September 2006 Mommies: Growing our baby bellies in the 3rd trimester

[{b}]

Oh you poor thing! I can't imagine dealing with a yeast infection and stuff like that now! Sorry to hear that, Alliesmom and Ericka!

We went furniture shopping today! Feels good - like we've actually DONE something! YEAH!

[Aletheia]

Eeks! Get better soon, alliesmomma!

I think I found the stroller I want. It is the Tike Tech ATX, and it looks like this:
http://www.joggingstroller.com/assets/product_images/alternate/300/100211BLUE00000-2.jpg

I thought I'd see if anyone knows anything about it? The reasons I like it:


the price: $180 at bru right now
16" wheels, good for rough terrain
18 pounds
reclines flat (so with an insert can be used with a 6-8 week old for walking)
big sun guard
comes with a backpack and a rain guard
alloy parts; no rust, better resale
brake and hand tether

[alliesmomma03]

Thanks Ericka for the pointers. I really appreciate all the thoughts ladies. Things going good. Did a good job cleaning yesterday ceiling fans, cabinets, bedroom, have to pick up the bathrooms but other then that Our house is almost ready for a baby. Ooopps..Except we don't have the railing on the bed and the changing table is in a box. Well almost ready for a baby.

[craftgenius]

Yesterday my mom came over to help me organize the closets in my house so that I can put away all of my baby stuff. Since the shower, the gifts have been sitting in bags all over my living room, and there was absolutely NO room to put the stuff up! I have two step kids, one of which currently lives with us. We have three bedrooms...master and two spare. They both have clothes in the closets of our two "spare" bedrooms. In the kids rooms, we currently have a twin bed in one bedroom and a full size bed in the other. For the first 3 months or so, the baby will sleep in her crib in OUR room. After then, our plan is to move the baby's crib into the room with the twin bed...so when stepdaughter visits every other weekend, she will sleep in the twin bed and the baby will sleep in our room for the weekend. Stepson will sleep in the full size bed in the third bedroom.

Well...my mom over today with the thought in her head that we were going to get the baby's room all set up...minus the crib which she knew would be in my bedroom. But my intention was only to get the closets rearranged and organized and put the baby's stuff in the closet where the twin bed is. My mom is very strong minded...always thinks that the way SHE wants it is the way it should be...so we started arguing about the whole thing and she was REALLY getting on my nerves!! Mom kept saying, "It just doesn't make sense to put this baby stuff in this closet in this nasty room!!" Which really pisses me off because I don't know what she is talking about!! Mind you, this room is currently my stepson's room. But the room was not nasty!! The carpet in the room may need steamcleaning (which we intend to do in a few weeks), but what does that have to do with the closet which was perfectly clean...just needed to have stuff cleared out of it and vacuumed. DH just shook his head and laughed at us. DH just lets my mom go on and on during her little periods of bossyness and lets it all roll off his back, but she has this ability to get under my skin when she questions what I want to do!

Anyway, I told her that I had NOT told her we were getting the baby's room together...That was just something she conjured up in her own head...and that I specifically told her that I wanted her help getting the closets organized!! So she reluctantly gave in and helped me do what needed to be done. So I am SO EXCITED! All the baby's stuff is tucked away in that closet...clothes hanging up and all...the shelf is organized with all of her stuff...it looks so good. I'll have to take a picture for you all to see. This was a MAJOR undertaking and it took us two days to do it!! It involved organizing and throwing out stuff from THREE closets...including mine which was packed to capacity! In the end we had 3 INDUSTRIAL SIZED garbage bags FULL of stuff to throw away/give to good will.

[craftgenius]

One of the things that mom and I did today was buy a diaper stacker, changing table and some baskets for the changing table. Here is the one that I bought. It's from BabysRUs and is regular $99, but I had a $25 coupon!!

http://trus.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-2895443reg.jpg

I bought these baskets to put on the changing table...(two pink and two green)...
http://trus.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-2903459reg.jpg
http://trus.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-2903458reg.jpg
To refresh your memory...here is the crib...
http://trus.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-2895446reg.jpg
My next purchase will be to buy this little dresser...
http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/05/69/27/07/0005692707559_215X215.jpg

[Camdynlyn]

Craft: We have that dresser but in the 5 drawer and white and love it!

[deliciousjones]

alethea: will your infant seat fit into that stroller? if not, then i'd probably supplement that stroller with a snap-n-go. i'm a huge fan of jogging strollers as they're just way easier to maneuver than the travel systems, which are bulky and heavy. if i had it to do over again, i'd get a snap-n-go AND a jogger.

[September2006Mommies]

Virtual Shower

Everyone who is signed up on the front page should have received a PM with the name of the person, whom they will be sending a shower gift to. If you signed up and did not receive a PM, please let me know ASAP and I will resend the information.

Please note you will NOT be receiving a gift from the same person you are sending one to. You should be contacted for your address information by either the gift giver if they don't wish to remain annonomys or me if they do.

[Dotsie]

I signed up and didn't receive a PM.

[craftgenius]

Camdynlyn - I'm glad somebody I "know" has it. Is yours from the Storkcraft Aspen collection? I was wondering how the quality was in person. The quality is pretty good? That was my only concern with ordering from online. I'm not expecting it to be like some mega expensive piece of furniture, but I didn't want a piece of cheap junk either. I was going to get the matching changing table, but I didn't because was able to get the one I got for only $75!

Virtual shower - YEAH!!! I'm going shopping today!!!

[Aletheia]

MSH, You are Ms. Amazing Threadmistress! Thank you for organizing the Virtual Shower.

craft- my mom is coming to spend a week with us post baby-- in this house (about 800 sq. ft!) I'm dreading it, and then feeling guilty for dreading it. I love my mom, but having her in that close of proximity when I'm tired and needing to begin feeling sure of myself in my new role... I just don't know. So I sympathize with the squabbling you had this weekend! At least your nursery is coming together-- beautiful furniture!

djones- I know I must be crazy, but we're trying life without an infant carseat-- I got a Britax Marathon convertible car seat.

But if it proves to be too much of a hassle to wake baby going in and out of the car, I'm sprinting out to buy an infant car seat and snap n' go, like you said. ;)

[deliciousjones]

alethiea: fair enough. we tried going that route, too. :)

[Aletheia]

djones- and? was it a foolish disaster? :) I've encountered one other mom who said "yeah, i wanted to forego the infant seat, too, but you'll find you can't live without it."

and yet i feel the need to reinvent the wheel. :)

[deliciousjones]

Aletheia: i wouldn't call it a disaster, it just wasn't the most practical solution for our individual needs. my daughter was a great car-sleeper. she fell asleep in the car every time, and when we'd transfer her, she'd wake up and not get back to sleep so easily. i also found that the infant seat was easier for running errands and being out and about (which was essential for my mental health).

also, as much as i wanted to wear her as much as possible, there were days where i just wanted a break from being touched.

rachel (my daughter) was also in a pavlik harness for 6 weeks when she was two months old. at the same time, i had three breast surgeries right in a row. the combination of those two things made slinging almost impossible for 2 months.

so, like i said: it just didn't work for us. it's definitely doable, especially with your first. there's no way i could do it with our second, i don't think.

[{b}]

Blech. Feeling icky today. Maybe it was that turkey dog I had with lunch. Blah. Haven't felt right in the stomach since I took my vitamins.

Think I *may* have had a BH contraction earlier. Maybe.

[mommy2AlliWill]

34 w

allies & erika- I am sorry you have all that crappy stuff going on.

aletheia- We used a double stroller that was not infant seat compatible with my son (I could not deal with a travel system double stroller) & had no issues. I always lifted him out of his seat & into the stroller & he would be fine. Depending on the size of your baby he/she might only be in an infant seat for a coupe months too, so it is worth a shot.

craft- sorry on the Mom stress!

Well, we did it. Made the official "family of five" plunge yesterday & bought the Toyota Sienna. I loved the Honda too but we were really able to negotiate the Toyota dealer down a lot more than Honda. That was the biggest must-do-before-baby-arrives thing on our list, so I feel a sense of calm.

[alliesmomma03]

Congrats on the new mini mommy2alli. I wish I had waited to get a new car fora few more years and not gotten my new car now i am stuck with my car for a few more years to get it paid off more. Thanks for the thoughts ladies. I think I am getting better. We got the changing table put together and also Allies room moved around. Her new quilt on the bed and all. So next weekend hopefully Alyssa's room will be finished

[UTChick]

Think I *may* have had a BH contraction earlier. Maybe.

Glad I am not the only one who isn't sure. Last night my mom and I went to Target and I had what I can only guess were a few BH contractions. I came to that conclusion by process of elimination. Not kicking, not punching, not baby moving...must be BH?

[booksie]

BH - Sometimes I feel like I'm having one, but then I check and find out I'm not. (Usually it is.) I'm a repeat offender and they definitely started earlier and are more frequent than with the last pregnancy. The way I can tell is by feeling my stomach. If it's a contraction I can feel my uterus like a hard bowling ball in there. If it's just some general cramping stuff, the whole area is still squishy.

Infections - for those of you who have had an infection "down there" :o ... what are the symptoms? I've been feeling uncomfortable and itchy but it's more up front - not like a yeast infection. My last midwife appt. I was feeling fine so I didn't even ask. Not sure if they can even diagnose something like that or if I need to go to a regular doctor? The way it is now I'm not expecting an exam of the area for a month and a half...

[Ericka_Jarett]

I didn't really have any symptoms since it's a bacterial infection. They did a culture to find out I had it. Only the OB/GYN's touched me at all. They have the more sterile gloves to use.

You could have nothing, but I would still call and see about getting in for an exam with your midwife.

[2Jacks&Me]

Had a semi-scary 30 mins today. It felt like a 30 min long contrax. Just very uncomfy and hard uterus. DH made me call the Ob which I didn't want to but he told be that it was a fetal position issue. No contrax are that long. The baby moves to a position and the uterus tightens and then when the baby moves again- you are relieved- and I was! WOO HOO!

Now I feel like I have to scrub the floors and get that car seat in order since this could really happen whenever! YIKES!! Give me 4 more weeks!

[Dotsie]

I'm sorry I haven't been posting. I'll do s/o's later.
We've been in overdrive in my house. My mom spent the weekend and we scrubbed the nursery floor to ceiling. I washed all the bedding and DH raised the crib to the top level. We are ready to go. We dug out the carseat, bassinette, and all the baby clothes and got them all washed and put together and put away. I made a list of what I need and really I don't need much.
1. Triple Paste... I swear by this stuff. I have to get the big jug of this.
2. Baby tylenol and all that jazz. I'm going to buy the kit at BRU.
3. Grooming set. Where DO all those pieces get to?
4. Johnson and Johnson wipes. I love these wipes and you can only get them at BRU.
Other than that I am set. I'm going to rent a breast pump for a month to make sure I can do it. Once I know I can I will buy the Medela PIS.
I can't believe in just a few short weeks I will be the mommy to 2 little boys. I am soooo scared and soooo stoked all at the same time.

[MSH]

Hi girls, I have been quite busy. We were painting our nursery this weekend and it is really starting to come together nicely. I am overwhelmed looking at the list of things we have yet to get. There is just soo much stuff.

Shower: it is pretty definate we will not be getting a shower. I am absolutely heart broken. It has caused quite the rift between DH and I as I have been super emotional about the ordeal. At this point I need to get myself together and start arranging for everything baby needs, it won't help to dwell on this any longer.

QOTD: - leaking
Is anything else leaking from your nips? It isn't an every day occurance but getting pretty close. I honestly did not expect this and I thought I was pretty well informed about PGcy. It really did catch me by surprise. Thankfully, there hasn't been any public showings yet :)

[UTChick]

2Jacks~ How strange! I have to admit I am very happy to hear that contractions can't be that long. Could you imagine?!?

Dotsie~ Wow! You got a lot done this weekend! I am glad you mentioned your DH raising the crib. I need to get my DH to do that before we put the bedding on.

MSH~ I am really sorry about the shower situation. I know it sucks and my feelings would definitely be hurt, so you have every right to feel heart broken. I wish I could say something to make you feel better, but I will offer up some {{hugs}}. And I would love to see the final paint job in the nursery. Do you have any pics?


My mom and I spent a lot of time working on things for the nursery this weekend. The shelves have been stained and coated, we finished sewing the slipcover for the desk I am using as a changing table, and we are almost finished sewing the cushions for my great grandmother's rocking chair. I love the chair, it is a simple wooden (maple, I think) rocker but the cushions that went with it were left over from the 70s. So no more orange cushions! I also ironed the crib skirt, so we are ready to put the bedding on now!

[craftgenius]

MSH - I haven't had any leakage since 20-something weeks. Sorry about the no shower issue. :confused:

Nesting - I've been pretty much kicking it in high gear also. I'm trying to get my house in order. Yesterday my girlfriend sold me a mattress set that she had that was practically brand new...had only been slept on for three months. We needed it for our third bedroom...the room that my stepson will move into since he will moving out of his current bedroom to accomodate the baby. The mattress I had in that room was HORRIBLE!! I bought some really nice quilted (pillow-top-like) mattress pads for both the full bed (in the third bedroom) and for our bed. SO COMFY!! I washed the crib bedding, tonight I need to iron the bed skirt. I also went to this baby store here in town called Cullens to see if they had a dresser similar to the one I have been planning on buying online. They have one that I like which is priced almost the same. So DH and I will go by the store today after work to get it. I hope DH will put together the changing table tonight...after that is done, we will have all of our baby's furniture!! I bought a bed skirt for the twin bed which will be in the nursury and now I have to buy some curtains. In two weeks DH will steam clean the carpets in the bedrooms. Things are finally coming together!!

[2Jacks&Me]

MSH I am so sorry. That really stinks! I hope that you are getting a surprise shower! Someone better step -up!

nesting Wow- everybody sounds like they are getting things together. I hadn't thought of babytylenol or gas drops either! I did buy a new finger nail clipper. I guess I better get a few more things going..
I wish my mom would stay over and help that way. She is coming over tomorrow to wash my floor. The Handyman is starting weds on our floor and I am too embarassed to let him start on a dirty floor.
Then he will be here all next week and we will finally have a built in dishwasher- a newly drywalled seiling in our room ( matching paint too!) and a few other little things driving me nuts!

I asked my dad to shampoo the carpet in the living room - I hope he will.

Funny thing- i called him after calling the OB- but before the OB got back to me just in case we were going in to the Hospital. He was at the lake house putting in his shower and I told him to stay there I would call back in case he needed to come watch DS. Well when I called to tell him all was fine- he had come home and was passing the time with laundry. I guess I better be sure it is the real thing or else he will stop time to get to us. I am glad- but I feel badly.

[roadrunner]

Wow - 35 weeks. Scary. Exciting!!

MSH ~ I'm sorry that you are not getting your shower. That's a real downer.

2Jacks ~ Scary! I didn't know that the position of the baby could cause that kind of pain.

Nesting ~ add me to the list. The carpeters were here today, and DD's big girl room is pretty well done. It's so beautiful! She was so excited to go to bed tonight, and didn't even have a care in the world that she was giving up what she now calls the 'baby's yellow room'. I've also been organizing things. MIl is helping me over the next week to get the baby's room ready. We have some small renovations in there, but the paint and border are remaining as is! Mainly, it got new carpet, and it will get a new updated closet.

Send me lots of "no labour vibes" again this week ladies, as DH left again this morning and is working about 6-7 hours drive away for the rest of the week. This will be his last week away, thankfully!

[dana b]

craft so funny. your mom thought she was coming over to do the 'fun' baby stuff and got put to work instead :p .

msh that really sucks about the shower, hope someone does something for you.

nesting i can't even tell you how jealous i am of all the progress you guys are making. i have all the motivation in the world, but something keeps getting in the way :rolleyes: this weekend i had food poisoning and ended up spending all day yesterday in the hospital getting an iv. went to the dr today and it turns out that they never tested my iron, so i had him do it today and i'm anemic. hopefully once i get my iron levels up, i'll get some more energy and start getting stuff accomplished.

[Dotsie]

MSH ~ I've been leaking for the longest time. I think I've said this before but I am a freakin cow when I am pg. I have to wear breast pads.
I'm so sorry that you arent' getting a shower. Do you think you just make get the shock of your life? I hope so. {{hugs}}
roadrunner ~ Yay on all the progress. Aidan's big boy room won't be done for a few more months. We're in the process of redoing our room so he'll just move right on in with us. He is so excited about his "baby brover Conree" coming to play with him:D He's so stinkin cute I can't stand it.
2jacks&me ~ Isn't it crazy the pain a certain baby position can cause? Hopefully she doesn't get in that position again.
Dana ~ I"m so sorry about the food poisoning. Like you're not already uncomfortable enough as it is... I hope you feel better soon.
Craft ~ Congrats on the new mattress set. I'm sure your stepson will really appreciate the new comfort.
UTchick ~ That's awesome your using your grams rocker. I have a rocker from when I was a little girl that I would love to use, I'm just afraid they will destroy it. It's little person sized.

I've been having tons and tons of contractions. I never had them with DS #1
I'm hoping to get this show on the road within the next 2 weeks. I know just last week I was freaking out and now this.... It's 100 degrees here and I look like SHAMU. Not a good combo.

[alliesmomma03]

34 weeks 5 days Booksie I was only itching because of the yeast infection I believe but I don't know for sure. I would call the ob just to ask. They told mine by doing a culture on the urine.

[Ericka_Jarett]

Went to get our travel system today, feel better now that we have it here at the house, hubby will probably install his base in the car tomorrow, the other will go in my car, once the trunk is emptied into storage and the seats are folded back where they belong.

Also picked up a preemie footed gown and hat set, just so we have it in case the other outfit doesn't fit him.

[tgoody03]

Does anyone have the placenta in the front rather than in the standard position? Mine is in the front so I feel fewer movements than most of you guys. And, what I do feel is like muffled kicks, etc. It’s kind of a bummer. The last few weeks I was feeling the baby stretch and flip, it was cool. But now, I barely feel anything. It’s a little scary b/c we are supposed to be counting movements right now and I hardly feel anything. Any of y’all have this?

Aletheia – I had the same question about the infant car seat. I registered for both a Britax and an infant car seat because I wasn’t sure what to do. It seems that the baby could grow out of the infant car seat so quickly or it would get to heavy to carry with baby once the baby started to gain weight. I asked if the infant car seat was necessary in the car seat threat and basically almost every girl that replied said yes. Only one girl said no. Several said they didn’t think it would be necessary, but they ended up going to buy one once the baby was here and it became tough to move sleeping baby in and out of the car and keep the baby asleep. So, I went ahead and broke down and registered for the infant car seat. Hope that helps a little.

I'm dreading it, and then feeling guilty for dreading it. I love my mom, but having her in that close of proximity when I'm tired and needing to begin feeling sure of myself in my new role... I just don't know.

I feel the same way as you! Not that I don’t love my mom, but I can’t imagine having a house full of people (DH’s family, too) when I’m trying to find my own way in a new world, you know? I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels this way. I really thought I was.

BH – None yet. I feel like I’m behind everyone with these things!

2jacks&me – Forgive the stupid question, but what kind of position was baby in to give you that feeling? Like I said above, I don’t feel as much as you guys so just wondering.

MSH – I’m sorry to hear you won’t be having a shower. I wonder why your DH’s family isn’t throwing one. But how about your family … or work? Will you have a work shower? Haven’t had any leaking, but I did have a little bleeding on my nipple the other night. It was weird. I guess they are getting dry? I’ve been putting a little Vaseline on at night to help moisturize them. Crazy things happening these days! Post pics of your nursery when you are done!

[Camdynlyn]

I need to take the carseat out of the box this week and it'll be installed next week sometime. I will be 36 weeks. We will probably take it to the local firestation or to our hospital where they will do it for free. We'll put one in both mine and Hubby's car.

[twink]

MSH What a bummer about no shower. I'm hoping it's just a really big surprise for you!

Leakage I'm a freaky leaker lately. Yuck.

Nesting Not so much yet, but I really need to get to it because this place is a sty!

[{b}]

MSH - I'm presuming since I haven't heard anything yet, I'm in the same boat. :( Kind of sad about that, and then feeling bad for feeling sad about it.

Dana - Feel better! Yikes at the hospital visit!

So that baby furniture we htought we had picked out and were ordering today? Discontinued. Back to the drawing board...

[craftgenius]

Luvvy330 and 2Jacks&me - You've got mail !!!

Dotsie - I'm sure your stepson will really appreciate the new comfort.
MMMPPH...we'll see! He's 18 years old and doesn't appreciate anything we give him!! :rolleyes: Spoiled brat!

Dana - WOW! Food poisoning!! How miserable! Hope you are feeling better.

Virtual shower - Threadmistress, how will the person assigning the partners and sending the PM's know my mailing address to give to my secret pal?? Who do I need to email my mailing address????

Swelling - Is anybody else having any swelling? My feet and ankles started to swell yesterday. I hope this isn't the beginning of preeclampsia! :confused:

[craftgenius]

Here's the new dresser I bought today...it's in the baby's closet...it looks better in person...
http://images1.snapfish.com/347763%3A%3B4%7Ffp347%3Enu%3D3248%3E%3B%3C5%3E%3B7 9%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B3763%3C63nu0mrj


Check out all of baby girl's clothes!!! :eek: All we have done so far is the closet...and silly me is super excited about a darn closet!!!
http://images1.snapfish.com/347763%3A%3B4%7Ffp348%3Enu%3D3248%3E%3B%3C5%3E%3B7 9%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B375%3A498nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/347763%3A%3B4%7Ffp347%3Enu%3D3248%3E%3B%3C5%3E%3B7 9%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B375%3A499nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/347763%3A%3B4%7Ffp348%3Enu%3D3248%3E%3B%3C5%3E%3B7 9%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B3763%3C64nu0mrj

[{b}]

Look at all those cute l'il pink frilly things! Adorable!

[ocgatita]

Hi ladies! Just checking in here at 5:35 a.m. I have been up since 4 and after tossing and turning in bed for about an hour, I decided to get up.

