January 2007 Mommies - Part II

[ButterflyJen]

Zhanna - don't worry about the GBS. I was + with DD and will more than likely be so with Peanut as well. It's honestly no big deal; you'll just have to have IV meds for it (and apparently they only take around 20 minutes to give, so it's not like you'll have to be hooked to an IV for the entire time you're in labor, either. I say "apparently" because that's what I've heard this time around, but I was hooked to the IV the entire time with DD, so definitely ask about that!).

Kristen - oh yes, the Monster Sale rocks. I work at a TCP outlet and the addiction is BAAAAAD. ;)

Julie - UGH on the hip pain. I'm so sorry to you, and to everyone experiencing that. :(

We got the nursery pretty well set up today. HOORAY! I feel so much better now. The crib is up, we have a mattress, I'm doing laundry right now (onesies, sleepers, socks, etc). All that I really need to do is get in to get the carseat/bases installed in both cars and get DD's convertible seat moved over in one car. THEN I'll feel like Peanut can come at any time. Well, OK, after we hit 2007. ;) We're running a baby pool among friends/family and pretty much everyone says this kid is coming early. My aunt said she caught me waddling yesterday (ack!) so she guessed two weeks early. OK! That's cool with me, if Peanut's ready to come!

Got some comments this weekend that irritated me. Shocker, I know. ;) My cousin as well as my uncle's GF kept saying "you're due in five weeks? but you're so little!" Yes, I know...but my OB isn't concerned, so I'm not either. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, my uncle (who I really don't like anyway) kept "teasing" me about eating yesterday and said "you're eating for three, you know." Um....what? There's only one kid in here! Whatever...just had to vent. People just don't know when to shut up. ;)

[mommydearest]

Got some comments this weekend that irritated me. Shocker, I know. ;) My cousin as well as my uncle's GF kept saying "you're due in five weeks? but you're so little!"

My family and co-workers keep telling me--"There's no way you can go 4 more weeks." Thanks guys. Really. Like I don't feel like a whale already!

I got my best-est Christmas present today. We are FINALLY getting cable! We have lived with broadcast tv for the last three years because DH was too cheap to pay for cable. This year, he was going to buy me a microwave to go above the stove for X-mas (ours is a counter model and about 10 years old). I told him that I'd deal with the crappy microwave another year, but I don't want to be stuck in the house all day from now until April without cable. Finally he agreed. I called and it is getting hooked up on Friday! Hooray!!!!!!

Congrats on getting the nursery set up Jen!

Zhanna--Good luck! My doc also said that it isn't a big deal and the IV only lasts about 20 min.

[jmvan74]

Zhanna: Sorry you were GBS +. Try not to worry. It will all be fine. I get to have the test today. Yippee!

Jen: Hooray for getting the nursery done! Very exciting! I need to take pics of mine, since it's been done for weeks! LOL!

Kristen: Thanks for TCP tip. I think if I buy one stitch of clothing DH will have my head! hehe.:o Hooray for cable! I could not live w/out my DVR!!

[Alegna]

Hello ladies! Hope everybody had a good holiday.

I've been working on getting rid of a cold since last Friday. What I wouldn't give for some Nyquil. But I've been sticking to OJ. I'm actually starting to feel better. But kiddo likes the OJ WAY too much. He/she is rockin and a rollin over here. WOW!

My dog got sick last week too. I had to break into the diapers and put one on her. I felt bad leaving her locked in the laundry room while we were home. But she was making a mess all over the house. She may not have liked the diaper but at least she could sit on the couch with me instead of being confined to her room. I think she's starting to get better too.

All the accessories for the nursery were delivered by my personal elves. I'll have to remember to post the pictures tonight. I still need to put up the border and hang the quilt and wall hangings. But I'm too excited to wait. :)

My coworker is bringing me a car seat stroller set today. It will be our back up. It's newer than the car seat my SIL gave us.

I know I shouldn't use a car seat that's over 5 years old. But what should I do with them? I feel bad for throwing them away. It's a perfectly good car seat. I keep thinking that old is better than nothing for those who can't afford a new car seat. I asked in the baby basics class and the instructor didn't have any suggestions either. What exactly makes them unsafe after 5 years?

[mommydearest]

I know I shouldn't use a car seat that's over 5 years old. But what should I do with them? I feel bad for throwing them away. It's a perfectly good car seat. I keep thinking that old is better than nothing for those who can't afford a new car seat. I asked in the baby basics class and the instructor didn't have any suggestions either. What exactly makes them unsafe after 5 years?

The plastic breaks down. While it might seem fine, in a serious crash, it might crack in places it is not supposed to and not protect the baby/fly out of the base. You should remove the straps and seat cover and cut them up, and sledgehammer the seat to the point it is not usable.

Good luck!

[Winter Biscuit]

I'm starting to feel a bit panicky. This kid is coming in about 4-1/2 weeks and I haven't done much to get ready...and I had a few mild contractions over the weekend, I think. :eek: Ack!!! Must get that room ready for this little Peanut!

ButterflyJen - once again, I could have written your post! It is starting to hit me really hard that Nugget is coming in just under 4 weeks! :eek: And I am really starting to panic. Just like you, I finally did some laundry yesterday - washed a bunch of sleepers, blankets, crib sheets. Still need to wash onesies and socks. Call me an emotional pregnant wreck, but I got all teary-eyed when I saw how TINY the socks are, I really think I forgot how tiny newborns are. My 3-year old seems like a giant compared to all these teeny tiny baby clothes!! I need to make an appointment to get our car seat installed, and also buy a few coming home outfits for Nugget!

GBS - I tested + with my first pregnancy too. I would have gotten an IV for the c-section anyway, but if I hadn't had the c/s I don't think it would have been too horrible. I do recommend asking the nurse to numb your wrist before they insert the IV needle. I have friends who said that getting the IV inserted was SO painful (one friend said she thought it hurt almost as much as the actual labor), but I didn't feel a thing when my IV was inserted because the nurse numbed my wrist area with some ointment first. Just remember that lots of people test positive for GBS but the chances of passing anything on to the baby are pretty small as long as you receive the antibiotics. (That's my understanding, anyway.) I second ButterflyJen's advice to ask about when you need to get the antibiotics. My last OB wanted me to come to the hospital ASAP once labor started to get the antibiotics started (that was before we knew I was having a c/s) and I specifically remember him telling me that he would LIKE me to get the antiobiotics at least 4 hours before the baby arrived (:eek: ). However, I have read and heard otherwise (e.g. you don't necessarily need to get them THAT early, but I really don't know what the "ideal" time frame is or how long the antiobiotics need to be in your system to have the intended effect), so I second the advice to definitely ask about it!

Cold/sick -- count me in :( I've had a hacking cough since the 23rd and I cannot seem to get rid of it. My lungs feel like they are so inflamed. I had a similar cough a few months ago - it was just a cough, no headache or runny nose or any other cold/flu symptoms. On one hand, I am thankful that it's "just" a cough because I am a big wuss when it comes to nasty head colds (which usually turn into sinus infections for me). On the other hand, I am having a hard time sleeping because I can't breathe or sleep when I am constantly hacking every few minutes. On Christmas Eve I woke up at 4am because I couldn't stop coughing and thus couldn't sleep. Then on Christmas morning I was up at 3am. I keep telling myself I'd rather be sick now instead of when Nugget comes, but in my ideal world I wouldn't be sick at ALL!

QOTD: Anyone feeling the urge to nest yet? I'm not sure if the laundry kick I was on yesterday would necessarily qualify as nesting, but I am starting to think about all the things I need/want to do before Nugget comes.

[Alegna]

You should remove the straps and seat cover and cut them up, and sledgehammer the seat to the point it is not usable

oooo.... that could be fun! ;)

[Winter Biscuit]

oooo.... that could be fun! ;)

I had the same thought :p I can just imagine what my neighbors would think if they saw me - 9 months pregnant - outside on the driveway hacking away at a car seat with a sledgehammer ;)

[mommydearest]

Get out those pregnancy aggressions!!!!

[zhannushka]

Jen - YAY for setting up the nursery!

Kristen - YAY for getting cable! I don't know what I would do without my cable and my DVR... (especially now that I'm trapped here at home all by myself every day... :) )

Angela and WB - Sorry to hear that you're both sick! :( I've had some nasal congestion for the past 2 weeks or so - it comes and goes, but thankfully it's not too bad... I hope you both feel better soon!

Thanks for your input on GBS everyone! I was told to come in to the hospital as soon as either my water breaks or if I start getting really strong contractions. So, hopefully - when that happens, DH will be at home, rather then at work (he's got an hour drive home from work to pick me up, and then we've got another hour drive to the hospital...)

Here are a few pictures of the nursery - of course, it's not even close to being finished yet, but it's a start I guess! :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/zhannushka/2ndBedroom001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/zhannushka/2ndBedroom003.jpg

[thechick79]

Jen - Count me in as getting conflicting comments as well. I will either get shocked comments that I'm due next week and I'm not big enough or I will get wow you've got a basketball belly!

Winter_Biscuit - I wasn't sure about what counts as nesting either. Last week, I washed baby's clothes, blankets, etc. and got the nursery ready. But I haven't had the urge to clean or organize anything.

Julie - Sorry about the hip pain. That is no fun. Just a few more weeks to go though :-) Hang in there!

Zhannushka - Your nursery is adorable! Love the theme you went with.

I've been getting BH contractions a couple of times a day now. Baby's movements are starting to feel more uncomfortable. Tomorrow morning we get to find out how far I've progressed.

[zhannushka]

thechick79 - Thank you! :) Good luck at your appointment tomorrow!

QOTD: I forgot to answer before. It's funny you ask - I don't think I've had any unusual nesting urges yet, but my DH is definitely nesting! - he cleaned the whole house, he's the one who initiated setting up the nursery and he did 3 loads of laundry last night (never seen him do that before!) :)

[ButterflyJen]

Nesting? Um, I think so. :o I've been organizing, cleaning, etc. like a freaking madwoman lately! I cleaned the house top to bottom last Tuesday - my excuse was that we were having family over for Christmas AM breakfast, but I was cleaning things that haven't been cleaned in some time. Yikes. The basement is getting organized, too! Ack!

Zhanna, glad you asked your OB when you need to come in with a positive GBS test. The IV didn't hurt me at all (well, except I had a student nurse inserting it and she blew up two veins before she got it right - THAT wasn't fun!). The nursery looks great!

thechick - good luck tomorrow! Hoping for progression for you! :)

Angela - have fun with that sledgehammer. :D

WB - Oh yes, I definitely forgot how tiny newborns are! I was holding up some of the NB sized Carter's stretchies we got for Christmas and DH and I were shocked...especially remembering that DD absolutely swam in that size at first! Heck, preemie size was almost too big on her. The socks are soooo tiny, I know!! I held a three-week-old at playgroup last week and I swear I forgot how to do it!!

Kristen - enjoy your cable! Woo hoo!

[jmvan74]

Well, my appt was fine. I'm measuring 37 weeks, no biggie. They did the GBS test and I'm not dilated at all. Thank goodness. I want this kid to hang on until the 19th. ;)

thechick: OMG! I can't believe you only have one week!

nesting: Well, I've been doing basic cleaning, but my mom is here for a few days so tomorrow I plan on really giving the bathrooms hell! They need a super deep cleaning and it's now or never! LOL! Baby's clothes are washed and put away. I need to do a final cleaning of the bassinet and move it to my room and wash the carseat cover...if DH would get it out of the darn storage closet. :rolleyes:

Zhanna: The nursery is looking good! I, of course, love the theme...it's very similiar to mine. :D

[lindzgirl]

Well, I know how you feel Zhanna, I tested positive for the GBS also. Everyone is assuring me that baby and I will be just fine. But it is a pain because it is one more thing to think about.

