July 2007 Mommies-Babies are arriving!!

[July2007Mommies]

Welcome to the July 2007 Mommy group!

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

We're near the end and waiting for our babies to arrive! We can't wait to meet your little boys and girls!



27 Mommies expecting 28 Babies:

13 BABIES HAVE ARRIVED AS OF JULY 15, 2007

http://www.lafemmebonita.com/blinkies/Pregnancy%20and%20Babies/I_love_my_little_boy.gif
Alliannie, Lisa, Bensgirl1222, browneyedgirl,Twainny, polkadot


http://www.lafemmebonita.com/blinkies/Pregnancy%20and%20Babies/I_love_my_little_girl.gif
Bibay626, ceaserbride, Gator97, Mel_hams, Rangerwendy, LDS_Angel (x2), jimmysgirl424, DanaLand, lovelifeandlivelove, Beevo, katie&micah, MommaO

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n62/feb07moms/Team_Green.gifhttp://lafemmebonita.com/blinkies//Pregnancy%20and%20Babies/bcsurprisepkg.gif
Cosmogirl (girl), ctjo, RobynScott (boy),j2478, kazata, Mom2cole

http://lafemmebonita.com/blinkies//Pregnancy%20and%20Babies/Team_Yellow.gif



NEED UPDATES FROM~
Jennifer76, madmartian



To join, please submit a post with the following information in RED:

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

Please post all updates in RED.

When posting, please put how far along you are in the subject line. It helps to know where everyone is - and it's even more fun when going back to look at past posts to know exactly how far along you were at the time.

Threadmistresses for the group are: Lisa, Robyn, Annie and Katie&Micah

Link to Previous Threads - 1st Trimester (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1117963&postcount=1), 2nd Trimester (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28175), 3rd Trimester (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31327)

[July2007Mommies]

26 July Mommies!





bensgirl1222~BOY
Me: Jessica, 23
FH: Ben, 26
Married: Soon
TTC: NOT trying!!
BFP: 11/27/06
EDD: Between July 26 & August 2
Gender Prediction: Not sure...Just want him/her to be healthy
Any other children: None

Jennifer76~NEED UPDATE!!
Me: Jennifer, 30
DH: Charlie, 34
Married: 5/22/2004
TTC: October 2006
BFP: 10/31/2006
EDD: 07/8/2007
Gender Prediction: ???
Any other children: 2 dogs

madmartian~NEED UPDATE!!
Me: 28
DH: 28
Married: 11/02
TTC: 3/06
BFP: 10/29/06
EDD: 7/6/07
Gender Prediction:
Any other children: Girl 4/05




Proud Mommies!

alliannie~BOY
Me: Annie, 23
DH: Adam, 23
Married: 8-15-04
DC: Timothy Blake
TTC: January 05
BFP: 11-5-06
EDD: July 06
ADD: July 14, 2007
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children: furkitties-Cooper and Spaz

beevo12~GIRL
Me: Yota, 29
DH: Brad, 30
Married: September 21, 2002
DC:Gabrielle Cynthia
TTC: October/November 2006
BFP: November 11th 2006
EDD: Between July 26-July 30
ADD: July 23, 2007
Gender Prediction: not sure, kind of wishing for a Girl but anything healthy of course.
Any other children: Kaden- November 10, 2005


bibay626~GIRL
Me: Faye, 27
DH: Ted, 26
Married: 6/26/04
DC: Melia Ka'iulani
TTC: Sept. 2006
BFP: 10/28/06
EDD: 7/07/07
ADD: 7/3/2007
Gender Prediction: Boy
Any other children: none

BrownEyedGirl~BOY
Me: Breanne, 27
DH: Chad, 32
Married: 11/29/03
DC:
TTC: 07/06
BFP: 11/03/06
EDD: 07/16/07
ADD:
Gender Prediction: Girl
Any other children: Furbabies...Buddy & Emma

Ceaserbride~GIRL
Me: Tasha, 24
DH: Jason, 24
Married: August 5th 2006
DC:Austin Taylor
TTC: August 5th 2006
BFP: October 31st 2006
EDD: 07-07-07
ADD: 7-13-07
Gender Prediction: Girl
Any other children: Furbaby Titus

Cosmogirl~SURPRISE
Me: Val 29
DH: Fred 32
Married: 08/21/04
DC:Mathilde Zoe
TTC: June...
BFP: October...
EDD: 06/30/07
ADD: June 22, 2007
Gender Prediction:girl
Any other children: DS born 07/22/05

ctjo~SURPRISE
Me: Joanne, 32
DH: John, 33
Married: 10/25/03
DC: Brooke
TTC: 9/05
BFP: 11/03
EDD: 07/13
ADD:July 18, 2007
Gender Prediction: ??
Any other children: no

DanaLand~GIRL
Me: Dana, 25
DH: Justin, 25
Married: 9/14/02
DC: Ali
TTC: Um, we were sorta TTA with charting or TTC a girl by charting I guess. LOL
BFP: 10/3/06
EDD: 7/16/07
ADD: July 18, 2007
Gender Prediction: GIRL!
Any other children: Landen 5/25/04

elissa - GIRL
Me: Elissa, 30
DH: Chris, 31
Married: October 1, 2005
DC: Avery Helene
EDD: June 18, 2007
ADD: June 13, 2007
Gender Prediction: boy
Any other children:none

gator97~GIRL
Me: 31
DH: 31
DC: Taylor
Married: 11/2004
TTC: 2/2005
BFP: 10/23/2006
EDD: 07/02/07
ADD: 7/5/07
Gender Prediction:???

j2478~SUPRISE
Me: Jen, 28
DH: Adam, 29
DC:Allison
Married: 9/22/01
TTC: July 06
BFP: Nov 10, 2006
EDD: July 23, 2007
ADD: July 18, 2007
Gender Prediction: changes every day
Any other children: nope

Jimmysgirl424~GIRL
Me: Kym, 35
DH: Jim, 35
Married: 4/24/2005
DC: Kristianna
TTC: 9/2006
BFP: 11/11/2006
EDD: 7/17/2007
ADD: 7/12/2007
Gender Prediction: Girl
Any other children: none

Katie&Micah~GIRL
Me: Katie, 24
DH: Micah, 26
Married: 05-05-05
DC: Madeline Elizabeth
TTC: Oct 2006
BFP: November 16, 2006
EDD: July 24, 2007
ADD: July 10, 2007
Gender Prediction: boy
Any other children:nope

Kazata~SURPRISE
33
TTC: Since July '04
BFP: 11/03/06
DC: ??
EDD: July 12, 2007 (based on LMP, but I may have o'd early)
ADD: July 13, 2007
Gender Prediction: DH thinks boy
Any other children: none

Lisa~BOY
Me: Lisa 26
DH: Matt 25
Married: 6.28.02
DC: Aiden Joshua
TTC: Oct 06
BFP: Nov 5
EDD: July 22th
ADD: July 12, 2007
Gender Prediction:Girl?
Any other children:Ethan 3
Lauryn-our angel baby 2.28.05-7.2.06
A-Foster son 2

LDS Angel 19~Twin GIRLS
Me: Michelle, 23
DH: Aaron, 24
Married: September 4th, 2004
DC:Megan Celeste and Natalie Grace
TTC: September 2005
BFP: 11/16/06
EDD: 7/27/07
ADD: June 18, 2007
Gender Prediction: Boy and girl twins!!
Any other children: Allison Grace, 6/17/05, with us on earth 40 minutes

lovelifeandlivelove~GIRL
Me: Diana, 29
DH: Carlos, 26
Married: 7/2/05
DC:Lilliana Isabella
TTC: started in October, and got lucky right away
BFP: 11/1/06
EDD: 07/08/07
ADD:7/7/07
Gender Prediction: it's a girl we found out the 22nd during our big visit
Any other children: no, this is our first

mel_hams~GIRL
Me: Name, age Mel, 31
DH: Name, age R, 37
Married: Date August 2002
DC: Audrey Jewell
BFP: Date November 9
EDD: Date July 17 (which is my 32nd bday)
ADD: July 10, 2007
Gender Prediction: ??
Any other children: Grace, age 3

Mom2Cole~SURPRISE
Me: Moni/31
DH: Randy/38
Married: September 21. 2002
DC:Trevor Paul
TTC: We weren't trying...just threw caution to the wind one evening. But we are extremely excited!!!
BFP: November 18, 2006
EDD: July 30th, 2007
ADD: July 23, 2007
Gender Prediction: No prediction...we just want a happy, healthy baby!!
Any other children: Cole~February 20th 2004

MommaO ~ Girl
Me: Tanya, 31
DH: Jim, 31
Married: 5/25/02
DC:
TTC: Haven't been preventing since January 2005
BFP: 11/6/06
EDD: 07/7/2007
ADD:
Gender prediction: Me: Boy, DH: Girl (note there is only 1 girl in over 100 years in DH's family!)
Other children : Landon (3)

polkadot~BOY
Me: lauren, 27
DH: brian, 28
Married: Nov. 20th, 2004
DC: Eli
TTC: May 2005
BFP: November 14th,2006
EDD: July 24th
ADD:July 18, 2007
Gender Prediction: thinking boy
Any other children: 2 angel babies & one furbaby..Conrad the pug

