November 06 Mommies ~ The 2nd Trimester!!!

[November06Mommies]

We're in the 2nd Trimester!!!

http://www.annegeddes.com/images/leftFrame/14.jpg http://www.pregnancy.org/images/pregnancy/pregnancycalendar/18week125.jpg

36 Mommies-to-be
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i265/4kidzmom/Team_Blue.gif 18 Calla Lilly, catgirl1007, CityGirl, ellidew, kadee_29, lisainpink, lisariv, Lydia, mermccau, nic, Rubbersoul, scarlett74, Sinclair319, Lilo, Rancid13, roberta, civats, acrane
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i265/4kidzmom/Team_Pink.gif 11 bijouparvin, Franni, Ilovemygeek, katnbug, Kyrsten, mayham, Sare79, Lilla, mimieliza, brio96, Lizzie Beth
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i265/4kidzmom/Team_Green.gif 3 ausi2b, ppwgal, BethIrish
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i265/4kidzmom/Team_Yellow.gif 4 Ade, amyspike, cjci, Neenbean

Please list your stats in RED in your first post.

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

*Please posts all updates in RED.
*When posting, please put in the subject line how far along you are!
1st trimester pics (http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment1.php#week1) 2nd trimester pics (http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment2.php)

Images courtesy of www.annegeddes.com and www.pregnancy.org

Threadmistress' ~ kadee_29, mimieliza and nic
Please contact one of them if you have any problems with the thread.

[November06Mommies]

36 Moms to be

Username: acrane It's a BOY!!!
Me: Alison, 33
DH: Mike, 30
Married: 8-18-02
TTC: N/A
BFP: 3-14-06
EDD: 11-26-06
Gender Prediction: Girl
Any other children: DS Andrew, 02-03-04

Username: Ade
Me: Adrienne, 30
DH: Clay, 30
Married: 8/10/02
TTC: really weren't trying, just decided to stop "avoiding"
BFP: 3/4/06
EDD: 11/4/06
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children: 2 dogs and a cat

Username: amyspike
Me: amy, 32
DH: Steven, 28
Married: April 26, 2003
TTC: Since Feb 2006
BFP: February 15, 2006
EDD: November 22
Gender Prediction: Girl

Username: ausi2b It's a SURPRISE!!!
Me: ausi2b, 28
DH: 28
Married: 08/11/02
TTC: October 2005
BFP: 3/19/06
EDD: November 26
Gender Prediction: No idea
Any other children: None

Username: BethIrish It's a SURPRISE!!!
Me: Beth, 28
DH: Tim, 32
Married: 12/06/03
TTC: Dec 05
BFP: 3/11/06
EDD: 11/21/06
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children: Just our pets, Neala (dog) Frasier & Maddie (cats)

Username: bijouparvin It's a GIRL!!!
Me: 28
DH: 28
Married: 8/6/04
TTC: SWH since 1/06
BFP: 3/13/06
EDD: 11/17/06
Gender Prediction:???
Any other children:Only furbabies - 2 kitties

Username: brio96 It's a GIRL!!!
Me: Amy, 30
DH: Jim, 32
Married: 10/26/02
TTC: February 2006
BFP: 3/14/06
EDD: 11/18/2006
Gender Prediction: ?
Any other children: Sarah-12/1/04

Username: Calla Lilly It's a BOY!!!
Me: Name, Erin 31
DH: Name, Gary 36
Married: 8/31/05
TTC: 2/06
BFP: March 11 (very faint)
EDD: 11/23 (Thanksgiving)
Gender Prediction: No guesses
Any other children: None.

Username: catgirl1007 It's a BOY!!!
DC: Devin Patrick
Me: 36
DH: 36
Married: 10/25/03
TTC: 11/05
BFP: 2/28/06
EDD: 11/9/06
Gender Prediction: Girl
Any other children: DD 10/8/04

Username: CityGirl It's a BOY!!!
Me: Jen, 29
DH: 32
Married: 10.10.02
TTC: 11.04
BFP: 3.09.06
EDD: 11.17.06
Gender Prediction: either a boy or a girl ;)
Any other children: 2 furbabies

Username: civats It's a BOY!!!
Me: Stac, 33
DH: Vic, 45
Married: February 29, 2004
TTC: June 2005
BFP: February 22, 2006
EDD: Nov 11 - 16, 2006!!!!
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children:Nope. This is our first bundle of joy!

Username: cjci
Me: Christa, 32
DH: John, 32
Married: 9/7/02
TTC: Feb '06!
BFP: 3/24/06
EDD: 11/30/06
Gender Prediction: no idea!
Any other children: Isabella, DOB-2/11/04

Username: ellidew It's a BOY!!!
Me: ellidew, 25
DH: 27
Married: June 1, 2002
TTC: Jan 2005
BFP: February 25, 2006
EDD: November 7, 2006
Gender Prediction: Boy (don't know why just thought i'd always have boys)
Any other children: Any other children: Bogart (Poodle, Schnauzer, Shih Tzu mix)

Username: Franni It's a GIRL!!!
Me: Franni, 36
DH: G, 30
Married: 09/21/02
BFP: 03/24/06
EDD: November 25
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children: DD, 10/20/04

Username:Ilovemygeek It's a GIRL!!!
DC: Daria Lynn
Me: Rachel, 23
DH: Trevor, 23
Married: June 8, 2002
TTC: June 2005
BFP: March 5, 2006
EDD: November 13, 2006
Gender Prediction: I have a feeling it is a boy, but DH says girl.
Any other children: None

Username: kadee_29 It's a BOY!!!
Me: Kristen, 30
DH: B, 28
Married: June 8, 2001
TTC: Ummm....we thought we were done having kids :eek:
BFP: February 19
EDD: November 4, 2006
Gender Prediction: Well I started with Girl but now I think Boy
Any other children: Kaitlyn 1/3/98 and Noah 11/5/03

Username: Katnbug It's a GIRL!!!
DC: Hilary Ann
Me: 36
DH: 31
Married: 4/26/03
TTC: 1/06
BFP: 2/22/06
EDD: 11/3/06
Gender Prediction: Girl
Any other children: DS Grayson 9/30/04

Username: Kyrsten It's a GIRL!!!
DC: Anabella Chloe Layne ‘Ella’
Me: Kyrsten, 30
DH: John, 32
Married: September 22, 2001
TTC: January 28, 2006
BFP: February 21, 2006
EDD: November 2, 2006
Gender Prediction: girl
Any other children: just 2 dogs

Username: Lilla It's a GIRL!!!
Me: Kim, 30
DH: Tony, 33
Married: October 12, 2002
TTC: Jan 2006
BFP: February 23, 2006
EDD: November 4
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children: Nope, just 2 Golden Retrievers!

Username: Lilo It's a BOY!!!
Me: Nicole, 30
Married: 2002
TTC: January 2006
BFP: March 17th
EDD: November 24th
Gender Prediction: boy
Any other children: 1 dog

Username: lisainpink It's a BOY!!!
Me: 31
DH: 34
Married: 06/18/2005
TTC: SWH since June 05, Charting 01/06
BFP: 3/07/06
EDD: November 17
Gender Prediction: your guess is as good as mine
Any other children: furry- Jesse my jack russell- she is 10

Username: lisariv It's a BOY!!!
Me: Lisa, 29
DH: 29
Married: 4/28/2001
TTC: Just kind of SWH as of 2/06
BFP: 3/15/06
EDD: 11/17/06
Gender Prediction: not sure, but thinking boy.
Any other children: DD 6/12/04

Username: Lizzie Beth It's a GIRL!!!
Me: Beth, 31
DH: 32
Married: June 15, 2002
TTC: Was trying to avoid...
BFP: 3/16/06
EDD: 11/21/2006
Gender Prediction: Girl. I'd lay money on it.
Any other children: Susannah, b. 12/26/04

Username: Lydia It's a BOY!!!
Me: Lydia, 28
DH: Matt, 28
Married: 04/13/02
TTC: since my 6 week PP checkup and the "OK" from the OB
BFP: 3/7/06
EDD: 11/2/06
Any other children: A beautiful baby girl named Madison, born 04/24/05

Username: mayham It's a GIRL!!!
Me: 28
DH: 29
Married: 2002
TTC: 3/05
BFP: 3/16/06
EDD: 11/25/06
Gender Prediction: girl
Any other children: none

Username: mermccau It's a BOY!!!
DC: Conner Aramis
Me: Meredith, 35
DH: Sean, 31
Married: September 6, 2003
TTC: since June of 2005
BFP: March 13, 2006
EDD: November 11, 2006
Gender Prediction: Girl
Any other children: none

Username: mimieliza It's a GIRL!!!
DC: Miranda Kimie
Me: Michelle, 28
DH: Reid, 29
Married: August 9, 2003
TTC: 12/2005
BFP: 2/26/2006
EDD: November 10, 2006
Gender Prediction: boy
Any other children: 2 Australian Shepherds - Miles and Blue

Username: Neenbean
Me: Neen, 30
DH: 30
Married: 11~15~03
TTC: SWH since 9~05
BFP: 3~25~06
EDD: 11~30~06
Gender Prediction: boy, but I honestly am not sure at all
Any other children: DD, 3~19~05

Username: nic It's a BOY!!!
Me: Nicole, 31
DH: Larry, 33
Married: June 22, 2002
TTC: we were just seeing what happens
BFP: February 28, 2006
EDD: November 3, 2006
Gender Prediction: Girl-I've always thought we've have one child and she'd be a girl
Any other children: This is our first

Username: ppwgal It's a SURPRISE!!!
Me: Tracy, 29
DH: 32
Married: June 18, 2005
TTC: Wasn't trying
BFP: 3/4/06
EDD: 11/12/2006
Gender Prediction: ???
Any other children: Nope

Username: Rancid13 It's a BOY!!!
Me: Jennifer, 27
DH: Sonny, 30
Married: December 13, 2003
TTC: March 1, 2006
BFP: March 25, 2006 (2 HPT's); March 28, 2006 (doctor)
EDD: November 30, 2006
Gender Prediction: Hoping for a girl!!!
Any other children: No
First official obgyn appt: April 28, 2006

Username: roberta It's a BOY!!!
Me: Roberta, 27
DH: Zak, 29
Married: 11/15/03
TTC: 10/05
BFP: 3/16/06
EDD: 11/24/06
Gender Prediction:Girl
Any other children: 2 fur children, a pug and an Australian shepherd

Username: Rubbersoul It's a BOY!!!
DC: Ian Alexander
Me: Ann, 29
DH: Jack, 29
Married: October 22, 2005
TTC: Feb. 2006
BFP: March 3, 2006
EDD: November 13, 2006
Gender Prediction: Girl
Any other children: Just our Lab Hunter

Username: Sare79 It's a GIRL!!!
DC: Carys Kendra
Me: Sarah, 26
DH: Joel, 26
Married: Oct. 15/05
TTC: May 2005
BFP: March 16/06
EDD: Nov. 25/06
Gender Predictions: Girl (twins)
No other kids

