August 2006 Mommies ~ Our Sizzling Summer Babies are arriving!

[cocoa_femme]

I ended up bottle feeding, but beforehand, I did purchase some nursing bras from Target. I think I waited until I was around 36 weeks and made sure to go up a size. Although I ended up using only one bra, the extra size definitely gave me some much need breathing room, ESPECIALLY on the day my milk came in - yikes!!
Thanks!

[Abby'sMom]

Nursing bra - I got one two days after DD was born. Some women go up in size significantly more than others once their milk comes in, and those suckers can be super expensive, especially if you go for quality. As a side note, I highly recommend Bravado nursing bras for larger-busted women. Very comfortable.

[Sabriel]

jarocha Yay for DH getting the nursery painted!

cocoa_femme Glad your baby shower went well and you got lots of goodies!

mrstim I hope the cramps stop! Definitely mention it to your ob.

Nursing Bras I was thinking that I would buy one at Target when I am about 36 weeks or so and go up a size like LTJC did. Then I was going to buy some better quality ones when my milk comes in. Thanks for the recommendation Abby'sMom!

Stroller We have a Peg Perego P3 also.

Sleeping I have been having the worst time sleeping for the past month or so. The last few nights I have slept very well though. It is heaven!

The past few days I have noticed that I feel a lot of pressure down there. It almost feels like the baby is going to fall out! I think it is just because I have to pee, because when I go the pressure goes away. I have no idea if that is normal?

[mrstim]

Cherish - Thanks!! I've only had one other one today, but I have to admit it might have been from dehydration - I feel so much better now that I've guzzled more water. Amazing how I can feel like I've drunk enough but yet I haven't! Glad you're ok after your horrid day! I do know that I've had the same pressure feeling as wlel. DH laughed at me when I described it just like you - like he's going to fall out!! Don't know if it's normal or not, but I'm there with ya!

Cocoa - lucky you! Can't wait till my shower! I was on a getting ready kick too.

Jarocha - I can't wait to see all the pics of the nursery!

Amy - good luck today, I'm sure that's tough!

LTJC - I'm not getting up too many times to pee either - twice or three times, usually. Guess we're some of the lucky ones! I did have to get up more though last night due to the leg cramps. My MIL actually told me I was "all belly" last week - a compliment since she told me earlier on that I was just "big all over." :rolleyes:

Bras- I'm scared to buy and them not fit, since I don't know what will happen. I am just packing one of these for the hospital:
http://www.motherhood.com/Images/Products/9709.jpg

I have two of them, and I'm hoping to wear them until my milk comes in, then I'll go buy some actual nursing bras. I have one from Target that I've worn throughout my pregnancy, and it's pretty comfy, as well.

Stroller- We were going to register for the Graco Mosaic or Quattro, but I came across this set on clearance for $65.00 and couldn't resist:
http://images1.snapfish.com/34739864%3A%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3254%3E962%3E847%3EWSNR CG%3D3233853%3B%3B25%3B%3Anu0mrj

I want to get a light umbrella stroller that I can use when I need it as well.

[Camdynlyn]

I've been feeling crappy all day! :( I've had stomach pains (think need to go to the bathroom but can't) and (TMI, sorry) I finally did and feel much better but it took all day. The pains would come in spurts, which sucked.

Baby is moving ALL around. I love feeling her and her constant movement. I'm also starving at all times of the day. I have been keeping healthy things (fruit) on hand to grab instead of chips. My weight is gaining more and more by the day. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow so we'll see how much I've gained in the past 2 weeks. I'm betting on 5 pounds.

[isaacsmommy]

Almost 33 weeks! Yay me (my prison sentence is getting shorter). I can't believe that it is really possible that I will be the mom of two in possibly as little as four weeks! According to my doctor 37 weeks is now my goal, I hope its not before then I am just not prepared mentally for that.

I have another appt and u/s tomarrow! Hopefully, no trips to l+d this time.

Nursing Bras I got some from motherhood maternity last time. They were pretty cheap (and cheaply made), but they got me through the beginning. Since my boobs have their own zip code, I bought the biggest cup size they had and still probably could have used a larger size. Since I nursed my ds for about 14 mos I eventually gave up on nursing bras and just wore stretchy ones that I could pull down. I will most likely do the same this time. Although I did buy a nursing cami from target to see if I like it. I wore camis under my shirt alot while nursing ds that way I could pull my shirt up and cami down and nothing was really exposed. This helped especially when ds got big enough to refuse to let me cover him with a blankie.

Sleep I don't wake up to pee that much, usually only once if at all. I do however wake up and have to roll my big butt to the other side and readjust my snoogle and other pillow (dh hates this and whines everytime :p ) several times or my hips will hurt.

I will post an update after my dr appt tomarrow and try to do some SOs.

[babylove]

Oy! So much to catch up on...I won't even venture to do shout outs right now...just generally, I'm glad our bedrest or almost bedrest mommies are hanging in there! No August babies in June!! ;)

Bras ~ I was just thinking about this...I don't know what to do!! I definitely want to get some of those camis (like a tank w/ a built-in bra) that unhook so you don't have to expose your whole body when you nurse. Still don't know what size to get...I think I'll wait a while longer.

Stroller ~ We have the Graco Snap N Go for the infant car seat and then a MacLaren Techno XT for a few months down the road.

Sleep ~ I have chalked up my bad sleeping a few weeks ago to too much caffeine. I've been sleeping just fine lately, except for the 3-5 bathroom trips.

I have another question, especially for the ROs who have been through this once before...what kind of pajamas do you recommend for the hospital and first few weeks at home? Special nursing pajamas? My mom keeps insisting that I'll need a nightgown b/c it will be more comfortable...but I never wear nightgowns!

[Chimichanga]

Sorry I've been MIA - lots going on and lots to update.

I have GD :( I had my test on Friday and got the results today. I had a doctor's appointment tonight, so we had a good chance to ask the doc questions. She did freak me a bit by saying if my insulin levels weren't near perfect during labor, the baby could come out and have "siezures" from the lack of sugar. That just freaked me out. I should be getting a call from the diabetes consultant tomorrow - I'll have to go in and meet with that person and learn about testing, my diet etc.

This is just something we'll have to deal with. I made DH promise he'd follow the diet with me. He's not a fan of eating healthy (his mom never made him eat his veggies) and if he doesn't - I know I won't.

Saturday I had a surprise shower! :) My mom and sister threw it and it was great. We got most of our big things - the stroller, high chair and swing. And TONS of clothes!! I also got quite a few gift cards - which is nice because we didn't get the pump, the Pack N Play or the bedding. So, we do still have a few things to get, but not too much. My work shower will be on the 28th, so maybe I'll get a few of the room decorations.

DH will be staining the chair rail for the nursery this week. My dad is coming up this weekend to put it up. My mom and I are going to return some outfits (got some duplicates) and maybe get a few other things this weekend too.

Sleeping - I've been doing okay. Last night I got up 3 times to pee. I was sweating like crazy the last time - ugh!

[bluhimmy]

I have another question, especially for the ROs who have been through this once before...what kind of pajamas do you recommend for the hospital and first few weeks at home? Special nursing pajamas? My mom keeps insisting that I'll need a nightgown b/c it will be more comfortable...but I never wear nightgowns!

Personally, I think bringing a nightgown to the hospital is pointless. At least for me. I wore the the gowns the hospital provided, and it was fine. Besides, you don't want to soil your pretty gown. As for when you're at home, wear what's most comfortable. I had a couple of nursing gowns, which I did use during bedtime.


Chimicanga - Sorry to hear about GD. :( But don't worry too much, the diet isn't all that bad; it just takes a little more planning. I've been doing it for 3 weeks now and I'm getting the hang of it. Check out the GD thread in Pregnancy section. The gals are wonderful there.

[Abby'sMom]

Tracee, ditto Bluhimmy on the nightgown for the hospital-thing. I just wore the gowns. Then I just wore a tank top-like bra and pj pants to bed at home. The one thing I CAN say -- bring nursing pads with you! Your milk most likely won't come in before you head home, but if it does, it's quite messy. :) The disposable ones worked much better for me than the reusables.

Jen, sorry to hear about the GD.

isaacsmommy, good luck tomorrow!!

Cherish, yuck, what a lousy day you had! As for the pressure, IMO, it's normal. I had lots of pressure down there when I was pg with DD (and yeah, I know it may not be so reassuring to hear it from ME given my current situation ;) , but I can assure you that DD was content to stay inside until I was induced at over 39w).

[mrstim]

Gowns for Hospital: I'm taking a pair of satin red or black pj pants and a tee shirt. I honestly cannot wear a gown - I can't sleep with it. The satin is so I can slide around easily. The red/black is for obvious reasons. I'll probably just wear the hospital gown some, but honestly since I'm so hot-natured, I'll want to sit outside of the covers at some point. I know I'll have lots of visitors, so I want to be covered, personally. The tee allows me to breastfeed, since with an hospital gown I'd have to basically de-robe completely. That's what I'm planning anyway.


Ugh....heartburn is AWFUL!!!

[jennylou]

mrstim - the hospital gowns usually are special for the maternity ward - complete with spots to poke your breast through (much like nursing pajamas).

jen - sorry to hear about the GD. Will you have to go on insulin?

[K&H's mommy]

chatty girls today! Nothing interesting going on with us. I've come to accept not being in the new house before the baby is born. Hey, less space to run after DS and not much to clean (since we're not bringing decorations or anything to the apartment). Baby is sooooo active, just like DS. She is just as crazy as he was. Maybe it's my diet!!!

hospital gowns/pj's - ditto what the other girls said. I wore their gowns, their big mesh panties, none of my own stuff. If you need a robe you can get another L&D gown and wear it backwards. You don't want to get blood on your panties or your clothes. Take those mesh panties home too! They are goofy looking but they work. I would bring a nursing bra to the hospital, unless you just go braless. I was too sore to go braless and got my milk in 24-hours with baby #2 so I was hurting at the hospital even with the good supportive nursing bra. Oh and to save yourself some tears, bring maternity clothes to come home from the hospital in. With DD I brought pre-pregnancy clothes and had to send my mom out to get me something else when it would NOT fit, LOL!

Bras - I got a few at Motherhood that I really liked. Underwire was a must for me since I got *porn star boobs* after the kids were born. I went from a B to a DD over night. Ouch! I like the ones that when you open the nursing part, open large so I don't have to dig my bb out to give to the baby.

stoller - we got the BabyTrend sit-n-stand. DS hates the stroller so I thought he might like to stand or he can sit when he wants. We'll see how he does with it!

sleep - I get that restless leg crap sometimes and it drives me nuts. Also, the baby seems to go nuts as soon as I lay down and it's so hard to go to sleep when she's trying to push my belly button out from the inside. Then she punches the cervix, ugh.

sorry for lack of s/o's but I'm thinking of you all!

[jesseybell]

I want to go buy nursing bras soon - I am down to only 1 bra - unfortunately the other ones I have outgrown around, not cup size :( I sware I am the only person who hasn't gone up a size since getting pregnant.