RobynScott~SURPRISE
Me: Robyn, 30
DH: Scott, 31
Married: August 29, 2004
DC: Seth Michael
TTC: July 2006
BFP: November 4, 2006
EDD: July 10, 2007
ADD: July 17, 2007
Gender Prediction: Based on Shettles, girl

rangerwendy~GIRL
Me: Wendy, 30
DH: Bronson, 29
Married: 11/22/03
DC:Audrey Ruth
TTC: 06/2006
BFP: 10/25/2006
EDD: 07/02/2007
ADD: [B]June 22, 2007
Gender prediction: Boy
Other children : One very special Catahoula(breed of dog) named Boomer

Twainny~BOY
Me: Anne, 30
DH: Tim, 28
Married: 6/22/03
DS: Joshua Ryan
TTC: Oct 2006
BFP: Nov. 14
EDD: July 24, 07
ADD: July 18, 2007
Gender Prediction:none, will find out though
Any other children: DS 3/05


In Our Thoughts and Prayers
Ivory, Queen, teacher_jessica, Applebee, Kerry Kate

[July2007Mommies]

EDD Dates

June 18~Elissa
June 30~Cosmogirl
July 2~rangerwendy, gator97
July 6~madmartian
July 7~Ceaserbride, MommaO, bibay626
July 8~Jennifer76
July 10~RobynScott
July 11~alliannie
July 12~Kazata
July 13~ctjo
July 16~BrownEyedGirl, Danaland
July 17~mel_hams
July 18~Jimmysgirl424
July 22~Lisa
July 23~j2478
July 24~polkadot,Twainny, Katie&Micah
July 26~Beevo
July 27~LDS Angel 19
July 30~Mom2Cole
Aug. 2~bensgirl1222
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

UPCOMING INDUCTIONS / APPOINTMENTS

July 14~BrownEyedGirl (induction), MommaO (induction)
July 16~j2478 (doc appt), danaland (doc appt)
July 17~RobynScott(induction), j2478 (potential induction), polkadot (NST)


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


OUR BABIES' BIRTHDAYS!


June 13, 2007~Avery Helene (Elissa)
June 18, 2007~Megan Celeste and Natalie Grace (LDS Angel 19)
June 22, 2007~Mathilde Zoe (Cosmogirl)
June 22, 2007~Audrey Ruth (Rangerwendy)
July 3, 2007~Melia Ka'iulani (Bibay626)
July 5, 2007~Taylor (Gator97)
July 7, 2007~Lilliana Isabella (lovelifeandlivelove)
July 10, 2007~Madeline Elizabeth (Katie&Micah)
July 10, 2007~ Audrey Jewell (mel_hams)
July 12, 2007~Kristianna (Jimmysgirl424)
July 12, 2007~Aiden Joshua (Lisa)
July 13, 2007~ (Kazata)
July 13, 2007~Austin Taylor (ceaser)
July 14, 2007~Timothy Blake (alliannie)
July 14, 2007~Kieran Arnold (brown)
July 17, 2007~Seth Michael (Robyn)
July 18, 2007~Joshua Ryan (twainny)
July 18, 2007~Allison (j2478)
July 18, 2007~Eli (polkadot)
July 18, 2007~Ali (Dana)
July 18, 2007~Brooke (ctjo)
July 23, 2007~Gabrielle Cynthia (beevo)
July 23, 2007~Trevor Paul (mom2cole)

[July2007Mommies]

Bibay26
DC: Melia Ka'iulani
July 3, 2007 @ 7:02pm, 7 pounds 1 ounce, 20 inches long

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a119/bibay626/Melia/July2007/IMG_2906.jpg

j2478
DC: Allison
July 18, 2007 @ 1:22pm, 5lb 14 ounces, 18 3/4 inches long

http://lh3.google.com/shareadam/Rp9YcdGyB3I/AAAAAAAAAHc/m4Jcq5bxxbU/allisonbirth%20029.jpg?imgmax=512

Katie&Micah
DC:Madeline Elizabeth
July 10, 2007, 7:24 am, 7 pounds, 2 ounces, 20 inches

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1376/781560537_c532f28a58.jpg?v=0

Lisa
DC: Aiden Joshua
July 12, 2007, 12:12 am, 8 lbs, 12 oz, 21.5 inches long

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j277/LisaMatt/CopyofIMG_2048.jpg

Mel_hams
DC: Audrey Jewell
July 10, 2007

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/melhams/audrey/IMG_0076.jpg

lovelifeandlivelove
DC: Lilliana Isabella
July 7, 2007

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w268/Lovelifelivelove/100_1897.jpg

[July2007Mommies]

DanaLand
DC: Alisia
July 18, 2007 @ 1:58pm, 7 pounds 14 ounces, 19 1/2 inches long

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a31/beevo12/07-18-07_1847.jpg

RobynScott
DC: Seth Michael
July 17, 2007 @ 11:21pm, 7 pounds 8 ounces

http://pictures.sprintpcs.com//mmps/RECIPIENT/000_23ebbcecd2f9b999_1/2.2?inviteToken=lEVrJpJam85aWaehok0a&limitsize=258,258&outquality=90&squareoutput=255,255,255&ext=.jpg&iconifyVideo=true&wm=1

polkadot
DC: Eli Joseph
July 18, 2007 @ 1:34pm, 7 pounds 4 ounces, 21 inches long

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h204/ladibugglet/DSC01142.jpg

[July2007Mommies]

Mom2Cole~21 weeks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v214/Mom2Cole/IMG_6118.jpg

LDS_Angel_19~21 weeks 3 days-with twins!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/425781302_a62568ba10.jpg?v=0

Ceaserbride~24 weeks
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k124/tashahornjakov/24WEEKS2.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k124/tashahornjakov/24WEEKS1.jpg

KatieandMicah~30 weeks
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/221/498186698_d7e57f67ab.jpg?v=0

[July2007Mommies]

Jimmysgirl~23 weeks?
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r58/fancy2572/bellyshots009.jpg?t=1174252359
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r58/fancy2572/bellyshots007.jpg?t=1174252393

mel_hams~22 weeks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/melhams/audrey/DSC_0567.jpg

Lisa~30 weeks
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j277/LisaMatt/30week6.jpg

[July2007Mommies]

Weekly Pregnancy Updates:
American Baby (http://www.americanbaby.com/) * Baby Center (http://www.babycenter.com/) * BabyZone (http://www.babyzone.com/) * iVillage (http://parenting.ivillage.com/) * StorkNet (http://www.pregnancyguideonline.com/) * Target (http://www.Target.com/) * Very Best Baby (http://www.verybestbaby.com/)

Tickers:
Baby's First Site (http://www.babysfirstsite.com/) * Baby Gaga (http://www.baby-gaga.com/) * La Femme Bonita (http://lafemmebonita.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi) * Lilypie (http://www.lilypie.com/) * One In The Oven (http://www.oneintheoven.net/) * SnugglePie (http://www.snugglepie.com/) * Ticker Central (http://www.tickercentral.com/) * Ticker Factory (http://www.tickerfactory.com/)

Miscellaneous Informative Sites
American Pregnancy Association (http://www.americanpregnancy.org/) * Baby Names (http://www.babynames.com/) * Baby Net (http://www.babynet.com/) * Safe Fetus (for a list of safe drugs during pregnancy) (http://www.safefetus.com/) * Consumer Reports Report on Car Seat Safety (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/child-car-booster-seats/car-seats-2-07/overview/0207_seats_ov.htm)

Maternity Shopping Sites:
A Pea In The Pod (http://www.apeainthepod.com/) * Baby Style (http://www.babystyle.com/) * Belly Basics (http://www.bellybasics.com/) * Bella Materna (http://www.bellamaterna.com/) * Fashion Bug (http://www.fashionbug.charmingshoppes.com/) * Gap Maternity (http://www.gap.com/) * JC Penney (http://www.jcpenney.com/) * Lane Bryant (http://www.lanebryantcatalog.com/) * Mimi Maternity (http://www.mimimaternity.com/) * Mom's The Word (http://www.momstheword.com/) * Motherhood Maternity (http://www.motherhood.com/) * Old Navy (http://www.oldnavy.com/) * Target (http://www.target.com/)

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

Baby Shopping Sites:
Baby Age (http://www.babyage.com/) * Baby Ant (http://www.babyant.com/) * Baby Bazaar (http://www.babybazaar.com/) * Baby Box (http://www.babybox.com/) * Baby Center's Store (http://store.babycenter.com/) * Baby Depot (http://www.babydepot.com/) * Baby Dilly (http://www.babydilly.com/) * Baby Dream (http://www.babydreams.com/) * Babies 'R Us (http://www.babiesrus.com/) * BabyStyle (http://www.babystyle.com/) * Baby Universe (http://www.babyuniverse.com/) * Carousel Designs (http://www.carouseldesigns.com/) * Dimples and Dandelions (http://www.dimplesanddandelions.com/) * Dreamtime Baby (http://www.dreamtimebaby.com/) * Elegant Baby (http://www.elegantbabygifts.com/) * Fisher Price (http://www.fisher-price.com/) * Gap (http://www.gap.com/) * Graco (http://www.gracobaby.com/) * Gymboree (http://www.gymboree.com/) * In The Treetop (http://www.inthetreetop.com/) * JC Penney (http://www.jcpenney.com/) * Land of Nod (http://www.landofnod.com/) * Little Showoffs (http://www.littleshowoffs.com/) * Net Kidswear (http://www.netkidswear.com/) * Nursery Depot (http://www.nurserydepot.com/) * Old Navy (http://www.oldnavy.com/) * One of a Kind (http://www.oneofakindkid.com/) * One Step Ahead (http://www.onestepahead.com/) * Pokkadots (http://www.pokkadots.com/) * Pottery Barn Kids (http://www.potterybarnkids.com/) * Signature Baby (http://www.signaturebaby.com/) * Target (http://www.target.com/) * The Baby Marketplace (http://www.thebabymarketplace.com/) * The Children's Place (http://www.childrensplace.com/) * Tutti Bella (http://www.tuttibella.com/) * Wendy Bellissimo (http://www.wendybellissimo.com/) * Overview Baby Skin Products (http://www.cosmeticscop.com/learn/article.asp?PAGETYPE=ART&REFER=SKIN&ID=14 /)