I have the nesting urges so bad, I would much rather be home in the nursery than at work and doing other things. Oh well, soon enough.

Glad to hear that everyone is doing pretty good. Nurseries look great by the way. Hope everyone stays well and healthy!

[zhannushka]

Lindsay - I'm sorry... :( I know exactly what you're saying by "it is one more thing to think about"! It's not like I'm not nervous about everything else already... :(

Everyone IRL has also told me not to worry and that they know plenty of women who tested positive and went on to having healthy babies, so - I'm trying to be optimistic over here...

[ButterflyJen]

Lindsay and Zhanna - believe me, I know that feeling well. It was so crushing to me to find out I was GBS+ with DD, because it was at the same time we were finding out she had IUGR and wasn't growing inside me. It was like everything was happening at once! SO not fun. I know it's one more thing to worry about, and I don't want you to feel like we're blowing it off like it's nothing. It is something, but honest, I swear, as long as you've got the abx in you in time, you're fine!

[Ericka_Jarett]

zhanna - GBS is definately not that big of a deal to handle. I got tested the morning I gave birth, so the results weren't in and I got treated as if I was GBS+. Upon discharge was told the results showed I was negative after all. My OB said better safe than sorry, and that even if I was + Easton would have been fine, just woukd have gotten the antibiotics like I did anyway.

Congrats ladies, you really are so close now

[usafwife]

I am terrible about keeping up with this thread. Just thought I'd give you all an update. Looks like my OB wants to deliver little one around 38 wks. I'd rather wait until 39 to give the lungs another week but at the same time 38 wks is starting to sound like a good thing. I have severe swelling in my legs and ankles/feet again. I was really hoping to avoid that with this pregnancy but that isn't the case. I have to watch how much time I am on my feet and make sure it isn't too much each day. The baby is already quite low so I am not looking forward to the day he drops because I can't imagine walking/getting up without it being a constant ordeal.

DD has an ear infection. She's had a high fever since early today so we took her in to be seen. She has some antibiotics so hopefully that will help her start feeling better soon and get rid of the infection. We feel pretty lucky (and have been told that more than a few times today) that this is the first time she's been sick in 18 months (tomorrow is her 18th month b-day). I'm heading to bed soon as mommy desperately needs some much needed rest (DH and I got a total of maybe 4 hours in the past 24 hours).

GBS+ ladies ~ Don't worry too much about being GBS+. I tested + the first time and the next time they did the test I was negative. My OB said I'd still be treated like I was + just to be sure. We had to head to the hospital as soon as my water broke but I sort of had to do that anyway with how sick I'd been. And I was glad I was there because I dilated rather quickly for a first time mom. I haven't asked about needing the antibiotics this time around or not since I most likely will be having a repeat c-section (but want to avoid having it scheduled right now. We sort of feel like it's picking the birth date and I dispised having to schedule an induction with DD - though in the end she ended up coming a day before so she did pick her own birthday). I think I feel more comfortable having at least one round of the antibiotics just to be sure. I'd hate for something to happen and then I blame myself for not doing it.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Sorry for those who tested positive for GBS. I haven't been tested yet. I go back to the doc on january 8th so I imagine I will be tested then.

We had a good trip up to my brother's house for Christmas. We drove up to Roseville early Saturday morning. We decided against exchanging gifts this year and go out to a nice dinner instead. We went to Ruth's Chris that evening. Uhhhh...YUM! Unfortunately, I ended up with a migraine that night that lasted all through Christmas Eve. I spent most of the day in a vicodin haze or sleeping. Finally, by Christmas Day, it was gone. We had a nice visit with all of my relatives over the next couple of days and came home today! It's so nice to be HOME!

I'm not sure if I mentioned it before, but we did get our 2007 P3 a couple of weeks ago and today we found the 2007 car seat too! Yippee!! We got home and spent the next hour fiddling around with the stroller and carseat until I *think* I know how it all works together.

A funny side note...my SIL got the Graco Quattro Tour. She was going on and on about how great it was before my nephew was born. She was saying how great it was because it was so big and all that. Well, I asked her about the stroller when we were visiting and she HATES it! She was complaining about it being too big and she runs into everything and everyone when she uses it. She is now looking for something smaller...luckily, the Quattro was a gift and she didn't pay for it so she can justify the new stroller expense. :p

Now that the holidays are over, it's time to get the nursery completed. I was doing so good and feeling ahead of schedule, but now that room needs some attention and SOON!

[jmvan74]

Meri: Sorry your OB is pushing for such an early c/s date. I hope you can convince them to hold off a bit. Sorry about the swelling. Ugghh.
I know what you mean about carrying low. I feel like this baby will fall right out if he gets any lower! It's already so difficult to walk and I have to pee every 10 minutes!:p

Ginger; Glad you had a nice Christmas!

[Winter Biscuit]

Had my 36-week appointment yesterday - now I'm on the weekly rotation :eek: I was supposed to see Dr. Rough yesterday but fortunately he wasn't available so I got to see a different doctor :) I was happy about that. The only uncomfortable thing was they took samples for the GBS test yesterday and I was a little uneasy having a male doctor that I have never met before take the samples :o

Everything was looking good - nothing to write home about. Nugget is still head-down but floating really high, just like my DD was. They gave me an instruction sheet on what to do if I go into labor (:eek: which HOPEFULLY I won't need seeing that I have my c/s scheduled and hope to not deal with labor at all if I don't have to!) and then they gave me a huge gift bag of formula from one of the formula companies :rolleyes:

I really wish that doctors wouldn't give those formula samples out unless/until they know for sure that someone is FFing. (Isn't it illegal to give new mothers free samples of formula in certain states? I want to say Massachusetts??) Of course, the gift bag included a letter from the practice that reminded me that "breast is best" and they strongly encourage me to breastfeed my child and that I should not view the formula samples as any indication that they hope I choose to FF my child. The letter also stated that they do not endorse any formula companies and I have no obligation to accept the free gift, but it still bugs me when doctors are so quick to hand those out. Can't help wondering what they accepted in exchange for agreeing to give those samples out to their patients. Breastfeeding can be hard enough for many women and I am determined to make it work for Nugget just like I did when my DD was born (we had lots of BFing challenges in the beginning - you name it and we dealt with it). It just seems unnecessary to have formula in the house "just in case" when I am determined to make BFing work, ya know? And that's my vent for the day!

I confess that I keep checking this thread to see if any January babies have arrived yet!!

[zhannushka]

I confess that I keep checking this thread to see if any January babies have arrived yet!!
I've been doing the same for the past week or so! :)

[thechick79]

I've been doing the same for the past week or so! :)
Me too!

My appointment this morning went well. Baby's heartbeat was great. She's still measuring small but healthy. I'm 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. The nurse asked me if I was having any contractions and I told her I wouldn't know if I was and I got the "Oh, you'll know." The BH contractions are just tightening of the belly right? That's all I've been getting so far and about 1 or 2 a day. I'm scheduled with three more appointments up until January 11. Hope everyone is having a great day!

[mommydearest]

Can't help wondering what they accepted in exchange for agreeing to give those samples out to their patients.


The formula is the same as the free samples of prescriptions. It is supposed to be a nice service for the patients. Personally, I will take as many Similac samples as they want to give me because I don't want to buy any and I'm sure at some point I'm going to have to supplement. I would love to breastfeed, but I have to go back to work at 10 weeks and there is a good chance that since I'm a teacher, I won't be able to pump enough. My prep and lunch coincide, so I can't pump between 8 and 12, and between 1 and 4:45 most days (our late bus leaves at 4:40). And, that assumes we don't have any meetings or discipline issues that must be addressed during my prep. The school doesn't make any accommodations except to say that IF I can find someone to cover my class and IF I can write a lesson plan that someone can teach during that time for orchestra, then I can leave the kids and go pump.

So...bring on the samples for me.

[ButterflyJen]

WB, I could have written the part of your post regarding formula samples. I know they're helpful for many women, but sheesh, ASK first. I sincerely hope my OB doesn't even mention it, because I've told him I will be nursing Peanut (as I did for DD). He can offer it all he wants, but I'll just tell him no thanks. (Or I could take them and offer them to the moms in my playgroup...I'm sure someone would take them!) Anyway, I know what you mean!

But Kristen, that doesn't mean I don't understand what you're saying, too. Not every woman can exclusively BF their child, or even BF and feed EBM, because it just doesn't always work out. In your case, the formula samples are a Godsend! I have nothing against FFing or supplementing. Whatever works best for each mother and family to feed their child and keep their sanity. :)

thechick, I think that's all the BH contrax are...the contrax I think I've been getting have been low, crampy feelings like PMS cramps, combined with a bit of backache. They only last a minute or so. Mostly I'm still getting BH though. Hooray for some progress!

Ginger, glad you had a nice Christmas (minus the migraine).

usafwife - I'm so sorry your OB is pushing you into a date that's earlier than you wanted. It makes sense, if you're having that many issues with swelling, etc. but still...not what you wanted. :(

I, too, keep wondering who's having the first baby...I can't believe we are three days away from January and haven't had ONE baby arrive yet! :eek:

Not much new going on with me! Found the Diaper Genie in the basement and added a refill to it. I also washed the gymini mat, car seat cover, and bath sling. So pretty much everything I wanted to wash before Peanut comes is done. Peanut's room is basically done too. Just need to organize the closet a bit and wash some baby toys. We also need some more Genie refills, another pack of Target wipes (LOVE those wipes), another tube of Desitin (creamy is our fave around here), and some Mylicon and Tylenol, just in case. Oh, and a medicine dropper, again just in case. Beyond that, I really think we're set for this kiddo to arrive. I need to get working on my hospital bag, too!

Re: GBS. I TOTALLY forgot that, if my water breaks and I'm GBS+, that I'll have to head to the hospital right away to get the abx. :( Not what I wanted, but we'll see how the test comes back (I don't get tested until next Friday, I think). My mom's water broke to start her labors with both me and my brother; not sure if that runs in families or not?

Anyway, I'll shut up now and get some work done. ;) Have a great day!

[jmvan74]

I admit that I keep looking for some news as well!! I really am surprised that there hasn't been a baby, yet. :p

WB: I just got formula samples in the mail. Can't get away from them. I plan on supplementing eventually.....like 6 months from birth, but I won't be keeping the samples. Last time, I donated all of the samples to a food bank. I figured someone could use them. I agree that the DR's office is not the place to be giving out free formula, unless someone has specifically stated their intent to FF.

thechick: Hooray for some progress!!:D

Jen: You are on a roll!! I need to wash some of the infant toys, too.

[GardenGirl]

Ten days and counting ... well at least that is what the calendar says. I haven't made an ounce of progress so all signs point to at least my due date. But we'll see. Things can happen out of the blue. I had my appt yesterday and I'm still firm and closed. They hooked me up to the fetal monitor to see if I was contracting and didn't know it. I wasn't. She said I might be having some small BH cx but nothing I would feel.