May be TMI, but I don't know what I am going to do about pjs at the hospital. During the day is no problem, but I hate sleeping with clothes on - I have for about 10 years. I know i need to change this, because I don't plan on sleeping in the buff once my kid(s) are too old to know whats going on,not that I plan on being very modest - my parents never were. Nightgowns especially bug the hell out of me. But I probably won't bring anything with me - everyone says it just gets ruined anyways.
I did buy a pair of nursing pjs for home - I tried wearing the top a couple times but I kept falling out of it!

I think my belly button is on the verge of popping- DH and I keep expecting to hear a popping sound when it does go.I don't know, but lately I am obsessed with it - I find myself constantly looking at it or feeling it to see if has popped.

[JenniferH]

I have the worst cold. I can not breathe at all. The OTC meds they told me to take are not working.

hospital gowns/pj's - I wore a gown for the first day. I had a 4th degree tear and did not want to bother with changing, plus someone was in like every hour to make sure there was no sign of infection. Then I wore black drawstring waist PJ with a tank and bra. My pants were an XL (normally I were a small), but I wanted them big and roomy. I had a lot of visitors and did not feel comfortable being in the gown. I did continue to wear the mesh panties, so I could fit the huge pad and ice packs. Definitely plan to wear maternity clothes home, as K&H's Mommy said or seat pants 3 sizes bigger than usual.

stoller - We got the Graco Duoglider, the Graco Snap and Go, and DS already has a Peg Aria. The duoglider is for when I have the boys by myself and the other two are for when I am with DH, MIL, or my mom.

sleep - Still having leg cramps that wake me up. I pee 2x a night. Other than that not sleeping too bad.

Belly button - Mine keeps going in and out and then will be in this funcky half in and half out position. Like Jessybell, I am obsessed with seeing what it is doing so is DS.

Speaking of DS, he is wearing big boy underpants now. On Sunday, he came over to me so excited and proud and told me he peed. He was dry, so I said great let's go flush the toilet and wash your hands. He looked at me and said I peed with this look that made me scared. Turns out he peed on the kitchen floor!:rolleyes:

[mloveya]

Hello Ladies,

How are you all? I am so sorry once again for MIA...I am in the process of moving so I have not been able to get on that much....
I had such a busy weekend it was my best friend's wedding and my son was the ringboy and my DH was an usher so I am sooo tired! I will post a pic so you can all see how BIG I got...lol The pic is of my DH holding my DS the couple and me....

http://images.kodakgallery.com/servlet/Images/photos2055/3/37/79/25/29/9/929257937303_0_BG.jpg?a=0

I feel ok just very very tired. I can't wait till the baby gets here but then again I could wait because I know that it will be hard with 2 of them...lol
Hope you are all doing well. I will return later with shout outs....

Oh I have a question about the virtual shower. I sent my gift already was I supposed to wait until July 1st?

Maria
:)

[babylove]

Don't forget to buy and send your virtual shower gifts! All gifts should be mailed by Friday, June 23rd. Assuming everyone has their gifts by July 1st we will open them on that day (so you're fine mloveya!). Thanks!

[babylove]

Thanks, everyone, for the info on pajamas...I think I'm going to get a dark colored nursing night gown and robe for the hospital and then some drawstring pants for home. Worse case scenario, I won't wear the nightgown/robe and can return it, but at least I'll have something to wear if I feel up to getting dressed for visitors.

My ticker say 59 days! :eek:

And in case anyone hasn't heard about Lilly Padz (http://www.mom4life.com/catalog.php?category=37), I've heard they are great for nursing moms. They are reusable, silicone breast pads (probably better if you are going out than for every day use) that stick to your breast. I think they prevent leakage by applying pressure to the nipple. My friend has them and really likes them, and I've heard other people on CC rave about them.

[cocoa_femme]

Amy, that bra looks so comfortable! Would you mind sharing what kind it is, and where you got it?

[Chimichanga]

Thanks everyone for the support. I'm not too worried about the diet, but it just kind of stinks. Jenny - no insulin yet, but the doctor said if we couldn't control it with the diet I would have to.

jesseybell - I'm with you in the lack of ... growing. I have not gone up AT ALL in size since finding out I was pg. I did swell a bit at the beginning, but everything is normal. I haven't even had to go up in size around. There are some bras that are tighter than others so I don't wear those, but for the most part I can wear all my pre-pg bras.

I'm waiting to hear from the diabetes consultant. My doctor was like "I want you checking your blood sugar today, but tomorrow is fine." I didn't get his/her number and if they don't call I'm kind of in a bind. If they don't call by this afternoon, I may call them. I'd rather get this going sooner rather than later.

[isaacsmommy]

Well, my dr appt actually went okay today. I have to repeat some tests, but baby is still looking woderful. Oh and according to the tech he has hiar!! :p :D I have a feeling he is going to be a complete mini Isaac. My ds had a ton of black hair when he was born.

Gown I wore the hospital gown until my second day. Then I wore nursing pjs (pants, tank) sicne I had lots of visitors. However, I wouldn't wear anything that you'd be heartbroken if it got messed up. Good tip to know though is that peroxide gets blood out for the most part. I loved the mesh undewear though, especially since I had a c/s.

[mrstim]

Cocoa - the bra is the sleep bra from Motherhood Maternity. You can find it here. (http://www.motherhood.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=97091071&category_Name=Bras&Category_Id=1071&MasterCategory_Id=6)

I have lots going on today, so I can't hang around, but I'm feeling LOTS better and hope everyone else is having a great day too!

eta: 31w3d

[Tuesdayschild]

hospital gowns/pj's—I’ll be wearing what’s provided. I’ll have my maternity outfit to go home in, but if I need anything else we’ll be close enough to home that DH can run home and get it.
Pajamas at home—My mom bought me a couple nursing nightgowns and I do (did) use them. I could get up and be “ready” to pick up the baby, even in the dark.
Bras—I have a couple nursing bras. Unfortunately they are hiding somewhere. I honestly do not know where I put them. Maybe they’re in with DS’s 6-month clothes, since that’s when we weaned. I hope they find them; I was hoping to not have to rebuy.


Mloveya—Good to “see” you again! Wow, your DS was a ringbearer. My DS is suppose to be one

Jenn—Good luck and ~~stay put vibes~~ for your little one. We too are aiming for 37 weeks, which is still 7 weeks away! However, I’m really glad not to be on bedrest (yet). It’s incredibly difficult.

Jen—That is scary news about GD and your baby. I guess she’s trying to prepare you but I would just be so upset to hear that. ((hugs))

As we start seeing arrivals in July & August, I’d like to say…
PSA: Keep your baby protected from too much sun.
Limiting the amount of time he or she spends in the sun is best, but please, please use hats and sunscreen. Our babies are coming during some of the peak sunburn time! You don’t want a tiny baby with a burn. Okay, just thought I’d mention that. I’ve seen waaay too many infants “overexposed” on the playgrounds lately!

[cosmic]

isaacsmommy your baby is precious!!!! what a cutie.


just stopping by to say I HATE BABIES R' US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just checked my stupid registry and 14 of the 25 items are NOT AVAILABLE.

Yeah, I actually went in there this week because my MIL was worried that so many things weren't available. But the girls at the registry desk said those things ARE available in the store, just not on the website because they're breaking away from Amazon. Weird.

[jarocha]

Virtual Shower: Have not heard anyone mentioned if they received their shower presents yet, but I received mine yesterday. DH almost opened it. I had to explain to him that we have to wait until July 1st. Going this afternoon to drop mine off at the post office.

Belly button - Also, obsessed with my belly button. I wake up every morning checking it to see if it has popped out.

Nursing Bras: Have not even thought about them. I just went a cup size up. Not even sure where to start looking. I guess I will stop by Motherhood to check them out.

Anyone with Hemmoroids? I woke up this morning with this surprise. I was actually thinking last week how lucky I was that I didn't get them. I guess I spoke too soon.

[Chimichanga]

Virtual shower - I also got mine yesterday :D DH was wondering what the heck it was and I freaked and yelled when I saw "chimichanga" on the box.

No hemrroids - thank goodness and knock on wood.

I called USA Baby to check in on the rest of our furniture. The dresser is shipping next week and the nightstand and hutch in mid-July. I'm worried we might be pushing it just a bit, but...

[duke's flygirl]

Hi girls! I'm sorry that I have been MIA myself. I have been trying to read along, but I am way behind.

I had my appointment today with my Doc, and I'll copy what I wrote in my LJ here for you:

The Good:
H/R = 140bpm
BP= 112/70
Fundal Height: 32 weeks
Weight gain was good

The Bad:
Trace protein, more than before
She was concerned when I told her about the stars, and the tingly extremities

The Indifferent/hasn’t sunk in/trying not to freak out about it:
She doesn’t want me working past the end of next week! That doesn't mean that I am on bed rest, but she wants me home resting and doing what I need to do for ME to get ready.

So here I am back at work, and now I have just over a week (I was already on vacation next Thursday and Friday) to get everything sorted out and passed on to those that will be taking over my duties here. WOW!

I worked up until 5 days before I was admitted to the hospital with R, mind you I did work ½ days my last month, but still, she doesn’t even want me doing that. She wants me to prepare as best as I can and just have the time that I didn’t get before Ryleigh was born, and also to just be by myself since Ryleigh will still be in Daycare, especially with her having to change at the end of next week too.

Anyway, so I go and see the OB on the 4th July, then I see her, family doctor again on the 11th July.

I see my Military Doctor Tomorrow, so I will know more of what I still have to get done then. WOW! I’m trying really hard not to freak out. I had to pass on the news to my boss, and it was so hard, even though I feel like I have been “pretending” to work, I still feel like I am leaving them in the lurch (I have been doing things here too, but they just seem so insignificant…hard to explain I guess).

So that is the scoop!

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

I will have my virtual shower gift in the mail by the end of the week for sure, I just hope it will get there by next Friday. You can never tell with the Canada/US mail exchange.

In other stuff, I think I may actuall pop my belly button this time! I didn't with my DD, so that should be interesting, she is like all the other older siblings and tries to poke it back in as she shows everyone my belly!

Hospital Gowns/PJ's. I wore the Hospital provided ones, and my poor DH had to go to the gift shop and pick up the mesh pants as they don't just give them out anymore, and I LOVED having those especially with the c-section.

I still have my nursing bras from DD, but I think I may need to invest in one or two more. But I will wait and see what size they grow to this time!

Sleep: Still okay, I'm up once or twice a night, but I can't seem to get to sleep before 11pm, and I am up for work around 545am.


Sorry for the lack of S/O's, but I don't want to miss anyone, and I would have too many pages to go back.

Hope you all are doing well, the pictures that have been posted lately are great!

[Camdynlyn]

Virtual shower: My present will be in the mail by Thursday, I think.

Hello all. I'm home.. finally. Today's been pretty busy. Let's see, I'll make this a little easier to read:

Doctor Appointment:

Had my doctor appointment today. Blood pressure 100/66, which they said was excellent. Measuring right on target and everything looks good (weight gain is 15 pounds, baby's heart rate: 145bpm). He told me to take some Pepcid for my sickies I've been having because it's not the same as morning sickness where your body's getting used to the hormones. It should be used to them already. This is just indigestion and reflux (although I'm not sure that's what I would call it). I go back July 5th, when I'll be 31w2d! Where has time gone? I have my 3D/4D ultrasound Thursday, June 29th! Mom and MIL are coming up so that should be interesting to say the least. Mom will measure for the crib skirt (fabric is bought) and we'll get that started.

