obvious. They could phrase it differently!! DH wants to know how many babies are kidnapped from the maternity ward to justify the security. If your baby (or child under 5) is taken near the unit doors, it shuts down all the elevators and locks all the doors in the hospital. I think a lot of it sounds good on paper, but in practicality, seemed a little dumb. Either way, I wasn't scared before, and now I am.

Also, if its a boy and you want to circumcise, they are working with a new kind of gel that numbs, but you have to apply it about 45 minutes before, so the OB needs to let the nurses know ahead of time or the baby has to get a shot (which this nurse said hurts and is not necessary if YOU plan ahead). Something to think about.

So, instead of in the big sometime, this is actually going to happen. Wow!

[jmvan74]

Just wanted to pop in to say hello. We just got back from our vacation to the beach! I promise to catch up soon. ;)

[Winter Biscuit]

Yippee - I made it to the 2nd trimester! :) The last several days, I have woke up feeling nauseous and dry heaved several times almost as soon as I got out of bed. I hadn't been sick since starting the Zofran, and now this :( I feel somewhat better once I take my Zofran and eat breakfast, but man, I really dread getting out of bed because I KNOW what is going to happen. I'm not convinced that the m/s is going to go away now that I'm in the 2nd trimester (given that I had m/s with my DD until week 25/26) but it sure would be nice!

Zhanna - I wanted to say try not to feel guilty about taking the Tylenol. Everything I have read seems to indicate that ibuprofen is more risky/dangerous in the 3rd trimester. Hopefully your headaches will go away long before then!

mommydearest -- I can understand how the hospital tour made things seem real and scary. It sounds like you need to bring your own birthing ball if you want to use a ball during labor? Or am I misunderstanding? I have never heard of anyone bringing their own ball before and it just conjured up a funny image in my head...I'm trying to imagine a woman who is in labor and experiencing sharp labor pains and trying to breathe through contractions arriving at the hospital with her husband running behind her carrying her hospital bag and a big birthing ball :D

I personally think it's a good thing that your hospital's maternity ward is so secure. At the hospital where I had DD, anyone could access the maternity ward, but you had to have a special code to get into the nursery and only the parents had the code. Not even the grandparents could get into the nursery. At the hospital where I'll be having this baby (we moved to a new city last year, so we'll be at a new hospital), the ward is tightly locked and only the parents (or the mother and birthing coach/doula/whatever) may access the floor. Any/all visitors have to get permission from the patient (in that case, ME!) before they may be granted access to the floor. I like that...I could potentially keep my mother-in-law from visiting ;)

I don't think baby-nappings are that common anymore - but that is in large part because hospitals have really cracked down on security. I have heard so many horror stories about kidnappers who posed as nurses or other hospital workers and would walk right out with a child after a mother naively handed the baby over. IMO, you can never be too safe when it comes to infant security, so I think it's great your hospital takes it so seriously! :)

[mommydearest]

Yes, if you want a birthing ball, you must bring your own. A website I saw also sold a carrying strap for it. I might have DH blow it up there instead tho.

[ButterflyJen]

Alegna - have a great time in Chicago!

Tera - yikes!! I'd be a bit put off by random people touching my belly, too! And poo on them for their comments about needing maternity "already." Yeah, when are you supposed to start wearing it, 8 months along? ;)

Zhanna, glad the u/s went well!

WB, I hope the m/s doesn't last that long for you again. :( No fun. But at least we're in the 2nd tri now. Hooray!

Kristen, I'm sorry the tour was so scary for you. :( The security may seem prison-like now, but it's so welcome when your baby is here and you know for sure that everyone on that wing is authorized to be there. We weren't allowed to carry DD down the hall either. She had to be in her bassinet at all times as well. She also had a unique code on her ID bracelet (also on my ID and DH's), which the nurse verified every single time she brought DD to us to nurse. It was so nice, not to worry about security or anything like that. I know it's overwhelming, but it IS a good thing! I agree, they could have phrased it a bit differently to make it less freaky for you though!

Hi all! I'm working my way into maternity as well. I'm down to one pair of regular shorts that's even remotely comfortable anymore. That's only because they velcro closed. ;) Otherwise, it's maternity, and I'm in trouble because I apparently only kept one pair of shorts from DD's pregnancy. Yikes! August isn't exactly cool here!! Beyond that, I'm happy to FINALLY be in the 2nd trimester. Hooray!!!!

