July 2006 Mommies - Our star-spangled babies are almost here!

[July&August2006Mommies]

July 2006 Moms of Constant Chatter!

http://www.101funpages.com/html/imgs/page_imgs/images/baby_us_flag.jpg


Congratulations and Welcome!!
Whether this is your first child or your fifth, we look forward to sharing this journey together.

1st Thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=9139)
2nd Thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=14441)
3rd Thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=17535)


Please list your stats in RED in your first post.

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

*Please posts all updates in RED.
*When posting, please put in the subject line how far along you are!


The threadmistresses are Lizard and who else?

[July&August2006Mommies]

Mommy List

Amaye It's a Surprise!!
Me: 29
DH: 30
Married: 8/30/03
TTC: Started Sept 05
BFP: 11/8/05
EDD: 7/21/06
Gender prediction: No clue!
Any other children: Nada

a_spark It's a Girl!!
Me: Courtney, 29
DH: Jonathan, 36
Married: 10.17.03
TTC: 9/04
BFP: 11/04/05
EDD: 7/17/05
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children: This is our first!!!!

CarlaB It's a Surprise!!
Me: Carla, 29
DH: Todd, 38
Married: 05/06/02
TTC: 08/05 (came off BCP)
BFP: 11/19/05
EDD: 07/29/06
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children: None

Can't_Wait It's a Girl!!
Me: Leslie 26
DH: Mike
Married: 5/24/03
TTC: 08/2005
BFP: 11/18/05
EDD: 7/26/06
Gender Prediction: Hoping Boy but DH thinks it's a Girl
Any other children:Nope, this is our first

cece It's a Boy!!
me: cece-34
dh: j-34
married: 6.22.02
ttc: weren't really trying
bfp: 11.21.05?
edd: 7.14.06
gender prediction: no clue
any other children: finley owen 8.29.04

cpbride8203 It's a Girl!!
Me: Jen, 29
DH: Jim, 33
Married: August 2, 2003
TTC: We weren't...this was a big surprise!
BFP: Mid-November
EDD: July 12, 2006
Gender Prediction: BOY!!
DD:Kylie Jean, 8/30/04

duke's flygirl It's a Boy!!
Me: Joelle, 31
DH: Denis, 36
Married: 16/08/03
TTC: August 2005 after getting PPAF
BFP: 11/28/05
EDD: 10 August 2005, but I am a repeat C-section and DD was 10 days early, so I figure this one will be a July Baby
Gender prediction: DH says Boy
Any other children: Ryleigh Jane 04/11/04

emmjay It's a Boy!!
Me: Molly, 33
DH: Matt, 33
Married: 5.22.04
TTC: went off BCP in Aug 05
BFP: 11.11.05
EDD: 7.23.06
Gender Prediction: Girl
Any other children: Nope

hotmama It's a Boy!!
Me: Samantha, 31
DH: John, 36
Married: July 26, 2003
TTC: Weren't really trying but...October 05
BFP: November 05
EDD: July 29 - August 5 (the Dr and i aren't agreeing right now but we'll say July)
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children: Aiden is 16 months old

jewamese It's a Girl!!
Me: Cindie, 32
DH: Five, 34
Married: June 14, 2003
TTC: April 2005
BFP: November 21, 2005
EDD: August 1, 2006
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children: Daughter, Taya, born March 7, 2004

klav It's a Boy!!
Me: Koren, 34
DH: Dennis, 32
Married: 10/11/03
TTC: Jan 2004
MC:11/15/04
BFP: 10/30/05
EDD: 7/10/06
Gender Prediction: Girl
Any other children: Fur Baby's Maxwell, Mozart, Princess & Deuteronomy

Lil_Mrs_0702 It's a Surprise!!
Me: April-21
DH: Shannon-24
Due Date: June 27th
How long TTC: First try!
Any Other Children: No
Gender Prediction: Girl
B-Day Prediction: Anniversary Baby July 2nd

lindybug It's a Surprise!!
Me: Tracy, 30
DH: Greg, 37
Married: 6/1/03
TTC: 10/05
BFP: 11/4/05
EDD: 7/18/06
Gender Prediction: ?

Linnybubbles It's a Girl!!
Me: Lindsey, 26
DH: Stephen, 30
Married: 7.23.05
TTC: 8/2005
BFP: 11/16.05
EDD: 7/28/06
Gender Prediction: Not yet!
Any other children:Nope!

Lizard It's a Girl!!
Me: Liz, 31
DH: Chris, 33
Married: 9/20/03
TTC: April 2005
BFP: 10/22/05
EDD: 7/4/06
Gender Prediction: Girl

makena32204 It's a Girl!!
Me: Darla, 27
DH: Tom, 36
Married: 3/22/04
BFP: 11/6/05
EDD: 7/11/06
Gender Prediction: hoping for a Boy!
Any other children: nope, our first

maryanne It's a Girl!!
Me: Maryanne 34
DH: Josh 35
Married: 10/01/05
TTC: a wedding night surprise!
BFP: 10/27/05
EDD: July 4th
Predicton: ???Boy???
other: no kids just a furbaby Pogo the cat

maybebaby It's a Girl!!
Me: 26
DH: 30
Married: April 2005
TTC: September 2005
EDD: July 9, 2006
Other kids: none
Gender prediction: Just praying for a healthy baby

mia's mama It's a Boy!!
Me: Stacey (32)
DH: B (34)
Married: 09.02
EDD: 7.24.05
TTC: We weren't trying, wern't avoiding
Other Children: Mia Cameron ~11.14.04
Gender Prediction: Boy.

MKVH It's a Girl!!
Me: MKVH 29
DH: D 31
TTC: July/August 2005
BFP: 11/4/05
EDD: 7/14/2005
GENDER PREDICTION: Girl

mmisabel It's a Surprise!!
Me: Megan, 30
DH: Aaron, 30
Married: 11/16/2002
TTC: 8/05
BFP: 10/22/05
EDD: 07/04/2006
Gender Prediction:No clue
Any other children:None

MMK It's a Boy!!
Me: Kelsey
DH: Jack
Married: Dec 27, 2003
TTC: Aug 2005
BFP: Nov 1
EDD: 7/10/06
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children: this is #1!

mrst2b2003 It's a Boy!!
Me: Amy, 31
DH: Randy, 37
Married: 9.7.03
BFP: 11/17/05
EDD: 7/23/05
Gender Prediction: no clue just want our baby to be healthy.
Any other children: This is our first

Mystikal It's a Girl!!
Me: Rachel, 25
DH: Joe, 31
Married: 6.22.02
TTC: 5.2005
BFP: 10.16.05
EDD: 6.27.06
Gender Prediction: DH and I say Boy everyone else says Girl
Any other children: just our furbaby, Star

nuhmah It's a Boy!!
Me: Jen, 27
DH: James, 32
Married: December 18, 2004
TTC: July 2005
BFP: October 27th, 2005
EDD: July 12, 2006
Gender Prediction: - Healthy!!!
Any other children: - this is our first

rande It's a Girl!!
DH: Rob
Married: June 14, 2003
EDD: July 13, 2006
Other Children: Andrew James (Drew) Dec. 16, 2004
TTC: We were soon to start trying
Gender prediction: really not a clue!

ShelbyMay It's a Girl!!
Me: Shelby, 25
DH: James, 27
Married: May 17, 2003
TTC: February 19, 2005
BFP: October 28, 2005
EDD: July 11, 2006
Gender Prediction: No clue. DH thinks it will be a Girl.
Any other children: Just our 3 furbabies

Sophia It's a Girl!!
CC Name: Sophia
Married: 8.2.2003
EDD: 7.11.2006
ADD: 7.7.2006
Other children: DS, 14; DD1, 11

Soulmate It's a Boy!!
Me: Kristen, 30
DH: James, 30
Married: 8.11.02
TTC: 4.7.04
BFP: 10.22.05
EDD: 7.4.06
Gender Prediction: Boy

Sunchaser26 It's a Boy!!
Me: Carrie, 30
DH: Tom, 38
Married: June 14, 2003
TTC: August 2005
BFP: November 8, 2005
EDD: July 14, 2005
Gender Prediction: Girl

Wrighty26 It's a Boy!!
Me: Michelle, 27
DH: Dan, 27
Married: 12/28/02
TTC: 05/05
BFP: Digital - 10/30
EDD: 7.8.06
Gender Prediction: My first instinct is Boy- but I'm good with either!
Any other children: Nope, this is our first!


In Our Thoughts: flygirl, roberta, icedwhite, kischer, PaisleySloan, cmon, almostthere

[July&August2006Mommies]

Estimated Due Dates
June
21 - Lil_Mrs_0702
27 - Mystikal

July
4 - Lizard
4 - maryanne
4 - mmisabel
4 - Soulmate
8 - nuhmah
8 - Wrighty26
9 - maybebaby
10 - klav
10 - MMK
11 - makena32204
11 - ShelbyMay
12 - cpbride8203
12 - Sophia
13 - rande
14 - cece
14 - MKVH
14 - sunchaser26
17 - a_spark
19 - lindybug
22 - Amaye
22 - emmjay
24 - mia's mama
27 - Can't Wait
28 - Linnybubbles
28 - mrst2b2003
29 - CarlaB
29 - hotmama

August
1 - jewamese
10 - duke's flygirl


Actual Due Dates!

6/11/06 - cece welcomed Harrison Grey, 6lbs 3oz, 19 1/4"
6/18/06 - Lil_Mrs_0702 welcomed Collin, 8lbs 6oz, 20 3/4"
6/25/06 - sunchaser26 welcomed Jacob Thomas, 5lbs 1oz, 18 1/4"
6/29/06 - Mystikal welcomed Julia, 7lbs 7oz, 20"
6/29/06 - Lizard welcomed Dorla Jean, 7lbs 12oz, 21"


Patiently Waiting!
a_spark
Amaye
Can't Wait
CarlaB
cpbride8203
duke's flygirl
emmjay
hotmama
jewamese
klav
lindybug
Linnybubbles
makena32204
maryanne
maybebaby
mia's mama
MKVH
mmisabel
MMK
mrst2b2003
nuhmah
rande
ShelbyMay
Sophia
Soulmate
Wrighty26

[July&August2006Mommies]

Upcoming Doctor / Midwife appointments

June
28th - Wrighty26
28th - Lizard
29th - mmisabel

July
5th - Wrighty26


Boys!!
cece
duke's flygirl
emmjay
hotmama
klav
Lil_Mrs_0705
mia's mama
MMK
mrst2b2003
nuhmah
Soulmate
sunchaser26
Wrighty26

Girls!!
a_spark
Can't_Wait
cpbride8203
jewamese
Linnybubbles
Lizard
makena32204
maryanne
maybebaby
mkvh
Mystikal
rande
ShelbyMay
Sophia

Surprises!!
Amaye
CarlaB
lindybug
mmisabel

[July&August2006Mommies]

Saved for Baby Photos!

[July&August2006Mommies]

Saved for Baby Photos!

[July&August2006Mommies]

Belly Shots

lindybug
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/lindybug/progressionto23weeks.jpg

Soulmate
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/twinkiestuff/ad2c4d2d.jpg

ShelbyMay
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j239/ShelbyMay/895db151.jpg

nuhmah - 33 weeks
http://jamieandjen.com/Gallery1/albums/album16/100_3812.sized.jpg

Lil_Mrs_0702 - 30 weeks
http://static.flickr.com/51/147393799_c8b8aa8e0e.jpg?v=0

Sophia
http://static.flickr.com/48/172303566_b6dd7630da.jpg?v=0

[July&August2006Mommies]

More Belly Shots

Can't_Wait - 26 weeks
http://static.flickr.com/53/140404645_2556473b98.jpg?v=0

hotmama - 31 weeks
http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3B8%3B58%3B%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3235%3E3%3B5%3E%3A% 3A4%3EWSNRCG%3D323377%3A%3B87%3C%3A%3Anu0mrj

mia's mama
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f88/pleasant123/47b6db01b3127cce893012b3850d0000003.jpg

CarlaB - 24 weeks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/carlaarmorgan/24w4d.jpg

Wrighty26
http://static.flickr.com/46/138744291_7b7e2f9ef0.jpg?v=0

sunchaser26
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/lilmiss_n_mickey/sunchaser33wk.png

[July&August2006Mommies]

Helpful Links
Please feel free to suggest others.

Weekly Pregnancy Updates:
American Baby (http://www.americanbaby.com/ab/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/ab/story/data/ABWeeklyUpdates_08102005.xml&catref=cat1840004)
Baby Center (http://www.babycenter.com/)
BabyZone (http://www.babyzone.com/)
iVillage (http://parenting.ivillage.com/)
StorkNet (http://www.pregnancyguideonline.com/)
Target (http://target.com/target_baby/info_ideas_launch.jhtml)
Very Best Baby (http://www.verybestbaby.com/default.asp?milestones=on)

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

Miscellaneous Informative Sites:
American Baby (http://www.americanbaby.com/)
American Pregnancy Association (http://americanpregnancy.org/)
Baby Names (http://www.babynames.com/)
Baby Net (http://www.babynet.com/)
Baby Talk (http://www.babytalk.com/)
BetaBase (http://www.betabase.info/)
Dr. Sears (http://www.askdrsears.com/)
i Village (http://www.ivillage.com/topics/pregbaby/0,,166277,00.html/)
ePregnancy (http://www.epregnancy.com/)
Daily Cycle Information & Calendar (http://cycledaily.com/)
Fertility Awareness & Natural Family Planning UK (http://www.fertilityuk.org/)
Fertility Friend (http://www.fertilityfriend.com/)
Fit Pregnancy Magazine (http://www.fitpregnancy.com/)
I Dream of Baby (http://www.idreamofbaby.com/)
National Women’s Health Information Center (http://www.4women.gov/)
New York Online Access To Health: Pregnancy & Fertility (http://www.noah-health.org/en/pregnancy/)
Parent Stages (http://www.parentstages.com/)
Plus Size Pregnancy (http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/f...or%20Pregnancy)
http://preconception.com
Safe Fetus (http://www.safefetus.com/) (Tells you which drugs you can take during pregnancy)
Very Best Baby (http://www.verybestbaby.com/)
Yahoo Health: HCG Info (http://health.yahoo.com/ ency/adam/003510/overview)

Maternity Shopping Sites:
A Pea In The Pod (http://www.apeainthepod.com/enter.asp?Media=&referer=http://www.constantchatter.com&EntryPoint=Home&YahooRedirect=True)
Baby Style (http://www.babystyle.com/)
Belly Basics (http://www.bellybasics.com/)
Bella Materna (http://www.bellamaterna.com/)
Gap Maternity (http://www.gap.com/asp/mat_directory.asp?wdid=90)
JCPenney (http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/SpecialtySiteB.aspx?deptid=597&catid=13458&cattyp=BRD&cat=maternity+special+size+link&dep=&pcatid=&pcat=&shopby=13458&refpage=SpecialtySite&ttyp=B&cmAMS_T=&cmAMS_C=)
Mimi Maternity (http://www.mimimaternity.com/home.asp?Media=Motherhood)
Mom's The Word (http://www.momstheword.com/)
Motherhood Maternity (http://www.motherhood.com/home.asp?Media=LinkShare|1xxcmpLMYS8-xH1uYs52w51PVKLJlHm1cg|6/6/2005_2:29:58%20PM)
Old Navy (http://www.oldnavy.com/asp/dept.asp?wdid=800)
Target (http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html/ref=nav_t_spc_1_10/601-6394085-9313720?%5Fencoding=UTF8&node=13021211)


Baby Registries:
Babies 'R Us (www.babiesrus.com)
Baby Center (http://store.babycenter.com/registry/)
Baby Depot (www.babydepot.com)
BabyStyle (http://www.babystyle.com/common/grRegistry.asp)
Buy Buy Baby (www.buybuybaby.com)
Sears (www.sears.com)
Target (www.target.com)
USA Baby (www.usababy.com)
WalMart (www.walmart.com)

Baby Shopping Sites:
Baby Age (http://www.babyage.com/)
Baby Ant (http://store.yahoo.com/babyant/index.html)
Baby Bazaar (www.babybazaar.com)
BabyBox (http://www.babybox.com/)
Baby Center's Store (http://www.store.babycenter.com)
Baby Depot (http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/IWStoreBCF.process?IWAction=Load&proc=IWCatSectionView&Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1395)
Baby Dilly (http://www.babydilly.com/)
Baby Dreams (www.babydreams.com)
Babies R Us (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/540744/1 03-3413585-1796649)
Baby Style (www.babystyle.com)
Baby Universe (www.babyuniverse.com)
Carousel Designs (http://www.carouseldesigns.com/)
Dimples & Dandelions (http://www.dimplesanddandelions.com/index.asp)
Disney Baby (http://disney.go.com/disneybaby/)
Dreamtime Baby (www.dreamtimebaby.com)
Elegant Baby (http://www.elegantbabygifts.com/)
Fisher Price (http://www.fisher-price.com/us/default.asp)
Gap (http://www.gap.com)
Graco (http://www.gracobaby.com/default.aspx)
Gymboree (http://www.gymboree.com/shop/asst_department.jsp?FOLDE R<>folder_id=750991& port=2&ref=msnkw&ad=ba byclothes)
In The Treetop (http://www.inthetreetop.com/default.aspx)
JCPenney (http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Department.aspx?DeptID=32 7&CatID=327&CatTyp=DEP &Dep=children%27s&cmRe setCat=true)
Land of Nod (http://www.landofnod.com/)
Little Show Offs (http://www.littleshowoffs.com/)
Net Kids Wear (http://www.netkidswear.com)
Nursery Depot (http://www.nurserydepot.com/)
Old Navy (http://www.oldnavy.com/asp/home.html?wdid=0)
One of a Kind (http://www.oneofakindkid.com/)
One Step Ahead (http://www.onestepahead.com/jump.jsp?itemID=27208& itemType=CATEGORY&lGen=category&iMainCat=117&iSu bCat=27208&change=117& cm_ven=Overture&cm_cat=Gea r&cm_pla=Travel&cm_ite =null)
Pokkadots (http://www.pokkadots.com/index.cfm)
Pottery Barn Kids (www.potterybarnkids.com)
Signature Baby (http://www.signaturebaby.com/)
Target Baby (http://www.target.com/gp /browse.html/601-4545283-50937 65?%5Fencoding=UTF8&node=1 038590)
The Baby Marketplace (http://www.thebabymarketplace.com/)
The Children's Place (http://www.childrensplace.com/)
Tutti Bella (http://www.tuttibella.com/)
Wendy Bellissimo (http://www.wendybellissimo.com/home/index.php)

[July&August2006Mommies]

Helpful Links cont.

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

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

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

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

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

Cord Blood/stem cell Info.
Secureacell (http://www.securacell.com)
Viacord (http://www.viacord.com)
Cord Blood (http://www.cordblood.com)
Cryobank (http://www.cryobank.com)
www.lifebankusa.com
www.corcell.com
www.cryo-cell.com

Invitations/Announcements:
2Peas1Pod.com (http://www.2peas1pod.com/index.htm)
5StarBaby.com (http://www.5starbaby.com/)
Baby Seeds (www.babyseeds.com)
BabyGrams (www.babygrams.com)
Baby J Cards (http://www.babyjcards.com/)
Bella Baby (http://www.bellababy.com/)
Celebration Cottage (www.celebrationcottage.com)
Classic Card Company (www.classiccard.com)
EitakDesign (www.eitak.com)
In A Baby Carriage (www.inababycarriage.com)
Invitation Box (http://www.invitationbox.com/)
Inviting Smiles (www.invitingsmiles.com)
MetroBaby Cards (http://www.metrobabycards.com/)
Mommy's Miracles (www.mommysmiracles.com)
My Gatsby (http://www.mygatsby.com/)
Naptime Cards (www.naptimecards.com)
Photo Stamps (http://photo.stamps.com/PhotoStamps/?source=si10985886)
Purple Stork (http://www.purplestork.com/)
Custom Craft (http://www.shopbirthannouncements.com/)
Simply To Impress (http://www.simplytoimpress.com/)
Stork Avenue (www.storkavenue.com)
Tiny Prints (http://www.tinyprints.com/)

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

FUN STUFF
Jewel Kids (http://www.jewelkids.com/)
Lifetime Mothers (http://www.lifetimemothers.com/)
Baby Pool (http://www.expectnet.com/) (Have friends compete in a baby due date contest)
Chinese Gender Prediction Chart (http://parenting.ivillage.com/ttc/ttcsigns/0,,j736,00.html?arrivalSA=1&cobrandRef=0&arrival_freqCap=2)

[July&August2006Mommies]

Books for the expectant mother:

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

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

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

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

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

The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy
By Vicki Iovine
For fun!
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0671524313.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

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

Books for the expectant father:

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

The Expectant Father
By Armin A. Brott & Jennifer Ash

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

[July&August2006Mommies]

POST AWAY!

http://www.101funpages.com/html/imgs/page_imgs/images/baby_us_flag.jpg

[Lizard]

We are open for business!!! :D

[mia's mama]

Thanks for the new thread Lizard! We really appreciate all of your hard work!

[Mystikal]

Thanks for the thread! :D

[rande]

Thanks for the new thread!!!!!

[cece]

wow. great job liz, thanks!

[nuhmah]

Yay for a new thread!!!

Threadmistress, here is my updated belly shot - 33weeks
http://jamieandjen.com/Gallery1/albums/album16/100_3812.sized.jpg

[mrst2b2003]

thanks for the new thread liz

[Wrighty26]

Woo-hoo! New thread :) Thanks Liz!

Morning ladies :)

[Soulmate]

Following along...exhausted...will update this weekend :D

[CarlaB]

Thanks for the new thread! Big wave from over here...all is well. Will try to update more soon.

[a_spark]

Yay, a new thread! :)

[mia's mama]

lookin' good, nuhmah!

[klav]

WOOOHOOO new thread!!
nuhmah looken good
I have to get some new belly shots maybe this weekend at the wedding there be a few good ones?:o
I can't belive my ticker say's 46 more day's not weeks but days!!

[Sophia]

Thanks for the new thread, Liz!

[Sophia]

Mystikal: Why did your DH nix the duckie dress? My mom bought that dress, and she did buy the cardigan, hat, socks, and bib, but I returned the extra items and got a couple other dresses instead, and got a plain white cardigan that can go with all of them. I think the dress is really cute. :)

[sunchaser26]

Thanks, for the new thread!

nuhmah,

Looking good!

I have my belly shots to post today finally...

32w 6d

http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3B79%3B%3A2%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3278%3E935%3E%3A48% 3EWSNRCG%3D323377886457%3Cnu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3B79%3B%3A2%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3278%3E935%3E%3A48% 3EWSNRCG%3D323377887483%3Cnu0mrj

Questions:

How many diapers should you have on hand before the baby is born ? Should I have more than newborn & size 1?

Plan to stock up here soon and was wondering how many packages to get.

Also does anyone have the Fisher Price Aquarium - for inside the crib, was wondering how it attached since we have the big molding at the top of our railings unlike a normal crib, not sure it will attach correctly

Here is a photo of the crib so you see what I mean.

http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3B7%3A256%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3233%3E687%3E834%3E23 246879253%3A%3Aot1lsi

[klav]

sunchaser26 we have a very similar crib from babi Italia.
http://www.babiitalia.com/images/phe_life.jpg
with the wide top rails. YOu have to put it on the side the straps for the Fisher Price Aquarium does not go around the top rail on the front. it will attach to the side and then the battery peice gets screwed to the back side of the Aquarium. so that bugger is not going to move. yeah alot of the items have to go to the side, like our mobile and all because of the rails, being so wide. but I love it!

[hotmama]

lizard: thank you SO much for the new thread. you are so kind to organize this for us! :D

noticed i'll need to update a belly shot for the front page and also i have a Dr's appt tomorrow morning. so maybe tomorrow i'll come back with a little update.

hope everyone is well!