Delivery/Birthing Options (OB, Midwives, Doulas, birthcenters, etc.):
American Association of Birth Centers (http://www.birthcenters.org/) * American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (http://www.acog.org/) * American College of Nurse-Midwives (http://www.acnm.org/) * Childbirth Connection (http://www.childbirthconnection.org/) * Lamaze (http://www.lamaze.org/) * Bradley Birth (http://www.bradleybirth.com/) * Birthing From Within (http://www.birthingfromwithin.com/) * Birthworks (http://www.birthworks.com/) * HypBirth (http://www.hypbirth.com/) * HypnoBirthing (http://www.hypnobirthing.com/) * Association of Labor Assistants & Childbirth Educators (http://www.alace.org/) * International Childbirth Education Association (http://www.icea.org/) * Waterbirth International (http://www.waterbirth.org/) * DONA International (http://www.dona.org/)

Breastfeeding:
Ameda (http://www.ameda.com/) * Breastfeeding (http://www.breastfeeding.com/) * Boppy (http://www.boppy.com/) * KellyMom (http://www.kellymom.com/) * La Leche League (http://www.lalecheleague.org/) * Maternal Concepts (http://www.maternalconcepts.com/) * Medela (http://www.medela.com/) * Mothering (http://www.mothering.com/) * ProMoM (http://www.promom.org/) * Whisper Wear (http://www.whisperwear.com/)

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

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

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

Cord Blood/Stem Cell Info:
Secureacell (http://www.secureacell.com/) * Viacord (http://www.viacord.com/) * Cord Blood (http://www.cordblood.com/) * Cryobank (http://www.cryobank.com/) * Lifebank USA (http://www.lifebankusa.com/) * CorCell (http://www.corcell.com/) * Cryo-Cell (http://www.cryo-cell.com/)

Invitations/Announcements:
2Peas1Pod (http://www.2peas1pod.com/) * 5StarBaby (http://www.5starbaby.com/) * BabyGrams (http://www.babygrams.com/) * Baby J Cards (http://www.babyjcards.com/) * Bella Baby (http://www.bellababy.com/) * Celebration Cottage (http://www.celebrationcottage.com/) * Classic Card (http://www.classiccard.com/) * inababycarriage (http://www.inababycarriage.com/) * InvitationBox (http://www.invitationbox.com/) * Inviting Smiles (http://www.invitingsmiles.com/) * MetroBaby Cards (http://www.metrobabycards.com/) * Mommy's Miracles (http://www.mommysmiracles.com/) * My Gatsby (http://www.mygatsby.com/) * Naptime Cards (http://www.naptimecards.com/) * PhotoStamps (http://www.photo.stamps.com/) * PurpleStork (http://www.purplestork.com/) * Simply To Impess (http://www.simplytoimpress.com/) * Stork Avenue (http://www.storkavenue.com/) * Stork Grams (http://www.shopbirthannouncements.com/) * Tiny Prints (http://www.tinyprints.com/)

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

Fun Stuff:
Jewel Kids (http://www.jewelkids.com/) * Lifetime Mothers (http://www.lifetimemothers.com/) * ExpectNet (have friends and family compete in a baby pool! (http://www.expectnet.com/)

[July2007Mommies]

Books for the Expectant Mother
(Remember, if you buy these through CC's link (http://www.constantchatter.com/shop/), CC makes money)

General pregnancy books:
Great Expectations: Your All-in-One Resource for Pregnancy & Childbirth
By Sandy Jones, Marcie Jones

Gentle Birth Choices
By Barbara Harper

What to Expect When You're Expecting
By Heidi Murkoff, Sandee Hathaway, Arlene Eisenberg

What to Expect: Eating Well When You're Expecting
Heidi Murkoff, Sharon Mazel, Sharon Mazel

Your Pregnancy Week by Week: 5th Edition
By Dr. Glade B. Curtis and Judith Schuler

The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth
Sheila Kitzinger, Marcia May (Photographer)

Everything Pregnancy Fitness
By Robin Elise Weiss

My Pregnancy Journal
By Ryland Peters & Small Staff

Fun books:
Diary Of A Mad Mom-To-Be
Laura Wolf

Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth
by Jenny McCarthy

The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy
By Vicki Iovine

Baby Stuff:
The Girlfriends' Guide to Baby Gear: What to Buy, What to Borrow, and What to Blow Off!
Vicki Iovine, Peg Rosen

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

Breastfeeding:
So THAT'S What They're For! The Definitive Breastfeeding Guide
By Janet Tamaro


Books for the Expectant Father:

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

The Expectant Father
By Armin A. Brott & Jennifer Ash

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

She's Having a Baby - and I'm Having a Breakdown
By James Douglas Barron

The Caveman's Pregnancy Companion: A Survival Guide for Expectant Fathers
David Port, John Ralston, Brian M. Ralston, Gideon Kendall (Illustrator), Brian M. Ralston

The Guy's Guide to Surviving Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the First Year of Fatherhood
By Michael Crider

[July2007Mommies]

Hints to Prepare for THE BIG EVENT:

Birth Plan Checklist (from Pregnancy magazine)

• Do you want pain relief? If so, what kinds of pain relief are you comfortable with?
• What positions are you hoping to try during labor? When the time comes to push?
• What kind of fetal monitoring are you comfortable with during labor?
• What’s your ideal birthing environment? Who do you want to be with you?
• How do you feel about episiotomies?
• Do you want to hold the baby right away?
• Do you plan to breastfeed?
• Do you want to your baby to be in your hospital room with you?

Questions to ask before you get to the hospital (from Fit Pregnancy magazine)

• Will my husband be allowed to cut the umbilical cord?
• Will the nurse give me the baby immediately rather than taking it to the warming table?
• Can the eye ointment and vitamin K shot be delayed until after I’ve nursed the baby, as long as it’s within 90 minutes?
• Can I have the baby with me after a C-section?
• How many genetic disorders does the hospital check for? If they don’t test for the 29 recommended by the March of Dimes (www.modimes.org), ask how you can get those screenings.
• Does the hospital perform a hearing test? If not, ask your pediatrician where you can have one done.
• Does the nursery give the baby pacifiers or formula? Let them know if you’d prefer they do not.


In the Bag! - What to Pack for the Hospital (from Pregnancy magazine and my local MoMs group)
Labor Bag:
• Your insurance card and hospital paperwork, including any cord-blood packaging
• Eyeglasses, if you wear them
• Hair clips and/or ponytail holders
• Lip balm
• Non-slip socks or slippers
• Hard candy to appease hunger
• Extra pillow or two
• Nightgown or bathrobe, if you don’t mind tossing it afterwards
• MP3 player or iPod loaded with your favorite movies or music, or a CD player
• Camera with charged batteries and plenty of memory (or film)

Postpartum bag
• Snacks
• Nightgown or PJs (two-piece PJs with button-down tops work best for nursing) and robe
• A nursing bra, breast pads, and several pairs of underwear you don’t care about ruining (consider support panties in a size just a little larger than you think you’d need)
• A maternity going-home outfit
• Toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush/comb, and makeup
• Address book for making calls
• Journal to keep track of feedings and diaper changes

For baby:
• Infant care seat that you’ve already tested to fit in your car (and carriage to help carry your things to the car)
• Going-home outfit (including a matching baby cap, if you want)
• Pair of socks or booties
• Receiving blanket, if it’s cold outside


Questions to Ask When Interviewing Pediatricians: (from Pregnancy magazine)
• Are you a board-certified pediatrician?
• Are you a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics?
• What hospitals do you use?
• What insurance do you accept?
• How many doctors are in your practice?
• What is your call schedule?
• Who is on call when you are not available?
• If my baby gets sick after hours, will I be able to talk to a doctor or someone else?
• Do you keep electronic records that can be accessed in an emergency?
• Is there a separate entrance and waiting area for sick patients?
• Can you describe your care plans for my baby during the first year?
• Up to what age do you treat patients?
• Do you employ a nurse practitioner or lactation consultant?
• How do you feel about prescribing medication over the phone?
• What is your philosophy regarding breast and formula feeding?
• What is your opinion of holistic medicine?
• Do you have children of your own?[/QUOTE]


*Thanks to the June 2007 Mommies for this great list!

[July2007Mommies]

Just in case you're looking for ideas on what to register for ...