We got the furniture over the holiday weekend - it arrived on my birthday, so that was a nice present. I'm so glad I paid to have it delivered and assembled, they did it jiffy quick, but DH and I would have struggled, I just know it. So minus a window covering and some paintings that I have to order after baby arrives (depends on girl/boy), everything in the nursery is done. Here are some shots ...
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/terashelton/Nursery020.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/terashelton/Nursery021.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/terashelton/Nursery019.jpg

Well, I'm taking a half day today so I'm going to finish up some work. I don't really have much to do at home, but since no one is really at the office today I figure I'd go home and hopefully get the nesting bug ...

[DansGirl]

Absolutely Beautiful bedding Gardengirl!

[Winter Biscuit]

Butterfly Jen - wow, you are on a major nesting kick, girl! Good for you. Your post reminded me that I need to pick up some infants Tylenol and Mylicon drops, too.

mommydearest - I hope my rant about the formula samples didn't offend you or anyone else that plans and/or expects to FF and/or supplement - that certainly wasn't my intent. I have several mommy friends who are teachers and all of them have had the same challenges that you mentioned. I think it really stinks that anyone has to deal with such obstacles, especially those moms who would gladly pump if only their schedules and/or employers allowed :( I would be happy to send my formula samples and coupons to you - seriously. If I can't find anyone to give them to, I will probably donate them to a woman's shelter like I did last time. I think the samples I got yesterday were Enfamil - but I'm not positive. I know you mentioned Similac, but if you are interested, let me know! I'm sure I'll be offered more when I'm in the hospital.

thechick - I've always been told/read that BH contrax are painless and just consist of the belly tightening up, and that all women have them regardless of whether they are actually aware of them or not. But I've also read about women who said they were having BH contrax and they were uncomfortable and/or painful, so I am confused about what a BH contrax really is and what it isn't :confused: With my first pregnancy, I had plenty of belly-tightening BH contrax that were totally painless, but no PMS-like crampy contractions or anything painful at all. This time (especially the last few days), I have had several PMS-like cramps and I guess they might be very mild contractions, but what do I know?!

[ButterflyJen]

Butterfly Jen - wow, you are on a major nesting kick, girl! Good for you.
I just hope it doesn't mean Peanut's coming any time soon. :D Not ready, not ready!!!

Tera, the nursery is BEAUTIFUL!!! Hope the nesting urge kicks in soon.

[robyn]

Add me to the list of people who just can't believe we haven't had a January baby arrive yet! I guess we have a few days left. ;)

Tera - the nursery is lovely!

WB - I agree that the formula samples should be provided if you ask for them. I have some sitting around and I don't know what to do with them. I don't have any FF'ing friends, and I'm not sure where there's a food bank or anything that will take them. I hate to just throw them out ...

* * * *

Had my weekly OB appointment today. I thought about declining the internal (I won't have one next week since she's out of the office) but curiosity got the best of me. ;) I am "less than a fingertip" dialated and "firm." I wasn't expecting anything so this is not a surprise.

She had the nerve, though, of saying she was willing to induce up to one week before my due date. No medical reasons to speak of. I am feeling GREAT, have had no issues all pregnancy. I was pretty bothered by the fact that it seemed she wanted to induce for no reason ... probably just to get me on the schedule. Anyway, I told her I had no plans to schedule an induction unless there was a strong medical indication for it. Even after my due date.

I also met with a pediatrician today and plan to use him. He was great! Not too conservative, but not too "out there" ... just what I wanted. It's nice to have that checked off the list.

Even though it looks like I won't deliver anytime soon, I plan to make my list and get my hospital bag items set aside in the next day or two. We also need to get the carseat installed. Other than that I think we are pretty ready to go. DH and I are both getting excited to meet our little guy!

[GardenGirl]

Robyn - I'm ready to meet my little one too. That's all I can think of these days.

Anyone have heartburn lately. I haven't had it the entire pregnancy but now it seems I get it after almost every meal. I must say though, I do love the spicy food and maybe it's just now starting to effect me. I got some Tums and that seems to help.

Thanks for all the nice comments on my nursery. We are very pleased with it. I just can't wait to see the baby in there!! BTW - here are couple pictures of the canvas paintings I want. The lamb is a sure thing and then if it's a girl it will be the bunnies and if it's a boy it will be the frogs. ETA - they are 16 x 20, so not too big
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/terashelton/newcuddlylamb.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/terashelton/hippityhop.jpg http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/terashelton/bunnylove.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/terashelton/freddiegonerowing.jpg http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/terashelton/freddiegonefishing.jpg

Ginger - did you get your letters in yet? I'd love to see a pic of them if you did.

[quest]

I think I'm sort of into the nesting mode...I cleaned the house fairly well (I told myself it was for the holidays), and have been starting to buy some of the basic necessities we still need, but to be honest, my body just isn't cooperating with everything I want to do. I'm exhausted! I've realized that (a) my legs/feet are the slightest bit swollen...nothing to get worried over but enough for me to notice, and (b) my calves are so sore! I know I'm carrying around extra weight, but my hips and lower back have been so sore I thought maybe I'm relying on those muscles more and now I'm paying the price. The last 2 days especially, when I'm getting up from being on the floor, it's a HUGE struggle!

And can I just say that any store/mall that has 'pregnant people' parking spots rocks? I honestly think that it should be required to have at least 1-2 everywhere! :)

DH is nesting, though. While DD and I were out running some errands the day after Xmas (returns, etc.) he set up the baby's room. We had all the basics up there (crib to be put together, etc.) but I hadn't yet organized anything or started putting a dent in it. Well, he put the crib together, assembled the mobile, moved the all the furniture around so it made sense, and even vacuumed (trust me, that's a big deal ;))! Of course, I still have to sort out all the stuff he piled in the closet ;) but seeing that neat room is total motivation to do so!

I'm not doing any sort of 'theme' in the baby's room (I didn't with DD, either), I just want to use a basic color scheme. But I can't believe how hard it is to find bedding that is plain! DD's room was/is pale pink, sage, and cream. DS's will be pale blue, sage, and cream. DD's crib bedding was a floral pattern, but I can't find anything for DS that doesn't include some sort of character! I think they're really cute, but I just want plain! I did find some plain color bumpers at BRU, but they seemed sort of cheapy-looking, so I want to see if I can find anything else. Thank goodness I don't need that right away, but still, it would be nice to check it off the list.

My doctor gets back into town on the 30th, so I'll be a little less anxious once that happens. Then my next appt. is the 3rd, and I get the GBS test then. It will be interesting to see if there's any progress...as I've mentioned before, though, the day my water broke with DD I was 'barely a fingertip' dilated and the baby was still very high, so even if she says nothing is going on I can't count on that to mean anything!

I keep peeking to see if any babies have arrived yet, too...I can't believe it's getting so close!!!

[mommydearest]

mommydearest - I hope my rant about the formula samples didn't offend you or anyone else that plans and/or expects to FF and/or supplement - that certainly wasn't my intent.


It takes a lot more than that to offend me! I teach middle school. If it doesn't have curse words involved, I don't even notice! I agree that they should ask--"Do you want any formula samples?" instead of just handing them to you. We chose Similac Advance just because our Ped recommended that or Enfamil, and I happened to be at a store that had the Similac individual servings, which fit down nice in the diaper bag. I had heard through the internet grapevine that people had good luck with it. I don't have too much brand loyalty at this point.

[Ericka_Jarett]

Hi ladies - Just wanted to let any moms that are planning to FF make sure to sign up on the company websites. Also if anyone should happen to want them, I have a can of Similac Advanced and Similac Soy, Easton is on Target brand formula.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Ginger - did you get your letters in yet? I'd love to see a pic of them if you did.

Unfortunately, I won't have the letters for at least another week or two. I placed the order on Halloween and she said the run around time would be around 9 weeks...:eek:

[robyn]

Heartburn - mine is out of control!! I seriously have forgotten a life without heartburn, and I had never had it a day before getting pregnant. The only thing that saves me is Zantac. I don't know what I'd do without it. Sometimes it feels like the acid is going all the way up into that area between your throat and nose! YUCK!

quest - And can I just say that any store/mall that has 'pregnant people' parking spots rocks? I honestly think that it should be required to have at least 1-2 everywhere!
I agree! And I'm sure I'll soon wish that all stores had spaces for moms who are loading little ones in and out of the car as well!

[amberwaves]

Gardengirl - your nursery is BEAUTIFUL! Wow. Great job.

nesting - oh yes, although I feel like I've been in "nesting" mode since I've been preggo, but now that things are coming down to the wire, I am non-stop. We dug out all the baby stuff from the garage yesterday so I can get everything clean. The infant car seat, the co-sleeper, the stroller, pump, etc. Today I am going to wash everything. Also headed over to BRU and bought the baby papasan and the FP rainforest bouncy seat, plus new parts for the pump and bottles and diapers.

Everything is becoming so real! Only 6 days left for me, although I pretty much convinced myself something was happening, but at my dr. appt. yesterday, she checked my cervix and it is CLOSED. So I guess what I thought might be contractions were really BH, I just never felt them the first time around so I was thinking they might be the real thing, but they didn't really hurt, just made my stomach SO tight, that it was impossible to ignore them. So, it looks like we're still on for 1/4, which I'm happy with because truthfully, I didn't want a Dec. baby... the further I can get her bday away from Christmas, the better. Plus, my mom's flight is already scheduled for 1/3, so still keeping my fingers crossed that baby G sticks with the plan for 1/4 :)

Oh, I forgot to mention that there is this flu going around here, and Gabby got it last Tuesday, and was throwing up all night, but by morning, she was totally fine. Well, guess who got it on Wed.... me. It was awful. I was throwing up all night, every 2 hours, practically on the hour. By morning, I was just weak and exhausted. My dr. told me to go to the hospital and I went to triage where they hooked me up to monitor the baby's heartbeat and they gave me an IV. I did actually feel much better after that, but for the next 2 days, my body was just beat. I guess the baby took what she needed and left me with the getting better job. Which was totally fine of course, as I'd rather she stay healthy. The bummer is that my family showed up the next day for Christmas and both my mom and uncle caught it and were out of commission on Christmas day. Xmas dinner was a HUGE spread of food for just myself, DH and my stepdad. Everyone is healthy now though :)

I too can't believe we don't have our first Jan. baby here yet! We are just days away from "our month"!

I hope everyone has a Happy New Year!

xo

[GardenGirl]

Oh what a horrible sleep last night. I can't tell if I'm getting a cold or if it's just allergies with all the changes in weather we've had lately. My nose gets so stuffy in the middle of the night that I breathe through my mouth and then it gets really sore. Plus I keep DH up, and he in turn keeps me up. The breathing/snoring issue is getting out of hand because I'm starting to wake myself up from lacking of breathing (apnea) or loud snoring. It's ridiculous.

Thank God my office closes at noon today for the holiday weekend. Otherwise I wouldn't make it. I'm coming straight home and going back to bed.

DH is really nesting. We call ourselves Esther and Lester Nester. I can't leave the house in the morning without having every last part of the house picked up. Every bed is made (I've been moving around our guest rooms to let DH get a better sleep), all the dishes are done, laundry is picked up off the floor, mail is put away. It's ridiculous. But my "inner self" wants to make sure that if I go into labor, my house will be "perfect" for when I return (or someone stops by the house to pick up somethings while we are gone).