[ShelbyMay]

Thanks for the new thread! So clean and fresh. :D

Does anyone have suggestions for dealing with pelvic pain/pressure? Her head has apparently been lodged in there since Monday morning, and it is really starting to wear on me. Even rolling over in bed hurts my pelvis, and I swear I am peeing twice as frequently as before. I also catch myself doing some kind of pregnant woman waddle and apparently trying to "hold the baby up" with my arms. :rolleyes: I am such a hottie these days!

Is this just unavoidable? I can't imagine doing this for another 7 weeks. I am such a wimp.

[cece]

sunchaser- we have a tall sleighbed style crib w/out molding and still fastened the straps around the side rails, with the aquarium at the top of the bumper.

re: diapers, i wouldn't buy too many in nb size since it's so hard to know how big he'll be. finn was only in nb's for maybe 2wks...and if i can remember, in the beginning they go through about 6-8 diapers p/day. so maybe have one of the 68-ct nb packs on hand and then assess..? size 1 he was in for longer, but i can't remeber how long, maybe until about 6wks..? i did find that finn always needed to go up to the next size diaper at about 2lbs under the max weight shown on the package...he would always leak at that point and need the next size up.

it's so hard to know though...i'm going to have a pkg on hand of each size and then go from there. dh can always run to target if we need more nb's...and then i can stock up accordingly after that.

klav, sunchaser- beautiful cribs!

edited to add- re: diapers. finn was a moose, so i'm sure most babies stay in nb size longer. but, it's hard to know...he was only estimated to be about 7-ish lbs!

[klav]

I'm in the same boat shelby and it seems to be worse when I lay down. not sure what to do? I assume this is normal? I had told my DR about this and she did not recommend anything so... Not sure if streching would work?

[a_spark]

Hi Girls!

Had my 32 week appt. yesterday and all is well. I'm up a total of 28 lbs so far, which I'm cool with. As long as I'm in the range recommended by my doc (25-35 by the end), I'm happy. Heartbeat was good, measurement was good (at my practice they don't tell you what you're measuring, presumably so people don't worry unnecessarily). I mentioned to the doc that I was extra leaky that morning (sorry if TMI!) and he did a swab just to make sure it wasn't amniotic fluid. I'm rotating docs in the practice right now so this was one of the male docs and I had never been to a male gyn before. It was a little strange to have a guy down there! The swabbing was a little uncomfortable, but I attribute that to my being a little weird about him being male and to the fact that it all happened really quickly. My female doc is really gentle and makes sure I'm relaxed, so I'm used to a kinder approach. Anyway, no word from them, which means that it wasn't amniotic fluid so nothing to worry about. I go back in 2 weeks!

Threadmistress, my next appt is 6/7

[Sophia]

Diapers: A&B were both small babies, and I expect L to be small, too, so I have 2 packs of newborn size (40 ea) and two packs of size 1 (112 ea) so far. I do need to get more, but I don't know if that will happen before she's born.

Pelvic pain/pressure: a LOT of this this week. I was doing the "holding my belly up" thing yesterday, and my pelvic girdle pain is back, but luckily my sciatica is ok. I'm doing more stretches than usual and also need to start using my maternity support belt again. And I'm laying down a lot.

a spark: glad your appt. was good! They don't tell me how big I'm measuring, either--just that I'm "on track."

sunchaser: looking good!

[klav]

Diapers: I have one NB and one stage 1 figure DH can go get more if neccessary

Hospital route was wonering if anyone talked about this if your working and so is DH what is your plan to get to the hospital or if DH is working and your home what is your plan? do you wait for him or drive yourself? Am I crazy for thinking drive myself?:confused:

a_spark yippieee!!

[makena32204]

diapers - I have one pack of newborn and a bunch of size 1 from my shower. I think i'll just wait at this point. If we run low on newborn, my DH can run to Target, etc. I'm sure we'll also have some family member there who want to help in any way they can, so that might be an option.

pelvic pain/pressure - Add me to the list. Especially at night and on days that I go to the gym. TMI....I think someone else mentioned feeling swollen "down there" and I have to say, it was horrible last night (after the gym). You can laugh at this b/c I laughed at myself, but I busted out a mirror last night and checked. I think I look swollen too!! :eek: Does anyone else feel this way???

Here's a question for those of you exercising....does anyone else feel like they are reaching their limit and may have to stop? I just get so exhausted when I do and I get a lot of BH's. I just walked on the treadmill last time, but I felt like I was going at a snail's pace.

[mmisabel]

Hi ladies -

Liz - Thanks for the new thread! You are great!

sunchaser - you look great! Not big at all!

Mia's mama - pretty pictures, those veins on you and DH are a phlebotomist's dream!

Shelby - I get that pressure/pain more towards the end of the day. It feels like the head or something, but I think it's more of everything stretching. I try to sit and put my feet up. Peeing helps too.

a_spark - I just went to a male MD today and have always had women too. He didn't check me internally but I understand being a little uncomfortable. I figure when the time comes though, I'm just not gonna care what sex the person is.

Work Shower - It was yesterday and I couldn't believe how generous the ladies I work with are. They asked me a lot of questions about what I got at my other shower to ensure they got stuff I needed. I got onsies, sleepers, a PBK hooded towel, bath stuff, adorable Babystyle s/s t's and blanket, the boppy, bobby cover and tons of those chimey toys.

The pukes - So last night I bolted up at 1 am and came very close to vomiting all over the room. I scared the crap out of DH. I never threw up, just a little came out of my nose (TMI, I know) but in retrospect I wish I had. I'm still feeling quesy and full today. I ate like an absolute horse yesterday, so I'm thinking that was the culprit. I was also going all day until 11pm (a retirement party after work). I mentioned it to my MD today and he wasn't concerned.

New doctor - Really nice. I am measuring at 33cm (so I guess 1 week behind) but he didn't say he was concerned. My BP is low, no swelling, etc. He thinks the head is down and he said I still have some room under my ribcage, so I'm assuming that's good.
My next appointment is 6/6/06 - aren't there a few of us with this scary date??

[a_spark]

klav I don't think it's safe to drive yourself to the hospital when you're in labor. I'd be worried about being really distracted by contractions and getting into an accident... can DH come pick you up or do you have a friend/neighbor that you can call?

makena I'm in the same boat as you re: exercise. Yoga actually is awesome for me and I feel so good afterward but even just walking on the treadmill gives me pretty strong BH's which is not fun and I don't feel like I'm really getting any exercise. I basically walk the dog twice every day for about 20 minutes, do yoga once or twice a week, and go to the gym (creeping along on the treadmill and some light weights) maybe once a week. It feels like I'm being so inactive, but I guess I'm not completely sedentary, just used to more exercise :) And that was me that mentioned being swollen "down there"! I read it's really common, but it does get uncomfortable :/

ETA: mmisabel I can't believe you puked out of your nose! I feel pretty queasy when I've eaten too much as well, especially if I lay down afterward. Hope you feel better later today.

[Sophia]

Hospital route: It's basically a straight shot from my house to the hospital, so there aren't a bunch of different routes to choose from. I'll be having a scheduled repeat c/s, so DH will drive me and we'll know when, plus he'll be on vacation then anyway. if I were to go into labor & he wasn't aorund I'd call my mom to drive me. She's retired, so that's not an issue. I don't think I'd feel safe driving myself because I remember how quickly my contractions intensified when I was in labor with A.

Baby Book: The Carter's Just One Year one I bought at Target isn't on their website, but I just found it on eBay here (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7757548365&category=117389), if anyone wants to see the cover & inside pages before making a special trip. I think it was $13 in the store. I think it's girly.

ETA:
mmisabel: sorry about your puke incident! Maybe it was reflux? I hope you feel better.

[MMK]

Yaaaa for the new thread. Love the title by the way!

klav: I think getting to the hospital is the thing my dh is most obsessed about! I swear he brings it up every day and last night it was the first questioned he asked at our first prenatal class.:rolleyes: Anyway, his concern is that he is 50 minutes from home and home is 25 minutes from the hospital. Our instructor told us that with first time babies that should be more than enough time but to always have a back-up plan. I don't have a lot of friends/family in the immediate area but I figure there is at least one or two I can count on in case of an emergency. Of course, in a real emergency, I would just have to call an ambulance...not ideal but whatever is necessary! I think as far as driving myself goes, it I felt good enough to do that, I would probably feel good enought to wait for dh to get home...kwim? But am not oppossed to it.

diapers: we have a bunch of size 1 from the shower but no newborn. I'm actually on my way to target today to return one of our jumperoos so maybe I'll pick some up. It's so weird to think about buying diapers!!!!!!!!!!!! Of course I have no idea what brand to buy...maybe for now I'll just buy smaller packs in different sizes until I see what works for us?

makena/exercising: I've been sick this week so haven't gone to the gym at all but last week was there a few times and felt pretty good. I think for me, the key is to avoid the treadmill. Walking is just plain uncomfortable and seems to tire me out more than anything else. Is that weird? I'm much more comfortable on the elliptical or reclined bike.

Well, I'm off to my 33 (almost 34!) week appointment! For those of you in New England enjoy the beautiful weather today, it's about damn time!!!

[Lizard]

Good morning!

Diapers - We have some Pampers Swaddlers, and I think I'm gonna grab some small packages of a couple other brands, just so we can see what works best. I'm not going to load up on any size or brand though.

pelvic pain - I haven't really had this yet, but I do have hip pain at night. My body really really wants me to sleep on my back - if I don't I end up with bad hip pain when I wake up. :( Most of the time I sleep in this weird "lean on my body pillow" position so I'm not putting pressure on my hips.

Funny thing... I was gonna post a thread in Pregnancy asking about waddling, because I haven't been waddling at all. I've had like 5 different people ask me "Why aren't you walking like you're pregnant?"... no joke. Over the past 2 days though, I've noticed that baby feels more like a bag of rocks in my belly, and today I've got a small amount of waddle in my step. I think she's starting to move her head down and my pelvis is stretching more.

DH and I worked out at the gym last night as usual, but I think I'm about done there. My goal was 36 weeks, but it's almost a waste of time to go there anymore. I can work out on the same level by walking outside at home. Plus, then DH won't feel like he has to cut his workout short and leave when I'm done. We'll see how I feel in the coming days though.

I know I have asked this before, but kinda forgot about it. :) Does anyone else want to help update the thread when we start having babies? If 2 of you want to help, then we'll have 3 and hopefully be able to keep everything in order. Just let me know! :D

[ShelbyMay]

pelvic pain/pressure - Add me to the list. Especially at night and on days that I go to the gym. TMI....I think someone else mentioned feeling swollen "down there" and I have to say, it was horrible last night (after the gym). You can laugh at this b/c I laughed at myself, but I busted out a mirror last night and checked. I think I look swollen too!! :eek: Does anyone else feel this way???


I mostly feel like someone kicked me between the legs. :o

Driving to hospital: You know, I hadn't really thought about it. DH does work about an hour from home some days, whereas I work right down the street. Then it's another 20 minutes to the hospital. I guess I would ask my mom to drive me if I thought I was really in labor, and then DH could meet us there. I just worry that it might be weird to say, "Okay, Mom, you can go home now!"

I guess it would make sense to go ahead and keep my hospital bag in the car...? I don't *think* there's anything I'm packing that would be damaged by the heat...

[emmjay]

Thank you so much for the new thread!!

I had my 32 week appt today - like a_spark I am up 28 lbs. I guess I'm OK with it but I think I've gained about 8 lbs in the last month!! I hope it slows down from now on - I'm trying to eat more protein and keep exercising. I'm measuring at 33 cm, so 1 week ahead.

We also got our pediatrician sorted out - we got the last opening in the practice my doc recommended, which is also the practice my Bradley instructor uses and loves so I think we got a good one! Now I need to call the lactation consultant and reschedule some of the hospital classes, and we should be good to go with all of that stuff.

numah and sunchaser26 - you guys look great! I swear, we need to get a digital camera one of these days... ;)

mmisabel - sorry you were sick! Hope you feel better today.

diapers - we're doing cloth. Everyone keeps telling me "Yeah, we'll see how long that lasts" but I am pretty committed to the idea and since I'll be SAH I think I can keep up with it. I can always use disposables at night if it gets out of control. Plus my sister used cloth, and if she can do it so can I!! :p

Hospital route - we are about a 10 minute drive (w/o traffic - no more than 20 with) from our hospital, and we have tons of different routes in case we have a problem with any one of them.

Exercise - I try to take walks and I have to walk up 100 stairs to get to my office (up and down 2x a day since I leave for lunch). That is getting harder every day!! Once I stop working I might start swimming regularly but I don't have the time/energy to drag my big butt to the pool after work.

[Sophia]

Lizard: I keep wanting to volunteer to help with updates, but my c/s will probably be July 5th-7th, and isn't that pretty close to your EDD? But if you think that won't necessarily be a problem, I'd be willing to help out, especially since I'm not currently working.

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Belly shots look great girls! And I love the new thread!

Attaching the aquarium- I attached mine to one of the shorter side. It has an adjustable strap that goes over the top rail and then it also screws in the back to make sure that it won't budge. I am sure you can find a way for it to attach to your crib.

Diapers- We only got one pack of newborn size and they were a shower gift. We have 2 packs of size one (one is the costco bulk size and the other is normal), and 1 large pack of size 1/2s. At my hospital they send you home with one pack of newborns as well. So we considered that.

Exercising- I have to take it easy too. I just walk about 1-1/2 a day on my lunch hour and use my exercise ball after work. I couldn't imagine doing much more than that at this point.

