December 2006 Mommies: Past the halfway point!

[Chris'slady]

RancidI love your nursery, mine is almost done i just am deciding on getting the glider and ottoman or not i need curtains and that is it. I'am so excited. TIme is flying.

[Rancid13]

Thanks guys! We're very excited that it came together so well. Still have some small things to do, like we might get some tie-back curtain sheers or a valance for the window in addition to the blinds, but the blinds are fine for now. :) I can't wait to get the floor/mirrors all cleaned and put clothes in those drawers! :D

[pacificbliss]

rancid the nursery looks great!

Ummm, we got the furniture sanded. The nursery itself is a pile of boxes and bags. :D

mobox thatnsk for the L&D note. I am addicted to the L&D thread here and love reading about the unexpected parts of L&D. I also like the thread that was bumped on warning signs of labor. They are fun threads.

Sorry sophiapb and katmg about the bad news in the bad news/good news posts.

I would like to join with a bad thing/good thing from the weekend. The bad thing is we got a letter from my old insurance company about the pending lawsuit and they have advised us to hire a lawyer. I am officially very scared. I got the letter Friday night before a Halloween party and just could not stay for the party. I went in but DH took me home like an hour later. This was after crying in the car for an hour. Since I was travelling for work I am going to call my boss and ask if he will cover the cost of the lawyer. I really don't want to make the call. I am afraid he will just say no and I'll cry.
The bright spot of the weekend came on Saturday when we went to a BBQ at a friend's house and it turned out to be a surprise shower. DH was in on it but I had no clue.

I hope everyone is doing well!

[Rancid13]

rancid the nursery looks great!

Ummm, we got the furniture sanded. The nursery itself is a pile of boxes and bags. :D



Hey, progress is progress!! We lucked out with our furniture set in that the only things that needed to even be assembled were the crib and the toy chest which DH did sometime mid-week last week by himself. Otherwise all we had to do was open the boxes, unpack the furniture, and put it where we wanted it. :)

I'm so sorry to hear about the ins co advising you to get a lawyer, what a whole lot of stress at a terrible time!! I hope things get worked out for you, for the better.

That's so sweet about the bbq/shower! How nice of your friend to do that for you guys!! :D

[rosa727]

mobox: Thanks for posting that stuff about L&D. It is really interesting to hear different perspectives and experiences.

Rancid: I love your nursery! You did a beautiful job. Oooh - now you have me thinking about getting my hospital bag packed. I was going to wait until a month before my EDD, but maybe I should do it earlier.

pacificbliss: I am so sorry to hear about your legal troubles. I was an attorney for insurance companies (specializing in auto accidents) so I know how upsetting all of that can be. I had clients that would break down and cry telling me their stories :( But I am really happy to hear that you had a fun surprise shower! DH knew about my surprise shower too, and I was so impressed he could keep it a secret :)

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

cervix pains: I am still having a lot of pain in my cervix area. It is not constant or anything, but I get these REALLY sharp jabs. Other than that, I feel good. I'm having lots of BH contractions too.

belly shots: So I took my latest belly shots today. Here they are:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a343/rosa727/IMG_0036.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a343/rosa727/IMG_0033.jpg

u/s photos: I also scanned the latest pictures from the u/s. Here is the best one. It all looked so good on the monitor, but the pictures are never as good. Luckily, we have the whole thing on video too.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a343/rosa727/33week3dayultrasound2.jpg

It's his profile, and his fingers are in his mouth.

baby shower: We have our third and final baby shower on November 12. We just got the invitation in the mail this weekend! It should be fun and, luckily, it is the only one we will not need to travel for.

[Rancid13]

Rancid: I love your nursery! You did a beautiful job. Oooh - now you have me thinking about getting my hospital bag packed. I was going to wait until a month before my EDD, but maybe I should do it earlier.

Thanks! Hubby was the one who set everything up, I just directed him as to where it should go as he wouldn't let me touch/move anything. ;) As for the paint colors, my mom actually picked out some paint swatches based on the bedding (which she bought for us~but it was what we had decided on) and out of those I picked 2 greens and 2 blues that went well together and from those SIL took them to Home Depot and made the final selections. I was pretty easygoing about the whole decorating process, it took a few weeks from start to finish but it's nice to have it done now!

Yeah, I was really dragging my feet on the whole hospital bag thing, but there are already 4 babies that have arrived in the Nov Mommies thread and I know at least one of them who didn't have a single thing packed when it was time to leave for the hospital so while she was in the hospital she gave DH and her bro a list of things to go to the store to get for her. :eek: I'll feel better knowing that I have everything (or almost everything) packed and at the ready because you never know just when labor might start. And I have a feeling this baby will be 1-2 weeks early so I want to be prepared.

Fantastic belly shots, you look great!! And how adorable is that u/s pic?! Awwww!!! Such a little cutie!!

[sandy]

rancid Your nursery looks great!!

[Kimmer]

Rancid: Your nursery is so great. Where did you get the toy box?

pacificbliss: I am so sorry about your legal trouble, this is so not the right time for extra drama

Rosa: Cute pics, I love the fingers in the mouth so sweet

[December06Mommies]

UPDATED TO HERE

[Rancid13]

Rancid: Your nursery is so great. Where did you get the toy box?

Thanks! It turned out better than I could have imagined, thanks to hubby's artistic hand at painting. :)

We got the toy box at BRU...it's part of the Jardine Olympia collection (as is the rest of the furniture). They have it several different colors as far as I know. It will be used for storage, as it's a pretty good size!

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2309216&cp=&f=Taxonomy%2FTRUS%2F2255957&origkw=jardine&kw=jardine&parentPage=search

[Kimmer]

I had a really quick doctor's appointment today. The doc was like this is a really big baby, I said are you sure it is not me maybe I am really fluffy and he felt around and said so way you don't have much of a fat cushion I am feeling all baby. Then he asked me if my husband is a big man. I was like no he is maybe 170 lbs 5-10 and very fit. He was like there is no way you are going to go to 40 wks. He is thinking 37 or 38 weeks max. I am like uuuggghhh OK that is like 4-5 weeks AWAY!!!!!:eek: Are you kidding me!

Well I am done with rotation so in two weeks I will see my regular doctor and see what she says. But if I would have to deliver with another doc the one I saw today is my favorite so far. He has a great bedside manner.

Thanks Rancid I might have to get one of those we really can use the storage.
We are making progress on the nursery we put the bed together last night and it looks great. I still have to decorate now but I am happy about the progress.
This is a pic of the paint so far
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/Kimmer30/497f8eb4.jpg

[Chris'slady]

Well i havent been checking over here very well the last few weeks.

Everyone's nursery looks great. i jsut need curtains and mine is done, hopefully i can figure out how to post pictures.

I had a Dr. appt yesterday and i got checked internally so i guess every week now i will be, the doc said that the baby is head down and hanging out my cervix is still closed he said I'm probably going to have a late November baby so i guess 2 weeks early is ok with me.:) After next weeks appt i get to see my reg doc im done with rotation im so excited i just love my doctor. It is good to see a face you know and our comftorable with.

[rosa727]

Oh, all these people being told that they will probably have their babies early! It will be so exciting when the babies start arriving. Why do I have the feeling my little guy is going to decide that he likes it in there and never wants to come out? :) And my doctor is VERY against induction, so I will have to be quite late before that is an option. Can you tell that I am starting to get in that "impatient" stage? :p

[Chris'slady]

RosaI'm right there with you on being impatient im ready to meet my littel girl.

Although pregnancy has agreed with me i'm having really bad soreness down there it feels like when i bend down she is gonna fall out, it is so sore.and sleeping is def uncomfy at this point i wake up 5 to 6 times a night to use the restroom and it takes 45 min to fall back asleep and i cant get compfy, and the baby is moving more than ever 24/7.

[Rancid13]

Kimmer~ Oh wow, a big baby? 4-5 weeks is really close, wow. I’m now 5 weeks away from being 40w. How sure was/is your doctor about the baby’s size? I’ve heard that even detailed u/s’s where the tech says whoa this baby is at least 8.5lbs and then the baby is born a few days or a week later and it’s more like 7-7.5lbs…let’s hope he’s just wrong at guessing! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you! I really like the colors you chose for your nursery, they look really good together, along with the color of the crib wood. I can’t wait to see how it turns out!:)

Chris’slady~ Whoohoo for baby being head down! I haven’t had an internal since my first ob appt way back when, I’m wondering if I’ll get one at my 35w appt today? I’m thinking I’m gonna have a late Nov baby too, that’s what everyone is telling me~I’ll make sure to mention it to my doc to see what she thinks. My original EDD was 11/30 so you never know…:cool:

Rosa~ I’m starting to get to that impatient stage too! As long as this little guy waits until we’re done with all our baby-related classes, then we’ll be good to go, LOL. Our last childbirth class is next Weds, tonight I have a postpartum class, next Mon is baby care basics and on Nov 14 is baby saver…he can come anytime after that. During the break in class last night, DH and I were relaxing on some couches in the lobby and there was this lady with her toddler son. She guessed that I was having a boy b/c of the way I'm carrying, and said that it looked like I was due just about any day now, huh? I said no, at least another month till my due date unless he decides to show up a little earlier than planned. I must look huge (I'm 5'2" with a very short torso so my belly just goes straight out!) to people...:eek:

[Carissa]

Love all the nursery pics! We have decided to put the nursery off until after Jonah is born unless my family decides to come up for Thanksgiving then we will have some help. I just don't need another thing to worry about with m/s, taking care of a toddler and Christmas shopping :)

[rosa727]

Chris'slady: I will be fine if he comes right around my EDD. I just hope he is not really late! I guess we are all getting to that impatient stage though :)

Rancid: I have my last childbirth class next week too, so he can come any time after that. ;) Well, we have another baby shower on November 12, so I guess it would be fun to get that in :) That's funny that the lady thought you were due any day. I think being short really does make your belly stick out more. I am 5'7, so I get the opposite. People always say I only look about 5 months PG. I really hope that has no bearing on when he decides to arrive! Well, I know he is already 5 1/2 pounds, at least, so I guess he is going to be pretty big!

[sandy]

Hi ladies, sounds like everyone's got a ton going on and we're all getting a little impatient. I still have 8 weeks... *sigh*

I have a question for y'all... my bra has been making me so uncomfortable lately. Like I feel like I've bruised a rib kind of hurt. I am wearing a spanx bra today (essentially it's like wearing panty hose on your boobs) and it was comfortable for the first half of the day but now I feel like my belly and bra line are colliding again and it's starting to hurt. Is anyone else having this problem? What can I do instead??

[tinkerbelljenny]

Sandy-I have had the same problem for the past months. Sometimes it gets really swollen and feels bruised. It sucks. There isn't much you can do, even getting a new bra didn't help me.

[fms]

Bra: I am still wearing my pre-pg bras. They fit tighter now in the ribs but have yet to become too uncomfortable. I am carrying low though (basketball in lieu of watermelon) so I'm probably not the right one to chime in here.