Username: scarlett74 It's a BOY!!!
DC: Francesco Michele
Me: Rossella, 32
DH: Paolo, 33
Married: 22nd May 2004
TTC: we were just seeing what happens from October 2005
BFP: 21st March 2006
EDD: 22nd November 2006
Gender Prediction: I'd slightly prefer a boy
Any other children:none

Username: Sinclair319 It's a BOY!!!
DC: Corbin Sinclair
Me: Jen, 29 (on 3/19)
DH: C, 34
Married: 11.08.03
TTC: July 04
BFP: 2.25.06
EDD: 11.05.06
Gender Prediction: Girl
Any other children: our 2 furbabies, Sadie and Guinness

In Our Thoughts and Prayers:
LynzeyAHL, Jeggink and littlemia

[November06Mommies]

Due Dates and Dr./Midwife Appointments

Due Dates

November 2
Lydia, Kyrsten

November 3
katnbug, nic

November 4
Lilla, Ade, kadee_29

November 5
Sinclair319

November 7
ellidew

November 9
catgirl1007

November 10
mimieliza

November 11
civats, mermccau

November 12
ppwgal

November 13
Ilovemygeek, Rubbersoul

November 17
CityGirl, bijouparvin, lisariv, lisainpink

November 18
brio96

November 20
roberta

November 21
BethIrish, Lizzie Beth, Sare79

November 22
scarlett74, amyspike, neenbean

November 23
Calla Lilly

November 24
Lilo

November 25
mayham, Franni

November 26
acrane, ausi2b

November 30
Neenbean, cjci, Rancid13

Dr./Midwife Appointments

July
26~Rancid13 (u/s)
28~Lilla
31~ppwgal (u/s), acrane

August
2~Sare79
3~roberta
7~Rubbersoul, nic, scarlett74 (u/s), bijouparvin
11~ellidew (dr and u/s), katnbug
14~Sare79 (u/s), catgirl1007
17~neenbean (u/s)
24~mermccau

[November06Mommies]

Ultrasound Pictures

Kyrsten It's a GIRL!!
http://static.flickr.com/66/165804844_d2024e0306.jpg?v=0

kadee_29 It's a BOY!!
http://images1.snapfish.com/3475696%3B9%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3236%3E%3A%3A3%3E8%3B%3 A%3EWSNRCG%3D323385%3C9%3B%3B42%3Anu0mrj

ellidew It's a BOY!!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/20weekbabyprofile.jpg

Lilla It's a GIRL!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/berlymc/Babyprofilecrop.jpg

bijouparvin It's a GIRL!!
http://images1.snapfish.com/3473%3A75%3A%3A%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3244%3E393%3E462%3E WSNRCG%3D32338594%3A9%3B3%3Anu0mrj

acrane It's a BOY!!
http://images1.snapfish.com/34757%3B64%3B%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3236%3E%3A%3A3%3E8%3B %3A%3EWSNRCG%3D323392%3A7%3A8795nu0mrj

[November06Mommies]

U/S Pics Take 2

katnbug It's a GIRL!!
http://images1.snapfish.com/347388487%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D327%3B%3E663%3E47%3A%3EWS NRCG%3D323384%3B%3A33%3A57nu0mrj

mayham
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/lamki/us.jpg

scarlett74
http://rossy.zoto.com/img/45/a88ed74559f93669dd0495e790f8a815.jpg

RubberSoul
http://images.snapfish.com/34689534%3B%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3237%3E275%3E9%3C%3B%3E WSNRCG%3D32336757%3B857%3Bnu0mrj

mermccau It's a BOY!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/mermccau/scan2.jpg

[November06Mommies]

Sare79 It's a GIRL!!
http://images1.snapfish.com/347483%3B87%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D324%3A%3E8%3A8%3E659%3E WSNRCG%3D323387%3B354535nu0mrj

Sinclair319 It's a BOY!!
http://static.flickr.com/70/161713024_ae07bbb54a_m.jpg

Rancid13 It's a BOY!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/rancid13/us003.jpg

roberta It's a BOY!!
http://static.flickr.com/57/186570604_3dc1eaaa14_m.jpg

[November06Mommies]

U/S Pics Take 4

[November06Mommies]

Belly Shots

Lydia
http://images1.snapfish.com/34753687%3A%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3238%3E%3B96%3E634%3EWS NRCG%3D323388633%3A%3A58nu0mrj

mermccau 20w
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/mermccau/Baby/20weeks.jpg

mimieliza 20w
http://mimieliza.smugmug.com/photos/80678762-M.jpg

Rubbersoul comparison 14w5d vs 19w6d
http://images1.snapfish.com/3474489%3B4%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3237%3E275%3E9%3C%3B%3E WSNRCG%3D323387496%3B%3B78nu0mrj

scarlett74 15w2d
http://rossy.zoto.com/img/45/bc2d85b72e8610406bb5bc59f09f724b.jpg

Sinclair319 21w
http://static.flickr.com/78/174589882_bccb078002_m.jpg

[November06Mommies]

Belly Shots Take 2

bijouparvin 20w
http://images1.snapfish.com/347536599%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3244%3E393%3E462%3EWSNRCG %3D32338%3A6437%3A66nu0mrj

Rancid 17w4d
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/rancid13/JenniferPictures010.jpg

lilla 21 weeks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/berlymc/Belly/21weeks_share.jpg

Kyrsten
http://static.flickr.com/72/197187414_cebf16a42e.jpg?v=0

[November06Mommies]

Belly Shots Take 3

[November06Mommies]

Helpful Links
Please feel free to suggest others.

Weekly Pregnancy Updates:
American Baby (www.americanbaby.com)
Baby Center (www.babycenter.com)
BabyZone (www.babyzone.com)
iVillage (www.ivillage.com)
StorkNet (www.pregnancyguideonline.com)
Target (www.target.com)
Very Best Baby (www.verybestbaby.com)


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


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


Maternity Shopping Sites:
A Pea In The Pod (http://www.apeainthepod.com/enter.asp?Media=&referer=http://www.constantchatter.com&EntryPoint=Home&YahooRedirect=True)
Baby Style (www.babystyle.com)
Belly Basics (www.bellybasics.com)
Bella Materna (www.bellamaterna.com)
Gap Maternity (http://www.gap.com/browse/subDivision.do?cid=5999)
JCPenney (www.jcpenney.com)
Mimi Maternity (http://www.mimimaternity.com/home.asp?Media=Motherhood)
Mom's The Word (www.momstheword.com)
Motherhood Maternity (http://www.motherhood.com/home.asp?Media=LinkShare|1xxcmpLMYS8-)
Old Navy (http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/division.do?cid=5758)
Target (www.target.com)
Lane Bryant (http://www.lbcatalog.com/lbcatalog/layout/layout.asp?referer=1&dept_id=7221&rootdept=600&)


Baby Registries:
Babies 'R Us (www.babiesrus.com)
Baby Center (www.babycenter.com)
Baby Depot (http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/IWStoreBCF.process?IWAction=Load&proc=IWCatSectionView&Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1395)
BabyStyle (www.babystyle.com)
Buy Buy Baby (www.buybuybaby.com)
Sears (www.sears.com)
Target (www.target.com)
USA Baby (www.usababy.com)
Walmart (www.walmart.com)


Baby Shopping Sites:
Baby Age (www.babyage.com)
Baby Ant (http://store.yahoo.com/babyant/index.html)
Baby Bazaar (www.babybazaar.com)
BabyBox (www.babybox.com)
Baby Center's Store (www.store.babycenter.com)
Baby Depot (http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/IWStoreBCF.process?IWAction=Load&proc=IWCatSectionView&Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1395)
Baby Dilly (www.babydilly.com)
Baby Dreams (www.babydreams.com)
Babies 'R Us (www.babiesrus.com)
Baby Style (www.babystyle.com)
Baby Universe (www.babyuniverse.com)
Carousel Designs (www.carouseldesigns.com)
Dimples & Dandelions (http://www.dimplesanddandelions.com/index.asp)
Disney Baby (http://disney.go.com/disneybaby/)
Dreamtime Baby (www.dreamtimebaby.com)
Elegant Baby (www.elegantbabygifts.com)
Fisher Price (http://www.fisher-price.com/us/default.asp)
Gap (www.gap.com)
Graco (http://www.gracobaby.com/default.aspx)
Gymboree (www.gymboree.com)
In The Treetop (http://www.inthetreetop.com/default.aspx)
JCPenney (www.jcpenney.com)
Land of Nod (www.landofnod.com)
Little Show Offs (www.littleshowoffs.com)
Net Kids Wear (www.netkidswear.com)
Nursery Depot (www.nurserydepot.com)
Old Navy (www.oldnavy.com)
One of a Kind (www.oneofakindkid.com)
One Step Ahead (http://www.onestepahead.com/jump.jsp?lGen=category&itemType=GATEWAY&itemID=117&iMainCat=117&change=117)
Pokkadots (www.pokkadots.com/index.cfm)
Pottery Barn Kids (www.potterybarnkids.com)
Signature Baby (www.signaturebaby.com)
Target Baby (http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html/ref=nav_t_spc_3_1/601-7181921-9687331?%5Fencoding=UTF8&node=1038590)
The Baby Marketplace (www.thebabymarketplace.com)
The Children's Place (www.thechildrensplace.com)
Tutti Bella (www.tuttibella.com)
Wendy Bellissimo (http://www.wendybellissimo.com/home/index.php)
Overview Baby Skin Products (http://www.cosmeticscop.com/learn/article.asp?PAGETYPE=ART&REFER=SKIN&ID=14)

[November06Mommies]

Helpful Links Cont.

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


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


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


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


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


Cord Blood/Stem Cell Info:
Secureacell (www.secureacell.com)
Viacord (www.viacord.com)
Cord Blood (www.cordblood.com)
Cryobank (www.cryobank.com)
www.lifebankusa.com
www.corcell.com
www.cryo-cell.com


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


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


Fun Stuff
Jewel Kids Lifetime Mothers (www.lifetimemothers.com)
Baby Pool (Have friends compete in a baby due date contest) (www.expectnet.com)

[November06Mommies]

Books for the Expectant Mother

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Books for the Expectant Father

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

The Expectant Father
By Armin A. Brott & Jennifer Ash

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

[November06Mommies]

WELCOME TO THE NEW THREAD!!!!

Please double check your stats on the first page.


HAPPY SECOND TRIMESTER!!!!!!!!!

[neenbean]

subscribing- even if I am not officially in the 2nd tri. ;)


Thanks Kadee! :)

[ellidew]

YAY! Thanks for the new thread! :D

I'm really looking forward to the 2nd trimester! I can officially say after 3 days of only minor occasional ms that i am happy to finally be almost out of the first trimester. Well, by some accounts i'm already in the 2nd trimester but by others i still have 4 days to go so it depends on how you look at it. ;) In any regards... only 187 days to go! lol.