MSH: I am so sorry you are not having a shower. I think you are justified in feeling upset about it. I know I would be heart broken. I sure do hope they have some big surprise planned for you :)

I have my hospital monitoring appointment today & then a regular OB appointment this afternoon. I think she will be doing my GBS swab thing so I am a little anxious.

We had our baby shower Saturday and it was fabulous! We got so much CLOTHES!!!!! But we also got most of the "important" things for the baby's room we needed. Yesterday, DH and I went to Babies R Us and exchanged and finished picking up everything for the babies room. As for nesting, I think DH is the one nesting because he is the one that put everything together for the baby. We even washed all the clothes we got. The only thing I have left to do is start working on all my thank you cards which will be taking awhile. Its a good thing I am not working right now ;)

Ok, everyone take care. We are all down to the wire here!!! :eek:

~Judy

[batgirl]

I tried to post yesturday but lost it! Damn power kept going off and on, then finally stayed off... Hottest day of the year and no power... Thankfully it came on this morning, but sure didn't sleep too well (not that I do normally...)

Boy, anyone else sick of all the, um, attention they are getting from complete strangers? If I hear "boy, you didn't time this very well" from one more stranger, I'm going to punch them! So if you see in the news headlines "Angry pregnant woman attacks fellow shopper..." It was me :o

Hey Aletheia (or anyone else buying a jogging stroller...) You mentioned you are getting a jogger but not getting an infant car seat. I thought you couldn't put a baby less than six months old in a jogger without the car seat? Is there something else you can use? Or can you put a small infant in it if it reclines all the way? We are buying a BOB Revolution stroller and the car seat is my niece's (she outgrew it at 5mos so its basically brand new). Only thing is the car seat (sage green) clashes terribly with the stroller (fluroescent green). I know I sound vain! I'll go out myself looking like I just randomly picked stuff out of the dryer, but when it comes to my kid... :)

Dotsie wow, you are so on the ball! I have got to get my butt moving on the nursery!

Craft Wow! So many clothes! I have most of my big items but no clothes. I noticed that people don't tend to buy clothes when they don't know the gender (which we kept a secret from everyone but you guys!)

danab that's terrible about the food poisoning! Hope your feeling much better.

MSH & {b} I'm not really sure what to say about the shower. I'm sorry your so disappointed. Are people at least buying items for you, or asking you what you need? This is kinda what we did. I did not want a shower, but wasn't really given a choice by MIL. So I did have a small one. No one in my family attended, nor did any of our friends (I told them not to come since it wasn't a bit deal to me and was a 3 hour drive). But my family and friends are still buying items off the registry. We are throwing a last baby free party at our house for all of our friends. One last bash before baby comes. Could you guys do this?

Boy, every time I get on here I wonder if anyone has had their baby yet... I can't believe its August :eek:

Take care ladies!

[Aletheia]

carseat and jogger- heya tgoody and batgirl thanks for your input on this!

As for the age limits... the jogger i'm looking at does recline flat, and is recommended (esp with a separate insert) for 6 weeks+. There's no real way I'll be jogging that early, anyway! I want to wait at least the 6 months that the APA recommends, until baby can at least hold up its own head. But we have a lot of unpaved roads nearby, parks, and trails that we like to walk on. I'd like to do that in 6 weeks after baby, and don't think I could without a stroller like this.

And as for the carseat... If we determine that we can't live without an infant car seat, I'll just try to buy one and a snap n' go on Craigslist. But I use the car pretty rarely (once or twice a week?) and so I want to see if I can get by without it. Our house is so small (800 sq. feet)-- one less piece of baby equipment sitting around is that much more square feet to play!

So... I need some reassurance, if any is out there. I had a midwife's appt yesterday, and found out that baby is measuring TWO WEEKS smaller than gestational age. Not only that, but that apparently this has been the case for a couple of my last appts (but they didn't tell me til now!) So I have to go have an ultrasound on Thursday at 3:40 (which definitely seems like 1 bazillion years away right now) to get a more accurate measurement.

She was very reassuring, though, and said it seems baby's head is already at -2 station-- pretty far down! (Engagement is at 0, and the stations start at -5). So it could just be that my fundal height is lower because baby is lower. But she also said the rest of baby felt small-- she guestimated 5 pounds, and had another midwife come in and independently confirm that estimate. (At 36 weeks, most babies are 6 pounds or more.) At this rate, our baby might make it to 7.5lb by full term... that's still pretty small.

Anyway... this is the first time I've been told my baby is anything other than "normal", and it is scary. :(

But maybe baby is just little, and perfectly normal! When I think about labor, little sounds just great. ;)

[LyLMyssChaos]

Don't worry about your baby being "small." My daughter was born 2 days late and was a whopping 6 lbs. 2 oz when she was born(she wasn't even 6 lbs. when we left the hospital.) She has stayed consistantly small, but is a completely healthy 3 year old. She is just petite, but ya know what they say about "big things coming in small packages?" Well, that's my daughter, she is one feisty little firecracker!

[MSH]

Hi girls. I cannot believe we will be having our babies next month!!! Some of us even this month. Gosh it is getting awefully close.

Thank you so much for your kind words in regards to the shower. To answer a few questions. None of our family are asking what we need, nor offering to buy anything. Our registy hasn't been touched. However, as I found out this weekend barely any of FILs side of the family even knows we are expecting, so I guess it is understandable. We cound and may actually have an end of summer/last baby free party. If nothing else we can at least have a good time and eat some yummy food. That is a really good idea. thanks batgirl. I will have a small good buy party/baby shower at work. This is really the highlight. I am very very happy my co-workers are excited for me and want to do something like this for me as I am fairly new to the department. My family all live overseas and I haven't seen them in 2 years. My parents and brother are coming to visit in mid September and hopefully will get to meet the little one. I know my mother is bring us lots of gifts from home and some of our immediate family (showers are not custom there, in fact most people wouldn't know what they are).

{b} I understand completely I feel bad for being this upset about not getting a shower. I know it is not mandetory to throw showers but one would expect one. More than anything else I am hurt that the ILs are not showing any excitement for the baby. I had hoped and expected more from them.

[octoberkate]

Just echoing this comment Dotsie made:

It's 100 degrees here and I look like SHAMU. Not a good combo.

Not that she looks like Shamu of course, but I sure do and HOT DAMN! Could we have a warmer summer?

[LyLMyssChaos]

It is fairly hot here too! I so wish I wasn't as big as a house cause then I could take the kids to the pool, but I cannot accomplish that on my own! LOL
I tell ya what though, it's supposed to feel like 110 today, so I'm definitely going to be asking hubby to go when he gets home!

[roadrunner]

Aletheia Try not to worry. With #1 I constantly measured 3-4 weeks behind. At 36 Weeks I was diagnosed with Interuterine Growth Restriction, which means that the placenta is too small, and the baby will not get bigger. She was born at 37 weeks, and they had me frightened to death that she would not be alright. She was 5lbs 10 oz and PERFECT!!!!! She wasn't skinny and sickly, she was just perfect, but compact. you think 7.5 lbs is small??? :eek: Yikes, I'm hoping for a 7 pounder and nothing bigger!!

I'm not sure if this link will work or not, but it's to my LJ where I posted some pics of DD's new room. It's a public post, so the link should work:
http://rr-claire.livejournal.com/17525.html#cutid1

Off to get another cup of ice :rolleyes:

[batgirl]

Aletheia {{{hugs}}} Everything will be fine! I've measured all over the boards. 5 weeks bigger, two weeks bigger... I don't even pay any attention any more. I ask if baby is healthy, he says very, that's all I need. You have a very healthy little baby cooking in there. 7.5lbs at birth sounds awesome! (Much better than the 12 pounder that I "gave birth to" in my dream a couple of nights ago. Granted that baby also came out with drumsticks (as in turkeys) instead of legs... yeah, I know, I'm f*cked up! :D )

LMC I was just wondering about you. Last I knew was that you were having contractions. Have they stopped?

MSH Again, I'm so sorry that you didn't get a shower. Sounds like your more upset with the actions (or lack there of) from your family more than the actual shower. People can suck (especially inlaws!) but I'm sure they will come around (it might not be til your gorgeous little babe is here, but they will come around). I strongly suggest throwing yourself a party. Don't call it a shower, but give it some cute little name (the end of freedom party, or something). We are sending out invites via e-mail (so its not formal), we are inviting all our friends, making it a potlock, having a keg (Dh's idea, obviously :rolleyes: ), and a cake or cupcakes. You could even throw in a few baby things. (we have left over pacifier looking things from my shower, they are made with two peppermint life savers and a blue or pink jelly belly, we are going to put them on cupcakes). It'll give you guys a chance to unwind and have some fun before baby arrives.

Boy, I'm long winded today! I was so tired this morning I had that second cup of coffee. And I haven't had two cups of coffee in a loooooong time! Today is DH and my 3rd aniversary, so here's hoping my energy holds ;)

ETA: Roadrunner, that room is so cute! You've done an amazing job!

[twink]

Aletheia My midwife said anything over 5.5 pounds is good so if you are already measuring that big and you still have time to go, I wouldn't worry. Easier said than done, I know. My dream is to have a 7.5 pound baby (history of many 10 pounders in the family)!

batgirl Thank goodness I wasn't drinking my water when I read that about the baby having drumsticks for legs. :)

Video Monitor My mom really wants to buy us a video monitor so I have finally decided on one. Here is a link - it's got one camera and one portable color monitor. http://www.avtechsolutions.com/v02100a.htm

[RosegardenC]

((((ladies in waiting)))) seems we are all getting on edge, just remember, its all going to be okay!

[LyLMyssChaos]

batgirl~
Thanks for asking, they haven't really stopped, more like "haven't progressed." It seems we are just in an extremely long pattern of "false labor." I think we went through this with my son for about a month before I delivered, so we'll see what the doctor says at my appointment on Thursday.

[mommy2AlliWill]

34 weeks 2 days

msh & b- I feel so bad for you both, really. I hope things work out!

aletheia- I agree with everyone else. 2 weeks behind is no big deal! Baby is probably just really low & you are a tiny thing. 7.5 is a pretty average weight too, if your baby is born weighing that.

dorothy & kate- me too! We just got back from my brother's pool & me in my big black maternity suit...that is Shamu:) At least I got to cool off for a couple hours though.

roadrunner- cute room!

[octoberkate]

LMC - my mom had "false labor" for four weeks with my sister... and although I'm sure it was a royal PITA for her, my sister ended up arriving at 38 weeks, normal size, normal everything else. Hopefully you'll have a similar outcome.

Alethia - everyone else has already said it, but I'll echo - don't worry about potentially measuring small. First off, that really isn't all that small, and second off, the "measurements" they do are so inaccurate. We had to have lots of ultrasounds with my first son because we were measuring big - even with the more detailed ultrasound they were off by a pound on the size they told me he'd be - and a pound when you're that tiny is a pretty significant fraction of your weight!

----

31w5d

As to me? Not a whole lot new. I had an OB appointment last Friday - found out I passed the GTT (actually very surprising to me) but they forget to do a CBC and some other blood test so I needed another blood draw. I also got a referral for another Level 2 U/S because I'm now measuring a whopping five weeks ahead - no wonder I feel so huge. Plus I got my prescription for a rhogam shot - which has to be given in the hospital outpatient lab.

This is my last week working for this office and, since I'll be having so many doctors appointments and then quickly starting maternity leave I really don't want to take leave from the new job if I don't have to. So I managed to squeeze in the u/s this week and I think I'll just run down to the lab when it's done for the shot. Not an ideal plan, since I'm trying to finish a lot up, but doable.

Other than that, my main pregnancy issue at the moment is a constant feeling like I've been kicked in the crotch. Ok, maybe not totally constant, but pretty frequent and it just HURTS. It's like an outer muscle ache, one that, if I felt it anywhere else, I'd just rub the ache out. But I can't exactly walk around rubbing my crotch now can I...

Other than that I'm just hot. It's 100 degrees here today, supposed to feel like 110. It's been making commuting (ie waiting for the bus, hustling from bus to metro, walking from metro to office) a bear. I am a drippy pool of sweat by the time I get to the office.

I'm not quite in full nesting mode like some of you ladies - but I need to get there soon. I did manage to do some work in DS's room - which is good because they'll be sharing the room. I got the dresser, closet, and changing table organized - not with any new baby stuff mind you, but all of DS's stuff is cleaned out so there is some room. I need to track down my coupons and go back to Target to buy more diapers - they are on sale this week - and then I'll at least have SOME baby stuff. After that my plans are to find and wash my infant clothes from before and to find the bucket carseat and give it's cover a good wash as well.

Oh, and I need to figure out what new baby will be sleeping in. I don't want him in the crib because that's in DS's room and I don't want them sharing until the new baby has his nights and days figured out. So I need to decide - use our pnp bassinette, buy a different basinette, use a moses basket, what. I'd say the pnp would be fine, but I think that might come to a very good use as a good place to keep DS2 safe from DS1's "love"...

[twink]

Just heard from a friend of mine who is 24 weeks pregnant. She had surgery to repair a hernia when she was 18 and apparently her pregnancy has brought it back on. She said that she has to keep pushing her intestines back inside. I'm really hoping they can repair it again before she has the baby since she was hoping for a vaginal birth.

octoberkate It's 100 degrees here, too. Makes for a really pissy pregnant woman! :D

[dionysia]

At this rate, our baby might make it to 7.5lb by full term... that's still pretty small.If it's any consolation, I was 6 lbs 8 oz when I was born.

Not that much to update. My next appointment is this Thursday. I am 33w1d today.

I did buy a 24/7 Boppy body pillow. I like it, but it doesn't help my aching hips. I've been a Crankypants the last couple of days because I'm sleeping really badly due to my hips.

Di

[Aletheia]

Thanks, all, for your reassuring words! I'm feeling much better. I don't know why 2 weeks sounded like such a huge amount of time, but it really did!

I guess I should be thankful-- I can still shave my legs and paint my toenails without much difficulty, and I'm squatting in the garden to weed every day! (good thing I didn't have a typo on "weed" and forget the "d", eh?)

di and others with sore hips- I've been having this problem a lot for the last month or so. My hips are really wide set and sleeping on my side pre-pregnancy made them hurt. Once the big bed pillows inbetween my legs stop working (around 3 a.m. every morning!) I've found that the "Relaxation Pose" advocated by the Bradley method really, really feels good.

Here's how you do it-- it is a bit awkward at first, but between 3 and 5:30 a.m. (when I get up) I flip sides ONCE and it's heaven.

Start out on your side (we'll say the left side.)

Reach your right leg out in front of you at almost a 90 degree angle with your torso, and then bend your knee at 90 degrees. Prop that leg up on pillows so there is no downward strain in your hip.

The left leg can be bent or all the way straight (I like it straight.) You end up sorta lying on the left side of your tummy, but it's okay, and it's as close to tummy lying as you can get!

Take your head pillow and place it at an angle so it is under your head and slightly under your right collarbone (or even further down).

Reach your right arm out in front of you, and bend it at 90 degrees with your hand going up.

Now, here's the really weird part which you might not want to do right away. Bradley recommends putting your left arm BEHIND you and bending it at 90 degrees pointing down. It feels really ooky at first, but I've gotten rather used to it.

The idea with this position is that none of you body parts are cutting off circulation to any other body parts, making it a good pose to completely relax in for long periods of time... say, during early labor. :)

And I should say at first I thought it was a bunch of hooey and TOTALLY uncomfortable, but as I'm getting used to it it is almost as comfy as I used to be sleeping on my tummy (I've always been a tummy sleeper.)

batgirl- where's that photo of the sling cat? :)

[Camdynlyn]

Wanna see why 2 people so far today have asked if I'm due anyday now? No, I've got 5 weeks left! Do you feel sorry for me, yet? :p I think I've really grown in the past 2 weeks and I think comparing my 33 and 35 shots, I've dropped. I'll let you decide for me, though.

35w1d compared to 33w3d
http://static.flickr.com/60/204211255_6d9301b677_m.jpghttp://static.flickr.com/51/194138653_d812ed7051_m.jpg

I'm sporting the "Yes, my belly is too big for my shirt" look today! :)
http://static.flickr.com/63/204211261_e428f86ce3_m.jpg

[RosegardenC]

I just cant believe I have 8 more weeks still! I am getting tired of the heat and pregnancy combo! UGH! I really need to get a swim suit this week so I can go swimming this weekend while my parents are visiting (they are staying at a hotel with a really nice pool)

I have my shower this weekend, but I have no idea what people are getting me?!?! since there are only 2 things bought off my registry!!! HUH? guess I will be suprised no matter what at this rate! LOL! Tho I really was hoping for a few more things, since I really need the stuff I registered for, I dont have any baby stuff left from my last baby ohh 13 years ago!!!

I am feeling bigger by the day now, 32 weeks 2 days now......

[dana b]

twink have you heard good things about that monitor? just wondering how you found it? i've been thinking about the mobicam or the geeks.com system, but this looks better since it says it won't interfere with the cordless phones and wireless network.

measurements am i the only one who's dr doesn't do any measurements? last time my m/w always measured me with the measuring tape and would feel what position the baby was in. my ob now only checks the hb with the doppler at each appnt. and that's it, nothing else.

[roadrunner]

Camdynlyn ~ You look like you have dropped a bit! How do you do those side-by-side pregression pics?

Dropping off my 35W big old belly photo:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/suziemci/35W001.jpg

I sooooo can't wait to have this baby (just not this week!!)

[Dotsie]

Allright ladies... get ready to shop. My friend is a manager at a GAP store. She sends me coupons and stuff in the mail. She just sent me a coupon. It's Friends and Family of GAP. It's good at GAP, GAPKIDS, BABYGAP, GAPBODY, GAPOUTLET and GAP.COM. It's 30% off ANYTHING, even clearance and new lines. If you have a GAP card it's 35% off.
The code is
b21gv3lmyrf4 It's good August3-6, 2006. Happy shopping :D

[UTChick]

Thanks, Dotsie!!

[Koala_Gurl]

Video Monitors - I had the Geeks.com one, and also the Safety First one (not sure which model.) I was thinking of the Mobicam, since I wanted to have 2 cameras when this baby comes.

All in all, for the $$...the Safety First one sucks (well, it works OK, but for the $$, I would say it sucks). Granted, we havae cordless phones and a wireless network. The Geeks.com one was great! The only reason I got the SF one was I finally dropped the handheld unit of the geeks.com one a few too many times (it actually still works, just not great.) But I think the reception was a lot better on the geeks.com one.

If anyone sets up the Mobicam one, please provide a review!!!

Dotsie - OOOHHH, thanks for the coupon!!!

Swimming - in this heat, I am sure glad we have been going swimming! I have been trying to do the water aerobics 3 times a week, and the other two, I have DD's swimming lessons. But, I think I am just about done with that...she spends the whole 1/2 hour going from the steps of the "big" pool, to the toddler pool to the shower. It wears.me.out!!!

[cjones15]

Has my OB appointment today. They decided to go by my original due date of Aug. 25 for some reason so they have me at almost 37 weeks!! I should have questioned them but I am so ready to have this baby. I lost another pound, I think that is a total of 19 pounds down from my pre-pg weight. Doc thinks baby is head down. I go back next Tuesday for another u/s to check size/position. He did not check my cervix which I was ticked about. I had contractions all weekend and wanted to know if they were doing anything. I know it doesn't mean much but I was in pain all weekend and it would have made things a little better to know it was doing something.

I had a pg massage last Friday! It was wonderful. I have another one scheduled for the 11th. I can't wait. She worked on the pressure points for the uterus. That's probably the reason I had contractions all weekend.

[Camdynlyn]

Roadrunner: I just lay the pictures out side by side in paint and save it and upload it to snapfish, usually. Those that I posted above are just 3 pictures side by side. I use Flickr.com for them because they are smaller and I can get more of them on a page.

[2Jacks&Me]

geesh- I had a ton of catching up to do- my SO's are going to be lame!

heat sounds like everyone is in sweltering weather. We hit 103 today and I am in WI! I went out twice and thought I may die!

tgoody not sure of the actual position of the baby- I just think it was a general " baby moved into some sort of postion therefore, my uterus clamped down leaving me wondering what the heck did those contrax feel like anyhow?!"


hips and sleeping add me! I pretty much do sleep in that bradley postion anyhow- but it isn't quite doing it- my low back then kicks in and I wind up in the recliner. No good sleep for me.

my mom washed the floor for me today! YEEEE! Does anyone else have a Dh who keeps ALL boxes that things came in? Esp electronics? Well I am fed up- I finally got him to let me throw out a few today. We are up to our chins in boxes!

Well- off to eat some cake! Yum!

[deliciousjones]

2Jacks: where in Wisconsin are you? I'm in Milwaukee!

[twink]

dana b I found it from searching for recommendations on these boards. The geeks.com was always out of stock when I checked and I just got fed up waiting for them to stock more. The one I ordered is supposed to arrive tomorrow so I will set it up this weekend and give a full review next week. I might use it to spy on my dog when she is in the basement. ;)

[dana b]

Koala_Gurl i haven't heard the greatest things about the mobicam, my sil has it and after a while the reception just started getting worse and worse.

twink thanks! i'll wait for your review :)

thanks for the coupon dotsie. i need to get baby gowns and stuff.

[{b}]

Thanks Dotsie! Great coupon!

Roadrunner - great job on the room! Love the color and the carpet!

MSH - same here, no one seems too excited, but everyone knows. But MIL and SIL just got back from 3 weeks in Italy, so that was a huge thing for them to plan. No one (not friends, family, co-workers) has asked about a registry, nothing's been purchased...

Anyone wanna help me SELF-DIAGNOSE this issue? My left foot and ankle look "normal," you know, for being 34+ weeks PG. My right foot and ankle, howevr, are sausages. No pain, but it looks so wierd! All puffed up. Sleeping didn't make much difference. No visible signs of a bite or an injury or anything. Any ideas?