Big/Small: Depends on who you ask. I'm very tall so I have a lot of room for the baby to stretch out. I am a regulation NBA size basketball swallower. (This does not mean that I'm not carry around TUMS and praying to the heartburn gods to have mercy on me. I had pizza for lunch today and have been miserable all afternoon.)

Impatient: Yep, that's me. I am done being pg...have been for several months.

Plug: Still loosing a little day by day. I look forward to not checking the TP all the time. I used to be a sane girl who never cared what *gift* I find at each bathroom visit. First it was EWCM and now, well the plug goo looks mostly the same as EWCM.

Nursery: The crib and a dresser are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. The other dresser is going to arrive mid-Nov. My DH is in Spain until Saturday evening on business so, I'll probably have to wait until next week to get it. Some guys from work offered to pick it up and drop it off at my house.

Classes: We finished all of ours (Birth, Parenting and BF) except for CPR. I was surprised how stiff most of the people were in the classes. I think, to maintain our sanity, there needs to be a little humor and not taking ourselves so seriously interjected.

Ok, before I loose this post too (I have lost several before I could hit send, must go.)

[Rancid13]

Rosa~ Yeah I think the size of my belly has a lot to do with my shortness, LOL. There was a guy in the work parking lot yesterday who asked me if I was due any day now. I said, yeah any day now in about a month or so, LOL. Some folks have suggested that the baby is pretty big b/c of the size of the belly, but I know that he’s not utilizing all the space in there. From the bottom of my breasts and down 4-5 inches it’s just air (and who knows what else) in there, no baby at all. It’s all hollow sounding when I tap on it. Baby’s all down low, cramped in there and still moving around like a madman.:D But I must say that from behind I don't look all that bad...last night during a break in our childbirth class DH was reveling at how nice my arse still looked, LOL. And I've had several people tell me that they couldn't even tell I was pregnant from behind, but when I turned sideways I looked ready to pop.:eek:


Sandy~ On the bra issue I must admit that sometimes the underwire in mine sort of digs in too much and is slightly uncomfortable (still wearing my pre-pg bras too). :( I’m going shopping for a nursing bra this weekend, and I heard that Barely There makes a sports-looking bra with no underwire that is supposed to be really good and comfortable for nursing (even though it’s not a nursing bra). I was gonna try on some different bras and see if I couldn’t find something more comfortable than the ones I'm currently wearing.


Classes: We finished all of ours (Birth, Parenting and BF) except for CPR. I was surprised how stiff most of the people were in the classes. I think, to maintain our sanity, there needs to be a little humor and not taking ourselves so seriously interjected.

I totally agree with you on that! Some of the people are so overly serious it makes me wonder if they’re always that uptight. Luckily the couple we got paired up with in our childbirth series classes is about our age and has a similar sense of humor as us. Last week we about died laughing, b/c we were practicing breathing and had to face our partners while they held up fingers from 1-3 so we could concentrate breathing the different patterns we learned. Well, DH decided it would be funny to flash me the middle finger, then I flashed him the Dane Cook flip-off thing (middle + ring finger on both hands) and we convulsed in laughter and never regained our composure. Our buddies were next to us and started laughing too and even the teacher chuckled. Everyone else looked at us like we were lunatics.:rolleyes:



I had my 35w checkup this morning. My doc and her sister were out of town, so I got to see another doc in the practice. Everything looks good (urine, bp, weight), I had the GBS swab thingy done and she said I'm measuring at 37cm. I've never measured ahead at any of my appts until this one, but who knows what it actually means. I'm still on the every-2-weeks plan until after my 37w appt in 2 weeks then I'll go every week (assuming this little guy hasn't made an appearance by then).;)

We had our 4th childbirth class last night and it was quite informative~we learned a lot about the differences btwn c/s and vaginal births. The actual footage of the c/s was a lot nicer looking than the animated cartoon we saw of a c/s being performed, I think it freaked all of us out when they just stretched the muscle apart, LOL. After seeing that, I feel a lot better prepared to accept a baby coming out a hole that's already there than coming out of a hole that has to be created by incision.:eek:

[rosa727]

Rancid: We watched the c-section stuff at our 4th class on Monday, and I have to agree with you! It just did not look fun. I think its great that it is a safe option for people who need it, but I really can't see CHOOSING that option. But that's just me. I am not really too freaked about L&D.

I have the same thing with not looking PG from behind. I have had a few strangers in the store tell me that they couldn't tell until I turned around. But they didn't know me before - my butt definitely looks a little bigger to me!

Oh, did the GBS swab thing hurt? I am having it done at my next appointment, in a few days. My doctor also does it the same way - every 2 weeks until 37 weeks, then every week.

announcements: I was just wondering whether anyone has chosen theirs yet. I am trying to get this done very soon, since I want them all set up in advance. Has anyone found a good site for holiday-themed announcements? I found a few cute ones, but there are not too many. I may just have a holiday photo card turned into an announcment. I'm sure there are places that will help you customize one.

[Rancid13]

I have the same thing with not looking PG from behind. I have had a few strangers in the store tell me that they couldn't tell until I turned around. But they didn't know me before - my butt definitely looks a little bigger to me!

Oh, did the GBS swab thing hurt? I am having it done at my next appointment, in a few days. My doctor also does it the same way - every 2 weeks until 37 weeks, then every week.



Funny, I don't think my butt looks any bigger now than it did before (I had on some nice-fitting yoga pants last night and was totally checking out my rear view in the full-length mirror). I'm wearing the same pg jeans I wore at 3mo, when I was barely even showing and had gained 2-3lbs. Of course, they're starting to fall down now no thanks to my big belly protruding out (I even enlisted the help of a Bella Band to little avail) but they still fit the same in the butt.

The GBS swab didn't hurt at all. It was basically a long q-tip looking thing that she used, and she swabbed me in the vaginal area then in the rectal area and that was it. It was uncomfortable, I mean how often does one get swabbed in that area, you know? :eek::o But not as uncomfortable as having an internal exam or a pap smear. Just a few seconds and it's over.

Announcements~ I hadn't even thought about those yet, but then again I haven't picked a pediatrician yet nor packed my hospital bag. I need to get on the ball already with those things, man.

[pacificbliss]

I'm back from the ultrasound. My placenta has moved so I'm all clear there. The only issue at this point is the baby is measuring quite large...99th percentile. He's 5 lbs 4 oz and I have 8 weeks to go.:eek: They want me back in 5 weeks so they can measure again. The Dr expressed some concern that he would fit the traditional way.

[Rancid13]

Pacificbliss~ Yay for the placenta moving! Now that one potential conflict is under control, looks like another one got sent your way. I hope your doc is wrong on the baby's size, for your sake! :)

[rosa727]

pacificbliss: That baby does sound big! But good news on the placenta moving up. I had the same issue and was very happy that mine moved too.

Rancid: You are lucky girl that you have not gained weight in your butt. That is the place I most often hear PG women complain about!

Glad to hear the swab thing isn't bad. I just like to prepare myself.

I hear you on feeling behind on stuff. I have not packed a hospital bag or anything either. I have a ridiculously long to-do list for before I go into labor!

[fms]

I'm having a nesting weekend but wanted to drop off a progress photo of the nursery...I tried to do a 360 view. Um, humor me:
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n295/meashcc/PROGRESS.jpg

Be back later...

[mandersald]

hi ladies-
sorry i haven't been around for a while. i've been reading along though!! everything looks great with everyone's nurseries. We FINALLY started putting our room together this weekend with the help of dh's parents. they came down and brought all the gifts we were supposed to recieve at the shower we were supposed to have a few weeks ago when we had a little preterm labor scare. anyways, its great to have things for the baby now. we have all the essentials now. horray!!

i'm surviving modified bedrest although i'm getting anxious to do *stuff* around the house. i'm not good at just sitting still. thankfully, i'm still able to work from home, so i'm still getting good work done on my research just in time to have a big meeting next week.

but, our preterm labor scares have really worn off now, and it seems like things have gotten back to normal except for 1 big thing...our little bug is still breech. boo!! i am SO ready to have a natural birth and yet they don't do vaginal breech births at our hospital. so, keep your fingers crossed that this baby flips soon. they don't get concerned about it until 36 weeks, so i have a bit left to go.

but other than that, i've started collecting things for my hospital bag and trying to get christmas shopping started among other things. i'm getting ready to meet our little person! how exciting!! we still need to narrow down on names. we still have 10 of each sex. gah!!

labor plans we will definately have a labor plan, but i'm not sure how its going to go since we might have a breech baby. but, i'm ultimatly hoping for a ncb, so our labor plan will reflect that.

leaky boobs anyone leaking colostrum? i started noticing this a week or so ago. its good to know my bbs are working since i will be very dedicated to making bf work for us.

announcements every year we send out a holiday website instead of holiday cards and so we'll include our baby announcements on our website at holiday time. we already have the bulk of our website put together with the exception of our baby's info. good nerdy stuff...

ok, hope all is well. i'll be back for so!! hope everyone had a good weekend!!

[AmyE]

those nurseries are looking great! we're almost done - need to hang the curtains and mosquito nets, and some pictures on the walls.

labor plans - I'm in the same boat as you, mandersald. I'd like a vaginal delivery, but both babies are breech, so it's looking more and more like a c-section. I'm almost at 32 weeks, so about 4 away from the EDD. Still time, I guess.

colostrum - yep, me too, also noticed about a week ago.

announcements - well, we never got around to those for DS,and he was born in April I'm not sure what we're doing with teh twins, but will likely send their photo around as a holiday card. i seriously doubt we'll make it in time for Christmas, but no one who matters will care much if it's late.

Is anyone else miserable, hormonally speaking? I'm usually VERY even-keeled, but have been bursting into tears a lot lately. Over minor stuff, of course. DH has been great, but he's a little freaked out because I wasn't like this during pg 1. It doesn't help that I'm bigger than I ever was with DS, and my rear is now balancing out my front. (Although DH tells me that people that don' t know my pre-preg butt still can't tell I'm pg from behind. Very sweet of him. I think. ) And yes, all the other stuff...sore, can't sleep, etc etc.

I really wish I could have one week of not being pregnant before the twins are born. wouldn't that be great? A week to sleep and feel energetic before having a newborn around - just to prepare. I'm SO glad I'll be delivering well before my 40 week EDD of Dec28. I just don't think I could manage that long! whine whine whine. Sorry about the vent.

Off to eat my ice cream.

[Rancid13]

Rosa~ Oh, I’m sure my butt has grown, but it just happens to still fit inside the (stretch) maternity jeans. Well, until I stopped wearing jeans officially as of last Friday, LOL. I’m in nice stretchy yoga pants from now on.

Fms~ Your nursery is really coming together quite nicely! I’m loving the colors you picked. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Mandersald~ I’m happy to hear that your pre-term labor scares are worn off by now. It sounds like you’re getting things as together as you can. Here’s hoping your little bug turns in the next few weeks so you don’t have to worry about the breech situation.

