August 2006 Mommies - Our Babies are Arriving! [Archive] - Page 2

dandygirl

08-18-2006, 10:33 PM

Hi everyone-

Congrats to all the new moms and babies out there! I'm very belated in hopping back on, but our little Madeleine Ruth arrived on her EDD, August 1st. She's so wonderful -- we can't believe she's finally here!

We've been super busy getting acquainted ever since, and my MIL and sister were out to help us (all our family is in TX). Yesterday was my first day to fly solo with help gone and DH back at work.

Birth story:
Had my last OB appt on 7/31, but after two weeks of being 80-90% effaced I still wasn't dilated. OB scheduled an induction for the a.m. of my EDD, 8/1. However all day 7/31 I was having mild contractions. Went on two very long walks that day to help things along.

Had an early dinner with DH, but headed for bed early around 9 -- was feeling a bit "punky." Woke at 10 with stronger contractions that were coming around 10-15 minutes apart, some sooner. Certainly couldn't sleep, and by 11 I was in tears with a few. (I'm a wuss though!).

DH and I decided to head on to the hospital at 12:30 a.m. Got to triage where I was 3 cm dilated. They sent me to LD&R!

Dilating was going very slowly. I had an epidural at 4 a.m., pitocin at 6 a.m. and labored through the day. Fortunately the anesthesiologist was around to top me off just before pushing began (at 6:30 p.m.!!!). We pushed for about 40 minutes, and Maddie made her arrival at 7:12 p.m. She came out yelping (DH takes full credit for her strong lungs/voice!), weighing 7 lbs and 21 inches long.

We were elated to finally have her in our arms. Spent two nights in the hospital, thankfully, and had terrific nurses and an LC to help get us adjusted to BF'ing. Seems Maddie is a huge eater, and my colostrum wasn't enough for her. On the advice of the experts, we topped her off with an ounce of formula after BF'ing those first few days until my milk came in. She now nurses like a champ and weighed 8 lbs 1 oz at her 2 week appt. Yay mama's milk!

Congrats again to all you new moms out there. And best of luck to those who will soon be holding their little ones!!!

Sleeping beauty:
http://static.flickr.com/67/211089232_5419f9d745.jpg?v=0

at home:
http://static.flickr.com/64/211088486_b183f44501.jpg?v=0

cosmic

08-18-2006, 11:57 PM

Congratulations, Amy!!!

babylove

08-19-2006, 06:27 AM

Jessie ~ Funny you should say that about your rings...it feels like my knuckle grew too!! I said the same thing! I think it's probably just that the hormones your body produces to loosen your joints to prepare for delivery loosens ALL joints. I bet we'll both go back to normal and get our rings on within a few weeks.

Dandygirl ~ Congrats!! Madeline is precious! I love her name (it was our girl name ;) ) And how funny that Jake was also born at 7:12 pm!

***

Last night was our first night without my mom sleeping over. It went great! We watched the Happiest Baby on the Block DVD and it rocks!! Jake slept from feeding to feeding through the night (I even had to wake him!) which he hasn't done yet and he had absolutely no fussiness whatsoever. I'm reluctant to call anything just yet, but if we have another good night, I'll attribute it to the video for sure!!

Sabriel

08-19-2006, 07:14 AM

Congrats dandygirl and welcome Madeleine Ruth!

babylove Yay for a good night's sleep!

jesseybell Wow for losing almost all of your pg weight! I hope mine comes off so quickly!

K&H's mommy Yeah, unfortunately I only get to take off 6 weeks total. I don't get any paid time off at all, except for 2 weeks of vacation time that I have saved up. I really am glad to still be working, though. It keeps me occupied, so that I don't feel like I am sitting around waiting to go into labor.

I finally got my car back yesterday! We installed the car seat base last night. I went ahead and put the diaper bag with all of the baby's stuff for the birth center in the car too. I am so happy to have the car back, because it is the car that we always drive. DH mainly uses our other car for work.

I found out yesterday that MIL is going out of state to visit a friend from Monday until Wednesday. I am due Tuesday, so I just think it is strange that she would decide to be gone right when he first grandchild is due. :rolleyes: Not that I want her (or anyone) hanging around or anything, but I have to admit that I am a little hurt that she is in no hurry to see the baby. Then again, she told DH that she wasn't coming to our house until the floor was finished being tiled (yes, they are *still* working on it), so maybe she has no intention of coming to see the baby anyhow? Oh well. DH doesn't seem to care, so I probably shouldn't worry about it.

dandygirl

08-19-2006, 10:01 AM

I have the Happiest Baby dvd too, but haven't had a second to watch it. Will plan on watching that this weekend with DH. I've heard great things!

Had a terrific night last night. She slept from midnight to 4:30, then after that feeding slept until 8. Woo hoo!

K&H's mommy

08-19-2006, 10:28 AM

sabriel - If I wasn't on my feet all day at work, I think I would have stayed longer. I definitely think that contributed to my pregnancy hyptertension last time! Plus knowing my luck my water would breat at work or something, ha ha! At least then I would just have to walk 10 feet over to L&D and get admitted...ha ha! Can I just say how jealous I am that you have your car back? Monday for us now. :mad: Sorry about your MIL. Feel free to have her bring mine along with her if she wants..ha.

dandygirl - Congratulations on Madeline, she's beautiful!

babylove - ya for good sleep!

Last night I had contractions every 10 minutes for about 3-4 hours and then I went to sleep...and went to sleep. I woke up and my back hurt, but I don't know if it's just because it hurts or because or anything else. Oh well. We have a lot to do today so hopefully she waits until I get my errands done. :p

Has anyone not checked in for a while? Anyone hear from UTChick??

Oh and could someone please ask the September mommies to stop having their babies until all of the August mommies are done? LOL! ;)

jennylou

08-19-2006, 10:33 AM

babylove - help the other momma's (that are sleep deprived) out - what is the magic sleeping method????

jesseybell

08-19-2006, 11:07 AM

Had a complete meltdown last night, but feeling much better now! Damn tears!! DH just doesn't know what to do.

My BFF is FINALLY coming over today to meet Elizabeth. She had pneumonia so wasn't able to come visit us in the hospital and then was on vacation this past week.

I think it is time to turn the bassinet into a co-sleeper. I finally pulled it right next to the bed, but I think I would sleep better if it were attached to the bed. I gave her a 4 am feeding and actually swaddled her and got her to sleep in her bassinet while DH slept. He and DD are actually still upstairs in bed - time to go wake them both up.

At 7 am we had our first full-blown soak the whole entire changing table and everything else with a very full bladder. I laughed about it - probably wouldn't have been if it had been 3 am.

How to deal with things when you think DH isn't doing something correctly? Obviously neither of us really know what we are doing. But how do you handle it when you see something your DH is doing with the baby that you really think should be corrected? We have our own ways of doing things, but last night he was giving DD a 1 am feeding and while the lights were dim,the tv was blaring and he was talking to her and playing with her way too much. I felt bad telling him what I felt that he needed to do to try to calm her down more at 1 am. He took the advice well, but there have been other things I've made comments on and he's taken it badly.

Bleeding - I am not concerned about the amount of my bleeding, but come on, realistically, how long is it supposed to last?! Just when I think it is slowly down, wham! A ton more comes. Its driving me crazy because I can't stand pads!

mrstim

08-19-2006, 11:33 AM

Hm....

Bleeding- Since I had a C-section, it's really just been like a normal period for me. Wonder when it'll stop - I'm so tired of it too!

DH doing things -He knows he has totally no clue, and if I've offered advice, he takes it and keeps going. Basically, I let him figure things out - since I'm exclusively BF'ing, I odn't have to worry about night feedings, etc. We have no tv in our room, so that's not a problem either, especially since I am alone with R 5 nights a week.

Question about DTD? For someone who had a c-section, does the same 6 week rule apply? I'm just not sure why it would, and um, I would rather it not. :o

UTChick- over in her journal she said that her brother had an anuerysm (sp!?) and was supposed to have brain surgery the day she was induced. Her mother was supposed to do the email out to say the baby was here, but her mother had to go to Texas I believe to be with her brother. She needs our thoughts and prayers, no doubt! Hopefully she'll be able to come home and update us all soon!!

jennylou

08-19-2006, 11:37 AM

mrstim - they still say to wait the six weeks. We didn't. In fact, my bleeding had stopped by about 10 days post partum and we definitely needed the reconnection at that point, so that's how long we waited.

bleeding - I really thought it was going to be a ton worse than last time when I had the c-section. So far, it hasn't been too horrible (after the first few days).

K&H's mommy

08-19-2006, 12:18 PM

Just waiting for DH to finish watching some superhero movie before we can go run errands. Men.

jennylou - This book was a godsend for me with Kyle. I swear, I should get some sort of commission for recommending it all the time!
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0449004023.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V1124918662_.jpg

Amy - Thanks for posting that about UTchick. I hope everything is OK with her brother.

Although I'm still pregnant....
DTD - I have read a lot of moms with c-sections that have resumed activities way earlier than 6 weeks. I would still take your time since you are still healing. Even if your doctor said it's OK to, and you don't want to, just say you haven't gotten the OK yet ;-)

bleeding - I remember it really slowing down after a couple weeks and then I would just randomly gush - usually at the worst times. I know a lot of it was because I was doing too much and needed to slow down.

Ok finally....off to go see how our new house is doing and do some Fall shopping for the kids! Have a good weekend!

K&H's mommy

08-19-2006, 12:20 PM

Oh and I was just looking at who we were still waiting on to deliver...and I noticed that hotmama's name was still there. She actually ended up delivering in July. Here's her info from the July thread:

hotmama It's a Boy!!
DC: Graham Martin
Me: Samantha, 31
DH: John, 36
Married: July 26, 2003
TTC: Weren't really trying but...October 05
BFP: November 05
EDD: July 29 - August 5 (the Dr and i aren't agreeing right now but we'll say July)
ADD: 7/23/06
Gender Prediction: Boy
Other Children: Aiden is 16 months old

babylove

08-19-2006, 01:05 PM

Jenny ~ Well, it's really a method of soothing rather than sleeping. It's Harvey Karp's Happiest Baby on the Block. You can either buy the book or the DVD (which I recommend b/c you can actually see how to do the techniques instead of reading about it). I highly recommend it!!!

Congrats to Hotmama! Welcome Graham!!

DTD ~ Since I had a vaginal birth, I can't even consider this until 6 weeks...not that it's even on my mind to be honest :o

Bleeding ~ Mine started like a heavy period and has really slowed down over the past day or so. I just went out today and bought thinner pads b/c I just dont need the heavy duty ones anymore (although they do provide good cushioning!). My dr told me that this bleeding could last for 4 weeks although I would imagine that by that point it would be pretty light.

DH ~ Since my DH has zero baby experience, he is starting from scratch so he expects to be told how to do things and when he is doing something wrong. He is pretty receptive to constructive criticism so I just make sure I'm "helping" rather than "correcting".

***

I feel terrible about the news of Kathy's (UTChick) brother. I hope everything is ok with both of them!

duke's flygirl

08-19-2006, 02:04 PM

dandygirl: CONGRATULATIONS on MADDIE! She is adorable.

Bleeding: I had a long labour and then a c-section with my DD, and I did bleed for 6 weeks, although it did get lighter near the end. I was told that if you labour then have the c-section, you will bleed for a while since there is trauma to that area.