Can you please make a change to my profile? It's been bothering me since the beginning...
Any other children: Bogart (Poodle, Schnauzer, Shih Tzu mix)
Also, my EDD was changed to November 7, 2006

Bogart will always be our first child! I think I was just so excited about an actual human baby that i totally left out our furbaby! I feel like such a horrible parent! He's been getting lots and lots of extra attention lately to make up for it. I really have felt terrible about leaving him out then not fixing it. Maybe it's hormones? lol.

Thanks!

[katnbug]

I'm here and subscribing!!

Yippee for the 2nd trimester!!

One change to my stats & not big deal...

Please change under "other children" DS is no longer 17 months. Since this will keep changing, could you please just remove his age and put DS Grayson 9/30/04. Thanks!!

[mayham]

kadee - thanks for the new thread!

I'm not in the 2nd trimester yet either. I can't wait until I reach that milestone, and am jealous of all of you that are already there!

[lilo]

So exciting that we have a 2nd trimester thread now! I'm not in the 2nd trimester yet either but it's definitely something to look foward to! :)

question: when does the 2nd trimester officially begin? 13 weeks?

[ellidew]

question: when does the 2nd trimester officially begin? 13 weeks?

From what i gathered it depends on who you ask or what book you read! lol. Some people/books say at the start of 13 weeks and others say the start of 14 weeks.

You can split the middle! lol. 13.5 weeks! That's my official answer :D

[mermccau]

Subscribing :)

[Toonces]

I'm going w/ the start of week 13 as 2nd tri, so I'm officially in 2nd tri today! :D

lisainpink ~ Congrats on the wonderful news!! You must be very relieved. Regarding the belly line... I'm not sure if the sun will make it darker. I'm fair skinned, light hair and mine got dark brown by the time I delivered my DD and I wasn't in the sun. If you BF, it'll take a little longer to fade. I'm still BF'ing DD and mine finally faded after 12 mos.

[Toonces]

Forgot to subscribe. :o

[RubberSoul]

lisainpink- happy to hear your cervix closed on its own! Congrats on your boy. I am not sure about the sun's effect on the tummy line. I imagine that it would make it darker, but doesn't the line go away after pregnancy?

neen- sorry I don't know the insurance code either.

citygirl- I don't know anything about massive ovarian edema. I hope that it doesn't affect anything.

Calla- I haven't really figured out any of the baby items yet. The car seat/stroller issue is one I have been thinking about too! I am not sure if I want to buy an infant car seat and a convertible car seat for when the kid gets bigger OR if I should just get the convertible car seat to save some money. I am so confused. Add a stroller into the mix and I am dizzy. I do know that I will probably buy a Britax since it seems they have a great safety rating. If we do buy an infant seat I have no idea what brand to get. Sometimes I feel like the decisions to make for baby items is more overwhelming than the decisions I had to make when planning my wedding. I can't believe I am going to say this, but planning the wedding seems much easier.

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

Yay for the second trimester thread! I am going to consider myself in the 2nd Tri. when I hit 13w3d since that is what I get when I divide 40/3.

I am so happy to report I actually got 8 hours of sleep last night! I did wake a few times, but refused to get out of bed to pee and just went back to sleep. The only drawback is I was about to burst when I woke up this morning. I feel like a whole new person today. I just hope I can keep getting the sleep I need.

[Sinclair319]

Threadmistress--Thanks for the new thread! I noticed the link to 2nd trimester picts in the first post is off. Here is the correct link http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment2.php

[brio96]

Subscribing.

I'm still here, just not posting too much these days because I'm still exhausted and sick. DD turned into a full blown toddler almost overnight and I'm trying to keep up with her and her ever changing moods/needs/whims.

As far as strollers/car seats, we got the Metrolite Graco Travel System (with the Snug Ride car seat) for her infant days (through 10 months) and then got an Evenflo Triumph for her convertible seat. We were really happy with both options and especially liked the convenience of the Travel System. A few friends used the Snap and Go in conjunction with their snug ride and were thrilled with that because it was so light and easy to use. The only negative was that they then had to buy a separate stroller once the child outgrew the infant carrier. You'll find pros and cons on every kind of car seat/stroller out there, so it's really a personal choice. You just have to decide what kind of use it's going to get and choose accordingly. For example, if you take the subway/live in a big city, you'd likely want something light and easy to maneuver (the Travel System is not)

We registered for (and received) our travel system so we really only wound up having to buy the convertible seat for her. It's a good "big gift" that a few people can go in on.

If you haven't already, pick up a recent copy of "Baby Bargains" at your local bookstore/Amazon. They have unbiased reviews of every type of baby product out there...including car seats/strollers etc. We found that book to be so valuable in registering and figuring out what we wanted.

We're in the process of figuring out what double stroller we want, so even as a RO, I'm going through the same "gear issues". :D

[scarlett74]

Here I am!
It's exciting having already a thread on the second trimester, even if I'm not into it yet...
But I'm seeing it every day closer! ;)

[katnbug]

strollers/carseats- Someone asked about this in the previous thread, right?? Like brio we also got the Graco Travel System w/Snug Ride car seat. I really like it. We still use the stroller when I feel the need to pack a ton of stuff with us.
They do outgrow the infant carseats pretty quickly. Why not register for the convertible seat as well?? I didn't do that, but I have friends who did and they got them both.

[Toonces]

Car seats ~ Like Brio96, we have the Graco (http://www.gracobaby.com/) Travel System. The place where I used to work gave those to expectant parents as a company benefit. DD was only in the Graco Snugride car seat for 3-4 months. Most infant seats fit babies up to 26", but they recommend moving them out of them when their heads are 1.5" from the top. For our DD, that was at 3-4 months. We got the Britax (http://www.britaxusa.net/products/browse.aspx) Marathon for her convertible and love it. I know that the convertibles can be used with newborns, but I'd still recommend an infant car seat. They are so tiny right after they're born and their heads are really floppy. I just felt safer having the Snugride. We love the Britax and plan on buying another one.

ETA: I agree with Kat, the Graco strollers do hold a lot in the bottom storage area. That is a drawback with the Combi (below).

Strollers/Carriers ~ I went crazy after DD was born and we have 4 strollers. :rolleyes: The one I like the most is the Combi (http://www.combi-intl.com/virtualshowroom/index.htm) and I'd highly recommend it. I'm getting a Combi double with a new infant carrier for the car. My very favorite baby carrier though is the Ergo Carrier (http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/). It holds children up to 65 lbs. and you can purchase an "infant insert" for newborns. We got another one for the new baby so that one of us can carry the baby, and one of us can carry our DD.

[Esq.]

YAY for the 2nd trimester thread!

threadmistress, my next appointments are 5/18 and 6/1

[kadee_29]

Sinclair ~ Thanks for the heads up on the link. I was having quite a time getting those links to go in correctly and obviously I still couldn’t get it right. I blame the pregnancy!!! LoL

I updated everything to this point. Just let me know if anything else needs to be changed.

Kyrsten ~ Since you are a mod can you lock the first thread?? Thanks!! :)

[Esq.]

Actually, I have no powers in this forum, but I can get it locked for us. :)

[Toonces]

I found some really cute t-shirts online at Mommy Loves (http://www.mommyloves.com/MaternityShirts1.html). I can't remember if we can post pics from web sites, so I'll err on the side of caution. I like the first one - "Do Not Open Until..."

[kadee_29]

Kyrsten ~ Thank you!!!

catgirl1007 ~ Those are cute. I just can't afford $35 a shirt. :(

[Rancid13]

Just a brief update needed on the first page:

My next doctor's appointment is May 26.

[lilo]

catgirl1007: thanks for posting that link for the t-shirts! They are super cute. I just ordered the one that says "We're due in September" for my girlfriend who is due in September. I might get the "Do Not Open Until..." for myself later on when I am showing. :)

And keep the recommendations coming on the car seats. I am really clueless when it comes to these things so it's great to hear first hand experiences of different products.

threadmistress, my next appointment is 5/8 for my 12 week appt. (nuchal translucency screening and AFP testing)

[Sinclair319]

Catgirl--What a perk at your former employer--we don't get anything where I work. Also thanks for the link to those shirts! I ordered this one
http://images.cafepress.com/product/46621741_240x240_F.jpg
from cafepress.com (http://www.cafepress.com)

It was pretty reasonably priced (only $18), my only complaint--it's just a large tshirt, it's not a maternity shirt. I think it will be cute to wear this summer, but when I get bigger, it'll be retired to the dresser drawers. :rolleyes:

[ellidew]

Just want to send a BIG THANK YOU to everyone that has discussed Gap maternity clothes. Without you I never would've found capri pants that i'm willing to wear! I also got a cute pair of shoes ;) Hey, the order had to be over $100 for free shipping. :D

Also, i LOVE LOVE LOVE that you can return maternity clothes to any Gap store or for FREE by mail! That's an awesome deal. Personally, i'm finding it hard to gauge sizes this early on.

Cute shirts catgirl1007! I like the shirt that has the definition of labor = epidural. It's cute.

[ausi2b]

LOVE gap maternity clothing. I just wish it weren't so darn expensive!! Ellidew show us your new goods! :)

[ellidew]

Well, if i must :D It's nothing exciting though...

http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/375/375090/main/gp375090-00p01v01.jpg

http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/375/375093/main/gp375093-00p01v01.jpg

http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/372/372637/main/gp372637-10p01v01.jpg

I hear ya on the price. I much prefer JCPenneys, Target, Old Navy, and Motherhood for cheapies but... I was willing to pay a pretty penny for nice capri pants. I wear them all summer to work so they are a must have. The cheapies just weren't cutting it for work!

[ausi2b]

I agree. My favorite capris were almost $50 at Gap but I love them. I'm almost thinking about getting another pair. I'm so ready to tell work that I'm pregnant. I want to wear tshirts and I'm still hiding in long sleeve button downs that are big on me!!

[bijouparvin]

Subscribing (even though I'm weeks behind in the other thread!). I haven't been sick in two weeks (knock on desk) and am having random productive bouts of energy but I'm generally hitting the pillow as soon as I'm home from work and fed. Thus, I haven't been here (or accomplished much else on my to-do list) for the last several weeks. Should be popping in on Monday with the most recent pic of the babe, though.

Have we discussed the nuchal transparency test? Some mom at my work said that it's standard these days and helps you find out the sex and a lot of other important stuff between 12 and 14 weeks. Why doesn't everyone know that early, then? Is she crazy?

Just asking.

[Calla Lilly]

11W

Thanks for starting the new thread. Can't believe we are on a 2nd tri thread!

bijouparvin- I am scheduled for that next next Friday. You might want to check out the pregnancy forumn because there was a recent thread on it. My doctor told me I have about a 30% chance I'll find out the sex then, and I was told they would probably disclaim it (i.e. it looks like it may be a....).

Ellidew- very cute things from the Gap. I have been looking at the same capris. The shoes are cute too!

My problem with the whole carseat thing is do I want to do the infant seat. And if so, do I want one of the big infant seats that can be used up to 30 lbs (97% of babies can use the first year). My understanding is those seats are huge and heavy...but i don't know if i really want to use it outside of the car anyway.