Tooling around
carseat
Stroller
Baby sling
Diaper bag


Nursery
Crib.
Dresser
Bookcase/toy chest
Crib mattress.
Drapes and hardware
Ultimate Crib Sheets
Bedding
Two mattress pads.
Miracle blankets
A nightlight and a lamp
Feeding chair
Changing table
Pack-N-Play
Bedroom accessories

Safety
Video or audio Monitor
Safety equipment like gates and plugs

Diaper duty
56 count of Pampers Swaddlers diapers (purchase correct size AFTER baby is born)
Diaper Champ
Changing pad and 3 chamois covers
Huggies or Babies R Us wipes

Dressing baby
8 sleeping outfits or onesies (one-piece sleepers), preferably with attached feet, in each newborn and 3 months old
Sleeper sacs-instead of blankets
Carters 8 side-snap and over-the-head T-shirts.
Carters 8 one-piece undershirts that snap around the crotch.
Six pairs socks/booties.
6 soft, comfortable daytime outfits in newborn size and 6 in 3 months.
Cotton sweater or light jacket.
6-8 Bibs
Method HE baby detergent
Lingerie bag to wash baby’s stuff in
A few baby blankets

Winter babies
Heavy blanket for outside
Bundle Me stroller/car seat blanket thingy
Warm knit hats

Feeding time
Breastmilk storage bags
Medela manual breast pump
Medela nursing pads
8-10 Dr. Brown's bottles or Podee bottles
Bottle drying tree
Bottle brush
Three packs of cloth diapers for burp cloths.
Boppy, additional boppy cover
Small crock pot to heat up breast milk
High Chair

For me
Motherlove Nipple Cream or Lansinoh?
Dermaplast
Sitz bath
maxi pads
Major underwear
nursing bra(s)

Bathing/grooming
Three soft hooded towels.
three packs of baby washcloths.
Baby body wash that doubles as shampoo.
Pair of blunt-tip scissors or baby-sized nail clippers.
Infant bathtub.
Soft brush and comb.

Medicine chest essentials
A pain-and-fever reducer recommended by your baby's doctor, such as Infant's Tylenol.
Cotton pads/swabs.
Nasal aspirator.
Digital thermometer.
Rubbing alcohol.
Petroleum jelly
Desitin

Keeping baby happy
Mobile
Activity Mat
bouncy seat
Swing
Rainforest soother
Bumbo seat/bebepod (3-14 months)
Baby Einstein lullaby classics CDs
Excersaucer for later
__________________

Copied from the October 2007 Mommy thread (from Kate2L) - thanks!

[July2007Mommies]

Welcome, Welcome!!!


Hello July Mommies. The thread is ready to be open for posting. Please take your time and check and make sure we have everything updated. If you know any of the members that haven't posted in awhile you might let them know to stop by the new thread also! We could use some u/s pics of our little boys, girls, and suprises also!

Don't forget post any updates in RED and your TM's will update as soon as possible.

Thanks to the previous mommies� threads - especially the JUNE 2007 thread (from whom we quoted heavily) for all the ideas and inspirations for the July 2007 ladies!

[alliannie]

Okay I think we are good to go! I will PM a mod and let them know to shut the other one!! Now who will be our first mommy to start off this thread?!?!

QOTD: So...how much have you spent on baby's impending arrival? And I'm talking all things baby and baby-related, such as the stuff you are buying for your hospital bag and so on. Very little. We got lots used and aren't using a crib for quite awhile and got lots from friends and showers. You all would hate me if I told you what I bet we have spent!!

QOTD Are you and your DH still interested in DTD and if so, do you?? And, if you still are, do you feel anything afterwards as far as discomfort, pain, cramping, contractions? Dh is interested. I don't think anything could make him not be! I am not really but we do as I know it can help progress things! We try to at least 2-3 a week now. Some discomfort afterwards but nothing that makes me not want to anymore.

I am so behind I don't think I could catch up up shout outs!! I am just waiting for my appt Wed to see if anything has changed.

[Katie&Micah]

Yay!! I can't believe they're almost here!

[Lisa]

QOTD Are you and your DH still interested in DTD and if so, do you?? And, if you still are, do you feel anything afterwards as far as discomfort, pain, cramping, contractions? Dh is interested. I don't think anything could make him not be! I am not really but we do as I know it can help progress things! Some discomfort afterwards but nothing that makes me not want to anymore.



this is exactly me! I dont want to really but I want to help the baby out!
I'm so tired today. I feel so sluggish and if one more person ask if i have had that baby yet...I might scream;) I hope with my next appt we might know a little more about baby boys arrival. I need to deliever like yesterday
Ceaser- sounds good lady maybe you wont make it to weeks end! Are you still measuring big? I'm now over 4 weeks bigger:confused:
Allie- thanks for the thread, you rock!
jen- hoping the baby turns for you!
gator- great news on your progress. If seems so real now!
mommao- I'm waiting to see if you go or ceaser first. YOu both seem like you're right there.

Okay I need to go work out before I talk myself out of it

[kazata]

Thanks for the new thread!

I can't believe we haven't had any babies yet either...seems like we might be gearing up for some announcements though.

Just wanted to comment on the sharp cervix pain that someone posted about in the other thread. You can add me to the list of those that experiences these every so often. To me it feels like baby is grabbing down there and causing a stabbing sensation. I don't know if I've had any Braxton Hicks or contractions yet though....

[MommaO]

Lisa I'll have no problem going first but my gut is that Cesear will go first. I started progressing at around 37 weeks w/ Landon but still ended up late and induced. I REALLY hope that's not my fate this time around.

While we're all anxious it's great that our babes have stayed put and we've not had any super early ones!

[twainny]

thanks for the new thread!! when I saw it, I just had a quick look and I saw "july 2007 and babies arrive" I was like HOLY CRAP someone had their baby... but then I read the "waiting for part..." LOL

not much going on here. RE: DTD - sure we do when we see each other, which is only once or twice a month (and only 10 hours each time) we find a way to fit it in at least once.... DH always hopes for a second time thought LOL

It is hot here today... well, it will be hot all week. So ready to do done. But granted, I remember how yucky it was BFing a baby in the heat. Totally not looking forward to that!!

Hope everyone is well!

[gator97]

j2478- my baby was transverse (sideways) from week 28 until sometime before week 36. I did lots of reading b/c I was worried about it as well. Do you have an exercise ball? I did several exercises on there every day. I sat on it and just lunged back and forth. I also did clockwise circles. I read also that crawling around on the floor helps. I'm totally convinced that crawling around on the floor while grouting our new tile helped to turn the baby! You can also lay with your hips elevated quite high. There is a website out there called spinningbabies.com (I think). There is also a thread somewhere on turning a breech baby. Best of luck to you.

alliannie- thanks for the new thread!

[alliannie]

thanks for the new thread!! when I saw it, I just had a quick look and I saw "july 2007 and babies arrive" I was like HOLY CRAP someone had their baby... but then I read the "waiting for part..." LOL

LOL! I would probably have done the same thing if I hadn't made it. hehe!

I just wanted to post that I think LDSAngel will be first. And note that she hasn't posted all weekend!! You around or are you away having us some baby girls??

sharp cervix pain-I sometimes get those. I just figured it was baby boy kicking or hitting something...:confused:. Here is to hoping its some progress. I have decided I am going to go at least a week overdue. I hope I am wrong!

[jimmysgirl424]

twainny I haven't even considered the heat factor when thinking about BF'ing. Now that I have, it sure doesn't sound like much fun at all. :( I've already warned DH that outdoor summer parties will be pretty much a no-go for me. Never liked them anyway, I'm sooooo not an outdoors kind of girl thanks to Maryland's hot and steamy summers. Give me my air conditioned and comfy apartment any day. :)

Lisa Well..since you want your little one to hurry up and get here, I will officially send you the very first labor vibes of our thread! :) Come on out baby!!!

Katie&Micah I was going to try to stick it out at my work till the bitter end but I'm so miserably uncomfortable that I'm now looking at starting my maternity leave two weeks ahead of my EDD. I do believe that there are several ladies here that are working straight through though. Hope you are able to hang in there.

threadmistress, is there any way for you to put my most recent belly shot on this thread's first page instead of one of my older ones? If you need me to re-post it, just let me know!

Okay, is anyone else getting really irritated with people's reactions to your belly? I passed two women today as I headed out for my daily lunchtime walk who took one look at my belly and started laughing!! :mad:It kind of hurt my feelings, to be honest, plus made me mad. And my sister commented on how many people did a double take at me while we were shopping together over the weekend. And lets not even talk about the woman who stalked us in Walmart, repeatedly telling me that I had a boy belly and asking me if I was positive it was a girl!! :rolleyes:I thought my sister was going to punch her lights out, she was that annoying!!

[Lisa]

Lisa Well..since you want your little one to hurry up and get here, I will officially send you the very first labor vibes of our thread! :) Come on out baby!!!



Thanks for the laugh! and the labor vibes! I love to just go into labor!

Kym, people are dumb sometimes ignore them you look amazing and soon will have a beautiful little GIRL

[j2478]

Gator97: Thanks for the suggestions about turning the baby. I think I am going to start with the pillows under my butt and playing music and shining a flashlight down there. We'll see if that does anything. Everyone keeps saying b/c I am so tall and have a long torso that the baby just has plenty of room in there. I am just at 35 weeks - so hopefully this week the baby will turn. I really don't want to have to go through the procedure of them trying to turn the baby - I heard it really hurts!

[LDS Angel 19]

I just wanted to post that I think LDSAngel will be first. And note that she hasn't posted all weekend!! You around or are you away having us some baby girls??

Sorry to disapoint! Still here, still very pregnant....

QOTD- Sex LOL, well, no. I've been on pelvic rest since January.

QOTD- Money Hmmm, not a whole lot. $300 for the double stroller and two infant seats. We have our furniture but my parents paid for it. Oh, I did order baby books the other week. So, like $350 total so far.

Okay, is anyone else getting really irritated with people's reactions to your belly?

Yes. I'm getting very tired of hearing how 'small' I am. I've got two four pound girls in there, not two 12 pound turkeys! sigh.