Leaky boobs~ Yeah mine have been leaking stuff for a few months now. Well, not so much leaking as capable of it. If I squeeze just right (I believe it’s called self-expression?) I can get a pretty fair amount of the clear-to-whitish liquid out, either in drops or in squirts or both. Very entertaining when I’m in the shower…:o

Is anyone else miserable, hormonally speaking? Yes!! I’ve been bursting into tears every night or every other night at the very least. It takes almost nothing to set me off, I’m getting tired of it because each bout of crying brings with it a headache, stuffy/runny nose, and lovely red swollen eyes. :rolleyes: Frankly I'm getting a bit tired of it, and I'm assuming DH is too...


Not much going on here. Got all the last things we need over the weekend, such as a hamper, changing pad cover, and thicker cloth diapers (to be used as burp cloths, etc) as well as all the travel-sized toiletries I need for my hospital bag (plus stuff I didn't have, such as a nursing bra and maxi pads). Now I just need to pack said bag with the stuff I already have on hand.

Holy crap! I just realized that my original EDD is one month from today! That would make me (based on my LMP) exactly 8 mos along today. Wow...where did the time go! I can't believe I only have a few weeks left!:eek:

[Carissa]

announcements I will just use Shutterfly or Snapfish for our announcements it's easy and affordable :)

hormones oh yes I cry at everything these days.

[sunshine0928]

I can't believe how close we are getting! I am down to the single digit weeks and on Wednesday I'll be able to say I am having a baby next month....weird!

I have made some progress on a few things. In the nursery, I painted and we hung the letters above the crib that say Grace. I ordered and just received today the new shutters to hang on the windows. I also dug the sewing machine out of the basement to attempt to figure out how to use and then make the curtains. I am still on the hunt for the "perfect" rug. I did find a smaller version of the perfect rug at Home Goods but it was smaller than I wanted so I bought two. So if nothing else surfaces, we'll use them. They are really cute (pink chenille and gingham) though just smaller than I want. I also still need to find a lampshade to fit the lamp I purchased at the Pottery Barn outlet. A few I have brought home don't fit on it right. PB Kids does not have the lamp on their site anymore so that does not help. I ordered a picture to frame and hang on the wall but I still need to figure out what I wnat to hang on top of the long dresser that will be used as a changing table, too. I'll take some pics after we hang the shutters this weekend of the progress so far.

I also met with and have selected her pediatrician. Everyone was really nice and the office is close to work and home so it was actually an easy decision. My neighbor recommended the practice and they were on teh list from my Dr. I am going to a Totsaver class this weekend and the BF class next week. Our brithing class is an all day class and is not til 11/18 (I think).

Our couples shower is this weekend and I can't wait...it shoudl be lots of fun! I'll also feel better after we get some "stuff" and then I'll figure out what big things we'll need to purchase ourselves. Both of our workplaces will have small showers for us, too. My work typically does a surprise shower so who knows when that will be.

Hormones - I have been lucky so far so know emotional outbursts here yet...knock on wood :)

Flu shot - are you all getting them? I asked my Dr and she said I should. I have never had one but DH insists that every time he gets one they make him sick. They are having a benefits fair at work so I will be able to get one for free. I am going to get it though.

[Rancid13]

Flu shot~ My ob brought this up at the last appt I had with her about 3 weeks ago (my last appt at the office was with another ob in her practice). She said that by the time I was due, flu season wouldn't be in full swing yet and it was totally up to me to vaccinated if I wanted to. I haven't had the flu in 6-7 years (knock on wood) or perhaps more, and I can't recall ever having gotten the flu vaccine in my life except when I was a small child. If I hear about a place nearby (fair, clinic, hospital, etc) giving out free flu shots in the next couple weeks I'll do it, otherwise no.

[katmg]

Flu Shot - I don't normally get them - and I don't normally get the flu - but my doctor recommended that I get one. Most of the information about flu shots puts pregnant women on the list of people who should get flu shots along with the elderly, health care workers, etc. My office was giving them out but the group doing it was requiring a prescription or a doctor's note from the pregnant women! :eek: Of course, they didn't tell us this ahead of time so the 3 preggos didn't have notes. I now have a note from my doctor and I'm going to go try to get one at the pharmacy in the next few days. Sheesh!

hormones - Not too bad, but there is definitely some increased sensitivity lately.

Belated thank yous to everyone who wished me well with the Gestational Diabetes and car wreck. The GD has proven to be very manageable so far. I'm not having to be overly restrictive about what I eat and I'm able to maintain my bloodsugar at the proper levels. :D

[mobox]

I had my 32 week appt on Friday (which due to scheduling was almost 33 weeks!). Everything was normal and two things made her think my fluid was decreasing: 1. I lost 3 pounds over the previous 2 weeks and 2. I only grew one centimeter over the previous 2 weeks. My next ultrasound is November 13th so we will see then if she's right.

I have good news!!!! Dave finally finished painting the nursery! It was so exciting to see it all finished and it looks fabulous. I took a few pics but we are still waiting to put together the crib so I will post pictures then. I'm trying to figure out how to set up the furniture because the room is pretty small and, of all things, the glider/ottoman takes up a lot of room!


Now I have some scary news. Last night at the grocery store, I almost fell. It was really scary for me. I was walking and felt myself lose footing and I wrenched around and grabbed a vegetable stand to steady myself. I think I pulled about 100 muscles. I basically couldn't walk last night it hurt so much and we almost went to the emergency room but waited. I called my doctor this afternoon and they want me to come in for a quick check tomorrow. So, we'll see. I really think all is ok with baby boy. My MIL came over with her dopler and the heartbeat was there and he's been kicking and I haven't had any internal pain and no spotting or anything.

That's about it from here. I'm still 7 weeks away and I'm ok to stay pregnant, not getting too anxious because I feel like once it happens it will be so all consuming and I want to just relax and enjoy the peace and quiet the next few weeks.;)

[katmg]

Yikes Mo - take care of yourself! That almost-fall sounds pretty scary.

Leg Cramps - I've never had these before but last night was the 3rd time I've woken up with the most intense pain in my calf. Yowza! I'm trying to up my banana intake (for the potassium) but bananas aren't great on my gestational diabetes diet. Anyone else getting these middle-of-the-night traumas??

[sophiapb]

Flu shot-Yup, got it through work.

Hormones- Like you would not believe. I sob or get angry at the slightest thing. I feel so sorry for DH for having to put up with a psycho wife!

Okay, I am big as a house and extremely uncomfortable. I can't believe that I'm going to try to get to December 15. That's still 6 1/2 weeks! My pelvis feels like it's going to break in two, the heartburn is almost constant and nights have become a joke. 32 weeks is way too early to deliver so I'm crossing my legs and taking it one day at a time. One of the things that keeps me going is knowing that it won't get any easier after the delivery. At least now I am getting some sleep which will pretty much end once midnight feedings begin! ;)
Oh well, at least I'm almost done with work. November 15 is my last day and it can't come soon enough! Has anyone else scheduled their maternity leave?

[sandy]

mobox Yikes! Hope everything's ok after the almost fall.

flu shot my doctor suggested i get one. I'll probably do that this week. I usually get the flu shot and get a little sick from them but never the full on flu. I didn't get a shot last year (shortage) and escaped unharmed but I don't want to chance it this year.

hormones that's definitely me! I got mad at a donut. That about wraps up how my hormones are wacky.

progress The nursery is still in disarray. We need to clean out the rest of the boxes but we have most of the big items taken care of. I still need curtains. I had my 30 week appointment yesterday. Everything looks good and we're trucking along.

showers I had my first shower on Sunday and it was a cute pickles and ice cream theme. I have another one this Sunday with my close friends. I'm excited! I hate being the center of attention though. It's so awkward feeling.

I think that's about it on my end. I'm ready to get the show on the road!!

[Rancid13]

Katmg~ Glad to heat that you’re handling the GD so well, it’s great that you don’t have to be overly restrictive with your diet. :) Here’s some info on the leg cramps…
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/prenatalhealth/250.html
Unfortunately they don't have a lot of relief remedies other than walking it out and massaging (and staying hydrated!).

Mo~ Sorry to hear about the scare and all the soreness/pain you’re having as a result.:( But that’s great news that the baby seems to be doing ok. The good thing is that the babies in there have so much padding and protection around them that even if we were to fall on our bellies we’d be more likely to get hurt than they are.

SophiaB~ I hear ya on the being uncomfortable! Luckily we’re getting down to the home stretch here, so not too much longer to hang on and get through it.:)

Maternity leave~ Since my original EDD was Nov 30 and my adjusted EDD is now Dec 3, I was thinking (unless the baby decides to make an early appearance) that I would just take off from work the Weds before Thanksgiving and not return to work until after my leave is over (late Jan/early Feb). That way if he’s on time or late it gives me a week or so to relax at home and get whatever else needs to be done, without having the worry about commuting to work or being there for 8-9 hours each day, stressing about things. Of course, if I get to mid-November and find myself just too uncomfortable to work full time, my boss is pretty flexible about my schedule/hours. So I might go to part time if need be, we're just playing it day by day and seeing how I feel.

Sandy~ Your shower sounds cute! I love the ideas of a pickles & ice cream theme, how fun!! I hate being the center of attention too, but I must admit that my shower was a blast. My BFF and mom did a great job of decorating and hosting.

[marteneym]

Sorry I havent been by in a while. Life has been so busy. I have been following along as much as possible though.

Showers We had our last baby shower this weekend. It was a double shower with my BF and so much fun. We are going to BRU to get a few things left to puchase. Mainly the car seat and stroller.

Nursery It is almost done. I am trying to get things organized after all the gifts. Here it is before the chaos of gitfs. I still have some pics to hang on the walls.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j259/marteneym/nursery/nursery001.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j259/marteneym/nursery/nursery002.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j259/marteneym/nursery/nursery006.jpg

Hormones I have actually been less hormonal the last few weeks. But I have defiitley had my fair share of crying.

Pain/Sleeping I have started getting more and more uncomfortable the last 2weeks. No matter what position I am in day or night it does not feel good. Sleeping is geting much harder and I am tossing and turning all the time.

Announcements We are making our own. I am getting ideas off different sites than using Publisher to create it. I am hoping to have it all done but the pics and birth info before she comes. We will see though.

Birthing class This week is our last birthing class. i believe it is newborn care. We are bringing our hospital bags as well. Gives me a reason to have to get it done. It has been very well worth it and informative. I think it helped DH prepare a bit to.

6 1/2weeks left to go. I cannot believe we are so close already.

ETA: Maternity Leave My last day is Dec 6th but my last 3 weeks I am part time.

[Rancid13]

Martenym~ Your nursery looks fantastic!! It sounds like you've gotten a ton of stuff done. :D

[rosa727]

Martenym: Beautiful nursery!