[CityGirl]

bijouparvin - I just had the 1st tri screening today. It was a really detailed sonogram, and we had a view between the legs, so I asked the technician if she could tell the gender. She said that at this age they all look like boys. Other than that it was really cool to see the baby moving around, sucking its thumb, kicking its legs, etc. Our numbers came back 1 in 10,000 which is the best number they give. Good stuff.

[Ilovemygeek]

Subscribing. Thanks for the new thread!

[civats]

Subscribing! :)

[Lydia]

Checking in!

My belly shot from last week!
http://images1.snapfish.com/3469%3A6956%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3238%3E%3B96%3E634%3EWS NRCG%3D32336%3A99%3A8976nu0mrj

[mermccau]

You are adorable, Lydia. :)

[Toonces]

Calla Lilly ~ I don't know anything about the infant seats that hold up to 30 lbs. The only thing I'd check on is the height limitations. That's where the other infant seats get you... they hold up to 20 lbs. (I think), but the height limitation is so short, that most babies outgrow them before they're 6 months old.

CityGirl ~ Congrats!! That's an awesome number! :)

Lydia ~ You look so good! That's a great belly shot. :)

[Sinclair319]

Gap maternity--I've found some *awesome* deals on ebay for brand new (tags still on) Gap maternity. I've also found a few used things in great condition. Definitely worth checking it out!

I'm 13w5d and can feel a small bump--it's between my belly button and pubic bone and just to the right of the midline. I'm guessing it's part of my uterus??? I was hoping that I was able to feel part of the head or something. Is anyone else this far along able to feel anything? I'm not feeling movement or anything, just this bump externally.

Doppler--I ordered my doppler from heartbeatsathome.com, it should be here Monday. It was $60 for 3 months, but they threw in an extra month free--$15 a month is very reasonable to me and I can't wait to have the reassurance!

[ellidew]

Sinclair - I think i can feel a bump near the area you are discussing but honestly... i don't know if that bump was there before :p I'm going to check out ebay. Thanks for the heads up.

lydia- Great belly shot! I almost took one last night but decided i'd wait until 14w and then do it at the week mark every 2 weeks or so. Don't know if i'll be confident enough to share.

ausi2b- Yup, that's close to what i paid. I think one pair was $45 and the other was on sale for $35. I guess if i had to buy regular capris i would've spent about the same and i wear the crap out of them so they rarely make it 2 seasons.

bijouparvin- Here's hopin'! I posted something similar yesterday about having a couple days of only minor ms and not constantly. Then last night i had the lovely experience of spaghetti going down then back up. The down part wasn't bad ;) I sincerely hope we are both out of the woods!

Calla Lilly- Thanks. I can't wait to get them and try them on!

CityGirl- AWESOME numbers! I still haven't decided if i want to do the test or not. I have until the 19th to decide. Ugh.

Not much new on my end. Just couting down to 14 weeks! lol. I can't believe we are almost to the half way mark! Well... if 6 weeks counts as half way. In the grand scheme of things it's close. I can't believe 14 weeks have passed! It seems like it's going so slow then i look back on the weeks gone by and they just flew!

[Lilla]

Yay for the new thread! And I'm happy to report that as of today, I am officially considering myself in the second tri. :happydance:

Doc appt this morning was great. DH got to hear the h/b whooshing away for the first time and he actually teared up. Got my bloodwork results back from the blood I had drawn last time. Then she asked us when we wanted to have the big u/s - at 18 or 22 weeks (probably because that is how the timing of my appts fall). I was SOOOOOOO tempted to go with 18 weeks, but she said we would be able to see things much more clearly at 22, so we opted for 22. I don't want to wait an extra 4 weeks only because I'm not a patient person, but I'd rather be able to see things more clearly especially when the tech is checking the important anatomy stuff (heart, etc.)

Also, FYI on the sunless tanners - doc said they were ok. I know we were discussing this a while back. I plan to use some, but not go overboard with it.

babystyle dress A few of you were wondering about that dress I ordered last week from babystyle.com. I got it yesterday and it's really cute! It fits perfectly and will grow with me very nicely over the summer. Very happy with my purchase!

Sinclair I can feel a bump/my uterus. The top of it is about 3/4 up to my belly button from my pubic bone.

ellidewCute Gap clothes! I really need to start buying some pants/capris. I am all of a sudden really quickly growing out of my regular stuff. Yikes!

ETA: Threadmistriss, my next appt is June 2 and my big u/s is June 30

[nic]

Kadee, I'm sorry you had to set up this new thread by yourself, I would have helped you. Thank you!

I had a good appointment with the NP yesterday. DH and I got to hear the heartbeat for the first time. I haven't gained any weight yet either. She wasn't too concerned since it's still early on, plus I've got a little extra padding anyway.


Lisainpink, that's great your cervix closed on its own, what a relief!

[November06Mommies]

Updated to here

[ellidew]

ARGH! I just did a search for a store near me that carries Gap Maternity and there isn't one! Not a single one in the entire city of Saint Louis! There is only ONE in the entire state in Kansas City. That just stinks!

[mayham]

Gap
I second the Gap for maternity clothes! I bought two pairs of khakis last week, with the demiband. I wore one for the first time yesterday, and they are SO comfortable. Hopefully they'll grow with me for a while. I got these in stone and camel:
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=6026&pid=343744

It was still cold out when I bought them, but now it's warming up, so I may look into the capris too. Sinclair319 thanks for the ebay tip. I'll have to check that out!

Strollers, car seats, etc...
I haven't thought about this stuff at all yet... I'm in denial about the logistics on caring for a baby. I figure I'll give myself a little more time before I tackle those decisions.

[neenbean]

car seats/strollers~ for DD, we had the Graco Metrolite in Delancy (http://www.gracobaby.com/catalog/product.aspx?modelNumber=7308DEL2&subCatId=50) travel system. To this day, I love it! The stroller weighs so little and the infant carrier held up well enough that we will most likely use it again for DC#2. :D

My only complaint was that the large warning lable on the inside of the carrier peeled off when I washed it. I emailed Graco and they mailed us a new liner as soon as they were available! GREAT customer service. :)

This time around, we will probably get the Graco DuoGlider in Metropolitan (http://www.gracobaby.com/catalog/product.aspx?modelNumber=7951MTR&subCatId=26). I hate, hate, hate tandem strollers, but DD hates side by side strollers even more. She totally freaks out when you place her in one! It was awful. So, I am stuck with the tandem. At least this design matches our infant carrier. ;)

[katnbug]

I'm 14 weeks today!! :D

bijouparvin- A few of us have had the NT already (congrats CityGirl on your great numbers). I hadn't heard that it's standard anywhere, but some people say that it's going to become a standard test because of it's ease and accuracy. My test was done at 12 weeks 5 days and they couldn't tell the sex yet.

Lilla- I'm going to be in the same boat as you with the "BIG U/S". We're on an appt. schedule at 18 weeks and then 22 weeks... I don't know if I will be as patient as you if I get the choice!! :D

Gap Maternity- They really should sell this at more Gap stores. We have one pretty close to us luckily.. I guess the internet is the only option for many people.

Lydia- Nice belly shot!!!

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

I had my 2nd sleep study test last night and it wasn't nearly as bad as the first one. Still not good though. I am pretty confused though. I guess my apnea is really mild... I don't know if I should have to get the mask or not. I'm such a pessimist that I believe the dr. wants me to get it because of $$$.

Funny DS story... we were at Nordstrom yesterday picking up some pants for DH and I had DS in his stroller. He has a bit of a cold and a runny nose.. while we were waiting for the saleslady to get the pants I looked down at DS and he had the bottom of a nice $225 silk shirt held up to his face! :eek: I thought for sure he wiped his nose on it, but I didn't see any boogs... I tried to steer him away and he grabbed a different shirt and he licked it! What's up with this kid? At least he has nice taste, no pun intended. ;)

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO EVERYONE!!

[lilo]

Lydia: great belly shot! :)

CityGirl: that is great news!

Sinclair319: thanks for the heads up on the ebay finds for GAP materniity. I will definitely have to check that out.

elllidew: I'm so glad GAP maternity worked out for you! Their maternity line is by far my favorite for comfort and fit.

Lilla: congrats on the great appt. That's great that your DH got to hear the h/b. I know that was a special moment for my DH too. I hear ya on waiting so long for the 'big' u/s appt. I was thinking about trying to get an 18 or 19 week appt. but my girlfriend said that she'd really recommend waiting for the same reasons you stated. Good to know about the self-tanners. I definitely need to use some with the weather warming up.

katnbug: Happy 14 weeks! :) That is so funny about your DS. Glad to hear that your 2nd sleep test went well.

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

11 weeks today! Almost at the 13.5 mark! :D

Had some more success with GAP maternity items that I bought online:

http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/365/365548/main/gp365548-00p01v01.jpg
I've had the hardest time finding jeans that fit and look cute and these are perfect. Bonus is that they were only $30 on sale! :)

http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/343/343744/main/gp343744-05p01v01.jpg
bought these in the color before and I love them! They are super comfortable and nice enough for work (we only have to wear business casual at work). I will probably buy a pair in the khaki color too.

Have a great weekend everyone!

[mayham]

Gap Maternity - I know the website lists the places that have maternity, but I wanted to add that, at least at the mall I was at, the maternity clothes were in the Baby Gap, not the regular Gap.

lilo - I have those same khakis, and LOVE them! I have a feeling I'll be living in them. I've only worn mine once, but I hope they hold up in the wash. Have you washed yours yet? I've heard from some that the waist bands can get twisted up in the wash.

[Sinclair319]

Ellidew--I sent you a private message, but thought I should share it here as well.


At the Galleria in St Louis, there is a small section of Gap maternity in the back of the Baby Gap store. They even have the cusions that you velcro around your waist to get an idea of how you'll look when you're about 6 months along--I wanted to buy it more than the clothes! ;)

Just a suggestion for the wash--you can put a couple of X thread marks in the band to keep it from twisting (one in front, back, each side). Just find thread about the color of the panel.

[nic]

Happy a Nice Weekend Everyone!

[ausi2b]

I did some internet shopping today too to de-stress. Here are my purchases :)

http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/265/265709/main/gp265709-00p01v01.jpg

http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/390/390281/main/gp390281-01p01v01.jpg

http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/375/375204/main/gp375204-00p01v01.jpg

http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/258/258788/main/gp258788-19p01v01.jpg

http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/343/343613/main/gp343613-00p01v01.jpg

I'm hoping it arrives soon! Love GAP! Also, in my GAP stores, they don't have a maternity store, but since the returns can be done at regular stores, they also have a ton of returned clothes on a rack. I've found some GREAT deals there!

[Calla Lilly]

ausi2b- I also placed an order on gap yesterday, had totally meant to get the sweater...but then forgot! You'll have to let me know how you like it!

Didn't Gap just recently start selling maternity clothes at a few of their locations? I did find out there is a Gap maternity near me, which I want to check out. I wonder what the selection will be like though.

lilo- I bought leek capris. For me, I always find that color hard to match. Can you tell me what colors you wear with it?

katnbug- glad your sleep test went better!