Hospital Route- For the most part I am only at home, work, or my parent's house. The hospital is smack in the middle of the 3 locations and at tops a 10-15 drive from each. Also DH and I work at the same company. So if I go into labor at work I just page him over the intercom (heck I could walk there from work... I can see the hospital from my desk).
~~~

Nothing to report today. Still getting those BH all the time. They just kicked in again and I'm alternating between sitting and pacing around my desk.

Helping with the new thread. I am due in June now so I could probably run the thread from home while I was on leave. It may be helpful to also find someone that is due in the end of July to help out as well.

[mkvh]

Hey gals! Thanks for the new thread, Liz!! Just subscribin'... No time for much more, but I am reading along.

[mkvh]

I know I have asked this before, but kinda forgot about it. :) Does anyone else want to help update the thread when we start having babies? If 2 of you want to help, then we'll have 3 and hopefully be able to keep everything in order. Just let me know! :D

Just saw this...sorry for the double post! I just found out this morning that I most likely am going to SAH full time. (:eek: ) So even though I am due mid-month, I definitely could help out with the thread long-term... Let me know!

[klav]

Hospital route I was just wodering because I'll be home. and DH will be 45 min to and hour away then it woulf be another 30-45 to the hospital depending on traffice. I assume my mom will be around by then (hopefully) or I can call my SIL if I really need to she's 5 min from our house or FIL he's about 2 min away.

[Lizard]

Lil_Mrs_0702 & mkvh - Thank you for volunteering! I'll PM you the thread info from the July2006 Mommies account. If worse comes to worse and we all go around the same time, we can always find another person to help out. It'll get done somehow! :D

Hospital Route - It's about 15 minutes from either work or home, but could be longer depending on the time of day.

[ShelbyMay]

10% off baby stuff at Target.com:

TCBABYMY

[sunchaser26]

Thanks, everyone on the advice on the diapers & attaching the FP Aquarium. As for the diapers I guess I might have enough just from my showers. I have about 2 packages of NB in 40 count and 2 larger packages in stage(size) 1.

Working Out:

Yesterday I went and did my normal 2 miles on the treadmill, I'm finding that again I have to slow down the pace after 15 minutes. I started at 4.2 MPH pace, then went to 4.0 MPH, then 3.8 MPH now I'm having to go to 3.6 MPH after 15 minutes at 3.8 MPH. I do find the stationary bike to be easier at this point though, which I do for 15 minutes after the treadmill.

I haven't noticed the BH contractions yet although I think the baby was moving yesterday during my weight lifting after my cardio which he never does.

Hospital Route:

Not sure yet we have not tried to see how long it takes us to get there from home, if we have to go from work it could be close to an hour or more depending on traffic.

[Wrighty26]

pelvic pain/pressure - Add me to the list. Especially at night and on days that I go to the gym. TMI....I think someone else mentioned feeling swollen "down there" and I have to say, it was horrible last night (after the gym). You can laugh at this b/c I laughed at myself, but I busted out a mirror last night and checked. I think I look swollen too!! :eek: Does anyone else feel this way???

Here's a question for those of you exercising....does anyone else feel like they are reaching their limit and may have to stop? I just get so exhausted when I do and I get a lot of BH's. I just walked on the treadmill last time, but I felt like I was going at a snail's pace.

Add me to the list too! I feel the best when I am reclining in a chair (like right now at work). I definitely think I look swollen "down there"--Let's just say I am really not looking forward to internal exams and if DH wants to DTD anytime soon a LOT of lubricant is going to be required!!

Gym - I have my days. I HAVE to exercise in the morning-- I cannot and do not have the energy to exercise in the afternoon/at night. I also feeler smaller in the morning. I am a lot more sore after doing a work out on the elliptical than I am when I go to spinning. Which is logical--I think the sitting helps :) Walking is the hardest for me to do because I think he's starting to get lower and lower. (Too funny MMK-- I wrote this without reading what you wrote!! I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks walking it harder!)

Diapers - Yeah - we don't have any of those yet :o I'm really not trying to procrastinate-- I just don't know how much stuff we'll get at our showers and I want to avoid as much duplication as possible! I'll definitely start to stock up after June 4th!

Hospital Route - I'm about 25-30 minutes from the hospital (closer when I'm at work). Dan is about 45 minutes from work. If I go into labor when he's at work, I will probably have a friend drive me to the hospital and he will meet me there-- since it takes 45 minutes for him to get home from work it would be a lot of wasted time!

Emmjay - Glad you sorted out your Ped! Isn't it nice to have that decision made? :)

Dude-- I've been meaning to post this for an hour now... Friday cannot come soon enough!

[mia's mama]

pressure and leaking- I've got them both going on BIG time...it's going to be a long 8 weeks.

exercise- not doing anything anymore besides chasing Mia around all day. I was able to exercise until almost the end with Mia, but between work and running after her the rest of the day, this mama is freaking exhausted!

Driving to hospital- huh. Hadn't really thought about it, but DH's office is only 10 minutes away, my parents live 10 minutes away and the hospital is 20-30 minutes away, so I'm guessing someone will be around to take me. With Mia I went into labor at 11pm, and we went into the hospital aound 2-2:30am. For some reason I'm guessing I will go into labor at night this time around too...we'll see!

Sunchaser- you look great! And tiny! I think my belly is about 14 times the size of yours! Where is that baby hiding? ;)

[mmisabel]

Thanks for the sympathy ladies! I feel better but still a little nauseous, full, and burping a lot. I'm thinking it's reflux (i have never had it before in my life). I'm thinking I'll pop a Tums or Zantac. Sad I don't even know what to do!

Hospital Route - If I go into labor at work I'll have someone here drive me and DH meet me at the hospital. I will either have him stop at the house to pick up the packed bags or if he needs to get to the hospital quicker then have family bring the bags by. I am about 15 minutes from the hospital from work and 20-25 from home. DH is about 45-60 minutes from his work to the hospital, but he passes through our town on the way. I really think with the 1st you'll have time on your side.

Diapers - I want to say I read to get about 48 newborn and size ones to start with, then buy in bulk from there. I also heard that Huggies Supreme and Pampers Cruisers are the best. You should definitely sign up on both the websites, they will send you coupons and I think Pampers does something with points.

exercise - I froze my gym about 1 month ago. I walk a lot at work and definitely move slower now.

weight gain - I gained about 4 pounds in the last 2 weeks. Yikes! My total is about 28lbs, which isn't awful but we'll see.

[Amaye]

Thanks for the new thread! So clean and fresh. :D

Does anyone have suggestions for dealing with pelvic pain/pressure? Her head has apparently been lodged in there since Monday morning, and it is really starting to wear on me. Even rolling over in bed hurts my pelvis, and I swear I am peeing twice as frequently as before. I also catch myself doing some kind of pregnant woman waddle and apparently trying to "hold the baby up" with my arms. :rolleyes: I am such a hottie these days!

Phew!! I thought l was the only person doing the "pregnant waddle holding the baby up" walk! :o I didn't even realize l was doing it until one of my co-workers pointed it out! :p

[Sophia]

Phew!! I thought l was the only person doing the "pregnant waddle holding the baby up" walk! :o I didn't even realize l was doing it until one of my co-workers pointed it out! :p

I did it yesterday when I went into the convenience store to pay for my gas & stuff. All the men in the store cleared the way for me. It was hilarious! :D

[klav]

Sunchaser- you look great! And tiny! I think my belly is about 14 times the size of yours! Where is that baby hiding?
my thought's exactly:D

[klav]

promotion code "SP6C" for motherwear if you buy 50.00 or more get 10.00 off suppose to be for 1st time buyers. but does not huirt to try expires the end of the month!

[Wrighty26]

Phew!! I thought l was the only person doing the "pregnant waddle holding the baby up" walk! :o I didn't even realize l was doing it until one of my co-workers pointed it out! :p

Hee hee.. I started doing this last weekend in St. Augustine. It feels SO much better to just "carry" the baby while I walk. My whole body appreciates it!

[mkvh]

Yeah, well, someone called me a WEEBLE at work two days ago!! :eek:

And I don't think I'm really waddling...yet!

[nuhmah]

I can totally feel myself walking with my back arched - no wonder preggo women have back problems!!

I too have tons of pressure and pelvic pain... 6 weeks to go. I suppose it will get worse before it gets better, huh?

[Mystikal]

Great belly shots, ladies!! I should have some new ones to post this weekend. :)

Waddle my mom told me tonight as I left her house that I'm starting to waddle. I guess I'm lucky that it took me almost 36 weeks to get to that point, but I think the one reason was because I walked with a friend tonight about 2.5 miles, and I have this horrible pain in my groin area now. Very uncomfortable.

Exercise I would love to stop because I get so exhausted, but if I don't get at least a half hour of walking in my sugar levels go CRAZY so I have to make sure I walk every day.

Hospital Route the hospital is 10 minutes from my house in traffic, so I'm not too worried. I think I'll work up till my EDD and then have the doc take me off if I haven't had her yet. I work 25 minutes from the hospital, and DH is a driver for Schwan's and delivers in the same area I work, so we both have the same distance commute to the hospital from work. If I end up going into labor at work a coworker of mine has offered to drive me to the hospital if I can't drive myself.

Hospital bag I went to Wal-Mart yesterday to pick up some stuff for the bag. I figure since I'm almost 36 weeks I should get that sucker in my trunk just in case. lol. I have a few more things to pick up this weekend, and then I have to get the diaper bag packed, but then they'll be ready.

Lizard he never really gave a reason for nixing the dress. Just said that he didn't think it was that cute. I keep teasing him and saying it's just because the little duckies scared him. :p

[mia's mama]

I forgot to mention...
diapers- We went through the pack of newborns that the hospital gave us, plus 2 or 3 more packs (40/pack) before switching to size 1s. Mia was in the size 1's for a month or two (and we easily went through 60 diapers/week in the begining), and in size 2s for several months...even now, at 18 months, she's only in size 4. She was average size at birth- 7.5 lbs and 19.5 inches long, but has been on the petite side ever since about 6 months or so. I would start with 1-2 packs of newborns and 2 packs of 1s and go from there. You'd be amazed at how quickly you go through them!

[ShelbyMay]

Sigh... SIL was at our house doing some laundry yesterday, and decided to be helpful and do some of ours, as well. I was just putting away the last of it and came across my SLING. :( It wasn't even anywhere near our dirty laundry, but I guess she saw something fabric on the table and decided to throw it in with everything else -- and then dried it on high. :(

I am going to try washing it again and stretching it out, but I am pretty sure it's a lost cause. I didn't even get to use it yet!

And I can't really be mad at her because she honestly thought she was doing a good thing...

[ShelbyMay]

I think I am going to cry. I just realized this means she also dried all of my maternity clothes on high. They were all getting too small, anyway, and I was just hoping to make them last another few weeks.

And several of the baby outfits I got at my shower this weekend -- All dried on high.

:(

[rande]

Shelby- So sorry to hear about your clothes. Maybe they are all fine!!!! Definitely a bummer though.

Diapers- I would also recommend 1-2 packs of newborn and 2 packs of size 1. We used about 7-8 diapers a day for the first month or so.

Exercise- None for me this time due to the bedrest. I did walk alot when I was pregnant with Drew and think that is why I had such an easy labor and delivery. I will not start walking this time until 36-37 weeks due to the bedrest.

Sunchaser-Cute belly shots! You are carrying very similar to me!

Names-I am definitely starting to get nervous that we don't have one yet. I have about 5 that I like but DH is being really difficult about it so now we don't even discuss it.

Weight- Like some others I am up 26 pounds for 32 weeks. I gained 32 total with Drew and it looks like I will come out around the same this time.

Carrying- I have heard a couple girls mention that their stomachs were measuring a week behind. Not to worry, my doctor told me this with my whole pregnancy with Drew and he was born 5 days early at 7lbs 15ounces. The position of the baby and the mother's body shape can skew this measurement.

[nuhmah]

Shelby - I hope everything came out ok in the dryer! My maternity clothes are all getting a little too small now, too. I really don't want to spend the money on new clothes with only a few weeks left!

Had an OB appointment this afternoon - got my rhogam shot, and everything else looks great! I missed my last appointment because I went home to see my dad, so I have gained 4 pounds since I saw her last. She seemed a little disturbed by it until she saw that it has been almost 4 weeks since I have been there.

I am frustrated with my weight gain. I have not been eating more, or eating anything differently. I drink boatloads of water and don't eat lots of sweets or over-indulge. Sometimes I feel like I am actually eating less... my stomach get full quickly! I am trying to snack on fruits and other things instead of eating extra meals to make up for it, too. I would say that I have gained about 32 pounds... sigh. OK, pity party over. I feel great, though - except my thighs are HUGE and I know I am retaining water.

Hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend... I will definitely be trying to hit some sales!

[ShelbyMay]

I don't think water weight should count toward total weight gain. I know a woman who is about 39 weeks pregnant and recently gained SEVEN pounds in one week. Now surely she is going to lose all of that pretty much right away, so I don't consider retained water "real" weight gain.

[mia's mama]

weight gain- I think I have gained about 21-22 lbs at 31.5 weeks, but we'll see what the Dr.'s scale says on Tuesday ;) . TO all of you who feel like you are gaining too much, not to worry. I have 3 friends who all gained between 50-65 total, and all 3 have lost EVERY POUND. The weight was off for all of them by 9 months or so postpartum, with a little dieting (or BFing) and exercise. You would NEVER guess that any of them had once been 60 pounds heavier.

Shelby- I hope most/all of your clothes are salvagable! :( For what it's worth, I dry EVERYTHING on high...I'm just too lazy to adjust the dryer I guess. :o I've never had a problem with Mia's clothes, or my own- they seem to stretch out ok. I know what you mean about the maternity clothes getting too small at this point though...same here. I hope you'll be able to use you sling! If it just won't work, maybe sell it on ebay and buy another? What a hassel! :(

[makena32204]

weight gain- At my 32 week appt (one week ago), I had gained 35 lbs. My last two appts, I gained 4 lbs in 2 weeks each time. My doctor has never once mentioned my weight to me and when I ask about it, he is not concerned. Due to the hot and humid FL weather, I've been retaining water like a champ. My entire body is swollen, not just my feet and hands. I cant even wear my watch anymore, much less my rings, and I'm down to two pairs of shoes which are getting tight. Here's the funny thing about my weight gain...given the number, I should be HUGE! But, I've had tons of people tell me that I'm small and that I've only gained weight in my belly. (Personally, I know that i've put on a few lbs in my thighs, but I dont mention that) I've even had someone see me from behind at 8 mos preggo and not even realize that I was preggo until I turned! My point that I'm trying to get to is that it is just a number. As long as I feel good and my bp stays low, I'm not going to worry about it. I'm still pretty active and go to the gym (although that may end soon), so I think I'll manage to lose most of it.

shelby- I can understand your frustration. I refuse to buy any new maternity clothes at this point and my tops are getting too small. They used to cover my belly easily and now I only have an inch or two overhang!! :eek:

[Sophia]

weight gain: 21-22 lbs so far. But it was a while before I gained any, and I actually lost about 4 or 5 lbs the first tri. Lately though, I've been gaining about a lb a week, which is typical. I think I'll probably gain another 5 or 6 lbs. This is pretty much in line with how I gained with A&B.

Shelby: Ugh! I'm so sorry that so many of your things were dried on high. I hope everything is ok and didn't really stretch.

Hospital bag: I guess I should get on that, huh? I don't really have all that much to pack, though.

[Lizard]

Good morning and happy weekend everyone!!

Shelby - UGH, I hope you were able to salvage some of your clothing! I feel your frustration, I have several items that I've grown out of and I steadfastly refuse to buy any more maternity. :)

Weight Gain - I'm on the weird end of the scale. If you count from my pre-preg. weight, I've only gained 7 pounds. But if you count from my lowest weight (which was around the end of the 1st trimester, give or take), I've gained 19 pounds. I've given either answer, depending on who I talk to and how much I feel like explaining when they say "Holy crap, why haven't you gained any weight?"

Woke up last night for a bathroom run, and my hip was totally out of place. :( I seriously could not walk. Through some hopping and painful steps I got to the bathroom, then I realized I couldn't sit down! It was the worst pain ever. I got back to bed, wedged a pillow between my knees and fell asleep... this morning it seemed to be fine. I will NOT miss this hip pain...

No weekend plans to speak of, although I'm on call for work. This is my LAST on-call weekend, probably ever. :D The temps here are going to be 90+ degrees all weekend, that should be great for my swelling. :rolleyes: I'll probably spend most of my free time putzing inside & enjoying the A/C. If I'm feeling saucy I might cut down my brown tulips and go buy some annuals to plant in their place, but I'm thinking that should wait for a cooler day....

DH's dad went in for an angiogram yesterday, and they found an 80% blockage in his bypass (he's had heart issues for years). So they put in a stent, and we're waiting to hear how he's doing and how long he'll be in the hospital. Since I'm on call we can't go visit them, which kinda sucks, but it'd be tough to drive the 4.5 hours anyways. If worse comes to worse DH will go by himself, but FIL is a tough old coot so I don't anticipate any issues. :D

Have a WONDERFUL weekend everyone!!

[mkvh]

Whoa...only 7 weeks till my EDD and 5 more weeks of work!!

Weight Gain--As of 32 weeks, I am up 17 lbs from my pre-pg weight, but I lost 11 lbs in the first tri. I'm gaining much more quickly now. 7 lbs in 5 weeks and 4 lbs in 3 weeks...all of my weight gain since about 22 weeks. I still feel okay about where I am although I had 15 lbs pre-pg that needs to go along with the baby weight.

Hospital Bag--Call it denial. I think I can put it off for another few weeks, anyway! I have so many other things to do.

Weekend Plans--My mom and my sis and her kids are coming for the weekend because my shower given by DH's family is Sunday. So tonight and tomorrow am will be a cleaning frenzy.

Clothes--I am peeking out of the bottom of a LOT of my shirts. Lovely. I too am boycotting buying anything else. Gotta make do!

Diapers--Yup, procrastinating about that too.


I found out yesterday that the part-time arrangement for work is NOT going to work out. My boss said there are a few last-ditch things she is going to try, but really it's pretty much a big fat NO. Now I'm freaking out a bit about SAH full-time. I know that there's a grieving process that needs to happen...I'm definitely going through that now.

[Amaye]

Lizard Hope your FIL is doing ok. Your hip pain sounds aweful!!! I've had a bit of pain but nothing like you described. I hope it doesn't happen again.

Shelby So sorry to hear about the clothes issue. I'm sure she was being nice but at the same time, no more stress is needed. Hopefully your clothes did not shrink much.

Weight I'm on the other end of the scale 100%. I actually have only gained 1pd past my pre-pregnancy weight. And believe me when l say l am getting the opposite end of comments - "oh you look like you lost SO much weight, what are you doing to your baby, you have to eat, etc":rolleyes: I'm definitely eating but l guess I already had some extra padding that is sustaining the baby. Last appt, l had lost 1pd. The doctor seemed a little concerned but not really. I am a true believe in that your body knows what it needs for you and the baby and acts accordingly.

Hospital Bag/Diapers Ok, l have to admit l have done nothing! The only thing we have done is set up the crib. We still have to buy bedding and unpack some of the shower gifts. I'm due at the end of July so I keep telling myself we have time, but time is flying.

Maternity leave I was so excited cos l thought my firm covered you for 2 weeks before your due date but l just found out they don't! This means l have to pretty much work till the end. Ugh!:cool: The good part is that my boss is great and l will probably work from home for that period of time. I have 3 months after the baby is born and plan to take 2-3 weeks of vacation after the 3 months before coming back to work.

Clothes I am now starting to have a gap between my shirrts and my body but it's nothing too bad. l really don't want to buy more clothing.

[emmjay]

Hospital bag - I haven't even thought about this yet but I do have a list from my Bradley class that I can follow. I still have 8 weeks to go until my EDD anyway!

Work - I decided to stay until at least 37 weeks, but I'm taking the week of June 10th off because my mom is coming. Actually DH is going to Germany/Eastern Europe with his dad from June 2 - 18, so my mom is coming for the second week so I'm not by myself. I'm hoping to get a lot done that week (with her help - I know she'll clean my entire house for me!! ;) )

I'm going to SAH too, and I think DH is freaking out a bit. He is a consultant in the new home building industry and he is concerned that since the market is slowing down he could get laid off. That would not be good AT ALL! Actually due to the nature of his position he probably wouldn't even be laid off even if the company started letting people go, but he is still concerned enough to start looking for something else. He is going to talk to someone next week about a position in India! It would be a great job, but can you even imagine moving to India with an infant? My mother would shit her pants! :p Anyway, I'm not too worried about him losing his job but I'm glad he's being proactive about it instead of getting blindsided by a possible layoff.

Although now I'm getting kind of excited about moving to India... that would be a great experience. OTOH, all he has done as of now is read the job description so I'm getting pretty far ahead of myself! It's fun to think about anyway. :D

[ShelbyMay]

All of the laundry talk sparked my memory: Wasn't someone here looking for an unscented HE detergent? I saw one at Target the other day -- It is Method brand "Free & Clear" version.

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Weight Gain- I am actually embarassed to go there. According to the doctor's scales I am up 42 lbs so far but to top it all off I was about 15 lbs over my ideal weight before I started gaining. At my last appointment I had put on 8 lbs in 2 weeks!! Ofcourse I have gone from ankle past cankles to thankles. I swear I am the same size from my butt to my feet. Also I was measuring 37 weeks at that appointment. So hopefully I only have a couple more weeks and lbs to go. I am refusing to put on more than 6 lbs for the rest of my pregnancy.

Hospital bag- That has been packed for weeks but I really need to put it in my car. Time is running out fast!

Emmjay- Wow the possibilty of moving to India!! That would be amazing!

Shelby- I am so sorry about your laundry. I know it is hard to get too mad at her since she was just trying to help which makes it even more frustrating.

Liz- I hate the hip pain! There have been several nights where I have had to limp/wobble to the bathroom. This morning I woke up and it felt like I did the splits all night in my sleep.

[mkvh]

So what do you think about growth? I think I had a slow 2 weeks or so...but in the longer shot, the belly definitely looks to be shaped differently...

30w4d
http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3B89%3A48%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D3248%3E649%3E588%3E WSNRCG%3D3233725977%3C57nu0mrj

33w
http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3B89%3A48%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3248%3E649%3E588%3EWS NRCG%3D323377%3A9%3C%3B864nu0mrj

30w4d
http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3B89%3A48%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3233%3E634%3E943%3E23 24634%3A34%3B76ot1lsi

33w
http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3B89%3A48%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3248%3E649%3E588%3EWS NRCG%3D323377%3A9%3C7%3A37nu0mrj
*Please excuse the pile of laundry in the background. :o

[klav]

MKVH! looken good! not sure i SEE MUCH OF A DIFFRENCE BUT YOU LOOK GREAT! love the colors of you walls!!

[mkvh]

Thanks, klav! That's one of our spare bedrooms....

[maryanne]

34w 3 d

I have finally passed the ten pound mark in weight gain but in truth I was such a porker to begin with that I feel like I look HUGE, especially since my belly is now bigger than my BB's :(

I haven't been posting much lately. Two days ago EVERYTHING hurt and I literally has to pee every 10 minutes...luckily she got out of that position!

yesterday, I felt great! Did lots of errands and exchanges at BRU.

Today, my hands are intolerable. The lidocaine patches have been helping but today NOTHING is working. I am about to give up and head over to get the cortisone shot...I really really don;t want to but....I am going to try to do without.

we are suppposed to have some intense lightning storms today. I think that that is affecting my hands.

I hope that everyone else is doing well!!

[sunchaser26]

Well, it is hard to believe I only have about 7 more weeks left to go.

There is still so much to do like washing babies clothing although that will be the last thing I do. The nursery still needs a few things, plus there are items I can't do without that we have to purchase but I think we are going to try and do that on Monday.

Tonight we are going out of town to stay with our friends in Columbus, OH. We just got gifts for the girls who are 2 & 5 now and plan on going to the zoo weather permitting on Saturday. My DH says it is a great zoo but after about 5 years of visiting I might finally get to see it.

mkvh,

You look great! I don't think that you have grown much at all, but you do look differently shaped that is for sure.

maryanne,

Sorry to hear about your hands. I hope the cortisone shot helps you, I know it did wonders for my right wrist when I was found that I had tendonitis at age 16 and it was either that or surgery. Although the beginning of this week I got worried I was having pain in it again but it seems to have subsided.

Glad to hear that you felt well yesterday and got so much done. I love days like that, but those are few and afr between at the moment... It should be the other way around.

Emmjay,

Wow India!! That would be an adventure! Yes, grandma would be very upset. I know because DH just interviewed for a job in Tennesse and she was having a fit.

ShelbyMay,

Thanks! That was me that was looking for it, we did find some and I just saw it at Target today while getting gifts for our god daughter and her sister.

Weight

I'm right on track for a normal gain. I have gained about 20lbs so far past my pre-pregnancy weight. I'm hoping to stay within 25-28lbs total. I agree with Amaye that your body knows what it needs for you and the baby and acts accordingly.

Hospital Bag

l haven't done anything yet! I have a list I got off the thread here, but I don't have many of the items like nursing bra/tank, slippers, robe, etc. I have sooo much to do and so little time.

[Amaye]

mkvh I definitely see you a difference. The little one is growing - you look very cute!

[emmjay]

mkvh - I can see a difference - you are looking great!

maryanne - glad you had such a productive day yesterday! Hope your hands feel better soon.

sunchaser26 - I am waiting until the last minute to wash baby stuff too. I did get some detergent but it is just sitting there on the laundry table. And I don't have any of my bedding yet anyway - MIL made/is making it and she hasn't sent it to us yet. I think she's almost done (I hope so, anyway!).

As for India - it is so speculative at this point since he hasn't even had an interview, but it has definitely gotten me thinking! I feel like I want an adventure - probably in 8 weeks or so I'll be thinking I have more than enough adventure in my life but still, I would love to move to another country! :)

[hotmama]

had my OB appt this morning. today marks 31 weeks. wow, single digits! 9 weeks to go! :)