Birthing Classes: We had our last one last night. I am happy to be done, since I really wanted to be finished before I am "full term". But DH and I had a lot of fun at them, actually. Now we have an Infant CPR/First Aid class this Thursday and next. And I have a BF class next Tuesday. We already did our baby care class a while ago.

leg cramps: I wake up with them sometimes, but I just pull back on my foot and they go away. They have not been too bad.

maternity leave: I left work towards the beginning of the pregnancy, since I was a trial lawyer and had a 3+ hour commute per day. It was way too much stress for me to be doing while PG! I am starting to get bored being home right now, but I know I won't be once the baby gets here! I plan to stay home with him for about a year.

I have an OB appointment tomorrow, and she will be starting to check my cervix for dilation! I am sure there won't be any, but it is exciting to be at the point where they are checking it!

[Rancid13]

Birthing Classes: We had our last one last night. I am happy to be done, since I really wanted to be finished before I am "full term". But DH and I had a lot of fun at them, actually. Now we have an Infant CPR/First Aid class this Thursday and next. And I have a BF class next Tuesday. We already did our baby care class a while ago.


You and I are neck & neck with everything. :D We have our last childbirth class tomorrow night, I'll be full-term next Thursday. We had our baby care class last night, I had a BFing class and Postpartum class earlier this month, and a baby saver/CPR class Nov 14 (the one I was originally scheduled for was cancelled and unfortunately this one is a bit closer to my due date than I'd like but what can ya do?:rolleyes: ) We've had a lot of fun at the classes so far, DH is really enjoying the childbirth classes and we learned a lot last night too (DH got to diaper for the first time! A fake baby of course, but he did good!)

[Kimmer]

Martenym: Your nursery looks great! I really have got to get a move on.

maternity leave:It is so funny I just returned to work from bedrest, I am so happy to have people to talk to everyday. I am not certain how long I will be able to work but I will attempt to go until the end.


We had a surprise shower this past Saturday. I was so surprised, I can not believe that my husband didn't spill the beans. My family flew in from New Orleans, I can not believe that my 76 year old granny flew in for the shower she hates to fly. All of my husbands friends came and had a great time, the guys won all the games :)


I have been having nightly bouts of BH and I am not sleeping well at all. I am tossing and turning all night long.

My plan this weekend is to get a move on in finishing the nursery, hanging his curtains and finding frames for the cute U/S pics. I am debating getting my hospital bag packed. I am not sure if I need to pack a duffel bag or a suitcase not sure what to use.

[fms]

I’ve officially decided that there’s no way for me to keep up with SOs and posting regularly.

Reality is starting to set in as we’re next. November mommies are having their babies and it seems a few of them went early. So, that means the lucky ladies who are due at the beginning of December could have their babies this month. Getting my head wrapped around the idea that the time has passed this quickly is difficult. Rosa and Rancid are the most likely candidates for November. How darn exciting/scary/exciting is that?

Nurseries: I love everyone’s nurseries. It’s so cool to see the different personalities of people reflected in the decorating. We’re picking up our furniture on Saturday and the posters from the framers on Friday so, we expect ours to be done by this time next week. Once the baby is born and we know the gender, we’ll add some finishing touches.

Showers: Our last one is this weekend. It’s our “friends” shower and while I have only gotten tidbits of information, I do know that it has a charity theme of some sort. (We bought everything we “needed” and don’t want our friends to spend a bunch of money so, the hosts are doing donations to local baby related charities for us.) I will post photos next week.

Maternity leave: I plan on working until the end because I’m really not all that uncomfortable overall and keeping busy is better for me then not being busy. I tend to shop when I get bored so, for the financial sanity of our family, I’m working for as long as I can ;)

Classes: We’re done except for CPR. DH had to go to Spain last week for a meeting so, we missed the class we were originally scheduled for last weekend. I think our class is the 17th.

Helpful things I have learned recently:
Target sells Liz Lange nursing bras and tanks for $11.99. (If BF works, I will invest in a “better” bra. If not, I haven’t lost too much.)
Check to see if your local supermarket has a baby club. Ours does and I got a lot of free stuff from them.
Sam’s Club seems to have the cheapest diapers in BM stores. www.1800diapers.com is a nice option as well if you prefer to have them delivered to your door.
All mattress pads are not created equal. I got one from BRU as a shower gift and purchased another at Target and each had a different bottom layer. Our teacher at parenting class suggested alternating layers of mattress pad and sheets so that you can make easy changes in the middle of the night if the baby soaks through the sheet. (From bottom to top: mattress w/liner, all cloth mattress pad, sheet, mattress pad w/plastic bottom, sheet, sheet saver.)

Have a good day all!

[rosa727]

I just returned from my OB appointment. She did the Group B Strep test and the first internal. I have to say, the internal hurt more than I thought it would. I really was not expecting any pain. But she actually said "sorry - that probably hurt" because the baby is still pretty far up, so it was hard for her to get in there. Anyway, his head is down, but my cervix is firm and not dilated at all. I was expecting that, so no big deal. It's still pretty early. It's funny - when I was born, my mom was told that she was not yet effaced or dilated the day before my due date. But she went into labor the next day! So I guess it really does not mean much. He needs to bake a while longer anyway :)

fms: Thanks for the tips on the bras at Target. I don't want to spend a bunch in case BFing does not work. That would be a good solution, like you said.

[Rancid13]

Kimmer~ That’s great you get to be at work and around people, I get stir crazy if I’m just sitting at home so it’s nice being able to be out and in the real world for as close to my due date as I can get considering I won’t be getting out for a couple weeks at least once the little one is here. How exciting you had a surprise shower!! :D And that’s fantastic your granny was able to make it, bless her heart! I’m debating how to pack my hospital bag too~I already have everything I need, but I don’t know if I should use a duffel or a smallish suitcase or what.:confused:

Fms~ Yeah, we’re definitely next. I’m voting AmyE to be the first Dec mommy to give birth, followed by either myself or Rosa. ;) Since I’m now measuring ~2 weeks ahead and the baby has been head-down for almost 4 weeks now, well that’s all I’ve got to go on for the time being, LOL. Everyone keeps telling me they think I’ll deliver 1-2 weeks early. Fine by me!

Rosa~ Sorry to hear that your internal hurt!:( I haven’t had one since my first ob appt after getting the BFP and am NOT looking forward to getting another one whenever my ob decides to give one. Though I am curious to find out if I’m dilated and/or effaced and whatnot, just because not much else physically is going on with me right now (or at least it’s not obvious~haven’t lost my plug/portion thereof, very very few BH’s, etc).


I had one of my NST appts yesterday and all looks well. My bp was 123/52 (take that, ob!! She still thinks I have high bp!!) and the baby's hb/movements looked good, no protein in my urine, uterine activity looks good, and the amniotic fluid levels look good. We even got to peek at the baby's head on the u/s, but not much else b/c he was moving around in there like a maniac. During the first part of the test, he was moving around so much coupled with a bout of the hiccups that the graph kept showing only portions of lines for a good 15-20 minutes.:D

We have our final prepared childbirth class tonight, it's "graduation night" and I baked a batch of chocolate chip and batch of sugar cookies to take to class to celebrate (I've already eaten several of each)...I have a prenatal massage scheduled for tomorrow right after work, which I cannot wait for!! Friday is my other NST appt for the week, then next week is my last bi-weekly ob appt and from there on I'll be going weekly. I'll be full-term next Thursday. I cannot believe how fast time has flown and that it's November already!!

[rosa727]

Rancid: Well hopefully yours won't hurt as much if the baby is down lower. My guy is still up high! At least he is head down.

Good news on the BP too! Have fun at your last childbirth class. We had a little party at our last one too. Your cookies sound yummy!

[Rancid13]

Rancid: Well hopefully yours won't hurt as much if the baby is down lower. My guy is still up high! At least he is head down.

Good news on the BP too! Have fun at your last childbirth class. We had a little party at our last one too. Your cookies sound yummy!

Here's hoping my lil guy is down low enough that the internal doesn't hurt! I'm looking forward to the class tonight; after this we just have a baby saver class in 2 weeks otherwise my weekday evenings are mine once again to do as I please!!:D

[Delaney21]

Nursery: Our furniture still isn't in and the company said it probably won't be in until December now! We ordered it in June and they told us it would only take 12 weeks. I just want the nursery to be done so this is frustrating!

Maternity Leave: I'm still on modified bedrest right now, so I'm off work right now, but I think I have to go back once I hit 36 weeks. Luckily the end of November is all short work weeks, so it won't be so bad.

Birthing classes: We have ours on Saturday. Its an all day class and I have a feeling we'll probably leave early because I'll get too tired.

Internals: My baby is so low that the doctor doesn't have any problem reaching my cervix so mine haven't been uncomfortable at all. I do bleed after them, which is completely normal, but it doesn't really hurt.

Professional Pics: I'm super excited because we are having our pro pics done this weekend! I'll only be 35 weeks, but I don't want to risk waiting too long and then not being able to have them done.

Other: I went in on Monday for my NST and I had contractions the whole time. The nurse made a comment on how they would like me to at least make it to 35 weeks (which will be on Sunday) before I have this baby. I have a feeling that because we are trying so hard to keep him in right now, he is going to get comfortable and want to stay so I'll end up being induced for going too far over my due date :) I would definitely rather have him late than have him now because 5 weeks is just too early!

ETA: We ended up installing the car seat on Monday after my appointment, but I still haven't packed my bags yet. Anyone else do the car seat thing yet?

[rosa727]

car seat: We installed our car seat a month or so ago, just to be sure it worked with our car. But we took it back out. I think we will re-install it this weekend. I also want to bring it somewhere to be double-checked.

[Rancid13]

car seat~ I haven't done the car seat thing yet, mainly because we've been using our cars so much these past few weeks to cart large items home from the store (which required that the back seats be folded down flat). Now that we're done with that it's time to get it installed in either his or my car. And we've gotta get the 2nd car seat for the other car from my mom when she comes over this weekend...

[Rancid13]

This headline caught my eye this morning on my MSN.com homepage, so I thought I'd share...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15526279/?GT1=8717

[rosa727]

I saw that on the news - that is so crazy! How did she never feel the baby move!? I mean, I know they said it wasn't moving well at the end, but didn't she ever feel ANYTHING!?

[Rancid13]

I saw that on the news - that is so crazy! How did she never feel the baby move!? I mean, I know they said it wasn't moving well at the end, but didn't she ever feel ANYTHING!?

ITA!!:confused:

[katmg]

Plus, she had a baby previously - so it's not like she didn't know what it felt like!

Car Seat- Haven't even bought one yet let alone installed it! My shower is the first weekend in December so we'll probably go buy everything after that is over. My cerclage doesn't come out until Dec. 5th so I am pretty certain she'll be staying put until then! :p

Hospital Bag-Oy! You ladies are making me feel like I'm behind - I haven't done this either! But, I'm not due until the 31st so I've got lots more time...

[mobox]

Let's see....nothing new to report here.

Things that have been on my mind:

1. Plan to pack my bag this weekend. Things to make sure and bring: nightgown, nursing bra, 3-4 pairs of panties, clothes to go home in, toiletries, magazines.