102 today. Yikes. And I have a million things to do today, of course!

[{b}]

Oh, and where is my "New Posts" link? Grrrr... I love that function!

[Ericka_Jarett]

{b} - just noticed they took that and search down for the time being, Richard thinks it may have been causing crashes.

[roadrunner]

Aletheia ~ I tried your sleeping recommendation last night, and I have to say, I was much more comfy! Thanks!!

It's raining and I'm so lazy today that I don't even feel like posting. I cannot wait for DH to get home. This is not the sort of life I signed up for - being a single Mom. I've already told him that if they tell him he needs to go away next week he MUSt say no. Two weeks away from your family is quite long enough!

Seems like I'm getting headaches again. I hate headaches.

ETA: Camdynlyn: Thanks, but I still can't figure out how to open 2 pics in paint at the same time!!

[twink]

Aletheia Since you are so good about the side relaxation position (which I find comfortable on the floor at class, but not on our soft bed) - are you also a pelvic rock and kegel superstar? :)

[Aletheia]

twink- :D Superstar? I wish! But I have become more motivated. DH declared this last weekend that any day that he comes home and asks if I've done my exercises and prenatals and I've failed in any category, he gets to lick me.

I hate being licked.

No, we're not really mature enough to be parents yet. :o

Oh, and d/roadrunner- glad the position helped!

[Camdynlyn]

Roadrunner: I don't actually open them at the same time. I copy and paste them into Paint so they are side by side. I copy them from my My Pictures file or even after I've uploaded them to Snapfish or something.

**
I'm feeling nauseated this morning! Morning sickness better not be rearing her ugly head. I had her from week 5-20! :mad:

[RosegardenC]

Altethia Its so much more fun to act like a kid and be a parent then act the "PARENT" role! Of course I do seem to embarrass my 13 and 15 yo's but HEY thats what parents are supposed to do! LOL! Enjoy being a parent and having an excuse to play with toys, go down slides, and swing on swings! Its much more fun that way!

[twink]

Aletheia That's funny! Isn't it cute how they get so into it? Maybe I should let DH crack his neck whenever I don't do my exercises - that would definitely be motivation to get them done!

[2Jacks&Me]

delicious I am in Racine! We are neighbors! We should get together with our monsters! Where will you deliver? I go to St. Mary's Milwaukee Campus.

[Jenzen01]

Delurking to wave hello to my fellow Wisconsinites! I'm up here near Stevens Point.

[suiej]

Dotsie - Awesome coupon, wish I'd had that before I bought my bedding from there!!