**

[babylove]

I took care of ordering my virtual shower gift today... :)

Had our first childbirth class tonight...it was enlightening. I didn't really learn anything new per se, but I think those two hours went a long way to clue in DH about what I'll be going through. About 30 mins into the class, he became very affectionate--hand holding, rubbing my arm, etc., which he never does in public...I think he finally gets it. He also said some of the funniest things during the class....I thought I would have to walk out at one point b/c I didn't think I could control the giggles....this is why I love my hubbie :p

[mrstim]

31w4d

Good Morning All!! :D

I'm really tired this morning - I had contractions every 20 minutes for about 2 hours last night. Obviously not what I wanted to be going through, that's for sure. I'm not sure what they were from - this morning I finally was able to have a BM (sorry) and I'm wondering if that blockage was what caused it. I've had no pains since about 12:30 this morning, so I'm going to guzzle water and see how I feel today. This is definitely going to be top topic at my doctor's appointment Friday!

I'm getting my virtual gift done today, if all goes well.

My Belly button is still very much an innie - in fact, my belly is still kinda split up front. It's funny looking - I have a basketball look, other than the belly button area, where it's still dented.

Other than that - sounds like another shower is in the works. My aunt is giving it, because there's been like 5 people call my mom and ask when my shower was, since we're running out of time. I told my mom I preferred something low-key and simple, I just don't seem to have the energy to have to face a big party.

DH ran me a bubble bath and is begging me to go lay back down and rest - I think my body might be telling me I need more. Hope all of you are well - talk to you later!

[Chimichanga]

duke's flygirl - wow about the bedrest! That's a quick turnaround time - I hope it flies by for you.

Camdynlyn - yay for baby being on target. Have fun with your u/s - I wish I could have had a 4d one.

babylove - my DH has been doing the same thing (more affectionate in public). Not that I'm complaining, but it is very funny to me too. :D

mrstim - I have the same belly button issues. I'd love it to have a perfectly round belly, but I've got a stinking dimple there.

I go in tomorrow at 10 a.m. for my meeting with the diabetes consultant. The nurse was shocked they hadn't called me yet - yeah, me too! I'm going to have to leave work and come back, which stinks, but what can I do? I can't afford all this time off before the baby.

Last night DH and I had a carb blow-out. Probably not the best thing to do, but we had bought a lot of bread and pasta for this weeks' dinner menu so we needed to get rid of it.

[jesseybell]

I have not been taking very good care of myself in the last few days- I hope it doesn't show at the doctors office tomorrow.
My weekend was mainly taken up by work and painting stencils for the nursery, then my client has been in town the last 3 days, so I've been eating horribly, working late, getting up what I think is insanely early (but will be my new routine come November) and haven't been able to put my feet up so I have serious cankles.

But the good news is the client is gone, and with the exception of a 1/2 crazy tomorrow shuffling between work, the vet and the doctors, I should be able to relax. I could even have the baby and not be too worried about it (okay, I would be worried, I don't want her coming so early) but I got 2 major work milestones taken care of.

Last night was my "shower" - ie me, my mom, and 2 friends. My mom and 1 friend had already gotten me my large gifts, but they all brought poems about the baby (not ones they had written) and my mom knitted her a blanket, so it was really special. We also got our swing and a couple other little things. It was so wonderful. I also had blue cheese for the first time in 8 months - so, so yummy!

Now I get snarky. I had said how my friend at work was throwing me and DH a shower next week and how I was so excited because the work wedding shower ended up being just for me and my coworkers came and he wasn't invited....first I was told my friend only wanted to buy us diapers, lots of them - a little weird, but then again, so is he....but the bad thing is I found out that it is a shower for me and another girl who works at the company- granted we sit near each other and we're both due around the same time, but other than that, we might as well work on different planets- we don't have the same clients or co-workers or work friends, we barely know each other, yet for some unknown reason we are having a joint baby shower and DH is a complete afterthought in the process. I hate to look a gifthorse in the mouth, but there is absolutely no reason for us to have a joint shower. But the invites are out and it is supposed to be a surprise, so I can't say anything. DH is pretty hurt as well, especially when he was told that the cake would have mine and her name on it, not his.

Need.to.go.relax.... or my BP will be way up tomorrow.

[mrstim]

Good Morning!!!

Jessie - TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! I've been doing the same thing (not taking care of myself) and it's caused some problems. Since I've been trying to get more sleep, rest more, etc. I feel better! Sorry for the shower mess - I'm sure that's really irritating. Glad you got those 2 projects done!

Jen - you're probably at the doctor, but good luck with that! Hope it's not too difficult. Carb blow-out...yummy!!

I'm busy yet again today - our garden is really rolling in the produce now! I have found that I have to get lots of water in me first thing in the morning, or I get very, very nauseated - like I am right now. :( I drank Apple Juice for breakfast and it didn't agree, I must have my water!

Anyway - back to the kitchen, I just wanted to say hello and hope everyone is doing great - we got quiet last night!

[ajlanden]

Ah, back from a trip to Dallas...I am so far behind, so I apologize for missing people.

jessey-I agree with Amy...you need to have some good relaxation today. I hope your appointment goes well!

Chimi-Ya for a carb filled dinner! :) I hope you enjoyed it!

Amy-A bubble bath sounds great! I hope it was!

Summer-Yay for a good appointment!!

Joelle-I posted in your LJ! :)

Hemmorhoids-COUNT ME IN! I am having major issues with no relief from anything I've done. This sucks! I feel like crying. I keep thinking that if I could just get rid of them, I will never complain about being uncomfortable the rest of this pregnancy. I didn't have them with #1...OMG, I was lucky. I probably need to break down and go to the doc. LIke I said, nothing is working.

Hospital Gowns-I will wear what the provide in the hospital. I'll probably bring some maternity clothes to come home in. :(

Nursing Bras-Need to pull them out of storage.

Not much else. Just trying to make it through the day with my throbbing behind.

[jesseybell]

I got into bed at 9:30 last night-I woke up at 1:00 wide awake and thirsty so drank a ton of water and then needed to sit in the glider for an hour because I felt so sick when I lay back down.
I am home now and told work I was working from home tomorrow -ahh...3 1/2 days at home. I am in heaven!

Thankfully my doctor's appt went really well. I am measuring about a week ahead (I have seriously grown in the last 10 days) but she isn't too worried. My bp is fabulous, no protein in the urine, and I gained 2 lbs (I thought it would be more like 5-6 so I am not complaining.

My next appointments are 7/6 and 7/12 - I will be seeing the 2 male doctors in my next appointments. I went to a male GYN for 20 years, but haven't been to one in a few years.
Next appointment (36 weeks!!) they'll do the strep culture and a quickly u/s to verify position of baby.

Wanna hear something cute?! After the week I've had and the stuff about the shower, DH has decided he wants to take some of his $ from this week's paycheck and throw me a mini-shower, just he and I :) I wonder what he'll buy?!

My BRU registry continues to be non-existant. All items except 1 are "not available" and also the Diaper Champ is shown as discontinued. How can they discontinue a diaper champ?!

[mrstim]

Ashley - the bubble bath was yummy! It was better than the one last week - I got too hot and weak to get out, yet DH couldn't hear me hollering, so I just let all the water out and had to sit there hollering for him until he finally heard me. It's funny looking back - here I am, beached whale sitting in the bathtub with no-water!! :rolleyes:

Jessie - glad your appt. went well! I too got up and drank something in the middle of the night! The DH & you shower is SO sweet of him! Hope he gets ya something great! Almost everything is unavailable on my registry too - but some of the things that were are showing as purchased now, so I'm assuming in the store they're fine. Discontinued diaper champ - now that's weird!!

Anyone else notice that sometimes the items are cheaper online than they are in the store? On my walmart registry my monitor is $20 instead of $30, and some of the other stuff is a lot cheaper too!! Weird.

[Chimichanga]

Jesseybell - sorry to hear about the craziness at work. i'm right there with you though... my cankles and your cankles should get together ;)

mrstim - very cool about your garden. That's one way to keep fresh produce in the house.

Had my meeting with the diabetes consultant. It started late which ticked me off. I got my meter and stuff. Then she wasn't going to tell me anything about my special diet... uhhh.... don't I need that?!?! Sometimes I feel like these people have their heads up their butts. I explained that it's the end of the quarter, and I really can't take too much time off from work. She gets all sassy and said, "Well, THIS is important too." Yes, but so is paying for things like the mortgage, the diapers, etc. :rolleyes:

She gave me some basic information and I have to go back next week to meet with the dietician. My doc is NOT going to be pleased. I'm only going to have 3 days of readings for her to monitor. But, good news - my after lunch reading was within range! :D Actually, I was near the low end of the acceptable range.

I need to get more test strips (probably will be like $60 or something :eek: ) because they only gave me 10 and I need to test 5 times a day. I used two testing with the consultant and then wasted two after lunch because I couldn't get a reading on the first one.

[Camdynlyn]

Hello girls! How ya holding up in the heat? I went to the pool today and enjoyed being a beached whale in the water! :p

I'm still getting sick off and on so I have to watch what I eat in the mornings. It's getting a little ridiculous to STILL be sick but oh well.

I washed more clothes today. I think I'm done for now. I've only washed onsies, booties, hats, sleepers, cotton pants, etc. I've not washed any 'cutesy' outfits just in case she never gets around to them. Oh, I washed the coming home outfit, too! :)

That's about it for me. OH, I'm craving ICE! I can't get enough of it. I want it all the time and can crunch it for hours! Odd.

[Sabriel]

Camdynlyn Have you had your blood levels checked lately? Craving ice is a symptom of anemia. Sorry you are still feeling sick!

Chimichanga Sorry that your meeting didn't go so great. Yay for your bg being good after lunch!

jesseybell Glad your appointment went well! How cute of your DH to throw you a mini-shower. :)

ajlanden Glad you are back! Sorry about the hemmorhoids. That sucks!

mrstim Glad you are slowing down and taking time to relax!

babylove Glad your childbirth class went well! All 3 of the DHs in our Bradley class were full of funny comments. It was amazing the things they came up with. They kept us very entertained every week! :)

Showers - I went from having no shower planned to now having 3! MIL's friend, 2 of my mom's sisters and my work are all throwing showers for us. How fun!

Virtual Shower - I bought my gift yesterday, and I am going to send it out tomorrow. I got mine in the mail today. It is so hard not to open it!

Thanks for all of your thoughts about my bad day this weekend. Things are much better now. The dryer is temporarily fixed. We are just waiting for a part that is on backorder. DH's car insurance was straightened out on Monday. It was just a billing error, no big deal. My car isn't fixed yet. We are still waiting to hear from the insurance company about that. Luckily, I can just laugh about it all now. (Though at the time, it wasn't funny!)

Hope everyone's having a good week!

[babylove]

I've been so bad about SOs...going back as far as I can see on the reply page...

Amy ~ Ooooo...a bubble bath. That sounds really good right now! Hope you enjoyed it!

Jen ~ Hope you enjoyed the carb blow-out before the meeting w/ the GD specialist...I'm glad your appt went well and your reading was good. Keep up the good work!