don't know about the rest of you, but i LOVE seeing the NP in the practice. would rather see her than my OB. just find her to be more thorough and she spends tons of time answering questions. anyway, today i wanted to chat about all the pressure i've been feeling. have been having a lot of feelings very low and find myself really uncomfortable already.

she did an internal and i'm still way high and my cervix is closed tight. nice to know. she also took a culture just in case to rule out any sort of infection. an infection can cause cramping and contractions. hope to get those results soon. otherwise, she reminded me to use the maternity support i had from my pregnancy with Aiden. that had slipped my mind and know it will offer me some additional support.

i've lost 2 pounds since my appt 3 weeks ago. ??? i don't know how that happened.

here is my 31 week belly: (TM, can you update my belly shot from the 1st page? thanks!)

http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3B8%3B58%3B%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3235%3E3%3B5%3E%3A% 3A4%3EWSNRCG%3D323377%3A%3B87%3C%3A%3Anu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3B8%3B58%3B%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3235%3E3%3B5%3E%3A% 3A4%3EWSNRCG%3D323377%3A%3B84%3B%3A6nu0mrj

we're of to SF for the holiday weekend. hope you all have a great one!

[Wrighty26]

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Ladies...

Did anyone expect this holiday weekend to come so quickly? I feel like just yesterday it was Thanksgiving and we were all trying to decide when to tell people we were pregnant!

Sunchaser - You are SO cute and definitely tiny (I'm sure you hear it all the time)! It will be really funny if you surprise us with a 9lber or something! I definitely agree with you-- there is still SO much to do!

ShelbyMay - Sorry about the laundry-- anything salvageable?

Rande - Sorry you don't have a name yet! Hopefully DH will come to his senses soon. What he is waiting for? Glad to hear the you were measuring a little small -- and that Drew was still born a little early with a good weight! I totally expected to be on the other side of the spectrum because the babies in my family are usually really big (and all of my cousins measured bigger than they really were)!

Nuhmah - Sorry you are frustrated with weight gain. I was talking to one of the nurses about it and she basically said it's been her experience that your body will gain what it needs to. She's seen ROs gain 50lbs with their first pregnancies, then been really "strict" with their 2nd pregnancies and gain about the same amount of weight! I think that as long as you a providing your baby with the nutritents it needs-- then throw out the scale!

Lizard - Sorry about your hip! That sounds like horrible pain :( I've definitely had some aches and pains myself--but nothing like that. Will you consider going to a chiropractor? Yay for being the last weekend on call!

mkvh - Sorry that the part-time thing isn't going to work out. That sucks! I would be kinda freaking out too if I was going to basically be a SAH mom is 5 weeks...you're right though-- there is a period of grievance...it's like that part of your life has ended. You look awesome!! I can definitely see a difference--but moreso in the full body shots. Why are people telling you that you are huge?

emmjay - Wow! India! I think that would definitely be quite an experience-- good luck to your DH if he decides to go for it!

maryanne - sorry about your hands... I wish that there was something we could do for them. I don't think I ever commented on your shower--but it looks like it was really fun!

Hotmama - Awww-- your little belly is so cute! Good to hear that you are still closed tight and everything is up high. I'm sure we will all be whining about how this is a bad thing in a couple of weeks. Enjoy your weekend in SF!

My work shower was yesterday and it was SOOO much fun. I definitely feel spoiled by my coworkers. The food spread was great and they got us a cake that said "Welcome Braeden" on one side and "Welcome Annabelle" on the other.

I TOTALLY scored with the gifts-- to summarize I got 7 new outfits for him (in different sizes), a ton of practical every day stuff (diapers, lotion, body wash, powder, wipes, etc), 4-5 rattles/toys (all frogs--the theme of the party was the princess and the frog prince), a blanket, a bunch of Dr. Brown bottles, $200 in gift cards ($175 to BRU, $25 to Target), and a couple of other things! Braeden is so spoiled...

A few pictures...

http://static.flickr.com/51/154105054_8c5a9fbee4.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/46/154105312_29e31fbb3a.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/50/154105413_67e8a2ab80.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/46/154104969_fdfe03a436.jpg?v=0

Now I can't wait until the big shower next weekend!!! (I peeked-- and someone bought the Snugride/extra base!)

Off for a girls day at the beach-- hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

[Sophia]

My baby shower was today. My father's 3 sisters hosted, along with one of my cousins, a "family friend" (she's actually the SIL of one of my aunts, but she and her kids are pretty much part of my family even though she's technically not my aunt and her daughter isn't technically my cousin), and my mom (6 hosts). There was a nice turnout, mostly DH's relatives, along with some of my mom's and MIL's friends, and the food and flowers were really nice. I got several big items (papasan swing, nursery monitors) and some smaller items (bathtub, etc) and layette, plus cash, checks, and gift cards I'll use to pick up the other stuff we need. :)

The table
http://static.flickr.com/54/154414975_6aa16c1b63.jpg?v=0

Me
http://static.flickr.com/60/154414980_8d2dcc2cdd.jpg?v=0

MIL, me, my mom
http://static.flickr.com/49/154414981_82e0c8e2de.jpg?v=0

Me with hostesses (aunt, cousin, aunt, me, aunt, aunt's SIL, my mom)
http://static.flickr.com/47/154421002_a1663716f7.jpg?v=0

Opening gifts
http://static.flickr.com/75/154418587_1afec10067.jpg?v=0

[Sophia]

Hope everyone's having a great weekend! :)

Lizard: I hope your hip isn't still acting up. That doesn't sound fun at all! I also hope your dad is doing better.

mkvh: Hope your shower is fun! Sorry the PT thing isn't going to work out. You look so cute in oyur belly shots. :)

emmjay: Wow, moving to India would be really cool! Keep us updated if that actually happens.

maryanne: sorry your hands are hurting so much.

hotmama: you're looking great!

Wrighty: Looks like you had fun at your shower. You look great!

[Lizard]

Sophia & Wrighty - You guys look great!! And your showers look like so much fun!

hotmama - You too! :D

I'm sitting around waiting to be called into work. :( They should be calling me any time. Kinda sucks, since it's 10:15 here and I'm usually in bed by now, but I keep thinking "This is your LAST month doing this". Plus it's a long weekend so I'll have plenty more hours to enjoy at home. I should only have to go in for 2-3 hours at best.

So I decided with all of the photo sharing, that I should post a couple belly shots. We've been taking them about every 4 weeks since week 20, but I only send them to my folks so they can see progression. Figured it was time to post a couple here.

Can't find a good pre-baby one... I posted one with DH and Alton a while back, but that was from a year ago or so. If I can find one I'll post it.

20 weeks:
http://members.cox.net/lcruver/20w.jpg

34 weeks (last week) - looking kind of greasy, just got back from the gym:
http://members.cox.net/lcruver/34w1.jpg

No belly from the front!
http://members.cox.net/lcruver/34 w3.jpg

[mia's mama]

Wow, Lizard...you totally don't look PG from the front! You look great! My belly is HUGE compared to some of you girls'!

hotmama and sunchaser- you guys are both so teeny tiny! You look great!

Sophia and Wrighty, Glad you guys had fun with your showers! Looks like you both cleaned up! :)

Maryanne- So sorry about your hands! I hope the pain subsides and that you are free of it once you give birth! :(

We took our professional pregnancy/family photos today, and from what I saw on the photographer's camera (digital), they came out great! I can't wait to see the proofs. My DH kept joking though that they are going to look like an ad for Summer's Eve...all of us in a green field wearing white :o ...he's kind of right, but they look pretty good from what I could tell. ;)

RO's- Anyone going through the toddler bed transition yet? We bought Mia a bed this week, and while she LOVES it (to sit on, play on, jump off of), she is having a hard time sleeping on it. :rolleyes: SHe just starts crying, gets out and follows DH or me to the door, saying "All Done, All Done". So then we ask if she'd rather sleep in her crib (which is still in her room) and she says "bed, bed!"- SHe gets back in bed and the same thing happen all over again. She did end up napping in her bed today after crying for 10 min. or so when we left her room, and is in bed tonight (after 5 min. of crying), but I wonder if she STAY in bed? We close the doors to her room, so I can only assume she is in bed (not on the floor) and now I am worried that she'll fall out and wake up crying :rolleyes:. She's only a foot off the floor, but she is a restless sleeper, so we'll see! I think I may pick up a video monitor so I can see what she is up to in there!

[Lizard]

Hello everyone! Hope you're all having a great weekend!!

mia's mama - Funny enough, a friend of mine that is due in about 3 weeks is going through the toddler bed transition right now (her oldest is 20 months). I'm sure I'll hear all about it tomorrow, so I'll let you know what she says. :)

Mystikal - I saw your post in Pregnancy about possible leakage... let us know what's up! Hopefully things are good.

This has been a bleh weekend... went into work Saturday night as is my usual routine at the end of the month, then on Sunday morning they had some processing issues, which usually means that I'll have to go in again. They drug on and on, and I was calling in every hour to find out what was up. Finally about 8:00 PM things were resolved and I was told I didn't have to go in. :rolleyes: DH and I were pretty pissed, we lost the whole day. We'd planned on seeing X-Men 3, so we're doing that in about an hour.

HOT HOT HOT here... 95 degrees all weekend! I tried to do some outside work yesterday and I was done after 20 minutes.... I'm just too big and it was too hot. I was sweating like a stuck pig. :( DH is outside mowing right now... I usually do the edging but I think I'll wait until later tonight.

Hope you're all having fun and enjoying one of our last pre-baby holidays! :D

[Mystikal]

Lizard it's pretty much stopped. I don't think it's happened since right after I got up this morning, so I'm thinking it was urine, or just normal discharge. :o Hard to believe I can't tell if I'm peeing myself or not. Ahh, the joys of pregnancy!! :p

DH and I went to the mall today to pick up a bathrobe, and then we went grocery shopping. I'm exhausted! While we were at the mall we saw a mom with a little girl and boy, and the girl looked at me and asked if I had a baby in my belly. It was the cutest thing, and her brother kept looking at me and smiling. :D Made me feel great, especially after the saleslady at Kauffman's asked when I was due and when I told her she responded with "twins?" I said no and she asked if I was sure one wasn't hiding. :rolleyes: I'll give ya twins, lady!!! Gah!

With 29 days to go I finally have my hospital bag packed and sitting in the trunk of my car, ready to go. What are y'all putting in the diaper bags? I have the coming home outfit, but I'm guessing they'll have diapers and stuff there that we can use, so do we really need anything else in there, or can I stick that in the trunk, too?

DH and I also went yesterday and got our flooring for the nursery and our bedroom, as well as the closet doors. My dad is starting vacation this week so he'll be at the house while we're working and with any luck things will be done within a week or so. *fingers crossed*

[ShelbyMay]

Mystikal: Glad to hear things are still okay -- Although I bet you are feeling pretty ready to have that baby!

As for me, I am CRANKY. I feel huge and everything is uncomfortable. It hurts to walk. I know I am supposed to be delighting in the miracle of pregnancy, but dammit, I am tired. I am sick of going into work every day and sitting at my stupid desk for 8 hours. I am sick of coming home and cleaning, only to have the house still so cluttered. I want all of this clutter GONE but I am too tired to take care of it myself. I tried to vacuum tonight, but apparently this baby is all riled up by the sound of the vacuum cleaner. She was squirming and kicking so much that I had to stop halfway through the first room. I did some laundry and swept the floors, and now I am trying to think of something else I can clean without bending, squatting, or stretching.

And while I'm on a complaining rampage, I feel the need to announce that CHIVALRY IS DEAD. I went to Target after work today and have honestly never felt more like a circus sideshow. People just stared while I lifted stuff into my cart and tried to manuever it through the crowded aisles. And those were the polite people, apparently -- I swear the others were shooting me dirty looks. Apparently, my belly and I were in their way. :rolleyes:

-----

Thanks for listening to me complain. I am going to try to get in a better mood now, but my husband is currently covering the kitchen table in junk when I *just cleared the d*mn thing off! :mad:

[Sophia]

Mystikal: Glad it seems to have stopped. At least you can ask about it at your appt. tomorrow. I can't believe that saleslady said that. People are so rude.

Diaper bag for hospital: I never took a diaper bag to the hospital before. All I ever took was the going home outfit, and that went in my bag. The hospitals here provide diapers, blankets, t-shirts etc. to use while you're there.

Lizard: You look so cute!

mia's mama: Can't wait to see the pro belly shots & portraits! I'm sure they're gorgeous.

*****

I am SO tired! And I didn't even do much today. I got the thank yous for the shower done, and they're ready to mail, and my mom came over and I showed her what I bought at Target yesterday with the money & gift cards I got, as well as the crib bedding, bassinet, and diaper bag, none of which she had seen. And yet I'm totally drained.

Lately I've been feeling more pelvic floor pressure. I'm wondering if I've dropped or something. I also feel the constant need to pee, even if I don't really need to pee.

I also had some lovely muscle cramping in my right buttock this weekend. And my BHs are getting stronger. All of this is making DH nervous, like I'm about to go into labor any second, even though I don't think I am. I have an appt. tomorrow & plan to bring up my increasing discomfort levels.

ETA--Shelby: It sounds like you're feeling sort of like I am lately. Sorry people were so rude to you at Target.

[makena32204]

shelby - let me join you on the Cranky team, especially in the mornings! There are days that I just want to kill people at work.

mystical- I'm glad that the leaking stopped. Let us know how your appt today goes.

lizard - Looking good! It was really hot here too....a record high of 96 yesterday and a forecast of 93 today w/ no rain!

I had a great Memorial Day weekend w/ my Mom, Aunt, Cousin, and her 5 month old baby. She was such a good baby! I told my DH that he shouldnt expect ours to be so good. I just have this feeling that we will have a holy terror! Anyway, it was a great weekend, but it was also so nice when they left yesterday morning and I spent most of the day just relaxing! I needed it.

I also started my Thank you notes and got about 1/2 of them done. Yeah, my shower was 2 weeks ago. I'm a slacker. Although, I wish I would have done them a week ago before my fingers and hands started aching so badly! I guess that's my own fault!

I cant believe I forgot to mention that my Mom bought the coming home outfit for my little girl! It's a cute pink dress that gathers at the top. It's very light and soft, which is good for FL in July!

[Wrighty26]

Morning Ladies!

Shelby- There must be something in the air because I am SOOOOO cranky today (and felt this way last night too). It's not so much crankiness towards pregnancy--but I just want to rip everyone's heads off. Hope YOU feel better soon!

Lizard - You look great! Definitely a change from 20 weeks until now :) Sorry you basically did nothing on Sunday-- that sucks!

Sophia - Your shower looks like it was SO nice! You look lovely, btw- just glowing :) I've had that "need to pee even though I really don't" feeling for the last 2 months. It's more annoying than anything! Your DH sounds so cute-- I don't think that my DH realizes how close I actually am now.

Mystikal - I can't believe you are due in LESS than a month! Sorry to hear about the leaking-- hopefully it's nothing. Keep us updated. Hopefully your dad/DH will finish the room this week. As for the diaper bag-- I'm not going to bring one to the hospital. I don't imagine we will be going anywhere between the hospital and our house-- so I don't think we'll need it.

Makena - Is there a set time frame in which thank you cards need to get done? I didn't have time to write mine for my coworkers this weekend and I feel like a slacker. Hopefully I'll get them out by the end of the week!

My Memorial Day weekend was great! Saturday I drove over to Tampa with the girls to kick off my friend's bachelorette weekend. I just stayed the day and drove back that night (the drive was A LOT quicker than I remember-- have you driven from Tampa to Orlando lately Makena? It only took an hour an 15 minutes!).

Sunday and yesterday I did a lot of painting (family room/kitchen) and general things around the house while Dan worked (the joys of my husband working at a furniture store-- holiday weekends are only holiday weekends for me!). We had friends and my brothers over to grill out last night.

One annoying thing-- Yesterday I had to pick out a gift for my friend's bridal shower and the entire time I was walking around the (very nice and ritzy) mall my pants were falling down! I have banished those pants (capri's actually) -- and I am only wearing them when I know I'll be sitting most of the time!

Hope everyone has a great Tuesday-- one day close to Friday, right?

[makena32204]

wrighty - an hour and 15 mins??? Did you fly? I swear, everytime I make that trip, I get stuck in traffic or construction or both.

I dont think there's a set time for thank you's other than the sooner, the better. I just want to get these done before my next shower on June 7th.

[cpbride8203]

Shelby - I am right there with you too on Team Cranky. I am so tired of cleaning only to have things torn apart, don't want to be asked 7 times, do you want to do this or that, by DH...just make a decision already! I am definately in a negative mood these days.

And Re: Chivalry - I have to take the subway every morning to work and it is not only the men who stare at me while I am standing and they are sitting, but the WOMEN as well...WTF???

Not much new to report...I haven't been posting much at all. I have my 34 week appt tomorrow with one of the other doctors in the practice. Kind of want to cancel and just see my doc. I really am thinking this kiddo is coming sometime after 38 weeks, so I can't believe only about a month left. I am just so tired lately, and am starting to swell thanks to the heat. Ready for this to be done!

Mia's mom - We decided not to get a toddler bed for Kylie because we were lucky enough to be able to borrow a crib for #2. So she will stay in her crib for right now. Sorry I can't be of more help!

Guess I should get my butt in gear and do some work today!

[klav]

Belly shots from the wedding
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/klynch/ericwedding/DSC03137.jpg
DH and I
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/klynch/ericwedding/DSC03136.jpg

[sunchaser26]

Wrighty,

Looks like you had a great shower last week at work! Yay for getting all the great items!

Lizard,

You look really great! Not very pregnant from the front at all. Sorry, to hear about the waste of the day on Sunday.

Sophia,

Your shower looks like it very nice! I love your dress with the sash - that is the one fron ON right. Oh, I really hate that need to pee even though I really don't feeling. It happens to me all the time.

Mystikal,

Sorry to hear about the leaking-- glad to hear that it has stopped and everything is all right. Bringing diaper bag to the hospital? - We're going to do our hospital visit this coming weekend and I'll bring one only if we think we'll need it depending on what the hospital provides. I don't imagine we will need to since I have heard the hospital provides so much.

Makena,

I still have my second set of thank you cards to get done, although the shower was just last weekend. I need to get the cards at least this week. So I can start soon. I don't think there is a time limit so you should be o.k., especially since my cousin still hasn't sent out her Thank You's from the wedding in Nov. and is now having a shower for her baby boy.

Memorial Weekend:

Started off with a trip to Columbus, OH to visit friends and their two daughters Friday night. We went to the Columbus Zoo on Saturday and boy was it hot!!! We have been meaning to go to the zoo for about 5 years now. So I was excited to go, but wish it would not have been quiet so warm.

Sunday we got up and headed out early to go home. We stopped for breakfast at our favorite spot - First Watch, too bad we don't have them in MI. We made great time and stopped at the Carter's Outlet in Monroe on the way home where we got a couple more recieving blankets, washclothes, another hooded towel, another mattress pad, two jersey sheets and a $10.00 diaper bag as a bonus for spending $50.00. Everything was 40-50% on sale and then we got another 20% off with a coupon I had on one of the items.

The rest of the afternoon was spent around the house enjoying the weather and our neighborhood. We took two walks, both of which made me sweat and swell something fierce since it was in the high 80's.

Monday was the gym, then we headed out to the mall to return my PBK crib skirt, and pick-up another changing pad cover, the matching stroller blanket to my set and a little monkey that makes noises. Then we got a few things from Target for the yard and headed home.

The rest of the evening was spent grocery shopping, cooking dinner on the grill and watching the pistons game.

[sunchaser26]

Just thought I'd post my belly progression, courtesy of Lil_Mrs.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/lilmiss_n_mickey/sunchaser33wk.png

[klav]

sunchaser26 cool progression!! sounds like you had a full weekend!

Sophia,Wrighty your showers look great!!

cpbride8203 I so know what you mean some people just rush to get a head of you because they can't wait others wait and help you with the door or what ever. Thank goodness for a guy one time in BJ's helping me, because I would have not gotten cat litter into my cart. As for gettingin to the car that 's another story... but I have noticed some people are not nice and others are OK

[ShelbyMay]

Thank You notes: I had a long wait at the OB's office last week and got all of mine done then. I know I am having a shower at church this weekend and possibly a shower with a different group of friends 2 weeks after that, so I will still have plenty more to write. Also, there are the people who didn't come to the first shower but have told me they have gifts for me. I can't really write the thank you note until I know what it is.

Diaper Bag: I don't think we're even going to buy one for now. We are going to wait and see if we get a freebie from the hospital and whether it meets our needs or not. If we did buy one, it would be a basic black one b/c I don't want DH to have any excuse not to carry it. :p If we don't get a freebie for some reason, I will just send DH out to Target to get one.

Crankiness: Still pretty cranky. I got up probably 4 times during the night to pee, and my pelvis hurt like h*ll every time I climbed out of bed. Then I got up this morning and peed like I'd had a Big Gulp -- What's the deal with that? Where does it all come from?!?

I was feeling frustrated last night because:
1) I cleaned the litterboxes, only to have our cats climb in their and resoil them within 2 minutes.
2) I swept the floors, only to have DH and his friend track in a bunch of dirt and sawdust immediately afterward.
3) I tried to vacuum, but had to stop because of the baby's violent flailing about - :rolleyes: - So DH said he would finish it (it's HIS job, anyway) and then he only did the living room and hallway and then left the vacuum cleaner sitting in the middle of the room.

Memorial Day: I worked a halfday, ran some errands, and attempted to clean the house. Tons of fun.

[emmjay]

Sounds like everyone had a nice weekend! Except for the crankiness... I haven't been too cranky but we've had nice weather and I haven't encountered any rude people like some of you - I can't believe that people would just sit there and stare instead of helping a pregnant woman!

Thank you notess - I'm not done yet and my shower was 2+ weeks ago. I've only actually mailed 4 or 5 of them, but they are in my purse to finish tonight while I'm volunteering at the library. I especially need to get the ones out to DH's family! :o

Diaper bag - I was looking at some at BRU this weekend but none of them really grabbed me. We have one of the portable changing pads with a pocket for an extra diaper/wipes, etc. so unless someone gets us one as a gift we'll probably just start with that and a regular bag.

MIL sent our bedding - she made all of it by hand, and I had no idea what she was making or even the color/pattern before I got it. It is so pretty! It's black and white toile with green accents - she did a quilt, curtain, bumper, crib skirt, and 2 pillows. She also made a Moses basket with two more blankets and a pillow, and knitted 2 outfits and a hat! I couldn't believe it when I opened the boxes. Anyway, I put all of that out in the nursery this weekend. I also started doing all of the laundry - in addition to washing sheets, blankets, clothes, etc., we're doing cloth diapers so I had a ton of those to wash too. Laundry is generally boring, but the little socks and clothes are so cute that it didn't seem so bad.

We also went to a wedding this weekend. There were only around 50 people there and there were 5 pregnant women! Before we left I was trying to decide if I could get away with wearing some nicer black flip flops, but I decided they weren't appropriate for a wedding so I ended up wearing lime green high-heeled mules. Then I got there and all of the other pregnant women were wearing flip flops and slides! So by the end I was in pain, but I had the best looking pregnant feet there! :D

I love everyone's pictures! I am ordering a digital camcorder/camera this week, so maybe I'll be able to put some up before this baby comes!

[klav]

ShelbyMay cleaned the litterboxes, WHY are youdoing this!! did the DR not tell you it's a NO,NO!!! DH SHOULD BE DOING IT!! I'mm so sorry about being so frustrated!! I totally understand. I have 4 cats they do the same thing to DH as soon as he's done.

[Sophia]

sunchaser: great progression! Yes, the dress is the black cross front one from ON, and I added the sash. Sounds like oyu had a nice weekend.

klav: you're glowing! Very nice dress.

wrighty: sounds like you had a nice weekend, too. Sorry about your pants not behaving. I'm having the opposite problem--several of my things are getting a bit to snug in the hips. If this keeps up, my last few weeks will leave me with nothing but my muumuu-like nightgowns to wear.

*****

I had my 34 week appt. this morning. Everything is looking good as far as weight gain (1.25 lbs/week), BP, fundal height, etc. She told me to make sure to keep hydrated to avoid strong BHs and to lie down to keep the fatigue & pain to a minimum, which is what I've been trying to do. She also said I'm "in the home stretch," and that when I go back in 2 weeks we'll start "planning the surgery." Eeek! That means it's close! As of tomorrow I will be 34 weeks and have ~5 weeks till the scheduled c/s. It seems really close. And I keep feeling to odd, I think I might go into labor before the date. My dad keeps saying the same thing--thanks Dad. :p

In other news, DH brought home a few gifts yesterday from people who oculdn't make the shower. Part of it was cash & an item I didn't really need, so I added the item to my registry & then used the store credit towards the bouncer.

DH's last day with his students is today, and he has a workday tomorrow, and then he's off for the summer. He does have a few days next week where he'll help out with the new curriculum, but aside from that I'll have him around all summer. :)

[Sophia]

Shelby: I agree--you shouldn't be cleaning the litter box.

emmjay: The bedding your MIL made sounds gorgeous!

I took a pair of dressy slides to my shower but arrived in flip-flops. Everyone said the flip-flops looked cute (they had irridescent beads on the straps), so I never changed into the slides. ;)

[maryanne]

I hope that everyone had a great weekend. we spent ours at josh's parernt's house bbq-ing and hanging out. very relaxing!

I have doc appts today

hope everyone is doing well!

[ShelbyMay]

litterboxes: DH did them the whole time we were TTC and then the first 6 months of my pregnancy. I took back over a couple of months ago because my doctor said it was fine. I wear disposable latex gloves and scrub my hands with hot water and antibacterial soap immediately afterward.

Don't worry -- I wouldn't do it if my doctor didn't give me the okay!

ETA: I also make sure I scoop them out every single day, because the toxoplasmosis only has a chance to become dangerous if the feces dry out. My doctor said it's actually a lot more dangerous to do any gardening, because you can't know what's in the dirt or how long it's been there.

[ShelbyMay]

Warning: If anyone else is putting off signing up for Infant Safety classes, don't procrastinate any longer! I called just now to sign us up, and there are no spots available until the end of July! :( That's not really going to work for us!

[klav]

ShelbyMay Good to know! I did not know that.:)

[emmjay]

Warning: If anyone else is putting off signing up for Infant Safety classes, don't procrastinate any longer! I called just now to sign us up, and there are no spots available until the end of July! :( That's not really going to work for us!