Aletheia - He gets to lick you?? Hahahah.... I think we learned about that position in our childbirth class on Sunday. It seemed weird to me, but hey, if it helps....

~~~

We had a busy weekend, DH painted a bathroom, picked up the baby's furniture (the crib and dresser, and they are beautiful!) and we started arranging the room. It's going to look so nice when it's done, there's just still a lot to do!

We had our first childbirth class on Sunday. Poor DH didn't know it was 4 hours, and he was ready to leave at 4, only to realize we had another hour! Hopefully he'll be a little more prepared this week. We went over a lot about labor, relaxation techniques, and staying comfortable in the last weeks. Because, right now it's 100 degrees outside, and very little will keep me comfortable!

I need to learn to slow down at home, I have this insane nesting instinct lately, and everything in the house must be clean and organized, or I can't relax. It's driving DH crazy, and I can't seem to just sit down and let it go!

[suiej]

I forgot to ask... I got my info for the virtual shower, but what are our details? Like, when should they be delivered to the person, what's the spending limit, etc.?

I can't remember if it's been explained yet or not.

[craftgenius]

suiej - I need to learn to slow down at home, I have this insane nesting instinct lately, and everything in the house must be clean and organized, or I can't relax. It's driving DH crazy, and I can't seem to just sit down and let it go!
I am the same way! I can't get my mind settled because I am constantly thinking about what needs to get done next!!!

Virtual shower - I never had my question answered about who gets my mailing address for the shower????

[Dotsie]

I had my appt today. All is well. I'm still measuring a bit ahead but the dr I saw this time around wasn't as concerned. He said that he will send me for another u/s at 38 weeks. If the baby is 9lbs or less he will induce me the last week of August and I will try for a vaginal birth. If the baby is more than 9lbs I will be scheduled for a csection for the last week of August. So I guess what I'm trying to say is.... Conor will be here the last week of August :D :eek:
I cannot believe that in 3 1/2 weeks my new little (big?) guy will be here.... yahhoooo!!!
My next appt is August 9th

[batgirl]

Bumping us back to page#1!

Boy, so tired today. The heat has really gotten to me (our power goes on and off, so it warm inside, too). Today its finally cooler! Yeah!

Not much going on... start birth class (2, 4hr classes) on sunday. Poor Dh keeps saying "I'm going to pass out... I'm going to pass out.." He gets squeemish just watching CSI! Men!

craft & suiej Yup! Me too. My mind is never calm anymore. Always thinking/stressing about what needs to get done. I'm driving DH batty!

Dotsie wow, 3.5 weeks!

I don't know which one I would prefer... would I want to know when the baby was scheduled to arrive, or would that stress me out more...

[roadrunner]

I'm free for the day!!!! MIL just took DD for the rest of the day, and she's sleeping at their house tonight as well. I'll probably go up there for supper, since I'm sure I'll miss her at some point today ;) .

I'm just really tired, Dh usually gets up at night if DD gets up, and of course, he is still away. She normally gets up for a drink and a 'tuck-in' 2-3 times a night, which literally takes 30 seconds, but add that to my 8-10 times that I'm up to go potty each night and you end up with one tired Momma!!

So, I just called a friend to go to lunch. Then I have a few small things to do, and I'll take a nap. Oh the feeedom - whatever will I do with all of it???

QOTD Anyone still able to wear their rings? I haven't been able to in over a month now. I've though about buying a cheapie from Wal-Mart, just cause I'm silly and don't like to be out without my wedding ring. But, really, who cares? I'm more comfy with no rings right now anyway!

Off to relax....

[Koala_Gurl]

qotd - Rings came off a few weeks ago. They still barely fit, but I just don't want them to get stuck.

fatigue is back big time! I find myself letting DD watch a bit more TV than usual, just so I can sit on the couch. And, I am back to napping when she does. I am TIRED! Is it sad that I am sort of looking forward to the hospital visit??? ;)

[Dotsie]

QOTD ~ I can still wear my wedding band. I can't wear it with my e ring though. I'm actually quite surprised that I can. When I was pg with my DS I had to stop wearing them at around 5 months. I'm starting to swell a bit (from the heat I think) so it is getting a little tight.

[Dotsie]

RoadRunner ~ Oh how I wish I had the day to myself. I've had a migraine since last night. It's finally starting to ebb. And why is it when you don't feel good your child decides to be the child from h$ll? Aidan is getting into everything today. My DH is down at court (he's a cop) so he's not here to help out.
Enjoy your day, You deserve it!!!

[octoberkate]

QOTD - Rings - nope, haven't been wearing them for maybe two months now. I'm wearing a silver band that DH got me last time - I just wanted to have a ring on and I found that I missed mine when I couldn't wear them anymore.

--------------------------
(the following is cross posted from my LJ)
So I went to the perinatologist this morning for another level 2 u/s to measure the size of this baby and to see if/how far ahead I'm measuring. At 32 weeks on the nose, DS2 is weighing in at an estimated 6 pounds 3 ounces. And with an estimated growth rate of half a pound a week from here on out, that means that if I were to make it to my due date, according to this estimate, DS would weigh 10 pounds 3 ounces.

So, uh, yeah. I think I'll be getting induced early again. Because last time my nine pounder barely made it out after a long hard labor - there just wasn't room enough for him. My OB said I didn't have to induce, but if we waited and the baby got too big I was pretty close to needing a c-section last time, so I should keep that possible alternative in mind.

I do not want a c-section if I can avoid it, so we'll be inducing.

So DS is currently measuring a little over four weeks ahead, looking more like a 36 week baby than a 32 week baby. No wonder everyone keeps asking when I'm due, as if the answer should be sooner than it is.

In the good news department, there's still plenty of room for him to grow (I don't see how this is possible, but the perinatologist swears it's true) and plenty of fluid around him, so everything is looking a-ok.

After that, I went down to the outpatient lab to get my rhogam shot. I didn't realize I'd have to wait an hour (minimum) after I was called because they have to take a blood sample and test it before they can give me the shot. I explained that I was running behind and needed to get back to work, I couldn't wait an hour, couldn't they just review my medical records? They said no, they couldn't go by a prescription for a rhogam shot, they had to have my blood work in the hospital records. I pointed out that not only had I received the same shot at this hospital 2.5 years ago, but that I'd delivered my son here and that they should have plenty of information regarding my blood type and blood work on file.

Apparently, for some reason I fail to understand, that's not sufficient. So we compromised, I had a blood draw today and I'll go back tomorrow for the shot. It means missing yet more work, but oh well.

That's about it for me today, hope everyone else is doing well!

[MSH]

Rings I can still wear both my e-ring and my wedding band (I wear one in each hand, it is a Danish thing). I haven't noticed any swelling at all, other than my feet if I am sitting for a long time in hot/humid conditions.

So far everything is going great. I am just over 33 weeks and just got the call today saying my changing table will be delivered tomorrow!! I am so excited as it wasn't due to be delivered until Sept 17th! I cannot wait to get home tomorrow and see it in the nursery. Tomorrow night I am also going out to get the stroller, carseat and the crib mattress.

As you know there were some issues with my MIL, showers etc. I decided on Tuesday I am going to stop worrying about the shower situation and focus on building a better relationship with MIL before the baby comes. I honestly do not want exclude her from the babys life but things between us will need to change in order for me to get over some of the hurt feelings I've been experiencing. Anyways, I called her on Tuesday and asked if she would want to help me make custom bedding for the babys room. I have some ideas for what I would like but I am by no means a wiz when it comes to a sewing machine and making up patterns. She accepted my offer and we will be going shopping for some fabric possibly this weekend. I am also hoping DHs Aunt will do some embroidery for us as I really want to personalize some of the bedding.

[UTChick]

MSH~ I think you are fabulous! Such a positive attitude on the situation with your DH's family. I think it is great that you are wanting to strengthen your relationship with your MIL prior to the baby coming, especially since they are a lot closer geographically to you than your family. I am sure the bedding will be beautiful and how special will it be to tell your little one that you and his grandma and aunt made it for him together.

[September2006Mommies]

Virtual Shower
Addresses: The address for the following mommies have been requested by your virtual shower buddy. Please send your address to me (you can PM September2006Mommies) and I will forward it to your buddy.

Aletheia
dana b
Octoberkate
SuieJ

Otherwise you should be receiving a PM from your buddy asking for your address.

Cost: I believe we agreed on $10-$15 per gift

Timing: As I was a little late getting the match ups done I would suggest we all try to ship our gifts by the end of next week. That way most mommies should get their gift before the baby arrives ... however, some of us are getting quite close. You are more than welcome to check your giftees EDD and ship the gift accordingly.

Shipping/Receiving Please make a quick post in the thread when you ship and/or receive your gift that way the giver knows when their item has been received.

Babies Arriving Thread
I will setup the new thread over the weekend. You may subscribe to the new thread as soon as it is up (I will let you know here), however, please do not post. The new thread will start off with the announcement of the very first Sept 2006 Mommy delivering her baby! Some of us girls are getting very close. Untill then just continue to use this thread :)

[mommy2AlliWill]

34 w 3 d

Dorothy- OOH, good news. Can’t wait to hear when #2 will arrive. I sent you an e-mail earlier too.

Roadrunner- Wow, enjoy! A whole day & night alone, heavenly

QOTD: rings. I still wear my engagement ring, which looks like an anniversary band, can not get my wedding ring on though.

MSH- I agree with the others…what an amazingly good attitude. I hope you find fabric you love.

I am off to my appointment. Don’t expect anything exciting to happen there.

[Dotsie]

MSH ~ YOu are an awesome person for rising above all the stuff that has been going on. I wish I could be that forgiving. I'm sure the bedding will turn out beautifully.
OctoberKate ~ Wow, you sound just like me. I was pretty firm on not being induced in the beginning of this pg. Now, I'm am so flipping excited I can't stand it.


I don't know why but when I read the baby arriving post I started to cry:o I guess it's the hormones but I am so happy that we're almost there and I wanted all of you to know that you are all an amazing group of women and am very lucky to have been able to share this life altering event with each and every one of you!!!

[batgirl]

MSH Boy, what an awesome attitude! It makes me feel a bit guilty... I'm doing the opposite by distancing myself from MIL when I know that she'd like to be more involved...

Roadrunner, enjoy the day!

Octoberkate 10lbs 3oz??!! OMG :eek:

rings I can't wear my e-ring anymore, but am lucky to be able to wear my wedding band.

Okay, I just read the new SeptMommies post about our Babies Arriving thread. At first I was thinking "boy this is exciting", but then that changed to pure fear! OMG, how the heck did we get here so fast??? I'm not ready... Now I'm scared to death... anyone else exhibiting irrational (or is it rational) fear after reading that post...

:eek:

ETA: Ha! Dotsie I started to cry, too! But out of fear!
But I agree, I am so glad that I had you guys for questions, comfort, the occasional (or in my case, the frequent) freakouts!

[Aletheia]

Oh my goodness. I was enjoying a perfectly good breakfast burrito and an appetite that *was* huge.

But something about the Baby's Arriving Thread derailed all of that. Crimeny, we are getting so close!

And just a shout out of respect to the RO's-- reading roadrunner's thoughts about having a whole day/night 'off' from mommy-duty--- I am so super impressed that you all are out there parenting while pregnant. I have been sleeping so poorly, and thus so often, that I don't know how I could also be parenting a toddler right now (let alone multiple toddlers!) We have a very, very loud cat, and last night we had a house guest, so the cat had to sleep in the garage. It was so heavenly to have the house be so quiet all night. That was my night off. So I plan on putting the cat in the garage at night more often... but you can't do that with a toddler! :D Anyway-- kudos to you RO's.

I have the U/S to check on bambino's small size today at 3:40-- I'm feeling pretty confident about it, but keep me in your thoughts!

MSH- You are the best threadmistress ever. I'm not doing anything any more! I can help you set up the new thread, though. Would it help if I got it started and then you could just add all your fancy stuff to it? Or would you prefer to "build from the ground up"?

rings- still have them all on, and haven't had any tightness. i'm glad about that-- they are my security blankets, somehow.

baby has the hiccups again. :rolleyes:

[Camdynlyn]

Back from my doctor's appointment. It was a really quick appointment. I love going in the mornings. Afternoons, I usually wait a good while. I was in and out in about 20 minutes.

I was told by the male doc last time that my GBS test would be done at my next visit so it surprised me when she told me to undress from the waist down. Okay. I love the doctor I was seeing today. She's so gentle, easy to talk to, up-to-date on the information and young. I actually requested her for my last 4 appointments. I will probably switch to make her my primary, too, since I've only seen my primary one 2 times (strange, huh?).

She checked the fundal height (measuring right on track) and we heard the heart beat. Ahhh, wonderful. Anyway, she swabbed and then I asked if she could see if there was any progress made. She said not to get my hopes up this early and that she would try to find my cervix but if she had trouble, she wouldn't pressure and hurt me. Well, it was nothing at all. I thought it would hurt but I guess all those months of me checking my own cervix paid off. She was surprised to tell me I was 1 cm dialated and 50% effaced. She also said the baby's head is, "right there." Great! :) Mom's all nervous! :rolleyes: I told her it could still be WEEKS and that 1cm/50% was nothing. I was just glad there was progress being made.

I've been pretty uncomfortable today. I've had another contraction and felt like I would pass out at Target in the checkout line. Baby is getting LOW. I'm going to write some thank you notes out and then lie down and relax (doctor's orders! ;) ).

[craftgenius]

Dotsie - and I wanted all of you to know that you are all an amazing group of women and am very lucky to have been able to share this life altering event with each and every one of you!!!
Sniff, sniff...can somebody bring me some tissue!!! sniff-sniff! haha!! Honestly, it has definitely been great going through this experience with you ladies.

I had my weekly ultrasound and doctor visit today. All is well...me and baby girl are doing great. I was a little concerned going in because my feet started to swell this week. I was worried that it might be the beginning of pre-eclampsia. But my blood pressure was fine and there was no protein in my urine. My doctor did an internal exam and said that I was beginning to "thin a little"...which she said was normal in this stage of the game. But what does that mean exactly???? Does that mean that I'm starting to dilate? Excuse my ignorance, but what does "effaced" mean??? I need to pull out one of my 50 million baby books. The doctor also said that at this stage she wouldn't try to stop labor from happening!! :eek: Isn't that somebody...we are getting SO CLOSE!!

Wedding rings - I am still wearing my rings. However they are getting pretty tight.

MSH - That is a great attitude to have. Maybe if your MIL participates more she will become more excited about everything.

[roadrunner]

I had lunch with a friend, and we went to check out a few wedding venues for her and her fiance. Then I came home and had a 3hour nap!! :eek: I felt like I was in a coma, and I'm still trying to wake up!!

Aletheia ~ Yes, it definately is challenging to be preggo and have a toddler. But, you know who I am having a ton of respect for? All of you ladies who are still working!! I really and truly don't know how you are doing it. I've been off since 29 weeks, and I know that I would not be able to cope with working right now!! Good luck with the U/S.

Camdynlyn ~ Wow - you are making progress!!! Scares me, since we have the same due date. I'm having my GBS swab on Monday, but I know my Dr. won't do an internal, although I'd love to know if anything is happening since I'm having a ton of contrax.

Well, I'm off to MIL's to visit with DD :rolleyes: . I know, I know, I just can't stay away for that long though!

[UTChick]

I just got back a little while ago from my dr. appt. DH was able to come and meet me which was good because we found out that baby boy is breech. *sigh* Not what I wanted to hear. Luckily, he is not engaged and my cervix is tight and closed, so we have a little bit of time to get him to turn around. Dr. G could tell I was not happy but reassured me that we have time. He said that if the baby were engaged, he would have the calendar out to schedule my c/s but he is not ready to do that yet. He just wanted to let us know what the situation was and what the options are well in advance. I go back next Friday for another u/s and we will see what the situation is then. He just doesn't want my water to break with the baby being breech because then it would be an emergency c/s. He said if we have to do the c/s, he would rather it be scheduled than emergency, so we will monitor everything closely. He gave me a couple of ideas of things to do to try to get the baby to turn so I am going to do that. Baby is weighing 5lbs. 11oz. right now, which he says is fine. Of course, DH says he just wants us both to be safe and healthy and we just need to do whatever will ensure that. So we'll see what happens.

[Aletheia]

craft- I think the best description of dilation and effacement that I've heard is that the cervix is like the neck of a turtle neck. As you pull it over your head, the neck hole opening gets wider-- that's dilation. But so too the width of the collar gets thinner as it gets stretched around your head-- that's effacement.

UT- I would strongly recommend you stimulate the acupressure points that turn breech babies. It's super easy, and ou can even just do it at home!

1. Find your little toes, or have your husband find them. :)

2. The point is located on the outside edge of each toe, right where the nail comes out of the skin-- right at the cuticle.

3. It's not altogether comfortable, but that's not the point, right? What you need to do now is use your thumbnail to scratch and dig in at that point for 30 or so seconds at a time, breathing deeply all the while. I would do about 3 sets on either toe before lying down to rest for a while.

If you went in to see an acupuncturist, they would stimulate this point by burning an herb (moxa) right next to it. My best friend (an acupuncturist) says they have no idea why moxabustion works, but it is 80 PERCENT SUCCESSFUL at turning breech babies. Might as well give it a try, eh?

Good luck.

[UTChick]

Aletheia~ Thanks!! I will definitely give it a try! I am willing to try anything and that sounds pretty easy - except for the reaching my toes part. :p That will be hubby's job!

[dionysia]

QOTD: I am still wearing my rings.

I had my 33 week appointment today. I am down a pound. Total weight gain is 10 lbs.

Fasolaki's heartrate is good. Fundal measurement is right on target.

Next appointment is 8/17, when I will have a culture taken for Group B strep, an internal exam to see if I've progressed any, and I'll be signing consent forms for the actual delivery & hospital stay. YIKES!

I have my 5th ultrasound on 8/18. The placenta continues to move, but is still low.

Hopefully we'll get some more painting of the nursery done tomorrow night! It's still pretty warm here, though not triple-digits anymore!

My family shower (thrown by my aunt & cousin) is on Sunday. Our breastfeeding class is Saturday.

Di

[ocgatita]

UTChick- Sorry about your baby boy being breech. I sure hope he moves in the head down position! Turn baby, turn :)

MSH Thanks so much for being such a great threadmistress! And also you are so amazing to be attempting to embrace and have a better relationship w/ you MIL.
__________________________________________________ ______________

QOTD I have't worn my rings since I was about 5 or 6 months :( I have had some major swelling throughout but of course especially in the past couple of weeks.

My next appointment is August 14. Our breastfeeding class is Monday, so hopefully we'll get some good information. We are basically ready for the baby now. DH has gotten the room all together. I just need to put baby's clothes away but we can't seem to figure out how to organize it all. My bag is almost packed, I just need to run to Target and get some travel size toothbrushes & toothpaste.

I can't believe that any of us can have our baby at any moment now! Take care everyone!

~Judy

[2Jacks&Me]

qotd Been wearing my grandma's rings since March. She died then and I got them- plus I got super swollen last pg and was petrrified to have rings mangled should I have to cut them off! I think onoce baby is born and I can wear them again I will move grandma's to other hand.

[craftgenius]

2Jacks&me - Did you get my email?

[Koala_Gurl]

dilation & effacement - Our birthing class had a demo on this...

Imagine sucking a life saver candy. Dilation is the hole in the center getting bigger, and effacement is the candy getting thinner. :)

[alliesmomma03]

Went to the doctor and according to this doctor she said I am 34 weeks. I am not sure how pregnant I am. I went to the doctor today as she wanted me to meet another doctor in her practice "just in case" I got to my appt at 3:08 that is the time they checked me in. Got back to a room at 3:15 which was my appt time. At 4:15 I had hubby go check and see what was going on. Considering when we got to the office we were the only ones in the lobby. The dr said she would be in in just a minute and at 4:45 I had to go to the bathroom so I did and I went to the front desk to see if I needed to reschedule. I know it is an ob practice so these things happen but why was she standing at the drs podium with the computer and not coming in to see me. When she came in she didn't even bring in the computer with the Electronic medical records on it so she wasn't ready to tell me how much weight I had gained what my bp was or anything. I asked her and she went out and got the computer so she could tell me. Then she checked the fundal height but kind of acted like she didn't know what to do next. She went to find the babies heart rate and said it was in the 150s after she had a hard time finding the babies heart rate anyway. I am going to call the drs office inthe morning and find out if they think I need to come be checked by my normal ob or what. I feel Alyssa move and everything so I am not to worried but every appt me I have had her hr was found right off and been in the 130s even last week it was in the 130s. Then I asked her when I should come back I said should I come back in two weeks or next week she said well if you want you can come back next week. What do you mean if I want. You are the doctor you tell me. So I made the decision I would schedule an appt for a week and a half that way it wasn't way out there. But I am still going to be calling tomorrow. I just want to get someone who knows what htey are doing to tell me the baby sounds good. I asked to see another dr before I left but because it was so late they had already seen all there last patients for the day. Can someone else tell me am I 34 weeks pregnant or 35. My last period was December 8th.

[twink]

QOTD - Rings I haven't worn my rings for a few months.

UTChick If you need more baby turning ideas, let me know. One of the books that I read had a bunch and I can look them up if need be.

The shower thrown by DH's side is this weekend. The dress I have makes me feel like a cow, but oh well. I got a pedicure and manicure tonight and it felt great. One technician said that I look small for being so close. I said thanks. :) That comment made my day - even if she was lying, it felt great.

[brenda]

QOTD - How timely. I gave Sweetie my wedding band this morning (after nearly removing my finger getting it off) and told him not to give it back until Little Bit gets here.

I had a surprise shower while I was in NY visiting my family. They aren't going to be able to come down to the big shower, so they gave me our very own. It was such a surprise, and really made my day. It (along with seeing my gramma) made the 6 hour drive by myself, with bouts of hideous weather, traffic, construction, and an accident, worth it.

[2Jacks&Me]

Craft The email about the total cost, size etc? Yes- I emailed you back and sent the check in the mail. Was there another one? I will check again and re-send my last email.

Not sleeping AGAIN! What is this about. I am still have a constant "cramp" feeling in my left leg that I am sure is left over from the cramps I got a month or so ago. I think now that area needs to be stretched out, but it is hard to do.

The guy came yesterday and our hardwood floor is almost done, sunday we have to move out of our room so he can start on that and that should be interesting.
So we went over what funds we have and what all our bills are and how we will make it through the year and it should be a stretch- but work. We decided that should we need to dip into our home equity- so be it. I hate money. BUt at least DH and I are usually on the same page. I told him though- no minivan for us in the near future! We will have our Jeep paid off next Dec and I cannot wait!

[2Jacks&Me]

Allies My last pg was about Dec 1- I am 35 weeks as of Thurs Aug 3. So I would think you are 34 weeks.
What the heck is with that Doc? And the wait! That has happened to me. I get right on in and then sit and wait for forever. Last visit- I heard them having lunch! I was like- COME ON! Just come and measure me- listen and shoo me out the door!

Where the heck is my last post! Well anyhow!
craft I checked my outgoing mail- and apparently my mail to you did not go! Sorry I did send a new one!

Can't sleep,AGAIN!

I go to the chiro for what I assume will be the last visit before baby comes.

We bought some baby gates to corral DS finally. They are the SuperGates and have the capability to swing open by affixing them to the wall or to be pressure mounted. I want them to swing!
Geesh! Someone's car alarm keeps going off! I am annoyed- summer with teen neighbors is ridiculous! They are out all night- well I guess it is the parents I should be annoyed with.

Also - my diet is all to #$^%. Here is what I had for dinner- might I add on my mother's suggestion ( to start with) Lemon ice from Culver's, 2 donuts, smoked almonds and choc milk. EW! I am feeling the need for real nutrition.

Plus I need to cut out the sugar. I am pretty sure I got a visit from the yeastie beasties weds and had Dh buy me the Monistat Day or Night ovule. I used it early pg on my docs suggestion and it worked well. In the past ( I got an infection each month on BCP after DS, fun.) the over the counter stuff took a few purchases to sure me. But the Monistat is $20, so I stayed on the budget stuff.
I know someone else posted about some wierd red/ itchy feeling. Each time I have had a yeast infection, it hasn't been your typical symptoms. I feel dry first- then irratated, hurts to wipe etc... Then I know. I would like to switch with Dh for a month- let him be me!

So I am afraid to go on any BCP again. DH wants a vasectomy- we both think this is our last child but in talking last night I was glad to hear that he is on the same page with me as far as- " Let's have this baby and then make our final decision with total clear minds" My BIL did it when his youngest was a teensy baby and his wife was panic stricked afterwards. In the end it was good- but I want to be sure! Just like I felt that I had to wait a year after DS was born to be sure I wanted to do it again- you know see what it was all about.

We also discussed our dread for the sleepless nights! DS was a very poor eater/ sleeper. He BF'd every two hours for almost 2 hours and never slept longer than 45 mins the first few months. Life was a rough go then- I barely recollect it. So on that note- better get back to sleep before I have to get up in 3 hours!

Ok that was wierd, my last post showed up when I submitted this one! Wierdo stuff!

[mommy2AlliWill]

aletheia- where were you when my dd was breech 3 years ago?:)

ut- I hope baby turns, there are many, many tricks to get him moving in the right direction & if he is only 5 pounds, that means more space for him to turn, which is good. Has your doctor talked version? I had it done with dd, not the most pleasent procedure for me, but I have heard many others say it wasn't so bad & it is worth the attempt to avoid a c.

allies- what an annoying appointment.

twink- have a great shower. " That comment made my day - even if she was lying, it felt great." All pregnant woman need to hear that they look good/small/healthy, we are pregnant not fat;)

brenda- yeah for a surprise shower

2jacks your dinner made me laugh. Darn the GD, I would love all of those sweets. My sleeping is brutal too & it makes for long days.

I had an appointment yesterday. Saw the doc who delivered my dd. She made me feel good. Was impressed I had no swelling, blood pressure is excellent, weight gain good, measuring right on target. Baby HB is strong. I have another utrasound Aug. 15 & next appointment Aug 17.

Hope you all have a great weekend! I am excited because Dorothy & I are meeting up for breakfast on Sunday. Don't tell our OBs when we eat lots of carbs:D

[roadrunner]

mommy2AlliWill ~ Sorry about the breech. Is the Dr. planning on trying a version to turn the baby? I hope he turns for you!

Aletheia ~ So, what's the word on the U/S? Hope everything is fine!

I'm trying to get my lazy a$$ in gear and do something! I slept until 8, but now I want a nap already. But, I have a few things to do before MIl drops DD back home. I need to go and pick up her new window shade, and order the closet doors and baseboards for the bedrooms.

DH is on his way home! he left at about 9, and he has an 8-9 hour drive, so he should be home by supper time! Now, I can comfortably go into labour ;) .

Anyway...off to try and start my day! My next OB appt is Monday, August 7 @ 1:20

[mommy2AlliWill]

rr- I think you meant UTchick, I already had the breech baby & the version;)

Go take a nap. Seriously, how often do you get so much time to yourself to rest up?

[roadrunner]

rr- I think you meant UTchick, I already had the breech baby & the version

I did, whoops, sorry!!! Guess you don't want another breech? ;)

[Aletheia]

Hi ladies! You all were right... the U/S showed there is nothing to worry about (unless I want to worry about how far down baby is already! Eeks!) The babe is measuring around 6 pounds, and as the doctor said, about at 50th percentile in all measurements. Perfectly normal. Just hard to measure because the head is nestled so far down in my pelvis. And lordy, don't I feel it! DH's schedule is heinous until the 25th, so he keeps telling me to take it easy and "keep my legs crossed" until then. :) Uh, yeah, that will be effective, doctor. :rolleyes:

mommy2alliwill- :) Did the version work? DH didn't hear about them in medical school, and was shocked when he watched one during his OB rotation last month. He came home saying, "it was all so mechanical! I had no idea!"

2jacks- i love your middle-night postings. :) i wonder if your sugar intake is helping to make them possible?

[Dotsie]

Count me in as another that never sleeps. And I am so freakin cranky I can't stand myself. I am always snapping at my DS or my DH. I feel soo bad when I snap at Aidan. I try to make him understand that mommy doesn't feel well. I think I'll take him to Wal~Mart tonight and let him pick out some of the cheap back to school supplies. That will make his week.

Mom2alliwill ~ How bad am I that I already know that I'm ordering cream chipped beef on rye toast and homefries?? I actually laid in bed last night thinking about it. This GD diet is for the birds... blech!!

[booksie]

UTChick - We were told the same thing with this baby, although I was a couple of weeks earlier than you are. But they said there was plenty of fluid, etc. Just that the baby was breech. I went for quite a long walk that night with DH and DD and the next morning I could TELL that the baby had flipped. The spot on my ribcage where that little head kept jabbing was suddenly getting little tiny foot kicks instead. So I vote for taking some long walks if you can. Worked for me!

[batgirl]

Morning ladies!

2Jacks Did you get any sleep last night? Your dinner now has me craving lemon ice, almonds, and choc milk!

Aletheia Yeah! Healthy baby on the ultrasound! Your DH is so funny. "Keep your legs crossed.." :rolleyes:

Cam wow, 1cm dialated!

UTchick hope your baby turns.

alliesmomma what a frustrating appt. My last period was Dec12 (I think...) and I am 34weeks today.

Not much going on here. Looking forward to the weekend! Seems like I can only sleep well in the early morning, and during the week I have to get up at 5:45am for work... Plus, going baby shopping again!