I have my next doctor's appt. on Monday and I can't wait to hear Peanut's h/b again. This time I need to remember to ask how fast it is. I forgot last time!

Hope you're all having a good weekend!

[Lucy Van Pelt]

I will probably smack the hand of anyone who tries to touch my belly without asking...LOL

I am up in Sacramento house/dog sitting for a few days. I love that I am here by myself and I can sleep wheneever I want and eat whenever and whatever I want! :D It just sucks because I totally miss DH. I will be here til Tuesday morning.

I almost killed myself today. I was watering the plants by the pool. My mom has a Cecil Bruner rose bush that needs to be trimmed. I was leaning out of the way of the rose bush and I lost my balance and almost fell off of the 5 foot retaining wall onto the pool deck below. Luckily I managed to grab onto the potted lemon tree to save myself. I ended up pulling the pot over almost on top of me, but anything was better than falling! It scared the crap outta me! If I had fallen, I don't know who would have ever found me. Noone would have been looking til Sunday afternoon, that's for sure.

I am still having headache issues. I can't remember the last headache free day I had...I've taken 2 hour naps the last two days just hoping the extra sleep will help, but so far it hasn't.

[GardenGirl]

Ginger - I'm so glad you are okay and didn't fall. I've had a couple instances where I thought I was going to slip and fall (DH doesn't always dry himself before getting out of the shower) and that made my heart race. I couldn't imagine actually coming that close.

Can't believe I'm 17 weeks already. Are we all in the second trimester yet? We'll be finding out genders around here pretty soon ...

[jmvan74]

I think I've missed too much to catch up, so I'm just going to pick up from here. ;)

I'm so happy to be in the second trimester. I'm feeling sooo much better. I never felt good while pg with DS, so this is something new! It feels kind of strange. I can almost forget I'm pg, but then I walk past a mirror! :D

Wow, Ginger! What a scare. I'm glad you are ok.

Maternity clothes: I haven't had an option for weeks. I did buy a couple of drawstring shorts from Old Navy that are not maternity, but oh so comfy. They're low waisted and in a size up. I have soo much more clothes for fall and winter. I'm just trying to get through the summer with out buying anymore clothes. ;)

Kristen: Sorry the hospital tour was scary. You'll be thankful for that security when you're there.

Tera: How annoying of your co-workers. As long as your comfortable, that's what matters.

[ButterflyJen]

Ginger, yikes! Glad you're ok!!!

Tera, I think everyone should be in the 2nd tri...at least, I am and I'm due the 28th, so if we aren't all in it, we're darn close. Hooray for the 2nd trimester!!!

Julie, glad you're feeling better. :D

Had my appt. today. Peanut's h/b was in the 150-160 range, good and strong. Yay! I lost a pound this month, though. :confused: Don't even know how that's possible, since I could happily eat everything in sight. (except salad, of course!) Other than that, we discussed my dizzy spells/shortness of breath, and my OB said if it continues, to make sure I'm getting enough fluids and to possibly try Gatorade or electrolyte drinks. Never had those before...so that could be interesting!

I did decline the triple screen test. We debated it with DD and decided not to then, so we're just sticking to that this time around as well.

Next appt. is August 28th! :)

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Another day pregnant....another night at the emergency room.

I have had a migraine off and on for the past week or so. Well, it got really bad on Sunday. I started throwin up and couldn't stop. My parents came home from their camping trip so at least I wasn't alone. Mom made me some homemade chicken soup and it came right back up with everything I ate over the past week! I finally called the advice nurse who sent me to the ER. I was there for about 5 hours getting IV meds when I decided I felt better and left for home. We had barely gotten around the block and I was throwing up again. So we went back to the hospital and I got another IV of meds. I waited another couple of hours and then left again. Yes - I threw up on the way home AGAIN. This time we just went home anyway and I slet for about 9 hours. I woke up and still felt sick and had a headache. It jus sucked. I didn't know what else to do except go back to sleep. Finally at around 8pm, I felt a bit better and was able to keep some food down.

I was supposed to head home today but since yesterday was so bad, I am going to stay until at least tomorrow...