This time I am just over 2 weeks PP, and it is much lighter already. I really hope it is shorter this time as I hate pads too.

DTD: We waited the 6 weeks and then some last time since it was so different and Ryleigh was a fussy and very needy baby, things could change a lot in the next couple of weeks, but so far Liam is very different than Ryleigh was.

DH's: The best advice I can give as a RO is to let them do things the way that they are comfortable doing them, they may not be the "right" way(meaning our way), but they still work, and the baby is being loved and shown care by both parents. My DH was still at home when his Bro and SIL had their first 2 children and were living with my MIL/FIL, so he got a lot of hands on experience then. He has his way of doing things and I am getting better at letting him do them his way. Ryleigh knows that sometimes things are different between Mommy and Daddy, and loves both ways.

Can't wait to hear about more babies being born...how many mommy's to be are there?

Take care and labour vibes to those of you still waiting!~

Sending some positive thoughts to Kathy's family.

Chimichanga

08-19-2006, 03:17 PM

Reagan is definitely getting her night time sleeping down, but her days are just horrible! She doesn't sleep for longer than an hour after about 5 a.m. (I can squeeze a shower in while she's sleeping but that's about it). She isn't a fan of being left in the PnP so she'll wake herself up. She's all about falling asleep in our arms. It's nice, but not so good when mommy needs a nap too.

I actually called DH at work today and said he needed to come home early. Reagan was crying like crazy and the dog was puking all over the house. Yeah, breakdown party of one! ;)

Bleeding - I'm still bleeding 2 weeks PP but it's only in the morning after I nurse. That's pretty heavy and it actually makes it to the pad. I do get light bleeding after I nurse throughout the day, but not too bad.

DTD - We're going to wait for six weeks. right now my tummy area just feels weird - and the incision site is itching me like crazy and I can't scratch it! Besides, I'm usually so exhausted when we get to bed I just want to sleep. Maybe if I could get a decent nap in during the day things would be different.

DH - I try to let him do things his way. I might mention about supporting her head or something, but I know everyone does things differently. I'd hate it if MIL or my mom were constantly telling me how to do things with DD. I know DH would never do anything to hurt her, so I pretty much let him do his thing.

We just swaddled Reagan and put her in the PnP after a bottle (she's been eating almost every two hours!! :eek: ) hoping to get in a quick nap....

duke's flygirl

08-19-2006, 04:05 PM

Jen, its funny Liam was eating almost every 2 hours yesterday. Wonder if they are growing? Hope you are able to get a nap it does make a difference. I got to nap for almost 3 hours this morning it was heavenly.

July&August2006Mommies

08-19-2006, 05:13 PM

Updated to here!

tgoody03

08-19-2006, 06:27 PM

Hi! Congratulations to all of you in here that have had your babies. Such an exciting time!

I'm new to this thread, but I'm due Sept 5. I've been in the Sept mommies thread for a few weeks now, but am rather new to that thread as well. I never thought to come over here and join this thread until the other day. I also know there are a few other Sept mommies in here. My dr. thinks I'm going to deliver early because I'm already 2 cms and 85% effaced. We'll see, I guess! But just thought I'd stop in and see how everyone is doing. So far, it sounds like you all are getting the hang of being mommies. I'm enjoying reading this so far. Good tips on how to handle the DH ... unfortunately, I know nothing about babies, but my DH has been around them for most of his life so I'm sure my DH will be wondering how to handle me when I'm doing something wrong. LOL! I think I might hang around in here if it's not to late to join!

Camdynlyn

08-19-2006, 09:14 PM

Made my first trip to L&D tonight, doctor's orders. I'd not had much movement today from Bean and had some weird tingling in my face and later in my hands earlier on. The doctor was so nice and called to check on me around 7pm to see if I'd felt her kick any more. I told him I had my first BIG contraction at 6:14pm but nothing since and Bean was still inactive despite me drinking and laying back down. He told me he wanted me to come in to do a NST just to monitor the baby.

Well, Mom was FREAKING out (I use that term lightly, too) when she heard this. I told her I AM NOT IN LABOR and that we were just going in to check on Bean. Well, they were an hour away eating supper and I told her if anything changed, we'd call. I'd not been at the hospital 30 minutes and our phones start ringing. It's her. Steffie wouldn't answer it because we were in the hospital. Finally, she called again and I told him to call her back. His dad had already called, too. We didn't even call him so I was pissed that Mom called to tell our business to everyone even though it was no big deal.

Well, we were monitored forever (seemed like-- until 10pm) and they had a little trouble finding her heartbeat at first. Talk about scary. I could see the nervousness in Steffie's eyes. Finally, we found it and saw I was having mild contractions throughout. Some I could feel, some I couldn't. The nurse that hooked me up was awesome. So nice and friendly. The one that waited on me the most was a bitch. If I'd been there longer, I'd asked for someone else (Sidenote: L&D was full so I was in the Labor Triage area with 2 other women getting monitored). Well, I asked the bitchy nurse to explain what was on the screen/being printed so we could see. She said, "You don't need to know that. Don't worry." Bitch. When the first nurse came back in, I asked again and she explained it all to us. So nice; however, she never came back! :-(

Well, after 2.5 hours of monitoring and the doctor (who was watching my monitoring from the comfort of his home) okaying everything, I was sent home. Baby looked good. Contractions were there but not enough to change anything in my cervix (still 2cm, 50% effaced, station -3). I have to call on Monday to see if they want to see me any earlier than Thursday (when my next appointment is). That is the only doctor I've seen and not liked and he was really awesome today. I'm so amazed he called to check on me. He said he'd monitor me from home and if he felt like I needed more, he'd come in to check on me.

PLNUBRIDE

08-20-2006, 11:00 AM

I haven't posted in awhile but I have been trying to follow along.

before I forget....Congratulations Amy and welcome Ava!

Welcome TGOODY03....it is never too late join:)

QOTD's:

DTD - Since I have a 4th degree tear, we will be lucky if anything happens before 6 weeks...my dr actually said more like 8 weeks. I would say that if you are feeling OK down there, then if you take things slow and easy I would guess it would be OK. However, I was also told by the Dr..no DTD until the bleeding stops..not sure why.

Correcting DH - This is a hard one for me as I am a very dominant person and I have been around babies where DH never has. However, when I was in the hospital DH had to do everything b/c I was pretty much bed bound. Whether he was doing things right or wrong...he had to do it and figure it out for himself. So, b/c of that I have learned to back off a bit. It is hard, but I have to remind myself that he is trying his best to be a good dad and I have to learn to give him some space...after all, I wouldn;t want someone looking over my shoulder all the time. Yes, easier said than done..but one day at a time:)

Example:
The other night she was crying quite a bit and he felt she was constipated (I didn't think so). So, he decided to hold a warm towel to her bum to get her to go (which he had done the other morning when I was sleeping...and it worked after 20 min - hum). Well, my solution was a bit easier...she was cold and hungry...so wrap her up and give her a bottle. He got mad that I was questioning what he was doing (since it had worked once), but gave in to shut me up. Anyway...once we got her settled he realized I was right..without me having to say it. Correcting by doing verses telling seems to work well for us

dandygirl

08-20-2006, 12:43 PM

Bleeding - I'm almost 3 weeks PP and still notice a heavier flow, but also seems related to my doing more than I should. It will lighten up for a day or so, then come on a little stronger. Staying in all day today with big plans for a long nap...we'll see!

DTD - I had a 2nd degree tear, and can't imagine any activity until at least 6 wks. Not sure if it is totally related to my healing, or the fact that DH and I can't keep our eyes open long enough anyhow!!!

Coaching DH - I suggested that DH have some time alone with her yesterday. He was very supportive of my need to get out and run a few errands (and just be out of the house). Had also read that sometimes new dad's feel more self-conscious about caring for their newborn with the "expert" mom standing over their shoulder. When we talked about this, he said he liked having the expert around. But all-in-all he's doing great with her. He just gets more frustrated when he feels he can't soothe her as quickly as I can. I think just giving DH's a little space to figure out their own method seems to work. He had a successful afternoon with her yesterday, and bonus: he was pretty sympathetic to what my full days have been like while he's at work!

Sending positive thoughts to UTChick for a healthy delivery and successful surgery/recovery for her brother.

Sabriel

08-20-2006, 01:13 PM

Camdynlyn Glad everything turned out okay with Bean!

tgoody03 Welcome! If you want, you can post your stats and I will add you to the first page.

UTChick Thinking of you and your brother right now. I hope that he is okay and that you are holding your little one right now.

K&H's mommy Oh and could someone please ask the September mommies to stop having their babies until all of the August mommies are done? No kidding! It's not fair! :p

I am still here and still pg. My mom and I completely cleaned out of garage yesterday. It was still full of boxes and junk from when we moved in over a year ago! Now we can fit one of our cars in the garage. Amazing!

I broke down on poor DH last night. I have been very emotional lately. Poor guy doesn't know what to do with me.

We are going over to DH's parents house in about 1.5 hours for dinner. I am really not in the mood right now. I just want to stay home and sleep. :(

babylove

08-20-2006, 03:53 PM

Hard to believe a week has already passed! Feels like a year and a minute all at the same time.

It was a big day for Jake...
First, his cord fell off this morning...it fell out of his onesie when I changed him. My baby is growing up! I want to save it...or is that too Angelina/Billy Bob? :p

Also, today was Jake's bris (circumcision ceremony for Jewish baby boys). It was so traumatic for me. 160 people and a big luncheon thrown by our parents. I was a wreck. But it went well and Jake seems to be no worse for the wear.

Hope everyone is doing well!

tgoody03

08-20-2006, 07:28 PM

Plnubride & Sabriel - Thanks for the welcom! I think I will join. I'll post my stats next. I wish I had thought to join this thread earlier.

Plnubride - Correcting by doing! I'm going to remember that. I'm also pretty dominant ... um, ok, sometimes a bit bossy ... so I'm going to work on that. Thanks for that tip.

Babylove - Ooh! I went to one bris ... and it was rough on me. I can only imagine how it is on the mom. But in the end the baby boy is always just as happy as he was before. Congrats on a successful bris. I know this is an important ceremony in your religion! Congrats on making it to the one week mark! Are you exhausted?

Camdynlyn - I didn't see you post anything about this in the Sept thread, so I'll reply here. I can imagine how scared you and Steffie were. I don't feel very many movements because my placenta is in the front of the baby instead of behind so it acts as a cushion between me (my stomach) and her. At times, I have been really scared because I haven't felt a movement in hours or sometimes for an entire day. So I understand what you are talking about. I'm just glad everything turned out good for you two and Bean and that you were able to be hooked up to the monitor to soothe your worries.

tgoody03

08-20-2006, 07:37 PM

tgoody03 It's a GIRL!
DC:
Me: Tammie, 31
DH: John, 30
Married: November 1, 2003
TTC: Um, we weren't ...
BFP: December 26, 2005
EDD: Sept. 5, 2006
ADD:
Gender Prediction: I said girl, everybody else said boy.
Any other children: Nope

Camdynlyn

08-20-2006, 08:06 PM

Tracee: My mom saved mine and my brother's stump. It's in a tissue in our baby book. Gross, I know, but neat. I just don't look at it! :p

Tgoody: I rarely post in the September thread... I guess I forget.