Jessie ~ So glad you had a nice shower! I don't blame you for being upset about your work shower. I guess they were just trying to kill 2 birds with one stone, so to speak. But there's no excuse for not including your DH. I don't even know if my office is doing anything for me at all! How cute that your hubby is going to throw you a mini-shower!

Ashley ~ So sorry about your throbbing bum! I hope the dr had some good treatment advice for you!

Summer ~ I'm not holding up well at all in this heat! I think I want to set up shop in a walk-in freezer until August!

Cherish ~ I'm glad things are looking up for you! What a bummer to have all of those things happen at once...when it rains it pours, eh?

***

Nothing much new with me. My "sore spot" on my stomach is really painful and annoying lately. I don't understand what the heck it is considering there isn't a mark on my skin whatsoever. And I've noticed more swelling in my hands and feet. I finally broke down and bought a CZ wedding band from Target to wear. It's almost 2 full sizes larger than my regular size :eek: Even my oblivious DH noticed how swollen my fingers are. :(

Stay cool, mamas!

[Sabriel]

babylove I have a sore spot under one of my bbs. It hurts a lot sometimes, especially when I am laying in bed. At first I thought it was dry skin, but lotion doesn't seem to help. There is no mark or anything there. :confused:

[bluhimmy]

Chimichanga - The test strips are super expensive. You should get a prescription for them, as well as the lancets, so you're insurance should cover most of the cost.

[Camdynlyn]

Re: Swelling: I'm not TOO bad yet but if I'm outside for long periods of time, my fingers swell. I'm about to invest in a CZ ring, too!

Re: Spot on body: I need to take a picture of mine to show. I have one under my left boob. Actually, I have a dry skin patch (although I stay well lathered) and it itches sometimes but the other is a skin pigment that came up when I was about 20 weeks. It's Mickey Mouse shaped. You all think I'm kidding, I'll take a picture of that sucker! :p

[Camdynlyn]

I'm needing a new ring because of daytime swelling and wanted to see how the rings from Ebay worked out!?!

[bluhimmy]

Camdynlyn - I bought a ring through eBay, but I didn't like it very much. So I end up ordering one from Overstock, and I love it.

[amyinlosangeles]

Camdynlyn Luckily I found my ring I lost but the Ebay ring would have been fine temporarily.......it looked really fake, but not a big deal.

[jesseybell]

Camdynlyn-
I have gotten a bunch of skin pigment marks under my bbs since I got pregnant. I was supposed to go the dermatologist a couple of months ago but I ended up blowing it off (bad me) She had told me back in October that things do tend to grow when you are pg, and moles can become bigger...I just don't remember if she told me what happens after you deliver - I am going to make an appt with her for the fall to just check them out if they are still there.

Rings - I haven't actually worn mine yet. They are a little gaudy, but not overly so -kind of fun to wear. Even with all the feet swelling, my hands haven't swelled overly so yet (except when I am out in the heat and I can't get my rings off in the heat not pg, so I am not concerned). I just don't want to part with my e-ring until I really have to.

I am feeling SO much better today. A good nights rest and doing absolutely nothing last night definitely helped. Poor DH - I was a mopey, PITA, but I guess that all comes with being pg :)

[Camdynlyn]

I'm looking at getting this ring from Overstock for $24.99:
http://images.overstock.com/f/102/3117/8h/www.overstock.com/images/products/P1014434.jpg

It'll suit me temporarily but need some advice. I normally wear a 7 and it says to order a size up because it runs small due to the dome design. My fingers haven't swollen *much* but just enough that it's hard to pull of my rings (so I'd say a size 7.5 is what I need). They don't come in half sizes so do I order an 8 (one side up from my normal size) or a 9 (1.5 sizes up from my 'pregnancy' size)?

[Abby'sMom]

Rings - Sorry, can't help. I usually wear a 5.5 or 6, and my fingers didn't swell at all with DD until the last week of pgcy (so around 39w), so all I did was take of my e-ring at that point. (My wedding band is actually a size too big already because I never had it re-sized and the e-ring holds it on. :o )

Strange spots - None here. Which is funny because I have tons of moles. My dermatitis has flared up, though, which is huge, itchy fun.

Jessie, glad you're doing better.

Amy, mmm, bubbles! I've not had one for ages. My ILs gave DD her first one last week and she loved it.

Ashley, boo to stinky old hemmoroids (or however it's spelled!).

Had my weekly OB check yesterday. I'm still on extremely limited movement for the next week. Once I hit 34 weeks (in 5 days), my OB said I can up my activity level again because 34-weekers almost always do just fine long-term. I suspect he thinks that once I go back to my normal routine, I'll go into labor, so I'm going to continue to chill as much as possible until 36w. We'd like to have names selected before s/he makes the grand appearance. :)

[jesseybell]

I just got an e-mail from BRU about the on-line registry "currently not available issue" - wish they had sent this out a week ago! The new site won't be up until the beginning of July.
DH and I were discussing the right way to tell people what is going on, since we have a lot of out-of-towners who might be more inclined to buy on-line instead of going into the store and then having to ship it themselves. Do we tell them outright (then we sound like we are expecting gifts) or wait until they say something to us?
We'll probably just wait....knowing his mom she'll want to go into the store anyway and buy other little things, and knowing his dad, he probably won't get his act together until after early July anyway, or else they'll buy us something and bring it down when the baby arrives (they are only 3 hours away).

[Abby'sMom]

When's your shower again? July starts in just a week! If you're worried, try registering elsewhere for the same stuff, and then take any items purchased from the second registry off of your BRU one once it becomes available again.

[jarocha]

I got the same email from BRU. I think I will be ok since, my shower is not until July 23rd, I think. My MIL moved the date like ten times and my sister got annoyed. I think the shower is a bit late but DH family is huge and that was the only date which there was not a family event already planned.

Hopefully everyone is staying cool. The weather here in Northern CA has been in the high 90s and low 100s.

[Abby'sMom]

jarocha, are you in the east bay? It was 104 here yesterday. :eek:

[amyinlosangeles]

cross posted in CC Closet thread....

My absolute favorite latest buy are these Mossimo smocked skirts from Target in the Junior section....lots of colors too! They're made of that lightweight gauzy cotton...so cool and comfy!

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=in_pe_recently-viewed-items_3/601-7785841-8101709?%5Fencoding=UTF8&asin=B000EX0DEG
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000EU0QIM.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_V55808932_.jpg
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000EX2B32.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_V54775314_.jpg
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000EX0DEG.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_V56330354_.jpg
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000ETYL6G.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_V55832181_.jpg


I hate spending any more money on maternity clothes but I figure I'll probably wear them for awhile after Ava comes.

[jarocha]

Abby'sMom: Yes, I am in Newark. Its been super hot. I just had my sister fill up my kiddie pool so we can go in it. Now I just need to fix myself a virgin margarita.


amyinlosangeles: Thanks for posting those skirts. Going tonight to get some. Those look comfy especially for this heat. Your right about spending any more money on maternity clothes when we only have a few more weeks.

[bluhimmy]

jarocha - We're neighbors; I'm in Fremont! We've been staying indoors since it's been so hot here.

[jennylou]

I'm looking at getting this ring from Overstock for $24.99:
http://images.overstock.com/f/102/3117/8h/www.overstock.com/images/products/P1014434.jpg

It'll suit me temporarily but need some advice. I normally wear a 7 and it says to order a size up because it runs small due to the dome design. My fingers haven't swollen *much* but just enough that it's hard to pull of my rings (so I'd say a size 7.5 is what I need). They don't come in half sizes so do I order an 8 (one side up from my normal size) or a 9 (1.5 sizes up from my 'pregnancy' size)?

I ordered my rings one size up. And let me tell you, on the really humid days, they even start to get tight. Of course, when it cools down, they start to fall off it seems. :p

BTW, I got mine on ebay and like them.

[mrstim]

Goodness we're chatty today!! :D I can't stay on here long b/c of the weather (It's storming here) but I did want to update you guys on my doctor's appointment today. My 32 week checkup was today, and it was great! Short story - I gained 10.5 pounds in teh last month :eek: :eek: Which the doctor was NOT upset about - it brings my total weight gain to 16 lbs. Anyway, BP was great, babies HR was 168, and due to my contractions this week, I got to experience my first internal. My cervix is completely and fully CLOSED!!! He said drink more water, eat absolutely NO extra salt on my food, and to take it easy. Easier said than done, m'dear! He checked my ankles, and answered all my L&D questions. Basically, he said he allows an epidural whenever I want it, even if I'm jsut at 1cm, if I'm too uncomfy. He won't talk induction until my due date, and will only let me labor until he sees I'm wearing out, then he said it's probably best to talk c/section. All in all - a VERY good talk. He did mention that using an Enema before labor is a great idea - that having clean bowels is a help to the cause. My next appt. is July 5th.

K - I need to go, but hope everyone has a great weekend!!

[duke's flygirl]

Wow! There has been a lot of chatter going on in here today!

I had to sit through lectures ALL day today, and I am tired this evening.

Summer: I'm no help on the ring issue, mine still fit so far, and I have an eternity band that DH bought that is a size too big that fits my right hand that I wore when I was PG with my DD.

Sorry to read about the registry issues you ladies are having. The Canadian Registry is a bit different.

I sent out my Virtual Shower Gift this morning, and I was told that it should be at the destination by next friday, but if may be hung up at customs. I should have realized that BEFORE now!

Other than that, I now have 3 work days, +1 where I have to go in and fill out all my paperwork.

Fortunately my doctor hasn't put me on 100% bedrest, but I am to slow down each day, and rest on the couch. Prior to my appointment last week, I knew I had Thurs and Fri off next week, so I booked the Maternity Massage that DH and Ryleigh gave me for Mother's day for Friday AM, and then a hair cut. I realized I hadn't had it trimmed since just before I went back to work over NINE months ago! So it will be done. Other than that, I know that I need to get my legs and bikini waxed sometime in July before the big day, and also see my contact lense guy so that I can get some more lenses, I'm on my last pair now!

Little Man has been moving around like crazy, and trying to show me his body parts THROUGH my belly! He certainly is strong already! I'm starting to get really excited about meeting him, and seeing who he looks like, and getting to know him, but I am also sure that I can wait until my c-section day, or at least MUCH closer than I am now!

Sorry for no idividual SO's, but I will try to get better at them when I am off with nothing to do!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

[K&H's mommy]

Ok I'm totally busy packing but I wanted to hijack and say to jarocha - my mom lives in Newark. I grew up in Fremont and lived there until a few years ago...small world! :)

Can I just say that it was almost 106 here today and we are moving all week into the apartment and into the storage center. BAD timing!

[amyinlosangeles]

I hope everyone's having a great weekend. We finally started moving furniture around today so we can attempt to start on the nursery. We're way behind but I'm trying not to stress about it. I'm really excited - my other shower is tomorrow and it should be lots of fun!

I got a letter in the mail which turned out to be a receipt from an online stroller company sending me a free diapees and wiapees case for ordering my stroller!!!!!!!!!! It turns out my stepmom's friends all went in together and ordered the stroller I've been wanting. I can't wait to get it....although I have no idea where we're going to keep it - our house is torn up right now!