I second that! We signed up last week and could only get a spot on July 15th (my EDD is July 22nd).

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Just a quick fly by post to say that I am here and no baby yet! I got my temp in today so I will be spending the next couple of days training here and won't be able to post. I will try to keep up from home when I can.

[a_spark]

Just a quick hello, so busy today! I don't have time to do any SOs, but I am reading along and you all look beautiful! We are getting so close! :)

[klav]

Sophia thank you so much, But I thik That's sweat!! LOL:D it was a bit warm out on Sat.

[ShelbyMay]

I need to remember to take a belly shot tonight. I haven't done one in a few weeks. I actually did take one the other night, but then I had problems with my memory card and lost the pics. :rolleyes: My belly is SO LOW, you all are going to laugh when you see it. It looks like a torpedo diving for the floor.

6 more weeks...

[mkvh]

Hey gals! Hope you all enjoyed the holiday weekend and had WONDERFUL weather like we did here in OH!!

I finally am back to working at my desk, so I will be much better equipped to do SOs for the duration. This is my last post without SOs, I promise!

I had my family shower Sunday. It was small but nice. We mostly got clothes, but we did get the Pack-n-Play from MIL, the bouncy seat, and the monitor. I have to say that the best gift I received was a PACKED hospital bag from my mom and sis...including travel size toiletries, necessities, and two CUTE pairs of nursing pjs. I have my work shower in about an hour. Yay! And then DH's work shower next Tuesday afternoon.

My mom, sister, and I also got the nursery ready this weekend. I have a few finishing touches (including the mattress...:rolleyes: ) to add, but it really looks like a baby is going to live there! DH and I also put up the Pack-n-Play downstairs for the dogs to get used to it. It's all starting to see really real!

Pregnancy Symptoms/Woes: SERIOUS swelling in the hands and feet. And oh, are my hands aching! Oh, and I've had really funny twinges in my cervix for the last couple of days. I finally can tell when I've done "too much" because I get crampy (probably BHs). It's hard to have to slow down!!

[maryanne]

I am back from the doc's. My pressure is only down two points (degrees??) from last time. I guess it is still pretty high. 144/82. he drew blood for tests for pre-eclampsia and wants me back in a week. He freaked when he saw how swollen my feet and hands are and they are a nice purple-ish blue color. He scheduled me to come back next week, but it may be earlier depending on the test results.

Funny thing is that I feel great! The improvement in general conditions started right around when my blood pressure started getting high.---strange correalation but it is the truth...hmmmmm :O)

love to ya all.

btw--what a cute idea to make a packed bag for a gift!!!

[Sophia]

maryanne: glad you're feeling better. I hope the tests come back negative for preeclampsia.

mkvh: Yay for the showers! That pre-packed hospital bag sounds awesome! Hope your swelling goes down.

Shelby: that sucks about not getting into that class on time. Glad the toxoplasmosis isn't such a big deal late in pregnancy.

[maryanne]

Thanks sophia :)

I meant to ask you guys if any of you know what *they* are testing for to determine pre-eclampsia with the blood tests. I thought previously that a continued high blood pressure was the main factor, but it must be someting else.

[klav]

off the topic:
Ok tell me if you think This is tacky!!
at the wedding this weekend. the brother of the groom had his aunt pass out invatations to his wedding this coming month! and on top of that they did not put a return stamp on the reply card? what the?!@!
I was like WOW what true class they have! I'm also a bit bias because they were invited to my shower and I got nothing not even a reply if they were coming or not and when I got married the brother never gave us a thing not even a card! and he was invited seperately not with his parents come on the guy is about 35 or so grow up and now they want presents from ME!! don't think so! there shower is on the 11th. I'm not going I have plans. convently!

Sophia I thought it was high blood pressuretoo? I looked it up and did not see anything about blood work? humm would be interesting to see because that'ss why the DR wants me home!

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Sorry sneaking in again...

Wrighty thank you so much for the virtual shower gifts!! I opened it and DH was like "COOL! TOYS!" They are already opened and in his toy basket- that's of course after we tested them out ourselves.
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00008BR9I.01._SS400_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000095S6B.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Things they look at for pre-eclampsia include: Swelling in face and hands (legs are pretty normal), sudden high weight gain (couple of lbs over night), and protein in the urine.

[Sophia]

Lil Mrs: Cool toys! I readily admit to "testing out" the gymini. ;)

Tests for preeclampsia: I've never heard of blood tests for that, either, but figured , hey, a single person can't know everything, right? ;) Now I'm wondering what maryanne's blood tests were for. Hmmm

[maryanne]

Lol...me too!!! frigggen vampires!!!!

[ShelbyMay]

Maybe they were checking for signs of premature labor? Isn't there some hormone or something they can test for that tells if you're likely to go into labor in the next 2 weeks?

[Wrighty26]

klav - You guys look so cute! That dress is very flattering on you :)

Lil_mrs - Yay! I'm so happy you received them!! I was hemming and hawing over what to get for you. I am horrible about picking out stuff (even if it's on a registry!). Too cute that you guys tested them out :)

maryanne - I wonder what they are testing you for too! They just like poking you with needles! My coworker had pre-eclampsia and they never tested her blood-- although they finally decided to delivered when they found a high amount of protein in her urine (she also had swelling and elevated blood pressure).

mkvh- What an awesome gift! Sounds like you had a great shower :) How did the work one go?

Today has totally sucked at work. Long story short-- we are having server problems. They had to do a test this morning that resulted in restricting our internet access and instant messenger for several hours. So basically, I have sat around all day twiddling my thumbs. I still can't access our software- it's touch and go. I feel very useless!

Tonight I am going to dinner for my brother's birthday. I'd really much rather snuggle up on the couch and do nothing. Does this make me selfish? :o

[maryanne]

hmmmm, just thought that I would share some of my search results on what the vampires are loking for when they sucked my blood testing for preeclampsia...I figure that it is good to keep on record incase any one else is going thru the tests later.

Blood and urine tests are used to assess the extent and severity of the disease and to reveal the degree of impaired kidney function. Blood tests provide important diagnostic information, including the following:

Low red blood cell levels indicate the occurrence of haemolysis (destruction of red blood cells).
Low platelet levels reveal consumption due to clotting.
Raised levels of liver enzymes in the blood are a sign of liver impairment.
If blood tests reveal low levels of red blood cells and platelets, as well as high levels of liver enzymes, then a pregnant woman is said to have HELLP syndrome (Haemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Low Platelets). HELLP syndrome is a complication of severe pre-eclampsia


and

A woman who may have signs of early or mild preeclampsia will have her blood tested to detect additional signs of preeclampsia. A woman who has preeclampsia may have specific blood tests to help assess her health.

Uric acid. Increased uric acid in the blood is often the earliest laboratory finding related to preeclampsia. Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of some protein-rich foods and the breakdown of cells in the body. It is normally filtered from the blood by the kidneys. However, if the kidneys have been damaged by preeclampsia, uric acid levels in the blood may rise.

Hematocrit. A high hematocrit value can be a sign of preeclampsia. Hematocrit tells the percentage of red blood cells in the blood—a hematocrit value of 42 means that red blood cells make up 42% of the blood volume. A normal hematocrit value for a nonpregnant woman is between 36% and 44%. During pregnancy, the hematocrit value normally decreases—the fluid in the blood (plasma) increases, making red blood cells less concentrated. However, preeclampsia often causes the body's tissues to absorb blood plasma. The blood becomes more concentrated, resulting in an abnormally high hematocrit value.

Platelets. The number of platelets in the blood may be measured. Preeclampsia often causes an abnormally low platelet count.
Partial thromboplastin time (PTT). This is a measure of the time it takes blood to clot. Preeclampsia can cause problems with blood clotting that increase the partial thromboplastin time.

Electrolytes. Examples of important electrolytes include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride. The amounts of electrolytes in the body may change if preeclampsia is causing kidney damage or is causing fluid to leak out of blood vessels into surrounding tissues (edema).
Kidney function tests. These tests check the amount of certain substances found in the blood that are normally removed from the body by the kidneys. These substances, which include blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, increase in the blood if the kidneys have been damaged. (For more information, see the medical test called Creatinine and Creatinine Clearance.)
Liver function tests. These tests monitor enzymes that indicate how well the liver is working.

[Mystikal]

Had my weekly appt today with the GBS test. As the doctor (not my regular dr) went to measure me and check the heartbeat she nonchalantly says "so I talked with your dr last week after your appointment and we decided we will induce you on the 20th." This was kind of a big shock to me because induction had never even been mentioned before. I mean, I knew it was a possibility because of the GD, but still. I looked at her and said "what?" She repeated the word induction very slowly like I was hard of hearing. :rolleyes: So I asked her why and she said because of the GD, and the chances of a larger baby, and a complicated delivery, etc. Funny, last week she was yelling because I'd lost another pound and now she's telling me I'm going to have such a big baby that they need to induce me. :mad: I had already been there for an hour and had time at work I needed to make up so I didn't get a chance to really talk to her about it, but I am definitely talking to my doctor at my next appointment on Monday. I so don't want an induction. I mean, if it's what is best then I'll do it, obviously, but I would like to have a chance for her to come on her own. *sigh* I'll at least ask my doctor if we can try something other than the pitocin first. Stripping membranes, prostaglandin gel, anything. I DO NOT want medication if it's not necessary.
I guess what really bothered me was the way she told me. No "this is what we're thinking, this is why, how do you feel about it?" Basically just "this is what we're doing. Period." It made me feel like they were totally discounting my feelings and what I wanted.
On the up side, my blood pressure was normal - 102/60. Much lower than last time. Also, if they do induce me on the 20th, that means I'll be able to have birthday cake on my birthday (the 28th) and not have to worry about my sugar levels. :D (See, I'm trying to be optimistic...)

Everyone looks great. :) Forgive me for not doing shoutouts. I just feel lazy and bummed out after my appointment today...

[lindybug]

Finally getting to the new thread. Our big baby shower was this weekend, and it has been really hectic. The last of the family left this morning, and I think I'm finally crashing.

I will update more soon, but I did want to send a huge THANK YOU to Mystikal. Your virtual shower gifts arrived today. Everything is awesome... Thank you so so much!

Tiny Love Baby Wind Chimes Kick Toy
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0009VRPQW.01._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Lamaze Play & Grow: Tucker
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00004UD77.01._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

And my husband's favorite: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (Board book)
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0805047905.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_V50666426_.jpg

He already read it to my belly! :)

[Sophia]

maryanne: at least you know they had a reason for sucking your blood. ;) I hope the test results are good.

mystikal: Ugh! I can't believe she just told you like that. Maybe as it gets closer, you can try soem natural induction methods on your own so you can avoid the pitocin & try to have some control over it.

lindy: those windchimes rock!

He already read it to my belly! :)

This just made me remember! DH has been talking to my belly for a while now, and every once in a while he'll recite a poem or something. Last night he recited the Prologue to Chaucer's Cantebury Tales, in middle English! Yes, we're geeks. :)

[Soulmate]

Just wanted to pop in to share some info... I am still way too exhausted to really participate (last day of work is Friday! Woo Hoo!) but am faithfully lurking.

My last MW appointment she gave me some literature about being overdue (routine). Now midwives here are not really crunchy granola and have more of a NP feel to them so these recommendations are probably decently mainstream though natural. Anyway...she said:

* For first time moms or hx of overdue babies, at 35 weeks take 3 capsules of evening primrose oil 3x/day orally or 3-4 capsules vaginally to soften the cervix.

* At 36 weeks start drinking 4 cups/day (or 32oz) of brewed Red Rasberry LEAF tea. She said that the women she's seen do this have much shorter labors.

* Finally, she said that she does not find it useful for first time moms to do perineal massage. She mostly recommends it for ROs with scar tissue down there. She said that whether or not a woman tears depends a lot on the type of skin she has and its natural tear-ability.

I'll probably be around much more starting next week when I'll be bored out of my mind not working.

[mia's mama]

ugh...way behind again...

Klav- you and your DH are adorable! You look great!

Mystikal- Holy Cow! 21 days! SOrry your doctor handled it the way she did, but exciting to know you'll be meeting Julia in 3 weeks! You'll probably be our first mama, right? :)

I had my 32 week appt. today, and all is well. GD test came back normal, not anemic, BP and weight were good (up 22.5 lbs so far). She did an external exam and said the baby is head down and she guesses he's about 4.5 lbs right now. She said if she had to guess, he will be about 8-8.5 lbs at birth (assuming I make it to 39-40 weeks)...I can handle that. She guessed that Mia would be 7.5 lbs and she was right on (7 lbs, 5.5 ounces)...I can handle 8 lbs, I suppose :) . She is going to give me another U/S at 38 weeks just to check everything out, but she is guessing that the baby won't flip before then. She said that I will likely only push a few times since I only pushed for 20 minutes with Mia, and that my labor will likely be under 8 hours or so (it was 12 with Mia)...all sounds good to me!

I have been taking Mia with me to the Dr appts., and she does NOT like it. I think she's afraid that they are hurting me. Today when the nurse put the BP cuff on my arms, Mia scowled at her and kept saying "Off, off!" and then kept kissing me and rubbing my face...very protective of her mama. ;)

In other news, we have had 4 solid days of naps and bedtime in her toddler bed! I think she has officially made the transition, and she LOVES her new bed. The only bummer is that she has gotten up at 5:45am the last 2 days since she can now get out by herself. I hear her the mornings, calling out "Mama, all done! Dada, All done! All done, All done All done!"...her room is right next to ours, so we're up for the day at that point, and I am EXHAUSTED! :rolleyes:

[mia's mama]

One more exciting thing....
As of this weekend, we have finally narrowed down the name choices to 4 possibilities and I refuse to look back! DH and I do not have the same "favorite", but we have agreed that one of these 4 WILL be the name...and we'll decide at the hospital once we meet our son (I hope I win ;) ). My first choice sounds better with our last name, otherwise I think I would give into DH's fav. In no particular order, and I won't say which is my fav, the possibilities are:

Devin
Quinn
Hayden
Luke

I refuse to bust out that baby name book one more time! We arn't telling the list to any real life friends/family, since we don't want family input but feel free to tell me your favorite, if you have one. ;) We eliminated Max, Matthew, James, Nolan and Jackson for various reasons.

[nuhmah]

Well, 3 out of 4 of those names are students that I have this year. And I actually don't have a bad thing to say about any of them!! LOL

Part of me really likes Quinn, but Hayden is so classic! Good luck deciding!!!

[mia's mama]

Well, 3 out of 4 of those names are students that I have this year. And I actually don't have a bad thing to say about any of them!! LOL


Good to know! :)

Part of the reason we picked them is because I don't have ANY clients by those names, so they havn't been ruined for me. Almost every other name DH brought up was "tainted" in my head to due to a difficult child I had worked with. :rolleyes:

[makena32204]

mystical - It's too bad that youir doctor didnt discuss the induction with you more. It probably would have been much easier to understand the reasoning and become okay w/ it.

mia's mama- I like all 4 of your name choices, but I think Devin, Quinn, and Hayden go better w/ Mia than Luke. Just a personal preference. No offense! I just think that Luke is the only really "traditional" name in the bunch, so it doesnt go w/ Mia as well. If we had a boy, I'm pretty sure that my DH would have been adamant about Quinn!

I had my 34 week appt yesterday. One more two week appt and then I am on a weekly schedule. They had me book all my appts thru my due date, so it definitely put it all into perspective! All my measurements were good and the head is down! My DH was so worried about the baby being breech. I've been telling him for the past two weeks that the head is down (I could tell from the movement) but I guess he needed the doctor's confirmation. I have the strep B test next time. My doctor doesnt start my internal exams until 38 weeks...is that late? I was assuming that he would start them at 36 weeks.

I almost forgot to ask....does anyone else feel like they went back to the first trimester? Last night after dinner, I become very nauseous and threw up. Plus, I'm back to getting up 4 times per night to pee!! I am exhausted!

[mkvh]

Mornin' mommas!!

I'm actually going to get to do replies. Yippee!!

maryanne--I'm so sorry you're getting pricked AGAIN...but at least they're doing something. My friend's SIL presented with undiagnosed HELLP syndrome when she delivered her son (three weeks early) and had to have a blood transfusion and spend several days in the hospital. Apparently, if they had known about the HELLP, she would have had a scheduled c-section to avoid complicaitons because vaginal deliveries can be risky. So the pricks certainly are worth it!

klav--you and DH look adorable! And he's a big guy...no wonder Liam is going to be a big baby! As for tacky, umm, YES! I cannot believe someone actually would pass out wedding invites at a relative's wedding!

Wrighty--Yuck with the server issues. Amazing how we can accomplish NOTHING w/o computers these days! Hope dinner for your bro's birthday went well!

Mystikal--OMG...I cannot BELIEVE the dr. just sprung that on you like that. ARRGGGH!! Hopefully Julia comes on her own before then. Otherwise, whoa...we're having a baby in 21 days!

lindybug--Can't wait to hear about your shower! Get some rest...I know how you feel.

Sophia--that's going to be one smart lil' gal in there!

Soulmate--hmmmm...interesting advice from your midwives. I wonder how other docs would feel about it. Becuase I have NO qualms about preparing my body for labor as early as 35 weeks! I'd like to avoid induction!! and YIPPEEEEE for the last week of work. I am so jealous!

mia's--so cool that your doc already is guesstimating baby's size. I don't get to talk about that till 36 weeks. And woo hooo for a short labor prediction! As for names, I am partial to Quinn as it is 2 or 3 on our girl list. I do agree that Luke is a bit more traditional that Mia...

makena--i get my first internal at 36 weeks, but some mommas don't get them till 40. Depends on the doc. As for returning to the first tri, no puking here, but the exhaustion definitely is setting in!

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

I had my work shower yesterday afternoon. It was really nice. A couple silly games and some punch and cupcakes. I got an outfit, a handmade afghan, baby tub and accessories, baby robe and matching washcloths, and $100 giftcard to BRU. Now I can buy my crib and cradle mattresses!! Yay!! I'm so lucky to work with such a great, generous team!

I took pics of the nursery in its current state of completion last night but still need to download them. Hopefully later today or tomorrow....

[mmisabel]

Hey ladies!

We had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. It was super warm and luckily our pool heater fired up. We had friends over on Sunday and had a lobster bake (Lobsters from Legal Sea Foods, so I was pretty confident that the mercury was low in them) and basically floated all day Monday. It was so nice!

So many things to address!!

Mia's Mama - I like Quinn also. Quinn and Mia sound cute together. I think Luke would be second. I have a somewhat bad name associatoin with Hayden, but it's cute too.

Makena - I've gotten the nausea thing - I discovered it's reflux. Rolaids and tums have worked for me.

Mystikal - Sorry about the induction fiasco. Talk to your own MD, I bet they'll put your mind at ease. I can't believe it could be as close as 3 weeks!!!:eek:

Can't remember who got the pre-packed hospital bag. What a great gift! I may have to "steal" that idea for a friend!

Crankiness - Can't really say I have much. I'm psyched I'm still feeling good at 35 weeks!

Swelling - My fingers are a little puffy. I took off my rings, they were getting tight. No swelling anywhere else, my doctor was surprised last week.

Clothes - All my medium maternity stuff is too short. I look stupid. I have a few larges that I need to get by on. I refuse to buy more at this point, but I can't believe how big I am.
Belly shots
31.5 weeks
http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3C2%3B634%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3269%3E966%3E993%3EWS NRCG%3D32336%3A9576%3A63nu0mrjhttp://images1.snapfish.com/346%3C2%3B634%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3269%3E966%3E993%3EWS NRCG%3D32336%3A95826%3B5nu0mrj

34.5 weeks
http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3C2%3B634%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3233%3E694%3E7%3C2%3E 23246948%3B3%3A77ot1lsihttp://images1.snapfish.com/346%3C2%3B634%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3233%3E694%3E7%3C2%3E 23246948%3B3%3A75ot1lsi

[klav]

Thank you all!! for being so sweet and saying I looked cute at the wedding.

mia's mama I'm likeing your selection of names ,I like Quinn and Hayden. good to know about your labor I hear the second baby is alway's bigger? and Mia's too cute !!Mia scowled at her and kept saying "Off, off!" and then kept kissing me and rubbing my face...very protective of her mama about bedtime or her getting up.. my mom use to tell me the baby birds were still sleeping so it wasnot time to get up yet and I had to wait a bit more... not sure if that would work?

Mystikal that was a bit rude, you think they would talk with you first before makeing any decision!

maryanne thanks for the info on the preeclampsia who would have know?

lindybug love those windchimes!!!

my last day at the office and I'm home !! for the next 2 monthes till he comes!! next DR apt is this friday at 9 and at 1

[emmjay]

mia's_mama - your doctor story reminds me of my 3 y.o. niece! My sister had to take her to the gyno unexpectedly so she explained that the doctor was going to look at her vagina, etc. She didn't want my niece to get upset because once she took her when she got a bikini wax and my niece freaked out because she thought the lady was cutting her mommy. Anyway, my niece sat up by my sister's head for the whole pelvic exam and afterwards she was very quiet so my sister asked her if she was OK. My niece, looking totally confused, said, "He stuck a WRENCH in your BUM???" My sister said she tried for about 2 minutes to explain what a speculum was and then she was laughing too hard to finish. :D

I like Devin the best of your names - I love the Irish names! In fact, our frontrunner right now is Seamus Michael.

Soulmate - thanks for the tips! I think I might have to try some of those myself. I wouldn't mind an early/fast labor!!

Mystikal - I hope you can have a good conversation w/ your doctor about the induction. I would feel the same way that you do!

makena32204 - I got up at least 4x last night too. It is ridiculous! I don't have any nausea though - I hope that doesn't come back for you again!

mmisabel - your pictures look great!

Well, DH is meeting right now w/ the recruiter for the job in India. :eek: I told him he has to email me the second he gets home and tell me all about it! Then DH and FIL leave on Friday for E. Europe/Germany for 2 weeks (they're going to the World Cup) so I'll be on my own for a week and then my mom and sister are coming. I'm going to miss DH but I am secretly looking forward to having the entire bed to arrange my pillows on! :p

[hotmama]

everyone looks great! i can't believe some of us are already close to our due date. guess since i'm one of the last due in july it's hard for me to comprehend. i saw someone post (sorry i forgot their username) with a June due date....but they are being induced on the 20th! whoa! that's not even a month from now. i can't wait to start meeting these little ones.

nesting: still in this mode...big time. yesterday, b/c it was so hot out, Aiden and i stayed inside and worked in his closet. i went through all of our leftover baby supplies from when he was a newborn. we have plenty of things remaining for this baby. we also stopped at babies r us for some little things we had run out of. just a note to new mommies...gas drops, vaseline in the tube for boys (if they are going to be circum), very gentle baby wash/shampoo, hemo pads for mommy (can be refrigerated for a nice cool feeling down there!), stool softener, frozen vege packs for hot boobs once your milk comes in. anyway, just getting the little things together. next on my list is washing all the newborn clothing and toys. but, at last now i have a place for everything. i moved a bunch of stuff around in Aiden's closet and made room for the baby stuff. we're going to get to work on the actual nursery this weekend. we need to get a closet organizer. i'm not looking forward to the work involved but it will feel so nice to have it completed.

diaper bag: i think we're set on the fleurville mothership

names: we have a name but are not sharing it with anyone until the baby arrives. we LOVE it! it was nothing on our original name list. the only hint i'll give you is that it's one syllable.

double stroller: we're going to test one we like this weekend. we are going to bring Aiden and the infant seat we currently own. hopefully it will work with the stroller we like. i just want something simple.

anyone else getting up early? the last 2 weeks or so i've been wide awake at 5 or 6. sometimes i give in to it and get up. those tend to be really productive days for me. other times i lay in bed and try to go back to sleep.

going through magazines: i had a HUGE stack (i mean BIG) of magazines next to my bed for months. i finally went through them all last week. i tore out some great pages with websites, etc. i'll have to pot them all here later for you guys. looks like some helpful things are out there these days. :)

ok, i'm rambling...just wanted to check in, say hello and post a little update. take care!

[ShelbyMay]

My niece, looking totally confused, said, "He stuck a WRENCH in your BUM???"


That is too funny!

mia's_mama: I actually like Luke the best. but maybe it's because it's one of the ones we considered for a boy.

HEY, GUESS WHAT? I have colostrum! :D I know everyone IRL would think I was weird for sharing that news, but I think you all will understand. I was starting to get a little concerned, even though I know not everyone has signs of it before the baby is born. I was looking at my nipples last night and all of a sudden... Well, you can guess. :o I am feeling pretty lucky because I got to see that it is there, but it is not leaking to the extent that I have to wear breast pads yet.

So, the unhappy news now: DH and I got in a big argument last night (actually, it's been building for a while and just erupted last night). I don't want to bog down the thread with my marriage difficulties, but thanks to those who posted in my ES thread. I was at such a complete loss last night. I am confident that we will work through this, but it may be one of those ongoing issues that we have to battle again from time to time. I really hate those.

Anyway, I only slept about 1 hour last night and am at work today. I am exhausted, and I am sure DH is, too. Maybe we will go to bed early tonight.

[a_spark]

shelby I'm so sorry you're having issues with DH right now. This is such an emotionally charged time for us and for our DHs, which makes it suck even more when there's an issue to work through. I hope you guys figure it out. (((hugs)))