**
Bean is active as everything today! :) YAY!

jesseybell

08-20-2006, 09:03 PM

cordElizabeth's cord is going to fall off soon - there was a small amount of blood around it, which had me all freaked out, but it doesn't appear infected, so I think it is any diaper changing now. We aren't going to keep it.

DH and I went out tonight by ourselves for my 36th birthday. I finally had my margharita. I couldn't even finish it - I was so tired it was going straight to my head and I didn't want to fall asleep at 7:00 at night. My parents did a good job babysitting. I got a cake that said "Happy Birthday the G Family" since DH's b-day was July 28th and I didn't get him a cake since I was almost 40 weeks. My parents took some family pictures that we'll use for our birth announcements.

Only 2 more days until DH goes back to work. On one hand I am dreading it, but we are closer to getting into a schedule and it may be easier with just E and I home. I told my mom to be ready to come over on Thursday if I have a complete meltdown on Wednesday.

DTD - My OB said "nothing in the vagina" for 6 weeks and I think we'll adhere to it. I can't even think of it while I am still bleeding so much.

Yeah for me wearing a tight fitting non-maternity shirt today!! Pants are a different story.....

My incision is really starting to itch like crazy!

K&H's mommy

08-20-2006, 09:51 PM

Still preggo. Although she has been much quieter the last couple of days. Maybe she's just completley out of room though! I will get a run of BH that lasts a few hours and then none for hours at a time. She'll come when she's ready. I've decided that Thursday evening is a good time for her to think about coming, LOL! I really hope not to make it to my 40 week appointment next Monday. I don't even get a 39-week appointment. Boooo.....

tgoody - welcome! I'm starting to think I should introduce myself to the Sept. mommies because I just may end up being one! :p

babylove - glad the circ went OK! vasoline, vasoline, vasoline!!! Lots of it!! I never saved the cord, but tons of parents do it. There would be signs on the isolettes at work that would say "please save the cord for parents" - so if you did it, you're not alone!

Sabriel - well if cleaning out a garage doesn't bring on labor, I can't think of what would!!! Maybe it's nesting in full effect!

camdynlyn - glad to hear that everything is OK and bean is moving around today!

JenniferH

08-21-2006, 07:42 AM

Congratulations Amy and welcome Ava!
Welcome TGOODY03....it is never too late join

DTD - With first DS I had a 4th degree tear and was not allowed to DTD until 12wks. By then I was terrified. I had something to drink and then just took the plunge!

Tgoody ~ Welcome!

Babylove ~ I second K&Hs Mommy...lots of vasoline!

Jesseybell ~ So jealous you had a margarita! I want one so badly!

Sabriel ~ Sounds like your nesting!

Camdynlyn ~ Glad everything is good with Bean! I think they like to give you one good worry before they arrive!

I have been having more contractions. Nothing regular. I do feel like Cohen is going to just fall out at any moment!

Sabriel

08-21-2006, 08:31 AM

K&H's mommy My little one has been a lot quieter lately too. I hope that means that they are getting ready to come!

jesseybell Glad you were able to go out for your birthday!

babylove Yay for Jake's cord falling off! Glad his bris went well!

DH and I went on a date last night and saw Lady in the Water. It was actually very good. I had contractions and a backache for 4 hours last night (including all through the movie). They were about 7 minutes apart when I decided to lay down. I fell asleep and they stopped. :( I had about 3 that woke me up during the night, but they never continued. I am having contractions again this morning too. I hope they decide to turn into labor!

K&H's mommy

08-21-2006, 09:21 AM

Sabriel - I could have written your post.

I had contractions all day yesterday 10 min apart. Then before bed they were about 8 min. apart. Woke me up at 3am (finally had fallen asleep at 12:30am) and they were 5-7 min. apart until I got up at 5:30am. Got up and started cleaning up around the house and eating some breakfast and then they just stopped. Completely stopped! So I went back to sleep for a couple and DH got up with Kyle. So frustrating. :confused:

Sabriel

08-21-2006, 09:28 AM

Just found this update in UTChick's Journal (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showpost.php?p=929573&postcount=760)!

Congrats UTChick and welcome John Michael II! So glad to hear that your brother is doing well too!

K&H's mommy Frustrating is right!

cosmic

08-21-2006, 10:38 AM

congrats, UTChick!!!!!!

BTW, are any other mommies-in-waiting feeling intense pressure "down there"? Maybe I'm feeling contractions and don't know it? Sometimes I can barely walk.

jarocha

08-21-2006, 11:01 AM

Congrats UTChick and welcome John Michael II

This waiting period is terrible. I don't know if DH can handle one more week of me like this. I drove him nuts this weekend. I keep cleaning and cleaning and the poor guy just looks at me all crazy. I made him take the curtains off our room and wash them, then I made him clean the windows from outside, then I made him go to Costco and stock up in sodas/juice, and snacks to offer to his family when they come and see the baby.

Anyone with cats? How is the cat handling the new baby at home? My cat keeps wanting to go into the bassinet. I have the baby's room closed all day long and I had to put a sheet over her bassinet which is in our room. I told DH that if the cat tries anything on the baby, the cat is going outside immediately.

Cosmic: I have that same pressure pain. Everyone keeps telling me to walk a lot but I can't handle too much walking. Just to get up from bed it hurts a lot.

JenniferH

08-21-2006, 11:10 AM

Cosmic and Jarocha ~ I am with you. IMMENSE PRESSURE! It hurts to walk, stand, and even sit straight up!

Congrats UTChick and welcome John!

dandygirl

08-21-2006, 12:27 PM

Welcome John Michael II!!!

Cosmic and Jarocha - I had pressure definitely. DD had dropped two weeks before I actually went into labor. But, I did follow OB's advice and walked a ton. The day before she was born I actually went on TWO one hour walks. It was tough -- I even had to stop and squat a couple of times (perhaps to the dismay of any passersby), but perhaps there was something to it? My contractions started up very strong late that evening. If you walk, just obviously be sure to take your cell phone!

K&H's mommy

08-21-2006, 12:48 PM

Congrats UTChick and welcome baby John!! So glad to hear that your brother is doing well too!

Pressure - oh yep, I have that. I am getting really sick of everytime I stand up having to walk over to the bathroom too. Just for like 4 drops of pee to come out. :p It's getting really old.

I am zombie from being up all night with the contractions. Now? Hardly ANY of them!!!

isaacsmommy

08-21-2006, 12:48 PM

Congrats UTChick and welcome John Michael!!!

Life is soooo busy these days!!! I have been reading along, just not posting as much.

We got the results of Grant's u/s. The very good news is that there is no instability in either hip. However, both sockets are on the shallow side so we have to follow up with a ped orthopedist to make sure that he doesn't think Grant needs any kind of treatment. Otherwise he is doing great and getting chubby! My dad asked if the baby was calm like Isaac was when he was a baby (he is) when I told him yes he said oh you're so lucky because two (of 3) of my dad & stepmoms kids had colic. When I was pg he teased this one would be a screamer.

I have 1lb to go to pre-preg weight! YAY! However, I need to lose a bunch more. I went shopping and tried on some clothes, lets just say I was not happy :( .

DTD- Well I have to admit I am a rule breaker!:p ;) We dtd at like two weeks pp both times now. On the same topic (tmi maybe) we dtd last night and we have been using condoms (until I can get an IUD put in) and the condom broke. I know since I am ebf I probably don't have anything to worry about, but the thought of getting pg right now would be very scary :eek: .

babylove

08-21-2006, 01:20 PM

Congrats Kathy!! Welcome to the world John Michael!!!

Chimichanga

08-21-2006, 03:03 PM

Congrats UTChick and Amyinlosangeles!!! :D

I had my two week PP visit today. My incision is healed well now. They took off my surgi-strips and I'm allowed to increase my activity as I'm comfortable. Woo hoo! The PA told me I should expect to continue bleeding for another two weeks. She said women typically bleed for up to four weeks after the baby. It's definitely lightening up though.

Reagan's umbilical cord fell off on Saturday. I'm not a squeamish person, but it freaked me out. It fell off in her onesie and then got stuck in her diaper (that was dirty). I grabbed a tissue and plucked it out. I put it in a baggie, but I think DH threw it out... :(

The doctor recommended we wait for tummy time until the cord fell off (besides, she does turn her head pretty much all the time while sleeping). Here are some pictures:
http://images1.snapfish.com/34793%3C885%7Ffp357%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E336%3E9%3A8%3E WSNRCG%3D3233%3A93974%3C%3B4nu0mrj
http://images1.snapfish.com/34793%3C885%7Ffp34%3A%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E336%3E9%3A8% 3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A93974%3C%3B8nu0mrj
http://images1.snapfish.com/34793%3C885%7Ffp347%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E336%3E9%3A8%3E WSNRCG%3D3233%3A93975329nu0mrj
http://images1.snapfish.com/34793%3C885%7Ffp353%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E336%3E9%3A8%3E WSNRCG%3D3233%3A93975336nu0mrj
And her two week photo. She was screaming her head off in her one week on too!!

jesseybell

08-21-2006, 07:41 PM

We had another weight check this morning. She is back to her birth weight. At first the pediatrician was freaking out because the nurse had written that her weight last week was 10lb 8oz instead of 8lb 10oz and since her weight is now 9lb 3oz, at first he thought she had lost a ton of weight. But he is happy. He wants to see her again in 2 weeks. We also scheduled her 2 month check for Friday the 13th in October. He also gave us a referral to an oral surgeon to check her tongue tied issue.

cats - Before the birth, we allowed our 3 cats to jump in the PNP and car seat and stroller. We originally tried to not allow them, but it was too much work and the vet recommended against it. We close the doors to our bedroom only at night and the cats hate it. I couldn't leave them out of the bedroom 24-7 since they live on our bed. Once she's in her crib we'll close the doors to the nursery when she's in there. They are very interested in her but look from afar. But I don't dare leave her alone for very long until I feel more comfortable. They do crave attention big time though (they didn't before), so I make sure I devote time for all of them each day.

jennylou

08-21-2006, 08:08 PM

cats - my cats are fine. We have three. The queen amongst them looks to be highly annoyed - sort of the way she was when we brought the dog home. :p The other one is in hiding (this is her personality) and the third is just trying to figure out how she can fit on our laps at the same time as the baby (no small feat for this 12-13 pound cat). The dog is also doing well - he was actually the one that I was worried about most. He's super excited when people come in and out of the house usually (or when he goes in/out), but he's been very tame with her. When she cries, he looks for her, it's really pretty cute.

We have a breastfeeding support group on Monday mornings and Wednesday nights. When Nora left the hospital, she was 7lb, 1oz. Last Monday, we went to the group and she was down to 6lb, 12oz. Wednesday night we went again (I was getting worried!), and she gained 6 oz, up to 7lb, 2oz. So, we went again today - and she was up almost a whole POUND since last Monday. She was 7lb, 11 oz. Go, mommas milk! :)

sleep - we had our best (knock on wood) night yet, last night. Nora did not want to sleep away from me, but she'd sleep right on me, so that was great, at least there was no screaming. It really tells me though that we should invest in a cosleeper, because I'd think she'd do so much better with it.

Congrats to utchick and amyinlosangelos on the birth of your babies! Can't wait to hear all about it.