Heartburn - so Zantac is okay? I've just been chewing on Tums when I get it. Taking the Zantac as a preventative would be awesome.

[jmvan74]

Lots of activity in here!

The DR. called this morning and changed my c/s from Jan 19th to Jan. 17h! It's just 2 days, so I'm okay w/ that. I just can't believe I only have 2 and a half weeks. :D I am sooo uncomfortable!!

Robyn; It's amazing what DR's will offer. As long as everything is going well....I'm sure you'll be fine waiting until your EDD or later.

Tera: Those paintings are adorable! Thank goodness for getting out of work early! Happy napping!

Quest: Our local mall has 5 spaces for families w/ small children or strollers! I was so psyched when I saw them! I also noticed our BJ's has customers w/ infant parking. ;)

heartburn: I've been experiencing it more during this trimester. Especially if I am eating tomato sauce. Tums have been strong enough for me. I'm glad they make the smoothie ones now, so they aren't so chalky. :o

Amber: Sorry about the flu.. Ugghhh. Glad everyone is healthy now. I hope baby G stays put until the 4th!

[thechick79]

My DH has permanent nesting syndrome :D He has always been psycho about keeping things clean and organized - must be the engineer brain. Maybe that is why nesting hasn't kicked in for me? I have never been one to clean so I was hoping for it! Our cleaning lady is coming to clean this weekend before my mom comes. My mom is calling everyday asking me how I'm feeling. My dad is worried that I'm still driving to work. Um, I only work 10 minutes away and it's not that big of a deal!

WB: I have heard that BH contractions are good and help with labor so I was excited when I started feeling them. I feel like I need all the help I can get! Labor scares me :o

Heartburn: I have never experienced heartburn in my life until this pregnancy. I had no idea what I was having was heartburn until I asked DH what it was. Luckily, I've only gotten it a couple of times late at night.

GardenGirl: Love your nursery pictures!

[Winter Biscuit]

He has always been psycho about keeping things clean and organized - must be the engineer brain.

:D My DH is an engineer too and he is a freak about having everything clean and organized. Just this morning, he was organizing our pantry in a way that would make Martha Stewart jealous. Oh, it is definitely the engineer brain!!

Amber - sorry to hear that the flu visited your home :( I'm glad you are healthy and at least you got that over with before Baby G arrives.

Garden Girl and Zhanna - I think I forgot to mention this earlier, but both of your nurseries look great! They'll look even better with babies in them ;)

Garden Girl - I laughed at Esther and Lester Nester - i am going to have to borrow those names from you sometimes.

jmvan74 - woohoo for the new c/s date! I was given the option of having Nugget on January 17 too - instead I am having my pre-op appointment that day :) And the 17th is also the EDD of one of my girlfriends - she and I are basically in a competition to see who makes it to the hospital first!

mommydearest - I checked the formula samples that I got the other day and they are indeed Similac Advanced. (I think I was thinking Enfamil because my co-worker received a sample pack of Enfamil and asked me if I wanted it.) They are the powder packets that you mix with water. The offer still stands if you'd like me to send them to you :)

[Alegna]

Heartburn: I gave up on eating tomato sauce. Hopefully I can go back to it after the baby is born. I really miss it.

Everybodies rooms look great. I've got pics of mine posted here babies room (http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/baby01_2007/)

I still need some baskets to organize things on the changing table/dresser and I need to hang the quilt and wall hangings and border. But the big stuff is done.

My appointment yesterday was interesting. My GBS came back negative. So that was good. I'm measuring right on schedule, kiddos heartrate was fine. I gained a pound from last week. But still -5 for the pregnancy. Still only a fingertip dialated and 50% effaced. Apparently my BP was a little on the high side. It was 130 something over 80 something. I can't remember the actual numbers. And I had trace amounts of protein in my urine. So the doctor freaked out and sent me to the hospital for some blood work. At least that's what he told me. So I go over to the hospital and tell the front desk why I've been sent over. They have me sit and wait for the lab. Lab comes out and says I'm supposed to go up to Labor and Delivery. Excuse me? The doctor said I just needed a blood test. So I go up there and they strap me to the fetal monitors, take the blood sample for the test and my BP every 10 minutes. I also have to answer a zillion questions. Which is so funny, because after Monday I'll be going to the other hospital. So all that paperwork is garbage. After about 2 hours they sent me home. My BP was fine while at the hospital and I guess my labs came back ok. They sent me home with a 24 hour urine collection kit. Obviously not something I can do at work. So technically I'm on bedrest until Tuesday. Then I'll go back to the doctor and he should have the results from the urine test.

I feel fine. No swelling, no real problems at all.

Personally, I think this doctor likes to over react. He's the same one that freaked out last time I saw him about my BP being slightly high. That time they had just got done digging around in both arms trying to get my blood sample for the glucose test. Of course my BP is going to be a little on high side. Let me dig around in your arms for a while and we'll see what yours does. ;) And if I'm remembering right, every time I've had an afternoon appointment I've had trace amounts of protien. But my morning appointments are fine. Wierd.

But I guess it's better to be safe than sorry. And I get today and Monday off work. (I was looking forward to the OT for Monday too) Oh well. Guess I'll spend the weekend on the couch watching tv and playing Nintendo. Maybe I can send DH to the store for some more laundry detergent and I can get the rest of the baby things washed. I'm getting close to being organized. But I'm not quite there yet.

[GardenGirl]

Angela - glad to hear all is well with your BP. That's frustrating you had to do all that paperwork for nothing, but try telling them you don't need it, right :) And congrats on pretty much finishing the nursery. I finally broke down and did the baby laundry. That was more work that I anticipated. I did all the sheets, matress pad, blankets and of course the clothes. It took forever to cut off all the tags and I don't even have that many outfits (waiting till after baby is born so we know the sex). And quite a few of the outfits I did have were really nice and you have to turn them inside out. That was a pain, turning all these little footed playsuits inside out with my huge hands.

I took the diaper cake apart that my friend gave me at my shower. They were made of newborn diapers and they were so tiny. I brought one into show DH and he really did about get teary eyed. He is so excited. I honestly think I'm more excited to see him hold the baby than me holding the baby. That is a weird feeling.

We are going to take down our Christmas decorations this weekend. I generally like to wait one more week, but since I'm due any day now, DH wants to get it done so he isn't left to do it all by himself. Besides, if he did it, I'd never find everything next year!!

[robyn]

Garden Girl - Zantac is totally okay from what I've checked on with several sources. When I first found out I was pg I came down with strep throat which was bizarrely combined with some bad acid reflux. The doctor prescribed Zantac and said it was totally safe. The 30 pill prescription lasted me most of my pregnancy as I have tried to only take it when I'm really in pain. Once on a trip I realized I hadn't brought the prescription so I asked the pharmacist at Walgreens if the OTC version was the same as the RX version and he said it was. If you check out saftfetus.com it is listed as category B which is the same as Tylenol. I know it's late in your pregnancy so it might not be too helpful at this point, but just thought I'd let you know!

[GardenGirl]

Robyn - thanks for the info. I'll definitely be taking it the next time I want some spicy food. This heartburn thing just crept up on me the last few days.

[magdesilver]

Hey mamas!
Things here are going well. I had my first weekly appt. on Thursday and they did the GBS test. I am also going to be tested for parvo because I was exposed to fifths disease from a little girl in DD's playgroup. Not a real concern this late in the pregnancy, plus I taught K-2nd grade before DD so I know I have had previous exposure so I am likely immune, but we are testing me for immunity anyhow. I have my next 3 appts. scheduled for the next 3 Thursdays. I think I will have my first internal at my 38w appt. (not this coming week, but the next).
My in-laws have been here all week and we've done so much to set up the nursery! We took all the storage stuff out, painted, set up the furniture and bedding, put the new "boy" cushions on the glider, and washed most of the newborn clothes I have. It's really coming together! Nothing is on the walls yet- I have a bunch of art, the name letters, etc. on order, and I need to pick up a rug and floor lamp for next to the glider this week or next, but it is really looking like a real nursery now! So strange to see it! Here are a few pics:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h15/nfowife/DSC04426.jpg?t=1167491233
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h15/nfowife/DSC04427.jpg?t=1167491495
We will have a changing pad on top of the dresser when he is up there more, but for now his sister's room is right next door so I can change him in there. I have his changing pad on my dresser downstairs to make it easier on me since that's where he'll do most of his sleeping for the first few months!

I have a pretty bad cold right now thanks to DD (who is getting over croup). I was so miserable that at my last appt. I finally just said please what can I take for this cold and the m/w said I could take whatever! She said sudafed was okay so I am taking some low-dose sudafed and it is heavenly at night to be able to breathe! I am getting up about 4-5 times a night to pee but otherwise I'm feeling alright, a little achey in the back though. I'm up a total of 28 lbs. so far so I will probably be around 33ish by delivery, more than with DD but still within the range of normal.
I'm definitely starting to get a little nervous about having a newborn again. My DD is at such a fun age right now, still a baby in a lot of ways and loves her mama but she can do so much by herself, it's amazing that she was a newborn herself not too long ago! I am a little worried with how she will adjust but it has to be okay because it's too late to go back now. And I can't really imagine loving another baby like I love my DD but I know that will come with the arrival of the new baby so I'm not too worried. It's just hard to imagine right now!

Tera Beautiful nursery!
Jmvan Wahoo for moving the c-date up 2 days! That's 2 less days to be miserable, in my book! I can't believe it's almost upon us that we are going to have real babies!
Alegna cute nursery! Sorry about the BP scare, it doesn't sound that high to me- mine is usually quite low (like 110/60) and this last week it was 130/70 and they weren't at all concerned as I have no swelling, plus I have a cold so they didn't think it was a big deal. But better safe than sorry!
WB I wish my DH was a neat freak engineer! Sadly, we are both pretty much slobs in terms of clutter. I have called 2 cleaning ladies this week about starting for me and 1 was already fully booked. Yikes! I am hoping the other one can fit me in because that's all I've gotten recs for from friends! I kept putting off calling them and I probably waited too long.
amber I can't believe your c-section is only a few days away! Can't wait to see a pic and also here the name!
robyn I have heartburn too, no matter what I eat- I actually usually get it around 4 p.m. which is hours after/before any meal so I am not sure what is up with that, and then it lasts most of the night. Tums didn't do jack for me so now I am taking rolaids which also has magnesium. They are gross to chew but work okay. I may try some Zantac next time I am at the store!

[GardenGirl]

I finally had a decent nights sleep last night. I took some Benadryl at 9, but on the humidifier, a nose strip and went to bed. I woke up at 2 when the medicine wore off, so I went to the bathroom and took some more. I woke up at 6:30 this morning to go to the bathroom again and fell back asleep. DH got out of bed at 7:30, so I followed him the living room to watch the news/have coffee. I just fell back asleep on the couch. Oh goodness that felt good.

Now I'm going to take a shower and get my day going. I really REALLY needed my rest. This cold/allergy/whatever thing was starting to grate on my nerves. I can deal with being pregnant because I've not been that uncomfortable, but when you throw in a stuffy head when you can't breathe as magdesilver said - it really kills my positive attitude.

[Alegna]

He is so excited. I honestly think I'm more excited to see him hold the baby than me holding the baby. That is a weird feeling.