2. Plan to write the birth plan this weekend with Dave's help.

3. Car Seat--install after my last shower this weekend.

Has anyone considered taking it to the Highway Patrol to have them check the installation? Someone recommended it to me but Dave doesnt' think it's neccessary.

[Rancid13]

Has anyone considered taking it to the Highway Patrol to have them check the installation? Someone recommended it to me but Dave doesnt' think it's neccessary.

I've thought about it, but DH and I haven't really discussed it. We gotta take the carseat out of the box first and read the instructions for it and the car manual for carseat installation. Luckily there's a CHP office near enough (within 5 miles of our house) so we could easily swing by there for a quick inspection just to be on the safe side...

[Delaney21]

We will definitely be having our carseat checked. I read that 82% of carseats are improperly installed and I just don't want to take any chances that something isn't right with ours.

I still haven't written my birth plan or packed my bags yet, but I'm hoping that he will hold off for a few more weeks at least and stay put.

I had an appointment today and I have been moved up from modified bedrest to full-time bedrest. I am already 2cm dilated and with all of the contractions I've been having the doctor is worried I'll go into labor within the next week or so. I'm going to go crazy just laying in bed all day, but I'll do what ever it takes to get my baby here safely!

[Teresita]

I am so ridiculously far behind. I try to read along and keep up, but never seem to get around to actually posting. DH is on a business trip all week, work is insane, and my DD keeps me way too busy. I have been questioning how the heck a newborn is going to fit into all this!

I can’t believe that it is November already! I’ve been feeling pretty good still. Some bouts of really nasty acid reflux, but I’ve found it’s manageable if I only eat very small portions. I’ve also been having some crotch pain—like someone kicked me down there. It’s at its worst after I run, so from the little research I did, I think it just might be from the increased blood flow to that area. I’m thinking about hanging up my running shoes and switching to walking pretty soon anyway. Also, just over the past couple of days, I have noticed some swelling in my ankles and fingers. Hopefully it won’t get too bad.

leg crampsMy calves are always tight and crampy when I wake up in the morning. I try to flex them gently and stretch before I get up. The rest of the day they are generally fine.

maternity leave None here. I will work until I go into labor and start up again right after. Fortunately I work from home, but unfortunately my job is very demanding, especially at this time of year. I’m trying to get ahead now while I can, but things are still piling up. We have a part-time nanny who cares for DD in the mornings, but the plan is that I am going to try to care for DS on my own (while working every chance I get) for the first few months. If it ends up being impossible, then I am going to remind myself to step away from my superwoman complex and have our nanny help out with him as well.

car seat We got the infant seat down from the attic this past weekend. So, I will try to make an appointment with CHP ASAP to get it installed.

I have a car seat question for the ROs, are you going to put your newborn in the middle and have your other DC on the side? Or will you have one on each side? I know middle is safest, but then I have read that it can be dangerous to have the older child too close to the infant since they might be able to grab or hit them. My DD is pretty well behaved, so I’m not sure if it would be a problem or not. I think I will try middle and side and then switch to side and side if it becomes an issue.

Hospital Bag This is on my to-do list for the weekend. I never really got this done with DD, and I remember when my water broke, I was running around like a crazy woman trying to shove things into my bag. I’m hoping to be a little more organized this time around.

women who give birth without realizing they are pregnant What is UP with that?! I saw that article too, and it seems like about every month or so there is a similar story on the news. I just don’t get how a woman could go through an entire pregnancy without having a clue. Bizarro!

Delaney Just saw your post…sorry to hear about the bed rest! I know there are online groups for people on bed rest to help pass the time, offer support, etc. Some women can be dilated a few cm for weeks…hopefully that will be the case with you, but if not, at least you are far enough along that things will be ok regardless. Hang in there!

ETA: Mobox and Rancid We had our car seat checked by CHP last time around and plan to do the same again. Even though installing a car seat seems pretty self-explanatory, statistics show that the vast majority are installed incorrectly, so I figure it's worth it to play it safe. FYI, depending on the office, appointments can get booked up pretty quickly. With DD, we had to wait about 3 weeks before we could get in to have it checked.

[AmyE]

rancid too funny, but you're right, I could easily be the first to pop! I'm kinda hoping to get them to bake until 37 weeks - Dec 6, and I sure wouldn't want you two to have to wait for me when those last weeks are so uncomfortable!! :D

teresita On the carseat issue, we did try installing DS's seat and two infant seats on either side, then took the baby seats out. With two newborns, we kinda have to have one by each window with DS in teh middle, since he's mobile and can scramble into his seat on his own while we put a baby on each side next to him. We may have to strap DS in by getting into the front seat and then reaching back between teh seats to click him in - this will be logistically complicated. And we have a Ford Explorer! aiiee

man, this board has been jumping! I am behind - haven't packed my hospital bag yet, although I occasionally think about what should go in it. I WAY overpacked for DS, but then I'm going to a different hospital, so I dunno what I really need this time. will likely overpack again. A friend of in just delivered there two weeks ago, and I keep meaning to ask her.Oh well. I'm still in the head-in-the-sand denial stage right now.

So big! So not ready!

[Carissa]

car seat question for the ROs we will be putting the new baby on the other side of DD.

hospital bag I don't have it packed and I don't even have nursing bras yet I am so behind.


women who give birth without realizing they are pregnant I am not sure how it can be possible but one of the nurses at my Chiropractors office just gave birth to a little boy 2 weeks ago and she didn't know she was pregnant. I still don't understand how that is possible not to know you are pregnant.

[Kimmer]

Delaney: I am so sorry to hear you are on fulltime bedrest. I know exactly how that feels. I hope your little guy waits a little longer to come

Teresita: You are totally superwoman to work until the delivery and pick up working when you get home from the hospital. It is a good thing you have some help just incase. WOW.:eek:

Car Seat: We have the car seat but it is still in the box in our family room. I really want to open it and get a move on getting it installed. Where do you go to get it inspected? Any fire department? :confused:

I have two appts next week, one with my OB and one with the sepecialist. I am going to find out when my cerclage is coming out. I am so excited to get it out and let things progress.

[msnicolea]

Made the mistake of watching a birthing video this week--man I wish I had seen that at age 15--I might have been celebate until marriage!!!!! I was hanging in there until they showed a case that required forceps--then I was like "I'm out!" Boy am I naive--I really have ben sailing along, assuming the best, thinking the pain would be totally tolerable--I need a reality check! ;->

Car Seat :We signed up for our carseat installation today--our Children's Hospital provides this service.

Bag and Bras: I am on "Operation Nursing Bras and get the hospital bag ready" this week. I feel like I have been operating under the assumption I'm going to 40 weeks, when of course it could happen earlier. Must get prepared!!!!

Still need to figure out which monitor to get--any suggestions?
Otherwise, I think we have the absolute necessities should baby boy arrive early!

[Rancid13]

Delaney~ Sorry to hear that you’ve been ‘upgraded’ to full-time bedrest. But at least it’s all for the best for the baby and you to make it the rest of the way healthy. I hope the contractions start to die down a bit for you so your little guy can cook in there awhile longer.:)

Teresita~ Sounds like you’ve been keeping plenty busy this week! I think we will go ahead and get our carseat checked by the CHP (once we get it installed), better safe than sorry right?

AmyE~ Well ya never know! I just have heard that women carrying twins are more likely to deliver early, usually in the mid-30w range (35-36?)…perhaps Rosa or I will go first, I really wouldn’t mind if this guy decides to show up a week or 2 early, in mid to late November (as long as I make it past next Thurs, at which point I’ll be full term).

Kimmer~ Here's a website that can help you locate a facility where they do carseat inspections:
http://www.seatcheck.org/

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

I had my pregnancy massage last night at my favorite spa, and it was heavenly! I think I fell asleep during the last 15 minutes it was so relaxing. I don’t know if this was related to the massage or not, but my feet and ankles were quite swollen last night, I’ve never seen them like that. So instead of doing all the chores I was planning on getting done (dishes, laundry, light cleaning/straightening up) I ended up sitting on the couch with my feet up for several hours instead. Other than that and the still somewhat-irritated skin (nowhere near as bad as it was though!) I haven’t been feeling all that bad lately…just anxious to meet my little guy already!!


I've been falling a bit behind on taking and posting my belly shots.

Here's my boy belly at 35w last week:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/rancid13/35w003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/rancid13/35w004.jpg


And 36w as of last night:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/rancid13/36w003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/rancid13/36w004.jpg

It feels like he's dropped in the last couple of weeks, but you really can't tell from the pics, can you?

I changed them to B&W b/c my belly's been so itchy and irritated again lately that I'm sure you all don't care to see the redness of it (nor do I!). :)

[tinkerbelljenny]

I will have to come back and do replies. But, let's see, oh carseats.
Haven't installed our carseat yet, actually I just bought it, I do mystery shopping and I had to buy a big ticket item so I got the carseat free, sweet deal! Here it is:http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000BMEYFO.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg
I wanted to get a new carseat because the one I had for my son I bought on Ebay used and I think it might be recalled now.

Bag-Haven't packed it yet and probably will never get around to it, sad I know.

nursing bras-Don't know any stores that sell those here so I might have to buy online which will be interesting.

Rancid-So jealous of your massage! I need to find a place around here that I can get one.

Childbirth classes-We are supoose to have them all day tomorrow and Sunday but I have to cancel them for the second time because we have nobody to watch our son, bummer.

leg cramps-got them often with my first son but I have only had them a few times with this pregnancy I think because I am constantly walking, I heard that helps.

I had an appointment on Tuesday and besides being really huge everything looked good. The doctor said that the baby was head down but she said that it could change throughout the day. I have my next appointment on NOV 10.

[bluebunny]

Popping in to say hello to my fellow December mamas! :)

I've been feeling anxious lately because I had two friends due in December and both have given birth. One was due December 15 and her son was born at 32 weeks. He weighed about 4 pounds. The other friend was pregnant with twins and due December 26. They arrived three days ago, also at 32 weeks. :eek: They were both just over 3 pounds.

My DS came at 40 weeks, 4 days (I was charting) so I probably won't go early but it does freak me out a little that my pregnant buddies are no longer pregnant and I have 7 weeks to go!!

*******

tinkerbell jenny, how cool to get a new car seat and free to boot!! :D

Delaney, sorry to hear about your bedrest. Not too much longer now, though!

Rancid, you look great!

carseat: I hadn't thought about it. We put DS on the side in our minivan (we just got it last week!! :) ) because it is too hard for me to lean in and get him settled in the middle. I guess we'll put the baby in the middle?

hospital bag: I scrambled around and packed (well, DH packed) when my water broke so I guess I'll start earlier this time....maybe 40 weeks?? ;)

maternity leave: I'm working up until the baby comes. I did that last time, too, and I was fine. This time, I have only six weeks off but I work part-time so it shouldn't be too bad.

not knowing you are pregnant: Yeah, I have no idea how you wouldn't know you were pregnant for nine months. I really, really don't understand it.