Camdynlyn

08-21-2006, 08:20 PM

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow (supposed to be Thursday and rescheduled per doctor's request) at 1:30pm. It's a doctor that's new and I've never seen. Cross your fingers. I doubt there's any progress since Saturday night. Maybe I'll *try* to DTD tonight to help things progress (although I've done that already and nada with the progress--- poo!).

Any word on Amy and Ava??

cjones15

08-21-2006, 09:00 PM

Movement - I know babies really slow down at the end but Nathan seems to barely move. Only a couple times today did I feel slight movement. I had a brownie and coke earlier and nothing, DH poked at him which he normally hates but nothing. I hate to jump the gun but was wondering if I should call the on-call doc. Both the girls slowed down at the end but still gave some pretty good jabs.

Chimichanga

08-21-2006, 10:57 PM

We had such a good run... Reagan's being a little fuss pot tonight. It's 11:55 and she has been fussy ever since nursing. She took a GREAT nap from about 5:30 to 8:30 - she was out like a light. But after her 8:30 feeding, she's just been fussy.

I brought her downstairs to try the papasan bouncer. She's quiet now and I think going to sleep. Now I just have to try to get her back upstairs and in the bassinet without waking her...

It's been a long day; no nap and DH is sick which means he's a pouty baby. Argh - I hate it when men are sick. :mad:

babylove

08-22-2006, 07:02 AM

cjones15 ~ Jake gave me a few good scares at the end. I even went to the hospital once for monitoring a few weeks before he was born. Even tho it' tight in there you should still feel some movement 4X per hour (ccording to my dr). It can't hurt to call the dr, tho I'm sure he is fine in there!

Jen ~ Have you tried swaddling Reagan? Works wonders when Jake is fussy!!

tgoody03

08-22-2006, 07:16 AM

cjones - Hi! I've had concerns all along about not being able to feel my baby move at this stage. My placenta is in the front of the baby and acts as a pillow between me and her so I already feel less movement than y'all. I expressed my concerns to my dr. about feeling even less now since they do so baby's move less at this stage because of cramped quarters ... plus, I have a friend that had a bad experience at this stage which scared me even more (won't go into because I don't want to scare anyone). So, my dr. told me that if I am ever concerned with lack of movement to come in the office immediately because it only takes a few minutes to hook you up to the monitor and put all our minds at ease. I was worried I would hassle them, but he told me (in so many words) it's better to be safe than sorry and it's no hassle at all. So, personally, if I had less movement or none at all and I couldn't get the baby to move with all the tricks they say to try, I'd quickly run by the drs. office. I'm sure there is nothing wrong, but why worry yourself?

jennylou

08-22-2006, 07:16 AM

cjones -I hope you called the on call doctor!

Chimichanga

08-22-2006, 07:20 AM

babylove - yeah, we do swaddle Reagan. Normally it helps, but last night - not so much. I did have some spicy food last night for dinner and I think that had something to do with it. She's snoozing now but I know she'll be up soon to nurse so I don't want to nap just yet.

I forgot my good news from my 2 week visit - I'm down 12 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight! :D So, I've lost all of my baby weight and 12 pounds. I still have quite a few pounds to go, but I'm pretty happy. I've decided I'm going to breastfeed Reagan until she's 20 so I can keep up burning calories. j/k :p

babylove

08-22-2006, 10:44 AM

Jen ~ LOL! That's hilarious!! Way to go on the weight loss!! As of this morning, I'm down 20 lbs and I have 10 more to go to reach my pre-pg weight. Of course I still want to lose another 5-7 lbs beyond that so I have some work to do...but the BFing works like a charm!!

Sabriel

08-22-2006, 12:52 PM

Chimichanga That's great that you've lost so much weight! Reagan is adorable! You look so happy! (Yeah, men do suck at being sick. :rolleyes: )

cjones15 My baby has hardly been moving also. I keep having to poke her to make her move a little, but she doesn't move much. I think she is really running out of room! If you are not feeling any movement at all, you should probably call the doctor.

Camdynlyn Hope your appointment went well today!

jennylou Sounds like Nora is growing like a weed! :)

jesseybell Glad Elizabeth is gaining weight! I hope the appointment with the oral surgeon goes well.

isaacsmommy I hope everything goes well with the ped orthopedist! Ack on the condom breaking! That would freak me out!

Anyone with cats? We have 3. I have been letting them check out all of the baby stuff. Hopefully everything goes smoothly, and they don't get too upset about the baby. I really don't see what they would do to hurt her. I am sure that this will be hard for them, but we will work through it. They are my other babies, so there is no way they are being put outside.

Well, today's my due date! I keep telling her that she can come anytime now! I am so worried that she won't come on her own and I'll have to be induced, which I *really* don't want to happen. I don't think our mw will even consider inducing until 41 weeks, and we will probably try to convince her to wait until 42 weeks. I have been having lower back pain and cramps all day yesterday and today. I have also been having more contractions, but they will last for hours and then just stop. :(

Anyhow, I really hope this little one decides to come soon!

July&August2006Mommies

08-22-2006, 01:08 PM

Updated to here!

K&H's mommy

08-22-2006, 01:08 PM

Beautiful babies girls! Glad to hear you are all losing weight and doing great.

movement - my crazy baby has really slowed down too. I don't remember this with the other two. I am still getting movement (enough that I'm not worrying) but I have really noticed that she is waaaay quieter in there. I was taking a bath last night and had a contraction and I would feel two large bumps right in the middle of my abdomen, under my ribs. I'm pretty sure they were legs because they were sorta crossed. That doesn't make me happy though because that means her spine is against my spine which means back labor and means she would come out face first. Hopefully she will rotate a little in there! Of course, I'm totally guessing and won't find out until my appointment on Monday.

Sabriel - happy due date, well sort of! :rolleyes: Don't babies know that their lease is up and we are going to evict them soon if they don't figure it out? I hope your contractions start progressing and something happens soon. My contractions have pretty much STOPPED.

JenniferH

08-22-2006, 01:48 PM

Congrats to everyone on their weight loss and healthy babies!

movement ~ My little guy is slowing down too, except when he decides to play with my bladder!

I am really hoping that I go into labor before Monday. It just seems so less stressful to be in labor prior to my c-section then to go in there just waiting for them to cut me up.

Camdynlyn

08-22-2006, 09:03 PM

38w1d

I went to the doctor today. My feet are swollen (due to going back to work) and I'm so ready so she did a 'light' membranes sweeping. She said she's not forceful before 39 weeks. We'll see if it does anything. It didn't hurt, just felt like she was putting some pressure on me. I had some really mild cramps afterwards but have felt nothing since.

I was so tired when I got home (I worked at school until 6:30) that I cooked Hamburger Helper (can we say easy peasy meal?) and went straight to the couch. I slept from about 8-9:30pm and got up for bed and now I'm wide awake. I decided to head to the computer since I've not had time today.

I've got a cramp in my calf that's been there for 2 days. I thought maybe it was due to wearing flip flops so I wore my tennis shoes today which hurt my swollen feet! Oh well. Can't please every part of my body, I guess.

I was in meetings all day (from 8:30am-12:35, went to doctor at 1:20, back to meeting at 2:30-4pm). Talk about boring. I needed to be working in my classroom but luckily my sub and assistant were there and have pretty much finished my room other than some minor cosmetic touches like cleaning one last time, setting out books on desks and hanging up some posters I'm waiting to be laminated. Not too shabby. I'd be happy to go into labor anyday because I'd feel okay leaving my classroom the way it is. Come on BEAN!!

UTChick

08-22-2006, 09:11 PM

I only have a little bit until I need to feed the baby so I won't be able to do SOs this time, but I wanted to say thank you to you all for your well wishes and prayers.

We got home last night around 8pm. Dexter was really hyper because he hadn't seen me for so long. But we put Michael in his carseat on the coffee table and let Dex sniff him. He is really curious about the baby but he is keeping his distance. Overall, he is handling the situation pretty well - learning his boundaries, etc.

We went to the ped. appt today. M is up to 6 lbs. 9 oz. (he had gotten down to 6 lbs. 7oz. at the hospital) and his slight jaundice is getting much better. Since he was breech, the doctor would like for us to take him for an u/s to check for hip dysplasia. She moved his legs around a lot and said she thinks it is highly unlikely that he has any problems, but wants to do it to be safe. We have to go to Ft. Worth for that, so they will call us when they get us an appt. We also went to rent me a hospital grade pump. Apparently I have inherited the family genes of a good milk supply. Poor baby can't keep up with my supply and my boobs were getting red and warm today. They were so engorged this morning that M had trouble latching on and we ended up having to use some of the EBM I had pumped at the hospital yesterday. But I pumped like a mad woman this afternoon (4.5 oz) and his last feeding was very successful. Tomorrow I go in to get my staples removed (ugh).

My brother had a setback yesterday. After a bleed and surgery like his, it is possible for the arteries in the brain to spasm, which could lead to vessel constriction, lack of oxygen, and possibly a stroke. They do a vascular doppler on him everyday to check for these spasms. Yesterday his numbers got a little too high, so they started hourly neurological checks on him as a preventative measure and last night they ran another CT scan, which luckily came back good. This leaves him very little time to rest, which he really needs in order to heal. So he has had a rough couple of days. This is all taking a toll on my parents, so I ask that you pray for them as well. During my short time as a mommy, I have come to realize how everything changes when it is YOUR child. I cannot tell you how much my family and I appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this time.

I hope to get on here tomorrow and do replies. Thanks again for everything!

Here are a few more pics because he is just too precious not to post them!
http://images1.snapfish.com/3479537%3A%3A%7Ffp357%3Enu%3D324%3B%3E8%3B6%3E55%3 A%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A89333466nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/3479537%3A%3A%7Ffp348%3Enu%3D324%3B%3E8%3B6%3E55%3 A%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A892%3C4%3C%3A%3Anu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/3479537%3A%3A%7Ffp348%3Enu%3D324%3B%3E8%3B6%3E55%3 A%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A89333438nu0mrj

K&H's mommy

08-22-2006, 09:35 PM

Kathy - he is aboslutely beautiful! Congrats again! Good for you for getting the hospital pump too, I used that with DS and I will use that again for this baby. It will empty you out in record time! I will definitely be keeping your family in my prayers.

Camdynlyn

08-22-2006, 09:52 PM

UTChick: He's adorably beautiful! WOW! Congrats.

Sabriel

08-23-2006, 12:13 AM

I woke up this morning at 1 am to my water breaking! I am having contractions every 4-5 minutes about a minute long. They are definitely managable right now. We talked to the midwife and are going to try to get some rest before things really get underway. :)

amyinlosangeles

08-23-2006, 04:34 AM

We're back!! I only have a second - Ava is having a minor meltdown.
I wanted to drop off a couple pics. Hopefully I'll be able to get back on very soon w/our story.

We are madly in love w/this (not so) little person!

http://hedlab.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/ava_collage_1.jpg

babylove

08-23-2006, 07:17 AM

Amy ~ SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!!!! Congrats! I love Ava's little dress. I hope you are feeling well!!

Kathy ~ Michael is such a doll! We also used the same socks-on-the-hands trick to keep Jake from scratching himself. ;) I hope your brother is doing better today. Your family is in my thoughts!

Cherish ~ YAY!! Good luck!!!

Summer ~ You are getting so close!