mia's mama I love those names! I think my favorite of the group is Quinn, but they're all really cute. That is adorable that Mia was so concerned about you at the doc! :)

hotmama Thanks for the recommendations! What exactly is a hemo pad, though?

emmjay That is so so funny! Ha!

makena No nausea for me but I get up about 10x a night to pee! Somehow I end up getting enough rest on most nights, probably because I go to bed really early to make up for all the waking. :/

mystikal I can't believe your doc...that's really insensitive not to involve you more in that decision! It's your body, after all. I'd think that, even if there were no other way, they'd phrase it better so that you felt like a part of things. I've noticed though, that docs tend to be more of the bossy, "this is how it's going to be" type.

As for me, I'm feeling good, though this heat is killing me! My hands and feet are about a zillion degrees hotter than the rest of my body so when it's hot out I just want to stick them in the freezer. I have seriously considered putting socks and gloves in the freezer to wear when I get overheated! :o

[ShelbyMay]

Anyone else have really itchy hands and feet lately? It's the weirdest thing...

[rande]

Very late in posting again! Glad to hear that everyone's checkups are going well.

Klav-Super cute pictures of you and DH. You look great!

Mia's Mama-Nice name choices. I am partial to Luke. When I was pregnant with Drew, DH and I read an article about boys names and how it shapes their confidence and such later in life. We really like traditional boys names for that reason. However, I also really like Quinn. It is not too popular but not too different. Hayden is cute but there seems like there are so many Hayden, Jaden, Kaden, Braeden, Aiden's out there. I am struggling with my first choice name for the same reason. I love Ella but there are a ton of Stella's, Bella's and Ella's. We are done to three choices- Olivia (my fave), Keira/Kyra (DH's fave), and Ella-my other fave but DH is not super fond of it. We hope that we will know as soon as we see this little one. Glad to hear that the bed transition is getting better. Drew is still in his crib and we will change it to a toddler bed only when he starts trying to climb out. Oh, funny about Mia in the doctor's office. Drew gets all freaked out too. I took him to an ultrasound a few weeks ago and he started screaming when the doctor touched my belly. The doctor jokingly told him that Barney would be on the screen and he started clapping and getting excited. By the time he figured out that there was no Barney, the ultrasound exam was done.

Hotmama- We have the Mothership and love it. It is big but great for airline travel.

MMisabel-Great belly shots!

Baby size and labor- My doctor says that in general second babies will weigh 1/2 lb more than first and boys weigh 1/2 lb more than girls so ideally, he thinks that this baby should be about 8 lbs again. However, she is measuring smaller- on track for 7lbs full term although he thinks that I will go early. We are going to schedule an induction since my first labor was only 6 hours and he thinks this one will be around 3. I sure hope that we make it to the hospital in time!!!! Yesterday it took me over 2 hours in traffic to get there for an appointment.

Ro's- any ideas on double strollers?????

[rande]

Shelby-yes, I have itchy hands and feet as well. Plus, my hands are so swollen I can't wear my wedding bands.:( :(

[rande]

a-spark- I believe that a hemo pad is those Tucks medicated pads for hemorrhoids. Some hospitals give them to you after delivery to soothe you since you will probably be a bit sore after a vaginal delivery. The things that we women have to go through!!!!!!!! Hopefully not too much info, but also ask at the hospital for a sitz bath as these feel really good for soothing as well. It is like a little mini bath thing that sits on the toilet. Older folks often use them as well. The hospitals have many of these items at your disposal but don't always hand them out unless you ask. They may also have those pillows with the hole in them for sitting. Forget what they are called. These things all cost a bit of money so try at the hospital first.

[cpbride8203]

a-spark - My hospital gave me a few days supply of those pads and I sent DH out for Tucks because they do feel nice. The ones the hospital gave me were for the whole routine that was a part of going to the bathroom....

Pee, Rinse with Peri squirt bottle, pat dry, then use the pad. Again sorry if TMI! I never knew going to the bathroom after giving birth was going to be such work!

rande - I think I am going to order a Graco double stroller from Albeebaby.com, but am not sure yet. I think I want the front to back because I see these moms out walking with the side by sides and they seem so hard to steer. I don't know though

Mia's mom - I love Luke and Quinn....and agree with other posts on Hayden, I think it is getting to be a bit too popular.

Shelby - I am so sorry about your argument with DH...Hugs!

Hi to everyone else!

I have my 34 week appt today. I can't believe I am at 34 weeks :eek: . I am really starting to feel like I am ready for this to be over. Maybe it is because work is SOO stressful right now and then I have to go home and chase around a 21 month old, but who knows.

[a_spark]

rande and cpbride Thanks for clearing up the hemo pad question! They sound great and I will for sure add that to my list of things to have waiting for me at home! Anything that helps :)

[cpbride8203]

Just thought I would share a photo of my DD from last weekend. Don't think I have ever posted a pic of her in this thread.

Kylie Jean, 21 months

http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3C2%3C%3B45%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D3233%3E6%3A6%3E7% 3A%3B%3E23246%3A689%3C279ot1lsi

[mkvh]

hotmama--yay for settling on a name! it give a lot of peace of mind, doesn't it?

shelby--sorry about your DH! I hope you guys can work through this, especially as emotionally charged as we all are right now. As for colostrum, count me in. Just noticed it in the last couple of days. And my feet are itchy, although I just figured it was insect bites from our weekend cookout.

rande--I'm wedding ring-less too. Makes me sad. I have 'permission' to buy a plain band in a larger size..but it seems like a waste of $$.

hemo pads--in addition to some of these, my sister (mom of 2 and an L&D nurse) included 2 CANS of Solarcaine spray. Apparently, it has the same active ingredient as the spray they give you in the hospital for soothing and cooling 'down there'. Take what you can from the hospital but know that you can buy OTC too.

cp bride--Kylie is SO cute! Check out that grin!!

How much help will you want/need when baby first comes home?? My mom lives about 4 hours away. She definitely is coming when I call her to tell her I'm in labor to be at the hospital when the baby is born. How long she stays at this point is up to me. She also has offered to come for an extended stay in August (my DH has the month of July off) to help out. I am sure I want to take her up on that. But what I need to know is how much will I want/need her that first week or so of being at home? Will DH and I want to be alone as a family? Or will we enjoy having someone to help out with baby and household stuff?

Thanks for your opinions!

[cpbride8203]

mkvh - Thanks!

Oh yes - I forgot about the spray! How could I forget about the spray...that was heaven. So let me revise the routine....Pee, Rinse with bottle, pat dry, spray, pad. I swear it always took at least 10 minutes to go to the bathroom!

[rande]

mkvh-I had my mom visiting from Boston for the first 2 weeks after Drew was born. For me, I was so happy to have her there. She is wonderful with little ones and Drew was not an easy baby. I was a little overwhelmed and he cried constantly. My mom was my sanity. She would stay up with him while he was crying or fussing and let me sleep. She would wake me only when he was ready to eat. It was also a great bonding experience for her. Dh was working the second week after Drew was born. My mom would also prepare meals for us. I was sad when she left but it was also nice to have that time to ourselves. This time, my mom is coming from Boston for a month since Drew will only be 18 months old. She is going to help me with the transition from 1 child to 2. I am looking forward to it. Our house is really big so we have separate guest quarters with their own bathroom etc. so it really isn't an intrusion and I love having my mom around. She is really laid back and sweet. Everyone is different but I loved having the extra hand as did DH since we felt completely clueless!!!!!!!!!

LOL... I also forgot about the spray! My hospital also gave us 2 cans of that to take home.

[ShelbyMay]

Having mom around: I think it depends on your mom. If she's the type who would be willing to help out with household duties (cooking, cleaning, etc) while you bond with the new baby, I think it would be great to have her help. If she's the type who just wants to see the baby, isn't willing to help with the things your really need, expects to be waited on as a guest, or will try to force you to do things her way -- Well, I'd postpone the visit. ;)

ETA: My mom lives about 5 miles from us. She works fulltime, but has a flexible schedule. I think we are in agreement that I will call her if I want help, and she will come by to assist us, but will not camp out at our house or crowd us.

[mkvh]

Having mom around:If she's the type who would be willing to help out with household duties (cooking, cleaning, etc) while you bond with the new baby....

Definitely my mom...probably should have included that info. Although NO ONE wants her to cook! ;) :D

[klav]

Having mom around: my mom lives 8 hours or more away. so she will be coming at the end of June but not sure how long she'll be staying. I know she willl be a huge help cleaning and cooking and doing what ever I need. ( driving DH nutz):p As for DH mom lives about 20 min away. but she will be of no help at all. she can hardly walk, so I don't expect her to do anything. but pop in when she feels like it!:eek:

[cece]

okay, i've been trying to check in every day but i'm about 10 pgs behind with posting!

first and foremost, beautiful belly shots and gorgeous baby showers!

hospital bag- i haven't even started with this...will probably start packing in a few weeks. i didn't need much last time, so i think i'll go with the same method of throwing a few things in and putting a list on top that will be thrown in right before we head to the hospital. one thing that i thought was so great was a pre-purchased calling card. we couldn't use our cell phones in the L&D room and we were able to make calls with the card on the hospital phone any time. genius. i didn't pack a diaper bag...i think most all hospitals supply you with everything you'll need for baby. i tossed his outfit, hat and blanket in my bag. oh, the other thing i had with me that was a lifesaver was my own pillow.

double strollers- i have just been so torn on this subject. i really like the front/back because i like the idea of the baby having his own space in the back..and i could throw a blanket over the top when he's sleeping, and can also drop his infant carseat into. but, at about 6mos >, i would imagine he'll hate being behind finn and not being able to see anything. now, the side-by-sides i'm not thrilled with because alot don't allow for an infant seat to drop in (which i guess is only a pain for those 1st 4 or so months), and also the sunshades don't come down very far which won't allow for much privacy when he's sleeping. and won't finn want to poke him and bug him? i don't know, i just can't decide. right now though, the combi twin savvy ex , the peg perego aria twin and the zooper tango double are the top picks.

help after baby- my MIL came from new york for a week right when finn was born. she can tend to be a little overbearing sometimes, but she was amazing. she just took care of things like cooking and stuff which was invaluable because we were spending every minute with our new baby and we probably would have been ordering food in alot! i was ready to have my routine and home back after a week though. this time, i wish she could stay longer. it's going to be really hard adjusting to life with a newborn and toddler who both will need lots of attention...while running a household. i know it's going to save me to have her here to help with finn and the baby and everything else.

sunchaser- 2 miles on the treadmill!?! holy smokes, you'd have to scrape me off the floor! that's amazing.

klav- you look gorgeous! and you are glowing!

lil mrs- that lamaze clutch cube was finn's favorite thing ever for the longest time!

emmjay- can't wait to hear the news about india!

hotmama- i'm in full nesting mode also. mostly right now with gardening and landscaping. but this weekend we are putting finn's toddler bed in his room and re-arranging furniture to make it "the boys' room"...big changes! and of course with that will be retrieving the bins of clothing from the garage and sorting, washing and putting away little tiny stuff. i'm doing a babies 'r us run tomorrow for a few things needed and then the little diapers will go in the drawer, etc. so much fun! can't wait to hear the name you've chosen! i just bought the mia bossi diaper bag that i've been coveting. we also have the black land's end backpack which is a weekend running around bag perfect for dh. (and i'm also eyeing the skip hop dash in denim). oh, and regarding the magazines - i have got to get on that! i've got stacks to go through. good job!

mia's mama- love that new avatar pic of mia! can't wait to see your family photos from the park! really cute names! quinn was a favorite on our boy/girl list. for some reason, i feel like i've seen your last name posted, so i like devin or hayden alot with it...and quinn. luke is a great name too, but doesn't roll like the others. oh, and the toddler bed. well, that's happening this weekend. i'll let you know how it goes! so great to hear that mia's adapting so well in hers....except for the early morning thing of course!

gotta run...off to the zoo!

*c

[Sophia]

Hospital bag: I've decided to put this off. Most of the stuff I'll need to pack is used regularly, and I don't want to pack it if I still need it. Also, I figure if I go into labor beforehand, I'll go to the hospital & have a c/s anyway, and I can just tell DH what to bring for me afterwards.

Double Stroller: I had a Graco tandem stroller and put Bella in back.

Help after baby: I never had anyone come stay with me with A&B, and I didn't miss it. ExH missed just the day of the births (a Friday each time--and with Alex he only missed half a day because I was going into labor when he went home for dinner) and was back at work the following Monday. All the grandparents worked during the day. My mom and dad are retired now and live 10 minutes away. But a big difference is DH will be off for the summer & will be home with me till late July/early August, so I don't think I'll need much extra help anyway.

mia's mama: I like Luke and Quinn a lot. Both were brought up when we were picking names, but they were eventually nixed because they don't go with our Spanish surname. Devin is all right, but not my style & would sound horrible with my surname, and Hayden makes me think of the poor casting for the Star Wars movies. (geek alert, geek alert! :p ;) )

mmisabel: you look great!

[emmjay]

Help w/ baby - we don't live near any relatives (we are in CO, my family is in DC and CA, and ILs are in TX) so we will be by ourselves for the birth and probably for the week after. My parents will come a week or so after the birth, DH's parents will come some time in August whenever their schedules permit, and my sister will come with my niece in Sept. Luckily my mom works for an airline and has a flexible schedule, so she can come as often as I want and stay as long as I want! I feel like I will want as much help as I can get, and since we all get along very well both my parents and ILs are welcome.

rande, cpbride8203 & mkvh - thanks for the info about the hemo pads and spray and all of that. I never would have known about any of it!

Baby stuff - I am trying to figure out what we still need to get that would be considered a "must-have", but I am coming up blank! We have a carseat, stroller (3 strollers, actually), crib, bassinet, play yard, bouncy seat, gymini, sling, baby bjorn, monitor, diapers/wipes/pail/bag, clothes - am I missing something important?? We don't have a high chair but we won't need one of those for a while anyway. I don't want to have too much stuff, but I want to be sure we have our bases covered at the beginning. If anyone sees a glaring omission, please let me know! I have BRU gift cards burning a hole in my wallet! :D

India - DH and I had decided that we would only consider this if the position was in Bangalore, due to that city having a better infrastructure and climate than other parts of India. The position was in a different city so our decision was made for us. There were other factors too but that made it easier to decide. We're going to keep our eye out for other international positions though - in a few years that would be ideal. So, I'll just have to settle for the adventure of having a new baby - I'm sure that will be plenty for me!!

[Sophia]

emmjay: Do you have the grooming/healthcare stuff (baby wash, thermometer, nail clippers, etc)? Other than those items, which are all small, you look like you're all set.

[emmjay]

Sophia - we have all of the bathing/grooming stuff, and someone bought a healthcare kit off of our registry but we haven't received it yet.

I'm glad you are saying we're all set! I don't want to be overrun with a ton of gear (or at least I'd like to keep it to a minimum!).

[mia's mama]

Thanks guys, for the name feedback! We'll see what he ends up with in 7 or 8 weeks! Gotta get Mia down for a nap and then I'll try and scan some photos from our shoot (picked them up today), though our scanner quality sucks...

[hotmama]

sorry, i should've clarified...those were Tucks pads. they were awesome and felt so good from the fridge! ladies, it's a must to have them realy cold. i was in heaven. sometimes i would just change my pad just b/c it felt good to have them really cold. lol! i know, tmi...but i'm just being honest here. :p

the hospital gave me one of those plastic bottles to rinse with after using the bathroom. they felt really good, too. i continued to use it at home for a few weeks. it was nice! esp b/c i had an episiotomy. i was really sensitive down there for a while until everything healed.

i do have to say, i was surprised how quickly i recouped from a vaginal delivery. our bodies are amazing, i tell you. women rock!

cece: thanks for the additional diaper bag suggestions...and double strollers. we're going to look at strollers this weekend and i'll have to check out the other 2 you mentioned. we were pretty set on on the combi you mentioned, but we want to be sure the infant seat will snap into it. will report back our findings. :)

[mia's mama]

Few proofs from our photoshoot...these arn't the ones we ordered, since I had to leave those proofs at the studio, but they will give you an idea...sorry for the crappy quality- we really need a new scanner! There are a few REALLY sweet ones of Mia and my Belly, but they will be at the studio for another week or 2.
http://static.flickr.com/67/157455716_66fa6c534f_m.jpg http://static.flickr.com/70/157455712_4e4084ddec_m.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/65/157455718_937ad5496b_m.jpg http://static.flickr.com/77/157455723_9920f999a8_m.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/44/157455720_b48c6f9028_m.jpg

[a_spark]

hotmama Wow, your enthusiasm for the tucks pads makes me want to try em now! :D I am for sure getting some of those...

mia's mama Those pictures are GORGEOUS! I can't wait to see more.

I keep forgetting to mention that by some stroke of luck, the woman who photographed our wedding (in SF, we used to live there) will be in town here in Chicago in a couple of weeks and is going to take some pregancy photos of me. I'm so excited! She's an amazing photographer and I love that she shot our wedding and now will shoot my belly :)

[klav]

mia's mama Those pictures are GORGEOUS!
hoping mine come out just as nice!!

a_spark we are doing the same and having the guy who did our wedding also do my belly shots he does other photography besides weddings. I'm excited too. My question then is .. since I don't have a nice outfit like Mia's mama what to bring to wear? I was thinking of bringing a white shirt of DH's and the I have gaucho pants and a nude bra ? what else should I bring? or wear? Our session is next weekend! excited!!!

[ShelbyMay]

clothes for maternity photos: I've seen nice ones where the mom-to-be is wearing a black tank-type bra or is draped in a gauzy material. I also like the ones where she is wearing a white button-up shirt (open on the tummy) and low-rise jeans.

boobs: Are yours growing again? Mine grew at the very beginning of the pregnancy, then shrunk some (not all the way back down, but some), and now they are growing again. DH remarked on the growth this morning, actually. I do wonder how big they will end up being when my milk comes in.

[Wrighty26]

Way too much to catch up on!

Mia's Mama-- Gorgeous pictures! You look beautiful! Can't wait to see the ones of you and Mia :D By the way - I like all of your name choices. Tough decision!

Emmjay - Wow you are set! If you really want to spend that giftcard--not that I would know myself BUT My friend HIGHLY recommends a Bumpo chair-- I believe they can start to sit in them as early as 8 weeks. It's really freed her up to actually enjoy dinner every night because her daughter loves to just stare at them (sitting on the table) while they eat. Everyone is definitely different though! Sorry India didn't work out...

Help w/baby- My mom lives about 20 minutes away-- about an hour if she's at her boyfriend's place. I am conflicted on what to do about her because I KNOW she wants to help as much as possible--but she has a tendancy to drive me up a wall. I don't know what kind of emotional state I'll be in-- so I guess I'll play it by ear. I wouldn't mind her coming over a few days after work to make dinner or something-- but I really don't want her to be spending the night.

hospital bag - I'm still in denial. I went to Target today and initially thought "maybe I should pick up some stuff" then it changed to "nah, I have time." I hope my procrastination doesn't get me into trouble (I actually need to buy a bag too!).

cece/hotmama - I am in full-on nesting mode as well. My DH thinks I am insane. I must get things DONE!

Anyone freaking out that tomorrow is June 1st? How did that happen??

[ShelbyMay]

Reason #8742 NOT to leave our baby in MIL's care:

She thinks carseats are totally interchangeable. We were going to pick up DH's niece at her house, but when we got there she didn't have a carseat for her (BIL and SIL had dropped her off). She told DH she had one he could use -- It turned out to be a booster seat for kids weighing at least 35 pounds. Niece weighs 20 pounds and is only 13 months old. DH said he couldn't use it, and MIL insisted that it was fine because "she can sit up by herself anyway" and that she "doesn't need to face backwards as long as she's in the back seat". :rolleyes: Niiiiiiiiiiiiice....

She also mentioned that she had "added a little Robitussin" to niece's sippy cup, even though SIL had left specific written instructions that niece was supposed to get Pedialyte and a dose of Tylenol.

[Sophia]

Shelby: :eek: @ MIL

mia's mama: those are great! And those are the rejects???

[Sophia]

http://static.flickr.com/65/157585401_7991ca5b7a_m.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/63/157585398_c367c8e5aa_m.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/55/157585392_92f5cf672b_m.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/68/157585396_5f19f868fe_m.jpg

[Mystikal]

Wow, you ladies were busy today! :eek: I have like five pages to catch up on!
Thanks to everyone for your support about yesterday's appointment. I'm feeling a lot better about the induction, it still sucks, but hopefully I'll be able to avoid pitocin and we can try other methods first. At least now I know my last day of work will be June 16 and then I can start looking for a new job. :D

Belly shots, anyone? Threadmistress, you can post the 36w1d shot on the front page.
36w1d
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/raek622/100_0521.jpg

35w0d
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/raek622/100_0493.jpg

And, just because I think she's a cutie patootie, here's one of my sis Cali from this weekend. She'll be 9 this August and is so excited about being an aunt. :D
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/raek622/100_0502.jpg

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

Belly shots are looking great ladies!!

Miasmomma- Those pics are gorgeous. I am hoping this weekend's weather cooperates and I would like to take some pics at the lake. Nothing professional.

Mystikal and Sophia- You girls are really popping! You look like you are doing great! Mys- Your lil sis is a total cutie.

Sorry that i can't do more shout outs. I am so busy at work training and exhausted when I get home.

Finally remembered to take my belly shot. I think I am finally starting to lose part of my mucous plug!! Although they are not getting more frequent I have noticed that some of my contractions are more intense. Not too bad but enough to make me stop what I am doing and grimace a little.

Anyways hope you all are doing great and staying comfortable!

Here is my 37 week belly shot. I don't know what is up with my sleeping eyes there?? Must just be that tired from making baby.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/lilmiss_n_mickey/100_0342.jpg

[mia's mama]

Great bellies, Lil Mrs, Mystikal and Sophia!

37 weeks, Lil Mrs! SO close!

those are great! And those are the rejects???

Well, he took over 100 photos in about 30 minutes, so we were bound to have a few good ones. ;) The ones we ordered were similar, but with slightly different smiles, poses etc.). :)

Hospital and Diaper Bags- Havn't packed yet, probably won't get around to it for another few weeks. Wrose comes to worse, I'll throw some stuff together as soon as labor sets in, and we'll be out the door. I'm hoping not to have to stay at the hospital more than 36 hrs or so anyway. I bought really cute nursing PJs with Mia, and didn't wear them until I was home. TMI, but you bleed a lot, and I'd rather "leak" on the hospital gown than on my new cute PJs. ;) All I really needed last time was a nursing bra, something to wear home (maternity clotes) and toilettries. I checked into the hospital at 3am on a Sunday AM, and was out of there at 11am Tuesday AM...if you plan on staying longer (C-section etc.), then you may want more clothes, etc. ALso, you of course want your camera/video camera, and I brought CDs for labor and my own pillow. The hospital provided everything else I needed, including underwear (those ugly mesh undies are SO comfortable!). I won't being a diaper bag...just an outfit or 2 for hospital pics and baby's first day home.

I'm getting all ready for my girlfriend's shower on Saturday. I made her a diaper cake today (this thing is HUGE with a full pack of NB, Sz1 and Sz 2 dipes), and then I'm giving her a basket with everything she needs to go in her dipaer bag (wipes, extra outfit, extra onsies, pacifiers, a bottle, burp cloths, aquaphor, teething toy, book for baby, Mylicon drops, teething tablets etc). Our other good friend who lives in Boston is giving her the actual diaper bag...
I'm bummed though- people are being really bad about RSVPing and it's pissing me off! How hard is it to pick up the phone? I sent out the invites to 24 people over a month ago, and now 3 days before the shower, I still havn't heard from 8 of them! :rolleyes: Whatever. I'm also annoyed that people don't seem to be shopping off her registry. My friend is a teacher, and her DH does boat deliveries, and she and her DH could REALLY use the necessities rather than a bucnh of random items, which she got at her first shower. I have a feeling they are going to be on their own for the major items...kind of a bummer.

[klav]

mai mama I totally understand your frustration with people and RSVPing I don't know what the issue is... I even had to call people for answers to our wedding they just assume you knew that they would or would not be coming? Like you have ESP or something? go figure?..... I don't know I guess it's just pure laziness!!:rolleyes:

[Lizard]

Good morning ladies! It's June already!! :eek:

I wrote a post out yesterday and then accidentally closed the window. :mad: Then I got busy and didn't get to re-write it. I'm training our new person in the afternoons and it's been a little hectic around here.

mia's mama - I LOVE your photos!! Especially the family photo... they're all beautiful but the family one catches my eye the most.

Sounds like we're all starting to get closer. I ALMOST called my doc yesterday. Baby's been feeling much lower lately and I'm getting a lot of tailbone pain and low pressure. I went swimming last night at the gym to help loosen my muscles a little bit, and by the time I got home I noticed I was having fairly regular BH, but they felt different. I made dinner and drank a bunch of water... they kept coming so I started timing them. They were about 7 minutes apart, almost like clockwork. :eek: So I laid down and relaxed, and after about 45 minutes they stopped. After thinking about it, I realized I hadn't eaten anything between lunch at 12:30 and dinner at 7. Usually I have a mid-afternoon snack but with training I spaced it out, and I know I didn't drink as many liquids yesterday as I usually do. So that might have been the reason for it.

In any case, it freaked me out so I'm gonna pack my hospital bag this weekend and also take an inventory to see if there's anything else we need to buy post-haste. JUST in case. :)

MIL was supposed to come down this weekend and stay until Tuesday, but she sent an email this morning saying that FIL didn't want her driving here by herself. :( She's really upset about it. Hopefully we can work something out so she can come.

[sunchaser26]

Lizard,