I was having those same feelings the other day. DH is really ready to meet kiddo. He's still convinced it's a girl. I think it really sunk in for him when he could feel kiddo moving around on a regular basis. Or in my case, seeing kiddo move around from across the room! ;)

I think we're ready. As long as it happens sometime AFTER Monday we'll be ok.

We just got back from a shopping extravaganza at Walmart. Got some Chirstmas gifts for FIL. (Yes, I know it's after Christmas ~ but we haven't seen him yet) Got some baskets to organize things on the changing table. Got some more diapers. And the normal groceries and such. We had so much stuff in the cart we had to check out, take it to the car and come back in for the rest of the groceries! :eek:

Oh well. We had a Pizza Pizazz and a Showtime Rotissere oven. Those two things took up the entire cart!

[jmvan74]

thechick and WB: LMBO at your engineer DHs! My DH is a computer engineer and he's a bit neurotic as well. ;)


Angela: Nursery looks great! Sorry your DR. over reacted. I feel the same way about my DR, but better safe than sorry, ya know.;) I'm glad you are feeling ready now. Babies should start arriving any day now!

Tera: Hooray for sleep!

Margaret:I love the nursery bedding. The airplanes are adorable and the room looks great! Sorry you and DD haven't been feeling good.

DH and baby: That was definitely one of my favorite moments...seeing DH holding Collin. He was a natural from the moment he first held him. :)

Collin decided to eat a piece of his crayon today. :rolleyes: I was standing in the kitchen talking to DH when Collin walks in w/ black all around his mouth and all over his hands. I grabbed his hands and quickly realized it was crayon...thank goodness! We quickly cleaned him up and gave him so water to drink. DH was a little freaked and wanted to take him to the ER, but I laughed that off. It was a little peice of crayon, not rat poison. hehe! I wish I had taken a picture of him before cleaning him up b/c it was pretty funny.

[thechick79]

DH and baby: That was definitely one of my favorite moments...seeing DH holding Collin. He was a natural from the moment he first held him. :)

Aww that is so sweet! I can't wait to see DH bond with baby. He's such a big guy (6'4", used to play football) so seeing the tender side of him with our little girl is going to get me all emotional.

I'm excited to meet this baby and we're prepared (well, DH thinks so) but I don't know if I'm really ready! I just don't know what to expect.

[jilly]

Hi all!

Just checking in...Still can't believe that no early arrivals have popped up yet.
Fingers crossed it won't be me. Having moved only last weekend, I need ALL the time I can get to get this home settled before baby comes. Otherwise who knows when it will get done with two under two at my feet!!!

We survived the holidays, and I'm glad to say that their over. Hope everyone enjoyed their time, but for me, it was just another stress.

We're slowly dwindling down the number of cardboard boxes in the house. And my big goals before baby is to (1) get our guest room bed out of the dining room LOL! (2) make room in the garage for said bed and one car (3) at least paint the baby's room. I'm not even worried about getting it set up since DS #1 is still using the crib. I just want it painted before he comes. We'll have a few months to get it ready for him.

Other than that, I'm really feeling pretty good. I'm smaller this pregnancy and am experiencing less aches and pains than last time. I'm sure they're related.

I have just 2 more appts set up, and then the BIG DAY is scheduled for JANUARY 12TH!!!

No real contractions yet, just a TON of BH. So weird because I never remember having them last pregnancy. Probably didn't know what I was looking for, plus my dr. said that my uterus has had practice, so it's much easier to contract the second time around.

So keeping my fingers crossed that this babe hangs out as long as possible. And wishing everyone fast and safe deliveries!!!

Can't wait to 'meet' our first arrival!!!

:D

[wagsgirl]

Just stopping by to say HI to everyone quickly. I took a nap today, so I'm not as tired as I should be at this hour, but we have alot to do tomorrow, so I should really get to bed...

Still getting up 3-5 times a night to pee, eat another Tums or just because. Had my appt on Friday. Everything looks good. Still measuring ahead, dr keeps saying "You've got a big baby in there". Gee thanks...

Here's a couple shots I took on Friday at 36 weeks. Any gender guesses??? They're not the best, but the best I could do.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/wagsgirl/47b6cc08b3127cce8064796ee87d0000002.jpg?t=11675448 85http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/wagsgirl/47b6cc08b3127cce80647946e8550000002.jpg?t=11675449 14

Am I carrying high or low? I can't tell. I seem to be higher than with my DS but lower than with my DD. This kid just is stubborn and doens't want to give us any clues!! ;)

[jmvan74]

Aww that is so sweet! I can't wait to see DH bond with baby. He's such a big guy (6'4", used to play football) so seeing the tender side of him with our little girl is going to get me all emotional.



Making me all teary-eyed! I honestly don't think there was anything I could have done to be really prepared for #1. You just kind of do it. I'm sure you will be a great mom! :D


Jilly: I'll keep my fingers crossed that your little one stays put until the 12th if you keep your fingers crossed that mine stays put until the 17th! :p
I hope you can get a little more settled in your new home. I'm having a ton of BH, too. Sometimes they stop me in my tracks!

Tonya: I'm going to guess girl, for no reason other than the fact that we need a couple of girls to even things out in here! :D Tums are my new best friend. :o

[NYLACHI]

Hi everybody!

There's been a lot of posts to get through this morning! We've been super busy lately with the holidays and getting ready for our little man. I think the money hemmorage is almost over now that I found my '07 Peg Perego Soleo (orange) carseat! I can't decide what kind of stroller I want so I'm going to wait until BRU has the '07 Pegs in stock so we can play with them. We might just break down and get the Bugaboo. That thing is amazing but is so expensive.

I'm feeling fine. Negative for GBS and 20 days to go until my due date. My prediction is that I'll go about a week past my due date. He hasn't dropped yet, no contrax yet, still feeling really comfortable. Also, I'm not ready yet to have him-- I think our minds control more than we think. But we'll see, right!

We'll have the nursery finished by next weekend! I can't wait to post pics-- it's coming out really cute. Tera, Zhanna and everyone else who I missed-- I love your nurseries! Adorable!

Happy New Year everyone! What's the plan for tonight? I'm going to make dinner and we'll probably finish up the 5th Season of 24 on DVD. Yep, we're rock stars-- that's right. What about you?

[zhannushka]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/zhannushka/prod_411_6421.gif

We always celebrate New Year's with our families, at my parents' house. MIL and DH's grandma are coming over as well. It should be nice and relaxing - my mom always makes a delicious dinner and we exchange gifts (Russian tradition). I am hoping that the baby doesn't decide to arrive tonight even though my mom swears that he will! ;)

[zhannushka]

Tonya - you look great! I'm really bad at guessing, but I'll say girl as well...

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Wow - I can't believe we don't have any babies here yet! Not that I am complaining, of course!

Dh and I went to BRU and Target to fill in the gaps in our registry. I think we are finally all set and ready for Katie to make an appearance. (I just need to pack a hospital bag and finish my birth plan!) I have been having a lot of BH contractions and I actually got a little nervous yesterday because my body was "cleansing itself" all day and I know that can be a sign of early labor. However, that seems to have stopped and I am feeling better.

Last night Katie must have been sitting belly to my belly because I could totally see her "breathing". It was so cool and so weird at the same time.

We have no plans for today that I am aware of. DH got up early and surprised me with a wonderful fire. It's cold and drizzily outside. We usually go out to dinner for NYE, but I am happy just to stay home and curl up by the fire. I doubt I will be able to stay awake til midnight anyways!

Everyone nurseries look great! I did spend time working on ours, but I just can't be happy with it yet. I don't like the layout and while I have moved things around a few times, nothing is working!

[jmvan74]

Happy New Year's Eve!

We'll be staying in tonight. I'm sure we will be in bed by 10pm. LOL!

[jilly]

jmvan... You've got a deal! Let's keep these guys staying put as long as possible!

NYE plans...Ha! Mine is to be in bed fast asleep. Real wild and crazy.


HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Here comes January....Bring on the babies....:D

[thechick79]

Last night Katie must have been sitting belly to my belly because I could totally see her "breathing". It was so cool and so weird at the same time.

Wow, that is so cool!

wagsgirl - You look great! I'll say girl :)

We will be staying in tonight as well. We'll be watching movies and hanging out.

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year!

[amberwaves]

We made it to January girls! I can't believe that we didn't have one single early arrival! Guess our babies are happy in our bellies!

I took another belly shot at 38 weeks... I'll try to take one more the day I go to the hospital, since I did that with Gabby and that's the first pic in her album...

http://www.inababycarriage.com/images3/belly_38weeks2.jpg

3 more days... I am just getting more and more anxious. There are times I get a little nervous, mainly about remembering everything about having a newborn around. But then again, I had the same concerns the first time around, and once the baby was here, so much just came naturally, I was shocked.

I hope everyone had a Happy New Year! I was in bed by 9:30. Had the WORST heartburn last night. Even after a couple of Zantac, I didn't feel much better. I just keep reminding myself it's not for much longer.

Our month is here! Can't wait to start seeing all the arrival announcements!!!

Happy L&D to everyone!

[jmvan74]

Wow! It's January! Bring on the babies!

Happy New Year!

Amber: I'm really shocked there were no early babies, too. Statistically, it seems odd. LOL! Good luck on the 4th!

I was in bed by 10pm last night. Of course, I was awakened by fireworks later that evening. :rolleyes: I know people want to celebrate, but I just wanted to sleep. Luckily, they didn't wake DS. I hope everyone had an uneventful NYE! Well, if that's what you wanted, anyway. :D I'm sure I'll be in here 10 times a day from here on out, just waiting for announcements!

[GardenGirl]

Yikes - 6 days to go. Geez that's crazy!

We were asleep by 10:30, sort of. Our neighbors threw a party last night and had fireworks from about 11pm to 2am - it was loud to say the least.

I woke up with a bit of a nesting bug, so I'm going to go with it. I need to organize my study, I have magazines (I love clipping recipes) everywhere and random things to file. So I'm going to tackle that room. I set up our webcam last night - we got the ILs one for Christmas so I need to call MIL and walk her through setting hers up. It was actually very easy - I was shocked.

Feeling normal, well at least as normal as a 39 weeker would feel. I thought I had some muenstral cramps this morning, but I think it's just gas. I've been having a lot of that lately. This child must have hit a growth spurt 2 weeks ago because that is when I started really looking pregnant and having less room in my tummy. Before that I really didn't look full term, now I do.

Well off to organize ...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

[robyn]

I'm shocked that all our January babies are actually going to be January babies! Jmvan, I agree that that seems almost impossible statistically!

We hosted a dinner party last night for 2 other couples and everyone stayed till about 1:30. I was definitely tired, but felt as okay as one can probably feel at almost 38 weeks. ;) I am taking it easy today and I've promised myself that I am DONE entertaining for quite some time. I need to rest up and make sure I'm ready for labor.

I'm so happy that everyone is still doing well as we enter our baby month. I can't wait for the birth announcements to start rolling in!

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2007.

[GardenGirl]

Other than sitting on this ball and doing pelvic "thrusts", is there anything else I can do to get this baby to drop into the birth canal. I don't think I can go to my appt on Thursday (I'll be 39w4d) and not have any progress. Baby is still pretty high - I can tell.

I sit and stretch on this ball and while it feels great it doesn't seem to be doing what our instructor eluded too - helping open up pelvis for baby to drop lower.

Thoughts/ideas/suggestions ...