***

Well, the honeymoon is over! After 9 nights of being a perfect angel, Jake was a nightmare last night. He wanted to eat constantly (ouch) and he now refuses to sleep anywhere but in his Baby Papasan seat. We were up pretty much constantly from midnight until the sun came up. And of course he is now sleeping peacefully in my lap. :rolleyes: I ended up deciding against a baby nurse (long story) but I might be changing my mind if this continues. I'm hoping it's just a growth spurt.

Question for ROs (or anyone who knows...) about pumping ~ I really want to pump to start building a milk stash and to build my supply but I don't know when I'm supposed to pump. Before a feeding? After a feeding? How long should I pump? I pumped yesterday two times, both times after a feeding, and only got 2 oz TOTAL. That sucks. Jake seems to be getting plenty of milk when he nurses but when I pump I don't get much...how can I increase my supply??

And finally...my belly...

last belly shot at 39w1d:
http://static.flickr.com/85/222854629_19148b00d5_m.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/51/222854633_97a75dd3f6_m.jpg

and yesterday at 9 days PP:
http://static.flickr.com/89/222853622_4e00b376a5_m.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/89/222853624_50e846f80e_m.jpg

I have a few very light stretch marks below and to the side of my belly button that I guess I couldn't see before..but other than that, nothing. I can't believe how quickly my belly has gone down. As of yesterday I had 9 lbs to go to my pre-pg weight.

babylove

08-23-2006, 07:23 AM

I can't forget to post some pics of my little guy...

sleeping soundly in my lap right now:
http://static.flickr.com/84/222857440_fe704d9180_m.jpg

on his first walk through the neighborhood (he was totally covered up except when I took this picture!):
http://static.flickr.com/75/222857444_ce96356a26_m.jpg

staring intently at Daddy:
http://static.flickr.com/88/222857441_22803a13ea_m.jpg

swaddled!
http://static.flickr.com/92/222857442_e36fb058eb_m.jpg

jesseybell

08-23-2006, 07:34 AM

Today is my first day home alone with Elizabeth. By 9:30 I have only cried once :) That is from pure exhaustion. She has such a hard time going back down after her 12 am and 3 am feedings. I think we are going to have to resort to the bouncy chair or swing to get her to fall asleep. Thankfully DH fed her her 7 am bottle while I pumped. Of course she didn't want to go back to sleep after that either.

Before it gets away from me, here is the "medium" version of our birth story.

MONDAY AUGUST 7, 2006

12:10 AM Felt a pop and moisture. Rushed to the bathroom. Water was running down my leg – Had to scream to DH to wake him up to tell him

12:15 AM Called the doctor – were told since contractions hadn’t started to get to the hospital at 8 am

12:16 AM Contractions started – immediately 4 minutes apart and painful

12:15 – 3:45 AM Labored at home – took a shower, tried to get some sleep (wasn’t happening – every time I had a contraction more fluid leaked out)

3:50 AM I was swaring with each contraction - Made DH call the doctor again – Contractions were still 4 minutes apart, but lasting longer and more intense – I couldn’t easily walk or talk through the pain (though I have a low tolerance for pain)

4:00 AM Left for the hospital – wished I had looked at my pregnant tummy one more time. Left my tollhouse cookies at home by mistake L

4:45 AM – Arrived at the hospital – The old crabby volunteers in registration were SO slow and so unhelpful. I couldn’t imagine what it would have been like if I hadn’t pre-registered! They couldn’t have cared less that I was in labor and in intense pain.

5:10 AM – Was admitted into L&D- was 3-4 cm dilated and contractions every 3-4 minutes – after my IV was started, the anesthesiologists were called.

6:30 AM – My epidural was in place, I was in a much happier place. DH called my mom.

6:30 AM – Noon – Dilated from 3 cm to 7 cm – was given some Pitocin because my contractions went to 4-5 minutes. Despite some technical difficulties with the epidural, I was in heaven and I felt like time was going fast. DH and Mom spent time doing crossword puzzles and answering trivia questions while I tried to sleep. During the lunch hour it was determined that I had a fever, which had everyone worried.

Noon – 6:00 PM – Dilated from 7 cm to 10 cm – When I was a 7 cm by noon I thought I would have the baby by 4, but things weren’t progressing really fast, but really with the epidural I didn’t even notice. Dad arrived at the hospital but couldn’t come up to see me (we were only allowed 2 people in L&D) so Mom and DH alternated going and spending time with him downstairs.

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM- Pushed – I hated pushing. They turned down my epidural too much. The L&D nurse on duty by then wasn’t my favorite. I had a very hard time concentrating on pushing, and in the back of my mind I think I knew I wouldn’t be able to push her out.

8:30 PM – The doctor started talking alternatives – I didn’t want to risk trying the vacuum and then still having to have a c-section, so we all decided to move ahead with the c-section. Mom went down to be with Dad and DH put on scrubs. I was wheeled to the operating room and DH had to wait outside for a while.

8:30 PM – 9:43 PM – Prep for c-section and c-section performed

9:43 PM – Baby Elizabeth born, weighing in at 9 lb, 3 oz – I kept concentrating on waiting to hear how much she weighed – DH had shown me pictures of her before I heard – from the pictures I was convinced she was 12 lbs!

9:45 PM – 11:30 – Closed me up and I was wheeled back to L&D. DH was able to take Mom and Dad up with the NICU to visit Elizabeth. She was in the NICU because of my fever – they needed to do a bunch of extra tests on her as well as put an IV in her head (which she had for 48 hours). FINALLY they brought her down to us and I was able to hold her

1:30 AM – Brought up to my room in the maternity ward – After some bonding with Elizabeth, we sent her to the nursery since I hadn’t slept since 9 am Sunday morning

mrstim

08-23-2006, 07:54 AM

2 weeks old today!

We're finally getting out of preemie clothes - they fit him everywhere except the legs. I bought some Newborn size stuff yesterday - they're WAY too big. I have the arms rolled up twice, but the legs are so long that he keeps getting one leg stuck in the other legs openings. :rolleyes: I have nothing that fits him now! UGh!

We had his 2 week appt. yesterday - my little porker is up to 7lbs, 1oz (from 5-15 at discharge!) and 20 inches long (was 18.5) so yay for mommy milk!

We've had some pretty rough nights, but last night was HEAVEN - he slept from 10:30-1:30, 1:45-4:30, 4:50-6:45!! I was so excited - now we'll see if it'll last!

As for my Weight I'm now down 26.5 pounds. Technically, I'm 5.5 lbs away from where I started! Woohoo! Now that Tracee ha sbeen brave enough to post PP shots, I'll do the same!

38w3d (day of induction)
http://images1.snapfish.com/34795764%3B%7Ffp34%3B%3Enu%3D3254%3E962%3E847%3EWS NRCG%3D3233%3A4467%3A688nu0mrj

today - 2 weeks PP!
http://images1.snapfish.com/3479575%3C%3A%7Ffp34%3B%3Enu%3D3254%3E962%3E847%3E WSNRCG%3D3233%3A9746%3A%3A55nu0mrj

and of course, I can't resist pictures of my sweet man!
http://images1.snapfish.com/347957679%7Ffp352%3Enu%3D3254%3E962%3E847%3EWSNRCG %3D3233%3A8%3C25939%3Cnu0mrj

His Acne is going away too -he's down to only one little spot!
http://images1.snapfish.com/347957679%7Ffp354%3Enu%3D3254%3E962%3E847%3EWSNRCG %3D3233%3A76%3B72%3A84nu0mrj

Good Luck to those who are wiating and especially those who are in labor now!! Easy Labor Vibes CHERISH!! :D

All our babies are beautiful, We did good Moms!!!!

Mrs. M.

08-23-2006, 07:56 AM

Ella Claire is here!

She was born August 18th, 1:05 am, labor was a superfast 3 hours.

She measured 51 cm (20 inches) and weighed 3830 g (8.44 pounds).

http://members.chello.at/birgit.main/ellasmile.jpg
(High on BBmilk.)

Congrats to all the other lovely families and good luck to those still waiting!

JenniferH

08-23-2006, 07:57 AM

Jessie ~ What a story! Thanks for sharing.

Babylove ~ Jake is so cute and looks so happy!

Amy ~ Ava is beautiful! Love the dress. You will have to post lots of picks so we can see all her outfits!

Sabriel ~ Yeah for water breaking!!!!

UTChick ~ He is perfect! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Camdynlyn ~ Hopefully the light sweeping works!

MrsTim ~ What a cutie!

MrsM ~ Wow! Very cute!

tgoody03

08-23-2006, 08:16 AM

________________________________________
38w1d today!

Hi all! Haven’t had time to post because I was wrapping up at work since yesterday was my last official day. YAY! And, you know how managers love to pile on the work right before you are supposed to be out (for anything – vacation, training, especially 4.5 months for maternity leave). Boy was it hectic this last week, but I can’t tell you what a relief it is to be sitting home just waiting for my little baby to be born!

My next drs. appointment is tomorrow. I can tell I’ve dropped. Actually, people I don’t know have randomly mentioned that I look low and that the baby may “slide” out. Yeah, I doubt I will be so lucky. LOL! I think I had a few contractions yesterday, but I’m still having a hard time deciphering what a contraction is. If it’s cramping with lower back pain, I had a few yesterday while sitting in rush hour traffic (nothing like living in the burbs of ATL and having to drive downtown to the hospital!).

Did any of your contractions start out as cramps – like bad period cramps but lasting for several minutes before stopping? Also, did any of you test + for GBS and not get the 4 hrs of antibiotics? I’m paranoid about that right now.

Camdynlyn – You are so close! What does it mean to lightly sweep the membrane?

K&H’s mommy, Jennifer H – Thanks for the welcome! I appreciate it! Hopefully with the three Sept mommies over here, we’ll bring the good luck to you so you don’t have to go visit us in “the other month”

Cosmic – I feel intense pressure down there once I’ve been standing for a while. Never when I’m sitting. But boy, take a walk around the block and you’ll be holding your stomach up because of the pressure! Sometimes I wonder if they are contractions as well. I’m pretty sure I had one or two when I got home from my walk last night, but nothing to rush to the hospital over.

Sabriel - Wow! That is so exciting. Good luck!

UTChick, Amyinlosangeles, Babylove, MrsM, mrstim – Your babies are so precious and beautiful. Just looking at them is getting me so excited to meet mine. I’m so glad that everything went well with both your deliveries and that you each have such beautiful, healthy babies!

And, lastly, all you PP mommies posting your weight loss – AMAZING!! That is all I can say. I have friends who gained 60 lbs and a year later are still up 10 or 20 lbs. I was really scared for this to happen to me. I’ve gained 27 lbs so far so I’m pleased. But your stories of losing weight so fast are great – congrats to all of you!

K&H's mommy

08-23-2006, 08:48 AM

Sabriel - I'm so jealous it's your time! Good luck and hopefully you are holding your baby by now!!! :)

Amy - Ava is a beauty! I love that dress she is wearing! I can't wait to hear how it all went!

Tracee - You look great and Jake is so cute!!! As for pumping, with DS I used to pump after I fed him each time. For the first 3 weeks he would only nurse on the right side so I always had to pump the left. Once he started taking both I would pump both right after he ate. If you want to increase your supply, pump another minute or two after the milk stops coming out. You'll get the hind milk and it stimulates your bbs to say "more milk please!"