Lilla- congrats on the good appointment and being in the 2nd tri!

Lydia- great picture!

Re car seats: The seat I was referring to with higher limits is the SafeSeat Infant Car Seat by Graco. The seat says it will accommodate a child rear-facing up to 30 lbs and 32 inches. SnugRide (also by Graco) says it fits up to 20lbs and 26 inches. I had heard SnugRide was raising their limits a bit, but I don't know if those are the raised limits or not.

So my question is, is there a reason I would want my baby in an infant seat for a year? While I haven't seen the SafeSeat in person, my understanding is it is heavy and huge. Anyway, I am trying to decide between the SnugRide, SafeSeat or just going straight to a Britax Marathon.

I should probably warn everyone, I am definately a planner. Yesterday, I harassed my husband with different middle school/high school choices...and my sil with 529 questions/college savings questions.

[brio96]

So my question is, is there a reason I would want my baby in an infant seat for a year? While I haven't seen the SafeSeat in person, my understanding is it is heavy and huge. Anyway, I am trying to decide between the SnugRide, SafeSeat or just going straight to a Britax Marathon.


IMO, the main difference is the level of convenience that the different seats provide in the early days. With the SnugRide/infant carrier, you have the option of not waking a sleeping baby by taking him/her in and out of a carseat if you have errands to run. They stay in the same place and aren't disturbed. You just pop the carseat out of the base, put it in the stroller (or carry it) and away you go. The negative of this is that you get really used to it and when they outgrow the SnugRide, you have to switch to a larger, more stationary carseat and you wind up disturbing them if they fall asleep anyways. But, the older they get, the less they sleep so if you plan your trips right, that usually isn't too big of an issue.

The benefit I see to the convertible seats is that you only spend the money once for a car seat that you'll likely use for close to two years (if not more).

Safety wise, I felt like the two options were comparable, so for us the issue was convenience and portability.

[neenbean]

Safety wise, I felt like the two options were comparable, so for us the issue was convenience and portability.

Agreed!!!

Part of me wishes the SafeSeat by Graco was available before DD was born (larger specs). It would make my life easier as she LOVES to sleep in the car, so I am often transporting a sleeping toddler to her crib.

I miss the SnugRide [often] for its convenience. To still have a seat that could have popped out of the car and just be brought into the house would be a dream! Also, this means that if she is sleeping in the car now, I cannot just stop anywhere to go shopping or into the post office without the strong chance of waking her as I transport her to the stroller. We "retired" our SnugRide when she was 5 months old as she was too tall (26+ inches)- but only passed the weight limit at ONE YEAR (20lbs)!

However, with that said, DD weighs about 21lbs, plus the weight of the seat (6lbs, I think) is super heavy! It would be a lot to carry around, but it would make life a little easier. ;)

[ellidew]

Sinclair Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you... i really can't say that enough. lol. I went to the baby gap at the galleria last night since we were meeting another couple for dinner at the cheesecake factory there anyway. They had an awesome selection but i didn't get much time to look since they had a table ready for us in under 15 minutes!!!

I did however pick up this shirt:

http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/390/390269/quick/gp390269-01qlv01.jpg

and i just finished ordering these two:
http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/343/343613/main/gp343613-01p01v01.jpg
http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/375/375976/main/gp375976-01p01v01.jpg

I can't rave enough about the quality of Gap maternity clothes! They use great fabrics. Some of the things i've tried on at motherhood i thought would fall apart after 1 wash. Admittedly the prices at Gap are a little prohibitive but i'm happy to have 3 quality shirts and 2 quality capris for my maternity collection and i can add lots and lots of 'cheaper' shirts to the mix as the summer drains on.

Thanks for all the info on the car seats... i'm clueless when it comes to them especially since my sisters picked the pattern they liked best vs the quality, ease of use, safety, etc...

Dh and i plan to register once we find out the gender (in 6 weeks!) so i'll need to seriously start thinking about what i want in a car seat/stroller. Thanks for the info so far!

[Toonces]

I should probably warn everyone, I am definately a planner. Yesterday, I harassed my husband with different middle school/high school choices...and my sil with 529 questions/college savings questions.

LOL! I think it's good that you're investigating car seats now. I just went with the Snug Ride b/c it's what I got as a side benefit from work, and I didn't even know they outgrew them (length-wise) until my DD had outgrown it. ITA with brio96 & neenbean re the benefit of getting a sleeping baby out of the car in a Snug Ride. IMO, that's the best benefit by far. Our DD was a really poor sleeper and sometimes the only way she'd sleep was during a car ride and it was great not to have to wake her up to get her out of the car. My vote is for a Snug Ride and then a Britax Marathon, but that's only b/c I'm biased b/c that's what we did and it worked really well for us.

Cute clothes, ladies!!

[CityGirl]

car seats - Now you've got me thinking. In our parking situation, there isn't much room to open the back doors of our car. probably enough for a medium sized adult to open the door and slip in, but not enough to open the door all the way and have it stay open. How much room will we need to take the Snugride in and out? Will we need less room if its just placing the baby in a seat thats already in the car?


We found out last night that our best friends are expecting in December. What an amazing thing to get to go through this together!

[mimieliza]

Just checking in...

I just got back from a visit with the ILs in Hawaii - surprisingly, we had no internet access, so I've been missing for awhile. Yay for the new thread! I'm so sorry I've fallen behind on my threadmistress duties.

I have gotten so round this week. I am pretty much all in maternity clothes now. It seems like it happened really suddenly - I packed a lot of regular clothes that did not fit by the end of the week. It must be a combination of a decrease in nausea (due to Phenergan prescribed by my doctor) and a week of constant eating. :)

Anyway, it's late, I'm exhausted after a red-eye flight and driving all day, so I'm going to bed. Just wanted to check in and say hi! I'll catch up with everyone tomorrow. :)

[mermccau]

Catching up, ladies.

Anyone else experiencing headaches? Just when I thought I was over the worst of the pregnancy symptoms – Bam! Migraines. I have been queasy and headachy all weekend.

I cannot wait until Friday so I can find out exactly how far along I am :)

Everyone has purchased such cute clothes!

Thanks for all the car seat suggestions. I am totally lost when it comes to this stuff!

This weekend, I was invited to attend a party for Lydia's daughter. She turned one. It was so cute! She is a great kid who really handled being passed around in stride. Lydia, I loved the little ponytails you put in her hair.


lilla – thanks for the info about the sunless tanners.

nic – cool about hearing the heartbeat.

ellidew – that is inconvenient. Can you order online and return what you do not like at a local regular Gap? I think they allow that.

mayham – I do like those pants. I am going to have to get over to that store.

mimieliza – welcome back from Hawaii. I think we may have chatted about this but what island do you ILs live on? Mine live on Kauai.

[neenbean]

10w, 5d

How much room will we need to take the Snugride in and out? Will we need less room if its just placing the baby in a seat thats already in the car?
I found that you probably need less room to just pop the Snugride in than if you were buckling the baby into the seat with every car ride. The Snugride need no adjusting while "clicking" into place and only a arm with agile fingers to pop it out of the car. Now that DD is in a regular car seat, you have to stand in the doorway for a while to buckle her and adjust the belts if her clothing is bulkier or thinner than the previous time she was in the seat. Does that make sense? Can you tell I am a BIG fan of infant carriers? ;) Congrats to your friends!!! I had several pals get pregnant right after me (with DD). It was wonderful to share stories and help one another with concerns and nursery stuff. :) How wonderful!

mimieliza~ welcome back! Sounds like a lovely vacation. :D So cool to have family there.

mermccau~ luckily no headaches, yet. Last time I would take some Tylenol and drink a little caffeine. Also resting helps- if you have the time. Did your doc rec. anything? ETA: also, make sure you are super hydrated!!!

[kadee_29]

Anyone else experiencing headaches? Just when I thought I was over the worst of the pregnancy symptoms – Bam! Migraines. Yup. I was in bed pretty much all weekend with a migraine. Mine are pretty bad though and I was put on tylenol 3 for them. I had the same thing happen with DS. My dr figures that the small amount of codeine going to the baby is better than going into labor due to dehydration.

[lilo]

lilo- I bought leek capris. For me, I always find that color hard to match. Can you tell me what colors you wear with it?

You could wear white, black or even a soft pink color on top. I think pink and green look really cute together. Hope that helps! :)

[roberta]

Wow! I have missed so much but I have finally caught up. We are moved and settled in our new house. We drove last weekend and the furniture arrived on Thursday. We spent the weekend unpacking and are mostly finished! I am looking forward to my appointment this Thursday with my new midwife. I hope to find out exactly how far along I am and hear the heartbeat. DH is coming to the appointment too.

Carseats- I was reading the Baby Bargains and found a lot of good info. They really cover the pros and cons of different types of baby equipment (ie- infant seat vs. convertible) Of course, that book is still packed. I need to dig it out and start my list of things to register/buy.

Maternity clothing- I went out to explore the shopping near my house, but kind of struck out. I did buy shirts in a larger size and gasp larger bras. I don’t think the shirts are going to last very long and I am running out of pants/jeans/skirts that fit. I need to find something to wear to my sister’s college graduation in 2 weeks. It will be the first time I have seen my family since the holidays. I guess I need to go to the Mall of America to find Maternity sections at Old Navy, Gap and H&M. Those who are ordering from the Gap- are you just ordering pants in your regular size? Do the maternity shirts fit now?

lisainpink- So happy to hear about the improvement in your cervix. No more bed rest right?

brio96- where do you live in Kentucky? I grew up in the Northern Kentucky area. (you do not have to post the info if you don’t want too)

[bijouparvin]

I swear this is not photoshopped but doesn't my kid look like it's smiling?

http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3A3345%3A%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D3244%3E393%3E462%3E WSNRCG%3D32336%3B%3C%3B%3C9%3B33nu0mrj

It was so crazy to see how much development there's been between 8 and 12 weeks. We could see the skeleton and hands and feet and facial structure. I couldn't believe it!

My next appointment is on 6/5. We won't have another u/s then, but we'll do the doppler to hear the HB and do some blood screening. We don't have a date for the BIG u/s yet, but she said some time between 18 and 22 weeks. If we stay on this schedule, it should be at 20 weeks and be on July 3rd, but that's probably going to be an office holiday so maybe 19 weeks on June 26th? We'll see.

Oh! And could you update DH's age to 28, please? His b-day is tomorrow. Thanks!

kadee - So sorry to hear you were knocked out with migraines. Did that happen to you with your other kiddos?

neenbean - Thanks for checking up on me while I was MIA! Your enthusiasm for carriers is contagious. You've got me thinking I must have one!

mermccau - Yucky about the migraines!! I hope that's an isolated bout and you won't have to deal with that for the rest of your pregnancy.

mimieliza - Welcome back. I love it there! I've spent a lot of time on the Big Island and it always leaves me refreshed and happy. Hope you feel the same (once you recover from your red-eye!).

[Esq.]

sorry for no shout outs, but I am at work and have to post quick...

Anyone still having nosebleeds? I had three yesterday, and just got my first of the day. I am 14w4d, and I just thought that they would be over by now.