[mommydearest]

We went to a really fun party with some of my parents friends. I would have never guessed that we'd have as much fun as we did and we actually drove separately thinking it would be lame and we would want to leave. They had amazing food and we did karaoke on their player piano for awhile (very cool if you have never seen one) and then ended up in the basement doing real karaoke. Hilarious to see my corporate father's friends and my mom's fairly reserved friends totally sloshed singing 70's hits. I did Goodbye Earl and YMCA, which was even funnier since I was totally sober. I'm not usually one to drink, but I would have killed for an amaretto sour!

Today, I got a scare about someone buying cloth diapers from DiaperSwappers whose son got a staph infection from the diapers. It is an isolated incident in which the seller knew perfectly well her kid had the staph and did not disclose it to the new buyer. Her IP was banned from the site. Mine were bought from someone else, so it shouldn't be a problem, but it freaked me out anyway. The dipes are really cute colors and I didn't want to bleach them. So I boiled all of them instead. It was pretty funny to see this 16qt. pot of boiling water filled with diapers on the stove. I am about 99% sure I would have been fine, but now it freaked me out. Don't mess with a preggo lady!

Robyn Hooray for a fun dinner party!

Garden Sorry about the fireworks. They make my dog nuts, so I hate it when people set them off. To me, doing things like that is rude if its not the 4th of July.

Amber Good luck!!!

Lucy Hope your stomach is feeling better. Mine has "cleansed" it self a couple times lately and I always get excited and then nothing happens. This kid has totally messed up my digestion. Thank goodness its almost over.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

I can't believe I did it, but YES - I stayed up til after midnight last night! The last half hour was a bitch, but I was determined for some reason. I don't even know why I cared. It's not like anything happend...LOL All I can say is that NYE and the 4th of July are my poor doggies worst days of the year. She is terrified of fireworks and, of course, our idiot neighbors were firing off a bunch of illegals for about 20 minutes. Poor Lucy was just shaking. :(

Today I am jst feeling "blah". I'm not happy or excited about this being "our month". I'm not nesting. I'm just blah. Brad got a tri-tip to BBQ for dinner and he's totally looking forward to cooking. He's been working in the yard all day and came in all excited to start the grill. "Are you ready for dinner?" My response - "Whatever..." I don't know why I am just so bitchy. Poor DH.

[Alegna]

We ended up at a friends house. Ate some food. Watched the Bears, played a board game. Nothing too exciting.

DH is upstairs right now cleaning the last of the furniture. He also tightened the bolts on the cradle so it's more sturdy now. The sheets I had that I THOUGHT were for the cradle don't fit. They must have been for the moses basket. So I think I'm without cradle sheets. I'll have to sort through the hand me downs again and see if I just missed it. If not I've got some more shopping to do. :(

I go back to the doctor in the morning to get my test results. I don't know what to expect. My BP was fine at the hospital. And everything I've been reading says some protien is normal. Or it might be a sign of a UTI. I feel fine, no swelling, no headaches, no trouble with my vision. I guess I'm just afraid I'm going to walk in there and they're going to say that I need to go be induced. That's not really something I was wanting. But really it's more like a wake up call that this baby can come at any time!

So have we set a record for the first month that didn't have any early babies? It's shocking really.

[richards2]

Hi everyone. I am new to the boards and just found this thread. I actually was going to post a couple of weeks ago, but I ended up having our baby early. I was due January 31st and I had her December 6th. We got to come home two days before Christmas. So this is the first chance that I have had to talk to you all. My name is Mandi and I have been married for five years. I have a sixteenth month old daughter named Lilianna and she is doing really well with having a new sister. Our new daughters name is Isabella and she is doing great for being eight weeks early.
I just wanted to stop in and say hi. I will try to keep up with this thread now that i know it is here.

[thechick79]

amberwaves - Good luck! I'm sure you are excited to meet your precious bundle of joy.

GardenGirl - I couldn't find any information online about how to get the baby to descend into the birth canal without it inducing labor as well. I wasn't sure if you were ready for labor or wanted to wait :D I think the methods you are trying right now sound like the best bet.

We stayed up until about 1am. We toasted with some sparkling grape juice and went to bed. I was having some hip pain so DH surrounded me with more pillows and I think I had the best night of sleep ever!

I, too, am surprised there was not one early baby! I think our little girl decided she would rather be a 2007 baby even though DH really wanted the tax break :D

We are ready for this little one to come anytime. We checked our bags and made sure we had everything. Car seat, etc. is in the car. So now we just wait!

ETA: Welcome and congratulations Mandi!

[zhannushka]

Welcome and Congratulations Mandi! :D If you want me to add your stats to the front page, please post them here in red. :)

I am so proud of myself for staying up REALLY late last night... Our family tradition is staying up through the night on New Years while having dinner and hanging out at my parents' house, so while I did take a quick nap between 1 am and 2:30 am, I was then up until 7 am and actually drove DH and I home from my parents' house around 6 am! :p

[richards2]

Username: richards2
Me: Mandi 27
DH: Don 28
Married: August 18, 2001
EDD: January 31, 2007
Actually Born: December 6, 2006
Gender Prediction: We had a girl named Isabella
Any other children: Daughter Lilianna born August 5, 2005

[jmvan74]

Tera: I hope your nesting mood helped you get a lot organized. I don't really have any suggestions for moving the baby down in to the birth canal. I think what you are doing is probably helpful.

Robyn: 1:30am! You go girl!

Kristen: Sorry about the diaper scare.:eek: Glad you had fun at the party.

Ginger; Hooray for making it until midnight! Sorry you are feeling blah.

Angela: I hope your test results are normal. Did you find the cradle sheets? I made a trip to wal-mart today when I realized I didn't have any socks for my little guy. :rolleyes: All of collin's infant socks managed to disappear.

Welcome Mandi. Congrats on DD#2. ;) Hope you are getting lots of rest. That's great that your older daughter is enjoying being a big sister. I'm a little nervous about how my son is going to deal w/ the baby.

thechick: Sounds like you had a relaxing evening. I'm getting excited for you....any day now....

Wow, Zhanna! All night! You party girl! LOL! I hope you got a lot of sleep today. :p

I am sooo uncomfortable!! I have been having a ton of contractions. I honestly can't tell if they are BH or real. :o My legs and ligaments are incredibly sore and walking is becoming a chore. The baby is so low, I have to pee every 5 freaking minutes. I honestly don't know how I'm going to get through the next 2 weeks. I had to put diaper supplies in the living room, so I can change DS on the couch b/c I just can't get on the floor anymore. :( Sorry to be a complainer. I know I'm almost there and I honestly am very excited to meet this little guy....I just feel like Collin is getting the short end of the stick right now.

[mommydearest]

I am sooo uncomfortable!! I have been having a ton of contractions. I honestly can't tell if they are BH or real. :o My legs and ligaments are incredibly sore and walking is becoming a chore.

I hope for your sake they are the real deal!!!! It would be so nice to be done already.

[robyn]

Other than sitting on this ball and doing pelvic "thrusts", is there anything else I can do to get this baby to drop into the birth canal. I don't think I can go to my appt on Thursday (I'll be 39w4d) and not have any progress. Baby is still pretty high - I can tell.

I sit and stretch on this ball and while it feels great it doesn't seem to be doing what our instructor eluded too - helping open up pelvis for baby to drop lower.

Thoughts/ideas/suggestions ...

I was told by my yoga teacher (who is also a doula) that squatting can help. I wish I had a picture because it's hard to describe exactly how to do it! I use 2 pillows, one to put under my heels (you may or may not need it - some people are naturally better squatters!), and one that I fold in half like an upside down "V" and then put under my bottom/crotch. I put the flat pillow on the floor with the couch or wall behind me (if you are using the couch make sure it's not in a place where it can slide back) - then I stand on the pillow so that my toes are on the floor, but my heels are on the pillow. Then I fold my 2nd pillow and put the in the middle of the flat pillow, and then I squat down so that the folded pillow is supporting most of my weight. I find that I can sit pretty comfortably like this for about 15 minutes, and then it starts to get to my knees. Like I said, some people are better at squatting and can stay like that for hours. I do try to lean forward a bit while I'm down there ... you can put your elbows so that they are on the inside of your knees and then support your head or chin in the palms of your hands. Hope this kind of makes sense!

Here's something else I read about squatting: "Squatting is a great way to increase the diameter of your pelvic outlet, but should not be used until your baby is already started to descend into your pelvis. Once the baby is fully engaged in your pelvis this position will only further encourage your baby to descend further. This is also a great position for the actual birth. Squatting helps protect your perineum from tearing, as it pulls on this skin and stretches it naturally. Squatting during pregnancy a lot helps to get the perineum ready for birth."

[zhannushka]

I am sooo uncomfortable!! I have been having a ton of contractions. I honestly can't tell if they are BH or real. :o My legs and ligaments are incredibly sore and walking is becoming a chore. The baby is so low, I have to pee every 5 freaking minutes.
This describes exactly how I've been feeling the last few days! :( I can totally sympathize and I know it's even tougher for you since you have a toddler to take care of... My biggest fear has been not knowing when the contractions become real and I could possibly be in labor and not even know it. Especially since I have to get the IV with antibiotics for the GBS... :eek:

[Lucy Van Pelt]

This describes exactly how I've been feeling the last few days! :( I can totally sympathize and I know it's even tougher for you since you have a toddler to take care of... My biggest fear has been not knowing when the contractions become real and I could possibly be in labor and not even know it. Especially since I have to get the IV with antibiotics for the GBS... :eek:

One of the ladies at my shower told me that she didn't know she was in labor and by the time she decided to go to the hospital, she was at 9 centimeters! That's an exception to the rule though, I am sure, so don't freak out. She delivered on her due date and she told her husband she was having cramping all day and he kinda dismissed her comments saying she was imagining it because she "was nervous about today being her due date"! LOL

[jmvan74]

This describes exactly how I've been feeling the last few days! :( I can totally sympathize and I know it's even tougher for you since you have a toddler to take care of... My biggest fear has been not knowing when the contractions become real and I could possibly be in labor and not even know it. Especially since I have to get the IV with antibiotics for the GBS... :eek:

Ughhh. I never went beyond early labor w/ DS#1 before my induction started, so I feel kind of clueless. Everyone says "you'll know" when it's the real thing. :rolleyes: That helps. NOT.


Kristen: It would be nice to be done, but I really don't want to go in to labor before my c/s. I really don't have anyone to take care of DS until then! :o


Well, here I am at 3:00am.. I really HATE pg insomnia!

[NYLACHI]

Hi everybody! Happy new year!

I'm sorry to say that I made it to a whopping 10:30 before I crashed-- we spent all day working on the nursery and getting things ready for the baby and I was so tired. We're also watching Season 5 of 24 right now so that was my big excitement for the past few days.

I have to go back to work today. How sad! My last day is supposed to be January 17 but I'll probably try to work until I go into labor or at the very least complete that week so I can have as much time with the peanut as possible during my leave. My prediction is that I'll go one week past my due date. I just have a feeling....

I'm getting really uncomfortable now, which is shocking because I've had it so easy until now. I need a morning nap and I get out of breath all the time. It's hard to stand up and I thought I was going to pass out yesterday while I was undressing the Christmas tree-- hardly an olympic event. I'm hoping getting back to work and commuting will help. Sometimes sloth breeds sloth and I've been really relaxing a lot while on vacation.