I am happy to be in the second trimester, but I still feel like crap. :rolleyes:

Yea for a nice, strong heartbeat, Jen!!

[jmvan74]

Hooray for a strong HB, Jen! That's always refreshing. I wouldn't worry about the weight loss. You're body is working really hard and burning calories.

ginger: You just can't seem to catch a break. I hope you feel better soon.

Nothing new here. Feeling good. My appetite is back in full. I am awfully congested, but I'll deal. :p

[zhannushka]

Kristin - I have to agree with ladies who think that added security is a GOOD thing... I would definitely be more relaxed knowing that my baby is well-protected while we are in the hospital.

Winter Biscuit - I hope that your m/s goes away soon, now that you're in the 2nd trimester!

Tera, I think we should all be in the 2nd trimester now... So exciting!

Julie - it's great to hear that you're feeling so well!!! :)

Jen - Yay for a good, strong h/b!!! :D

Ginger, I'm so sorry to hear about the migraine and the throwing up episodes... I hope that you start feeling better soon! I've had migraines for the past 3 weeks, and even though mine are not even half as bad as yours - it's really a terrible feeling...

My migraine was really bad last Thursday and Friday - I didn't go to work on Thursday and ended up leaving early on Friday, because I just couldn't take it anymore... :( It took me almost 2 hours to get home (sitting in traffic) and by the time I was home, the migraine became absolutely unbearable... I took a hot shower, hoping that it would help, took 2 extra-strenght Tylenol, laid there with a banana peel on my head (someone told me it helps) and went to sleep. When I woke up, the headache seemed to get even worse. I was so miserable and so much in pain that I just started sobbing uncontrollably and cried myself back to sleep. Surprisingly, when I woke up on Saturday morning - the migraine was GONE and it hasn't come back yet... (crossing my fingers)

ETA to add how far along I am (I can never remember to do this!)

[wine_o_girlie]

Hey y'all, I hope everyone is feeling better and I am sorry to those of you who aren't yet.

I had another appointment with my midwife group yesterday and it went awesome! I am feeling so blessed - all is looking great, I feel great, and the midwives are so, so nice. Uterus seems to be measuring "normal" (9cm I think she said?), BP was good, and I heard the heartbeat on the doppler. :) The only not fabulous thing was that I am -2 pounds in terms of weight for the entire pregnancy. The midwife wasn't too concerned but I now have to write down everything I eat and my husband is concerned and pushing me to eat more. I don't know what the deal is because I have had no vomiting at all and I am just eating normally. I was a "normal" size pre-pregnancy (10) and am 5'8 or so, so maybe it's the height that is helping me conceal the baby. I'm sure this is all going to come back to bite me in the ass later when I gain tons of weight.

I finally decided to tell my boss today and he was so cute. He is so excited and immediately started talking about how to finagle an extra month at home for me paid by "working from home". I love him. Seriously. :) It finally felt like the right time to tell him and now I am happy to have my secret out there. It's also soooooo hot today (100+) so I wore my first ever maternity outfit because it's so comfortable and cool even though it's quite roomy in the belly -

http://www.motherhood.com/Images/Products/1343.jpg


QOTD: When do you think you will start thinking about baby's room?

My answer: We got some paint samples on Saturday for the nursery and bought the chairrail to be installed by our handyman in the next couple of weeks. We also bought some bamboo shades for the room - we have them in the dining room and I love them. We also went to an awesome baby store on Saturday near our friend's house and looked at a few cribs and things. We also checked out the Phil & Ted's E3 in person and we are totally sold on it as our stroller.

[zhannushka]

QOTD: When do you think you will start thinking about baby's room?

I don't have an answer to this question, unfortunately, because we're thinking of moving before the baby is born - we want to sell our 2-bedroom condo and buy a house. Originally, our 2nd bedroom was going to be the nursery, but now that we've decided to move - there's no reason to even touch that room, so - we're not. If we don't have a real estate deal by around November, we're going to have to change that 2nd bedroom into a nursery for the time being.