[nic]

Quick reply to Krysten- I haven't had any but I know my SIL had through her entire pregnancy. That probably doesn't help but I don't think it's uncommon to still have them.

[Sare79]

I think I have food poisoning- I have been throwing up allllllllll night long and have had the worst diarrhea (sorry). After a few times I realized it can't be pregnancy related. So I will be going to my doctor this afternnon to see if i can do anything.

[RubberSoul]

mimieliza- Welcome back!

mermccau- I haven't had to many headaches. The only time I have ever had migraines is when I first went on BCP. They went away after my body adjusted to it. Are you drinking any caffiene at all? Some people have said a little caffiene helps with headaches.

roberta- good to hear the move went well. Have fun at your appt.!

bijouparvin- your baby does look like he/she is smiling. It kinda looks like he/she is kickin' it and should have sunglasses on and a margarita in hand!

kyrsten- I haven't had any nosebleeds. I hope yours go away!

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

I went shopping this weekend and finally purchased some maternity clothes. One thing that I noticed was that I didn't wear my "normal" clothes size in maternity it was one size down. If I put on my regular size everything was really baggy in my butt and thighs and super big around the waist even with the elastic band. However, in some cases there isn't much room to gain weight in my butt and thighs. The other thing I noticed was in Motherhood a lot of the pants come in S, M, and L. What happened to numbers? I usually wear a 12 or 14, but in the Motherhood bottoms I wear a Medium - how did that happen? I figured I would be a Large. Maternity wear is confusing for me.

I am wearing one of my new pairs of pants at work today and I keep having to pull them up. They have a roll panel and the pants just slide on down when I walk. I carry my extra weight (fat not baby) in the middle so this is nothing new for me, my pants always slide down. I just thought this would be less of a problem since these pants are designed for people that are getting bigger around the middle :confused: . Is anyone else having this problem? Maybe I still bought a size to big, but I was worried they wouldn't fit when my belly got bigger.

I could just be maternity clothing challenged. I struggle to find regular clothes that fit right. I am almost 5'11" and wear a 38 F bra (yeah I said F). Shirts and pants that fit are never easy to find.

[brio96]

[/B]brio96[/B]- where do you live in Kentucky? I grew up in the Northern Kentucky area. (you do not have to post the info if you don’t want too)

We live in Lexington but are originally from the Northeast. We've been here for about 3 years and are itching to get back to MA/NY. We've been up to Northern Kentucky a few times to go to Cininnati/Newport.

[mimieliza]

Okay, so now that I've gotten 10 hours of sleep, I can do a real update. :)

My ILs live on Oahu, near Pearl City. We had such a nice, relaxing trip. We ate a huge lunch and dinner every day - it was so nice to just be able to eat whatever I felt like. I gained three lbs last week after losing weight during my first tri, so that's good. As long as I don't gain three lbs every week, I should be in good shape.

Also, the Phenergan is amazing. I'm only taking 12.5 mg (1/2 tab) twice a day, but it has made such a difference. The only problem is I gag hard when trying to swallow the pill. It's very bitter. I'm staring at my morning dose now trying to get up the courage to take it.

I had an OB appt on 4/27 right before we left. Everything looks good, and I got to hear the HB. :)

I bought a ton of maternity clothes - I went to Old Navy, and they had a maternnity section, and Motherhood. I'm so much more comfortable now. Also, all my old shirts fit, but they cling to my belly, which just looks fat now. I actually look pg when I wear the maternity shirts, so I'm going to start wearing those.

Anyone else having trouble with maternity pants and shorts falling off your butt? Everytime I stand up, I have to tug my pants back up. I mean, they're not falling all the way off, but they get really low and my undies show. And it's not like my butt is tiny - it is huge, and the first thing my mom said when she picked me up at the airport is, "You must be having a boy - I can tell by your butt." :rolleyes:

Carseats - DH and I compared the Snugride and Safeseat side by side at Target. We are going to get the Safeseat, as long as it fits in our car. Here's why: Length-wise, the Safeseat is not much longer than the Snugride. Weight-wise, it felt like it weighed maybe a pound or so more - not bad. The Safeseat was much more padded and seemed more comfy. The bases are completely different. The Safeseat has built-in lockoffs, which make installation with a seatbelt much easier (our car doesn't have LATCH). It also has a height adjustement so you can make sure the seat is at the right angle.

The added weight/height limits are a bonus. I'll keep the baby in the infant seat for as long as we are comfortable with it - I'm planning for about a year, and then we'll go to a Britax Marathon.

Sare - Oh no! I hope you start to feel better!

bijouparvin - That's a beautiful U/S picture!

neenbean - I am a fan of carriers as well. I've already purchased a ring sling and a Mei Tai carrier. :)

[mimieliza]

Rubber Soul - Oh, too funny! We cross posted about our pants falling down issue. :D

[Rancid13]

maternity clothes~ I went shopping for the first time yesterday for something maternity related. Since I live and work in jeans, it was a necessity that I have maternity jeans, as my current Levi's are getting a bit snug and uncomfortable in the waist towards afternoon-time. After striking out at Old Navy's maternity section and Motherhood, I found the perfect jeans in the maternity section at JC Penney.

I found that the jeans at Old Navy didn't have elastic-y enough panels, and even the extra small jeans (I normally wear a small to medium size) were falling down on me. Can't have that happening!

The jeans at Motherhood were a little better, but the stitching between the jean material and the cloth was very itchy & uncomfortable. The jeans stayed up with no problem though.

The JC Penney jeans had just enough elastic-y-ness to keep the jeans up where they belong, but were still very stretchy in the panel for future expansion. :) Unfortunately I can't wear them just yet, as they're a few inches too long and are being dropped off at the tailor's in a short while to get hemmed.

[lilo]

mimieliza: I'm so jealous of your Hawaii trip! My parents own a vacation house inMililani and I love going there as much as possible. The only thing that kills me is the long flight. From the east coast, it's a good 8-9 hour plane trip! But of course, it's worth it. I just wish I could live there full-time and be a beach bum. :D

Roberta: I've found that the maternity clothing from GAP is pretty accurate to the size that you wore pre-pregnancy. I'm usually a size 8 in their clothing, in general, and everything size 8 has fit perfectly. I'm fairly small on top (34B pre-pregnancy and now probably a regular 34C) and I've ordered a few GAP maternity tops in size small and they fit great.

bijouparvin: great u/s picture! It definitely looks is smiling and giving you the thumbs up sign. :)

Kyrsten: I haven't gotten full nosebleeds (knock on wood) but if I blow my nose too hard, there is definitely blood on the tissue. My nose definitely feels more stuffed up these days.

Sare79: you poor thing! Sorry to hear about the food poisoning. I hope the doctor can give something to feel better.

RubberSoul: I have the same pants falling down issue with a pair of my GAP capris that have elastic on top. After a few hours of wear, they start to feel loose at the top and I constantly have to pull the elastic panel up when I stand up. In case you're interested, these two pants from GAP though have belt loops, which make a world of difference:

http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/205/205219/main/gp205219-01p01v01.jpg
these are a little big on me now but since I can wear a belt with them, they work.

http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/365/365560/main/gp365560-00p01v01.jpg
I can't even say enough great things about these pants and again they have belt loops! The fabric is fantastic and they don't look 'maternity' at all. Very cute and very comfortable.

------------------------------------------------
I had my 12-week screening test today and everything went well. It went by much more quickly than I anticipated but that's not a bad thing. Like bijouparvin, I couldn't believe how much bigger the baby looked at 11 1/2 week vs. 9 1/2 weeks. We saw the arms and legs wailing around and the side profile. The baby was moving around like crazy and streching out. :D The u/s technician said that everything on the screen looked perfect for this point of the pregnancy so I was happy to hear that. We should get the results in about a week.

I hope I'm not jinxing myself but I think I can safely say that my nausea is a thing of the past. I'm feeling MUCH better these days and not as ravenous. Don't get me wrong, I'm still hungry more so than not but I don't have the need to eat every hour like a few weeks ago. ;) I got a facial this past weekend as well, which was great. Since I can't use anything strong from the dermatologist, I am hoping to get facials once a month to keep my acne at bay.

ETA: Threadmistriss, my next appt is June 5th and my big u/s is July 6th.

[CityGirl]

neenbean - thanks for the carseat info. I guess that makes sense. Now I'll just have to check that there's enough clearance to slip the carseat in the door.

[Sinclair319]

My doppler is here!!!Well, it's at home! We have a friend who is going through a divorce that has been staying with us and she just called saying it's at my house! I can't wait to try and hear the h/b tonight!!!

Rubbersoul--I'm also 5'11" and a 34 FF (d@mn hormones, I was a 34 D+ before) and usually a size 6, so I can relate having problems finding clothing. Aren't all the low cut, v neck maternity shirts annoying?

Lilo--Love the Gap pants! I know I'm going to be in maternity gear full time in a matter of days/weeks.

For those of you who keep getting u/s--I'm so jealous! My last u/s was at 8 weeks (over 6 weeks ago!) and I won't get another one for another 6 weeks. I'm so glad that I rented the doppler so at least I can listen to the h/b since I don't get to see him/her regularly.

[Toonces]

Headaches ~ Yep, I've had them too. Not migraine type, more like the feeling of caffeine withdrawl even though I'm still having caffeine on occasion.

Nosebleeds ~ I've had two so far during this pregnancy and I had a bunch of them with my DD, mostly in 2nd and 3rd tri with her. They have always been from my left nostril... weird!!

Pants falling down ~ I was just going to ask this question today! I don't remember this happening the last time I was PG and I know I would have remembered b/c it's annoying the crap out of me. I have to stop every few seconds to hike my maternity pants up, but they fit everywhere else.

Screaming toddler... sorry no time for SO's or anything else!

[RubberSoul]

Aren't all the low cut, v neck maternity shirts annoying?

Sinclair- YES! I forgot to mention that in my original post. When I was shopping I was like - what is up with this! Since I have to wear a mammoth bra there is no way one of those shirts would look good with my bra sticking out. Plus I am not into showing clevage in a shirt. I don't need the extra attention in that area. Let me know how you like the doppler. I have been tempted to rent one, but am still sitting on the fence.

[Ilovemygeek]

I am finally starting to get over the nausea and feel like myself again. It is such a relief! I am still pretty tired, but that could be because I have been so busy lately.

Headaches I have bad very intense headaches and it is so frustrating that I cannot take my migraine meds. I just end up laying in bed until it goes away and that can take a while.

Pants falling down If I wear maternity pants I definitely have this problem. As I walk, they just slide right down. I wore an XS pre-pregnancy and I am having a hard time finding maternity clothes that are small enough. I am sure eventually I will grow into them, but for the time being I am wearing long tops with my normal pants unbuttoned and partially unzipped. :rolleyes:

[Calla Lilly]

11w4d

lilo- thanks for the suggestions! my gap stuff should be here tomorrow...I did get a black, white and pink shirt.