Here it is...... The Rock Star Baby Stroller (silly name isn't it?)
http://www.strollermama.com/images/rsb-black-pram.jpg
http://www.strollermama.com/images/rsb-black.jpg

[babylove]

Cherish ~ There must be some kind of explanation for our sore spots. It's so strange!

Summer ~ Great ring! I didn't even consider checking out Overstock. Is it bad that I want a real one instead of a CZ? :p And if you didnt order already, I would go with the bigger size for sure.

Sherry ~ I have lots of strange moles too. I have a skin tag just above my bikini line that has really gotten larger...but I only know that b/c DH told me since I can't see it anymore! LOL!

Jessie ~ I got that email too but notice they didn't say anything about when everything will be back to normal? :mad:

Amy ~ Cute skirts! I would love to buy one but I'm so over buying ANYTHING clothing-wise for me. I have spent SO MUCH on maternity clothes during this pgcy. Yay on the stroller! It's adorable!

Amy ~ Glad you had a great appt!

Joelle ~ Glad things are going well and your not on 100% bedrest. That would be tough w/ a toddler!

Sara ~ 106 degrees? :eek: :eek:

***

Has anyone noticed that their appetite has changed lately. I suddenly can't eat as much as before. I get full kind of quickly and stay full. It's strange. I didn't even have room for dessert last night! The horror! ;)

[Sabriel]

amyinlosangeles Yay for getting the stroller you want! Cute skirts!

K&H's mommy 106! Abby's Mom 104! :eek: It's been in the 80s here. That's hot enough for me!

duke's flygirl Have fun getting your massage and having your hair cut!

mrstim Glad your appointment went well!

Things are going well here. Baby is very active! She likes to poke her body parts out. Especially, at the top of my belly where it is so uncomfortable!

(Sorry, this is a vent) I am a little upset with my MIL right now. She called and left a message on Friday asking me and DH to make the invitations for our own shower!? I didn't call her back, but DH saw her that day and he agreed to do it. She wanted them on plain white copy paper and is mailing them out in those little white envelopes. She wrote out what she wanted them to say and told him to put a baby and a stork on them. She wanted it all in black and white. DH made them, but put it in color. He put a stork and a baby that says "It's a girl" around it. We took them over to MIL that night and all she has done since is *itch about them. For one thing, she doesn't believe that it is a girl and is freaking out about that. Also, she didn't like the size they are. Hello! Of course they look like crap! Just go buy your own stupid invitations. The thing that upsets me the most is that she is just trying not to spend any money. She can afford it. I guess she doesn't think we're worth it. Heck, I'll go buy some invitations myself! Or if she wants homemade ones, I'll go buy some nicer paper and envelopes. If she doesn't want to do it, she just shouldn't throw me a shower at all. The shower was originally my mom's idea, but MIL has pretty much pushed her out of the whole thing. Then, after she was done complaining about the invitations, she lectured us about eating pizza for dinner. :rolleyes: When we left, she said "thanks for coming" and DH said "it's always a pleasure" and we walked out. LOL She knows we were pissed while we where there. Now she thinks that DH isn't speaking to her. She called my mom yesterday and complained about the invitations, the pizza, that we never go and see her and that she doesn't know why DH doesn't want her to be a part of his life. Um yeah, it's not hard to see why. :rolleyes: (Okay, vent over!)

[jesseybell]

Sabriel - Sorry about your MIL - what the nerve!

My mother was telling me off the other night when I was complaining about our work shower, going off about how I thought I was entitled to something and I should just be grateful. Yeah mom, I don't believe I am entitled to anything, but since I know work always throws showers for people, I would much rather have the shower be with my HUSBAND than a girl I don't like. Oh well....

Speaking of showers...DH threw me my mini-shower yesterday. It was so cute. He got this amazing chocolate cake with "Congratulations Mom" on it. He bought us the mirrors and shades for our cars (not on our registry - he picked them out himself!), the bathtub, one of our bouncy chairs, and our activity mat. I was SO excited!

I have had a pretty relaxing weekend, which is exactly what I need. I've been reading all the stuff from all our baby classes.
Next weekend I want to be the last big push and then hopefully we'll have a few weeks to relax. Next weekend I want to: Practice routes to the hospital, do the baby laundry, clean her room top to bottom, go to BRU and Target to get a few baby things, figure out who needs to be called/emailed right away, and talk about our birth plan and practice some of the relaxation techiniques we learned.

I think come Saturday, when it is July, and I can say I am having the baby that month or the next, it will really hit me hard!

[Camdynlyn]

Does anyone feel like they are running out of time?? I know I'll be one of the last to go but still. I need to work on a birth plan (do I include that I FOR SURE want an epidural and how to do I word that?!), make a list of people to call/email from the hospital, decide on announcements and go ahead and get a list of addresses up (I'll just print cute labels but I need to narrow this job down and possibly go ahead and order envelopes), pack the bags, etc. Pretty much, all her clothes are washed. Her Take Home outfit is done (I've got 2 just in case), I've sat out a bag to put it all in but we'll also pack a diaper bag (isn't this right?). I just feel so overwhelmed. :eek:

**

Belly pictures:

Although I'll be 30 weeks tomorrow, I just got around to 29 week shots. Here you go:

29w5d (left) vs. 26w0d (right)
http://static.flickr.com/76/174519637_008ad05f03_m.jpghttp://static.flickr.com/77/156071573_57c3e7e32b_m.jpg

I feel a whole lot bigger. I know Mom said in the last month, I've really grown (she didn't see me for 3 weeks). Bean is now kicking up a storm and I feel her on both sides of my belly at once (I guess she's stretching). I've yet to feel hicups, though. I'm sure they'll come.

I go on Thursday for my 3D/4D ultrasound with Mom and MIL (and possibly Holly) coming up to share that with us. I'm excited and really hoping she'll cooperate for some good pictures!

[Abby'sMom]

Just a quick note on birth plans -- don't spend a lot of time on it. Share your ideas briefly with your OB at one of your visits before delivery time, and then share the main points with your L&D nurse (eg 'give me my drugs when I ASK for them', 'DH wants to cut the cord') and let it go. They're just loose guidelines for your *ideal* birth experience, after all. I don't bother with them myself -- I know too, too many women who have been crushed (like mourned for months) that their plans were thrown by the wayside when something unexpected came up.

Jessie, cute idea by your DH.

Sabriel, oooh, if my MIL did something like that I'd clock her. Well, not really. I can't believe she made you make your own invites and then didn't like them.

Tracee, I'm just hungry all the time. I DO eat less at each sitting, though. I remember with DD that around 36w, I would eat about four forkfuls of something, feel full, but still be starving. :)

Amy, wahoo on the stroller! That's a huge one off your list.

Sara, ew, 106. DH was up in Folsom the other day and said it was H-O-T.

Joelle, hmm, I think I've said it all on LJ, so just... hey!

Amy, good for you for being closed up tight despite the contrax! That must be a nice relief.

We took DD to a pool party for one of her friends yesterday so I got to wear the maternity suit I was afraid I'd not get to use. :) She had a great time in the water - she's a little fishie! I got sunburnt in the two spots I forgot to sunscreen. Ow. :rolleyes:

[jennylou]

birth plans - I'm going to disagree with Abby on this one. We went in thinking that b/c we'd talked everything over with the OB and she was fine with things that it would be no problem. However, it wasn't. I had a lot of flack from my nurses. So, while I would keep it very brief and non confrontation ie, "I would like to walk around even if my waters should be broken" (our hospital has a policy that you are supposed to be in bed, not even getting out for potty breaks :rolleyes: , though my OB had no problems with me walking around my room). Then have your OB sign off on it. Remember, you'll see your OB very little. You'll see the nurse a lot. If you just give her a copy at the beginning, she can read it. Then, she can roll her eyes away from you if she feels the need, instead of right in front of you (yes, she did). Also, the c/s rate is something like 30% these days, so you may want to think about that as well (our hospital has a policy that the mom can't hold the baby for an hour afterwards (after you're in the recovery room, so depending upon how long it takes to sew/staple up, you could be close to an hour and a half, while they monitor blood pressure, etc), so my birthplan will state that as long as I'm conscious, I wish to be able to hold the baby immediately upon getting into the recovery room if I so wish.

[Camdynlyn]

Thanks for weighing in on this issue. I'll put the major points on my birthplan (Hubby to cut the cord, hold immediatley, if possible, etc). I'll also put a spot for c/s because I know too many who've been against it but had to have one because of one thing or another and I want to be prepared.

[Abby'sMom]

Guess it depends on your experience and your personality type. I'm happy not having (much of) one. As I said, I know several women who literally *mourned* the loss of their planned experiences.

And to clarify, I suggested not spending a lot of time on it, and not blowing it off entirely. (That was my personal choice to not do it - I tend to get upset when things go 'off course' and my OB suggested I not do one.) If there are things you feel strongly about, let them know. I know my L&D nurses would have been happy to hear had I had any special requests (though I know not all are like that). But remember they're busy people, you may have more than one of them over the course of your L&D experience, and they may not have time or remember to honor every request you make.

Flexibility is really one of the keys to a good experience, IMO.

[jesseybell]

The birthplan I plan on writing is more for DH's benefit - the 2 things I know I want to put is that I really don't want the other drugs (non-epidural) because things like that affect me more than the normal person and I don't want to be really out of it (friends of mine who have had them hated them and ended up with the epi as well). And that I would like to TRY to hold off on the epi until 4-5 cm at least (I don't want it the second I walk through the door) so I would like DH to encourage me to wait a little bit (but that could easily go by the wayside)

Camdynlyn - I definitely feel like I am running out of time! Next weekend I want to be DONE with the preparations and I so desparately want a few weekends to do nothing (or do what we want) - My fear is that as soon as we're done prepping, she's going to arrive
We aren't packing a diaper bag - we're just putting the coming home outfit in our bag - everything else the hospital provides
My friend did suggest having extra room in your bag to steal things from the hospital :) Like extra blankets (perfect for swaddling) and extra ice packs (if you need them)

[Abby'sMom]

Like extra blankets (perfect for swaddling) and extra ice packs (if you need them)

Heh, that's pretty funny. :)

But be careful - our hospital was extra-vigilant about that stuff. They charged your insurance company extra for missing items. :rolleyes: And they knew every single item that was in your room - it was all inventoried.

[jennylou]

Flexibility is really one of the keys to a good experience, IMO.

Oh, yes, I agree. I really wish that the nurses would have been more flexible with me. But, because I wanted to stray the course on anything, they weren't too happy. My sil loved her labor experience (same hospital, some of same nurses), but she did whatever they wanted her too.

[isaacsmommy]

I am going to chime in on the birth plans here. When I worked in the mother/ baby unit at the hospital that I am delivering in it was kind of a running joke that the moms who were hard core about thier birth plans had already bought their ticket to the OR. That wasn't to be mean or anything that just how it seemed to turn out. That is not to say you shouldn't stand up for what you want though. Another thing is doctors don't generally get to override hospital policy so you can go over your birth plan with the dr, but if it is something the hospital doesn't allow you will still have to deal with the nurse who says you can't (the dr isn't her boss, the hospital is). I personally am not making one as I am having a c/s, but I will ask that I be allowed to hold the baby in recovery permitting that the baby and I are both stable.