[tinkerbelljenny]

I've been feeling anxious lately because I had two friends due in December and both have given birth.
Wow bluebunny! That is shocking! How are all the babies doing? I can't imagine if my baby arrived right now, I have nothing prepared.

[bluebunny]

tinkerbelljenny, I've been overanalyzing every twinge, ache, etc since I found out my friend went into labor. I know my situation is not like hers at all but it still makes me anxious. The first friend was high risk but less than three days prior her OB had said he thought she would make it to term. The baby is doing well. He's in the NICU but he is taking full feedings now. He still can't maintain his body temp on his own so they are waiting for that. Once he can do that and gain some more weight, he'll be discharged.

The twins are doing okay. I haven't heard the latest on them, yet. The mom was discharged yesterday. She gave birth vaginally so she didn't have to stay in the hospital long.

Scary, though, right?

[Kimmer]

Wow I can't imagine having the baby NOW it is too soon I am so not ready. :eek: I still have so much to do, just little stuff. DH just wants the boy to wait until after turkey day to make his grand entrance. He really doesn't want to miss out on his big dinner :rolleyes:

I went this weekend to attempt to find a cheap cute gown for the hospital, for after the birth. The gowns at my hospital are really, really itchy. I had such a difficult time finding anything. All I saw were pants sets or gowns that didn't button in the front. Not sure what to do now.:mad: I am completely miffed

I found a few places here that do the car seat inspections so I will call and make an appt. I like that I have about 10 places to call that way they can't all be booked.

[katmg]

Early baby Oh I am SO not ready for that. My mom and DH seem to think that the baby will definitely be here pre-Christmas and that I'll probably have her early. (I, of course, think they are jinxing me and she won't show up until January now!) ;) I think I'll know a lot more after my cerclage is removed at the beginning of December.

Privacy concerns I'm sure that a lot of you have already seen the thread in ChitChat, but I felt that everyone should have the opportunity to be reminded about what a public place CC really is. I definitely get lulled into thinking that it is a small community, etc. The thread in ChitChat is "Have you ever started a bunch of threads" and the information about the book that was written using "quotes" from CC starts at around post 95. I'm not trying to freak anyone out, I just think, especially with us expecting babies so soon, that a reminder about privacy can't be a bad thing. Perhaps we could start a LJ group after the babies are here so that we can share pictures, etc.

[tinkerbelljenny]

Perhaps we could start a LJ group after the babies are here so that we can share pictures, etc.

Good idea! Maybe people will feel more comfortable posting there.

[sandy]

[B] Perhaps we could start a LJ group after the babies are here so that we can share pictures, etc.

I'm all for that!

Early baby... I'm so not ready for that! I don't think I'm ready for an on-time baby!

Hospital Bag... not ready for that either. I just ordered a nursing bra online. I've been told the nursing tanks are really comfortable for the hospital so I'll probably order a couple of those too... my question is why are they so freakin' expensive?!?! I have a list written out somewhere with items i need to pack... if only I could find my list!

Delaney Sorry you're on bedrest. I hope the next few weeks fly by and baby bakes a little longer!

[sunshine0928]

Bluebunny - wow that is wild that you have 2 friends that have had their babies...I agree with the others that I am definitely not ready for that!

Hospital bag - haven't started that but did buy some fleece pajamas that have a buttom up shirt. Not sure if I should also find a cheapy robe but
may get one just in case.

car seat - on the list to do now that I got it at my shower on Saturday and plan on getting it checked nearby.

privacy - I am definitely leery of this and that is why I don't post many pics so I'd be up for learning LJ, too.

I go to the Dr tomorrow and then in 2 weeks start the internal exams which is wild! I am definitely starting to alanlyze every weird feeling I have had but nothing too crazy yet. I had my shower on Saturday night which was more like a party and we had a great time with all of my friends. My mom and a few friends from work also came. We got some really nice presents and am now really excited to get a lot of teh "stuff" we need. A few of the highlights are we got the carseat, pack and play, swing, FP papasan, monitor, lots of clothes, toys, etc. I want to go to Babies R Us thsi weekend and get some more things I definiteoly want to have on hand day #1 like sheets, changing pad/cover, bottles, etc. I think there will be another surprise shower so I want to leave a few things.

I am also on a mission to find a diaper bag. I know there is a thread but if anyone of you other December mammas have any recommendations, let me know. Have a great week everyone (hopefully uneventful for everyone :)

[bluebunny]

privacy: Yeah, I read that thread. I'm trying to be cognizant of how much personal info I put on here. I'd be interested in an LJ group if I can figure LJ out. ;)

diaper bag: My suggestion is a backpack. I have a backpack diaper bag that I used daily when DS was small. Between carrying him (or slinging or lugging the infant seat), I didn't have an extra hand for a diaper bag and the backpack was awesome.

nursing bras: I found that my ribcage (band) measurement was huge at the end of pregnancy and gradually went back to normal. The bras I bought right after my son was born were way too big in the band after several months. I ended up buying several nursing bras from Wal-mart (of all places!). And was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked them.

Pjs in hospital: I didn't wear mine at all while in the hospital. I didn't want to bloody my own pjs. The hospital gown wasn't that bad, IMO. It was a nursing gown so I had easy access to nurse. Of course, I didn't have a lot of visitors. If you think you might have a lot, you might be more comfortable in your own gown or robe.

[rosa727]

early baby: Well, I will be full term in a few days, and I would be happy of he came ANY time after that :D

diaper bag: I got a Vera Bradley diaper bag because I had heard good things about them. We also got the Eddie Bauer diaper bag at BRU for my DH. It is not girly at all and the diaper changing pad is attached, which my DH thought was great, since he can't forget it anywhere :p

PJs for hospital: Someone gave me some for a shower that zip up the front, so I will bring those. I am also bringing my own robe, but I recently got a new one, so it will be fine if it gets dirty.

hospital bag: I have a list and have packed about 1/2 of the stuff. I really should be done by now, but I am still working on it!

car seat: Got this installed this weekend. I still need to have it inspected, but that seat check site is not working for me :(


We have a BF class tonight and our 2nd infant CPR class on Thursday, and then we are DONE with classes! We have taken so many - I am ready to be done!

We also have our final shower this weekend. We have already gotten pretty much everything we need at one of the other showers or with gift cards, so this will just be fun "extra" stuff.

[fms]

LJ: I’m up for learning but I can’t decide if I’m all that freaked out by the thread/book. After having my identity stolen at the beginning of the year (yes, I was the Citibank commercial) I feel sort of ambivalent. I don't tend to post much outside of this thread.

Early baby/Diaper Bag: If the degree of preparedness is measured in “stuff,” we’re prepared. I can’t think if anything else that we “need” to buy (granted, the furniture needs to be picked up and we have yet to receive some items that we have ordered online.) I do wish that our Skip Hop diaper bag would get here already but, that’s the diaper bag for my DH. My BF got me a Vera Bradley messenger bag to use as a diaper bag.

Hospital Bag/PJs: I haven't started packing a bag yet. I'm very tall and have a hard time finding pants that are long enough and am not really a nightgown kind of girl so, I think I'm just going to pack some comfy sweats. I did buy a pack of grannie panties at Wal-Mart last night. Those coupled with the Poise diaper underware I bought a few weeks ago are making me feel like I'm preparing for the retirement home.

Nursery: Still not done. Aggghhhhh. Our friend with a truck didn't come through on helping us pick up the furniture last weekend. I am anxious to have everything settled and in place.

Shower: We had our final one this past weekend. My girlfriends put it on and took all the photos so, I don't have any to share yet. They did a great job. The theme was animals/yellow. It was a brunch shower with awesome food, punch and mimosas. The hostesses included a note in the invite that everyone should bring a baby item to donate in lieu of a gift for us. Everyone brought two gifts. One for us and at least one for the charity. We are so fortunate to have such generous friends. The homeless shelter we dropped the gifts off at was thrilled. They mentioned that they are always in need of baby clothes, diapers, etc. so, we're planning on passing on our gently used items to them later on.

Favors: The hostesses made really cute favor candles. The tag read,
"Here's a candle for you to light,
once the stork has made its flight.
With the flicker of the flame,
say a prayer in the baby's name."
My DH and I bought an amaryllis for everyone as well b/c we figured that they should bloom just about when the baby is born.

Car seat: It's out of the box but not in the car.

Nursing Bras: Target and Wal-Mart both have them.

Not knowing you are pg: All I can think is...WTF???

Baby Socks: I had a nesting freakout last night b/c we didn't have any baby socks. I proceeded to purchase some from BRU and some others at Wal-Mart. (Why this was soooo important to me yesterday, I can't explain.)

Have a great week!

[Carissa]

LJ I am all for a LJ group!

Diaper Bags Well since I work for a company that sells them I will be having one made for myself.

You guys are reminding me of all the stuff I need to get done!

[Rancid13]

Playing catch up…

Tinkerbelljenny~ The massage was sooo nice! I wish I could end each day with one, that would be so incredibly relaxing! It was a bit strange getting a massage and not being able to lay flat on my back or on my tummy, but it was still very nice. Glad to hear that everything is looking good!! I think that if your baby is head down by now, it will stay that way; mine has been head down for well over a month now and hasn’t changed position at all (although he sure does move his arms/legs around a lot!)

Bluebunny~ Thanks for the compliments! I don’t blame you for feeling anxious! That’s crazy your friends gave birth so early, it sounds like the babies are all healthy though so that’s good to hear!! I have a friend who was due on Friday and she’s still pg; will be induced on Friday this week if she doesn’t go into labor on her own before then. I hope I’m not overdue!!

Kimmer~ Sorry to hear that your search for a cheap comfortable gown for the hospital was fruitless…I don’t know where to recommend looking, other than places like Target, Kohls, Mervyns and perhaps Walmart? Glad to hear you’ve got a list of car seat inspection places. DH is installing ours in his car tomorrow, so we’ll likely call up the nearby CHP to get it inspected. I was watching an episode of Bringing Home Baby last night, and the couple had the car seat installed incorrectly so the hospital wouldn’t allow them to leave with the baby. They had to leave without the baby, stop by a fire station, get it installed correctly by them and go back to the hospital to pick up the baby. I don’t want to go through that!:eek:

Perhaps we could start a LJ group after the babies are here so that we can share pictures, etc.

That’s a fantastic idea! I haven’t seen the other thread yet, but I’ve always been careful not to post so-called “identifying information” such as my last name, and so forth.:o

Early baby~ I’m sooo ready! I got my hospital bag packed over the weekend and the nursery is 100% done and ready. I might order another nursing bra though b/c I tried on the one I bought last weekend and it wasn’t feeling all that comfortable. I’m feeling very ready physically even if maybe not mentally (though I’d better get there cuz it’s happening!). I’ve been having all sorts of baby-related dreams, last night’s featured me nursing (or attempting to nurse?) for the first time. It’s all starting to feel so real!!:eek:

Sunshine~ I’m glad you had a fantastic shower!! Yay for getting a lot of the essentials taken care of, whoohoo!