Hi everyone else!

Just checking in for the new thread. I feel great. Had a really busy weekend. Nothing exciting babywise though. A few contrax, but I've been getting them for weeks. My next dr appt. is Thursday, and I'm willing to bet nothing will happen before then.

Here's a quick belly pic from yesterday:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1402/566009501_f5e0ae6541.jpg?v=0

Oh, and I'm getting the sharp cervix pain too. Baby A is breech so she's pretty much tap-dancing on it. Good times.

Oh, and for the TM- DH and I have both had birthdays, I'm 24 and he's 25. Thanks. While I'm at it, you can put my new belly pic on the front page if you like, and list my next dr appt on 6/21. Thanks!

[mel_hams]

Had my 35 week appt today. I was running late and got sent straight back so I was kinda' out of breath and overexcited and my BP was high. They had me lie down on my side and came back in 15 minutes or so and retested it and it was back okay. I had a feeling it was just b/c I had gotten myself worked up about running late, but whatever. I'd rather them be over cautious as opposed to the opposite.

I did the Group B Strep test and he checked my cervix and it was thick and closed up tight.

I got an u/s and she is measuring pretty small. Only around 30th percentile...about 5lbs.

But the big news was she is now head down! Yay! Being this far along, she's less likely to turn again, so for that I am really greatful.

B/c of all the problems with my eye, etc. I am probably only going to about two more weeks, or until July 3 and we'll induce. We still have two appts utnil then, so we'll just see.

Anyway, nothing really new to report. I guess we are all just kinda' in a holding pattern waiting to meet our little ones, huh?

[Ericka_Jarett]

Funny LDS posted today, but as of about 1 hour or so later, her water broke and she is on the way to the hospital. Looks like she will be first after all

Congrats LDS

You ladies are so close, congrats.

[alliannie]

Thanks Ericka for the update!!! It is funny she posted today saying it wasn't her going first:p. I can't wait to hear how it goes. :D Thinking of you LDS!!

Irritated at reactions to belly---oh yes. I get irritated all the time. I am small for how far along I am and when people ask and I say how far they look at me like I am lieing. People are dumb I have decided:cool:.

Mel-that is about how big my baby is too. I am glad I am not the only one here with a tiny one. I was feeling weird with everyone having 9lbers!!

Oh and I think I am nesting now...I have rearraged the living room, cleaned the bedroom and gotten almost everything of babys organized and done lots more. Yikes! DH got home from work and looked at me like this:eek:. lol.

[MommaO]

Funny LDS posted today, but as of about 1 hour or so later, her water broke and she is on the way to the hospital. Looks like she will be first after all

Congrats LDS

You ladies are so close, congrats.

SO MUCH FUN! the timing of her post is hilarous. So, we have our first new Momma. Fun.

[mel_hams]

Oh I meant to tell ya'll that we had a local photographer take some belly shots of me and of my daughter and I week before last (33 weeks). Here are a couple...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/melhams/courtney/courtney3bw.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/melhams/courtney/courtney13bw.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/melhams/courtney/courtney7bw.jpg

[Lisa]

yah LDS!!!! our first babies will be here!!! Congrats!!!:D

[twainny]

So we will have at least one June Mama after all! I am so excited for LDS... she has been through so much! Can't wait to hear her birth story. Granted, she probably won't have that much time for posting, but hopefully someone can relay the message!!!

names - we haven't picked one yet. We will have to decide on one once DH is home for good. Maybe I will get a baby naming book from the library. Though, I do have a few names in mind. My favorite name is currently one that has been in the Top 5 baby boy names for that past 10 years. I just don't want to give him such a common name (granted, there were only 22,000 boys with the name last year, but with DS1, there were only like 300 with his name!)

[BrownEyedGirl]

Congrats LDS!!! Hopefully everything goes smoothly!

[rangerwendy]

Well, I may be next. I got a call this afternoon from my dr.'s office. She wants to schedule me to be induced on Friday. I didn't get a chance to talk to her, only the nurse practitioner, but I go in to see her tomorrow morning, so I will find out more then. Part of me is excited, but the larger part of me is terrified! It's a mental thing. I think knowing exactly when it will happen is horrible. I would much rather just have my water break and be like, here we go! I'll be back tomorrow to let you know what decision we come to and why.

[Katie&Micah]

Wow!! How exciting to come in here and see that we're about to have some babies!!! Can't wait to hear birth stories/see pics!!

I have this feeling I'm going to be the last one to deliver.

[Katie&Micah]

LDS Angel 19 had the babies!!!

Info from her live journal (I hope you don't mind me posting this Michelle).

C-section started at 7:30pm.

Baby A--Megan Celeste was born at 8:04pm. She is 3lbs 14oz and 17 inches long. Is doing really well. Was breathing on her own right away.

Baby B--Natalie Grace was born at 8:05pm. She is 4lbs 4oz and 17 inches long. Is having a little trouble breathing. She's on a ventilator now, but they said she's doing really well with that.

[Lisa]

Congratulations Michelle!!! and Welcome to the World Megan and Natalie!!!!

Randy- hope you have a great appt and please let us know what you all decide.

[lovelifeandlivelove]

Congrats Michelle and yah for the little babies! I am so so happy for you.
Rangerwendy - keep us posted
Annie - thanks for the surprise gift, I hear you about looking small, someone at my company said she just realized I was pg, I am due in less than 1 month. People always are in shock when I say how far along I am also.
Mel - The pictures are beautiful. (I wish my belly button popped out, has everyone else's already popped?)
Me I cannot wait to be done with work. I am now thinking I need to start my maternity leave early and not bc my job, bc all the drama that comes with it. I just keep reminding myself that then I will have to come back earlier, yikes!
I did have my last staff meeting last night and was able to talk to two of my staff so my DH and I won't need day care until at least Lilli is 6-9 months old. They both agreed to help with schedules and it is a huge relieve. So after DH talks to his assistant then we can finalize the decision. The day care we picked out is one of our friends mom and we just sat down with her last week to get price details and etc. And we still didn't give her a definite date so I hope she doesn't get too mad.

[jimmysgirl424]

Woohoo!! We have our first babies! :D:D:D:D

WELCOME TO THE WORLD, MEGAN AND NATALIE! YOU ARE BOTH SO LOVED ALREADY AND I KNOW YOUR PARENTS WILL TREASURE YOU FOREVER!!!

[RobynScott]

Welcome to the world Megan and Natalie! Congrats Michelle and DH!

I really need to go back to catch up on SO's but for now, a few ....

Annie - thanks for starting a new thread - looks like the title was changed after Michelle's announcement.

Can't believe the babies are really starting to arrive now - eek! :eek:

Rangerwendy - good luck making a decision - remind me why they want to induce you Friday? What is your due date?

lovelife- sounds like things are working out - just curious, what do you do? It's great that there is flexibility in your schedule.

mel_hams - you and your daughter look amazing!

Names - we are pretty set on Seth Michael for a boy. I know ya'll have seen me post a bunch of times about girl names before, but if you could indulge me one more time ... I think we are agreed on Samantha Madison for a girl - but I also like Sydney Michele. Opinions? I don't think DH will budge off Samantha (we've both liked it for years) - but we're wavering a little. Guess we have a few weeks to decide? (I hope! - baby could come any time after today - eek!)

QOTD - do you have (or want) a labor buddy or someone that will come in and let the thread know when you have the baby?

I think my best friend (moho116) (I think that's her screen name - she joined but hasn't posted) will post here when I am in labor - and then she'll be able to tell you what our surprise baby is :) - since I don't know when I will be near a computer once I go into labor.

If you want a labor buddy in the thread, I think we can still set that up.

Everything here is good. My surprise shower at work was last week :) It was really sweet and we got a lot of great stuff. The biggest thing was our travel crib (which Scott's mom had also bought but it wasn't taken off the registry) - so Saturday night, Scott and I returned a travel crib and a bouncer his mom bought (turns out we didn't like it as much in person) and bought our Snap-n-Go, Diaper Champ and Aquarium Bouncer (plus a couple of other little items) - at no cost to us! woohoo! (I was also able to use 2 15% off coupons I had for Babies-R-Us which was awesome!)

Sorry for such a long post - hope we're all hanging in there. I can't believe that in less than a month most of us will be meeting our babies - eek! As much as I'm ready for "her" to get here (I keep saying "her" even though I have no clue) - I really want to try and enjoy these last few weeks of just DH and I. (not to mention, I am counting on that last week before baby is due to actually wash clothes, sheets, etc and get the room ready - right now everything is in the garage b/c DH won't let me bring it in the house! :eek:(superstitious)

Have a great day all - and yay again to Michelle and our first July babies!

[mel_hams]

Welcome to the world Megan and Natalie! Congrats Michelle and DH!

[j2478]

Congratulations Michelle! Megan is one of the girl names we are considering (we have a couple and can't decide.

So exciting that babies are arriving!

Robyn: I like both of your names but like Sydney just a little more. We are the same way. Right now Allison is and has been the front runner but we are also considering Megan, Carolyn, Kathryn.

Lovelife: My belly button hasn't popped either. In fact it is not even flat I can still stick a little bit of my finger in there.

Katie: I am due one day before you. We might be battling it out in the end:)

[RobynScott]

Robyn: I like both of your names but like Sydney just a little more. We are the same way. Right now Allison is and has been the front runner but we are also considering Megan, Carolyn, Kathryn.
Lovelife: My belly button hasn't popped either. In fact it is not even flat I can still stick a little bit of my finger in there.