As far as extras from the hospital, anything that has been brought into you room ie ice packs etc, is yours (and have already been charged to you) anyway since most things aren't reusable. Also things like linen (at least at the hospital I work at) aren't charged individually to patients, they are charged to the unit and come out of their operating budget. I think most the time they assume you will take a blanket or two anyway for keepsakes.

I've been reading along the last few days just haven't managed to post. I'm still on bedrest of course. I went to the hospital once last week for monitoring again :rolleyes: which seems like its becoming a weekly event. My bp is now sittings around 150's/90's most of the time and I am starting to have more protein in my urine, but not at the "go to the hospital level yet" as the dr described it. I am having more swelling too, but mostly in my hands and face not my feet and legs which is unusual. So no cankles for me yet just stubbs for fingers and a balloon face :( .

I recieved my shower gift a few days ago, and I sent mine out as well. I can't wait until July 1st, I am so excited!

Running out of time- count me in! Especially since I know that due to everything going on this baby really could have to come any time. My husband is predicting the first week of July with how things are progressing. I hope its later than that, but I could see it happening :( . My ds's birthday is the 7th of July hopefully they won't share a b-day. Also we don't even have a name yet!

A funny story last week, well kinda. I was coming out of the dr building and a lady yelled "when are you due?" I replied with my due date and then she said "You poor thing are you having twins?" to which I told her no just one big boy! Good thing I don't take those kind of comments personally (and that I think I am huge myself).

Wow, I wrote a book! Hope you ladies are having a good weekend!

[Chimichanga]

Wow - everyone was chatty!! :)

We had our childbirth class on Saturday. I thought it was great. We did some relaxation techniques, toured the maternity area and watched some videos. Overall I think it was really helpful. We did the "express" class - so it was all one day. It was a lot of information, but not terribly overwhelming.

Baby girl was kicking like crazy all day Saturday. :) My parents drove up to visit on Saturday too. We went out to Texas Roadhouse for dinner since I figured I could get away with fewer carbs. Overall my readings have been pretty good. Mornings - ehh, not so great. but after then - all good :)

Sunday my dad and DH put up the chair rail in the baby's room. I think it looks pretty nice! My mom and I went to BRU and bought a new pad for the bassinet and two sheets for it too. It is a *really* hard size to find.

Baby hasn't been super active today, but she's kicking enough in an hour to be "good." I'm wondering if she was so excited for Saturday, that she just needed to chill today.

[mrstim]

My surprise shower was today! I can't elaborate here, but I have pics in my journal. I'll update more tomorrow - my honey's hollering for me to come to bed! See ya'll tomorrow!

[cocoa_femme]

Cool stroller, amyinlosangeles! We just got our travel system in the mail, from DH's aunt. Here it is:

Graco Spree™ 521 Travel System (In the Days of Hunny 2006™ pattern)

http://www.gracobaby.com/assets/images/product/7241DDH2_z.jpg

[Sabriel]

cocoa_femme Yay for getting your travel system!

mrstim Looks like your shower was lots of fun!

Chimichanga Glad that you are doing so well keeping your bg where it needs to be!

isaacsmommy Sorry that your bp is staying high, but I'm glad baby gets to stay put for now!

BRU Registry Mine is so screwed up. I finished registereing in the store and when they printed everything off there are things on there that I did not register for. The online registry looks correct, but the in store one is totally messed up. Of course, I didn't notice until after we left, so I am going to have to go back and get it all straightened out.

We got the first coat of paint done in the nursery and will be putting a second coat on today. After that, the nursery will pretty much be done! I just have to get some letters for her name and paint and hang them.

We are also ordering ceramic tile for the front room and kitchen today. That and cleaning out the garage are the big projects that need to be done before baby is here. After that, I will (hopefully) feel much more ready!

[cocoa_femme]

Thanks, Sabriel!

Birth Plan: I drafted a basic one. Not really for the docs and nurses, but for me and DH. I included things like who I wanted in the room (before, during and after birth).

Nursery: Ours is pretty much done. We just have some decorative things to get (pictures, lamp, rug, etc.). But other than that, we're done. As soon as I have a camera that works, I'll take pictures.

BRU Registry: I'm sorry so many of you are having problems with yours. Makes me happy we don't have one near by.

Another Reality Check: Saturday is July 1st! I can't believe it, time is really flying by now!

[KKay]

Birth Plan: I haven't written anything down (nor did I with DD1). I had a really great L&D last time. I will discuss any concerns I have with my doctor beforehand, but I really believe I'm in good hands. The nursing staff was great at the hospital too (once I left triage).

Nursery: We haven't even begun yet! :eek: I have chosen paint colors and I already have bedding, glider, etc from DD1. I bought letters for her room today and I need to buy more decorative items (pictures, shelving, etc). DH is going to paint DD2 room sometime in July.

I had a slight concern last week. I was having a lot of BH contractions at work and feeling really naseous. I left work and went to the doctor. Fortunately, baby and I are fine. The doctor thinks I am just over extending myself (work FT, my mom just had a stroke, taking care of a toddler, etc). I'm going to try to work from home more often and take mini breaks to lay down and rest.

[LTJC]

Birth Plan - didn't have one with DS, but felt the communication amongst myself, nurses, and doctors was great and was as close to my thoughts of the "ideal" birth experience. Hopefully, we will have a repeat situation.

Nursery - We're putting our townhouse on the market in a few weeks, so who knows where we will actually be, if we are still in our current house, we are ready to go. DS just began sleeping in a regular bed!

mrstim - looked like a great shower! I love the cupcakes.

The weather is unbelieveably muggy here today with periods of rain. I don't know why I bother straightening my hair when it turns into a frizzy mess pulled back into a ponytail halfway through.

I work at a university and this week is new student orientation which is usually a good time. I led a workshop this morning on Academic Success and it's so funny to me how the freshmen (and parents) look at me while I am talking. It's almost as if they have "look anywhere but her stomach; don't lose eye contact" running through their heads:)

amy - I can't decide what I like more, the actual stroller or the Rock Star name! I was drooling over that camo diaper bag you posted in the diaper bag thread; it's in the same category as the Paulina Quintana bags I love. cocoa_femme - the travel system will be a lifesaver those first few months!

I think I have decided to get the MacLaren Triumph as a second stroller, but not in this color. I actually like the '05 colors better than the '06s. It was funny - I brought DS to BRU to look at some strollers (after having decided we would not be getting a double as he only will stay in the stroller for 15 mintues tops these days) and he wanted to get in every single one and have me push him aournd the store:) I'm still going with my gut instinct and getting a another single.
http://www.juststrollers.com/str1164pink.jpg

Not a ton to report. I have a dr. appt. this Thursday, my last with my present doctor. I will be switching over to his colleague who is also a perinatologist. I've already met with him as this was a potential high risk pregnancy at the beginning. My mother has already informed us of her intent to stay with us for 3 weeks after the baby is born. She did this the first time and we appreciated it SO much. Not only were we able to sleep through the night, but DH and I actually went out to dinner and reconnected as a copule, not just as mom and dad.

Just need to pack a hospital bag (not that there is much to pack)...hmmm...another excuse to buy a new bag?!?

[babylove]

Cherish ~ Truman likes to poke his body parts out too...usually in the same spot on my belly and it's starting to hurt like a bruise! I can't believe your MIL!

Jessie ~ Your husband sounds like such a sweetie!

Summer ~ I definitely feel like I'm running out of time!

Sherry ~ Hope your sunburn is feeling better!

Jen ~ I hope everything stays status quo for a while longer w/ your BP and protein! Keep that baby in! You're doing great!

Jen ~ I feel like Truman alternates between being super active and super lazy...usually it alternates by day. But lately he's been a crazy man in there moving around like mad. I just hope he stays head down!

Amy ~ Yay for your shower!

Bree ~ Yay on your travel system!! What a great gift!

Kris ~ Glad everything is ok after your scare!!

LJTC ~ Right there with you on the frizzy hair! It's weather like this that makes me want to shave my head. :rolleyes: We have the MacLaren Techno XT and I *heart* it. Of course, I haven't actually used it yet, but it's so cool! :p Oh and I googled the Paulina Quintana bags you mentioned and now I have a new obsession....;)

***

Birth Plan ~ Hadn't even thought about writing anything down. I mean, I know what I want in terms of who is allowed in the room, what happens after the birth, etc. but I didn't think I had to write it down. I guess it's a good idea b/c I'm sure in the excitement of the day I'll forget!

Nursery ~ It's still bare. We have the crown and chair rail moulding up and one coat of paint. The muralist is coming in 2 weeks to paint the stripes and ceiling design. The window treatment is in the works. Furniture will be delivered 8/5. Other than that...nada.

***

I've been having these really annoying cervical pains...usually just a few times a day, if that. It's a sharp pain and it HURTS. Wonder what it is? Truman has been moving around like crazy for the past several days. He actually kept me up last night! And he has the hiccups all.the.time...like 3 or 4times a day!

[jarocha]

Birth Plan : I have not wrote anything down. I did tell my mother the other day I did not want anyone in the room except DH during the delivery and she flipped. She went off on how she has been in other deliveries and she has a right to be in the delivery room with her daughter. Dh cut her off because he didn't want me stressing. I pulled my dad aside and told him he is responsible for keeping my mom out of that room until the baby is born.

Nursery: Getting really excited. The room is painted, curtain rods are up, my mom finished upholstering the glider, bought the rug, hanged the curtains this weekend, ordered the floor lamp this morning. We just have to assemble the crib and changing table this week. I just got back from Michael's. I went to buy the wall letters and they do not have the letter "Z". I have to go check out other stores to find that letter. Hopefully, will take pictures this weekend once we get the crib and changing table up.

A bit worried that we have not bought any clothes or other items. I have received a few items but nothing she will be able to wear the first few weeks. My MIL said not to buy anything until after our shower, but our shower is not until 7/23. Going to try to hold off not buying anything but I am starting to get antsy.

[babylove]

This is going to sound totally neurotic (you're shocked, right?) but is there such thing as too much fetal movement? My child has been all.over.the.place for the past couple days, especially this morning. I thought the movement was supposed to slow down as he got bigger? He's finally slowed down now, and I just feel the occasionaly shift or kick, but good god, he was a wild man for a while there. Is that normal? It makes me nervous that he's no longer head down...(I guess there's still ample time for him to turn if he isn't head down anymore, but still, it would be better if he just stayed put!)

[July&August2006Mommies]

Updated to here!

[jesseybell]

What exactly does baby hiccups feel like? I have times when I think I feel what are hiccups, but they are so fast - obviously not so fast that it is her heart beat, but a lot faster than our hiccups. Either that or she is just punching or kicking me in a very rythmic timing.

[babylove]

Jessie~ Yup! That sounds like hiccups to me!

[amyinlosangeles]

I'm going to try to attempt SO's from a couple days back so hopefully I don't miss anyone!

Babylove My appetite has decreased a little as well, like there's just not as much room. I'm pretty happy about that since I've gained SO MUCH! :o I was wondering about the too much movement thing too because at one point she was making these almost frantic movements for a long time and it was making me nervous. I called my OB and he acted like he'd never heard of such a thing. Very weird.

Sabriel Your MIL sounds like a real peach! What is it with family sometimes? :confused:

Jesseybell - How fun - a mini shower from your DH - what an awesome guy! Can he give my DH a few pointers??