Oops gotta go. My boss just walked in the door. (I spend waaay too much time on CC during work hours :) )

[deliciousjones]

2jacks: i sort of wonder the same thing about your sugar intake :)

sleeping: i know i've suggested this before and everyone sort of ignores it, probably thinking of what a horrible mum-to-be i am by even considering it, but if you're not sleeping, ask your ob about taking tylenol pm. i need to be well-rested in order to be creative (and being creative is my job) and to be a good mom. for me, sleep begets sleep. one bad night's sleep can so easily spiral into a weeks worth of bad sleep.

when i do take a tylenol pm (i've done so 3 times this pregnancy), i take it at about 8pm, then take a shower and go to bed with a book, so that i can fall asleep early and easily and so that i'm alert in the morning.

another HUGE factor in helping me sleep is taking magnesium supplements for my restless legs. again, it's ob-approved.

eating well and getting exercise is also essential. personally, i find it really damn hard to eat well and exercise when it's this hot and i'm this big and miserable, but i definitely notice a difference in my overall wellbeing (sleep quality included) when i eat too much sugar.

[MSH]

I am so excited you girls! I just had to get the registry number from BRU to send to a friend and seen an item has been bought! I am so excited!

[suiej]

Good morning ladies!

Wedding Rings I've been wearing my e-ring on a chain around my neck for the past couple of weeks, but my wedding band still fits. It was always a bit bigger than my e-ring, so I should be able to keep it on a little longer.

sleeping I sleep great! It's the rolling over in the middle of the night that kills me. Too much belly weight and I feel all sorts of discomfort in my lower bellywhen I roll over, or, even getting up to pee. I practically limp to the bathroom! (And of course, this happens 3 times a night!)

I think DH almost killed me last night. We were up until 10 straightening up the baby's room, scrubbing toilets, and vacuuming. I warned him about this nesting thing!

My mom is coming to to visit today, along with my BFF tonight. I have a shower with a bunch of my friends tomorrow, so I'm really excited to see a bunch of friends I haven't seen in a while. I think I'm going to get a pedicure tomorrow morning, ahhhh...

We've started getting the nursery in order, the furniture is all in place, but the closet is still stuffed with bags and boxes and gifts from the last shower.

I have an OB appointment on Monday August 7th and I'm meeting a pediatrician that day, too. I'm taking the day off from work, so I'm happy to have a three day weekend! Hopefully I'll be able to catch up on some sleep and thank you notes...

Have a great weekend, everyone!

[twink]

Aletheia Glad to hear that all is looking good in there! Keep your legs crossed - ha!

delicious I don't think it is horrible at all - I think it is realistic. I am thinking about trying the Tylenol PM thing when early labor starts so that I can get some rest. I'm expecting a very long labor, so I don't want to be too tired and I keep hearing that sleeping is the best way to make the time pass until the contractions really start to hurt. My birthing instructor has also recommended Tylenol PM near the end if you can't sleep. Not to develop a habit or anything, but just to give your body some rest.

QOTD1 - How many hours of sleep is everyone getting these nights? I have always existed on 7 hours of sleep, but now I can barely get out of bed after 8 hours. I keep on meaning to take a nap after work, or go to bed earlier, but it never happens.

Okay - so this put me into a bit of a panic. For the last seven months, my main concern has been getting through the pregnancy and birth. Now that I am comfortable with those portions and feel that I am ready to deal with what is coming, I have moved on to worrying about what those first few weeks with a baby will be like. I have no experience with newborns - I visited a neighbor a couple weeks ago a few days after she had her baby and all I could remark on was - wow, babies are smaller than I imagined! I'm sure that wasn't the right thing to say, but I can't believe how small they are - I guess I have only seen older babies. So I have no idea what to expect for those first few weeks. I know feedings happen every couple hours and there will be diaper changes, nap, and clothes changes, but what else will I do? Will 100% of my time be taking care of the baby and trying to get rest when I can? Will I get bored and watch TV? Will I go on walks just to get out of the house? Will I even have time to do regular house cleaning - vaccuming, bathrooms, kitchen? DH is planning on staying home for the first week (unpaid time off) so we can figure out this parenting thing (as if one week will be enough!). Or will I just be in so much shock at the drastic change that just occurred in my life that I will be completely numb for the first few weeks and happy to veg out? So I guess I am looking for a typical day in the life of a parent of a 0-3 week old. I did this same kind of freak out before we got a puppy and that has turned out really well, so I'm hoping this will follow the same path. :o

QOTD2 - What should I expect to be doing for the first few weeks after this baby arrives?

[MSH]

QOTD1 I try to get about 8-9 hours sleep ... but really don't feel rested unless I get 10. I've always needed alot of sleep so it isn't much different from pre-PGcy. However, I am finding I wake up easier. Probably when I try to turn over, which is getting more and more difficult each day.

[Koala_Gurl]

QOTD - What to expect the first few weeks?? The first few days, the baby will sleep quite a bit (well, mine did!) After a few days, she started staying awake more and more. Pretty much the first few weeks, I sat in the glider nursing (day and some nights!) I learned how to sleep in the glider (it reclined a bit) with DD, since I had to keep her upright after nursing since she spit up a lot.

Otherwise, I don't remember! LOL!!! Just try to enjoy it, as silly as that sounds. It goes by really fast, then suddenly you have a toddler who doesn't want to cuddle.

You pretty much can't spoil a very young baby, so enjoy it when your child falls asleep on your chest.

And don't worry, you don't really have much time or energy to worry as much as you think you can. ;)

[octoberkate]

QOTD 1 - How much sleep - I don't get enough. I'm probably getting about 7 hours (minus all the tossing and turning and 2 bathroom trips, but I don't know how to count that) but I think I probably need more like 8.5 or 9.

QOTD 2 - the first few weeks - well, this is a hard one to answer because it really depends on the baby. If your baby is born a little earlier, or even sometimes just based on temperament, they may still be "sleepy" - ie it may take a week or more for them to really wake up and start making lots of demands on your life. Or, you may have a baby who is immediately here and ready to go.

Here's what our first few weeks were like:

Day 1-2 in the hospital

Day 3 - discharged from hospital and home, lots of getting settled into the house, just figuring out what on earth was going on.

Day 4 - Doctor's visit (you always have one shortly after being discharged). Doctor tells us we need to go to the hospital lab asap because baby looks jaundiced. Sure enough, bad jaundice, re-admitted to the hospital, after being out for a whopping 18 hours.

Day 5-6 - still in the hospital for jaundice. Days were pretty much focused on trying to get the baby to eat, trying to pump some milk, and changing his diaper. Because of the jaundice, he was very sleepy. I vaguely remember reading something or watching tv while sitting with him at the hospital.

Day 7 - home - this happened to be Easter Day so we were with all my family and it was totally outside of the norm of every other day.

Week 2 - Lots of figuring things out. I had a hard time getting DS to nurse so this is when the home health nurse visited me, and I spent a lot of time trying to get DS to latch on. When that didn't work I spent a lot of time on the couch pumping or napping. DS had days and nights confused at this point, and he'd be up most of the night, wanting to be held - I didn't need to DO anything, so I watched a lot of late night tv. Consequently, I napped a lot during the day. The days seemed to go by very quickly, although all I felt like I did was feed and change the baby. We may have ventured out to Target or BRU one day this week.

Week 3 - I started feeling less overwhelmed and more in control. I took naps when I needed them, and actually had plans for my day. The plans might just be that I'd take a walk at 9:30 so we could go to the drugstore and another at 5:30 so we could go "pick up" DH at the bus stop on the way home, but I felt more in control. I did end up watching a lot of TV - I distinctly remember seeing Ellen and Starting Over for the first time. But I was ok with that. I still had to do a lot of pumping since DS wouldn't nurse so that trapped me on the couch, and DS's favorite place to sleep was on my body or on the bouncy chair. Plus I was so tired from getting up at night that resting on the couch seemed good. I called friends and family a lot. I did a little better about getting out of the house - once DH got home at night I probably went out every other day - just to go to the grocery store, or Target, or even to just get a quick few minutes by myself.

Overall I'd say your best planning bet is to plan to be flexible. You won't know until you're well into things what your babies temperament will be, how you'll feel, if you'll be tired or if you'll be stir crazy. So try not to have any expectations of yourself.

I remember at one point, maybe around 3 or 4 weeks, crying uncontrollably because I just didn't know what to do. My baby always got very fussy around 3:30 or 4:00 - I had been alone all day, I couldn't calm him down, and I felt alone and like a failure. I hadn't cleaned or gotten dinner ready and I couldn't get DS to stop crying so I made DH come home early.

It's important to know that that is all perfectly normal. We all have days when we are totally overwhelmed - where it seems like you haven't done a blessed thing and yet you are so tired and so wiped out. That doesn't mean you are a bad mom, and that doesn't mean you won't do a great job with your baby. It just means that you are tired and still adjusting. Everything will be fine. And if seems like it's not getting fine, then call your OB and have a chat with them.

[octoberkate]

[B]You pretty much can't spoil a very young baby, so enjoy it when your child falls asleep on your chest.

I can't agree with this more. And if people tell you that you'll spoil your baby by letting him/her sleep on you, or with you, or by holding it all the time, just nod and walk away. Our ped told us you couldn't really spoil a baby until they were closer to 6 months old - they usually just aren't capable of manipulating you like that yet.

So if your baby only sleeps laying on your body, that's fine, let him/her lay on your body. Whatever you need to do to make those first few weeks/months work for you is FINE.

My son would only sleep if he was either on us or in the crook of our arms for almost three months. Then one day he was fine sleeping by himself. He's been sleeping through the night in his crib, alone, for most of his life since then. So the three/four months of "coddling" didn't spoil him in the slightest - it just helped him and us to get some much needed rest.

[booksie]

Put me in the "can't spoil a newborn" camp. My husband still talks about the days when his tiny little girl would sleep so happily on his chest - and the pictures are so sweet. It is great for both mommy and daddy to bond with the little one. Plus, that poor tiny little baby goes from being totally warm and snug and cuddled in your tummy to the cold, hard, bright and confusing world. I can hardly blame them for wanting to be close to Mommy and Daddy - I would too! :)

[Camdynlyn]

My mom is officially freaked. I'm not sure if I mentioned it or not (and I'm too lazy to go back and check) but she's so worried about me going into labor early because I'm a centimeter diated. It's horrible because she works at the hospital and I know the doctors there are tired of her because she'll call them up to confirm what I'm telling her and I guess it's better to hear it from them that it's okay. :rolleyes: She worried about the contractions, then the dialation and now..... I've started to loose a bit of my mucus plug. Not a lot but enough that I knew what it was. It had a tinge of pink to it. Of course, she freaked MORE (especially since I'm coming home today) and called my Godmother who is the VP at the hospital. She asked if it was streaked with blood and mom told her I just said a tinge of pink. My godmother claims if it has blood, it means the baby's coming this weekend! :eek: I told her to calm down because I've never heard that. She had to leave work early because she said her nerves are shot! :p I told her that's what she gets for asking!!

So, that's the news... I've started to loose my mucus plug. Totally normal when you've started to efface and dialate, I've been told. :D

[twink]

koala gurl and octoberkate Thank you for the information on what this may be like. The play by play was very helpful for me. I am already looking forward to when I start to feel some control over my life again.

[dionysia]

My co-workers threw me a shower today.
I knew about it, but I think I looked appropriately surprised. ;)

Now we have an additional SnugRide base which we'll put in the other car. And a couple of Boppy slipcovers, a cute outfit, a Pack-n-Play sheet, and a changing table cover.

Tonight, nursery painting!!

Di

[Aletheia]

twink- Funny how that works, huh? I'm on the same track as you-- so busy worried about pelvic tilts, relaxation pose, and my 100 g of protein a day that all of a sudden it hit me like a ton of bricks that I had NO IDEA what to expect after I had gotten through labor!

I asked for advice in the 0-18 month forum; I'll go bump the thread for you. There were some great answers!

[twink]

aletheia 100 grams of protein? The goal for my classes is only 80! Do you feel like you are eating all the time? I had a 12 ounce steak the other night that counted for 80 - it was the best way I have found so far to get my protein. :)

I'll go look for that thread.

[craftgenius]

Camdynlyn - That is too funny about your mom being freaked out. My mom is sorta like that too. If she had it her way, I would be laying down from the time I get home until the next morning when I get ready for work...and while I'm at work I would never get up from my desk until it was time to drive home. When she was here last weekend helping me organize she didn't want me to do ANYTHING...not lift anything or reach for anything. :rolleyes: It's kinda sweet...but annoying at the same time. BTW, I have a friend who lost her mucus plug THREE weeks before she actually went into labor.

Clueless - I totally understand what you are saying twink. Count me in on the clueless club. I really have NO knowledge about taking care of babies! I called my friend the other day asking her tons of dumb questions like, how often do you give them a bath, how often do you wash their hair, how many diapers will I need per week, do I have to keep her covered up even in this 100 degree weather, etc.

More shopping - Today I picked up a few small items I will probably need when the baby gets her. I got some Boudreaux's Butt Paste, Lanolin for my nipples, Dr. Brown bottles, a shade for the car window, gas medicine for the baby, and a 0-6 month pacifier.

Things I still need to buy
1. Curtains for the babies room
2. More diapers (especially newborn size)
3. A rug for the baby's room and DH's son's room
4. An extra car seat base for DH's truck
5. A laundry hamper for the baby's room
6. Decorative pillows for the twin bed in the nursury
7. A baby swing

Anything else you ladies can think of????

[tgoody03]

Rings - I haven't worn mine consistently for the past 2 weeks, although I still can. By the end of the day my rings are a little tight and it's annoying. I found myself taking them off and leaving them on my desk. One day about 2 weeks ago I went to lunch and left them sitting on my desk ...uh, not good! So, I stopped wearing them. I'm too afraid to put them on a necklace b/c I'm afraid the necklace will break and then I'll lose them.

Clueless - Add me to the list! I've never even changed a diaper. Holy cra*!!

Heat- It is soooo hot! I really do not remember a summer this hot. Maybe it's because I'm pregnant, but I don't really think so. I think it has a lot to do with it being so dry with no rain as well as just being plain hot. It's consistently 97 or 98 deg and it has even broke 100 deg a few times. I went to the Braves game with DH on Sunday. First of all, it was weird going to a baseball game and not drinking a beer. But secondly, my feet and fingers looked .... well, my feet looked like Fred Flinstone's with absolutely no shape and my fingers looked like little sausages. It was a fun day, however, Going to watch Falcons training camp tomorrow. Any of you sports fans?

Pediatrician - Have you picked yours, and are you interviewing drs?

-----------------------\
MSH - That is awesome that you are trying to build a better relationship. I hope it all works out for you. Life is easier when you get along with the in-laws ... no matter how hard that can be sometimes. I bet your hubby is pleased you made the first move! I can't wait to see the fabric you find.

Camdynlyn - 1cm and 50% effaced? Wow. Makes me a little nervous b/c I'm only one day behind you. I get what effacing and dilation is ... but what I don't know is what happens when you are 100% effaced. Do you know? I'm with your mom - take it easy the next few weeks! Maybe you'll be the first in this thread to have a baby. You are almost in the safe zone - neato!

UTChick - Just curious - what type of things can you do to move a breach baby? Was your baby like this from day one?

Craftgenius - Not sure if you have it already, but I'd say a boppy. Are you going to BF? I'm sorry, I wasn't in this thread early enough to have probably read it if you have already posted. I've been told to take the boppy to the hospital if you are BFing.

[tgoody03]

35w3d

So I have never posted a belly picture in here. My hubby took one of me yesterday so I could post in here. Do I look low to you girls? When I hae my shirt down, I think I look normal ... when I have it up, I think I look low ... here are 2 pictures for you to compare.

http://static.flickr.com/88/206872308_48cd805174.jpg?v=1154739799

http://static.flickr.com/94/206873231_18bd9cb505.jpg?v=0

[craftgenius]

tgoody03 - I'VE NEVER CHANGED A DIAPER IN LIFE EITHER!! I thought I was the only one! haha! I guess we'll soon be getting PLENTY of practice. :eek: Also, I did get a boppy at my shower...along with two covers. I'll have to remember to bring it to the hospital.

[Koala_Gurl]

Don't worry ladies...nothing like "baby immersion" to learn about these little creatures! Some stuff will just come naturally, even though you think it won't. Other things, the nurses will show you in the hospital (how to "burrito" wrap the baby, suction the nose, take temperature, change a diaper, etc.) If you need help, just ask! Remember, you get that first few days with constant medical support if needed. Take advantage!! :)

[alliesmomma03]

Thanks guys for listening to me complain. I hope that everyone has a very productive weekend. I have to work tomorrow and then need to take advantage of a little of the tax free weekend on Sunday

[UTChick]

Thanks everyone for the baby turning vibes! He seems to have shifted some already. What I thought was his bottom, but was really his head, was on the right side under my ribs and today I have noticed that I feel him (not sure if it is a head or bottom) on the left side. He was very active last night after I did the exercise that my dr. recommended, so hopefully it is working. I guess I will find out soon.

tgoody~ He has been head down the entire time until just recently. In fact, my doctor swears he was head down last week when I was in there. I had noticed a LOT of movement over the past week, so that is probably when he turned. What I did last night was get on all fours on the bed and stuck my butt up in the air and laid my head on the pillow for 2 minutes. It was a pretty long 2 minutes! Not the most comfortable position at all! DH was timing me and laughing at how funny I looked. I realized what position I was in and told him not to get any ideas cause it ain't gonna happen! :o

I went to my meeting at the pedi's office this morning and this is the practice for me!! It is a husband and wife and two other docs in the practice. We will be seeing the wife. I really agree with their philosophy and they seem just as nuturing toward new parents as they do the newborns, which is very cool. She made the comment that she hopes we feel comfortable with them calling us at home in the evenings when we bring the baby in sick. She said they sometimes like to check up on the baby after an appt. and see if he is doing better and also check on moms and dads to make sure they are ok, too. :eek: I personally think that is fabulous! Plus, they are really close to our house which is a bonus.

[2Jacks&Me]

:) Another night post I actually do get sleep- but it sure hasn't been the quality I would like! My sugar intake isn't awful everyday- but I am going to work on it!
DH is a musician- so ever since we began living together- I am UP about the time I expect him to come home ( i am one of those lucky ones that doesn't really need an alarm) So each night he tells me his ETA and from that time on I magically am wide-eyed. So tonight as I got up just about to spaz out and call the hospital to make sure he wasn't dead ( did I say I was a worrier?) he strolled out of the bathroom. Turns out he had been home- just quieter than normal and I spent too much time laying in bed. I should have gotten up sooner then I could have gone back to bed better!
I usually got to bed between 8-9:30, get up every 2 hours to pee and up by 7-8am. DS sleeps well through the night and gets up about 8 too.
Also- DS loves the laptop- so I have to sneak on it. Therefore night time is the right time! HA!

QOTD What to expect? Hard to remember it- what a haze.

DS was colicky. He screamed bloody murder for diaper changes and slept only 45 min stretches. He was a poor bf'er therefore it felt like he was on me constantly and showers were almost non-existant unless someone came over.
I also became very well acquianted with the TV. So much is on that I had no idea. The news starts very early- did anyone know that? and then you watch it all day and it is the same info- annoying!

I also remember having to buy new matern jeans! HORROR- even post partum! That was a sad day.
And I was a crier due to the colick and DH having to go to work right away. That is something I am hoping will be better- but DH has his own business- so my hopes aren't too high.

October My mom is a nurse admin at the hospital here in town- That is why I don't go to those docs! She too is into things. She came with me to one OB visit ( this was after DS was diagnosed CP) and wanted to grill my doc about the birth. OH NO! I put the cabash on that! I am an adult- I can handle things and I was not about to accuse the guy of negligence and then in the same breath ask him to continue my pre-natal care! This works out best for me- a whole new city!

So speaking of DS- yesterday at his therapy- they want to bump him up to 4 times a week. Good because he is improving and we don't want to digress when new baby gets here- but hard on the schedule. So we will of course do it, but I wonder what it will be like getting us all out that frequently and who knows what time is a good time at this point for everybodies napping eating etc.

[2Jacks&Me]

UT sounds like a great practice!
My pedo also is a home caller and I like it a lot. I remember at maybe the one month visit I mentioned colic and she surprised me by saying that should I need to talk to someone I really should. Then I realized that she didn't mean advice on what to do- she meant PPD advice for me! I was taken aback- but glad it was adressed. I never did that- but friends are wonderful when you think that your baby may never be consoled or content and you may have been given the wrong assignment- because that is the closest I can come to how I felt.

craft we really didn't have baby experience either. DH had much more- but I would say toddler age +. We were mostly freaked about dressing a newborn. WE often did it togther. I laugh now- but I am sure it will happen again- One of us would hold up the baby and the other would stretch the neck on the gown to slip up over the body and into place. We wanted to avoid the over the head thing. It was scary to go down over the head. What dorks!

Also on diapers- hopefully this won't happen to you, but we have brand new boxes stored in the basement because we wound up having to switch brands a few times in the beginning to ge tthe ones that worked best for DS. He leaked through a few brands before we settled on one. The hospital will send you home with enough and then you can have DH make a run out to try some smaller packages.
gas relief drops great thing to have on hand. I got some the other day too. Good to try if you can't figure what is up with the baby- and harmless.

[Aletheia]

2jacks- You can add me to the list of women swayed by their husband's schedule! DH is usually up and gone by 5:15, 5:30 a.m. and sometimes earlier. So, even though today is his day off this week and he is fast asleep in the bedroom, my body was still ready to get up at 4:45 and make breakfast. I'm so hungry in the morning!

I really should try going back to bed.

UT- Glad to hear you're getting some encouraging movement! I thought of something else I learned about. If you figure out where his little head is (not always so easy) you can hold some frozen veggies against that spot. Apparently it doesn't hurt him, but it should encourage him to relocate. :)

I'm refinishing a crib-- did I tell you all that? It's going to be stained green. DH laughs and says my color fascinations over the last several months have to be a pregnancy symptom, but I think it's just a personality preference. But I'm not even done sanding the darn thing yet! Eegads! And then after that I have to stain it, varnish it, put it together, and sew the dust ruffle! :eek: I have so got to get on it!

I'll try to take some pics of my nursery this week to share with you all.

Ok-- I may look around CC a bit more and then try to go back to bed, since it is likely DH will sleep until 9 or later!

[MSH]

I have some nursery pictures to share. Now mind you the room is no where near done but I am so excited to finally have the changing table and the stripes all done :)

Looking in from the door
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mrs_natalie/Aug05_02.jpg

Crib
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mrs_natalie/Aug05_03.jpg

Changing table
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mrs_natalie/Aug05_04.jpg

And a 32 weeks belly shot
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mrs_natalie/Jul27_01.jpg

[deliciousjones]

MSH: the nursery looks great!!! and look at you -- such a tiny belly!

~

i had an awesome prenatal massage today. i highly recommend them for anyone who hasn't gotten one yet. it was heaven being able to lay on my belly for 90 minutes!

i also bought a double stroller today. exciting stuff, huh? :)

we got the phil & ted's e3:

http://www.greatbeginningsonline.com/images/upload/items/largeimages/phil%20red%20(2).jpg

we test-drove it locally but bought it online because i found a coupon code that saved us almost $100, so i have to wait a week or so before i get it. what i love about it is that the doubles kit is so easy take on and off, so i can use it for just rachel until the bebe's here!

[tgoody03]

One of my journal buddies told me that one of the Aug mommies had her baby a few weeks ago … at 35 weeks … eek! That could be one of us now!
-------------
Craft – That’s awesome! I thought I was the only one in this thread that has never changed a diaper. Thanks for admitting it :)

MSH – Love the nursery so far. Thanks for posting! What kind of fabric/colors are you looking for?

UTChick – Oh, I see. My baby has been head down this entire time as well, and lately I’ve been wondering if she could flip at the last minute. I guess so. But I’m glad you are getting movement and doing what the dr. says. I’ve heard they can move the baby by doing something on the outside of the belly. Did your dr. mention that he might try doing that? So, does “UT” stand for Utah or University of TN (or something else entirely)?

Koala_gurl – Thanks for the pep talk! What you said is what I’m hoping happens! There is a hospital here that is known as the “baby factory” and I didn’t want to deliver there because I thought I might need some individual attention from the nurses. Although that hospital is supposed to be good, I’ve heard the nurses at the hospital are just so busy they can’t really spend time with patients. I hope at my hospital they aren’t too busy to help me and that I chose the right hospital!

alliesmomma03 – Forgot to say that you aren’t the only one! I have also taken Tylenol PM a few times since I’ve been pregnant. My dr. said it’s fine to take occasionally and it’s on the approved drugs list at my drs. Practice.

[TriSigmaNC]

Tams
Just checking in on you..I heard secretly about a belly shot ;)
I think the reason you look higher with the shirt on is because the type of top you have on there. It's got an empire waist which brings your eye up and with shirt off you see the pants below, which draws your eye down. Just my NON PG opinion :)

[2Jacks&Me]

MSH the stripes are so great! I love it and the baby can totally grow with them too- it isn't too babyish!

Just got home froma grad party- I am wiped. DS is getting a diaper change right now and screaming for me. Well- better get moving - we have a lot left to do this weekend - we have to break down our bed and get things out of our room so that the guy can start the drywall ceiling monday. BLAH. ANd since DH is home tonight and tomorrow I want the car cleaned out ( usually my dept) and care seat installed. FUN FUN

[{b}]

Trying to catch up, but woefully behind

Rings - still wearing mine, most days. When it was 100+ degrees and high humidity, forget it. But other than that, so far, so good.

Sleeping - hoping not to jinx myself, but the past week or so has been good. 7-9 hours each night.

I am still worried this baby is transverse. MUST remember to ask on Friday. I can't believe I'm 35 weeks tomorrow, and have been feeling this baby move for MONTHS, and I still can't figure out what's the back, what's the butt, etc.

Finally got the crib and nursery furniture ordered. I think we'll get it in a week or so. Mom will be buying the infant car seat and extra base next week. Got some really adorable baby clothes from MIL and the Italian relatives she visited on her three-week trip. Cute, cute stuff.

Anyone else go from having no appetite to eating everything in sight the next day?

Those still working - how are you planning your maternity leave?

[dana b]

way behind...

taking the iron supplements have made such a huge difference for me, i've actually accomplished a lot this week -- pulled the baby stuff out of the garage, have been working on dd's playroom, ordered her furniture and mattress and managed to do 2 huge target trips this week without wanting to fall over and die!

utchick I realized what position I was in and told him not to get any ideas cause it ain't gonna happen!

that's funny, i do that when i can't breathe and i just know what dh's thinking :p

first weeks i think everyone else summed it up well. the first few weeks were cake, then colic hit and it was really, really awful. i wasn't aware at the time that most babies go through that fussy phase at night. my dd pretty much cried from 5-9 and the only thing that worked to soothe her was going outside. i would literally stand outside at night waiting for dh to pull up.
for the most part having a newborn was kinda relaxing for me, i pretty much allowed myself to do nothing but care for dd for the first year, so i didn't feel guilty about not working on home improvement projects, etc. i also ended up watching t.v. (i hate watching t.v. in the daytime) -- my favorite part of the day was watching ellen dance :o

msh nursery looks great.

deliciousjones we got the same stroller, i loved it so much more after trying it in person. we got the orange, i hope it isn't too bright!

[cosmic]

Craft – That’s awesome! I thought I was the only one in this thread that has never changed a diaper. Thanks for admitting it :)


Don't feel bad, ladies! Neither hubby nor I have ever changed a diaper before either. I'm hoping that will be part of the "Caring for your newborn" class we're supposed to take this week. Other than that, I've been watching a diaper-changing video on our health care providers website...lol. http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/images/smilies/redface.gif

[suiej]

Add me to the "never changed a diaper" club!! I'm proud to say I do finally feel comfortable holding newborns and babies now, though!

sleep I sleep well, but I definitely do not get enough. I was scrubbing toilets the other night until about 10:30, and I regularly don't get to bed until 11 or later, then I'm up at 6 for work.

How are you planning your maternity leave?
I have a "non-critical" deadline of September 1st, which will hopefully mean most of the projects I'm absolutely necessary on will be complete by then. After that, I can relax a little more at work and just do some random stuff that I can leave behind if necessary. I'm our company's database administrator and one of two programmers, so I'm leaving a pretty big pair of shoes to fill!

I've worked it out with my company that I will take as much STD as I can at 60% pay, then whatever vacation time I have, then I'll be taking time off without pay until the end of the year. I may have a few small projects without deadlines that I can work on from home before I go back after New Year's. They are being completely flexible with me, and even offering work from home and flexible time so I can minimize the amount of childcare we need.