[wagsgirl]

QOTD: Well....right now, we're in a 2 bedroom condo. Our two little ones already share a room. The baby will be in our room in a bassinet for a while and hopefully, by the time the baby needs to move into it's own room, we'll have sold this condo and bought a new home. :)

Had my appt today. Baby's heartbeat was strong. I had to take the 2 kids with me and they were great. My doc (who delivered both of them) couldn't believe how big they were! Next appt isn't until Sept 7 because of insurance changes and then the appt after that is Sept 22. I'll be scheduling the "big" ultrasound then, I believe, even though we're not finding out the sex, I'm really excited about seeing the baby again!

[January2007Mommies]

UPDATED TO HERE
FYI

- You may have noticed that I haven't updated the first page with belly pics and u/s pics lately.
This is because I am waiting until we have enough of those to start creating those Mommy ID's...

- Also, the thread name has been changed to January 2007 Mommies - The 2nd Trimester is finally here!
I guess we'll just wait until we go over 1,000 posts to start a Part 2 thread.

[Elenna]

Ginger: I really hope your week gets better. Take care of yourself.

Wine-o-girlie: Wow, sounds like you have a great boss.


QOTD: We started thinking about the baby room shortly after getting pregnant. I know what theme I want- a unisex fairy tale theme. The inspiration is from a castle light switch cover I bought for my craft room months and months ago, but I think it is perfect for the nursery. (My craft room will become the nursery.)

[ButterflyJen]

Ginger, I'm so sorry! I hope this eases up for you VERY soon.

Julie, hope the congestion goes away. And I hear ya on the appetite being back! That's why I can't believe I lost a pound. VERY strange indeed! I'm making up for it though. ;) I'll probably gain a ton this month!!

Zhanna, oh hon, I'm sorry about your migraine too. :( I had never heard that about a banana peel, but I guess it didn't help you, huh? Glad it went away, though, on its own!

wine-o - I lost this time around too, but I think I'm about even with what I was at the beginning, which is just bizarre. I'm sure it's all right overall, but it can't hurt to eat more, right? ;) I'm taking that to heart! Your boss ROCKS!!!

Tonya, yay for your nice strong h/b too! :)

QOTD: Our plan is to move DD out of the crib and into her own big-girl room, so Peanut would have DD's room (decorated in sun-moon-stars theme). That's our plan. We'll see how it goes. ;)

Hi everyone! Not much new here. DD is sick with what we think is hand foot & mouth disease. Fun times. That's really it from here (that and eating even more than I was before, LOL!)

[mommydearest]

QOTD: Ours is almost done. I still am looking for a white changing table that is sturdy and not Jenny Lind style, a small white table, and a glider/rocker. I ordered a great table from IKEA but when it came, it was too tall. Luckily, it is perfect for a nightstand in our guest room, so I just ordered another one to match. But, that still leaves me with a table lamp sitting on the floor for now... All I can say is that I'm addicted to Pottery Barn Kids. Now if only the sheets there were softer...I have one for show until the baby is born, then I'm breaking out the flannel ones I got at Target that feel much better.

[jmvan74]

Zhanna:Sorry about the horrible migraine.:eek: I hope you don't have to go through that again.

wine_o: Glad your appt. went well and you like your midwives. Your boss sounds awsome! What a relief. Cute dress, too!

wagsgirl:Hooray for a strong HB. I know there will be times that DS will be accompanying me on my visits as well. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do. ;)

Elenna: A fairy tale theme sounds adorable. :p BTW...I love your name! It's on my list, the only problem is I have a horrible time remembering how to spell it. :o

Jen: The congestion stinks. I remember being so happy after DS was born b/c I could breath again! LOL! As for weight. I don't think I've gained or lost anything. At least according to my scale. I know I'll pack it on at the end!
Sorry DD is sick. :( Collin has a nasty cough and runny nose.

Kristen: Gotta love flannel sheets! The PBK flannel sheet I have is very soft, but I don't have any of their cotton sheets.

QOTD: Our guest room will become the new nursery and my craft room will become the guest room. We are going to paint it green (Christopher Robin's Swing...from Home Depot). If we are having a girl, I want to do a ladybug theme and if it's a boy, I want to do a train theme. We'll see.

[zhannushka]

wine_o_girlie - Wow, you've got a great boss! I still haven't called my company's benefits hotline to find out how our maternity leave works...

wagsgirl - YAY for a good appointment and strong h/b! :D

Jen, sorry to hear that DD is sick... :( Hope she feels better soon!