Car seats- I think the new Snugrides go up to 22 lbs and 20 inches...at least that is what Albeebaby said for some of the Snugrides. Let me know what you think of this (and obviously there is plenty of time for me to change my mind). I am thinking about getting the larger Snugride with only one base, and a Marathon. Anyway, I figure we will still have the convenience of the infant seat, will save $40-50 on the extra base and only have to buy one Britax once the baby is out of the infant seat. Anyone see any reason we might regret this? We can always use the seat without the base if necessary too.

Strollers- I was also happy to find a local store that carries all of the stroller brands I am interested in. I do plan on waiting to get the stroller, since the prices will probably go down before the baby is here.

We leave for Maui in a few days...it is our last big trip as just a couple just for us. We do have some other trips planned, but one is my brother's grad and the other is my bf's wedding.

Hope everything is going well with everyone!

[mermccau]

Daily news for me: I found out that my ILs are coming to visit and basing it on my due date. Now, I love my MIL. She is sweet as pie but she is also very doting. She treats me like I am 10 years old. It is out of love, I know, but I am stubborn and hate being told what to do.

We live in a small two bedroom condo. When my ILs arrive, one bedroom will be ours and the other will be the nursery. I think they are staying with us. Most of me wants to thrown open the doors of my home and welcome them 100% but then another part of me really does not want my doting MIL being there 24/7 after I give birth, telling me how to do things, trying to always help. I know that sounds horrible because again, it is all out of love. I am just expecting the worst. I will be exhausted and perhaps have a bit of post partum and I will just be trying to figure stuff out. Having someone giving opinions all the time will be frustrating after a couple of weeks.

Not too mention that we will be packed in like sardines in this place. Oh, well. What can I do?



neenbean – I talked to my dr yesterday and they told me to take Tylenol extra strength. If that did not work, they will reluctantly prescribe Tylenol with codeine. I do not think I will need that though. I think the weekend of migraines was an isolated incident (hopefully!). Good point about staying hydrated. I find there are days that I am barely getting 60 ounces. I need to work on that.

kadee – I hope your migraines subside soon!

bijouparvin – Hahahaha! I believe that is a smile. That is a great u/s :) Thanks for the wishes regarding the migraines. Yesterday was okay, headaches but not migraines, so I am hoping for the best

kyrsten – I do not have nosebleeds but there is blood on the tissue. I have read that this is normal.

sare - You poor thing! You just cannot get away from feeling lousy. What did the dr say?

rubbersoul – I may try coffee when the headaches hit. I have been a one cup a day (8 ounces) for a while but could give it up pretty easily. I wonder if that is it though because did not have coffee since my BFP on March 13th. It is only recently that the headaches hit. Regarding the pregnancy clothes, I think it is a common problem for the pants to slide down. Ever notice that most pregnant women have saggy behinds?

ilovemygeek – my dr was going to give me Tylenol with codeine. Can you take that?

calla lilly – have fun in Hawaii!

[Franni]

mermccau My MIL stayed with us for the first week after DD and it seemed like a really good idea at the time. In my experience, it almost became the beginning of a family feud. After all my readings and preparation, I had a good idea of how I wanted my baby to be raised (breastfed exclusively, etc). MIL wasn't supportive of breastfeeding and kept telling us that the baby was probably starving. It was so hard to stand my ground, but I did and she left 2 days early.

I am not saying that this could happen to you. One important difference between us is that you have a great relationship with your ils, whereas my relationship with my MIL was strained by then due to some other factors. But if it does happen, it would be helpful to maybe talk to her about your thoughts on parenting

sick and tired I am heading for my 12th week and I am still feeling sick and tired. I am wondering if anyone else is feeling this exhaustion. What's weird is that it is not "I went on a 20 mile jog" kind of exhaustion. It's more lethargy, which is a horrible way to feel.

nosebleeds I have the same blood on the tissue thing almost every morning.

[katnbug]

Count me as another one who's finally getting over the morning (all day) sickness. Hopefully it's gone for good.

I had my 14 week appt. yesterday and all is well. I got another u/s because they still are having trouble getting the hb on the doppler. My placenta is in front and making it hard to hear through. I won't complain... it's nice to see the baby every time I have an appt!! :) Dr. said next appt the baby should be big enough that they will hear him/her with the doppler.

My dr. also moved me to a 3 week schedule for the next two appts.. that way I'm on target to have an appt at week 20 for the big u/s!!!

So, my next appt. is May 31st.

Also got my official results from the BUN/NT test & it gives me a 1:1008 chance of having a baby with Downs. That's much better than the 1:300 for my age. There's another blood test they want me to take for spinabifida (sp?) just because the BUN doesn't cover that.

OHHH.. and I'm totally excited that my dr. office now has a 3D ultrasound machine!!! They won't use it this early (the tech said the 3D pictures are kind of creepy this early on) but I will get some 3D pics at my 20 week u/s!!! Another patient was showing hers off in the waiting room yesterday and they were too cool!

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

mermccau- You're a better person than I! I don't think I could be so hospitable! If it's not a $$ issue, it would be nice of your IL's to insist they stay at a hotel - if there's one near by.

Sare- I hope you're feeling better today. :(

Franni- The exhaustion is still there for me. (m/s is gone - cross fingers) I'm not sure if it's pregnancy, sleep issues, or chasing after my DS though. I would love for it to go away, that's for sure.

Kyrsten- No nosebleeds for me yet. Hopefully they stay away this pg.

bijou- Great u/s!!!

[RubberSoul]

Calla- I am jealous. It has been cold and rainy where I live and it makes me want to find a warm beach. Have fun on your trip!

mermccau- It seems like it will be a bit overwhelming for you to have IL's and a new baby crammed into your place. If you are OK with them visiting right after the baby is born can you have your DH ask them to stay in a hotel? If you are really feeling brave maybe you could get DH to ask them to hold off on visiting for a few weeks so you have some family bonding time for just the 3 of you. My MIL is a very nice person, but she can drive me up a wall in about 30 seconds. I know that after giving birth I will not want to have to worry about entertaining people or even getting dressed if I don't want to. My best friend has offered to come help right after the baby is born and honestly I don't know if I even want her to come. Right now I am just feeling like those first few weeks will be our time to get to know our DC. Some people want help in the beginning and some don't. Once you figure out what you want and the boundaries you need, don't feel bad for asking for it. Hopefully, the IL's will understand.

Franni- I am still feeling pretty lethargic. It has gotten better over the past week, but there are still days that I get home from work and can't do anything but lay on the couch. The exhaustion started to go away a little in the middle of the 12th week so I hope that yours lets up a little soon!

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

DH came home last night! I am so excited to have him home and to have help around the house again.

Have a good day everyone!

[Sinclair319]

I got my doppler last night--it is so worth every penny!!!! I was able to find the baby's h/b pretty quickly! I then did a listening tour--had DH listen, took it to my parents, then took it to my brothers, then a friend stopped by and had her listen. I ordered mine from heartbeatsathome.com It was $60 for 4 months (about 50 cents a day). The unit looks brand new! So, so happy I made the decision to rent one!

[acrane]

Hi mommas! I had my second prenatal appointment yesterday and dh went with me. We heard the heartbeat and everything looks good. My doctor gave me a prescription for Phenergan for nausea, but I'm going to try not to take it unless absolutely necessary.
My next appointment is 6/5/06.

[brio96]

When DD was born, my mom came and stayed for two weeks and then MIL came and stayed for two weeks (both in our house) and DH and I still consider that whole month to be one of the hardest and most stressful ever because of their presence. BUT, a lot of that has to do with the fact that they were both unfamiliar with our house and where we live (since we're a good 800 miles away) so they asked a lot of questions like "how do you use the microwave" that just drove me crazy. Plus, since I didn't have a clue on how to care for a new baby or to incorporate a baby into our normal household routine, I was at a loss on how to have them help. Their hearts were totally in the right place, but I was so out of it that I couldn't have directed them to vaccum the house let alone do something important.

I get along relatively well with my MIL and pretty well with my mom (considering I've been out of her house for 10+) years, but those close quarters in a stressful time in my life did not paint a pretty picture for any of us.

This time around though, it's a whole different ballgame. Their primary missions (that have been explained to both of them well in advance) are to:

1. Take care of DD (not really relavant if this is your first, I suppose) so I can recover and deal with #2 in the early days.
2. Fill our freezer with nutritious food we can eat after they leave (and not just baked goods that my MIL insisted on making last time:rolleyes:)
3. Make sure that our house is kept in some state of order (vaccumed occasionally, dishes put away etc) so that I can relax about the mess.



Oh, and they aren't "allowed" to come until we've been home a week and they are each only "allowed" to stay one week. Part of the problem last time was that they were bored and that caused a lot of animosity. You can only oohh and ahhh over a sleeping newborn for so long.

My advice if you're going to have IL's (or even your own parents) stay in your house for an extended period of time after the baby is born is to have a clear plan laid out well before. Write out directions to the grocery store, BRU, Target if they aren't familiar with your area so they can do quick trips for you. Write down your weekly routine (garbage goes out on Tuesdays, mail comes at 2:00 etc) so they don't have to ask you and things will still get done. This is NOT the time for you to be worrying about entertaining them so try to get the expectations of their visit (especially if it's extended) sorted out ahead of time. Oh, and make sure you get out of the house either with your DH or by yourself as much as you can while there is someone to watch the baby. Even a quick trip to CVS will do wonders for your mental state.

Sorry to get on such a soapbox about this, but it was a huge deal for us when DD was born. Hopefull all your experiences won't be as stressful.

On a more positive note, had an appointment today and the everything looks great. Heard the heartbeat which is always cool and got some new prenatals that hopefully won't make me sick. :-)

[ellidew]

Great advice brio96!

My mother and MIL both live close by. My mil is within 3 minutes and my mother within 15. I don't have to worry about my mother coming by since i don't see her really being that interested anyway. Plus she will be in school teaching during the day and she's usually too tired to do anything afterwards.

My MIL on the other hand doesn't work and lives literally within 3 minutes with traffic and probably a minute and a half without. There aren't even any stop lights between us... just one left turn that can sometimes take a minute. She is the one i am going to have to worry about since she already drops by with friends unannounced to show them this or that or the other. One day i was still in my nightgown because my ms was terrible. I wrapped my blanket around me and answered the door since dh was cutting the grass in the back yard. She stayed for 30-45 minutes with me just wrapped in my blanket... she brought a friend too!

MIL and i had a strained relationship until well after dh and i were married. Well, i should say MIL had a strained relationship with me! I didn't dislike her until the way she acted when dh and i first got engaged. She gave dh the silent treatment for 3 days and then called him over for a 'private' conversation at which point she tried to talk dh out of marrying me! Dh told her that if she makes him choose between her or me that he chooses me and she will just have to except that! Go dh! That pretty much put an end to that though she looked absolutely miserable on our wedding day. Though she didn't really talk to me or have a relationship with me until after we were married for about 2 years. I was admittedly hurt and angry after what she did too. I never thought she liked me and that pretty much confirmed it. Now we have a good relationship and having her grandchild pretty much makes me the best person in the whole wide world! lol

I honestly am worried that she will be stopping by everyday, calling, etc... I've made it clear to dh that i don't want anyone but him and me (doctors and nurses) in the delivery room and that the day we come home i want it to just be the 3 of us. Don't get me wrong... i'm all for help and it's great that she's so close and doesn't hate me anymore :) i just don't want her showing up and taking over! I AM worried that she will show up the day we come home and never leave!