Diaper bag~ I’m not too knowledgeable about diaper bags in general, but I got the Skip Hop Dash bag in black off Amazon.com and when I posted about it in the Nov Mommies thread, it sounded like almost 10 or so other mommies-to-be there had bought the same bag in various colors. It’s kind of a messenger-bag style. I love the size of it, although a few recommended getting the larger bag (I think it’s called the Duo?). http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Dash-Diaper-Black/dp/B0009OD6OO/sr=8-3/qid=1162922383/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/104-4745799-7959136?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games


Classes~ We have a baby saver class next Tues (it was supposed to be yesterday but got cancelled & rescheduled) and then we’ll be done with classes, yay! It’ll be nice getting to spend a Weds evening with DH watching our favorite tv shows now that the childbirth classes are over! :D

FMS~ Sounds like you had a great shower! What a neat idea those favor candles were! Hope you can find some baby socks! They have a ton of them at BRU, my favorites are the Carter’s ones (they feel like cashmere they’re so soft!) We got a buttload of them at our shower, I believe we have a collection of 30 or so booties, but we didn’t have any mittens (so baby doesn’t scratch his face) so I bought a few at Target over the weekend.:)

[Rancid13]

Yesterday was a bit interesting; apparently I hurt myself late Sunday night when getting out of bed (my doc thinks I pulled a ligament?) and I was completely unable to stand or walk on my own as a result. I had to stay home from work yesterday and was ordered by the doctor to lie propped up in bed, with a heat pack on my low back and take 2 Advils...and come in if the pain didn't subside by 2pm (which it did, thank gawd!!). I felt a bit helpless and useless yesterday as DH had to work till almost 9pm so I was by myself all day...I'm very happy to say that I'm feeling a LOT better today and I hope it doesn't happen again!! Ouch!

We got the nursery 100% completed over the weekend and bought a few more things that I took note of which we needed (some additional 4oz bottles, thick cloth diapers/burp cloths, a few more receiving blankets, little mittens for baby's hands, etc). The only thing we have left to do is put up the valances that my mom bought over the weekend that match the crib bedding (we thought the window area looked a little too plain with just the blinds). Otherwise, here's the finished product (just add baby!):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/rancid13/nurserydone0001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/rancid13/nurserydone0002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/rancid13/nurserydone0003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/rancid13/nurserydone0004.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/rancid13/nurserydone0005.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/rancid13/nurserydone0007.jpg

[marteneym]

Thank you all for the nursery compliments. I am hoping to get the last of the decor on the walls this week.

This last week was a little stressful for us. I fell Wednesday morning on my way out to my car and landed directly on my stomach. We ended up in the hospital for monitoring for 24hrs. Then I was basically down until Sunday afternoon. I am feeling much better now and Madison is great. I was having contractions but they seem to have lessened. I got back in Thursday am for a f/u appt.

Car Seat/Stroller We purchased both this weekend and got the carseat installed. I will take it to the fire dept to have it checked.

Hospital Bag I started packing it this week. It is very much in process though. My mom bought me a pair of comfy pj pants and robe ar our hospital visit this last week. I will be taking those for sure.

Bras I got one at Mimi a few months ago I love and another similar at Kohl's for much cheaper of course.

[sophiapb]

Holy crap, martenym! I'm glad the monitoring showed that everything is okay. I fuh-REAK about stuff like that.

Great nursery, Rancid. I wanted an ocean theme for our nursery but got outvoted by DH. That's okay but I am a little envious of your cute ocean items. :p

Still hanging around but not posting much. My last day of work is November 15 so I'm scrambling to get stuff done. It will be such a relief to not have to get up early and commute in. I know there will be times when I'll definitely be BORED but it's a trade off. I'll catch up on my reading since it will be months before I can read a book again. Also, I'll nap, nap, nap. :D

To make things complete, M/S came back a few days ago with nausea, dry heaves and a bit of vomiting. I'm getting tired of dealing with this crap. I have to eat every few hours for the gestational diabetes and I have been literally forcing food down myself despite prostests from my stomach. This morning I finally gave up and just skipped breakfast. Even though I had hunger pangs, it was nice to just cave into the nausea and not eat anything. I did eat some cereal and peanut butter when I got to work so I only went about 3 hours without food but I enjoyed those three hours. Is that weird? :confused:

Back to cleaning off my desk!

[rosa727]

itching: I have been having some really bad full-body itching for the past few days. Has anyone experienced this or know anything about it? I have no rash or skin irritation, and it is not even really on my belly - mostly my legs, feet, and arms. It is so bad that I have scabs from scratching, probably while sleeping. I called the doctor and am waiting for a call back. I hope it is nothing serious!

BF class: We had our BF class last night. DH was a good sport and went with me (only about half the women's husbands were there). They suggested renting a pump, since there are several places that will rent the really good electric Medela ones for only $30/month. This seems like a good idea, especially since I don't really know yet if it will work out. I don't really envision doing it for more than 6-8 months, so I still think it would be cheaper than buying.

[rosa727]

I have not taken any belly shots in a while, but I just did some this morning. I am going to try to have my DH do some better ones (with me not in my jammies :)) this weekend when I am officially full term.

Here I am at 36 weeks, 4 days:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a343/rosa727/IMG_0062.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a343/rosa727/IMG_0060.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a343/rosa727/IMG_0061.jpg

[Rancid13]

Marteneym~ OMG, how scary!! :eek: I’m so happy to hear that all is well with Madison though, good thing you got checked out as quickly as you did. Take it easy, girl!!

Sophiapb~ Sorry to hear you got outvoted by DH on the nursery theme! Luckily my DH also loves the ocean theme and colors so it was pretty easy making the decision. I can’t believe your last day of work is in a week, whoohoo! You’ll definitely find things to do in the free time you’ll have; if anything else, rest up (nap!) and definitely read~both things I plan on doing! Ugh, sorry to hear that m/s has struck you again. Just when you thought you’d made it, huh? Geez poor thing, hopefully it will let up so you can keep on your regular eating schedule again without too much trouble. :)

Itching~ Yes! You may recall this has been the bane of my pg existence for the last 6-7 months (although I’ve been give prescription for Prednisone twice which helped GREATLY which I cannot take in the 3rd tri). But mainly it’s been on my belly, back, and shoulder areas which I scratch nightly and have some lovely skin discoloration and scabs as a result. Unfortunately I haven’t found anything that truly helps, so I’m just gutting it out for the next few weeks and praying to goodness that it goes away after I deliver.:rolleyes:

BF Class~ We had ours about a month ago, and I found it extremely informative. The lc that taught the class also highly touted the Medela Pump in Style pump, as they rent that pump and a few others at the BFing boutique at the hospital. Luckily I scored and borrowed a practically-new Medela PIS from my SIL who only used it for a couple of weeks~I just had to buy $20 worth of attachments (tubing, shields, etc) to sort of “make it my own” for the time I’ll be using it. I tested it over the weekend and I like how quiet it is, and how simple it is to use. If I hadn't been able to borrow this one, renting would definitely be a fantastic idea!

Rosa~ Your belly shots look great!!



I had the first of my usual 2 weekly NST's yesterday and all is still looking well. My bp was 130/67 (a smidge high, but oh well), no protein in my urine, baby's hb and activity level were all normal, some tiny tiny contractions (so small they were practically indiscernible on the monitor), etc. There were a couple of male nurses-in-training at the fetal diagnostics lab, so I was being questioned by one of them the entire time I was hooked up to the fetal hb monitor/uterine activity monitor rather than take my usual 30-min nap. :rolleyes:

During the u/s, the regular nurse was being extra explanatory for his sake, and was very careful to point out different parts we were seeing (she's usually not so talkative w/me). Baby is still head-down, we got to see his little hands and feet and even a bit of hair on his head!! His heart was fluttering away, and we were watching him practice-breath for a good 5 minutes while waiting for him to move so she could do some measurements. She also said he's grown quite a bit since the last u/s she performed (2 weeks ago as she wasn't there last week). I hope he's not too big though!!:eek:

[sunshine0928]

Rancid - Very cute nursery! You did a great job. Glad to hear your tests are still going well.

Itching - have not had this at all and it does not sound fun. Hope you guys that have this get some relief soon!

Rosa - I had my BF Class last night although DH elected not to go with me which I was fine with. About 1/2 the people there had their SO with them. I may decide to go the rental route since I really plan to do this for no longer than 6 mos and I would like a high quality pump. They also like the Medela products. They also recommended bottles for people that woudl use them so I immediately updated my registry once I got home. You look great by the way!

[bluebunny]

rancid, nursery looks great!!

rosa, you look great (and small)! I look HUGE compared to you. :o I would definitely ask your doctor about the itching. There is a liver condition that arises around 35-37 weeks in pregnant women and is accompanied by itching in the legs, arms, and feet. Not to alarm you but it can be very serious, ending in fetal demise. I had itching out of the blue around 37 weeks during my last pregnancy and my doctor freaked out and had me get blood drawn to rule out this liver condition. Fortunately, I did not have it but if I had, they would have induced within 24 hours. There might be other indicators besides the itching but I can't remember. All I can recall is the freak-out. But definitely talk to your doctor!

ETA: Here's a link about cholestasis of pregnancy. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/cholestasispregnancy.html

[rosa727]

Rancid and sunshine: Thanks!

bluebunny: I had heard something about that condition and was worried, since I knew there was no rash associated with it (I have had none) and it arose at this time. I spoke with the nurses and they told me to try an oatmeal bath, which felt like I was being blown off. I did try one last night and it seemed like it improved a bit. But I am keeping a close eye on the baby moving and how I feel. I may call back tomorrow if it is any worse. Because it seriously is ALL OVER my body, and it is really severe. Thank you for the link!

[wine_o_girlie]

*January mommy tiptoeing in...I like to read your thread to see what is coming up for me! Hope y'all don't mind...:) *

Rosa, you might also be suffering from the on-set of PUPPS. My friend came down with a bad case of PUPPS around 35 weeks and it started out with itching for a few days and no rash and then all of the sudden she woke up one morning with a rash all over her belly and it spread to her legs. Her doctor told her it was more common in first time moms and also seemed to happen more when you were pregnant with a boy. I think you have both of those factors going on so that's why I mentioned it. Her doctor told her he thought it was PUPPS but he wanted to do the liver panel just in case to rule out cholestasis because that is very serious. Once it was determined she had PUPPS (which has no cure except delivering the baby and isn't dangerous just very uncomfortable), she used a lot of calamine, oatmeal baths, and Benadryl at night to get as comfortable as possible. HTH and hope you find a cure for your itchiness soon.

[rosa727]

wine o girlie: Thank you for the info. I had assumed that it was not PUPPS if there was no rash, but now I am wondering. I think I should just call the doctor again. I wonder why the nurse seemed so unconcerned? That really annoys me when it could potentially be something dangerous!

[fms]

Found out yesterday that a friend of mine who was due 11/20 had her baby on 11/04...it’s starting to get so close for us! Another friend is having a C-Section on 11/20.