Camdynlyn - I definitely feel like I'm running out of time. We finally rearranged our entire house of furniture to make room in the nursery. That's about the extent of our nursery progress. Yikes! Have fun at your 3D ultrasound - can't wait to see pics!

Abby'sMom & Jennylou - You guys both bring up great points about the birth plan. I hadn't even thought about it until I read your posts. I probably will do something pretty basic and hopefully not be crushed if all doesn't go according to plan.

Isaacsmommy I'm sorry about the bedrest. It must be frustrating. Hopefully baby stays put just a little longer. Glad you don't have cankles...I have them plus the stubby fingers and balloon face - quite a good look! :rolleyes:

Chimichanga I'm sure if feels good to get the childbirth class out of the way. I would have loved to have just done a one day class.

mrstim I saw the pics from your shower - looks like a fun day!

Cocoafemme - What a cute travel system!

KKay Sounds like you've got a lot on your plate! Hope you can work from home and get a little more rest.

LTJC - You've got great taste ;) Paulina Quintana bags rock! My dad and stepmom got me the PQ Hobo bag for mother's day. I can't wait to get it (it's been on backorder). I've heard good things about the MacLaren Triumph - I'll have to look into that for our lightweight stroller.

Jarocha If your shower is anything like mine was....DON'T BUY ANY CLOTHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek: :p Seriously, try to resist the urge if possible...people LOVE to buy clothes for babies - no matter what hints you try to drop - you will get LOTS!


Phew...hope I got everyone! I had my other shower this past Sunday and it was incredible. My aunt and cousin went hogwild and really outdid themselves with the food and gifts and decor. It was awesome.
I actually got a few things off the registry which was great - I got another papasan cradle swing (guess they didn't actually look at what was bought!), bathtub, exersaucer, stroller, books, toys, blankets, and enormous amounts of baby clothes... including the bedding i took off my registry a month or so ago because i realized it was way too expensive and not practical!

Finally starting to work on the nursery now that all my office furniture is out. We weren't going to paint the nursery but now I've been obsessing about that and decided to try and find someone off Craigslist to paint the
room - there are way too many windows to try and do it myself.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

[amyinlosangeles]

I forgot to mention that now whenever I get up to pee in the middle of the night I have to slowly stand up because my lower back is in so much pain. I hobble around like a 90year old woman - it's pathetic!!! I am SOOOOOOO ready for August to be here...I don't even care that nothing is done!!

[Chimichanga]

That's right - I'm calling her Bessie because she's an absolute COW - and making momma look like a house. This baby girl is measuring at 42 weeks :eek: :eek: I actually lost 5 pounds from my last visit (with the diet) and she grows and extra five weeks. Crazy!!!

So, my doctor said we should strongly start thinking about a c-section, but she's not going to schedule anything yet. But, when we started looking at dates, she said August 3 or 4 because she will be on vacation from the 6-17. Since I'm a bit higher risk with the GD, she wants to do the delivery. Fine by me! I don't really want to try to push out a kid that - with 7 weeks to go - is already bigger than most newborns. ;)

Because of the potential c-section, I haven't written down a birth plan. But, if it will be allowed, I'd like DH and my mom in the room with me. If it *is* a c-section, I'd kind of like my dad there too - but ONLY if it's a c-section. Vaginal - no way! He doesn't need to be seeing me like that.

Bessie has been slowing down on her activity. I think she's too cramped in there. But, she's still moving enough to not get me completely freaked.

Next week I start my twice a week visits - once with the doctor and another for monitoring her (due to the GD). I also get to work from home on that second day (Thursdays). Woo hoo! I'll be in the office the rest of the time - I still want some normalcy, but some mornings it is just SO hard to get up and ready for work.

I visit with the dietician and the insulin specialist (yes, have to go on insulin in the mornings) on Thursday 6/29. The morning insulin stinks, but what can I do?

[babylove]

Amy ~ I actually laughed out loud when I read your post...I called my OB and he acted like he'd never heard of such a thing. Very weird.
My dr is the same way!! I mean, some other crazy pg women had to have asked that question at some point during his 30+ years of experience delivering babies! LOL! But I totally know what you mean w/ the frantic movements. I guess it's hard to explain it to someone who has never and will never actually carry a child!

Jen ~ 42 weeks! :eek: I'm glad your dr is being proactive about suggesting a c-section. No one should have to deliver such a large baby vaginally. Ouch. But it sounds like you have a great dr and the best news of all is that you'll get to meet "Bessie" sooner! :) So, does your dr think that the baby is measuring so much bigger because of your GD? Sorry about the insulin :(

[jennylou]

Jen - wow, sorry about the big baby news. Unfortunately, I think most hospitals will only allow ONE person in the Operating Room for a c/s. It's still major surgery and they need room to move around.

[ajlanden]

Jen-Holy big baby!!! I second the notion that your doctor sounds like she's on top of things. I hope things work out well!

amyinlosangeles-I had to giggle at the mental image of you getting out of bed. I feel like I am the same way!!!

jesseybell-Yup, I am thinking those are hiccups!

Tracee-I am so glad I am not the only neurotic one here! :) I don't think there can be too much movement. You make me laugh!

jarocha-It is hard not to buy...why not pick up a pack of onsies and a couple sleepers to make yourself feel better. You can never use too many of them!

LTJC-That is great that your mom is staying with you! What a blessing!

KKay-Take care of yourself!!! I know how hard it is to find those breaks to lay down while trying to work and take care of a toddler. Just don't overdo it!!

Birth Plan-I won't do one. I feel pretty flexible about what will happen. I do want the epi ASAP though. I will let my doc know that. I also need to have the conversation about how many people can be in the room. For DD I had DH, my mom, my dad, my sis, MIL and FIL. I would ideally LOVE to do that again. It all depends on what this doctor will allow.

So I just had my u/s to check placenta position. It has finally moved UP!! Horray! With any luck this baby will be delivered vaginally!

I also was able to speak with her about my hemmorhoids. They are seriously killing me, ladies. She gave me a prescription, but if that doesn't help within the next week she will recommend surgery. My DH freaked out about me going in for surgery while pg. I don't care though, I hope the medicine works, but I will go through the surgery if it means no more pain for the next 8 weeks.

[jennylou]

I had an OB appt today. I've been feeling decreased fetal movement the last few days. Probably just the baby running out of room, but Dr K decided I'd start the NSTs today then, just to be sure. And, I'll also start my weekly :eek: appointments now. Normally, I would have started them at 36 weeks, but she wants to keep an eye on me and make sure everything is okay and that I'm feeling good about the pregnancy. She said if I notice a decrease in the movement, or that during my kick counts I don't feel 10 movements in 2 hours, I'm to call and they'll have me come in for another NST (or go to L&D, depending when it occurse).

Anyways, so I go back next Friday. I'll have a biophysical profile (this is an ultrasound that measures the baby for different kicks. It's a timed test.). Then I'll go for the NST, and finally the doc will come in to see me.

I set up my appts for the remainder of my pregnancy - 5. That will take me to Aug 4 (two days before my due date). If I'm still pregnant then, I'll set up another, but we'll see. I can't believe that I only have about five more appts to go!

Of course, Saturday is July 1st, which means we can all start to say that we're due next month. Amazing how quick it seems to be going now!

Another July baby was born this weekend, and a few more are going to be induced soon. That thread is getting exciting!

[mrstim]

I'm sitting here doing my kick counts of the day since I just ate breakfast - so far we're up to 4 movements/kicks in 3 minutes! ;) Does anyone know if it's ok to count movements instead of just kicks? My doctor didn't mention this at all to me yet - doing them, I mean, so I've been doing them on my own.

DH has been on day shift this week, which has been incredible, if a bit lonely. I'm used to him coming in when I wake up in the morning, and us spending the morning together, then him sleeping, then us having a couple of hours together in the evening. Now - we both wake up at 5am, I fix breakfast, pack his lunch, we eat, he runs out the door at 5:45, and I'm alone till he gets home at 6. Like last night - he mowed grass till 9pm, so we spent maybe 20 minutes together? Guess this is the real world. :rolleyes:

I've been slowly working my way through what I want done before baby. Our last Shower is Friday, after that I'm buying all the other stuff I need, and we'll at least have everything in the house. Since DH is off all next week, I have a nice little list started for him as well - things that will complete the nursery, etc.

Nursery - I have to hang his name above the crib, clean out the crib (it's got my hospital bag supplies all in it), re-wash the sheet, and make/hang the sign I'm putting above the window. After that - it's DONE!! woohoo! I'll of course show pics when it's done - we're almost there!

Birth Plan- I wrote one yesterday - simply so I could say I have one. I know that often they're not used, or needed, but I wanted to have a written copy of my wishes, so that during labor, if need be, instead of having to explain things, I can point to the paper. Mostly for my mom's sake instead of the doctors! I did a basic one, just this is what I prefer, etc. At the end, I did say that I do understand that my wishes may not be followed in the event that something else needs to happen for the safety of my child, and that's fine - his and my safety comes first. It's short - 3/4 of one page, but I think I covered it all.

Cocoa - Love the travel system - I saw it on clearance the other day here in town and was tempted myself, just because of the cuteness factor! ;)

Cherish - Can't wait to see Emily's Room!! Sorry about your registry - mine is pretty much non-existent online, in the store it seems ok, though!

KKay - sorry about your mom having a stroke. My dad had one in 2001, so I totally understand what you're going through (course, I was still at home then). Take it easy and take care of you and little one!

LTJc - Love the stroller! I've been thinking about getting a new bag for my hospital bag too! Hey - it's an excuse, I'll take it!

Tracee - Don't you jsut love those hiccups? Can't wait to see Truman's nursery! Lil'man's moving a LOT right now too - not sure what's going on in there. It's funny when there's a loud noise how he reacts - he DOESN'T like DH's air compressor, that's for sure!

Jarocha - we got our letters from Michael's too! I got the cutesy smaller font, though! We got lots of clothes at our shower, even after spreading the word politely that we didn't need clothes! Thankfully it was mostly older stuff, but you WILL get clothes, that's for sure!!

Amy - Sorry about your back pain! Mine is sore all the time too! They told me at the doctor's that contractions would wrap around to my back, and I told them "are you kidding, then I'll never know it b/c my back kills me all the time!" I can't wait to see your nursery - that room with all the windows is already beautiful! Can't wait to see pics of your shower, too!

Jen - Sorry about the insulin! Goodness, sounds like you have the biggest baby of us all! You don't have very much longer at ALL!!

Ashley -Glad your doctor is doing something about your "problem." Can't imagine! That's something I'm terrified about! Yay for your placenta! (wow, that sounds weird) hey - we cheered it on, so we congratulate it too!

Jenny - Great that your doctor is on top of things! Amazing that we're all that close! I told DH the "due next month" thing and his eyes bugged out.He's more anxoius than I am, though! I've been checking out the July thread as well - amazing that we could be having babies in a month just like some of those girls! ACK!