Hmmm... That definitely could be the reason, I notice when I don't drink enough or eat something before a workout I'm more uncomfortable than when I do. Glad to hear that the water, food and rest helped. I would definitely start packing the bag soon, I know that I need to also.

Mia's Mama

Love those photos, wish we had a great photographer like that to take some of my belly. We were unhappy with the photographer from our wedding and everyone else we looked at were so $$$. Although I remember someone mentioning a photographer in the neighborhood, might have to look into that.

Thanks, for the great info on the hospital/diaper bags.

"I sent out the invites to 24 people over a month ago, and now 3 days before the shower, I still havn't heard from 8 of them! Whatever. I'm also annoyed that people don't seem to be shopping off her registry. My friend is a teacher, and her DH does boat deliveries, and she and her DH could REALLY use the necessities rather than a bucnh of random items, which she got at her first shower. I have a feeling they are going to be on their own for the major items...kind of a bummer."

I can sympathize we had the same problem with RSVP's and people buying random items rather than things off the registry. We still need to get alot of the big items like car seat, stroller, pack and play, and baby monitor.

Lil_Mrs, Mystikal and Sophia

Lookin Good! Can't believe that you ladies are so very close to having your new little bundles of joy!

[mkvh]

Hey mommas! Happy Thursday!! Oh, how I love short weeks!!

mia's mamma--GORGEOUS pictures. Though I did giggle a bit about the Summer's Eve reference. I love the white...especially with your tans.

Shelby--Again, your MIL :eek: :eek:

Sophia--Darling belly! You're really all out in front since you're so tiny!

Mystikal--Looking great! And how cute is the lil' sis! Yay for countdown to no more heinous job!!

klav--The white shirt look and jeans is so cute. You also could go with a pair of flowy pants (linen) and a fitted tank. Whatever you feel most comfortable in.

Wrighty--Eh, I am a horrible procrastinator, so I wouldn't sweat it. Then again, I'll be running around like mia's mamma as I'm in labor!

Lil Mrs--You look SO good! I cannot believe you've gained as much weight as you say you have... Oooh...progress....exciting! Keep us posted. You're SO close!!

Lizard--OMG...scary! Glad to hear that the contractions stopped. Take it easy today!

Thanks for all of your feedback re: help after the baby. DH and I still are debating on what to tell my mom because we don't know for sure what kinds of entourage she'll have with her...my sister can't be left alone :rolleyes:

Here's a pic of the crib so far. My nursery is so small that I can't get a good pic of the whole thing. And I SOOO need some things to hang on the walls. But it's coming along! This is from the door...

http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3C3%3A574%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3233%3E6%3A9%3E5%3C5% 3E23246%3A96%3B6943ot1lsi

And here's all her clothes...
http://images1.snapfish.com/346%3C3%3A584%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3233%3E6%3A9%3E5%3C5% 3E23246%3A96%3B6945ot1lsi


I'm such a crappy photographer...sorry...

[ShelbyMay]

MIL: Yeah, I didn't even mention the part where I noticed a sharp steak knife on a low-lying table right next to the huge bowl of candy she was letting 3yr old niece eat from. :rolleyes: Totally unaware.

Cramps: Having some today, in the front and in my lower back. Trying to discern whether it's just gas. It's uncomfortable, anyway -- But no other "symptoms".

[rande]

Mia's Mama- Beautiful photos! Can't wait to see more! I, too, had to chuckle at the Summers Eve comment since I used to sell women's feminine products-lubricants, sanitary stuff, and all those feminine washes/sprays.

Looking great- Lil Mrs., Sophia, and Mystikal! You are all getting so close!

Shelby- your MIL sounds just like mine with the carseat stuff!!!!

Cramping-I have been having alot too. My doctor says that it is just my pelvis separating and making way for the baby! It is quite uncomfortable at times.

MKVH-Cute nursery!

Hospital bag-I am trying to make a list and start putting things together. I definitely brought too much stuff with Drew and want to pack much lighter. With Drew, we got to the hospital at 6 am on Thursday and left at 3pm on Friday, the next day so I really don't need too much stuff.

RSVP-Major pet peeve of mine. I think that it is soooo rude. DH's family has never rsvp'ed to anything of ours- wedding shower, wedding, baby shower, first birthday, barbeques. People should know that these things cost money to host and show some consideration.

Lizard- take it easy and drink lots of fluids

cpbride-such a cutie, your little girl is!

[ShelbyMay]

From my 34 week BabyCenter email:

If you've been nervous about going into preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that 99 percent of babies this age can survive outside the womb — and most have no major long-term problems related to prematurity.

Yay! :D

Hospital Bag: I've packed a nightgown, light robe, socks, lip balm, lansinoh creme, breast pads, underwear, nursing bras, spare toothbrush, deodorant, conditioner, ponytail holders... I still need to add clothes to wear home (but I'm using all my comfy clothes right now), toothpaste, cds, and razor. For the baby, I am taking a couple of newborn diapers (just incase we have some sort of blowout on the way home), swaddling blanket, going home outfit, and a little hat. Should I put in socks?

Car Seat: We installed ours in my car yesterday. We'd been putting it off because we thought it was going to be such a hassle, but it really wasn't a huge deal at all. Ours has the detachable base, so I think I will just leave it in there from now on. Also, I need to make an appointment with the hospital -- They will check the installation for you and make sure you did it right. A little extra reassurance wouldn't hurt.

Registry Stalking: I have another shower this Sunday, so I've been watching it again. I am bad, I can't help it. No action at all so far. I have decided that the majority of people just don't shop ahead of time. If the shower is on a Sunday, they will shop Saturday night or Sunday morning.

Things I think we'll end up buying ourselves: Well, we already bought the travel system because we didn't want to count on getting it as a gift. I have 2 more showers coming up, but I think they are both going to be the type where you get cutesy things instead of useful things. We still need the changing pad for the dresser, baby monitor, crib mattress protector, bassinett or pack n play with bassinett feature, nursing pillow, breast milk containers, car window shades, small wipes container, nightlight... I think that will do it for now. So we're probably looking at another $250-$300 of spending before she arrives.

I AM NOT ALLOWED TO BUY ANY MORE 0-3 MONTH CLOTHES!!! :o

ETA: Oops, we also need the changing pad covers and the baby bath tub. And I'd love to get the gymini thing and an extra carseat base, but that can wait a while.

[emmjay]

I AM NOT ALLOWED TO BUY ANY MORE 0-3 MONTH CLOTHES!!! :o

Ha, I think I need to buy more! :D I don't have any clue how many and of what type of clothes we need to have! I think I might hit the baby consignment store this weekend and pick up a few more things - we have a bunch of the side-snap tees everyone was talking about, plus maybe 10 onesies, a couple of pants and 3 pjs. I feel like I need to have more than that. I mean, I'm sure we can get by with even less but I'd rather have more clothes and less laundry!

We need the car shades and a nightlight too. And I think I might get a mobile for the crib.

I guess I need to start thinking about the hospital bag in the next couple of weeks as well...

[Lizard]

I AM NOT ALLOWED TO BUY ANY MORE 0-3 MONTH CLOTHES!!! :o

LOL.... nearly ALL of our clothes are 3-6! I haven't bought very much, but everything that people gave us was 3-6. I've even had people ask me what we need, and I tell them either simple 0-3 onesies, or anything over 6 months, and they still get us 3-6. I don't understand it... maybe 0-3 looks too small so they get something bigger?

So yeah, I really should pick up a few more 0-3 items.

Also, I counted yesterday and we have like 1500 wipes. :eek: That was a popular gift.... thank goodness it's something that will get used!!

Is it worth it to buy a couple Newborn or Preemie sized outfits, in case the baby is swimming in 0-3? I've been tempted but have held off so far....

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

We are actually all set on clothes my friends have been so generous. I have stuff until 18 months and that's because m,y friends' sons are still wearing them. I'll be getting so many hand me downs that I will only need to buy a couple of special outfits in each size until he starts noticing that they are hand me downs (hopefully he will take after his parent's though and have no shame in hand ne downs if it means more money towards toys and books)

Shelby- We have a couple of girls that had their babies at 34-35 weeks in the June thread. One of the girls was actually one of my due date buddies and she had her son last week!! They are all healthy and doing great!

Hospital bag- I'm all packed. I'm still bringing some pads, and diapers just in case they forget to give me my bag or something. I have a cute yoga outfit that I am wearing for my going home outfit, and I packed a couple of outfits for Collin. (I couldn't pick just one and the weather is so wacky here).

Liz- I bought one pack of Gerber sleepers in preemie size. I think it was only $5 for 2 of them so if he doesn't wear them it's no big deal.

mkvh- I am also in shock with how much weight I have gained. I was by no means underweight either. But I can believe it when I look at the stretch marks!! They go down the back of my thighs. I am still blaming a lot of it on swelling. I moved my rings down one finger and they are still tight from all the swelling.

I love your nursery. I never thought to have the crib stick out from the corner like that.

Well I better get back to work. I found a computer to sneak on to play for a bit and catch up.

[maryanne]

Shelby----you might want socks for yourself and slippers too!

[mmisabel]

Hi everyone! It is SO humid here today, but rain is coming in so this weekend might be a wash-out:( . Bummer

emmajay - did you get mattress pads? I got crib, bassinett and pack n' play ones. Kids tend to soak everything, so it's best to have plenty. Also extra sheets?

Mia's mama - Nice pics!

Newborn size - I have some newborn stuff (not a lot). I was stressing the kid wouldn't fit into anything in the beginning. A friend of mine had a 9 pounder and he fit into the newborn size for 2 weeks. Another friend from work had a 7lb baby and she said he wore it for a while, so she was glad to have some options.

Car seat - i am having trouble getting the State Police to call me back. Our town refers us to the state police (located in our town), the town cops don't do it. The neighboring towns won't put them in unless you're a resident.
Shelby - it really wasn't complicated???

hospital bag - I am bringing a separate diaper bag just with clothes and a few diapers (it was a similac freebie I stole). I was thinking of bringing the boppy - should I bother?? I was wondering about socks too. Any thoughts??

[maryanne]

socks are one of those major comfort items..easy to pack...and it would suck to really want them and not have them! :D

[Sophia]

Baby clothes:Most of the stuff we have is size 0-3 month. I also have a few newborn sized things (one creeper & some nighties), and a couple 3-6 month things. DH bought a creeper in Preemie size and I exchanged it for a bigger size. A&B were small babies--Alex was 6lbs 11oz, and Bella was 6lbs 3oz--and even so, preemie stuff has always seemed waaaaay too small to me. I never had a problem with getting enough use out of Newborn sized stuff, though, and my kids stayed in 0-3 month stuff for quite a while. I'm expecting this baby to be around 6-7 pounds.

Hospital bag: I just posted yesterday that I was going to put it off, but DH started asking about it last night and actually went up into the attic to look for a suitable bag (he's so cute sometimes), so I guess I'll start packing and just leave out my toiletries and anything else I'm still using. I'm not taking much. I have a robe & slippers I plan to take, but I'll use their nightgowns because I don't want mine getting stained. I need to find socks--I almost never wear socks.

mkvh: I like your nursery setup! I had a white Jenny lind crib for A&B, and I'd be using it again if my parents hadn't lost the nuts, bolts, & instructions. :rolleyes:

Lil Mrs & Mystikal: looking great! We're all starting to look so pregnant--I can't believe how close we're getting.

[ShelbyMay]

mmisabel: Nope, it really wasn't complicated -- and our cars don't have LATCH, either. I am still going to get it checked out at the hospital just to be sure we did it right. Did you check with your hospital to see if they do anything similar?

Socks: I packed 3 pairs for me (can't stand having cold feet), but should I pack any for the baby? Or is that silly?

Newborn sizes: I have 2 or 3 little newborn onesies that I got as gifts or on clearance. Then I have a 2-pack of Gerber onesies in 0-3 months, but they look just as small as (if not smaller than) the newborn stuff I have.

My friend just had her baby yesterday at just under 5 pounds. She was fullterm, but the baby had been measuring small all along. I am going to Walmart this afternoon to pick up a couple packs of onesies for her, since she was not expecting the baby to be so small!

ETA: Cramps still going on this afternoon, but no contractions or anything. Is cramping bad? It's also possible that my pants are just too tight... I am tempted to buy a couple new pairs to get me through the rest of the pregnancy, even though I swore I was done shopping. I'm just really uncomfortable. I always change into my cotton shorts from Old Navy as soon as I get home from work because I can't stand to wear a tight waistband any longer!

[emmjay]

emmajay - did you get mattress pads? I got crib, bassinett and pack n' play ones. Kids tend to soak everything, so it's best to have plenty. Also extra sheets?

Oh, mattress pads - that is a good one! I do have one pad each for the changing table and bassinet but I don't have any for the crib or pack & play. I do have plenty of extra sheets and covers for everything.

Car Seat - my sister is coming next weekend so I'm going to ask her to help me install the base, and also to do an inventory for me of what we still need to get! I do want to get the car seat checked but I have to find the schedule. The Denver Fire Dept doesn't do it so I'll have to go out to one of the suburban fire depts on the designated day.

I'm ordering our digital camcorder tonight! I'm excited - finally we'll have a digital camera again (I left my last one in a bar 2 yrs ago :rolleyes: )

ETA - mkvh, I like the position of the crib as well! The whole room looks great!

[mia's mama]

Hey Cece- DId you get your Mia Bossi Diaper Bag yet? Mine came today and it is WAY bigger than I expected, though very cute. I suppose big is good with 2 kids!

MKVH- cute nursery!

[Sophia]

Shelby: Yes, pack socks for the baby. They have trouble regulating their body temp at first, so socks are a good idea. I'm packing the going home outfit, a spare outfit for first photos, white socks, and a waffle weave blanket.

[mmisabel]

Shelby - We found a car dealership that won't install but will inspect the seat, DH is just nervous about it. It's so lame that neighboring towns won't do it, hopefully the State Police will call us back soon, but they weren't doing it most of May so they could be quite backed up.

[jewamese]

Hi, mommas--

You're all probably wondering who this jewamese person is. It's been hard for me to keep up with this thread, but I try to pop in every once in a while. I didn't even realize there was a new thread. :rolleyes: I suck.

I'm 31 weeks and have gained about 32 pounds! :eek: I'm hoping to only gain 10 more pounds, but am doubtful (the massive amounts of sweets and carbs I'm eating isn't helping my cause either). I gained about 50 with my first daughter. Here's to hoping it all comes off again. Am feeling mostly good. I can't believe this pregnancy is going so fast. Too fast. It's so different with a toddler in tow.

Hope y'all are doing well. Can't wait for the first baby of this group to arrive! :)

-------
Pssst, mia's mama, will you post a picture of yourself with your new Mia Bossi. I'm a glutton for punishment. ;)

[mia's mama]

Pssst, mia's mama, will you post a picture of yourself with your new Mia Bossi. I'm a glutton for punishment.

Will do...although when DH gets home and sees yet ANOTHER diaper bag (this makes #6 :o ), I may have my internet privilages revoked for a while ;) . It's the first bag I've bought during THIS pregnancy though...that counts for something, right? :p

Good to see you around!
the massive amounts of sweets and carbs I'm eating isn't helping my cause either

Ahemm...I'm sitting here downing a bowl (that's a lie...I'm eating it right out of the carton :o ) of Dreyer's Slow Churned LIGHT Cookies and Cream Ice Cream. But at 1/2 the fat and 1/3 fewer calories, I can eat an entire carton, right? :o

[klav]

jewamese hELLOOOO Where have you been how are you doing?:D

[Sophia]

Ahemm...I'm sitting here downing a bowl (that's a lie...I'm eating it right out of the carton :o ) of Dreyer's Slow Churned LIGHT Cookies and Cream Ice Cream. But at 1/2 the fat and 1/3 fewer calories, I can eat an entire carton, right? :o

You're killing me! I may have to send DH out to the store now. :p :p :p

Actually, I should go get it myself because it's his first day of summer vacation and DH is working on the nursery (all the evil wallpaper is finally down! Yay! But some of the glue is still clinging to the walls. Blah), and I don't want to ruin his momentum.

[Lizard]

jewamese - Yay! I'm so glad you popped in. I'll re-add ya to the list. :D

[July&August2006Mommies]

*** Updated to here! ***
jewamese - what is your due date? I don't think we added it in the last thread.

[nuhmah]

Ahemm...I'm sitting here downing a bowl (that's a lie...I'm eating it right out of the carton :o ) of Dreyer's Slow Churned LIGHT Cookies and Cream Ice Cream. But at 1/2 the fat and 1/3 fewer calories, I can eat an entire carton, right? :o

I did the same thing the other day, but with chocolate chip. :o You have plenty of company for that stuff around here!!

- - - - - - -

A friend from college just sent an e-mail saying that she is expecting her first in November! Another friend from college lost her baby in-utero the other day. They say it was a cord accident... she had gone in for a regular check-up and they couldn't find the h/b. So they did an u/s and couldn't find anything and kept getting doctor after doctor in to take a look and verify. They induced her at noon yesterday and she delivered at 5:30pm. I couldn't imagine having to go through that - her due date was today.

I have had a bunch of BH contractions today... about 3 this evening alone.

[ShelbyMay]

I'm sitting here eating a magic cookie bar that I really don't need. Seriously, I feel sick, but I just keep going... :o Mmm, buttery goodness...

So the cramps and backache are still going. I changed out of my tight pants hours ago. I was a little concerned because I couldn't remember feeling her move all day today, so I lay down after work and poked and prodded my belly for a while. She FINALLY moved, and I swear she has not stopped since. The grass is always greener, I guess... ;)

I got to test out some of our baby stuff tonight when I babysat my 13 month old niece. I kept trying to get her to fall asleep in the living room, and she just wasn't having it. I finally brought her back to the nursery, plopped her in the crib, turned on the mobile, and she was out like a light within 10 minutes. I kept having to check on her every few minutes, though, because I know the mattress is set too high to be safe for her. Fortunately, her parents came to get her soon after she fell asleep. It was kind of neat, though -- Somehow, I felt accomplished. :)

[Mystikal]

Y'all need to stop with the yummy food. You're killing me. I'm going to go get some cheese and crackers now. Yum-mee!! :rolleyes: I can't wait to pop this kid out so I can have some real food. ;)

Wanted to say thanks to Can't Wait my virtual shower buddy. I got my boppy today!! Can't wait to use it! :D

[jewamese]

My due date is August 1st.

I'm hoping for a late July baby. MIL's birthday is August 3rd and I hope my daughter doesn't share the same birthday as MIL. :eek: Did I say that? :D

[maryanne]

it is good to see you around again , jewamese!

[klav]

Y'all need to stop with the yummy food. You're killing me I second that!!
:o
I sooo want sweets!!!

[mkvh]

Just had to weigh in on the food issue...after a dinner of pizza followed up with two Oreos, I made DH stop at an ice cream parlor where I went in ALL BY MYSELF and got a cone of Buckeye. Mmmm! Chocolate ice cream with peanut butter, chocolate chunks, and buckeyes! I'm being good and eating Raisin Bran for breakfast...

jewamese--Welcome back!!

nuhmah--So sorry to hear about your friend. I cannot imagine...

Sophia--yay for the wallpaper being down! What an accomplishment!

Shelby--you go for getting her to sleep. yay!


I got to hold my 10 day old nephew last night for the first time. OMG...you forget how teeny tiny newborns are! He's just so little! The belly makes a nice baby rest, although baby girl wasn't too keen on 'sharing' with her cousin. She kept poking and kicking. It's hard to believe I'll have one of those of my own in just a few weeks. :eek: I kept comparing him to the size of my belly. Makes it easy to believe that there's roughly a 5 lber in there already.

[Wrighty26]

I have a feeling that today is going to be another really crazy day for me (yesterday was just insane), but I wanted to stop by really quickly to say a huge THANK YOU to mkvh for my shower gift! It arrived yesterday :)

She got me my clothes hamper that I registered for. It's now all set up in Braeden's room-- ready for some dirty laundry (which I know there will be TONS of soon enough!)...I'll take my own pictures when I get a chance!

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00009KX5K.01._SS400_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

I hope to be back in here later tonight... if not have a great Friday ladies and enjoy the weekend!

[mkvh]

You're Welcome!

[a_spark]

sweets Just a quick drive-by to announce that last night I was not hungry for any kind of "regular" food at all, so for dinner I ate a half-carton (and this is a medium-sized carton, folks, not a pint) of mint-oreo frozen yogurt. Yep, for dinner. And yes, I had a terribly stomach ache when I went to bed! :)

[Sophia]

Just a quick drive by to post this mothering style quiz.

http://motherstyles.com/

I got:

INTP - The “Love of Learning” Mother
(Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)
“I keep the encyclopedia in the kitchen so we can look up things together while we eat.”

Intellectually curious and patient, the INTP mother relishes those times with a child when they are learning something interesting together. Whether they’re at the zoo or computer terminal, she sparks to answering his or her “whys” with in-depth responses or new knowledge.
The INTP mother is also objective and introspective. She listens to and discusses children’s ideas and questions as she would those of a peer, fostering self-esteem and confidence. Open and non-directive, she allows children the freedom to do for themselves and quietly encourages them to believe they can do it.
Independence, autonomy, intellectual development, and self-reliance are probably the INTP’s highest priorities for her children. An avid reader, she naturally imparts an appreciation and love of reading as well.
Drawn to all types of learning, the INTP may also value her mothering experience for all the new insights about life it provides her.

[mkvh]

That's interesting, Sophia! It's actually a spin-off of the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator...I am an ENFP in a work environment. I wonder if I will be the same as a parent or not...

[Sophia]

Yeah, I like that they're using the MB personality types this way, but I wish the book was about parenting styles as opposed to mothering styles.

[a_spark]

Interesting! I got:

Your type is: isfj —The “Tender Loving Care” Mother

“I want my children to feel they have an ally, someone who knows them completely. I want to be a haven for them.”

Gentle and kind, the ISFJ mother provides her children with generous amounts of tenderness, affection, and the comfort of daily routine. Her aim is to “be there” for her children, physically and emotionally. She is sensitive to their feelings, offering closeness, understanding, and quiet support.
Loyal and devoted, the ISFJ mother has a strong sense of duty and consistently puts her children’s needs first. She delights in taking care of the little things that matter to a child, making each one feel loved and special.
To provide her family with security and warmth, the ISFJ mother tends to the practical and domestic, aiming for a smooth-running household and an attractive home. She also observes and conveys the value and importance of family traditions.

[emmjay]

Wrighty26 - I have the same hamper! :)

nuhmah - I'm so sorry about your friend! I can barely think about something like that happening - she must be devastated. :(

Mothering quiz - I wonder how I'll be! Based on my guesses, I am a "Responsibility Mother" (ISTJ).
The ISTJ mother has a highly developed sense of responsibility: for work, home, family ... particularly her children. Whether she’s overseeing daily baths or insisting on a 10 p.m. curfew, her efforts are largely focused on providing her children with order and routine. She wants them, regardless of age, to be able to count on her and the structure she provides.
In carrying out her commitment to her responsibilities, the ISTJ mother is organized, industrious, and detail-oriented. Because her focus is the day-to-day realities of life, her children are likely to feel secure and well provided for.
The ISTJ mother also sets a good example and provides her children with practical guidance on being a productive, responsible individual. Still, with all her seriousness, she may delight family members with her quick wit and observations about the details of life.

That doesn't sound too fun - I need to lighten up!!

Although speaking of responsibility... we got our life insurance sorted out last night - I wanted to be sure it was done before DH's Europe trip (he left this morning until the 18th). Anyway, I feel relieved that we have it all taken care of! I guess I will be a Responsibility Mother. [sigh]

;)

[maryanne]

I think this came out as the type of mother I *want* to be, rather than the one I wiil be... b/c I am a triple capricorn, normally I lke being incharge.

istp —The “Give 'Em Their Space” Mother

“My feelings are my own business. Not theirs.
So I honor their privacy too.”


Non-intrusive and respectful of differences, the ISTP mother gives her children the personal space they need to develop as separate, self-sufficient individuals. As children grow and mature, she enjoys observing how each one becomes his or her own person. She seeks to accept and honor each child’s interests, opinions, and choices.
The ISTP mother does not believe in authority or control for its own sake. Instead, she favors a non-directive approach. Yet she has high expectations for each child’s self-discipline as a key to self sufficiency.
To these ends, the ISTP mother wants to “be there” for her children—to meet their basic needs and keep them safe. Her goal is to help her children think for themselves and take responsibility for their own actions.

[sunchaser26]

I wonder how accurate this Mothering Quiz is... I got the same as A_spark

Your type is: isfj —The “Tender Loving Care” Mother

“I want my children to feel they have an ally, someone who knows them completely. I want to be a haven for them.”

Gentle and kind, the ISFJ mother provides her children with generous amounts of tenderness, affection, and the comfort of daily routine. Her aim is to “be there” for her children, physically and emotionally. She is sensitive to their feelings, offering closeness, understanding, and quiet support.
Loyal and devoted, the ISFJ mother has a strong sense of duty and consistently puts her children’s needs first. She delights in taking care of the little things that matter to a child, making each one feel loved and special.
To provide her family with security and warmth, the ISFJ mother tends to the practical and domestic, aiming for a smooth-running household and an attractive home. She also observes and conveys the value and importance of family traditions.

Just wondering:

Has anyone else felt like their thighs are getting larger? I never have had really thin legs even though I was on the thin side pp, since I have a lot of muscle and short legs from my figure skating years. Lately though I have been feeling like they look bigger.

For second time moms: Do they or can you get them through exercise back down after the baby?

[Sophia]

The mothering style quiz is based on the very well known Meyers-Briggs personality tests (you can find tons of versions online--some short, some long). There may be some mothering styles that seem more "fun" than others, but really the point is to see the value is whichever type you lean towards because they're all good, just different.

[emmjay]

The mothering style quiz is based on the very well known Meyers-Briggs personality tests (you can find tons of versions online--some short, some long). There may be some mothering styles that seem more "fun" than others, but really the point is to see the value is whichever type you lean towards because they're all good, just different.

Oh, I didn't want to make fun of the test - I was just teasing before! I think I received the same results (ISTJ) for the M-B test. Anyway, even if I think something else looks like more fun, the description is pretty accurate for me. I can live with being Responsible Mom! :)