[Winter Biscuit]

Just checking in to say hi and happy new year to everyone! I, too, am surprised that we didn't have any early babies (except Mandi - welcome and congrats!) Unless there might be members of the January 2007 group who haven't been posting regularly, who may have already had theirs??

Unbelievably, I stayed up and out until 1:30am on NYE but I am still paying for it today. I am SO tired. And this Friday I am taking my huge certification exam for work, so I will be studying as much as I can every waking minute this week, right up until my 9:30am exam time on Friday. Ugh, no time to catch up on my sleep this week.

My birthday is tomorrow and I fully intend to have DH wait on me hand and foot - I have relieved myself of all domestic duties this week :D My parents are on vacation this week and they gave me a gift card to the spa before they left...I am SO looking forward to scheduling one last prenatal massage and pedicure before Nugget comes. We are all huge and uncomfortable....I say that we all need to PAMPER ourselves as much as we can before our little one gets here because once these babies come, there won't be much time for pampering! So bring on the pampering, ladies! :D

I cannot believe that I am supposed to have this baby exactly 3 weeks from today, right down to the exact hour. My DD asks me nearly every day when the baby is going to "pop out." (It's so funny and cute when she asks. "Mommy, is Nugget going to pop out of your tummy today?" :D) I think she is ready to be a big sister, although I am still a bit nervous about how the actual transition is going to go.

Nugget still doesn't have a name, we don't have the car seat installed, we don't have any going-home outfits...I feel like our to-do list hasn't shrunk at all. I did wash another load of baby clothes yesterday so at least this kid will have some clean onesies, socks and sleepers ;) When is it going to hit me that I am going to have a newborn VERY SOON?!?!

I am feeling pretty good (except for how tired I am - but that is a direct result of staying out too late on NYE and nothing else) and am even wearing my favorite black boots with 3-inch heels today :eek: I feel so lucky that I haven't had any heartburn throughout this pregnancy at all (knock on wood), and I STILL don't need to wake up to use the bathroom, so I am sleeping pretty good at night. My only complaint right now is that I just hit the phase where you feel like you have to go to the bathroom because there's so much pressure on your bladder....and as soon as you run to the bathroom, only 2 drops (if that) of urine comes out. Then you stand back up and feel like you have to go again. What a cruel joke. :rolleyes: But, it's almost over. It's almost over. IT'S ALMOST OVER!!!!!

[amwilson615]

Ladies, glad to see that we're such a "tight" group. hahahaha. I've been following along, just not posting. It seems like everyone is doing pretty well and handling the aches, pains, and other run-of-the-mill ailments in a great fashion. All of the nurseries look awesome, girls. I am totally loving them, and living vicariously through you all. (We won't get to have a nursery for about 6 or 7 months--just a cosleeper for now). Oh, and the belly pics are great. So adorable. So great to see how everyone's popping right out there.

Welcome, Mandi! Congrats on your early delivery.:)

As for me, still here, still pregnant. I am very uncomfortable, and am right there with you girls on the aches, pains, bladder, back, heartburn--all of it. I was NEVER this uncomfortable with DD, so, I'm like a first-timer here. I had an ultrasound on the 27th: amniotic fluid is fine, baby is measuring 2 weeks ahead (my fundal measurements are still 3-5 weeks ahead), confirmed it was a boy (I didn't want to start washing clothes and stuff until I had this confirmation). They estimated the baby's weight at 6lb 8oz (plus or minus a lb). He is really far down in the canal. Measured his head and for his "age," he is in the 80th percentile for headsize (oh yeah baby). :rolleyes: After the ultrasound, went to see my doctor. I weigh 216, for a total weight gain of 19 pounds so far. Did my GBS test, will get results tomorrow at my appt. Am on weekly appointments now. Will probably have an internal tomorrow--just yesterday, I started having bloody show. I have a feeling that this baby is coming in the next 1-2 weeks. Which means, I gotta get stuff done around here. I put together a few of the baby's things and got all the tags off of his clothes and blankets--now I have to wash. Get the cosleeper put together, etc. Oh, and just found out that my carseat we have won't work for the baby, cause it's almost 6 years old. So, FH and I have to get a seat asap. Time is definitely ticking, and I am so scared of being caught offguard. Oh, well I am tired of typing.

Hope everyone is still well, and can't wait to start seeing delivery postings!

[Elenna]

Happy New Year! DH and I were able to stay up to 12:30am and celebrated at home with sparkling grape juice.

I think it is really cool that there were no early babies for this group (except for our new member, Mandi).

Even though my due date is later than everyone else's I'm with y'all on the aches and pains. I've had a couple of pains the past couple days that have made me wonder if it was a contraction or just gas pains coinciding with a BH.

amwilson: Congrats on having the bloody show.

Winter Biscuit: Happy Birthday!

Zhanna: My family does a New Year's gift, too. I didn't know it was a Russian tradition. No one else I've mentioned it to has heard of it before. I find it amazing you were able to stay up all night on NYE (even with the nap).

[GardenGirl]

Yeah, it says I only have 5 days to go - but that can't be right. I have nothing go on. I haven't felt one contraction this entire pregnancy. Not even a BH.

I've done everything on my list so now I just sit and wait. DH is so excited to meet this baby - he asks me multiple times a day "So when do you think you'll have the baby?" I'm so glad he's excited, but I don't have a clue when this child will come.

I think it will come late and it will be my pschycological undoing. I kept saying this child won't come early - it won't be on my birthday (Dec 23) - it won't be on Christmas - it will be AFTER the holidays. So now, I've obviously convinced the child not to arrive early. So it's not going to.

It's not that I really want it him/her to come early, it's that I don't want to be induced. I really want to get this started on my own. I want that moment when I say "Honey, it's time." I know that's probably selfish and silly, but it's true. Plus, I feel that if my body isn't ready to give birth, I shouldn't force it. I don't want to end up in a c/s because I'm just not ready, KWIM?

I have a dr appt on Thursday and I'll be 39w4d. I have a feeling if I still haven't made any progress that the doc will want to schedule an induction. I'm going to drag my heels on that. So will DH. Doc said she wouldn't let me go past a week after my DD.

Robyn - thanks so much for the great advice on squatting. I'm going to do that starting tonight. I'm okay with opening the pelvis and starting labor. At this point, the baby is healthy and will be just fine if he/she is born.

Fortunately, I'm not feeling miserable. Yeah, the sinus infection thing is annoying but I can deal. I'm still working and surprising everyone here by my attendance.

Anyone else realize that tomorrow is a full moon? Maybe we'll start to see some arrivals ...

WB - I hear you on the bathroom thing. What I also hate is when I go and then 5 minutes later I feel like I have to go again and that I may not make it time. It's ridiculous!

[Alegna]

So all my blood work came back fine. 24 hour pee thing was high. Normal is less than 225. Mine was 312. But they don't consider it preeclampisa until 500. So I've got to do it again today.

FUN FUN FUN :rolleyes:

Other than the protien I'm doing good. My blood pressure was back down to a better number. No swelling, no headaches, no vision trouble. No other signs of anything being wrong.

Baby is doing good. Everything is measuring on schedule. Baby's heartrate was 152 and would keep swimming away from the doplar.

I'm still only fingertip dialated. So no progress there.

From what the doctor said things can go from ok to bad pretty quick. So that's why they've got me staying home and seeing them twice a week. It sounds like I probably won't be going back to work until after kiddo is here. (As you can guess - I'm SO dissappointed)

I did find the sheets for the cradle. I missed them the first time because they aren't fitted. They are just a plain flat sheet without the elastic. They'll work for both the cradle and the changing table. They're plenty big to fold around the edges and make them tight.

I stocked our 3 changing areas yesterday. I shouldn't have too go far to change a diaper now. One upstairs in kiddos room, one in our bedroom on the first floor and one in the living room at the other end of the house. I've still got to pack my bag and install the car seat. But other than that I think we're good to go. I wanted to get one of those shower cap type car seat covers, but forgot last time we were at walmart.

DH is ready for kiddo anytime. He was talking to my belly last night saying how he was ready to meet him/her. I suppose if my protien levels keep going up DH is going to get his wish sooner than expected.

[wine_o_girlie]

What????? No babies yet? I cannot believe it! I have been off work and away from the computer since 12/24 and I was so excited to look at our thread today and see some babies. :p Wow, I cannot believe no one from our original "group" has popped yet. We must have cervixes of steel! ;)

No baby here, thank goodness. My 5th year of service at my firm officially kicked in yesterday, so I am now entitled to the super deluxe benefits! Very happy about that. No matter when the baby comes from here on out, I have worked it out with my boss that I won't be returning until the first week of May and it's all 100% paid. Woohoo - Merry Christmas to me. :) I can officially relax now and am ready whenever the baby is ready. I hope that everyone who is ready for their baby to come sees some action soon. :)

Baby is doing great. I went to the midwives last Friday and he sounded great and they gave me the official "you're full-term, have the baby whenever" status. All paperwork is done, birth plan approved and in my file, and my GBS screen was negative. They are estimating his size to be around 6 1/2 pounds right now and he is still head down and has started to engage. I thought he was a bit lower so I was happy to hear he is moving in the right direction. I had my only internal at my prior appointment and I was 1 centimeter dialated then. I have occassional pinching sensations in what I assume is my cervix so I guess that is good and things are starting to progress down there. I have started to get a tiny bit worried about my water breaking at work but I guess there isn't much I can do about that. I think I might put a towel in the car just in case. I have turned into an eating machine and damn if the holidays aren't a great time for that to happen! By some miracle, I didn't gain any weight at my last appointment so my total weight gain for the pregnancy is still 12 pounds. The belly is still only measuring 34w but the midwives say that measurement isn't accurate anymore because he has started to engage and that skews things. I am a little concerned that I am measuring so small but just trying to trust their judgement and my gut instinct that he is fine and I just have a long torso for him to hide in. Overall, we are doing fabulous and I have no complaints other than my pants fall down every 2 seconds and it's so damn annoying. No aches, no more reflux recently (thank God!), no swelling , etc.

My husband and I have been so focused on making it past January 1st due to my maternity benefits and the risk of prematurity that it's really weird now that we can finally relax and be open to the baby coming anytime. Everything is washed and put away and everything has been assembled and is now just waiting for the babe. It's so weird to see a Pack 'n Play in our family room. :eek:

Hope y'all had a wonderful holiday season. We celebrate Hanukkah and
Christmas and had a great and relaxing holiday season. Everyone is so excited for the baby and it's been really special. We were both off from 12/24-1/1 and it was fabulous and much needed. We saw family and friends a lot, ate tons, organized tons of baby stuff, and lots of progress was made by the various contractors on finishing our basement. I will be sooooo happy when the basement is done since everything from it had to come upstairs and is currently residing in my formal living room. I have now reconciled myself with the fact that it won't be done before the baby comes and everyone who comes over to see the baby will see my husband's boxes of crap. He is definitely the pack rat in the family and I haven't cared until this point because the basement was unfinished. We bought tons of storage tubs and I am forcing him to get rid of a lot of things before it goes back into the basement. The drywall was done on Wednesday last week so we rented a paint sprayer for a couple of days. Whoa, that thing was crazy. My husband seriously had on a haz-mat suit while he was using it. We used 10 gallons of primer, 5 gallons of flat white on the ceilings, 4 gallons a beigey-yellowish color, 3 gallons of burgandy for the media room, 2 gallons of blue for the office/guest room, and 1 gallon of sage for the bathroom. Yes, all of that painting occurred in 2 days. Needless to say, we were beat when we returned that thing on NYE afternoon. My husband was the sprayer and I went behind him with a roller smoothing everything out and making sure there were no drips or anything. We both wore masks. In a really sick way I was so proud of myself for being able to accomplish such a physical task 2 weeks before my due date. Since we were so drained from painting, we stayed in and ordered pizza and finished the end of The Wire Season 4 for NYE. We were real party animals this year! ;)

Anyway, we are all getting so close and it's so exciting. Tera, I am sorry you aren't feeling like you are making a lot of progress since I think you have the first due date. I really second the suggestion of doing squats. I do them a lot and I really think it's helpful. Also, be as active as you can be and let gravity be your friend - walk, walk, walk. Lastly, my midwives recommend evening primrose oil caplets (EPO) for softening the cervix and having sex. Not sure if any of that is appealing to you right now but that's what they say works. Okay, I gotta run since my office is closing early due to Ford's death. I am thinking of you guys a lot and I can't wait to start seeing adorable baby pictures!!