Ditto on the belly button - I'm thinking it won't pop.

Jen - I like all of your names - Megan and Allison would probably be my top two. I am with you on Sydney - Dh likes it but not enough for his first daughter - maybe if there is a DD #2 he says, *lol* - let's have #1 first! (but he said I should get opinions from the board so I'll see what he says now ;))

One more question - does anyone else feel like they have to go to the bathroom again immediately after they go? It's beginning to drive me crazy - especially when I'm trying to get on the train to go home!

[jimmysgirl424]

One more question - does anyone else feel like they have to go to the bathroom again immediately after they go? It's beginning to drive me crazy - especially when I'm trying to get on the train to go home!

Yes!! I'll go and by the time I make it back to my desk, I feel the same pressure again, like I never even went to begin with. It almost feels like I'm walking around with a UTI all of the time, without the associated pain, if that makes sense.

rangerwendy Keep us updated on your situation so we know if you are going to be induced this Friday. Its hard to believe we have now arrived at the point where our babies are going to be making their appearances.

j2478 I like all of your names, but I'm partial to K-names myself, so I like Kathryn the best! :)

lovelifeandlivelove Mine is in the process of popping, its kind of halfway now, but more inside than out I'd say. Do you mind me asking how much your daycare is charging you? Its horrendously expensive where we live, so I'm curious.

QOTD - do you have (or want) a labor buddy or someone that will come in and let the thread know when you have the baby?

Yup, my buddy is here on CC. If you notice Tonysweetie posting in here, you'll know that something is going on with me! :D

[Katie&Micah]

RobynScott...

I really like the name Sydney Michele. I can't explain why.. I just really like it!

j2478..

I'd be happy to let you win this one! lol I don't want to be last.. I just think it'll end up that way..

One more question - does anyone else feel like they have to go to the bathroom again immediately after they go?
Yes! It feels like 45 seconds later I'm ready to go again!! So frustrating.

I don't think my belly button is going to pop either. I've still got a pretty good sized indent.

[lovelifeandlivelove]

Kym - she is charging 220 per week full time (d/o at 6am and p/u no later than 5pm - most likely at 3pm). She wouldn't even tell us the part time price saying that it is practically the same. All of the centers though around here are like 1500+ for the month :eek:

Robyn - I work as program manager for a group home (I help people with disabilities be happy!)
This is long but overall the job is great. I switched houses right after I found out I was pg (got promoted :)) And it has been rough. The staff I used to work with were all friends or at least tolerated each other for the sake of the job, but this house not so much (lots of pettiness, talking behind people's backs, snide comments during staff meetings directed at each other, etc) Up until last night's staff meeting I thought I was keeping them from each other's throats but now I am not so sure. And that unfortunately doesn't even include the difficulties with the legal guardians! My assistant will be having her hands full while I am gone (she used to be the manager so a lot of the things involve(d) her, but she has been good about TRYING to stay above it more recently).

BTW I love the names Madison and Sydney (first or middle name)

Jen - I like Allison, Megan and Kathryn

Posting buddy - I probably should ask my sister to do this for me!

Bathroom - It comes and goes. During the night I can sleep maybe like 1 hour before having to go again!!

Has anyone been having cramps in their upper legs along their bikini lines? The just come and go and aren't really like charley horses.

I can't wait to see what everyone's surprise babies are!

[kazata]

WOO-HOO CONGRATS TO LDS on your TWO LITTLE GIRLS!!!!!!

Rangerwendy Thinking of you - keep us posted on the induction. Why did they want to induce?

Robyn Oh, tough call, I have always liked the name Samantha, but I really like Sydney as well...

Mel-hams Great photos!!!! Makes me wish that we had done some professional shots. You look fantastic.

j2478 I like your names, of those my favorites are Allison and Kathryn.

Bellybuttons: Ummm, yeah, I think my bellybutton popped out way back in February. I'm wondering if it will ever go back in!

Bathroom Trips Yep, it seems like when I first go, I have to go again 10 minutes later for the "real" pee. For some reason I just can't get it out the first time. And I definitely have that "walking around with a UTI minus the burning" sensation. I even asked my doctor last time to make sure they check the urine sample for UTI's.... (they do).

Work shower: Work surprised me with a shower last week. They got me a cake and all pitched in for a babies r us gift card. I was shocked by the generosity, it was around $300!

Work So today is my last day at work before taking leave. I'm glad that I am taking off early to have time to relax and prepare (both preparing the house, and also preparing emotionally for birth), but everyone keeps making me feel guilty about taking off early with comments like "what are you going to do for three weeks?" "you are going to be so bored" or telling me first babies come late anyways... I don't know, I'm so achy, stiff and swollen, I am thinking it is good I won't be sitting at my desk in my office anymore. I don't think it's helping. Not to mention that we still have to set up our nursery (it's still a guest room at the moment). So I think there will be some stuff to do. I also want to visit a few more day cares and I need to finalize our pediatrician choices.

[ceaserbride]

Hey Girls! Firstly,

Congratulations Michelle!!! and Welcome to the World Megan and Natalie!!!!

Ranger! I'm so curious to find out why you'll be induced! Good luck!

Had our 38 week appt. today and all is well.
Measuring at 40 weeks, so not AS far ahead as I was! Yay:) Also he said we wouldn't even talk induction till I was 41 weeks which makes me happy since I DO NOT want to be induced. Yay again! Other than that, all is well!

[Lisa]

Robyn- yah on your shower and all you got! I like Samantha but Sydney is close behind.

j2478- I like the K names too. We already have a girls name picked out if we ever have one again. I like Allison b/c my friend is Aliison and everyone calls her Alli. I like it

lovelifeandlivelove- $1500 a month:D wow! thats just...wow!

Katie- If I wasnt determined to not go over my EDD this time I think you have me beat. I'm always last;)

me- I must look huge b/c everyone keeps asking when Im due and that there is no way I'll last that long. I thought I looked smaller than with the last two but I guess not;)

QOTD-do you have (or want) a labor buddy or someone that will come in and let the thread know when you have the baby?

I will mostly be induced or I will have our laptop with us. I'll post or have DH

QOTD-does anyone else feel like they have to go to the bathroom again immediately after they go?
Always. DH thinks I'm losing my mind.

where is Ceaser? Baby maybe?? never mind ceaser and I cross posted :)

[jimmysgirl424]

Work So today is my last day at work before taking leave. I'm glad that I am taking off early to have time to relax and prepare (both preparing the house, and also preparing emotionally for birth), but everyone keeps making me feel guilty about taking off early with comments like "what are you going to do for three weeks?" "you are going to be so bored" or telling me first babies come late anyways... I don't know, I'm so achy, stiff and swollen, I am thinking it is good I won't be sitting at my desk in my office anymore. I don't think it's helping.

Don't let anyone make you feel guilty. You pretty much summed up exactly how I feel about starting my maternity leave two weeks ahead of my due date. And I'm already so miserable now that the thought of being here another two weeks makes me want to cry, but I am going to try to tough it out if I can. If I make my last day 7/4, it will be exactly two weeks before my EDD. Of course, we will be closed on the 4th, so technically my last day will be 7/3.

I don't know, I'm still trying to make up my mind on it. In a way, it would be alot easier for me to choose the date for starting my leave if I knew when baby was going to arrive..like if I had a scheduled induction or c-section. I want to avoid induction though if at all possible. I think we will have a much better idea after we get this ultrasound done this Thursday. My OB will definitely let me know if she thinks a c-section is going to be necessary. Since she's already mentioned it as a possibility several times, I'm going to hazard a guess that my chances of actually having a scheduled c-section is probably about 65% right now. We shall see.

[Bibay626]

Yay LDS! Welcome baby Megan and Natalie!

[rangerwendy]

Congrats LDS on your 2 little ones!!

As for me, I went to my dr. today because she wanted to discuss an induction. She really wants to induce because of size. My "little" girl is already measuring at 8 lbs according to the sonogram. Now I know those sonograms can give you a false reading on size, but this sonogram tech has been doing this forever and he is extremely accurate, usually within 6 oz. So I trust he is pretty much spot on. Plus, I seem to be gaining weight more rapidly instead of tapering off like you are supposed to, so my dr. is also worried about late GD. My dr. really wanted to induce me next week, not this week, but she can't get me in at the hospital. Because of the long holiday weekend, they already have all of the slots filled for inductions for high-risk pregnancies. She had to beg to get me in this Friday. She is just concerned if we don't go ahead this week, and she doesn't come on her own next week, that I will be looking at 10lb+ baby and she really doesn't want that for me with my first delivery. I don't want it either!:p I measured 2 cm dilated today and she went ahead and stripped my membranes to see if I would go into labor on my own. I have some cramping so far but nothing serious. I know it is usually 50/50 whether this works or not, so I'm not holding my breath. So now I am just trying to decide whether to let her do the induction or not. My gut says go ahead and do it but my brain says no way!!! I think it is just a mental thing. I don't really want to know when I'm about to be in a lot of pain. Would rather it just happen. All of my friends who have had babies before say do it. They all had good experiences. So that is my dilemma. What do you all think? Sorry for the long post!!

[polkadot]

WOW...I have lots to catch up on....