No more falling or hurting ourselves allowed here! Marteneym, so glad to hear that you are ok.

Rosa, let’s hope that your itching goes away and that it's nothing serious.

Sophia, it really sucks that your m/s has come back.

Rancid, I’m so exicted for you as you are entering the final countdown! The u/s' sound so fun. How cute that he was practicing breathing.

I “think” we have a girl and a boy name sort of picked out. We’re still working on which variation of the boy’s name we like the best but, we have a starting point. The middle name for a girl will be Marie (mine) and Sean for a boy (DH’s). My DH wanted a “good hockey player” name for a boy :)

I bought a book last night that has left me sleepy at work today but I couldn’t put it down. “Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay: And Other Things I Had to Learn as a New Mom” by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor. The title caught my eye as I’m always on the lookout for books that are fun reads about pregnancy and parenting. (I have made it 34+ weeks without reading “What to Expect When You are Expecting.” The lack of stress that has ensued as a result has been worth my sanity. I'm very much of the opinion that whatever works best for you and your baby is "right.") This is not a book for those who are expecting scientific research and hard core parenting advice. It’s a fun book dripping with sarcasm.

Have a good day all!

[Rancid13]

I'm full-term today!!! :D IMO, this baby is free to come anytime now!!! (Ya hear that, little guy? Anytime!! The sooner the better!!) ;)



Sunshine~ Thanks!! DH and I are very happy with how the nursery turned out, and it’s been great that the tests are going so well and nothing’s wrong. I'm impressed with Medela’s products too, besides the pump I’m borrowing from SIL I have bottles, nursing pads, and a few other items (and am going to check out their nursing bras too).

Bluebunny~ Thanks!!!:)

Rosa~ Your doc can do a blood test on you and run the liver enzymes/bile acid test to see if there’s a possibility of the itching being caused by cholestasis. I had that test run a few months ago along with my PIH testing, and the results all came back normal, so it was ruled out as the cause of my itching.:rolleyes:

Fms~ I’m excited too! I guess babies, though they can’t technically breathe in the womb, “practice” breathing as their lungs mature in order to strengthen their lungs and get them ready for the real thing. That’s great you’re getting names picked out! We have a first name, but have been stumped on the middle name for some time now. I loved the book you mention! I read it a few months ago, along with a few others that have humorous takes on pregnancy/early parenthood, “Pregnancy Sucks”, “Spilled Milk” to name a few.:D

[Carissa]

Rancid WOOHOO!!

[Rancid13]

Rancid WOOHOO!!

Thanks! :D

To clear up any confusion, based on my LMP my EDD was Nov 30. For some reason or another, my ob changed the EDD to Dec 3 even though the baby has been measuring right on for what week I'm currently at, go figure. And my ob still bases how far along I am based on my LMP... ;)

[Kimmer]

Rosa - I hate that you are all itchy

Rancid - congrats on being FULL TERM!!!!

I had a really great appt with my specialists Monday and he will be removing my cerclage on the 20th then the baby is free to come! I am so excited.
I found nursing bras a kohl's they were buy on get on free for $24. I didn't want to invest a ton of cash not knowing yet how well we are going to do with BF yet.

On the U/S the tech said he was practicing his breathing and that he had plenty of hair. I was so shocked she could see that, she told me all the little white lines were hair. I was amazed, I love all those tiny hairs so much

[rosa727]

I love all those tiny hairs so much

I feel exactly the same way :) Did you ever imagine you could love someone you had not even officially "met" so much?

It would be crazy if the baby came right after the cerclage came out! You could be the first one to go :eek:

[Rancid13]

On the U/S the tech said he was practicing his breathing and that he had plenty of hair. I was so shocked she could see that, she told me all the little white lines were hair. I was amazed, I love all those tiny hairs so much

Thanks for the congrats! I too got to see my little guy practice breathing the other day, and the tech also mentioned something about him having a head of hair. I feel the same way you do! DH was jealous when I told him the baby had hair, he was wondering aloud the other day if he would arrive bald or with some hair...:)

[rosa727]

Rancid:

Thanks for mentioning that test. I feel like I should be tested, but the nurse seemed so unconcerned. If it does not feel better in a day or two, I am calling again.

The tech also mentioned that our baby had lots of hair, but I never was able to really see what she was showing us. I even went back and watched the u/s video again and could really not see it. I definitely think hair is a good thing :)

[katmg]

Kimmer - That's exciting about getting the cerclage out! Does your ob expect that you will go into labor soon after that? Mine is coming out the 5th but I don't think there is really any expectation that I will go into labor too soon afterwards.

[mobox]

Yay for full term, cerclage coming out, and BOO for itching.

Can someone post a list of what you should pack in your hospital bag. I really want to pack mine tomorrow when I'm working from home. :)

This weekend is our "prepared childbirth" classes. I haven't been able to fit in an infant CPR class. Do you think that it's worth it to do so after the baby is born? I think it would be useful.

[Rancid13]

Hospital bag~ This is the list I packed my bag based on:

nursing bra or tank top, nursing pads
robe
slippers/flip flops
socks
underwear
comfortable outfit for leaving
toothbrush/toothpaste
shampoo, conditioner, body wash
deodorant
body spray
lip balm
brush/comb*
makeup*
hair ties
contact case, saline
hard candy
lanolin
thick maxi pads
cameras
baby going home outfit
2 blankets
2 onsies
2 pairs socks
newborn hat
carseat
books/magazines

*I packed almost everything in a duffel that I keep in the car; daily I bring along a small bag of the things I have to use every day and don't have 'extras' of (makeup bag, brush, comb). :)

[AmyE]

congrats Rancid! wishing you labor vibes!

Sorry there is itchiness going around. Does not sound comfortable!

I'm 33 weeks, 2 days, and pretty huge and miserable. Down to one skirt and two ugly outfits that fit - nothin' else. Can't believe I have to be pregnant for another whole month (if my doctor has his way and the twins don't overrule him.)

My NST on wed went fine, although I was having some contrax. Both little stinkers are still breech, so Dr thinks I will need a c-section. Boo. He also said there are no advantages and the risks rise if I go past 38 weeks, so it looks like they'll be evicted before Dec 13 one way or the other.

OK, you guys have inspired me. I"m off to (begin to) pack my hospital bag right now, then DH and I are off to interview a potential ped.

[sophiapb]

AmyE-Other than the morning sickness, this stage is the worst part of twin pregnancies. Two things got me through it. 1) Right now your body is doing all the caretaking internally. If they were out of you, your life would consist of feedings and diapers and not much else. Also, I'm sure you're not getting a lot of sleep right now but there are probably a few nights a week when you can get a decent stretch of sleep. Once those kids are out of your body, sleep will become just a pleasant memory. 2) The longer they stay in, the better. I would look at the photos in my twin books of babies born at 30 weeks, 32 weeks, 34 weeks, etc. and realize that I could put up with a lot of discomfort if it the kids would stay in long enough to have their lungs fully developed and be able to swallow and regulate their body temperatures.
I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't know already but these are all little reminders that I've given myself to help make it through. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!

[rosa727]

full term: I am finally full term tomorrow! So this baby can come ANY time now :)

hospital bag: On my agenda for the day is to finish packing my hospital bag, but it is almost done. The most important stuff is in there, at least.

itching: The itching has not gotten worse, and the baths seem to help a bit. I am going to call the doctor again if anything gets worse though, because I am still concerned about it. Unfortunately, I don't see her for another week because she is on vacation. After that, I FINALLY go to every week (I would hope so, since I will be 39 weeks then!).

classes: We did our infant CPR class last night, so we are done with classes.

AmyE: Good news that you won't have to make it past 38 weeks at least. I cannot imagine that with twins! You are doing great - 33 weeks is really getting close when you are having twins! My friend had hers at 31 weeks and they were tiny, but they are doing really well now.

[Carissa]

hospital bag You might want to add a pillow to the list, I loved having my own pillow while I was in the hospital.

[mandersald]

just a quick fly by since there is so much going on now...

Baby Noah Benjamin was born November 2, 2006 at 1:50 am. He weighed 5 lbs and 14 oz and 18.5 inches long. Not bad for a 6 week early premie.

my water broke on wed evening at 5:00 pm, and we were rushed to a hospital 2 hours away that has a nicu.

we spent exactly a week in the nicu where he was monitored and diagnosed with jaundice, a few minor breathing problems, and that's about it.

he's doing really well, and we finally got home last night. HUGE sigh of relief.

my boobs are working just fine too. :)

[sophiapb]

Congratulations, Mandersald, on the arrival of Noah Benjamin! So thrilled that he's doing well. YAYYYYYYYYYYYY!

[rosa727]

Mandersald: CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Welcome to baby Noah! I cannot believe our first baby is here!!!

[AmyE]

CONGRATULATIONS mandersald!!!! I'm delighted to hear he's doing well and everything is in working order!! And what a great name.

Rosa and Rancid - here's hoping you two are next!!

[katmg]

Wowzers!!

Congratulations Mandersald! Welcome to the world Noah Benjamin!!

Glad to hear that you are both doing so well - that must have been awfully scary.

[Delaney21]

Congratulations Mandersald and welcome to the world Noah Benjamin!!!

[sunshine0928]

Congrats Mandersald and welcome little Noah! Glad things are going well! How exciting....our first baby is here!!!

[fms]

Congratulations Mandersald!!! Noah Benjamin, you gave your Mommy and Daddy quite the scare but we're so glad to have you here! I hope that all is settling down and that you are enjoying your new life as a family.

[Rancid13]

CONGRATULATIONS, Mandersald!!! Welcome, Noah! I’m so happy to hear that he’s doing well and is healthy!!! :D And yay for the boobs working well, LOL!! Whoohoo, for our first “December” baby!!


Rosa and Rancid - here's hoping you two are next!!

Here’s hoping!!! :D I have my 37w ob appt in about an hour, hopefully this time my regular doc will actually be there (it seems she’s been on vacation the last 2 visits?!) so I can ask her if she thinks I’ll go early, etc etc. I didn’t care too much for the other doc I saw and just wanted to get out of there at my last appt 2 weeks ago. After today, I go to once-a-week appts, whoohoo! Hopefully there won’t be too many of those before I deliver!!



37 week belly shots from last night! :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/rancid13/37w002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/rancid13/37w006.jpg

Compared to last week:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/rancid13/redo.jpg

[December06Mommies]

UPDATED TO HERE

[bluebunny]

Congrats Mandersold and welcome Noah!! Sounds scary! I'm glad he's okay and home!

rancid, congrats on being full-term!! :D Just a warning (and you probably already know this) but doctors have no real idea when you'll go into labor. I was 1 cm dilated at 37 weeks and didn't go into labor until 40 weeks, 4 days. My friend (who was due three days after I) was "closed up tight" at her 39-week appointment and she went into labor 24 hours before I did. (Our babies were born the same day).

[sandy]

Mandersald Congratulations!!! Welcome to the world Noah!!!