Nothing new here. I am 17 weeks today - it seems almost surreal to me! :rolleyes: I have been feeling some abdominal pressure in the last few days - it's not painful or anything, just uncomfortable. It's not all the time that I feel it - normally it just means that I have to pee... I was wondering - is anyone else feeling anything similar?

Also, I have a QOTD for everyone: Is anyone planning a vacation before the baby is born?

I really want to go to Europe in October (our usual annual trip), but DH is afraid that if I need medical help while were are there (due to being 6 months pregnant by then), it may be a problem. Also, while my doctor said that flying is perfectly OK, my parents (they are both MD's) and some friends tell me not to fly. :(

[jmvan74]

Zhanna: I had a lot of pressure and stretching pains with DS. This time around it's been different. It sounds pretty standard. ;) I do have some tightness and it's easier for me to sit up (from lying down) if I roll to my side first. You seem to be having a normal pregnancy, so I really don't see any reason why you shouldn't take your trip to Eruope.

Vacation: We already have a little one, so our last hurrah was our honeymoon! It was 2 months before I got pg with Collin. We just got back from a family vacation, but with a 13 month old, it's not all that relaxing! LOL!:D

[thechick79]

Nursery QOTD: We might move to Pensacola in a few months so we're not sure if we're going to do be doing the nursery at our current house. I sort of have a theme and colors picked out. I just want to find out for sure if we're moving (depends on my husband's company) and then I can really start planning.

Vacation QOTD: We are going to Europe in mid-September. We were considering not going when I got pregnant. But our doctor said it was fine and just make sure to get up often during our flight. I'm excited since we've never been!

ETA: Zhanna - I have that feeling too. Does it feel like you are full from a meal? That's how it feels for me and I feel like I need to suck in or something.

[Winter Biscuit]

All I can say is that I'm addicted to Pottery Barn Kids. I know the feeling! Every time I get their catalog, I want just about everything I see! :)

Lucy VanPelt - so sorry to hear about your migraines and trip to the ER. :( I hope you are feeling better!

Zhanna - I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your migraines will STAY AWAY!

wine_o-girlie - that's awesome that your boss is so excited for you :)

Hi to anyone else I've missed.

QOTD re: baby's room -- we moved to a brand new house in May 2005 so the baby's room is already painted a light green color. I'll need to look the color up, but I really like it. It's not too pastel-y (if that's a word?!) and just looks really nice. We just need to move DD's nursery furniture into the baby's room (and get her some new furniture), get some window coverings (right now I'm thinking wood blinds but DH wants to get some unisex PBK panels), and decide if we want to decorate it now or just wait until after the baby is born when we know whether it's a boy or a girl. It would be easy to add pink or lavendar accents if it's a girl, or blue accents if it's a boy, but the thought of having the nursery DONE before the baby even arrives sounds nice too!

QOTD re: vacation -- we just took a family vacation to Florida this past spring so I doubt we will be going go on any "big" vacations before this baby comes. I do have a girls' weekend planned with my college girlfriends in early December (involving lots of shopping and a trip to the spa) and I'm sure we'll spend time at the lake (my parents live on Lake Michigan) or in northern Michigan (DH's family has a cabin up there) on various weekends throughout the rest of the summer and fall, but that's about it as far as vacations go.

Edited to add how far along I am. Zhanna, I always forget to add that too!

[Lucy Van Pelt]

At least - I don't have a headache!!! Who know how long this break will last though...:rolleyes:

I just got home from my parents' house. It's nice to be home. Miss Lucy is home too and I can tell she is happy to be here. She is already sacked out on the bed!

Yesterday I went with my mom and my SIL to a independent baby store. I saw the crib I loved!! It's by Baby's Dream. I don't care for the cribs that the whole side moves down and the cribs with no moving sides make me a bit nervous because I am pretty short. The Baby's Dream crib has a top panel that folds down.

I had already decided that if this baby is a boy that I was going to use the Playful Puppies pattern by Sumersault. I was so excited when I saw the bedding on a crib...but then I was disapointed because I didn't think it was a nice as a lot of the other patterns I liked. So now if we have a boy, I really like the Leap Froggie by Kids Line, or Turtle Bay or Monkey Business by Cocalo.