Amy Congrats on the weight loss and you look great! Look at that handsome guy! Oh and DS had the worst baby acne you could ever imagine, but it eventually clears up! Drove me crazy though!!

Mrs. M - Congrats on Ella! She is beautiful and I love her name. It was one of my choices!!! Congrats again!

tgoody - Hopefully you have dropped! I thought a dropped a few days ago but I think she crawled back up there. :rolleyes: Ya for being officially on maternity leave!

Babies babies everywhere - except here with me! Ha ha! I finally got my car back yesterday so I went and got it detailed and DH will install the snugride today. They called about our new house and I think it's to give us our 30 days before it's done - thank GOSH! Things are finally starting to fall into place so that means that baby should come too! My mom is driving me crazy with the daily phone calls "Is anything happening?" No, I'll let ya know! All of my friends are betting on Friday but I don't know, we'll see. I'm not holding my breath!!!

isaacsmommy

08-23-2006, 09:11 AM

:) Good morning ladies!

UTChick- He is so cute!! I am thinking of your brother and all of your family, wishing him a smooth recovery. Oh and Grant also had to have a u/s fto check for hip dysplasia, it is easy.

Amy- She is so gorgeous!! Love her dress.

Babylove- Your looking great! As for the pumping if you did it after a feeding then 2 oz is probably pretty good since your breasts will be mostly empty. If you pump before the baby feeds the he might not get enough. I guess I would try inbetween feedings. This should increase your supply. Warning though it may increase it too much if you pump some then stop because you'll be producing more millk than the baby is taking.

Jesseybell- Sorry your day has been rough so far. :( I promise it gets much better.

MrsTim- What a cutie you have! And your looking pretty good yourself. Maybe I will get brave and post some pp pic too, only they will be like at 5wks pp (since I haven't taken any yet).

MrsM- Congrats! She is beautiful and I love her name!! I was going to use Claire as a mn if I had a girl.

tgoody03- Yay for your last day of work!

_________

Grant had his orthopedist appt this morning. The dr. said he looks okay, but we will follow up in four weeks to make sure he is still doing well. So YAY no harness for us :D :) . Later today we have Grants one month check-up, can't wait to see how much he weighs, he is definately a big boy. I think he will be out of his newborn and 0-3 months clothing soon :eek: . Isaac wore his 0-3 months until about 4 1/2 months so it isn't what I am used to.

Sleep Grant sleeps pretty well usually at least a four hour stretch in the beginning of the night then he comes to bed with me and only usually wakes to eat after that (not sure how often as I pretty much sleep through it) then wakes up about 8:30 or 9.

Here is a pic that I had to post since it shows Grant with the virtual shower gift I recieved:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v419/isaac7704/hoodedmonster.jpg

tgoody03

08-23-2006, 09:17 AM

K&Hsmommy - I had a seperate post to you in my post above - not sure where it went. I thought your first post to me was cute (out of frustration, of course!) ;)

tgoody - welcome! I'm starting to think I should introduce myself to the Sept. mommies because I just may end up being one!

Well, maybe since you now have 3 Sept mommies over here, we'll bring the good luck vibes to you so you don't have to join a new thread. You don't want us to beat you, do you? Where's your competitive spirit? LOL! :)

Isaacsmommy - Thanks! I have been up for several hours now and haven't done anything. I'm not sure what to do with myself until the baby comes. I was going to go to the pool, but of course it's cloudy and only mildly warm outside (first time in like 3 months). Just my luck!

Grant is PRECIOUS!! He just looks so sweet and content - doesn't he? Look at his little cheeks - how cute!

K&H's mommy

08-23-2006, 09:30 AM

tgoody -You don't want us to beat you, do you? Where's your competitive spirit?
You're right...I'm going to go outside and grab a tree branch and break my water myself! LMAO!!!! :p

isaacsmommy

08-23-2006, 09:54 AM

K&HMommy- I missed your post earlier. I am crossing all crossables that you'll be an August mommy and soon at that!!! LOL the tree branch comment reminded me of my dh asking one day if a woman could break her own water. I told him that I was sure if she tried hard enough, but then I added that it was probably a bad idea since I think he was getting really sick of me being pg and didn't want him to get any ideas (who knows what he may have done while I was sleeping :rolleyes: ).

babylove

08-23-2006, 10:07 AM

Jessie ~ Thanks for sharing your birth story! For the past few nights the only place Jake will sleep is in his bouncey seat or swing...I figure, you just do what works at this point.

Amy ~ You look great!! Jake's 0-3 mo clothes are big on him too, and he's 8 lbs so I can only imagine what a peanut Ryan is!

MrsM~ CONGRATS! Welcome to the world Ella! She is adorable! What a fast labor, you lucky girl, you!

Jennifer ~ Thanks :) He is a pretty content little guy.

tgoody03 ~ Thanks! I was really afraid of gaining too much and not losing the weight but I only gained 30 lbs, so I was lucky. And I haven't been watching what I eat AT ALL though that will change soon...

Sara ~ Thanks for the pumping tips...I've been pumping 2X a day after feeding Jake. Today I pumped about 35 mins after a feeding (had to get Jake situated, etc.) and got the most milk yet-- 3/4 oz from each side! I'm hoping it will continue to increase. Jake has been eating from both sides since day one (per our pediatrician's directions). How long should I pump for?? I did 10 mins today (each side).

Jen ~ Thanks for the pumping tips! I will need to build up a freezer supply since I'll be going back to work, so even if I have to pump more often during the day I'm fine with that...I am just afraid of not having enough milk stored for when I return to work. Grant is PRECIOUS! Glad he is doing well!

jesseybell

08-23-2006, 12:18 PM

Day is going better now that I am not so tired...

I forgot to mention my continued car issue: DH brought my car in on Monday to have the a/c boosted yet again. They told him they couldn't get to it until the end of the day. He went back on Tuesday. After an hour and a half they told them the pump or something had exploded and it would be $1500 to fix! We said no way since we are getting rid of it next spring and it is getting to be the end of the summer. An hour after DH gets home the mechanic calls and tells him that he noticed a coolant leak in the garage after he left. It was the coolant leak that we had noticed the day before I went into labor but it hadn't leaked since. So I still don't have a working car. We aren't bringing it in until Monday (of course it is 10x as hard to bring it in now that I am home). So I am trapped here for the rest of the week...which is pretty good since I really need the rest, as well as more bonding time with Elizabeth.

I think I will have my mom come over tomorrow so I can put my birth announcements together.

jarocha

08-23-2006, 12:19 PM

UTChick: Beautiful baby. He is just lovely.

mrstim: WOW, 2 weeks already. He looks great. You look great PP.

Amy: She is beautiful. You have a heartbreaker in your hands.

Babylove: Jake looks beautiful.

Sabriel: Excited and jealous for you. Hope you have an easy delivery. Hope my water breaks soon.

isaacsmommy: Grant looks adorable in his shower gift. I new I should of bought one for myself as well. Oh well.

tgoody03: I guess we both have doctor appointments tomorrow. Hopefully we get some good news.

Mrs. M.: So jealous of your quick delivery. Ella looks lovely.

All babies look beautiful. Thanks for sharing your pictures and birth stories with us.

KKay

08-23-2006, 01:00 PM

Okay Ladies - I need some help. We were planning on naming our DD Lauren, however we aren't now due to a family member who would be extremely hurt by it.

So - I'm due in 3 days without a name for my DD and I'm stressing. :eek: Any thoughts on the following names:

Gabrielle
Lindsay
Marisa

JenniferH

08-23-2006, 01:34 PM

Love Marissa!

isaacsmommy

08-23-2006, 01:46 PM

Just got back from Grant's one month check-up. He is doing great, he weighed in at a hefty 11lbs 6oz :eek: and 22 inches long (20 at birth)!! See he really is a piggy, up 4 lbs in about month.

KKay- All three names are nice, but I think Marisa would be my pick. It isn't super common, but very pretty.

Jarocha Thanks again! Sorry you didn't get one too.

Jesseybell That really does stink about your car. Sounds like something that would happen to me (yeah no luck at all).

Babylove- Good luck building your stash. Don't stress too much though you really only have to stay a day ahead, even though it is nice to have some extra. Isaac never took much from a bottle (didn't like it) so I always pumped more than he would take.

Chimichanga

08-23-2006, 03:54 PM

KKay - I like Marisa too. Does it sound okay with your last name?

Babylove - pumping... I usually pump after Reagan has eaten. The pump is 'prime' so to speak. Between the two I can usually get 3 ounces in about 15 minutes - which is good for one fridge bottle. I have a stash of about 4-5 bottles in the fridge at all times for emergencies and DH's night feedings. In the morning I'm usually so engorged that I can get two bottles AND 3 ounces to freeze. The freezer stash will come with time - the more you pump the more it will come. The supply will support the demand you put on it.

Dh and I have totally given in to letting Reagan sleep in her swing at night. I don't feel bad in the least because she'll stay down for a solid three hours and be a little fussy for about a half an hour near the end. We do put her in the bassinet and PnP but most of the time she wakes herself up within like 10 minutes. We also put her in her Papasan bouncer to sleep - which she loves. When she's in the swing we'll take a nap, when she's in the bouncer we won't. I know our lab is a good dog, but I'm not taking any chances!

Today I took the SUV in to have the a/c checked. :rolleyes: Of course the problem ISN'T covered by our warranty :mad: and it would cost $900 to fix. We said to forget it. I'm going to call around and see if we can find a better price. My dad might be able to fix it for us - he does heating and air for a living and can get the chemicals needed.

While we were waiting for the car, we took Reagan to the mall. We walked around and were talking to her and telling her what we saw. DH and I took her to Build-a-Bear and I "showed" her the whole store. :) We gave her a bottle when she was hungry. But, there was a nursing lounge there. I thought that was pretty cool. I'll remember that for next time.

K&H's mommy

08-23-2006, 04:07 PM

Tracee - I think an additional 5-10 min after you feed him is fine. I wouldn't pump more than that though. Always just pump after he feeds so that he can always get what he wants.

Isaacsmommy -who knows what he may have done while I was sleeping
LOL!!! This had me cracking up! Wow, 4 pounds in a month!!! Little piggy!

chimichanga - My oldest slept the best in her carseat. So she spent a lot of time in that infant seat. Eventually she transitioned to the crib, but until that time...guess where she was? That's right...in the carseat. As long as she was sleeping and it let me sleep, I did NOT care!!!! Hope your car gets fixed soon, I was without for 15 days!!! :-(

KKay - Lauren was my first choice for a girl but DH didn't like how it flowed with our last name. I really wanted it too. Ironically DH loved Marisa. I just thought of the OC though (yes we think we're 16 and watch it). I like Lindsay the best but I think I'm outnumbered!

*** Just found out we will close on our new house September 22nd!!!! Hooray, there is an end in sight!!! Hopefully I won't still be pregnant by then, LOL!

KKay

08-23-2006, 04:53 PM

Thanks for responses regarding DD's name.

DH likes Gabrielle (we'd call her Bree or Elle) best. I like Marissa or Lindsay best. Ironically, the OC connection (yes, I seem to think I'm 16 too) is there b/c our last name is similiar to Cooper. I'm hoping no one else will admit to watching it if we decide to go with the name. ;) Ugh, I'm so confused. Unfortunately, this name game is causing me stress. DH and I are arguing about it.