~~~
I had my second (and last) shower this weekend! It was really cute, my friends did a "feet" theme, and gave away pedicure and foot spa products as prizes for the games, and had little bags of toe separators, toenail polish and foot cream as favors.

The food was great and we got some great gifts! Just have to figure out the few things that we still need, but the nursery is currently overrun with bags and boxes and loads of stuff!


Having a lot of muscle/ligament pain on my lower left side. From what the doctor told me the last time, that's about where her head it right now. I have an appointment tomorrow, but it's getting quite painful to stand up and move about... and I can forget about rolling over in bed!

[craftgenius]

MSH - I love the nursury!! The stripes are beautiful !!! You guys did a great job!

Maternity leave - My family medical leave forms were signed this week. I will be taking off 8 weeks. It will all be paid time. So I will be coming back to work the last week of October. :( I could take more time but I don't want to use up all of my leave time...and I certainly didn't want to be on leave without pay.

Cosmic - When is your mom coming to DC and how long is she staying with you after the baby?

[MSH]

Maternity leave I will be taking a full year of at 55% starting September 8th, which is 11 days before my due date. It seems a bit long to me but everyone tells me it won't feel like long enough.

[twink]

Maternity Leave Plans I hope to work up until the baby comes and then will take 12 weeks off - that should take me until the end of the year so I will return to work on January 2.

Our Shower We got lots of the big stuff this weekend - carseat, stroller, bouncer, and the pack 'n play. We got a few outfits, but all were 3-6 months or larger, so I still have to go buy some newborn or 0-3 month outfits to bring baby home in. From a cousin who recently had a baby, we got "practical" items which included some Butt Paste, disposable wash clothes, disposable changing pads, and some giant Q-tips so you don't clean too far into the baby's ears. I actually appreciated that gift a lot - and the fact that she said I can call if anything comes up that I don't know how to handle. The food was delicious and there were no games, so it really moved along. The only depressing thing was that I didn't get to have a mimosa!

Nursery Setup I need to call the furniture store and find out when the crib and dresser will be delivered so that I get going on everything I need to finish before it arrives.

[{b}]

No time t catch up - my parents are coming for a quick visit and I have a gazillion things to do before they get here.

I have two issues I'm hoping someone can help me out with, one rather TMI

(TMI ALERT)


If I had a yeast infection, I'd know it, right? I'd be uncomfortable, itchy, etc.? I had some, uhm, this is so gross... chunky whitish discharge down there in the shower today. I have zero sense of smell, so I'm hoping I don't smell disgusting and not know it. Already changed the sheets and my towel. Anything else I can/should do?

Also, I have these raised, dark brown bumps, small, like little freckles, appearing on my neck. Is this normal? Will they go away?

I have a dr's appointment Friday, and the skin thing can wait, but if this is probably a yeast infection, I want to get in there tomorrow.

[batgirl]

Morning ladies,
You guys can add me to the "never changed a diaper" club, too! Something tells me that we will laugh about this in 8 wks or so...

MSH love the stripes!

sleep yeah, its getting harder and harder (being too hot and hip pain seems to be my biggest problem)

mat leave I have got to get going on this. I don't even know what forms I need to fill out... luckily my job is very flexible and my boss is wonderful. I'll be taking off 8 wks, then going back half time. At least that's the plan.

I know there were other comments/so's I wanted to make, but my short term memory has turned to sh*t... sorry.

Ugh, monday already... we did have a pretty productive weekend getting most baby purchases knocked off our list. Now just have to start putting things away...

speaking of which..

QOTD Are you guys using bumpers in your crib? I put ours in on sunday and they are much bigger than I expected. Now I'm worried that the baby will get smothered by them... I've heard that bumpers are frowned upon for this reason...

Dh and I got in another fight over his mother. She called us really upset because we are "neglecting" her and "keeping her from her grandchild". Um, he's not even born yet... Apparently, she found out that another friend of hers was in the room during the birth of their grandkid. She's trying to guilt trip us into allowing her in... This woman is psycho and can not respect boundaries (or privacy)... grrr!

Have a great day ladies...

ETA: {b} Sorry, I'm not really sure... I know they say discharge caused by a yeast infection usually looks like "cottage cheese" (gross, I know!), but I thought it was usually acompanied by itching... If it is definitely different than your normal, maybe a quick call to the doc is warranted (and would make you feel better).

Dark spots... I know we are more prone to sun spots and skin tags (don't know why skin tags...) could this be what they are?

[twink]

{b} Pregnant women do get skin tags and chloasma (darkening of the skin). When I asked my doctor, she said that it will likely go away a few weeks after the baby is born.

[babywish]

I feel so behind is not even funny, last week I was super busy and couldn't post at all, but as usual I was reading along. I can't remember all the QOTD but I will try to address the ones I remember.