It's taken a while to get to all those replies, so Im up to 8 movements - we're doing good! ;)

I'm planning today on cleaning out the crib which means packing my hospital bag. I have all the stuff sitting there - I just need to find a bag to put it all in and be finished! The only thing I need to add at the last minute would be an outfit for me to come home in (don't have many outfits, so I need all I can keep out right now) and my pillow when the time comes. I'm putting a big note on top of the bag, so if I ask DH to get it for me, he can. Since we live 45 minutes from town and the doctors, I'm planning on putting that bag in the trunk anytime we leave the house after my 34 week appointment. That way, if anything happens while we're in town, I don't have to send anyone up here to dig out the extra key from it's hiding place and drive the whole 1.5 hours to boot!

I've also bought the envelopes for my announcements, and the spreadsheet for the addresses is done - wonder if it'd be too tacky if I printed the addresses instead of hand-writing them?? Hmm..maybe I'll add that to the list for today? Thankfully, I also bought envelopes for my thank you's, so I sat down yesterday and finished them. I have a clean slate for Friday night, now!

I'm going to go lay down for a while - this getting up at 5am is for the birds!

[Camdynlyn]

QOTD:: Have your husband's been experiencing any pregnancy symptoms? It's called the Couvade syndrome (sympathetic pregnancy). My husband has it. He's sick in the mornings, has unusual cravings and eating habits and can get REALLY moody if he doesn't get the food he wants, when he wants it. He said he doesn't feel bloated or like he's gained any weight (he watches the scale, though, to make sure!!) but he's rarely sick and he's been nauseated for the past 3 weeks! Funny!

Question: I know I could probably search for this but I want to have the house stocked for things I need post-partum. I know I need pads for bleeding but can someone recommend a type/brand? I know I will more than likely need the thickest available but I went yesterday and stared.. there are SO many and I've not used pads since middle school. I was lost.

Anything else that's really recommended??

[jennylou]

pads - I'd recommend an overnight brand. I prefer the ones with wings. I only needed those for like the first week and then I was able to change to a smaller pad. Yeah, it felt like a diaper for a while, but I didn't have to worry about leaks. No specific brand, I usually go with whatever is on sale, as long as it's a major brand - ie - always, kotex, etc. I've not found store brand pads to be as good.

husband symptoms - lol, no, not really.

[mrstim]

Pads - honestly, I just bought Walmart brand Overnight and Super ones. I've always used off-brands, simply because I refuse to pay lots of money for something that I'll just bleed all over and throw away. (sorry) I know that they're nice and thick, as well.

Husbands - Nope, he's doing just fine!

[JenniferH]

Nursery - Still no progress other than the computer being moved out of the room. Starting to get a little neurotic about it.

Birth Plan- No BP needed since I am having a c-section. If I go into labor early, my plan is to get to the hospital at the first contraction. I will not have another tear. Last time, I didn't have a c-section either, because it seemed that everyone that had a birth plan was disappointed. I went in pretty much open to anything (drugs vs no drugs, vaginal vs c/s). I just went with what felt right at the time.

Pads - I used the Always Super Dooper something or other in an extra long, extra wide size.

Husbands - He's losing weight, because he is on a workout kick.

Cocoa - Cute travel system!

Cherish - Sotty about the registry problems!

KKay - Sorry to hear about your mom. My brother had a stroke when he was 15. Let me know if you need anything, it sometimes helps to talk to someone who has been through it first hand, especially the recovery. Make sure to get a lot of rest!

LTJ - Great stroller!

Tracee - Cohen hasn't been having any hiccups, but my first son did all the time. People would laugh at me in meetings with my stomach freaking out.

Jarocha - Definitely count on clothes!

Amy - I feel the same way with the back pain. Anytime, I stand up I feel like an old woman! Glad your second shower was good!

Jen - Wow! What a big baby. Great that your doctor is looking out for you.

Ashley - Glad your placenta moved!

Jenny - Can't believe some of us could have babies within a few weeks!

[jesseybell]

Pads - I too haven't had pads in the house in 20 years. I bought the overnight Always with wings - the pack is huge but doesn't hold that many so DH may have to go buy more! I also am going to throw really old sheets and an extra matress pad on our bed before we go to the hospital because when I did use pads, I was quite the leaker.

Counting movement freaks me out - she is a wild crazy woman at night but during the day, not so much, but that's the way she's always been. I will bring it up again next week when I see yet another Dr in the practice.It seems like they all have different views of how much movement is normal.

hee-hee....Today is our work shower. Co-workers just snuck out of here to go to BRU...and DH and I saw a few people coming in with gift bags :)

[Chimichanga]

Thanks everyone for the sympathy about Bessie. She's getting big because of the GD; I'm overfeeding her basically. I feel like a horrible momma - but I know there's not a lot I can do about it. I'm on this diet, doing well (no cheats yet!) and she's still growing like a weed.

No time for SOs (work is nuts) but I'll be back. Sounds like overall everyone is doing okay.

I scheduled my NSTs for July as well as my weekly appointments with the doctor - crazy! My work shower is today - can't wait for that. It's at a restaurant which we usually don't do - so that will be interestig.

[cocoa_femme]

Sabriel –Yay, for almost being done with the nursery. I can’t wait to see pics.

KKay – Please be careful and not overextend yourself. Take care of yourself, girl!

LTJC – Yeah, I’ve been told that the travel system is fantastic for the first few months. Now, I have to figure out what to do for a second, lighter stroller. I really like that MacLaren Triumph one you posted.

babylove – Thanks! My little has been moving around a ton too. Totally kicking my butt!

jarocha – Don’t worry; you’ll get plenty of clothes at your shower. I did…of course that didn’t stop me from buying more :).

amyinlosangeles – Thanks! I’m glad you had a great shower. You totally cleaned up.

Chimichanga – Wow, 42 weeks.

Ashley – Yay, for your placenta moving up! That’s great! Sorry you’re dealing with hemorrhoid issues. I hope the meds help.

Jennylou – I’m glad the baby is okay, and your doctor is so sensitive to your needs and wants. I can’t believe it’s almost July! Time has really flown by.

mrstim – Thanks! Isn’t it cute? DH was a little disappointed that it was Pooh. I think he was hoping for some sort of “manly” travel system, LOL.

Camdynlyn – Great question about the pads. I was just wondering that myself.

JenniferH – Thanks!

jesseybell – Please be sure to come back and tell us how your shower went.
______________________________________________

QOTD: The only “symptom” my husband is exhibiting is eating way too much food. I think he’s gaining weight along with me :).

Hospital Bag: I really need to get on this. I just realized that I really don’t have much time to go. If I don’t do it now, I’ll never do it.

I had a doctor’s appointment today. Everything is looking great. She checked my cervix for the first time…ouch! The only thing is that the baby is measuring at around 32 weeks (I’m 35 today). She wants me to gain more weight before my next appointment; which will be in two weeks (7/11/06), instead of one because of the holiday. After that, I'll go to every week. She basically said to eat (graze) all day, and eat a ton of food for the 4th of July. She wants me to put more weight on the baby. I swear, I feel like I stuff myself everyday, but I guess it’s not enough. I feel like I’m starving my little guy :(.

[babylove]

Ashley ~ I know I've already said this but yay on the placenta moving!

Jenny ~ It sounds like you have a wonderful OB...you are getting so close!

Amy ~ My dr has never really told me to do kick counts so I don't know...but I'm sure any movement counts. I don't think Truman reacts to outside noises...or at least I've never really put two and two together.

Jennifer ~ I'm always so paranoid that other people can see my belly jumping around...it's so strange to see!

Jessie ~ Hope your shower was great!!

Jen ~ Don't beat yourself up about the GD and the baby being big...it's not your fault at all! Youre doing a GREAT job keeping up w/ the diet!! Hope your work shower was fun!

Bree ~ Don't beat yourself up about the baby being small...some babies are just small! And hey, I wish I could give you some of my weight b/c it seems that I can't put a damn thing in my mouth without gaining...so if it's not one problem, it's another! {{{HUGS}}}

***

QOTD: Nope....actually, DH has lost weight since I've been pg!

***

Not feeling like myself today at all. I forgot my reflux med this morning and so my stomach wasn't right at all, even after I took it at lunch time. And my feet are SO swollen, it's grotesque. I have to drive an hour and a half away on Friday for work and I'm really nervous about it. I don't know if this is a normal feeling or not but I just feel very anxious about the possibility of Truman coming early (even though I have absolutely no reason to think that will happen)....I have sort of an overwhelming sense that something is imminent and it almost makes me feel panicky...I don't know if it's intutition or just me being crazy. Does anyone else feel this way?

Truman is moving around like a lunatic right now...and he has the hiccups....again. :rolleyes:

[amyinlosangeles]

babylove i totally feel like she's going to come early...i think it's because i was almost 3 months premature.

[Camdynlyn]

I'll probably come early just for the sheer fact that I want to be at Back to School the week before I'm due! :rolleyes: I'd love to have the baby the end of August, though, because it's my grandfather's birthday and it'd be awesome to have him remembered like that.

[Camdynlyn]

I got my virtual shower gift in the mail today and I'm DYING! Can I open it??? MrsTim, I'm really excited to see what you got me! What a great surprise it was you!

[jesseybell]

Our work shower was really nice, even if it was shared with someone I don't particularly like.
We had a very yummy chocolate and mocha cake.
It was a little awkward because they had the BRU gift cards prompt up on the table with the $ amounts on them, so she could see that ours was twice as big as hers. Maybe she didn't see...
We both also got a lot of bath stuff - I need to return the tub because DH already bought it.
Some people also bought DH and I individual gifts, which I totally didn't expect.

Needless to say DH and I are taking a trip to BRU tomorrow after we meet with our pediatrician. More shopping - yeah!!!! I think it may be our last trip before the baby comes!

Work Etiquette?? - How should thank yous be handled for a work shower? I am embarrassed to admit I didn't do one for my wedding shower. For the group present is it okay to send an e-mail to all the people who signed the card? For the individual gifts, should we write regular thank yous and leave them on people's desks? I am such a bad etiquette person!

------
DH hasn't any symptoms...he's lost weight in the last couple of months.

[babylove]

Jessie ~ The work TY situation is tricky...of all of the work showers we have had, not one person has sent a TY note, which I think is in very poor taste. Personally, I would write a group TY for the group gift and post it somewhere where everyone can see it (we use our office managers door for things like that) and then individual TY notes for any individual gifts. That's what I would do...but then again, some people might think e-mail is perfectly acceptable these days (I think it's a bit informal, but I'm big on handwritten TY notes). Glad it was fun!

Summer ~ NO CHEATING! ;) You can't open the gift until Friday! and haha, I know what you got! :)

[Camdynlyn]

Jessie: For my work showers, most were given by groups of people (I'm at a school so it's grade levels) so it's protocol that we just write a thank you to all of them and it's passed around until everyone gets it... that's how it's always done. I don't think an email is the best way but again, I don't know your work situation and how close people are in proximity.

[Camdynlyn]

Tracee: How do you know what I got?!?! I HATE having that package sitting on my counter! You all don't know how much it kills me to know I've got stuff in there for Bean and I can't open it!!! :p

[amyinlosangeles]

hehe..... i know too!!! :D

[Camdynlyn]

How?!?!

[amyinlosangeles]

that's for me to know and you to find out.... nanny nanny boo boo..... don't you love being tortured??????? i'm such a brat, i'm sorry!!!

[Camdynlyn]

*sticks my bottom lip out and crawls in bed*