On a positive note, my BFF and I are going to the mall/lunch tomorrow. I'm hoping we can walk around and encourage baby girl to make an appearance sooner rather than later.

isaacsmommy

08-23-2006, 06:04 PM

K&Hmommy yay for closing on your house! And I'm pretty sure the baby will have made its appearance by then ;) .

KKay- I'll admit I watch the OC. And yes I am 16....well I can remeber when I was 16 :cool: .

Chimichanga sorry about your car. Seems like everyone is having car trouble. Quick must find wood <knocking>.

babylove

08-24-2006, 05:57 AM

Thanks everyone for the pumping advice...I think I'm going to pump 2X a day for now (morning and night) for 5-10 mins after a feeding. I don't really *need* a freezer stash right now but at 4 weeks when I can start Jake with bottles, it will be nice to have some EBM saved up.

KKay ~ I love ALL the names...I think Gabrielle might be my favorite but you can't go wrong with any of them! And don't worry, I love the OC too and I'm 28!

Jen ~ I'm really worried about Jake not liking a bottle...I am going back to work in November and he has to be able to take a bottle by then!

Jen ~ I don't feel bad at all that Jake sleeps in his Baby Papasan...this early, I say anything goes if it gets everyone more sleep!

Sara ~ Congrats on the closing date!

***

I was so frustrated last night and couldn't stop crying. These hormones are KILLER. I cry for no reason at all at the drop of a hat. It's not baby blues, I'm just very weepy....mostly because I feel like time is going to fast and Jake is already getting so much bigger. I want to freeze time. I even want to rewind back to when I was pg and re-live the whole labor and delivery...strange, isn't it?

But Jake slept GREAT last night. He went 4 hours between ALL feedings and I had to wake him to eat! So we all got lots of sleep. YAY!!!

isaacsmommy

08-24-2006, 08:40 AM

Babylove- I went back to school part-time 1 1/2 weeks after Isaac was born (had to finish a summer class) then full time at 5 weeks. He would eat from a bottle (he had them very early) but just a couple onces at a feeding even when he was much older. He just made up for it by nursing a bunch in the evening. My ped said he'd be fine even though I worried. I guess she was right since he made it through okay ;) .

Camdynlyn

08-24-2006, 08:54 AM

I *think* I lost the rest of my mucus plug this morning. I (TMI) wiped and thought I still felt 'wet' so I wiped again and it was a BIG glob (A LOT) of yellowy goo. It was like the most EWCC I'd EVER seen. It had no pink/blood so that confused me but if it is anything else, that's scary. I hope this means something.

jesseybell

08-24-2006, 10:07 AM

babylove - I know about the weepyness. I am definitely much better than when I got home when I would cry at least 5 times a day, some times for absolutely no apparent reason. Now I just want to cry in the middle of the night - I am someone who LOVES to sleep and really needs her sleep, so the lack thereof is killing me!

sleeping - We tried the swing and the bouncy chairs last night and they did nothing. I think part of the issue is that we've already gotten her addicted to her pacifier. She loves to suck, so after a feeding she wants to continue sucking so we give it to her. But then she keeps spitting it out. But she's also really awake. We think that another issue is that the white noise machine we have isn't enough noise for her. We are going to start putting her down after her 9 pm feeding (we've been bringing her up to bed after her midnight feeding) and so her midnight feeding will be considered a 'middle-of-the-night' feeding. After her 3 am I resorted to bringing her into bed with us, something I absolutely hated doing - it scares me like crazy. But we were able to get some sleep. And then she and I snuggled until 10 am after DH went to work. It was pretty heavenly.

Her umbilical cord fell off this morning. The cats almost ate it :eek: I thought it was a dried up piece of their wet food, but realized it wasn't! It promptly got thrown away.

She is showing a little sign of cradle cap and baby acne.

cocoa_femme

08-24-2006, 10:45 AM

Hi, Everyone! I'm finally online. Thanks to JennyLou for posting Dylan's information. I actually had to have an emergency c-section, due to fetal distress. I'm working on posting my birth story on LJ right now. In the meantime, here's a pic of Dylan to post on the front page.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a334/cocoa_femme/DSCN0144.jpg

It's been a few weeks since I last posted, so I have a lot to catch up on. I'll try to do so over the weekend.

dandygirl

08-24-2006, 02:10 PM

Cocao_femme - congrats! Dylan is a beautiful baby!

KKay - love Gabrielle, but I'm partial to names that can be shortened and love Bree and Elle

K&H's mommy - congrats on your upcoming closing!

Camdynlyn - sending positive labor vibes your way!!!

Sleeping - I wish Maddie took to her bouncer or swing as easily as so many of your babies have. She gets very wide-eyed when we put her in either right now, so they seem to overstimulate her rather than calm her down. She drifts off most easily in my arms or sleeping on my tummy/chest after a nice meal. :p Can't help but spoil her a bit...

Jesseybell - sounds like you have a great feeding schedule down already. QOTD: How did you all manage that? I think Maddie is at the 3 wk growth spurt age, so she's eating more often than every 3 hours during the day. At night she seems to sleep longer, so that has been nice for all of us. But I'm getting anxious about not having her on a more regular regimen...is that crazy? I teeter between the organized/scheduled person I typically am and just going with the flow each time she has a need. So each day (for now) looks a good bit different than the day before. Just wondering how you other mom's are handling this.

jennylou

08-24-2006, 02:18 PM

dandy - DD is not on a feeding schedule. It's pretty much on demand - though, if it's during the day and she's gone more than three hours, I'll wake her. At night, I won't dare wake her until it's close to 4-5 hours. DD has been in an earlier growth spurt as well (she's only 2 weeks today), but she's about a pound and a half over her birth weight (and she dropped almost a whole pound), so sometimes she'll want to eat every hour to two.

isaacsmommy

08-24-2006, 03:31 PM

Had my 6 wk check up today (even though it won't really be 6 wks till monday). Everything looks good, my doc couldn't get over how well my incision has healed. You really can hardly see it and its already a light color. Just wish I could say the same for my stretch marks. I will be going back in 6wks to get an IUD put in.

QOTD- What type of birth control will you ladies be using after baby?Just curious to see what everyone else will be doing.

As I said I have decided to get an IUD. For one I am breastfeeding so I can't take the pill. However, the pill really doesn't seem to be a good idea for me anyway hence BOTH of my children (and yes I took it correctly :rolleyes: ). I really don't trust condoms (ie just had one fail last week). So, since I seem to be fertile myrtle I have decided the IUD probably is the best solution for us. Although dh volunteered to get the snip snip, even though he knows I want a third :rolleyes: (that is a much heated debate in our house and has been even before I got pg with Grant).

tgoody03

08-24-2006, 05:50 PM

38w2d

Hi! Had a dr. appointment today. Everything looked fine, I’m measuring perfectly, and I’m progressing. I’m 3 cm dilated and, in my drs. words, I’m “as effaced as you are going to get until you are in real labor.” So … when exactly will that be? Some people are in active labor at this point … I wonder why I am not. I think my doc did the sweeping of the membrane thing. All I know is he said “hold my two fingers if it hurts” … and I held his 2 fingers. IMO, it hurt. Then I asked why it hurt this time, and he said “trying to help you along.” Alrighty, cool! So could have a baby tonight, could have baby Sophie in 2 weeks. It’s just a waiting game now. Dr. thinks Sophie is about 7 – 7.5 lbs right now. Ok, don’t keep growing b/c if I don’t have her now and in 2 weeks – she could be almost 9 lbs! Official weight gain so far – 25 lbs.

K&Hsmommy -

You're right...I'm going to go outside and grab a tree branch and break my water myself! LMAO!!!!

Love your sensee of humor! After I wrote my response to you, I was hoping you would have a sense of humor and know I was joking. So … did you go grab a tree branch … are you in labor? When is your next dr. appt? Congrats on the new house! Have you posted pictures?

Jarocha – how was your dr. appointment today?

KKAY – Sounds like we are all “closet OC” lovers … anyone else a taker of the “The Hills” or “Laguna Beach” or “Summerland”?  I personally love Gabriella (I added the “a”) and love the name Elle. I actually thought OC off the bat when I heard Marisa.

Babylove – In our breastfeeding class they said the baby only gets about 67% of available milk in a feeding. So hopefully there will be some leftover for you to pump! I’ll be interested to hear how it goes for you, since I’ve been wondering myself how to build up a stash of milk.

Camdynlyn – Hope you did lose the plug and that things start happening for you! I had a lot of goo over the last few days, too, and wondered the same thing. Does it have to have that pinky tinge if it’s the mucus plug?

Isaacsmommy – I’m also considering the IUD. For about the last year of my pill, right before I got pregnant, I could not remember to take my pill … even though I had been on it for 15 years. Condoms don’t work for us and the old tried and true “pull out method” doesn’t work .. the one time I allowed that to happen in the heat of the moment … well, here I am!! LOL! :)

Camdynlyn

08-24-2006, 06:12 PM

Off to the hospital. I *think* my water broke. It's trickling but I'm too indecisive to decide if it is or not. Doc wants me in to check. Pray!!

jesseybell

08-24-2006, 06:18 PM

feeding schedule - We definitely aren't on a strict schedule. The ped wants her to eat every 3 hours during the day, so we try to say she'll eat at 6,9,12 etc. but it doesn't usually work out that way. We do wake her if she isn't up to eat after 3 hours. During the night she'll go longer, which is good since it takes us so long to get her down after the feedings, I am lucky if I am getting 2 hours at a stretch.

Birth Control - I really don't know what my options are, so I'll be waiting to talk it over with the doctor at my 6 week appointment. I've been on the Pill for 16 years so besides condoms I don't know much else. I thought there was a low level Pill that could be taken. I plan on ttc #2 around her first birthday.

She's been a fussy little girl today. Luckily Grandma was her to hold her all afternoon while I finished up our birth announcements (will post picture when I take one). Thankfully tomorrow is Friday, then the weekend, which means DH is home full time. Yeah!!

Camdynlyn - Hopefully it is your water breaking! Good luck!

mommydearest

08-24-2006, 06:57 PM

Hey Ladies.

Please think happy labor thoughts and prayers for Sabriel (Cherish). She is still in labor and was transported from her birthing center to the hospital as a precation last night since it had been so long after her water broke without much progress. About 7:30 this evening, her husband called and said she is doing ok, but things are moving very slowly for her and she is only about halfway there after about 42 hours since her water broke. They are hoping for her to deliver tonight, but realistically it will probably be early tomorrow morning. Poor Cherish!!!

So, please keep her in your thoughts tonight! Thanks!

isaacsmommy

08-24-2006, 07:47 PM

Good Luck Camdynlyn!

Thinking *~speedy, safe labor vibes~* for Cherish.

Babylove There is a pill you can take it's called the mini pill and is progesterone hormone only. For me though my doc said I shouldn't even bother because the effectiveness is slightly less than the regular pill and I am in that 1ish% that the pill has failed for. Yeah I think if my dh looked at me the wrong way I'd end up pg ;) lol.

KKay

08-24-2006, 08:21 PM

Wow - there is a lot going on in here tonight!

Cocoa-femme - Dylan is adorable!