For a girl, I found a pattern that I hadn't seen online, but I fell in love with. It's called Fashion Frogs by Kelly Rightsell Designs. It's so cute...but it's pricey - $400 for the 4 piece crib set. I just don't think I need to spend that much money. I am going to be a SAHM so I should conserve money when I can.

[jilly]

Hi all!

Just got back from the dr. All is well. I'm up 1lb, and the heartbeat was strong and fast.

Unfortunately I've pulled a muscle right up under my braline. Dang, it hurts, especially when I'm lying down and try to get up. The dr. said to take it easy, but how is that supposed to happen when I've got to pick up and put down a 25lb son a 100 times per day. I hope it heals, because I'd hate to think that I'll have to deal with this for the next 20+ weeks. I mean, I'm not even big yet, so the aches shouldn't be starting already!:mad:

Other than that, I'm set to schedule my big u/s. Will do that this afternoon! :)

qotd nurseryI'm a planner, and am definitely thinking about the new baby's room a lot. I'm torn as to whether we'll move DS into our other spare room or not, etc etc. Of course, it makes no sense to do anything until we find out the sex. And really even then, there's not much to do anyway since the baby will be using most of DS's furniture. We're hoping to transition DS out of his crib (he'll be 22 mos at the birth) after the baby comes. I want to avoid buying another crib at all costs. But we'll see. Last time I had DS in our room in the PNP for four months. So there really is no hurry. Just my anticipation and excitement to do some baby shopping!!!

qotd tripsFor DS, we went to Fiji as our last big hoorah. (and actually I was 10 wks preggo) I am taking DS with me to Hawaii in 10 days. My DH is over going to the beach (not a sun person, like me), but my whole family is going, so DS and I are going with them. Won't be the relaxing, tranquil babymoon that our last trip was. But it will be still nice to get away. I'll have a lot of help, so let's hope I get "some" time to relax.

[mommydearest]

I hadn't told any of my violin lessons families I am pregnant yet because I hadn't seen them since we found out. Well, apparently living in a small town, word gets around. So, when I went today, one of the moms had made me a big baby basket. I feel so loved! She had lots of socks and toys in it, and bibs, pacifiers, and a book. She swears you lose socks all the time, so you can never have enough. I was totally surprised because I hadn't told them yet and they had gone most of the summer.

Ginger:Leap Froggie is adorable! I love the colors. I'm glad you are feeling better.

Zhanna: I feel pressue before I have to pee too. Its like a warning system: Pee or else!

Jen: Hope DD gets better soon.

QOTD:DH's bro is getting married about 3 hours from here in October, and then a good friend is getting married in Illinois the following weekend, so that will be our travel.

[jilly]

BIG u/s: Aug 23rd!!!!:)

[magdesilver]

Have my appt. with the genetic OB tomorrow, so hopefully I will get my u/s date then!!

QOTD nursery DD will be 21 months old when the new baby arrives, and I am NOT planning on transitioning her to a toddler/big girl bed. For one, she sleeps awesome in her crib. A good 13 hours at night plus a 2 hour nap each day. I really don't want to mess with that and lose sleep right now! For another thing, her crib turns into a toddler bed so I don't see the point in spending $100 or more on a toddler bed when I can put that towards a new crib. No matter what, we need a new dresser so I don't feel like it's that much more for a crib. I might buy a used one through my mom's group. Ginger we have a baby's dream crib and dresser and love them! I have the generation next dropside and it's very well made, and the matching double dresser that we use the top for a changing table and it works great and is a perfect height for it. They do not sell them online, though, only through retailers. Also javisdavis.com has the kelly rightsell frogs fabric right now and it's probably not $400 for the set. I would also advise against the quilt/blanket from the crib set unless you are going to hang it. For us it has been a big fat waste- we never use it! Since DD is staying in her nursery she is keeping her bedding that I had custom made for her, it's pink and green patchwork and I love it. If we have a boy, I already bought the potter barn airplanes bedding and we will do a navy blue crib and dresser/changing table. If we have a girl I think I am going to do something with lavendar since I already have DD's room in pink. We'll see!

QOTD no travelling here. I am not a good flier (funny since my DH is a pilot!) and it's a big pain to take trips with DD alone since DH is gone so much. We took a trip last weekend to visit family and that was fun though!