Update since I last posted… I think that the last time I posted was before my shower from work. It was great and got a bunch of stuff from the registry, I was actually very surprised I did not expect to get that much.
Since then, I have gone to Babys R Us and Target and gotten the stuff I was missing from the registry, I only spent $200 from my pocket… really good if you ask me! Specially from someone coming from a country where showers don't exist, I was telling my mom everything we got and she was like 'man… we need to implement baby showers here'.
Anyhoo, everything is going well with the baby, in my next appointment (Thursday) I will get the GBS test done, hopefully everything will be ok. The nursery is ready and all the clothes and everything else is been washed and is in the baby's room. We are just holding off on a couple of things: DH will be putting the balance on the window this weekend, we order a portrait of our puppy and that won't be done until mid September (after baby comes) and we want to hang his name above the crip but since we don’t have a name yet, that will have to wait too. We are also waiting on our glider, which I am expecting next week, once the glider and ottoman are in I will take some pictures and post them here.
This past weekend we had our childbirth classes… got to say that they were very informative but I was very surprised DH made it through! There was a lot on breathing techniques which I did not expect, and knew DH would not enjoy, but he was a champ and finish the full 12 hours!!
As I mentioned on Thursday I go to my next appointment, and from that point on I will be going weekly… I am still in denial, I can't believe next week I will be full term and I can't come to grips with the idea that a newborn will be home soon.

Rings- I am still wearing mine.

Mat leave- they just granted me 6 months of maternity leave, I am super happy because I was really dreading the day I had to come back to work after 12 weeks.

Clueless- I babysat most of my teen age gears and was a nanny when I first came, so I feel pretty ready for the diapering and everything else… is the motherhood what scares the ##@$# out of me.

Sorry no time for SO's but I just wanted to say something to…

{B}Not to alarm you but….. Do you think that it might have been your mucus plug? What color was it?, it is not uncommon to loose it 2 or 3 weeks before you go into labor.

Tgoody- they Tams, how did the pictures come out? Do you have them yet? I have my photo shoot with Tricia on 8/19, do you have any recommendations? I have no idea of what I want!

[craftgenius]

Batgirl - I can't believe the nerve of your MIL!! I would NOT give in to her!! Don't give in!! You need to feel as comfortable as possible when you are having this baby! I wouldn't want my MIL in my delivery room either!!! Heck...I don't even want MY MOM in there! Mom will be in the room as I am getting prepped for my C-section...but only DH is going into the delivery room.

This weekend - This weekend I actually got a lot done. A friend of mine came over and helped me get the baby's future room together. We went to Wal Mart and bought two rugs (one for the baby room and one for my stepson's room) and the curtains for the baby's room. We put up the curtains...which were only $10 per panal and came out GREAT! They match the bedding really well. I put together the changing table and we moved it into the baby room and put the pretty little baskets and things on it. It looks really good! Except for the fact that DH insisted that we put the TV on the top of it, since his daughter will be sleeping in that room when she comes over every other weekend. It's not really a huge deal to me because I really had not intended to use it for changing anyway...I wanted it mainly for storage. We moved the twin bed into the corner of the room and it REALLY opened up the space! The new rug blends into the carpet really well. DH's daughter really likes the room. She was moaning and growning about the planned changes at first, but after it was all put together she was really excited. And I am so relieved about that. Since we've moved into our house, the kids have basically been claiming our two extra bedrooms as "theirs"...so I kinda feel bad about converting my stepdaughter's room into MY baby's room. I don't want her to feel like we are just putting her and her stuff totally out of the house. I'll have to take pictures when I get home.

[roadrunner]

OB appt. was good today, but I've gained another 5lbs in the past two weeks!!!!! So that's a grand total of 35 lbs so far. I'm glad my preggo crazy craving is ice, since it has no calories, otherwise I can't imagine how big I'd be.

I've had a lot of contrax today. In the past hour they have been about 10 minutes apart. This is the most regular I've felt them yet, as up until now they have been so irregular that I've never even bothered to time them. I don't think it is anything, but I'll keep timing them.

My back is soooo sore lately, and tonight even breathing hurts. I need to get to the chiropractor tomorrow if I can get in there.

Off to lie down, I'm exhausted!

[octoberkate]

Hey ladies - I'm going to try and catch up in a minute, but before anything else distracts me, I thought I'd catch you up on my situation. I started a new job today... and let's just say that starting a new job at almost 33 weeks pregnant is pretty damn exhausting! Anyhoo, the new job has a lot more internet security requirements, so it may be very very difficult for me to check in here. I will still be trying to check in from home, but I may not be around as often as I'd like...

[Koala_Gurl]

dana b - baby carrier...a while back you mentioned a baby carrier you got / were getting from e-bay...I can't for the life of me remember what it was. Can you refresh my memory? I tried searching thru the old threads, but it was taking FOREVER!

Thanks!!

[Camdynlyn]

36 weeks.

X post with August mommies.

I'm not sure what is too early to speak of stripping the membranes but I will bring it up at my 37.5 week appointment. Reason being, I'm selfish. Yup, you heard it first! :) My maternity leave starts August 24th and if I wait until I'm 40+ weeks to deliver, I'd already have missed 2+ weeks of my maternity leave and quite honestly, I'd like to have it all with my little one since that time is so precious. I would REALLY like to have this girl in 2 weekends (I think that's the weekend of the 20th) because it would be perfect timing but we'll see. Soo, what's the earliest an OB stripped membranes. I'll have to ask on Wednesday if it'd even be an option at 37.5 weeks. If not, I'm demanding Disability. Who wants me being 39 weeks pregnant starting the first day of school? No one. If she'd put me on disability for the time being until I'd go into labor, I'd be content. Yup, that's me. Selfish Sally.

In other news, we went to our breastfeeding class tonight. Nothing really I didn't know already which made Hubby comment that he thought they should have paid US to teach the classes (this and preparing for childbirth). I said that, or demand everyone joins CC while pregnant. You learn just as much, if not more! ;) :D It was good, though, to see the videos and practice the holds with the fake baby.

I ate Mexican for lunch and have a tinge of heartburn/indigestion tonight so I'm off to eat some Tums and sit on my ball for a couple minutes before crashing with my book in bed. Goodnight!:)

[twink]

octoberkate Congratultions on the new job - you are a brave woman for starting so far along in your pregnancy! Is it a new company or just a new position? Hopefully the people you work with were understanding!! :)

camdynlyn My midwife said that they will start stripping membranes after 38 weeks because it can take a few times and you go in every week for the last month. My Bradley instructor suggested inserting Evening Primrose Oil caplets vaginally twice a day starting at 38 weeks to help with effacement and cervix ripening. The caplets can be found in Walgreens, GNC, or any place with an herb remedy section. She said that she was impatient, so she started herself on them at 37 weeks and had her second child two weeks early. Best of luck getting the baby to arrive sooner!

[craftgenius]

Virtual shower - I mailed my virtual shower gift to my person. Am I supposed to tell the person who I am and that her gift is on the way??? Or do I just wait until she gets it??? I forgot to put my CC name on the gift!

I took a few pictures of my baby's crib and of her soon-to-be room.

Here's the crib which is currently in our room. We will keep it there for probably 3 or 4 months...
http://images1.snapfish.com/347824432%7Ffp355%3Enu%3D3248%3E%3B%3C5%3E%3B79%3E WSNRCG%3D3233%3A378%3A43%3A%3Anu0mrj

That is a sleep positioner in the middle of the mattress...
http://images1.snapfish.com/347824432%7Ffp347%3Enu%3D3248%3E%3B%3C5%3E%3B79%3E WSNRCG%3D3233%3A378%3B%3B%3A%3B6nu0mrj

The changing table...sorry the picture is so blurry...
http://images1.snapfish.com/347824432%7Ffp355%3Enu%3D3248%3E%3B%3C5%3E%3B79%3E WSNRCG%3D3233%3A378%3A43%3A9nu0mrj

The twin bed in the nursury...I still need to get some colorful accent pillows...the bedding matches the crib bedding. The crib will eventually be in the room with this twin bed...
http://images1.snapfish.com/347824432%7Ffp348%3Enu%3D3248%3E%3B%3C5%3E%3B79%3E WSNRCG%3D3233%3A378%3B%3B%3B29nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/347824432%7Ffp349%3Enu%3D3248%3E%3B%3C5%3E%3B79%3E WSNRCG%3D3233%3A378%3B%3B%3B2%3Cnu0mrj

Closeup of my $20 Wal Mart drapes...I love the little flowers...
http://images1.snapfish.com/347824432%7Ffp34%3B%3Enu%3D3248%3E%3B%3C5%3E%3B79% 3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A378%3B%3B%3B24nu0mrj

[cosmic]

Cosmic - When is your mom coming to DC and how long is she staying with you after the baby?

Hi, Craft! Mom wants to come when the baby's first born, and then she wants to come back at Thanksgiving or Christmas. How are you feeling this week?
Love your crib bedding and everything! But then you probably knew I would. ;)

[batgirl]

Craft your nursery is beautiful! I LOVE the crib bedding!
And thanks for the reassurance with MIL. I have no plans on backing down. In fact, now I don't think we are even going to contact them until after baby is born. DH is convinced that if they hear I'm in labor, they will rush to the hospital. :rolleyes:

Roadrunner I gained 4lbs in two weeks at my last appt. I am expecting a similar weight gain this thursday. I thought we were only supposed to gain 1-2??? Too much ice cream in my case, I guess!

Octoberkate good luck with the new job!

Cam how did you decide when to start mat leave? Does your school start right after that? I'm trying to decide whether or not to work up to my due date, but don't know how reasonable that is...

Nothing new here.

Have a great day everyone!

[Camdynlyn]

Batgirl: Well, with my mat leave, I had 2 choices: 1) Have my sub start the first day of school with me working what I could of the workdays up until then or 2) Have my sub start on my due date (about a week and a few days after school starts) in hopes that I don't go early. If I did go early, they would pull any Tom, Dick or Harry off the sub list to fill in until my due date. The beginning of the year is crucial so I chose for them to start the first day of school, figuring that would be better. If I'm able, I can still come in and leave as I please but I just won't get paid.

[2Jacks&Me]

Virtual shower I haven't heard anything back about my secret persons address. So I am going to come right out and say who it is so that we can connect. SUIEJ it is you! I would love to have PM'd you- but you aren't accepting any- so please PM me so I can purchase you something you like ( registry info ) and address. Thanks!

Been meaning to tell you guys this and I forget all the timenursing tanks Bought a Galmourmom one- the sizing is way small. It barely fits. Bought a Target one- liked it better but I did not read the tag and dried it on low- SHRUNK it! Bummer! So be careful should you be in the market for a nursing tank. I will buy target again- just not dry them in the dryer!

[roadrunner]

Got two loads of baby laundry done so far today. One load of recieving blankets (I cannot believe how many of these things I have!!) and one load of clothes - sleepers, diaper shirts, socks mainly. I went through all of the stuff from DD, and was really surprised to find so much 'generic' stuff! I have another load ready to go in the washer - all blankets. I really don't remember needing so many blankets!

Dh will put the mouldings back on the baby's room tonight, and hopefully I can convince him to put the crib together either tonight or tomorrow.

I need to take a belly shot - I think I've dropped a bit cause my pants keep falling down!!!

Still having a ton of contrax. Had one particularly painful one today. I'd love to have this baby in the next 1.5-2 weeks. I'm soooooo ready!

[MSH]

I've got new belly shots :)

32 weeks 3 days compared to today 34 weeks!
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mrs_natalie/Jul27_01.jpghttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mrs_natalie/August07_01.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mrs_natalie/August07_02.jpg

I had a few contrax this morning and actually got really excited. They were a little painful but not so bad I couldn't keep doing what I was doing ... well at a slower pace ... I badly want this baby on Labour Day weekend or at the latest the weekend after. I would love nothing more than to be at home with hubby and baby when my family arrives on the 11th. I am getting so excited.

Virtual shower
I sent out PMs with those addresses I had received.

[Koala_Gurl]

rr- It is pretty funny, you will think you don't have enough receiving blankets...but for the first maybe 3 months. Then it will be like, "we've been invaded by blankets!" Though, that is how it was with my March baby, so with Sept. babies, we may use them a bit longer this time around (with winter & all!) They really do everything...sun shades, warmth, etc. :)

[2Jacks&Me]

MSH You look great- how is it that your butt isn't keeping up with your tummy? Mine sure has! What is that all about?

Had a breakdown last night.
Work on the house is ongoing and I had to saty at Mom's sunday night and monday day. It was horrific. DS was a monster- didn't want to sleep we got woken up 2 hours earlier than norm and then on my way home DH calls to inform me that our house is unihabitable. AND WAS IT EVER! So i had to confine DS to his highchair- pack for the next few days and hike it over to dad's house. Which was actually ok- but I am sleeping poorly and Dh won't stay with me so he had to comeover to pick up DSin the morn so I could come to work. Now I know what being a single parent would be about- no thanks!
SO it is taxing and I even have to bring over more food since they are old and dont eat what we do- like milk. HMM_ only a short time and it will all be pretty again- but ew the drywall dust!

[Ericka_Jarett]

Hi ladies,

Just thought I would post a quick update. Tomorrow I am 32 weeks, I went to what I found out was my last peri appt today. He said I have bedrest for 2 more weeks and than can resume activities. I will have my pessary out between 34-36 weeks and he said if I don't deliver by 37 weeks than he will see me again for a size check, but thinks for sure I will go before than. My cervix is 100% effaced as I knew from 2 weeks ago at the hospital, but it's unchanged at 1 cm so we are thrilled. Here's to 2 more weeks of bedrest and than most likely a Sept baby.

[dana b]

batgirl oh yeah, i'd stand my ground with your mil, too. that sounds so much like my mil before dd was born -- she would constantly call dh and cry and complain that i didn't want her to be involved. i stood my ground and now she doesn't push at all, everything is so much better between us and i actually involve her more now, b/c she isn't pushing her way in. we also called dh's parents after the baby was born, it worked out great. i remember her constantly going and knocking on sil's door while she was in labor :eek:

koala gurl was it the hug-a-bub?

camdynlyn i don't think you're selfish at all! i can't imagine working at 39 weeks :eek: iirc, when i was working when pg with dd, it was the norm to go on disability at 36 weeks. that's when i stopped working and i'm pretty sure it was like an automatic thing with my dr's office (to sign the disability form).

craft your room looks great. love the drapes.

gm tanks i was bummed the target ones didn't look right on me. i'm going with gm ones again, but i think i'm gonna order the maternity ones, that way they'll be longer.

2 jacks yikes, i would've had a breakdown, too. then again it doesn't take much for me to have a breakdown lately :o

[dionysia]

Hi everyone!!

Friday night, we painted the nursery. It became fairly obvious that we'd need another coat.

Saturday we were off to our breastfeeding class. It was a good class. The instructor was obviously a lactivist, but she certainly did not come off as condescending or self-righteous. ;) Between the hospital, friends, and LLL (which has a chapter right in our town), I think I'm going to have a great network of support. I know that Dionysios was a little bored in the class, but I'm glad he went anyway.

Sunday morning, Dionysios finished the 2nd coat of paint in the nursery. We both love the color, despite the fact that it's more of a subtle mint green than a sage. Oh well. The rug we got at Building 19 (a closeout/big lots type store) doesn't exactly match per se, but it does compliment the wood floor, window trim, and the wall color very nicely.

Then I was off to the Marriott for the brunch shower my aunt & cousin threw for me. In attendance were my mom, my Yia Yia, my great-aunt, and my mom's cousin (the 4 of them drove up from the Cape), my aunt A & her daughter E (the hostesses), my aunt N, & CC's own Lolavix. Aunt S was moving this weekend and Aunt B couldn't get off work. I had a wonderful time. Lots more thank-yous to write!

For the rest of the day, Dionysios and I set up the crib & started on the changing table/dresser. Then we realized that we didn't have a Philips screwdriver that was long enough to put the dresser legs on, so Dionysios finished making the drawers and we called it a night.

Last night, we almost finished the dresser, but we are missing a screw!!! :( I need to call IKEA.

Sleeping alternates between restless and downright impossible. I woke up this morning with my first leg cramp. That was some of the worst pain I have ever felt. OMFG.

I also have a sore throat and a runny nose. Fan-freaking-tastic.

*******

Replies to QOTDs:

We have a pediatrician.

I will be out on STD/FMLA/Maternity leave for 13 weeks. If Fasolaki arrives on his due date, I'll be back on December 19th.

We are not using bumpers.

*******

And now, a question for ROs:
I have heard a range of opinions about what to wash baby's clothes in before he's born. Everything from laundry soap (not detergent) to Dreft to what we usually use. Advice?

Di

[booksie]

Washing baby clothes: I used Dreft last time, but this time I think I will just use the liquid All without fragrance or dyes. It's what we use on our own clothes. I think it's best to steer clear of anything with perfumes, etc. until after the baby has been around a while. Then, when you introduce regular detergents, you will be able to tell if your baby is sensitive to them. I'll do the same thing with baby wipes, shampoo, etc., making sure to introduce only one new scented product at a time.

[Dotsie]

I'm sorry I'm not all that great with s/o's. I will do more later.
qotd ~ For ds#1 I used Dreft because I loved the smell and bought into the hype. This time around I will probably buy Dreft again (for the smell) but I think any mild brand will work. Our washer has the setting for a second rinse and I used that a lot when Aidan was young, now not so much.
I only work 2 days a week now. Monday and Tuesday. Next Tuesday will be my last day and then I will take either 6 or 8 weeks off.
I've been having TONS of contractions lately. I have a dr's appt tomorrow morning. I will be really po'd if I'm not dilated or effaced at all. When I was pg with my DS#1 I don't recall any contrax and I made no progress whatsoever.

[Koala_Gurl]

dana b - yep that was it! Thanks!!!

[RosegardenC]

Happy Tuesday Ladies!

I made it thru my shower and the meeting of the parents! WHEW! My MIL kept her crazy in cheque, and it all went pretty darn smooth. I am soo tired now from entertaining both familys all weekend!!! I got a lot of baby stuff, but most of it was not off my registry, and I must be the only person in history NOT to get too many receiving blankets, in fact I didnt get any, can you believe it?? Not that its a problem, I will just got get some myself no biggie, but I thought it was pretty funny. My MIL did insist over and over that she WILL be present for my babies birth, even tho DH and I have both explained over and over that this one is my moms turn. Thanks to my ex I didnt have anyone around me for either DS1 or DS2, because I was in an exile if you wish... So its REALLY important to ME and MY MOM that she be present this time, and she is such a help, she will tend to everything and let DH and I just focus on the birth and then after spend time bonding with the baby. His mother doesnt cook, doesnt clean, is mentally unstable and makes DH sooo upset everytime she is around. Did I mention the negative static energy that just oozes out of her 24/7? Oh ya thats what I need when I am trying to stay caaaalllmmmm and focus on giving birth! LOL! So I can tense up and prolong my labor and hey maybe even blow it compleatly and have another Csec! NOT! MIL just refuses to hear anything we say about the birth, and my wishes. She brought it up at the shower, and said she WOULD be there no matter what, and that when the call came in she was on her way! I said no, and she said yes, and so I calmly said well then, I guess I just wont call until after the baby is born then. The best part is its all on tape, she had the video tape all set up and it was running the whole time! Maybe she will GET IT when she watches the tape 2 billion times as she obsesses.....

[RosegardenC]

OH on a much better note,

the Dr's appt on Friday went wonderfully! They finally got my records and *drum roll please* I can have a TOL!!!! DS2's Csec was low transverse! YAY!!!!!!! AND that other jerky doctor who gave me grief about the ammount of weight I have put on, well HELLO!!! Totally ignorant!!! I have only put on a total of 14 lbs so far! and I am at 33 weeks! So its all good on the birthing front for me!

[cjones15]

QOTD - I have washed the kids clothes in regular tide just like ours. Our ped said there is no sense in washing in something special unless everyone who touches the baby has their clothes washed in the same thing. The rub up against other people's clothes.

Had my weekly appointment today. I am dilated to a 1+ and at 50%. We also had an u/s and Nathan is measuring at 6lb 3 oz. Due to the fact I've had two large babies they plan on inducing me on the 22nd or 23rd. Only two more weeks to go. I've had a ton of contractions this weekend. I'm really not into induction so I will be going for weekly massages and getting adjustments from my chiro to help with getting labor started. Since I was GBS positive last time the automaticall assume you are this time so I have to head straight to the hospital if my water breaks or if I notice a consistant contraction pattern. I will also have to spend a mandatory 48 hours in the hospital after delivery.

[Aletheia]

soap/detergent- I think that the biggest factor to take into consideration is whether you or others in your immediate families have skin sensitivities; if so, your baby is more likely to have them.

I have terrible skin, but since we've been poor for the last couple of years, have been using regular detergents from the store. Whenever we change brands, I go through about 2 weeks of eczema. But with a baby coming, laundry soap/detergent got bumped up in importance, and this is what we're using:

http://www.shaklee.com/sku/l81295.jpg

The brand is Shaklee, and while it is a detergent (i.e., is synthetic, and not natural based like soaps are) it is *amazingly* gentle but still cleans as well as a detergent does. My mom eventually found it was the only laundry cleaner that didn't send my sister and I itching our way around the house, and we used lots of other Shaklee products for years.

But the kicker? It is hella expensive. One gallon does do 128 loads, but at $55 for a gallon, it comes out to $.43 a load. And that's with my front loading, less-soap-using washing machine. Another (conceivably) bad thing... they operate like Avon or Mary Kay or things like that, where you can't just run to Safeway in the middle of the night to buy more; you have to order through a person in advance, and some of them try to sell you other stuff.

Luckily, the "other stuff" is all really high quality, and I don't think you'd be disappointed in any of it (especially Basic H, the all purpose (seriously) cleaner that I'm going back to too)-- but man it is expensive.

In other news...

receiving blankets- Hmm. I have two. And an Amazing Miracle Swaddling Blanket. Probably not enough, eh?

attending the birth- These stories that you two are telling (batgirl and roseg?) about MIL's wanting to attend the birth are amazing! Sure, it's their grandbaby, but does that really give them the right to stare at your hoohah in a highly personal and challenging moment? Uh, that wasn't in our wedding vows. Sounds to me like they need to get a grip! (I am soooo glad, by the way, that my mom is a 4 hour plane ride away. She may be my mom, but I want no one in that room to support me other than my DH.)