[katnbug]

Definitely good advice Brio96.

Ellidew- I do not envy your situation either. Just try to make it crystal clear what you will and will not tolerate from your MIL or any visitors for that matter. It sounds like your DH will be able to help get that point across to his mother!

[Rancid13]

sick and tired~ Well I'm not feeling sick, but I am feeling very very tired, and I'm sick of that. Like you said, Franni, it's a very lethargic type of tiredness. I feel so lazy in the afternoon. By the time I get off from work at 4:30pm, it takes all my energy to drive the 10 miles home, put on my pj's, make a bowl of cereal to eat, and not fall right asleep. No energy for cleaning, laundry, dishes, cooking, errands, etc. I just want to sleep, and no amount of sleep seems to be enough. I'm yawning all day...:(

[kadee_29]

Ellidew brought up something that everyone here needs to discuss with their DH's.

When it comes time to go to the hospital and go through labor, you need to seriously have a chat with DH's about who will and won't be allowed in. I only say this because I am sure their are some DH's who won't stand up to their moms and if you don't want your MIL in there during everything you need to get this stuff out now. And once you get to the hospital make sure the nurse taking care of you knows your wishes. Most of the time they will play bad guy so nobody can get mad at you.

With DD I wasn't asked and didn't think about it. I had my mom, MIL, his aunt, FIL and my grandparents behind a curtain that wouldn't stay shut. I was NOT happy about that. With DS it was only supposed to be DH and his aunt who is a great coach. My grandma refused to leave the room so I had to deal with her telling me what to do during labor. Again, NOT happy.

This time it will be DH. That is all. I was thinking I would be ok since my grandparents no longer drive but I have a feeling they will find a way up there whether I like it or not.

As far as coming to the house, MIL was here after DS was born. She didn't stay with us but she did come to help out with DD and keep the housekeeping stuff under control. I just stayed in bed most of the time sleeping while DS slept. It worked out a lot better than I thought it would.

[brio96]

I should add (to my last post) that I'm really not an evil demanding shrew that was expecting maid service and a personal chef when DD was born. :D Both moms came down after explicity telling me that they wanted to help but we were all at fault for not defining what that help was going to be. Plus, DD came a month early so I especially was somewhat unprepared in terms of the basics that she'd need (preemie diapers, clothes etc) so that added a certain level of stress that hopefully we won't go through again.

I just didn't want anyone to read my message and think that I was being a spoiled princess who was mad because she had to make dinner or clean up after herself. :)

[CityGirl]

I wanted to add that my friend loaned me her doppler for the next few months. Its from babybeat and we used it last night to listen to the heartbeat. It came through nice and sharp though I had to chase baby around quite a bit. DH kept saying "You had it! Why'd you move the thing?" And I had to tell him it wasn't me who was moving.


family - I'm not sure whats going to happen yet. Since we're planning a homebirth the situation is a little different. We could have 50 people here for the birth if we wanted to. But our place is tiny and I don't think I want to listen to my dad or FIL watch sports/talk sports in the family room while I'm laboring. We also haven't told MIL yet that we are planning a homebirth because she's such a worrier. It may just be DH and I, though I do want someone to take photos. I think for the week after the birth we'll insist on no overnight visitors. Once DH goes back to work I'll probably want my mom and then my sister to come stay for a few days. Ugh. Good thing there's plenty of time to think about this one.

[Toonces]

Email notifications ~ Is anyone else not getting these? I haven't for the last 2 days. :confused:

CityGirl ~ I meant to write this earlier... I think it's cool that you're planning a home birth. Do you have a midwife, MD, OB? Are you planning a water birth?

Visitors after birth ~ We let family & friends visit in the hospital, but not at home until we had been at home for 2 weeks. This time around I think we'll have a 3 week timeframe with no visitors. I want to figure things out with the new baby & DD, BF'ing, recuperating, etc., before everyone comes over.

I hope everyone who is feeling sick & tired/lethargic starts to feel better soon.

[ellidew]

Visitors after birth ~ We let family & friends visit in the hospital, but not at home until we had been at home for 2 weeks. This time around I think we'll have a 3 week timeframe with no visitors. I want to figure things out with the new baby & DD, BF'ing, recuperating, etc., before everyone comes over.


This is a good idea! Maybe i'll put something similar into play. I don't want to sound like a terrible person and i DO want my mother and MIL to come over. I just think i will need a little time to adjust to my new family and hopefully everyone can respect that.

As far as visitors in the hospital... I'm a-okay with that. I just don't want anyone else in my delivery room! lol. That's private time and i DO want the first few minutes of my childs life to just be with dh and me. I want a few minutes of selfish time.

[Toonces]

The nice thing with visitors in the hospital is that you can tell them when the visiting hours are (even if you want to fudge it a little bit and then when they get there and if they notice a discrepancy, you can say you must have been mistaken re the hours); nurses are constantly coming in and out to check on you and the baby, so maybe visitors won't stay as long; and the hospital where I delivered had hand sanitizer outside the door of every room so you can make sure people use it before touching the baby. I liked it b/c it was a controlled environment. I only had DH in the delivery room with me and made it clear to family and close friends that's the way I wanted it - everyone understood that. I had one friend who was ticked that she'd have to wait 2 weeks to visit us at home, but oh well... that was our decision. She got over it. Wonder what she'll think about our 3 week rule this time.... :) :p

[kadee_29]

The nice thing with visitors in the hospital is that you can tell them when the visiting hours are Unfortunately at my hospital while someone is in labor there is no such thing as visiting hours. My son was born just before 1 am and everyone was still there and nobody said one word to them about leaving. I really wish visiting hours were more enforced for such things.

[neenbean]

I should add (to my last post) that I'm really not an evil demanding shrew that was expecting maid service and a personal chef when DD was born. :D
Why not?!?! After giving birth, learning how to care for a newborn, figure out how to BF or even FF, PLUS recover, you NEED someone to clean the house and prepare meals or NO ONE will eat and the house will be a disaster!

My dad arrived 2 days after we got home from the hospital, stayed at a hotel, but he and his wife expected us to cook and they did not lift a finger! Grrr.

My sister arrived the next week and was so helpful, but I was too cranky to appreciate it completely at the time and too stubborn to stop cooking and trying to be super woman. Stupid me!

My mom arrived 3 weeks later and by then I was a little more relaxed and willing to accept help. She cooked and did her best to help tidy things. It was nice to have her input on somethings because she was INCREDIBLY supportive (not always the case in our past). ;)

step-MIL arrived a week later and was semi-helpful. She was just in awe of our DD and wanted to hold her and feed her every chance she got. That was tough for me, but I let her have as many as my ego would allow. If there were to happen with the second baby, I will be handing DC over at ever chance so I can go take a nap!!!!!!!!

Brio gave EXCELLENT advise! Write down want you will need help with. Have someone- you or DH- let your "helpful" family know what the expectations are beforehand and hopefully this will prevent added stress at an already happy, albeit SUPER STRESSFUL time in our lives.

Hospital visitors~ we only knew a few people in our area when DD was born, so I only had 4 visitors the entire week I was there- DH, our pastor, DH's boss and DH's "little brother" (from Big Sis/Big Bro org.). My only close friend was home with a newborn (1 week old) and not up for making the trip. :) This time around, it won't be too different, even though my list of friends has increased by the dozens. All of them are moms themselves and know that I won't want to see anyone for a few days. Our family lives 500 miles or more away.

Still deciding who will watch DD while I am in the hospital... My family has already stated it is NOT a conveniant time to visit, but two local friends have volunteered, so I will see what happens. Fortunately, I will most likely have a scheduled c-section, so that will make things a little easier.

[Sare79]

Thanks for all the well wishes! I ended up having to go to the hospital last night and being treated for dehydration. I always thought that was sort of a code word for celebrities to hide thier drug indiscretions, but I really got treated for dehydration!

cross-posted from my journal:
Apparently when you tell them you are pregnant, you go to the front of the line, which I really appreciated. They took my vitals, and had me wait about 5 minutes. My heart rate was extremely fast, about as fast as it would be if I were running on a tradmill (180?) so they did a cardiogram. They gave the results to the nurse, and within another 10 minutes I was pulled in to have an IV and some more tests done. They tried to find the fetal heartbeat but were unable to find it but after a quick inspection and some poking they felt that the baby would still be okay. Besides, I go for my OB appointment tomorrow so we'll be sure to tell them about this. More vitals, then about an hour on oxygen. My mom showed up to keep me company and Joel was there too but he had to call work and get a few things arranged so it was nice to have someone there the whole time. The nurses and doctors I had were great- very gentle and understanding. They gave me some gravol for the nausea and offered me demerol for the pain but I refused it. I just don't want to take anything more than I have to. When I was almost done my second bag of IV fluid the doctor said I was about ready to go home, if I could just provide them with a urine sample. The problem was with the diarrhea, I wasn't peeing at all. I tried a few times and couldn't, than an hour later I tried again and missed the cup, finally after I'd had a third bag, I was able to isolate and pee a tiny bit into this huge tray they put in the toilet for me. They finally discharged me at 2:00 am, after I'd been there 6 hours. I was glad to get back to my own bed and I am feeling better today. I don't have the dry mouth and weakness I was feeling yesterday.
I had been really reluctant to go to the hospital but I am really glad I did.
We found out from my mom that my brother and SIL had started throwing up and having diarrhea on Sunday morning and then we found out Joel's sister had it starting on Monday morning so there has to be a virus. The doctors said that my immune system is a bit more compromised becase i ma pregnant and so that might explain why mine was a bit worse. That and I can't take normal gravol and immodium to help alleviate the symptoms.

[CityGirl]

Sare - I'm sorry you've been feeling so bad during your first trimester. Hopefully it'll all just go away soon! Flu and morning sickness are just more than you should have to deal with.Glad you were able to get such good care at the hospital. 3 bags of fluid is a lot!

catgirl - Thanks! We think homebirth is pretty cool too, but are now dealing with all the negative comments from family. I don't know why I'm suprised at how unsafe people think it is. Most people don't realize that you have to be totally healthy and low risk to have a homebirth. And the list of reasons we would have to transfer to the hospital is long (breech baby, meconium, deccelerating heart tones, preeclampsia, etc). Not to mention the homebirth midwives carry all the same equipment you would have access to at a birth center including IVs for fluids and pitocin to help deliver the placenta. I've got all my studies printed out to show people, and politely challenge them to find a study that says that hospital birth is safer for low risk women. The fact is, there aren't any studies that will say this.

Anyway, (stepping off my soapbox) I have a primary certified nurse midwife and she has two assistant lay midwives. They do all my prenatals at my house and spend about 2 hours at each appointment going over nutrition,