LDS~ Congrats on the arrival of Megan and Natalie....Love both of their names...

rangerwendy~ That is a hard decision to make but i dont think the doctor would want to induce if there wasnt a reason too. Good luck...sending you ~~~labor vibes~~~~ so you wont need the induction...

labor buddy~ dont have one...but we will have the laptop with us...so either I or DH will post....

work~ I have been out of school since May 24th! Good thing b/c i am one cranky pg lady

bathroom~ yes I feel like I have to go ALL the time and then the pressure that I feel if bad too...

belly button~ mine is pretty deep...I can still stick my finger in there :) I dotn think it will pop out...

Now I have a question of my own....

How I am gonna know that I am really IN labor?
I "think" i have felt some contractions...but i have no idea if its contractions or just baby moving and tightening...just thinking about it...

My next appt is tomorrow at 2:45....I am hoping I have at least some news to share...but I doubt it...I think Eli is veeeeery comfy where he is...I am going to ask about another u/s....I have a feeling he is really big...I dont know why its just a feeling...

Hope everyone is well...

[DanaLand]

OMG! Congratulations Michelle! I didn't even know about the csection! Welcome Natalie and Megan.

Ranger - I would avoid an induction, because I had 2 unsuccessful ones with my son, but its a very personal decision.

[MommaO]

rangerwendy I'd avoid the induction if I could. I was induced w/ Landon and it went as positively as it could but I'm desperately trying to avoid it this go 'round. Again, nothing went "wrong" but the pitocin made the contractions go from 0 to 60 in 2 seconds and I just really wonder what they feel like w/ out being "forced". You and DH have to decide what is best for you. Good luck weighing the pros and cons. What's your actual EDD? I'm off to check the front page.

[lovelifeandlivelove]

Rangerwendy - Good luck with any decision you make. I am not sure what I would do in that situation as my sister and my best friend both were induced and ended up with c/s. But then again the drs. should know best and everyone is different.
Polkadot - I have no clue if its contractions or movements either. I have had some movements that felt a little differently lately (esp. today) and make me stop moving and wonder "was that a contraction maybe?"
From some of the books I have read, they say that the contractions will begin in your back then spread to your lower abs or will be felt in your entire abdomen, become stronger and more painful and won't go away when you switch positions (actually become stronger), that the pressure will rise and reach a peak for like 30 seconds then fall rapidly. Other than that I think when it hits you will know (or at least I hope).
Kazata - yah on your work shower!

[twainny]

ranger - i would do the induction. If the estimates are right, and the babe is already 8 lbs, you have a much better chance at avoiding a c/s now than you would when the babe is 10 lbs! Plus, it sounds like you will have your doctor there this week, if you actually go into labor in the next two weeks will your doctor be there? (I don't remember if you said it was a hospital issue or your doctor not being available.) Just be comfortable with your decision. Good Luck!

I can't believe July is just a little over a week away! Time is flying!!!

I have been able to work 5 hour days. It has been really nice. but I must say, 1:30-4 o'clock sure FLIES by when I am at home (when I am at work those hours DRAG by!) I have been trying to get stuff done around the house, but I haven't been too successful. I tend to take a nap and be lazy! LOL

I did move the boxes of clothes out of DS' room today. I was looking for the boxes of 0-3 month stuff. I didn't find any!! (could be mismarked) but I have 5 (yes 5!!) boxes of 3-6 month stuff!!! Holy crap!! LOL I guess my next job would be to actually go through the boxes and figure out what is what and find summer clothes (ie onesies)

[Lisa]

Ranger- from a lady that has had (2) 9lb babies I say go for it. I had to successful inductions but MommaO is right about the pitocin. Contractions go from nothing to so quick. I get epi's though so I doesn't matter to me. I actually want to be inducted this time to aviod another big baby.

[DanaLand]

Induction - Well, I know Im speaking from 2 FAILED inductions at 41-42 weeks, but from everything I've read its better to birth a larger baby than to force yourself into labor before your body is ready. You have a great chance at a csection with an early induced birth than a regular birth with a larger baby, if that makes sense. In my case, I still wasn't ready to go into labor at 42 weeks, but Im sure I would have went into labor given another week.

[Lisa]

Dana, you had 2 failed ones? wow. What did they end up doing a c-section? Sorry you had such a bad experience. Will they let you want to go into labor this time?

[Lisa]

Well these are a little late but here are some pics from my shower...

my sis, mom and me
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j277/LisaMatt/IMG_1100.jpg

me looking huge:p
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j277/LisaMatt/CopyofIMG_1125.jpg

food table
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j277/LisaMatt/IMG_1104.jpg

more food table
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j277/LisaMatt/IMG_1097.jpg

[jimmysgirl424]

I'm feeling sad today. DH and I sat down last night and really discussed our options as far as what I'm going to do about my job and daycare options. A part of me feels very obligated to stay where I'm at. My job is incredibly boring and I have very little to do in my position. But..I have a great boss. He is very understanding, has bent over backwards regarding my sick leave and doctors appointments during this pregnancy, and has gone completely above and beyond anything you would normally expect from a boss. For instance, he came to our big baby shower and showed up with about $500 in gifts. No joke, he singlehandedly brought our nursery theme to life. And when I got married two years ago, he gave us around $500 in cash between my work shower and wedding gift. And I know he will be awesome when it comes to baby being sick or whatever and me having to leave to attend to her. So yes, I feel like the right thing to do is stay here.

But...my heart is breaking at the idea of putting my baby in daycare at such a young age. I will get six weeks off of work if I deliver normally, eight if its a c-section. We are visiting a daycare provider this evening that runs it out of her home and I'm sitting here making a list of questions to ask, but I have this awful feeling inside me about leaving her with someone else. Our original plan was for me to look for something in the evening or night so one of us would be home with her. A part of me wants to stick with that because I feel so bad about putting our baby in full time daycare. But another part of me feels like I should return to my regular job.

Sorry for the book. I just don't know what to do here....:(:confused:

[polkadot]

Kym ~ i think that everyone has the same feelings towards making this decision. Its such a hard decision even if you are comfortable with the place you are leaving the baby. I am fortunate enough that my MIL will watch Eli until my school opens their on site daycare. I am very fortunate but I would LOVE to be able to be SAHM...but i just know that its not possible. Just remember that your little girl will be OK...there are plenty of children who are in daycare at an early age and they are A-okay..

(((hugs))) on making your decision..dont rush into it...just take your time...you will make the right decision!!

[DanaLand]

Dana, you had 2 failed ones? wow. What did they end up doing a c-section? Sorry you had such a bad experience. Will they let you want to go into labor this time?\

Yep, she gave me the option of inducing a few days before my due date but at the last minute I canceled it. Then I went another week or so and she induced me. All it did was give me HORRIBLE back pain, I never dilated, so they sent me home. It was soo depressing coming home that weekend without our baby. She only let me go to 42 weeks so I induced again 3 days later, and the same thing happened. I went in the night before for cervadil, started having awful back pain, and only dilated to 2cm if that. So at that point I had my choice of a 3rd induction the next day or a csection! Fun choices huh.

So this time I'm hoping for a VBAC. She said she would allow me to go over again as long as everything is fine. I just pray I go into labor on my own or I will be headed for an ERC.

[RobynScott]

Kym - do you have to go back to work at 6 weeks? Do you think you guys could afford for you to take any unpaid leave? Or could you maybe try and get a part-time job for 6 or 8 weeks (you obviously don't have to tell the pt job how long you plan on being there) and then put the baby in daycare it 12 weeks or so?

If it's any consolation, my mom went back to work at 6 weeks and a friend of mine had to do the same with her daughters (had them before there was FMLA) - and though I'm not saying it's ever easy, they were fine. Sounds like your job is super flexible (and not too trying) - and that can be really hard to come by. Sounds like a good job to keep if you can (notwithstanding your boss' generosity which is really a non-factor to me).

Good luck figuring things out - I know it's not easy!

[jimmysgirl424]

Sounds like your job is super flexible (and not too trying) - and that can be really hard to come by. Sounds like a good job to keep if you can (notwithstanding your boss' generosity which is really a non-factor to me).

Its not the job thats super-flexible in all honestly, it really is all due to my boss. He has made it super flexible for me. And the generosity..well, its come in many forms from him over the past few years that he has been my boss. I don't want to get too specific just for safetys sake, so I'll just say that he has made sure I was covered leave-wise, even when I had no leave to speak of. Thats among many things. To be quite honest, if it weren't for him, I would have left long ago. I'm just having a hard time here figuring out my options.

[jimmysgirl424]

From the Sarcastic Journalist at Baby Gaga:

Are we there yet?
by The Sarcastic Journalist
If you’ve paid attention to any pregnancy books, you’ll read that most babies are born between 36 and 41 weeks. You’ve heard that, haven’t you?

I swear, it seems to me that every woman, especially first time moms, think that their baby is going to come at 36 weeks. Here’s a hint: Most likely, it won’t.

I know, I know. I’m a mean person. How could I tell you that your baby isn’t going to come today? You know you’re thinking that.

Wait- what was that twinge- is that labor? Ooh, maybe it was labor? Could it be labor?

No.

I know it’s hard to hear that, but the sooner that you learn to accept the cold hard truth that early labors happen to “other people,” the sooner you can get on with the rest of your pregnancy. Worrying about whether or not today will be the day isn’t going to make the baby come any faster. Trust me, I’ve tried.

You’ve been looking in the mirror and you’ve wondered how you could possibly get any bigger. There’s no room for the baby in there! You just KNOW you have to go into labor early.

Unfortunately, your body has other plans. It plans on keeping that baby in there forever!

Think of it this way: Would you rather have the baby stay “longer” now, when it is a fetus in your belly, or move back in after college? At least now, if the baby is in your belly, people will feel sorry for you and bring ice cream and cake. When the kid moves in after college? They’ll just gossip behind your back and call you a bad parent.