[zhannushka]

Elenna - Wow! You are the first person ever (other then everyone in Russia and my Russian friends here), whose family exchanges gifts on New Years! That's very cool! :)

WB - Happy Birthday tomorrow!!! :D

Angela - It's great to hear that all your tests came back normal!

wine_o_girlie - YAY for super deluxe benefits at work! Wow, getting 100% pay all the way until May is just fantastic!!!

I just came back from my appointment - everything looks good, baby's h/b is 146, I'm 1 cm dialated, my BP is good. Baby is measuring right on - 38w5d (I'll be 39 weeks tomorrow). They estimate him to weigh 8 lbs at this time! :eek: I had a feeling all along that this baby will be early, but I guess I was wrong - my due date is a week from tomorrow and it looks like he may be too comfy in there to come any sooner...

[Elenna]

zhanna: I'll have to ask my russian friends here (one from Moscow and one from the Ukraine) if they exchange New Year's gifts. I wonder if my family might have picked up the tradition from a russian family (there are several russian communities in Alaska close to where I grew up).

wine-o: That's a lot of painting. Good for you for being able to do what you did. Congrats on getting paid maternity leave until May. That's a sweet deal.

[jmvan74]

I had a feeling our thread would be hard to keep up with once January hit! :p

NYLACHI: Hope you get your energy back.

WB: So cute that DD is old enough to understand there is a baby coming. I'm jealous that you are feeling so good.
Happy Birthday tomorrow! Take advantage of it! LOL!

Amanda: Sorry you are feeling the end of pg ailments as well. I can't beleive you have "show" already! You may be early!

Elenna: I'm impressed by all of you who made it past midnight! I've had the aches and pains for a few weeks. Your due date is not much beyond mine. ;)

Have to put DS to bed...be back later to finish.

[jmvan74]

Tera; Waiting is the hardest part. Especially when you are all ready. I'll be sending you labor vibes!


Angela: Glad all of your tests were normal. Shucks, on having to stay out of work. :p I hope everything stays normal. Good thing you found the sheets.;)


wine-o: Hooray for 5 years and excellent benefits! I think time paid until May is phenomenal! That is a lot of painting! Better you than me. LOL!


zhanna: You never can tell what's going to happen. 1cm is some progress. ;) Hang in there.


We are pretty much ready. I still need to wipe down the sides of the bassinet and bring it in to our room. We installed the car seat base this weekend and I packed a bag for the hospital. I have my 37 week appt. tomorrow. The DR I'm seeing will probably do an internal...I've been having some painful contractions...so I'll probably go w/ it since I'm curious.:o

[thechick79]

Julie - Good luck at your appointment tomorrow! Keep me posted lady.

GardenGirl - I know how you feel. I don't want to be induced either and I want baby to come on her own terms. She is measuring small so my doctor has not mentioned it. Sending you positive vibes. Things can happen quickly :D

WB - Happy Birthday tomorrow! Yes, take advantage of DH fully!

zhannushka - 1cm is progress! That's what I was told at least.

MIL is going crazy calling all the time to make sure she is in the loop about the latest news. It's annoying my husband. He is the youngest of seven and she wants to be the first to know so she can call everyone. :rolleyes:

My mom flies in tomorrow night! Yay! I have an appointment tomorrow morning. I am hoping to have progressed more than 1cm. I am afraid of going past my due date and baby getting too big. My husband's sister is an OBGYN and she told me as soon as we announced we were pregnant that I would need a c-section. I want to prove her wrong.

Have a great night ladies!

[richards2]

jmvan74: Thank you for the welcome. I wish I was getting lots of rest. It is not easy with a preemie. I am nursing and I also have to supplement with a bottle of breast milk and human milk fortifier every other feeding. So I am nursing and pumping every three hours. That will get better though. I can go to straight nursing when she is full term. So the end is in sight.

I was very nervous about my daughter, but she is doing great. There is no Jealousy at all which really surprised me. Hopefully your son will do well.

[GardenGirl]

WB - Happy Birthday!

I'm taking a half day today to get somethings done. Taking cat to the vet this a.m. and then having the car seat inspected (yes, again) later this afternoon. I tried to level it out with one of those levelers made of the pool noodle stuff and I screwed it up. I can't get it buckled now. So I took out the leveler and now it's too loose. I was very frustrated. The seat is definitely not at a 45 degree angle. It's practically sitting straight up. So I made an appointment for someone else to look at it.

Still not feeling great - I think I have a sinus infection. I'm going to mention it to the OB tomorrow and see what she says. Benadryl is not helping. I need to get some rest - I'll need it for upcoming labor (whenever that is).

I did some squats and bounced on my birth ball last night. I still think baby is high, but I'll know for sure tomorrow at my appointment. I'm anxious to see whats going on - but nervous because I don't want to hear "firm and closed" again.

[Alegna]

I did some squats and bounced on my birth ball last night.

I think I'm going to start working on some "home induction methods" too. Nothing too crazy, but if my labs come back tomorrow and they need to induce me I'd like a bit of a head start. Fingertip and 50% is something but not much.

Welcome Richards2! I'm sure we'll all know what you mean about lack of rest soon enough.

[jmvan74]

So my OB appt. went well. I'm measuring fine and HB was strong. However, she asked me if I'd started NST's. Ummm...no. No one told me I needed to. She said b/c I was GD I should have an NST once a week. Okay...I only have 2 weeks until delivery. Anyhow...I had to schedule two additional appts. I'm so stressed about it b/c every day DH has to take off before the baby comes, is one less day he will have after the baby comes. He only has a week and a half to begin w/. :( I'm so annoyed that she sprung this on me now. I know it's better safe than sorry, but still soooo annoying.

thechick: Now that mom is there....you can have that baby! Happy due date!

richards: Sleep is definitely elusive w/ a newborn. DS #1 wasn't a preemie, but he was jaundiced and I had to feed him every two hours in order to avoid supplementing w/ formula. That ended up lasting 3 months. I really hope #2 does not have the same issues. ;) Glad your little one is thriving w/ such an early arrival.

Tera: Sorry you aren't feeling well. I hope the DR has some good news for you tomorrow. ;)

Angela: Keeping my fingers crossed that all is normal and no induction is necessary. :)

Good luck tomorrow Amber! You may have our first official January 07/ born in 07 baby!

[Elenna]

jmvan: That sucks your OB sprung that on you at this point. I hope the NSTs go well.

I had my 36 week appt this morning. I'm 1cm dialated and 50% effaced already. I know it isn't much, but I was really surprised to hear that. Baby is head down, but still up high.

[thechick79]

Julie - I'm sorry they did that to you just now. Ugh, that has got to be annoying. I'm glad everything else looks great!

I had my appointment today. I'm almost 2cm dilated, 70% effaced. They gave me a NST since my due date is on Friday. Baby is "textbook perfect" and moving well and has a strong heartbeat. She doesn't think I will go into labor by Friday. They might induce me next week :( She said I will be able to have the baby vaginally since baby is measuring small and she estimates baby won't be over 7 lbs and if she is over 7.5lbs she will be "very surprised." Baby is still head down and very, very low in my pelvis so if my water breaks it will be a trickle. I'm going to do some squats, walking, etc. this weekend.

[jmvan74]

Elenna: Progress is progress! ;)

thechick: don't be discouraged....things can happen quickly. Sending Labor vibes your way!!

[Winter Biscuit]

Just stopping by to send labor vibes to anyone who wants them :D

I agree with jmvan74 that progress is progress ;) When I was 11 days past my EDD with my DD, I was only 20% effaced and fingertip dilated, so I definitely know first-hand how frustrating it is to want your body to do something, especially the things that a woman's body was designed to do. It's so hard to be patient when we are so close to the end, but once we have our little babes in our arms, it will be totally worth it :)

Good luck tomorrow Amber - we'll be thinking of you and anxious to hear how everything went! :)

[magdesilver]

I also agree with the pp's about slow progress. I was 1cm and 75% effaced for the entire month before my due date with DD, up to 2 days after my due date. 3 days later when I showed up at the hospital in labor, I was 4 cm and 90% effaced. Your body will get there when it's ready!
This time around, my midwife doesn't do internals until 38 weeks (and even then, you can refuse them, she just likes to check at 40w if you haven't had any labor signs yet). So I have no idea if I've made any progress or not and won't know for another week or so. Oh well!
I'm dealing with a sick DD today (she threw up yesterday for the first time ever, has an ear infection, is constipated to the point it is making her cry...oy!). So not fun!!

[ButterflyJen]

Hi all - haven't been keeping up very well around here! :) I'm pretty far behind, so I won't even try to catch up....sorry!

Though I will say - Julie, that sucks. I'd be ticked off too!

Welcome Mandi, and congrats on your little one! I had to feed DD evern three hours, at least, when she was born as she was smaller (5lbs, 3 oz, not an ounce of fat on her anywhere). So yeah, I hear ya on the lack of sleep! It will get better soon!

I can't believe we don't have any other babies yet....besides Amber's tomorrow. GOOD LUCK TOMORROW, AMBER!

Hi to everyone else! Glad to hear everyone's mostly doing well. End of pgcy issues, yeah...but we've got some people with a little progress! Woohoo! Even a fingertip dilated is something!

Nothing much going on here - well, not that I know of. ;) I've been nesting like mad the last week and a half, getting stuff done. Peanut's room is ready! The Pack n Play is set up in the LR (weird). Washed a bunch more stuff, organized closets so Peanut's stuff would fit in there too, and picked up one nursing bra at Kohls today. All I need are some more nursing bras, some more wipes, diapers, Desitin, and Genie refills, and TY notes. That's really it. Just a few things left on my to-do list, too - like browning and freezing some turkey burger for easy meals and getting my brother's (and DH's) birthday presents. I packed DD's bag for staying at my parents' house when Peanut comes, and I've started packing our hospital bag, too. It's just sitting in the corner of my bedroom, taunting me. :D

Yeah, I have about 3-1/2 weeks before my EDD, but I like to be prepared, I guess!

My next appt. is Friday morning. I'll get the GBS test for sure. I'm hoping for some progress, but we'll see (guessing he'll check). I've had a few contractions here and there, and some sciatica the past two days (HOLY MAN, I'm sorry to those of you who've been experiencing this for awhile, THAT HURTS!). Ribs are kil