Camdynlyn - I hope this is it! Keep us posted...

tgoody03 - sounds like you're progressing. I hope it's soon

******************************
Thanks for the input on the names. It sounds like Marissa is in first place with Gabrielle coming close behind. We still haven't settled on anything....and I'm having contractions every 7 minutes. I'm not excited yet b/c this has been happening a lot and then they fizzle out. I am keeping my fingers crossed though. I'm about to go double-check the hospital bag though.

Camdynlyn

08-24-2006, 08:41 PM

False alarm. I'm bummed and cried. Baby has dropped, though. I'm 2.5cm, 70% effaced and baby is at -1 station (from -3 earlier this week). I had bloody show while she was checking me and said she could feel my water sac. I could have just had extra discharge or had a small leak. No clue. Monitored me for a little bit. Baby's heartrate good, I had small contractions but nothing major.

They said they expected me back in before the end of the weekend. I cried some more. I don't wanna go to school tomorrow like this. I have no sick days to take, though, so I'm going.

No one has to reply. I just am heartbroken and sad and cried my eyes out there and the whole way home. I'm going to bed.

tgoody03

08-24-2006, 09:21 PM

Were any of you girls as effaced as possible without being in labor and 3 cm? If so, when did you go into labor? I feel like I’m the only one who is at this stage that is not in labor. It’s ok, though, because my actual due date isn’t until 9/5 ... although the original due date was 8/26. I’d just like Sophie to show up before 9/1 (you know, the whole school thing).

Mommydearest – Thank you for that update on Sabriel. Saying some *prayers* for her now!

Kkay – Maybe you just need to see your sweet baby girl to name her. We had two names picked out, and that’s how I thought it would be … but DH hated one name and as I used the other name I picked out I fell in love with it. But, I really almost think you need to see your baby to make sure the name “fits” … believe me, if Sophie comes out looking like Lilly, I might just change her name! You’ll know if she’s a Marissa or a Gabrielle once you see her precious little face!

Camdynlyn – **hugs** You’re moving right along ... she’ll be here soon and you’ll be floating on cloud 9!

Jesseybell – Can’t wait to see your birth announcements. Did you make them?

K&H's mommy

08-24-2006, 09:52 PM

tgoody - Even though this #3 I've never gone into labor on my own. 42 weeks with #1, 37.5 w/ #2 (but I had PIH) and here I am with #3 just hanging out. I have seen posts over at the babycenter boards (traitor, I know!) where women have been 4-5cm and 100% effaced and just hanging out, so it's definitely possible. I would think you could just walk that baby out...maybe try jumping jacks :p Or I could come over with my tree branch and break your water too, LOL!

camdynlyn - Sorry, you must be so disappointed. I know with DD I was sent home from L&D 3x!!!! It was so discouraging. It sounds like your making progress though, I'll bet she comes soon!

KKay - Hopefully they don't fizzle, those are the most frustrating kind!! I agree with tgoody - maybe when she comes out and you look at her you'll immediately know her name!

Cherish - I hope you have that baby by now, 42 hours is toooo long!! Thinking of you. Thanks for updating us mommydearest!

babylove - I don't think you are weird for wanting to rewind the clock. I remember being so miserable the first week or so but then missed it a few weeks later. When I walk down the halls of the postpartum floor at work I think how lucky all those women are to have just met their babies!

contraception - I used the mini-pill with DS for almost a year and it was great for us. Almost too great, I never got AF back until I went OFF it. This is the last baby for us so we'll probably think about more permanent means of preventing pregnancy - meaning he better get snipped! ;)

So I was at the grocery store today and the cashier says "when are you due?" and I said "in 3 days" and she gets all shocked and says "well why are you at the store with your little one?" Um...because we need groceries? I said "well I'm not sure what else I should be doing" and she said "well you should be at home in case you go into labor!" Okay I guess! Maybe she was afraid my water would break in front of her register - I WISH!!!

Abby'sMom

08-24-2006, 10:04 PM

Quick post for tgoody - I was 3-4cm / 100% effaced with my DD (#1) for 2 weeks before I was induced (my water was leaking). Good luck....

Congrats to all of the moms and babies... honest, I'll come back and do personal congrats as soon as I can. Things are hectic in my life at the moment but I'm wishing those who are still waiting well!! - Logan's a fuss-bot and it's hard.

UTChick

08-24-2006, 10:08 PM

cocoa~ Dylan is just precious. Congrats!

I thinking about you Cherish! Lots of safe labor vibes to you!!

Summer~ I am so sorry this wasn't it. Take it easy at work tomorrow. I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to go. It is not an easy job at this point in your pregnancy.

Things are going well here. Michael has definitely caught on to BFing and eats very well, which is good considering my freaking unbelievable supply. As of tonight I have already frozen 30 oz. since coming home Monday night. Trust me, I am estatic, but it also means that my boobs are constantly full. I feel like I spend all day feeding and pumping! :p I just can't express in words how in love I am with this baby. DH and I still can't believe he is ours.

Thanks again for all the continued prayers for my brother. He had a little bit better day today but still has 4 more days of being in the high risk for stroke window.

jarocha

08-24-2006, 11:07 PM

Quick drive by post:

I had my weekly appointment today and still only 1cm but 100% effaced and at -1 station. Scheduled induction for Tuesday, 8/29. We really want to have this baby before September 1st because of school. Most schools around here use Sept 1st as a cut off date for enrollment. Monday I have a NST appointment scheduled and another doctor's appointment. This morning I was leaking fluid and I thought for sure my water broke, but false alarm.

Sabriel: hopefully you have your baby by now and everything went well.

Camdynlyn: Sorry about the false alarm. I know how you feel. Hopefully we have our babies in our arms soon.

tgoody03: I predict you will be having your baby before I do. Seems like your moving along just fine.

K&H's mommy: Why does everyone think we need to be home just waiting for labor? I went grocery shopping again this week and it helps me mentally. If I stay at home and just sit here and wait it feels like eternity. I rather be out and about.

isaacsmommy

08-25-2006, 05:28 AM

Sorry this wasn't "it" Camdynlyn :( . I know you must be upset, hopefully it will be soon.

tgoody03

08-25-2006, 06:22 AM

Last night I had contractions!!

So DH and I thought we’d jump on the bandwagon and try to move labor along with some “natural induction” methods … we ate some spicy food, took our usual 1.5 mile walk, had a ½ glass of wine, and then DTD … we packed it all in, didn’t we? LOL! :) Not 30 mins after DTD, I got contractions! Seriously! They lasted nearly 2 hours and they were anywhere from 2 mins – 15 mins apart. Then, poof, they were gone. Just gone, like they never even happened. :rolleyes:

Um – I think those suckers hurt! My back hurt the worst and when the contractions were over, the pain in my back still lingered for a while. Felt like I needed to continually try and crack my back or something. And, I felt like I had to use the bathroom every time … did any of you guys have that with contractions? So I told my husband when the show was over that maybe we were just going to let this baby come on out on her time … I don’t think I want to put myself in pain like that again. Eek! How am I going to handle the real thing? Well … either way … it’s really fun and exciting to know we are just a few days away from holding our little girl! For all of you pregnant girls remaining – that goes for you, too!!

Kkay – My DH votes for Gabrielle. :)

K&H – I didn’t even know baby center had boards! OMG! Don’t say that, really? 4-5cm 100% effaced just hanging out? NO! I thought at 5 cm you were in pain and getting your epidural? I thought that was just the "rule." Dang, I’m learning that I’m just plain naïve. Jumping jacks … sounds fun … but I’d like her to come out in one piece! LOL! Do you live close to ATL? If so, c’mon over with that branch! I’ll share my natural induction techniques, and then you can beat me with yours. LOL! :) How dilated/effaced are you?

K&H, jarocha - What's up with those people saying we need to be at home? My neighbor, who is awesome BTW, told me about 2 days ago I shouldn't be driving. Really? I had to work! She said "back in her day" (mind you - she's only 55), you couldn't drive in the last month. Hm.

Abby’smom – Hi! I thought for sure my response would be more like “you won’t stay like that long” but not the case. 2 weeks ago at my first internal, I was 1.5 cm dilated and 80% effaced … then the next one I was 2 cm and 85% effaced … and the one yesterday 3 cm and, I guess, 100% effaced (or close to) … so, technically, I was like you for 2 weeks already! LOL! Does that count? Thanks for your reply. Appreciate it!

Jarocha – More competition, yay! j/k. Baby G better get her act together if I’m going to have her before you since you are being induced Tues. In our baby pool, I picked Monday as the day she’ll show up so we’ll see. But the end is in site for you – awesome! I can’t believe you are also 100% effaced. If it makes you feel good, my drs. have said that the more effaced you are when you go into labor, the quicker your delivery will be. That's surely something to be thankful for!

dandygirl

08-25-2006, 08:49 AM

Camdynlyn So sorry that wasn't it for you -- it will happen soon!

tgoody I was 80-90% effaced for two weeks and wasn't dilated at all. I'm sure it will be very soon for you!!!

Chimichanga

08-25-2006, 09:26 AM

So much happening in here!! :)

Summer - sorry it wasn't it. But, the nurses sounded pretty positive.

dandygirl - Reagan isn't on a schedule yet either, but she usually eats around the same time every day (give or take 30 minutes). She's getting her own schedule now.

UTChick - WOW!! That's a lot of BM!!

tgoody - I don't know if you congratulate someone on painful contractions, but congrats ;)

Contraceptive - DH and I think we're going to use condoms. I had such irregular cycles once I got off the pill (I think the pill might have been hiding this problem) and I'd rather not go back on. We DTD yesterday for the first time in quite some time. Unfortunately we didn't have a condom so we chanced it.

I can't believe Reagan is three weeks old already! She's getting so big. I can see it most in her fingers and feet. Her fingers are sooooo loooooong! And her feet are getting big now. We're learning what her cries mean - and we know she HATES to sit in a wet diaper. She doesn't mind the dirty diapers, but wet ones she needs changed immediately.

We put her in her crib for the first time yesterday. Not for too long; one 2 hour nap and 20 minutes while DH was cleaning up a mess she made. She seems to do fine in there. We also got to test our monitor too. DH and I did it before she came, but we can't replicate her sounds. She was sleeping and I took the monitor outside with me to test the range. DH was watching her inside. Not too bad. We got digital monitors and they seem to work pretty well.

KKay

08-25-2006, 11:09 AM

Camdynlyn - I'm sorry this wasn't it. I understand your disappointment, but at least you know it probably won't be much longer. Try to hang in there.

tgoody03 - I think you're right. Hopefully the right name will click once I'm holding her in my arms. Hopefully your little girl gets the hint that you want to serve her eviction papers soon.

K&H's Mommy - thanks for the input. I know what you mean about the people who apparently think we should be housebound. I'm due tomorrow, but I don't want to just sit around all day. I still need food and have a toddler who likes to be out and about.

UTChick - Wow! Your breastfeeding is going great. I was really frustrated at first with DD1. Unbelievable stash this early in the game. :)

************************************************** ****
I had a doctor's appt this morning. Absolutely nothing is happening. I'm not effaced and not even a fingertip dilated. Baby girl hasn't dropped at all (I don't expect her to drop until I go into labor, DD1 didn't drop until then). I need to call to make an appt for a NST if she isn't born by Monday (my EDD is tomorrow 8/26). I was upset/disappointed for a little while, but she'll make her appearance when she's ready. I know it can't be that much longer....my doc won't even think about inducing unless I'm past the 41 week mark and 1 cm dilated.