sunchaser26 - I think my legs are bigger too. I think everything is bigger! I look like I'm all baby belly, but I tried pulling on a pre-pg skirt the other day and it barely went over my hips. I know part of that is the spreading out of the pelvic area, but I really think everything is getting bigger/fatter. My friend (she's 38 weeks now) said she was walking up the stairs at work and she kept thinking something/someone was right behind her so she kept turning around to see what it was. She finally realized it was her own big butt! :p

[Sophia]

Oh, I didn't want to make fun of the test - I was just teasing before! I think I received the same results (ISTJ) for the M-B test. Anyway, even if I think something else looks like more fun, the description is pretty accurate for me. I can live with being Responsible Mom! :)

Just making sure you didn't feel bad about your results. ;)

[klav]

UPdate!
Dr apt went well they said ever thing was fine.... my OBG wants a nurse to come in to take my blood pressure at the house!!! twice a week!! I think she's going a bit over board. But I don't think my insurance will cover it sooo.... my next obg apt. is next Friday. and the next sono thingy is in two weeks. guess to check out the weight and all. I think the one today was about seeing if the baby was under any stress and I don't think he was? I would have thought the DR would have said something if he was. SO.. everything is good. he was moving a bit and breathing OK as far as the nurse said or was looking for specific movements. next apt is Friday!! I'm now on the week schedule!!

[mia's mama]

Here's what I got...

Your type is: entj —The “Executive” Mother

“My mind is always going. How can I fine-tune the system to everyone’s advantage?”


Competent and confident in a management role, the ENTJ mother organizes the needs and schedules of family members into a workable family system. Within the system, she provides her children with care-taking, direction, and limits, but she also gives them space to develop their own self-sufficiency and judgment.
Analytical and adept at problem-solving, the ENTJ mother listens to her children’s concerns empathetically and then strategizes with them how to improve the situation—either by intervening on their behalf or backing off to let them solve problems on their own. She particularly enjoys watching them take responsibility and accomplish something they find important on their own.
Intense and insightful, the ENTJ mother is cued in to her children’s intellectual and emotional development. She uses her quickness and communication skills to talk things through and help her children connect with people and better understand life.



Sunchaser- That would be a BIG, fat YES! in response to your question about bigger thighs (and a$$, for that matter). I remember watching Mia's birth video about 6 months after she was born, and I could not believe how huge my thighs were by the time I gave birth to her!:eek: The good news is that they were back to the normal size within 4 or 5 months (I took an exercise class 2-3 times/week starting when she was 7 weeks old, and exclusively breastfed).... so fret not. ;)

[ShelbyMay]

legs: I don't think they are bigger, but maybe I am just in denial. They were chubbier than I would like even before getting pregnant, but I haven't noticed much of a difference. Maybe the gigantic belly just overshadows everything else. And my boobs are definitely growing again -- they feel HUGE and like they are resting right on top of my belly. It's kind of icky feeling, really. I like wearing sports bras at this point because of the extra support.

Bit of a dilemma today: I watched my 13-month-old niece again, and this time I had her parents leave her carseat for me to use. They showed my how to install it and told me that the shoulder straps were "already set right for her". She got fussy about an hour after they left, so I decided we would go for a drive and run some errands. I installed the carseat EXACTLY how her parents told me to, and it was loose and shifting all over the place. I even did the thing where you put your knee in the seat and tug on the seatbelt to tighten it more. She was really getting upset by this point, so I put her in the carseat, buckled her in, and drove the 3 miles (worried the whole way) to my mom's house to get some help. She started to fall asleep on the way over there, and when she slouched forward, I could tell that there was NO WAY the shoulder straps were tight enough on her. She was practically falling out of the thing. I showed it to my mom, and she agreed. She and I both struggled with the seat for a while and finally got the car seatbelt a little tighter, but the seat still slid around far more than my nephew's Britax does. My mom also agreed that the shoulder straps needed to be far tighter in order to be safe, so she helped me tighten them up, too.

Basically, we concluded that this carseat is not of a very good quality, and I am concerned that my niece is not safe in it. On the other hand, it's not as if I can tell my SIL that I don't think she's using her carseat properly. She has 2 children, and I have none yet. I only know this stuff because I am fresh out of parenting classes and have been reading a bunch of books and stuff. It's not like I have anywhere near the actual experience she has.

So do I just let the kid continue riding in an unsafe carseat?

[Wrighty26]

I got the same thing as Mia's Mama-- not surprising :) This fits me to a tee.

Sunchaser - The only area where I really look like I've gained weight (besides the ginormous belly) is in my thighs. So YES! From what I've read, it's just our maternal fats storing up...and that it will be the first to go once we start to lose weight. I hope everything I read in that department is true!

klav - Yay! for the good Dr. appt-- what a PITA getting your blood pressure taken twice a week.

Shelby - I would mention that the straps seemed to be loose and that at one point you felt like your niece was sliding around in the car. I don't think that there's any harm in telling her what happened. If she doesn't take things further than that-- then it's her child's safety she's putting in danger. Unfortunately, you cannot force someone to always follow safety rules.

Whew-- I'm SO happy today is over! Work has been quite insane-- I was drafted to work on this huge proposal that is due on June 26th (also my birthday!)--so that's DEFINITELY going to keep me busy the next 3 weeks. Nothing like lots of work to keep my mind off my OWN impending delivery date!

For those of you who registered at BRU and received stuff ordered online-- have they messed anything up for you? We received our Snugride and extra base today (a much needed gift from Dan's Dad and stepmom). The base is right, but the pattern for the Snugride is wrong. It's not a big deal-- I know I'll be able to exchange it--but it's a little annoying to me! I can't imagine that Dan's stepmom decided to pick a different pattern-- and it's showing up as "purchased" on our registry (unless someone else bought us the correct one). I find this all really weird.

I'm really looking forward to this weekend...My friend's bridal shower is tomorrow and my shower is on Sunday. 2 of my cousins and my aunt are flying in tonight from NY and MA. I'm so excited! Unfortunately, the weather is crappy (up there) and both flights have been delayed :( So, now I'm sitting here procrastinating on my cleaning. The good news is that my wonderful husband finished painting our family room and kitchen today (quite a task!) AND we are getting in our new end tables/coffee table that we ordered almost 2 months ago tomorrow. Talk about just in time :D

More excitement - Someone bought my stroller (P3)! I'm thinking it was my dad-- he mentioned going to Babies R Us to me on the phone tonight and I know he had intentions of getting it for me. I'm just psyched because it was the ONE big thing I really really wanted to get as gift. Does that make me greedy?

Now I'm just babbling...off to clean. Hope everyone has a great night!

[nuhmah]

legs - my thighs are definitely huge! I have always had athletic legs, but I now have thunder thighs. :( It hurts to sit Indian style, and I gave up crossing my legs weeks ago)

shelby - I don't know if there is much you can say! Could maybe your mother say something? Maybe coming from the concerned grandmother to her son would be better than from you? I hope for your neice's sake that they figure out a safe option!

wrighty - hope the weather is good for you! Have a great time at your shower!

klav - yay for being on the weekly schedule, but twice a week for blood pressure! :eek: That is quite often... I just think about how hard it is to get to the doctor's office (mine is on the other side of town and in a hospital, and with traffic takes a good half hour to get there) to only be there for 10 minutes!!

Threadmistress, my next OB appointment is Thursday, June 8th

[ShelbyMay]

shelby Could maybe your mother say something?

I wish, but unfortunately this is my husband's brother's daughter. And my husband's mother is the one who told us it didn't matter what carseat she was in because she was in the backseat and can hold her own head up.

Can't remember if we've already discussed birth control in this thread...? I know I need to reach a decision sometime in the next few weeks if I want to go back on the pill (so it could be fully effective by the time we start DTD again). The thing is, I don't think I want to go back on any hormonal bc method. I'd love to just use FAM, but I know it will be a while before my cycles regulate enough to do that. And we've never relied completely on a barrier method before. I don't know what to do, but I know I don't want to get PG again right away!

[mia's mama]

Can't remember if we've already discussed birth control in this thread...? I know I need to reach a decision sometime in the next few weeks if I want to go back on the pill (so it could be fully effective by the time we start DTD again). The thing is, I don't think I want to go back on any hormonal bc method. I'd love to just use FAM, but I know it will be a while before my cycles regulate enough to do that. And we've never relied completely on a barrier method before. I don't know what to do, but I know I don't want to get PG again right away!

Yeah, that's a tough one. We didn't use anything except FAM for the first year, but we were OK with getting PG again pretty shortly after Mia was born. I hate the pill and was BFing, so I would have had to go on the mini-pill and just never wanted to. The pills that I've tried (4 types) make me SUPER moody. Plus b/c it took us 13 months to conceive Mia, I wasn't to worried that I'd get PG too quickly. I did get PG the first cycle we wern't careful though. ;) Who would have thought? My cycles have always been very regular, and returned to the normal 28-30 days by 4 months PP, even though I was exclusively BFing.
Not sure what we'll do this time, since we are taking a nice long break before number 3, if we decide to have another child. DH would be perfectly content for me to pop out babies number 3 and 4 in the next couple of years, but NO WAY! Between being PG and BFing, it will be a solid 3 years of having to share my body with babies, and I'd like it back for MYSELF for a while in a year or so! ;) I loved BFIng, but man, I would be so "touched out" at the end of the day...to be honest that in itself was fairly good BC for me :o . I didn't want DH near my body much while nursing.

[Sophia]

Birth Control: I'm getting a copper IUD. I can't use hormonal BC because it gives me horrible mood swings, plus I plan to breastfeed. I had considered getting a tubal ligation during the c/s, but decided against it for various reasons.

Getting bigger in places other than belly: My bust is 4-5 inches bigger and my hips are 5-6 inches bigger. I haven't measured my thighs, but they look bigger, too. I'm considering it fuel for breastfeeding.

Shelby: I'd mention having trouble getting the straps and seat tight enough, but try to say it in an offhanded way so she doesn't feel lectured (I know, easier said than done).

Wrighty: Have fun shower tomorrow!

klav: That's cool that the nurse would come to you instead of vice-versa.

[Lizard]

Can't remember if we've already discussed birth control in this thread...? I know I need to reach a decision sometime in the next few weeks if I want to go back on the pill (so it could be fully effective by the time we start DTD again). The thing is, I don't think I want to go back on any hormonal bc method. I'd love to just use FAM, but I know it will be a while before my cycles regulate enough to do that. And we've never relied completely on a barrier method before. I don't know what to do, but I know I don't want to get PG again right away!

You sound just like me.... I've just started thinking about this recently too. I really don't want to go back on hormonal BC and condoms really don't appeal to me at all. I'm all about FAM, but I know that temping in those first months will be next to impossible. I brought it up to DH just a few days ago, and his response was "Why can't we just have 2 kids really close together in age?" :eek: I told him we'd revisit that AFTER our 1st is born.... lol.

But yeah, I don't know what we're gonna do re: BC.

Bigger all over - Well, I know my legs, feet and hands are bigger, but I don't know if that's fluid retention or growth/joint stretching. I had bigger hips before and don't know my measurements, so I'm not sure on that. Maybe I should try to squeeze into a pair of my old jeans and see what happens. :D OK, maybe I don't want that kind of trauma...

Have a great weekend everyone!!

[Sophia]

Maybe I should try to squeeze into a pair of my old jeans and see what happens. :D OK, maybe I don't want that kind of trauma...

Don't do it! I tried that a while back with some jeans I bought when I'd gained weight in the months before I got pregannt (then I lost weight and they were way too big when I first got pregnant). Trauma city.

[nuhmah]

Don't do it! I tried that a while back with some jeans I bought when I'd gained weight in the months before I got pregannt (then I lost weight and they were way too big when I first got pregnant). Trauma city.

I agree!! Don't do it! I tried to do it not so long ago and got super depressed about it. :( So depressed, I ran to the carton of ice-cream! :D

[Sophia]

Mmmm...ice cream. Last night I was dying for something sweet so DH went to Dairy Queen and got me some Dilly Bars.

[MMK]

It's funny to hear all of you with such sweet toothes...I can't get enough salty snacks especially potato chips, something I was never really drawn to pre-pregnancy (I was MUCH more of a chocolate/ice cream girl!).

I just came back from my bfing class and have to say I thought it was pretty cool. I am so totally amazed by our bodies and how they are simply designed for taking care of babies! I'm getting so excited to hold this little one!

question: I know I read somewhere on here a post about diaper holders that go in the diaper bag...anyone know what I'm talking about and where I would get one? I found a really cute (and VERY cheap!) 9 West bag that I'm trying to convert into a workable diaper bag. It's nicely sized but doesn't have a lot of pockets. So I'm trying to find cool organizational devices to make it work. Of course by the time I'm done buying the accessories I probably should've just spend the extra money and bought a "real" diaper bag!

[nuhmah]

MMK - are these what you are talking about?
http://www.diapeesandwipees.com/html/products.html
http://www.diapeesandwipees.com/images/subpages/products/2bags.jpg

They are called diapees and wipees - I thought they were adorable and bookmarked that page.

[emmjay]

Sweet tooth - I have been wanting cinnamon rolls ever since seeing some HUGE ones in a bakery 2 weeks ago, so last night I caved and had two. TWO! At least they were small ones from the grocery store, not the ones from the bakery that are the size of my entire face. I don't eat too much sweet stuff but I do like to have some ice cream or something else sweet after dinner. Skim milk pudding is good too.

Birth Control - I think we'll probably do nothing. ;) Actually we both want to have another one almost right away (I know - we'll see how I feel after having this one!) but I'm 34 already and we don't want to wait. We'll probably start trying again at the end of this year - I'm assuming it will probably take a while anyway. I don't want to go back on the pill again, so I think I'll start charting again.

I just went to BRU for what I HOPE is the last time until after the baby is born - I got my mattress pads and a mobile (thanks for the ideas!) and a couple of plain white onesies. Oh, and they had bibs on clearance so I got 5 or 6 for no more than $2.00 each. I also went to my fave two baby consignment stores looking for more 0-3 month stuff, but they didn't have much. I got some cute things but mostly 3 - 6 months. I love consignment stores! I know not everyone likes the idea, but I think they are great. Almost half of what I buy still has the store tags on it and has never been worn, and the other half looks brand new as well.

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend! :)

[nuhmah]

Birth Control - I really need to talk to my doc... since we are moving, I want something I really don't have to worry about in the first few months I am there. I have heard that I can get all my prescriptions transferred over there with no problem, but I have a feeling I am just going to be overwhelmed my first couple of months with just getting adjusted. It would be nice to not have to visit the pharmacy in my first couple of weeks there.

[MMK]

Yes Nuhmah! Thank-you!!

I just had to laugh at myself...I said I hadn't really had a sweet tooth but then emmjay posted about the cinnamon roles and I remembered I ate 3 of those smallish Pilsbury kind last week :eek: ! How gross but oh so good.

[ShelbyMay]

I can beat that -- My OB's office is right down the street from a Cinnabon place... :o I discovered that in the 2nd trimester.

[ShelbyMay]

Question (mostly for first-timers, but RO's feel free to chime in): Do you feel like your neighbors/coworkers/people at church/etc are being friendlier to you since they discovered you're having a baby? DH and I have lived in this neighborhood for more than 3 years. The men have been nice to him, but the women barely spoke to me. Especially since I started showing, it seems like people are coming out of the woodwork, wanting to wave and chat and hangout whenever they see us. I guess they just feel like we have more in common now, but it's a little weird when they totally ignored me for 3 years!

[Linnybubbles]

Question (mostly for first-timers, but RO's feel free to chime in): Do you feel like your neighbors/coworkers/people at church/etc are being friendlier to you since they discovered you're having a baby? DH and I have lived in this neighborhood for more than 3 years. The men have been nice to him, but the women barely spoke to me. Especially since I started showing, it seems like people are coming out of the woodwork, wanting to wave and chat and hangout whenever they see us. I guess they just feel like we have more in common now, but it's a little weird when they totally ignored me for 3 years!

Funny you should say that, yes! Especially at church, I get all kinds of smiles and comments. Our condo complex is still silent, but they are a bunch of bitter old bats:rolleyes: I guess that is better than being ignored, but I agree that it is weird. I also get a lot of smiles at the grocery store too!

[klav]

Some Bad news this evening! :(
I just found out that Friday my Dad was brought to the hospital and had to have his foot amputated. his toe not to be gross was black! and becoming septic to the rest of his leg so the had to take his foot. Come to find out he has diabetes! and has never been diagnosed because he has not been to the Dr in about 30 years! Thank god he was with his sister who is a nurse and she made him go to the hospital! he was out in Washington state visiting her with my godmother. So that was a tough phone call to take! and we just had sat down from a long weekend of parties and get together and our birth class that was 6 hours today!
which I may say went well.
So I'm glad they cought it and it did not go up his whole leg!

[mrst2b2003]

Klav- Sorry to hear about your dad....that really sucks that he had to have his foot amputated...i will keep him in my thoughts. You are right, it is good that they caught it before they had to take his whole leg.

[Wrighty26]

klav - Sorry to hear about your dad :( What a blessing that he was with his sister!

Smiles/Comments - Even though I complain about the mean/inappropriate comments sometimes-- Most people that I encounter are incredibly sweet and say the nicest things about me/my belly! The only people that do give me weird looks are boys/men @ the gym.

Birth Control - Good question! I really don't want to go on the pill again--especially while I'm (knock on wood) breastfeeding. BUT I have such irregular cycles (the Dr. had JUST diagnosed me with the very vague "unexplained infertility" the month before I got pregnant) and I definitely don't want 2 under 2 (or 2 under 3!).

Sweeth Tooth - Add me to that list please. Usually I'm a "salty" girl-- but since the 2nd trimester I've been ALL about the sweets!

We had our baby shower today! There was a great turnout-- about 40-45 people (it got SUPER hot in our house too-- we forgot to turn down the air before everyone showed up--doh!) and are officially SO spoiled. I just spent an hour and a half organizing and separating every that we got. Basically the only things we didn't get from our registry were a few blankets/sheets, Ocean's Wonder Activity Mirror, Baby Monitors (a weird thing actually happened with them and my friend said she they were out of them in the store), Britax Convertible Carseat, and the breast pump. However-- we received $250 in gift cards and $200 in cash-- not to mention a few duplicate gifts. A few people have mentioned that they are sending up gifts-- so that REALLY ought to cover it. Really, how spoiled are we? We are so grateful--words can't even describe it.

I am exhausted, yet exhilirated at the same time. Dan really thinks I am insane (he is exhausted and does not understand where my energy is coming from!)!

Tomorrow we start childbirth classes--the deal with Braeden is that he stays put until after they are done (6/19-- basically when I'm 37 weeks) and then he can come out and play :D

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

[nuhmah]

klav - I am so sorry to hear about your dad!!!

Wrighty - wow!! What a shower! I am just amazed at the amount of people!!! Yay for getting so many great and practical gifts.

We had a great weekend... I did a TON of cleaning on Saturday, and then today we finished unloading our PODS and we now officially living in 4 rooms of our 8 room house. I am excited, because it used to be 3 rooms. And by the end of the week, we are hoping to be ready to move into the master bedroom. Woohoo!!!

[emmjay]

Tomorrow we start childbirth classes--the deal with Braeden is that he stays put until after they are done (6/19-- basically when I'm 37 weeks) and then he can come out and play :D

Hope everyone had a great weekend!
I'll be 39w 4d for my last childbirth class - I have to say, I won't mind too much if I have to miss the last class (or two!)! :D Your shower sounds like it was great - it's fun to put everything away, huh?

klav - sorry about your dad's foot! :( I'm glad they caught it when they did though!

I spent my weekend cleaning and doing laundry. Not too exciting. DH is in Europe until 6/18 so I was able to get a lot done without him around! ;) I already miss him though - I can't wait for my mom and sister to come next weekend to keep me company.

[makena32204]

klav - I'm sorry to hear about your father. But, atleast now his diabetes has been diagnosed and your family can watch out for these types of complications.

birth control - I'm lucky to have a very regular cycle and I'm hoping it returns after giving birth. I havent been on anything for years and I dont chart, but I know when are good times to DTD and when it isnt a good time based on my cycle. So, we'll probably just go back to that method. It worked for us for 2 yrs and we got preggo right away. I really dont want another child right away, but if it happens, we'll consider it a blessing. I would like to have my kids pretty close in age, though.

Sweet tooth - Count me in. Every time I eat, I have to have something sweet afterwards! Right now, my favorite is ice cream sandwiches.

wrighty- Glad your baby shower was such a success!!

As for our weekend, our Saturday was really busy and I was looking forward to getting a bunch of stuff done around the house and in the nursery on Sunday (not to mention my thank you's). So, Sunday morning, DH and I went to Target to pick up a few things. We left Target around 11:30 and I told him that I wanted to get lunch b/c I was hungry. He asked if I could wait and I said, "sure, why?". He said, "because my parents are at the airport". They decided to fly from PA to FL for the day as a surprise. They werent even going to tell DH until they got here, but they were worried that we might not be around if they didnt tell him. They said they just wanted to see me before I gave birth (they havent seen me since Feb) and to see the nursery. It was a really nice surprise!

[Mystikal]

Wrighty sounds like a great shower! :)

Birth Control I'm hoping to BF so I don't really want to go on the pill. Plus, when I was on it years ago I got the worst headaches and moodswings. We'll probably use condoms and I'll chart again once baby starts sleeping longer stretches at night.

I'm on my way to the doctor in about 40 minutes to find out a bit more about this induction and hopefully see if I made any progress with all the contrax I was having Friday and Saturday. I'll be back to update tonight!

[a_spark]

klav I'm sorry about your dad! Good thing they caught it in time so that he didn't lose the whole leg, as you said.

wrighty Your shower sounds awesome!! :)

Saturday was our childbirth/infant care class, which was awesome. I had been a little nervous about the whole labor and delivery process and I don't really like hospitals, but I feel so at ease and ready now. I got to ask all of my questions and DH asked a ton of great questions as well. We also got a tour of the hospital and got to see a newborn little girl, which of course just got me SO excited to meet my baby. We also found out that my mom can be in the delivery room with us if we want, which is really cool. She and I are really close and DH loves her. She's a very quiet, (usually) calming influence, so it'll help us both out to have one more person there. That way, DH can take breaks, go eat, nap, whatever and I still have someone with me.

We had my family shower (given by my mom and grandma) yesterday. It was SO fun and so exhausting!! My cousin and aunt flew in as a surprise and I totally ruined their little plan because I was obsessed with not being late (I am notoriously late), so I left super early and showed up 30 minutes ahead of time! As I pulled up, my mom ran into the house, which I didn't think anything of- just thought maybe the decorations weren't up or something. I went in, said hello to my Gma and then headed upstairs to use the bathroom. The one I usually use was closed so I went into the guest room and was about to go into that bathroom when I noticed my cousin hiding behind the bathroom door. My brain didn't register at first, so I just said, "Hi!" And then I did a double-take and yelled "SHUT UP!" We both burst out laughing and were hugging each other. So funny. We had about 15 people there and sat in the sun, talking and eating and opening gifts. I basically have everything I need now, except for the co-sleeper and snap n' go and various little things. I feel so lucky! I was thinking last night about how expensive it is to get all that stuff for a baby and how generous my friends and family have been.

I'm exhausted today from the crazy weekend. I need a day of rest! I will probably come home from the office this afternoon and take a nap.

[Linnybubbles]

Klav: I am so sorry about your dad! He is lucky that his sister is a nurse though. The first thing I thought when I read the start of the post was that he had diabetes. Poor guy.

[Lizard]

klav - I'm so sorry to hear about your dad! DH's uncle had to have a couple toes amputated for diabetes. He had a really hard time keeping it under control.

Shelby - I haven't noticed it with neighbors, but DEFINITELY with people at work. Especially in the last month or so, I've had people come up that have barely spoken to me in the last 7 years, start asking me when I'm due, what I'm having, etc. Also, we have Instant Messenger at work and I'll get random messages like "I saw you walk by, when are you due?" It's nice that they're saying something, but it feels creepy at the same time.

Happy Monday! It's still the weekend for me... I had taken today off because MIL was going to be here, but she decided not to drive down. So, I'm just hanging out today. DH had to work some hours on Saturday so he's hoping to come home early as well.

Purchased a Pack N Play, Diaper Champ and the Aquarium swing this weekend... we'll be using the PNP in our room for a little while so night feedings are easier. Baby Depot had sent out some coupons for $10 off the PNP and $10 off the swing.. paid for tax at least. :)

Has anyone seen mesh crib bumpers in a store? Target sells them from their website, but the pink one I want is out of stock. Plus, it's $30 and I'd love to find it cheaper someplace else.

I will have my 36 week appt. today, because my OB will be out of the office tomorrow. I believe we're doing the GBS test, but I'm not sure what else. We also want to discuss with him his policies on induction, episiotomies, etc. I suppose we should have done this before now, but he is so easy going that I have a feeling he'll have the same attitude about those as well.

Oh... so, DH and I have had a name pretty well set for DD since before she was conceived. Well, yesterday he tells me "Maybe we should think of a different name". He's worried that the name we picked might be too weird, and that she'll get teased or not be taken seriously at school or work. I'd been thinking the same thing on and off, and had brought it up before, but we'd both just brushed it off. So... I guess we're back to trying to figure out a name. :rolleyes: I'd still like to use her first name as her middle name, but I need to find a good first name that goes with it....