GBS- So I found out I'm GBS positive, and so am beginning to reconcile myself to the IV. DH and I plan on doing more research on injections, but after I read about the possible risks to baby-- they are slight but really serious-- even an IV didn't sound too bad.

I went for an hour long walk today with my buddy who is 24 weeks-- up and around a big hilly park area. Just 2 weeks ago that would have been no big deal, but today it meant I spent the rest of the day on the couch! I'm wiped out!

I'm full term tomorrow!

[suiej]

2Jacks&Me I just pm'ed you my info. I don't know why it said I wasn't accepting any pms, weird!

Virtual Shower I sent my request for the info for my person, but I haven't received it yet from the September2006Mommies...? If I don't get a replay by tomorrow, I'll pm my person.

Washing What all needs to be washed before it gets used? I understand clothing and crib sheets, but what about blankets, crib bumpers, etc.?

~~~
Had an OB appointment yesterday, BP was fine, and I didn't gain any weight since the last appointment. (Hooray!)

However, he's sending me for another u/s to check out my measurements again, since I was measuring large, again. He told me not to worry, it might just be my belly size, or she's just a big girl already. But it's mostly to rule out too much amniotic fluid, I think.

So I'll be scheduling an u/s for August 22nd, which is the same day as my next OB appointment.

I also met a pediatrician yesterday. The practice comes highly recommended, but they're a little farther away from our home than I'd like. I may go see one more next week.

Having a lot of back pain and soreness tonight, hope it goes away with a good nights sleep!

[octoberkate]

Hey ladies - I had a kinda rough day today. The new job (it's a totally new agency, totally new job) really overwhelmed me, general life chores overwhelmed me (cleaning, grocery shopping), stupid heartburn overwhelmed me, exhaustion and my whiny son overwhelmed me, and all I could do was cry when I got home. I'm feeling a little better now, but still... I can't handle too many days like this.

QOTD - detergent - we always used tide free, or one of the other "big name" detergents that was the free of perfumes and dyes variety. Of course, we don't have sensitive skin so I decided that we didn't need to splurge on dreft or something else pricey. So far it's been fine - although I wouldn't recommend the arm & hammer free detergent but that's just because it doesn't seem to get my clothes as clean as the tide or even the target brand does.

[{b}]

We've been using Arm and Hammer free and I haven't had any trouble. I'm a sensative skin person, so we'll probably just keep using this brand. Don't fix what ain't broke, right?

Ankles are swelling like tree trunks.

Had no more unusual discharge today - and yes, the thought that it was my mucus plug was the first thing to cross my mind. Scary stuff. I don't think it was though, it wasn't very much.

Have to talk with HR tomorrow to set up mat. leave.

Have to go pick up the infant seat and extra base my Mom is buying, maybe Thursday.

I now have a ton of infant sized (0-3 months) clothes. Really need to get working on the more practical stuff, though, like the changing table pad and cover, sheets for the crib and playpen bassinets, etc. I really want an Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper, going to have to figure out if I want it bad enough to just go get it myself.

Lots and lots of right-hand rib kicking, so I'm assuming babe is head down.

Lying in bed this morning, DH was like "You are REALLY lopsided!" so I look down and sure enough, my belly was cone shaped and leaning to the left! I was only on my back for like 30 seconds!

[Koala_Gurl]

detergent - I used some Dreft I got as a gift, then used some All Free & Clear for a little while. Then figured out it was OK to use the "normal" stuff I use for DH & my stuff. DD hasn't had an issue, but no one in either family has any history of skin reactions or anything.

I did buy Dreft (for the smell) for this baby, and washed some clothes / blankets in it, but will probably do the same...see if the reg. detergent bothers him/her.

[tgoody03]

Now I'm up in the middle of the night posting because I can't sleep! :rolleyes:

I'm so glad that I'm not the only one here that hasn't changed a diaper. Phew! What a relief. Thanks to all y'all for admitting your "problem" with me! LOL!

Next Drs. Appt - I have my 36 wk appt on Thursday. I'm 36w0d today. I'll have my GBS test. Is this the week where my drs. start checking for dilation and effacement?

QOTD - How do you girls know you are having contractions? I don't think I have had any yet, and it seems like I am the only one.

Maternity Leave - My last day of work is Aug 31. My due date is Sept 5. I tried to start my maternity leave that Monday (the 28th, I think), but my manager wouldn't allow it. She feels that she's giving me off more time than I'm technically allowed so she needs me to work until the last possible day. Kinda sucks, but what can I do? I'll start back at work, PT, on Jan 2. I'm excited about only working PT though.

Labor room "buddies" - Batgirl & Roseg ... like you, my MIL and 3 SILs and Grandma-IL ALL want to be in the delivery room. Joking? Not so much. I've told them all that I don't feel comfortable with that, but that they are welcome to spend time in the room until the real labor starts or I get annoyed (LOL) ... luckily, the seemed fine with that. My DH's sister had them all in the labor room with her when she had her baby about 9 months ago. I really don't want anyone in the room with me but my DH. I think it's a very special, personal time for us to share together. Hopefully, your in-laws will understand your position.

-----------

Babywish - Hey Carmen. Yep, my pictures turned out awesome, IMO! I can't post any here b/c she copyrights them until you buy them. I should be getting the prints I ordered in the next day or so and plan to scan a few in for you girls to see. I would be glad to send you my link to the online photos, but the only problem is that I can't block out any of the "nude" ones. I know you said you weren't planning on taking any like that, so I'm not sure you want to see them either. I'm not completely nude - hands are strategically located and I am wearing panties ... I'm not really bashful, so if you do want to see my pics let me know and I'll send you the link. I really loved my time in the studio with Tricia and Mike. They were very creative and we just did whatever they came up with (and I had a few ideas). I think you'll really like them. They'll do as much or as little as you want, and they'll probably give you plenty of ideas of different poses. We did some indoor photos and the some outdoor casual photos.

[Dotsie]

tgoody ~ With my 1st pg I didn't get contractions until they induced me;) I wouldn't worry about it. I know I"m getting contractions because I know what they feel like. For me it's like a burning type AF cramp. It's exactly what my labor felt like only much, much milder.

[mommy2AlliWill]

Hi girls! Have been reading along even if I haven't posted. tgoody & msh you guys look awesome!

qotd: detergent: we use Kirkland (Costco) free & clear. I found I didn't have time to seperate laundry once #2 arrived & since I already do a load a day I don't expect #3 wil get any different treatment.

Sorry those of you dealing with pushy family members. I guess a good thing about a c is that ony DH is allowed in the operating room with me. My Mom & at least one of my brothers will be with me pre-op & in the recovery room though.

[MSH]

Labour buddies
Thankfully MIL went off on a rant the other day about how crazy this one lady was for insisting she be in the delivery room when her DIL gave birth. So I'm taking this to say she will not want to be in the room with us. That had been my biggest fear, there is no way i could go natural with her anywhere near me ... my mom on the other hand I would love to have by me. Maybe not for the delivery itself but during labour.

QOTD:
I haven't washed any of babys things yet. I had wanted to get some baby friendly detergent but haven't gotten around to it yet. I figure I will just get a gentle brand and probably unscented.

Thank you so much to everyone for your belly shot comment. Any gender guesses?

[RosegardenC]

QOTD With DS1 I dont remember getting any different detergents, with DS2 I know we used Dreft because I was staying at my grandparents while he was in the hospital and my grandfather had really sensitive skin and thats what grandma used for him, so since it was there I used it. At home now I use Kirkland laundry soap from costco, or Surf liquid detergent, I have already washed all of the hand me downs in that so I guess Im not going to worry about it unless a problem arises.

Ya, my MIL is nuts, (no really she is she has finally been put on something for the freak out mood swings and outbursts) I dont think she will ever "hear" my requests, so I am just going to let DH handle it, and not call her til I have Cameron at home, the only problem is her wish to be here ASAP when she gets that call too... I just want to be left alone with my family and the new addition for a while! My mom will already be here, so why do I need to have Psycho mom around?? *sigh* oh well.. gotta deal with it at some point.......

[twink]

Good morning everyone! Last night I watched the coolest special on National Geographic called "In the Womb". It tracked a baby's development from conception to birth and had all these cool 4D ultrasound images and computer generated clips. I missed the baby's birth (was walking the dog), but DH seemed thoroughly disturbed by it - so maybe it is good that I missed it. :)

I'm having trouble focusing on work these days. I got everything done for my maternity leave with HR yesterday, so all I have to do is let them know when I start leave and then I will have 12 weeks off. I'm really hoping that this kid comes a week late so I get off until the end of the year.

DH and I need to go on a big shopping trip and pick up all the practical stuff that we didn't get at our shower. We have no diapers or wipes!

[{b}]

I plan to labor at home as long as I can stand it, in part so there won't be much notice for MIL to get to the hospital. I can't imagine the "perfomance anxiety" having all of DH's family at the hosiptal, waiting, will give me.

I will only have 8 weeks of maternity leave, so I have to figure out how to spend it/when to start. I'm already POed and resentful and sad that I have to go back to work, but there's no way around it. DH is a self-employed, small business owner. His income is totally irratic, and private insurance is insane. We can't afford the mortgage, let alone cars and food and student loans and credit cards and insurance costs without me working. :(

People keep asking me at work" When are you due?" I say Sept. 10 and they respond "SO SOON?" So I'm thinking people just don't realize how little time is left before baby comes. I however, am accutely aware of this, and have begun freaking out. Not nesting, by any means, I'm still a lazy slob ;), but I still don't feel prepared for labor or infant care. Birth class is next Saturday, so that should help.

[RosegardenC]

((((((September mommies!))))))

Can you believe its almost time?!?!?!?

Im starting to get excited and nervous all rolled into a butterfly tummy

[booksie]

I know! We had childbirth refresher course last night and it brought back all those feelings of nervousness and fear and pain - I was so scared. But then we toured the L&D unit and for some reason that got me just super excited!!

[Dotsie]

I just got back from my appt. I am a fingertip dilated and 30% effaced. I am no longer measuring big. I measured 36, right on target. I'm still being sent for another u/s in week 38 to see how big the baby is. My dr is confident now that I can deliver vaginally:D I didn't gain any weight since last week either.. woo-hoo!!
My next appt is Wednesday Aug 16th.

[booksie]

Have you all been requesting exams, or are your doctors just doing them? I'm not due until the end of September, but I want to see if all the bh contractions have done anything (last baby I started dilating 1.5 months before the baby was born)... do you think I can request an exam at my appointment today?? I know they usually don't do them until you're about 37 weeks and I'm only 33. :(

[batgirl]

Rosegarden & {B} I'm glad that I'm not the only one with the psycho MIL! {b}, I've been thinking the same thing you are... labor at home as long as I can stand it, then Whoops! Sorry, things went so fast at the hospital we didn't have time to call anyone. Sorry! (Course, with my luck I'll be in labor for days...)

Twink boy, me too. I have been at work all day and have very little to show for it. I have the attention span of a 2 year old with ADD... and no motivation...

Dotsie Yeah on the good news at your doc appt!!!

booksie I've never requested any exams/tests. Frankly, I don't want to know! Just having it be the second week of august is freaking me out. Don't know what I'd do if I found out I was dialating already! (course, bound to find out sooner or later :) )

Ok, back to "work". (I have got to get something done!!!)

[twink]

dotsie Yay for the potential vaginal birth!

booksie I'm sure that your doctor would be willing to do an internal exam if reqeusted - their job is to support you and do whatever you need them to!

[2Jacks&Me]

exams I have to say I am not sure I will ever get an internal - DS was 11 days early and I hadn't had an internal yet.
I don't really care- I figure my body will do it's thing no matter if I am dialated 1 cm or whatnot. ( I hate when people say whatnot!)
Plus I can save the shaving of the legs!

I know that they don't want to poke around in there uneccesarrily- but past 36 weeks I bet you can request an internal with no balking.

Looks like we are homeless through the weekend. DH will paint our room so it will be complete by the time I see it next.
The biggest bummer id the guy doesn't think he can build in our dishwasher without damaging other things. So I just said forget it for now. I am bummed I hate that big think in my kitchen - but I need a dishwasher! I hate doing dishes!

[mommy2AlliWill]

Dorothy- that is great news from your appointment!!

MSH- I am guessing boy.

I won't have any internals. If my water breaks or I go into labor before 9/5 I just go to the hospital for my c. No group b strep either since I will be getting antibiotics either way.

2jacks- Hope it all looks perfect when you get back. We will be homeless next week too while our kitchen is under construction...while at my Mom's with dial up, so truly back to the stone ages.

[twink]

QOTD - Grooming What are you ladies planning on doing as far as grooming *down there* before you go to the hospital? On an ongoing basis, I have seriously slacked off in this department, but I'm wondering if I shouldn't get myself cleaned up for the big show!?!

[{b}]

batgirl - My MIL isn't "psycho" perse, but I'd rather not have ALL of DH's extended family sitting there waiting on me. Though,. with the amount of interest they've shown in this PG so far, I'm probably worried about nothing... [rolleyes]

I'd think your Dr. will do an internal if you request it.

I'm hoping to avoid internals as much as possible. I have the GBS test Friday, though.

Grooming - a couple weeks ago or so, I was seriously growing a forest. So DH lent me his rarely-if-ever-used clippers and I went to town. It was not easy. Pretty soon, I'll need to have him do it.

We have a meeting with our potential family doctor/ped next Tuesday. What should I ask him? DH and I are both patients already, it seems to make sense and fit in with our lifestyle to have him see baby, too. Anyone have a family doctor?

[Dotsie]

grooming ~ I use my dh's clippers. I'm too embarrassed to get a bikini wax at this stage of the game. I have to say that I'm now at the point that I can't even use the clippers. I was the same way the 1st time around. I figure the dr and nurses have seen it all before and by the time I got to pushing I had NO shame.

[2Jacks&Me]

mommy I feel for ya- I thought we would need to stay someplace a night or two and it looks like a week! ARGH!

Grooming AH yeah- got to get on that one. I plan to do what most of you seem to have planned- beard trimmer in combo with a good thorough leg shaving.
I washed my flips flops in the laundry last night and put them outside to air- I am suddenly very concerned about stinky feet dangling in someone's face.

I am a crab today- Woke up at 3:30 and just got ready for work since going back to sleep would make me more tired. I work 6:30-6:30 and then pick up DS wherever he may be with my mom and then tomorrow is full of appts. EW!

Plus the front desk has no clue and has been working me to death - have I mentioned that already- can't get over it.
It is impossible for one person to see two- three pts at the same time! ARGH!
I wil really flip today should that go on again!
OK - I feel better.
Craft I only got a kiss from Dh last night after I was asleep- but he mentioned that he thinks I got your bracelets in the mail yesterday- can't wait to see them!

[babywish]

Just wanted to give a quick update, I just got back from the doctor and I am scared to death, they did my first internal and I am already 50% efface and a finger tip dilated, he seems to think the baby will be here in 2-3 weeks max……….. I am not ready for this!! YIKES! I always thought this baby would be late and 2 weeks seems so early, all the sudden I am a nervous rack, I guess it doesn't really make a difference everything is ready and we are just waiting for 'the day' but I for some reason did not expect those news. I know that this can go either way and like he says this is not a science and I might get stuck there for 2 weeks or more, but talk about a reality check! Next appointments 8/15 and 8/24.

By the way we had our CPR class yesterday, now we just have the breastfeeding class left (next Wednesday) and we will be good to go!

QOTD- I am lucky enough that I am still able to shave my self (even the bikini area) and not to be too graphic but I have been keeping the area trimmed if you know what I mean, so my plan is just to keep doing the same until the day I go in labor or I can't see it anymore :)

[brenda]

I had my MW appointment today. Another super-quick easy one. BP is 108/68, I'm up 18 lbs total, and baby's heartrate was 152. I'm very tired these days, but that's because of the trouble I have sleeping, I think. I've always been prone to insomnia. Now, unless I'm physically exhausted, I have a really hard time falling asleep. And, since I have to pee every 3 hours (tops) I have that problem over and over through the night.

Oh well. In happier news - shower this weekend!

Next appointments: 8/24 (GBS test), 8/31, 9/7, 9/14

[craftgenius]

I just got back from my ultrasound/dr's appt. Everything is going well. Everything looked good...fluid was good, heartbeat was good, blood pressure was good, blood flow through the cord was good, etc. But the doctor gave me strict instructions to take it easy the next couple of weeks and drink plenty of water. She said to stay off my feet as much as possible. She said that at the end of the pregnacy the placenta begins to deteriorate some...so it doesn't function as strongly as it has been...so it's important that I don't exert to much energy to ensure that the baby gets adequate blood supply. She also said to drink plenty of water so I won't get dehydrated and so the amniotic fluid will stay at a nice level. She said to make DH do all the housework and cooking for the next two weeks! :D We'll see how that turns out...the house will probably be a MESS!

Maternity Leave - I talked to my sister last night and she started questioning me about why I was only taking 8 weeks off. She acted like she was so shocked and kept saying how she just didn't understand why I didn't want to spend more time at home with the baby. :rolleyes: Which really pissed me off because it was almost like she was implying that I won't be a "good mother" if I don't try to spend more time with the baby. She talked about how she took the full 12 weeks off and how hard at 12 weeks it was to leave the baby. I know it's going to be hard to leave the baby!! But we have bills to pay!!!!!!!!!! Then she called our MOM and talked to her about it. So mom called me and was like, "Maybe you should consider taking more time off." They really kinda hurt my feelings...kinda made feel guilty about the whole thing. :rolleyes: What I should have asked them was, "Are you going to pay my bills while I am off those extra 4 weeks without pay???" The 8 weeks I am taking I will be getting full pay, after I come back I will only have 1 week of leave left...which I was hoping to save for Dr's appts and such. So now I am just confused and a little ticked off at them for putting a guilt trip on me.

[twink]

babywish How exciting - YAY!

brenda Add me to the exhausted club. I can barely get through a day of work without needing a nap!

My next midwife appointment is August 15.

I have started to do some massive shopping for this baby on craigslist. I have found a 20 piece lot of 0-3 month clothes for $10, a Baby Bjorn for $35, and a really cute halloween costume. I still have a lot of things to fill out from our registry, so I will be searching that site every day until we get all the things we need.

Can I just say how excited I am for the first person in our group to have a baby? I just think that will be so cool to have us all start finishing up our pregnancies and moving into mommyhood!

[suiej]

I still need an address to send my virtual shower gift.... since I haven't heard from anyone, dana b, will you PM me your info? :D

[Dotsie]

Craft ~ I wouldn't worry too much about maternity leave. You have to do what's best for you and your family. I'm only taking my paid 6 (8 weeks for csec) weeks leave. That's all we can afford right now. That's what's best for us. You're going to be a wonderful momma and pooh on anyone who feels differently!!

Brenda ~ I have to take a nap every day around 2 now. It just started this week. If I don't get my nap in I can't function. Thank goodness I can just lie on the couch and my DS plays in the living room where I'm at. I don't think I fully sleep but I do rest. These last few weeks are going to be rough.

babywish ~ how exciting is this?!? I cannot believe we're all down to the wire now:eek:


I went to BRU today and bought my virtual shower gift. I will be sending it out tomorrow. My DS was so excited to go into the store. He calls is "Conor's baby store". I really don't need anything now but I love poking around in there.

My cousin just had a baby a few weeks ago and she sent me a huge box of formula (her baby can't use it) and a brand new Medela hand pump. Of course I tried out the pump to see how it worked.... I was fine with it until a few hours later, then OMG did my nips start to hurt. Will lanolin help with that pain? I don't plan on BF just pumping. That got me a little nervous. I didn't try pumping with Aidan.

[2Jacks&Me]

craft Who can I get to tell my Dh that info? We would have a messy house too- well since I haven't been home since monday night- I am afraid to see what is going on there. I told Dh I wasn't coming back until it was all back to normal- which may never be unless I get there and really clean!

Don't worry about your decision to take 8 weeks. You may be ready to go back sooner or not and you can't know that until it happens. Everyone's experience is so dif. Mom doesn't know all all the time! :D

[Aletheia]

I sent my shower gift yesterday!!

I'm glad to hear that others are tired too. This fatigue is AMAZING to me. I put a pot roast together this morning (easiest dinner ever? chop chop chop, put it all in the crock pot, turn it on!) and needed to lie down and REST afterwards. This kid is sucking my will to get things done.

craft- Don't worry about 8 v.s. 12 weeks. The most important thing is that you aren't questioning yourself. That'll waste energy! Just stick to your guns.

grooming Ha ha! You ladies make me feel like an amazon woman. I don't need to shop for "grandma panties" because half of my panties are already full briefs. The very *thought* of a thong makes my wedgie-picking reflex be alert and ready. So as for this grooming issue? I remember trying to do some pruning at some point, but it was so darn prickly down there afterwards that I swore up and down to myself that I would NEVER do that again. And I haven't. :D I trust the midwife will be able to find a baby's head down there when it is time. :p

Sorry, that was maybe a little cras.

twink- Funny, as I was working on sanding down the crib I got on Craigslist and am refinishing this morning, I was thinking about the nursery, and how when I'm done and take pictures of it, I should make it like an advertisement for Craigslist. Here's my haul so far:

black-out roller shades for windows; 2 for $25 together
crib: $35
crib mattress: $50
eddie bauer bassinet: $50
dresser: $90
hotsling: $20
maya wrap: $20
Kangaroo pouch: $15
moby wrap: FREE
huge bag of 0-18m clothes: FREE
big box of cloth diapers (CPFs): FREE
8 each small and medium prowraps and 3 wool soakers: $30
2 bouncy seats: FREE
1 jumparoo: FREE
boppy with toy attachments: $15
my brest friend: $5
bumbo seat: $20
...
the list goes on and on! At times I've spent more time on craigslist than I have on CC (scandal!!)

[dionysia]

I was home sick with a head cold yesterday. :(

I feel better today, but really needed all the sleep I got yesterday.

I am crazy because I am throwing my girlfriend a baby shower this Sunday at my house. I am off to BJs (warehouse club) soon to stock up.

We have an infant care class on Saturday morning and then we'll be taking advantage of the state tax holiday to buy the crib mattress & Britax Marathon. Then we have to buy the food for the shower and set up. :eek:

Di

[tgoody03]

36w2d

Had a drs. appt today. Oh my gosh!! I’m 1.5 cm dilated and 80% effaced. My dr. seems to think I won’t hold out until Sept 5, but she did say that some women stay dilated at 1 cm for weeks so not to feel too crazy and frantic. LOL! I have gained 23 lbs now. I’m measuring right on schedule.

I was thinking today that we are all doing very well. Not one Sept mommy has had a baby, and I think that is good because so far no pre-term babies. But I probably just jinxed us, didn’t I?

Good story for you – Our glider came in yesterday. My DH set it up in the nursery for me as a surprise so I could try it out right when I got home. It’s a really nice Best Chair glider. Love it! I “plopped” down in it and broke the chair. Great! I know I’ve gained weight, but I haven’t gained enough weight to break a chair – have I?

Baby shower - I have a work shower tomorrow. Pretty excited. I think we are going to get our stroller or our other car seat - the Britax Decathalon.

Contractions – I asked about these in my early post. Dotsie, thanks for your reply. Maybe my cramps are contractions. Like yours, they feel like the ones I get when I’m about to get my period. The reason I thought they weren’t contractions is that they don’t start and stop. They just kind of linger. I wonder if these are contractions?

Grooming – I’m still shaving. I can’t see everything so I just feel around and shave. Probably not the best method. I’m so sensitive down there now and I get bumps and a rash. Perfect! I was going to get a bikini wax, but that hurt before I was pregnant so I chickened out b/c I’m sure it will hurt 10 times worse now.

Mommy2alliwill – Thank you for that compliment! Very sweet of you!

Babywish – Hey! I wasn’t at work today so not sure if you emailed me. What did you think of the pics? Do you feel good about choosing Tricia as your photographer? Sounds like you and I are progressing at about the same pace. Exciting! You better hold out until next Saturday so you can get these pictures in!

Craft - I see what your sister is saying, but I totally think she is out of line. Women go back to work at 6 weeks all the time. At least you are lucky enough to take of 8 weeks. Some women really think that women that go back to work are awful parents. I don't understand why. My mom worked and I was in daycare at 6 weeks, and I turned out fine (IMO! LOL). I'm with the other girls, you need to do what is best for your family. We all do. I'm one of the people that honestly feel it's fine for the mom to work if that's what she chooses. You keep your feeling of self, keep generating an income which is important for savings such as retirement and college, and the baby is socialized. There are a lot of positives about day care, point them out to your sister!

[Koala_Gurl]

Yuck...DD and I have been dealing with a head cold. Nothing major, just enough to be annoying.

Contractions - When I went into labor, they started out feeling like dull period cramps (kinda like the gassy - constipated like feeling?), progressed into more and more painful period cramps and so on.

[roadrunner]

Hi, just a quick post to say I'm still here :) . I'm so super swollen, I don't even have any wrinkles left on my face, and it looks like I've had botox done on my lips!! I look like crap, feel like crap and can't wait to have this baby! Still having a ton of contrax - not regular, but definately getting stronger!

Is anyone else running to the bathroom everytime they feel any little twinge down there to check to see if it's your water/mucous plug?? Or am I just neurotic??? :p

craft ~ people will always give their unwanted opinions - just wait until they start giving you baby advice after the little one is born!! Just try to ignore the unwanted comments - they are not worth getting upset over!

My next OB appt is Tuesday, Aug. 15th.

We are so close. It could literally be any day now for any one of us!!!

[mommy2AlliWill]

35 w 4 d

craft- that stinks. You have to do what you have to do, I am sorry your Mom & sis are giving you a hard time.

aletheia- I am always checking our craigslist, but it looks like you have much better listings in your area.

dionysia- wow, you are crazy! We are haivng my son's 2nd birthday party the weekend of Aug. 26 & I am roping everyone into bringing food so I don't have to cook.

twink- "Can I just say how excited I am for the first person in our group to have a baby? I just think that will be so cool to have us all start finishing up our pregnancies and moving into mommyhood!"

It is crazy that babies will be arriving soon. I too am glad we haven't had any pre-term babies yet, we want them all healthy!

[dana b]

We are so close. It could literally be any day now for any one of us!!!

i know, i'm so excited :D i think i'm last on the list though :(

suiej i'll pm you now.

brenda can you pm me your address? thanks :)

[Aletheia]

Hey... with all this talk about impending baby arrivals, it dawned on me that I'm not sure how the due date buddy system works. What are we supposed to know about our labor/due date buddies? Any clues? :)

[twink]

Aletheia A Bumbo is the next thing on my list to search for on craigslist! No luck yet, though.

di and koala gurl Hope your colds clear up soon.

tgoody Better to find out that the chair was dysfunctional now than the first time you sat in it with the baby!! I hope they can get you a replacement in time!

roadrunner No it's just you being neurotic! Just kidding - I am doing the same thing that I did the first 12 weeks of the pregnancy by analyzing the TP very closely each trip I make. And I still have 7 weeks!

Due Date Buddy Information I'm just guessing, but I would think that you would want to find out the baby's name (if it is being shared - I know some people don't want to do that on the open internet), weight, length, overall details of the birth (no complications, c-section, etc.), and that the whole family is doing great! I'm hoping to have internet access at the hospital so I can post a picture soon after he's born.

[Dotsie]

I'm going to complain now, scroll down if you don't want to "hear" it.
I am so done with being pg. I'm tired of being tired, of the endless heartburn where I'm sure in 10 years I'll wind up with esophagus cancer, the constant kicking of my bladder and crotch that renders me unable to walk. I want this kid out and I want him out NOW!!!
I wasn't like this the 1st time around. I swear I am so uncomfortable I could scream... actually I did that this afternoon. To my DH. I told him he has no empathy or compassion and I'm sick of seeing him sleeping at night:mad: I know I was being childish but damn I want rest too!!!

O.k., now back to our regularly scheduled posts :o

[RosegardenC]

(((Dotsie))) Its almost over, hang in there baby!

[MSH]

I wasn't like this the 1st time around. I swear I am so uncomfortable I could scream... actually I did that this afternoon. To my DH. I told him he has no empathy or compassion and I'm sick of seeing him sleeping at night:mad: I know I was being childish but damn I want rest too!!!

I feel your pain. i would love to be able to just curl up and have a nice relaxing nap and actually wake up feeling rested. I am at a constant state of being tired and it is making me super cranky.

I went off on DH yesterday because he has a dumb habit of sitting on the break when we pull into the driveway. I know he doesn't do it on purpose but he seems to always let go of the break (thus making the car roll backwards ever so slightly) right when I am getting out of the car and barely balanced ... causing the car door to shut, usually hitting me either on the arm, chest or head. I completely tore a strip off of him yesterday and he made the big mistake of saying maybe next time he would do it on purpose (obviously a reaction of defence/sarcasem in regards to my crazy yelling but enough to get him the dog house the rest of the night).

[{b}]

Hang in there, Dotsie!

Craft - so entitrely out of line. Sorry they ganged up on you like that. Way to be supportive, Sis and Mom! Thanks a bunch! Geesh!

Had a doc's appointment today. GBS test. No biggie. Felt rather rushed by the doc, even though I was the first appointment of her day at noon. So I didn't ask any of my questions. Which is just stupid of me. So much for my "assertive personality!"

Blood pressure was slightly elevated, borderline "high" at 138/80. Will go back Monday for a recheck. I have been eating like crap, I'm sure the Papa John's pizza last night didn't help. Way too much sodium. So I'll be a good girl this weekend and watch my sodium intake.

Course, I had Wendy's for lunch afterwards. Great start to the lower-sodium plan, dumbass!

Went to Macy's to pick out a going-home outfit for baby. Bought two. Too damn cute, those little tiny clothes. But you never know, in September it could be 90+ or in the 70's. Course, I went to Macy's to bra shop and to get fitted. But that Macy's doesn't have nursing bras. Apprently, no one in the lower half of my county has EVER gotten PG before... no stores sell Maternity!

35 week, 5 day belly pic!
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d43/_digiscrapper_/081106belly.jpg
It's hard to take your own photo in a mirror!


AND, the UPS stuff we waited around to get all day yesterday just came, and OH MY GAWD - BEST HUBBY EVER! Yesterday was our 4 year anniversary. He got me a Digital Rebel SLR camera that I have been drooling over for about 3 years now! I was planning to use my side-business money from this month (Which should be much higher than usual because I had a special project) and putting it toward a DSLR! Now I can put it toward lenses and accessories!


I CRIED when I saw the Canon logo under the packing peanuts and bubble wrap. Now, I feel like an ass cause all I got him was a card (LIKE WE AGREED TO!)

[MSH]

AND, the UPS stuff we waited around to get all day yesterday just came, and OH MY GAWD - BEST HUBBY EVER! Yesterday was our 4 year anniversary. He got me a Digital Rebel SLR camera that I have been drooling over for about 3 years now! I was planning to use my side-business money from this month (Which should be much higher than usual because I had a special project) and putting it toward a DSLR! Now I can put it toward lenses and accessories!


I CRIED when I saw the Canon logo under the packing peanuts and bubble wrap. Now, I feel like an ass cause all I got him was a card (LIKE WE AGREED TO!)

You will LOVE your DSLR! DH got me one for my birthday and I love playing around with it. However, figuring out how it works was quite a bit more challenging than I thought it would be.

[dana b]

oh dotsie i feel your pain! it's amazing just how much more uncomfortable i am this time around. sleep totally sucks, too. i take something every night to go to sleep and that gets me through to about 2am, then i'm wide awake and starving and have to get up to eat -- i sleep in the guest room now, it's closer to the kitchen and i don't have to deal w/ dh snoring :rolleyes: oh and dh has decided to go through this social, carefree phase right now, he's constantly inviting people over for get-togethers, going swimming, playing basketball, soccer, etc. i wanna bop him over the head :mad:

glamourmom tanks anyone planning to order a few? i'm getting ready to order 3 and was wondering if anyone wanted to switch codes -- if someone buys 3 using your code, you get one free.

[deliciousjones]

{b} & MSH: Let me know if you guys have questions about your new cameras. I'm a photographer so I'm pretty knowledgable =D

If you want a great lens for portraits (since you'll be wanting lots of cute pics of your kids I'm sure), I'd highly recommend the Canon 50mm f/1.8. It's only $79 at B&H!

[deliciousjones]

due date buddies: did we ever assign buddies? i'd be happy to be an early due-dater's buddy since i'm not likely go to into labor until way later in september. (i didn't deliver my daughter until 43w2d!!!!)

[Koala_Gurl]

due date buddies: did we ever assign buddies? i'd be happy to be an early due-dater's buddy since i'm not likely go to into labor until way later in september. (i didn't deliver my daughter until 43w2d!!!!)

I am an early Sept. due date (well, my C/S is scheduled for Sept. 5th.) If you want, I'll be your buddy. I can text you any info when the baby is born, and if you want to call/text/e-mail me, I'll post your info. :)

[craftgenius]

MSH - Have you received my package??? I think I forgot to put my CC name on it so you'll know who in the heck is sending you a package....My name is Melanie Connor. :)

[spencer's_girl]

craftgenius your gift is on it's way

[Dotsie]

Craft ~ I love your last name ;)

[LyLMyssChaos]

Just wanted to update ya'll after my doctor's appointment. I am doing okay, still having lots of contractions (and we actually thought we were going to the hospital last night because they were staying right around 5 minutes, but then they stopped!) When the doctor checked me, I was 60% effaced and 1 fingertip. The doctor said that "if I make it that far" they will induce me 1 week early. But we all think that this baby is coming within the week at the latest, if not this weekend!! :eek: With my daughter, at this stage, I delivered her not even 48 hours later. I have SO much to do to get ready, so wish us luck that we can get everything together in time! If I don't have the baby by then, I will have an Ultrasound on Monday, 8-14. Then I have to start having Non-Stress Tests every couple of days. What the doctor is aiming for is that I will be seen by either the doctor or the hospital every few days.

[UTChick]

I started back to work on Monday and have missed so much! Hope everyone is doing well.

Just wanted to let you know that will more than likely be an August mommy. We went back to the doctor yesterday morning and not only is this kiddo still breech, his bottom is now engaged. So he moved...just not how we wanted him to. We are giving him a couple of more days to turn, but it doesn't look too promising. I go in Monday morning for another u/s and if it is still the same, we are scheduling my c-section for Aug. 21st. I have pretty much accepted that this is the way it is going to happen even though I really wanted a vaginal birth. What is hard is knowing that I won't go through the whole labor and delivery process. DH has been a great support and said that we can try for a VBAC next time and maybe we will have a girl who will cooperate a little more than this little man. :p I am not giving up hope that he will turn around, but with him so low the chances are pretty slim and I needed to come to terms with it all before Monday. Mom reassures me that as soon as he gets here, it won't matter anymore that we didn't have the delivery we wanted - we'll just be happy he is here safe and sound. And I really want what is best for the baby. That is definitely #1 priority. For those of you who have had c-sections, was it easy to "get over it" if it wasn't your first choice for delivery?

[Koala_Gurl]

UTChick - I am over it. I labored for over 24 hours before having DD by C/S, and by the time the doctors / nurses brought it up, I really didn't care anymore HOW they got DD out...I just wanted her out!

I won't lie and say that some days I wish I knew what a vaginal birth was like, but I am just happy DD is healthy and alive (DD's cord was wrapped twice around her neck.)

I had the opportunity to at least try for a VBAC this time around, and honestly, between the risk of rupture and the convenience of having this birth scheduled, it wasn't much of an option for me to choose the C/S this time too. (I have the added convenience of having the ILs come from out of town to watch DD, so my parents don't have to take additional time off work.)

[Koala_Gurl]

glamourmom tanks anyone planning to order a few? i'm getting ready to order 3 and was wondering if anyone wanted to switch codes -- if someone buys 3 using your code, you get one free.

I would love to do this (though I don't know what a "code" is...do I sign up at a website?) I was planning on buying a few, so let me know!!!

[ocgatita]

Hi ladies,
Sorry i haven't posted, but I have been following along. This morning I woke up and found I am losing my mucus plug but I know that this doesn't mean I will be delivering anytime soon :rolleyes: I guess it was just unexpected and a slap in the face that we are going to be having this baby in the next couple of weeks. So unreal still!

Hope everyone is doing well. Stay safe everyone.

Can't wait for the arrival of the first baby in our thread! I check daily for an update :)

~Judy

[roadrunner]

ocgatita Wow!!! I lost my plug exactly one week before having DD. So, you could go anytime basically - you could be our first momma!! How exciting.

Was it dotsie who was venting about being tired of being preggo? I'm soooo there with you. I've actually been doing a ton of housework/ organizing, just hoping that the extra 'push' will push me into labour. I'm ready for the baby. Heartburn, lack of sleep, everything hurts, swelling beyond belief - I'm just ready to have my body to myself again!

Nursery is basically done. Crib has been setup and made - (looks so cute!!). Dh has to finish the closet doors this week, but that's no big deal, he just has to hang the new doors. I bought new pictures for the walls, since the other's were ones I painted for DD, and I wanted her to have them in her own room.

We still have no boy's name. I'm getting really excited to know if this baby is a boy or girl.

Is anyone else a total bucket of drool when they sleep? It's so gross - I have to keep a towel on my pillow, because it gets soaked. It's very weird. Oh, and I now snore :rolleyes: , I actually woke myself up two nights ago and was getting ready to jab DH in the back, when I realized it was me snoring. Fun.

Still analysing the TP and hoping for something to happen soon!!!!!!! I'm much too tired and swollen (had to take the laces out of my sneakers) and feeling disgustingly horribly unattractive to even consider DTD.

Off to reogranize and sort out the big kid toys from the baby toys!

[Dotsie]

LMC and Ocgatita ~ You could be our first mommies!! That's so exciting. Nothing going on here. I never lost my plug with Aidan so I don't think anything will happen this time either, although I pray to see something everytime I use the loo :o
I snore something fierce now too. I actually wake myself up at least once a night, and I too am a drooling machine. It's gross, isn't it?
Our nursery is staying the same for Conor. Aidan is in with us (and has been for over a year now, thanks DH :rolleyes: ). We're in the very slow process of finishing our master bedroom. Once that is done we'll do Aidan's race car room.
My next u/s is 8/21 Here's hoping he's not HUGE and I can be induced that week or the following week:D
I still have to get the Angel Care mat for the crib but other than that I think I have it all. So nervous to be a newborn mom again. I was at BRU the other day and 2 newborns were FREAKING OUT!! Oi vey did that get to me.

[deliciousjones]

ocg: how exciting! how cool would it be to have the first september baby?? :)

UTChick:
For those of you who have had c-sections, was it easy to "get over it" if it wasn't your first choice for delivery?

Honestly? No. But I'm a lot more crunchy than a lot of mamas here so take what I say with a big grain of salt. :)

I never dropped or dialated, but I refused to be induced because I wanted to let my body do its thing and have an all-natural med-free birth. At 42.5 weeks, my daughter switched to breech position. At 43 weeks, she went footling. My OB scheduled a c/s for the next morning and while I was super excited to meet her, I was really bummed at missing out on the birthing experience.

I hated being so out of it all day after the surgery. I hated not being able to hold her or nurse her right away. I hated not being able to get out of bed for 24 hours which meant that I couldn't even get up to change her diaper.

But while it wasn't EASY to "get over it", I did. It took a little while but I came to terms with my birthing experience and started looking forward to a future VBAC, which is what I'm planning for now.

[Koala_Gurl]

getting over c/s - Just wanted to add...regarding breastfeeding...I wasn't able to see DD for a few hours, and we had no issues breastfeeding whatsoever. Just in case that is a worry for anyone (though, I guess others may have had issues, so like everything, I guess it is an individual experience.)

[{b}]

Deliciousjones - I had some fun playing with my new camera today! I added that lens to my wishlist at Amazon, for my reference. Thanks for the recommendation! It looks like just what I'll need!

Without reading the manual or having any idea what I was doing, I took about a dozen photos of my cats today. One cat (3 pics) was uncooperative. For two pics, it was just too dark and they were fuzzy. For my little Haley, who loves her window seat, I got a couple nice shots. She's usually totally afraid of the noises and flash of a camera, but she didn't budge for these.

At full size, you can see every little hair on her head!

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d43/_digiscrapper_/HaleyRebel081206.jpg

Sorry for the totally non-baby post!

[deliciousjones]

{b} what mode were you shooting on?

are you on livejournal? a bunch of us have a great learning photography community over there!

[dionysia]

Was it dotsie who was venting about being tired of being preggo? I'm soooo there with you. I've actually been doing a ton of housework/ organizing, just hoping that the extra 'push' will push me into labour. I'm ready for the baby. Heartburn, lack of sleep, everything hurts, swelling beyond belief - I'm just ready to have my body to myself again!Other than the fact that nesting hasn't kicked in and we haven't yet bought everything we need, yeah, I'm ready. More so due to the physical discomforts lately.

Is anyone else a total bucket of drool when they sleep? It's so gross - I have to keep a towel on my pillow, because it gets soaked.YES! I thought it was just me being weird. ;)

Nursery is coming along. We bought the mattress today and put it in the crib. Dionysios put up the mobile and finished the changing table/dresser. Unfortunately, the changing table pad I registered for and received is too big! Hopefully they sell a smaller one at BRU. Now to find the gift receipt for it...

Our infant care class was today. It was pretty good, but it was an awful lot of information squished into 2 hours. We realized that we still have a fair amount of 'necessities' to buy before Fasolaki gets here (e.g., Vaseline, cotton balls, wipes, breastpump). Maybe next week I'll pack my hospital bag.

I tried on some nursing bras at Motherhood Maternity. Apparently I'm bigger than a 40E; who knew? Certainly not I, since my regular 40DD bras still fit. :rolleyes: Anyone have a good rec for larger sized nursing bras?

I have an odd feeling that this guy's going to arrive earlier than his due date of September 19, but I have no proof of that.

Tomorrow, I'm hosting my friend's baby shower at my house. *thud*

Di

[craftgenius]

Spencer's Girl - YIPPEE!! I can't wait to get it!! I'll let you know as soon as it comes!

Dotsie - MMMPPPHH...I wonder why you like my last name?? hahaha!

Vaginal birth versus C-section - Stepping on my soap box. I HAVE TO have a C-section because of my previous fibroid surgery which could put me in danger of uterine rupture. I've had people I know darn near say to me that my birthing experience won't be as "special" or "memorable" as if I were having a vaginal birth. They look at me all confused when I tell them I'm having a scheduled c-section. Personally, I'm not going to fret over the fact that I am having a C-section. I don't think that having a vaginal birth makes the whole experience any more wonderful than a c-section...isn't the point of the whole thing for your baby to be brought into the world? Whether that is vaginal or by c-section, what will make it special to me is seeing my baby for the first time and knowing that me and my husband made her...and that we will raise her and love her for the rest of our lives. OK...off my soap box.

Drooling - I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE!! I wake up with drool all down my chin and arm! It is pretty disgusting! DH thinks it is hilarious.

[b] - Your camera takes some awesome pictures!!

[mommy2AlliWill]

36 weeks

UT & Craft- I can truly say I don't feel like I missed out on anything by having c-sections. My kids have arrived healthy & I have recovered well. It is a personal thing though. Some woman really feel like they were let down or missed out on something, so they need to "grieve' the experience. I think it is okay to feel that way but craft it is okay to be like "c-section is fine for me" too. We're all different, you know?

Add me to the "sleeping like crap" crew. I took a Tylenol PM on Friday & it worked its magic but I can't take it every night. I also woke up yesterday morning & officially began to waddle. I am moving s----l---o---w.