Staying pregnant for a few more weeks is totally worth it.

http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/calendar/week36

[kazata]

Rangerwendy That's a really tough (and as others mentioned personal) decision. If I was in your shoes I would lean towards no induction, but I can understand wanting to induce as well. Can you ask about your bishop score (I think that is what it is called - basically it takes various factors into account to give you an idea of whether an induction would likely be successful in your case. The higher the score, the more likely the induction will work. On the flip side, the higher the score, the more likely you will go into labor on your own soon as well...so...)

Kym That's a tough call. I think having a job that can be flexible for baby care is a huge benefit. If you go part time, you may have flexibility in terms of not working all the time, but since you'll be the new person, you may have to be at work, when you are scheduled, you know? My suggestion is similar to Robyn's - if you can afford to go part time somewhere else instead of full time, can you afford to take the full 12 weeks FMLA (even if unpaid) before going back to work and that way have a bit longer before putting your baby in daycare?

[Katie&Micah]

Lisa..
Great pics!

Kym...
I'm so sorry you're feeling this way. Dh and I had briefly talked about working different schedules so that one of us would always be home with Maddy, but honestly, when would we see each other? So we've decided to try in home day care. I honestly feel much better about her being in someone else's home rather than in a center. I really wish we had family close enough that could watch her, but we don't, so this is our best option. I don't have any feelings of guilt right now, but I'm sure as the time comes closer I will.

Me--My work just called and they are filling out my leave of absence paperwork. July 20th is officially the last day I'll work before maternity leave starts. Most of you will already have your babies.. but I think it's better that I have more time off after the baby than before. I'll just sit around and feel sorry for myself that I haven't delivered yet. lol Hopefully this will help make it more bearable now that I have a definite date to look forward to. But deep down I'm still hoping and praying that she decides to come earlier than that!

Today my feet and ankles look like they belong to him..
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/graphics/2004/11/01/bib12.jpg

[j2478]

Rangerwendy: Sorry I have no advice for you since this is my first time. I hope that everything works out for you though!

Kym: I would say what everyone else is - look for something part time. My current job requires me to have a real estate license and my company has all of the fees associated with the license (about $1700 a year) paid up through the end of 2007. So I am quitting my job but keeping my license - I figure maybe I can sell a house or two between now and then for extra money. The original plan was to quit completly and look for something part time next year. I still planning on finding a new part time job next year since I would have to pay the fees for my license next year. I personally think working part time is the best option for us: still mainly get to be at home with the baby, but at the same time get to get out of the house and contribute to the family income. Sorry about writing the book but I am sure you will be able to find an arrangement that makes you happy!

Speaking of work: I just have to share this even though it may not be appropriate I am just so grossed out! I always clear my history a couple times a day from the internet on my computer b/c well I am on this site and many, many others that are not work related. I am also the only one who is ever on my computer. Today I went to clear it and saw there was a tab for Tuesday and I thought that was weird that I didn't clear it before I left yesterday. So I look at it and it is porn!!!! Totally gross porn websites. I know my boss (who is the owner) looks at porn on his computer - I have seen it in his favorite settings and such but Yuck, he was totally at my desk doing who else knows what while sitting here!

Hopefully everyone else's day is going better than mine!

[Katie&Micah]

j2478.. EWWWWW!!!

[Katie&Micah]

update from Michelle's LJ.. (I really hope you don't mind Michelle.. but I figured everyone here is really interested in how you and the girls are doing!)

Just thought I'd do an update since I've got some time...

Megan has been doing well. She's breathing fine on her own. She has been bottle feeding from the start, but has been spitting up alot. They said this morning if she dosen't have a poopy diaper today they may have to put in a feeding tube for awhile. She's in an isolette right now, can't quite keep her temp up on her own. They were saying last night she's starting to look a little yellow, might be a tad jaundiced. But they did take out her IV yesterday. And Aaron and I both got to hold her for the first time.

Natalie is still on the vent, but they decreassed the oxygen level yesterday and she has tolorated it ok. They are going to keep decreasing it each day and if she does well she'll be totally off the vent soon. She gets a little fiesty at times and tries to pull out her tubes. So now they keep her swaddled most of the time. Because of the vent, she's in an isolette and we've only gotten to touch her a few times. She's tube-fed, and not as often right now until she gets her breathing figured out.

I probably won't be able to get pics up until I get home. Most everyone agrees both girls look just like daddy.

As for me, recovery has been ok. I felt really good most of yesterday, but last night they took out my IV, so no more of te really good drugs, lol. The pain from my incision can get really bad if I get behind on my meds at all. But when the meds are working and I'm not in much pain I can get up and walk pretty well. Bleeding is fine, less than I expected. I've started pumping, without much success so far. I hope my milk comes in soon. The best part is I'm back on a normal diet. I haven't eaten a ton yet, but what I have eaten hasen't caused any issues. And the killerheart burn is gone. They took the bandage off my incision, and that creeps me out a little.

I think that's about it. Time to pump again. I'll write more soon.

[Lisa]

Katie- thanks for the update! and for the comment on the pics. I had a great time! good for you getting your maternity leave worked out. Staying busy is lways good especially toward the end!

yah Michelle, hang in there girl. Can;t wait to see pics of the girls

j2478.. EWWWWW!!!

couldn't have said it better!

all is well here. baby is busy all night and quiet all day. a few people told me I've dropped:D yah. that is music to my ears.

Kym- your boss sounds great! You'll make the right decision

[alliannie]

Congratulations Michelle!!!

Katie-lol at the pic you posted and your ankles. You crack me up:p.

j2478-EWW!!!

rangerwendy-I agree totally a personal decision. I doubt I would do it but I want to avoid a csection at all costs. But I don't have to think about how big my baby will be either so I have a different point of view! I am sure you will make the best decision for your baby and body:).

jimmysgirl-Good luck deciding what to do. I feel you 110% as I try and decide if I should get a full time job so we have more money(which we need) or to stay part time so I can stay with baby. It is a very hard decision. I do think the flexiblility your boss provides could be invaluable though.

Lisa-Great pics! and yeah for baby dropping!

Well I am pretty sure I didn't get everyone but the last two days our thread as come to life! I had a dr. appt this morning. It was pointless. I didn't even see my dr. He got called to an emergency c-section while I was in the waiting room. So they did all the normal stuff and sent me on my way!! Baby is moving something crazy the last few days though. He used to always be on my right side and has now taken up an uncomfortable spot on my left.

[Katie&Micah]

Another update from Michelle's LJ

things change quickly these days...

We went over to see the girls just before noon. That's the one time a day they are both changed/checked on etc at the same time so it's nice to actually see them when they are awake. We got there while the nurse was going vitals on Natalie. Then she changed her diaper. And with Aaron and I and the nurse standing there watching, she pretty much just spit the vent right out! The nurse yelled for the Dr, but Natalie was just relaxing and brething on her own just fine! That girl knows what she wants, and I guess she wanted no more of that vent. She'd been trying to yank it out but found a better way I guess. So now they have her in a cozy little oxygen tent just so she can relax, and she'll start bottle feeds tonight or tomorrow. I'm really happy we just happened to be there right then.

THEN, I got to hold Megan and give her half her bottle and Aaron gave her the other half. That was awesome. Hopefully most of it will stay down.

Oh, I'll be going home either tomorrow or Friday. We haven't gotten any real specific word on the girls but it will likely be 2-3 weeks. Who knows though, since we saw today that things can change pretty quick.


How great to see the girls are improving so quickly!!! Can't wait to see pics Michelle!

[BrownEyedGirl]

Wow, this thread is moving!!

First off, Congrats Michelle, and Welcome Megan and Natalie!! It's great to hear that they are doing so well.

Katie, you are too funny with the Michelin man pic!

Kym, I'm sorry you have to go through the early daycare dilema...maybe your boss would let you work part time for awhile after the maternity leave is over? Or could you do your job from home for a few weeks?

Ranger, I don't have much advice for the induction. Maybe you could try natural methods first (I'm a big believer in acupuncture)

Lisa, very cute pictures!

And some QOTD answers

labor buddy...I'm planning on having my laptop at the hospital, so dh or I will post updates

work...Right now the plan is to work until I deliver, but that plan sucks more and more each day, of course I really want as much time as possible after babe is born

bathroom...my bladder is doing pretty good. I don't really have too many urges throughout the day...but some days are worse than others.

belly button...mine is almost flat, I still have a little indention.


me...I've been seeing a chiropractor a couple of times (will continue until I deliver). I'm really hoping it helps labor and delivery go smoothly. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. My follow up appointment with my surgeon was on Monday. He said my scar is healing up nicely. He's a little concerned that the incision site may cause a little extra pain when pushing and there's the chance of a hernia, but what can ya do. My next appt is tomorrow, so we shall see how the little man is doing.

[rangerwendy]

KYM I feel your pain about daycare. I even applied for a job at the daycare my baby will be at just to see. They offered me the job but it was literally less than half of what I make teaching, so there was no way I could take it. That should give you an idea of what the pay was, if they paid less than 1/2 of what a teacher makes!!

As for me, I lost my mucous plug this morning(I'm pretty sure, but not 100% positive. How do you really know anything your first time around). Plus, my husband got home from a business trip last night and immediately commented on how low my belly has dropped. And I have been having some uncomfortable contractions, but not super painful and not regularly. So, pray for a naturally occurring labor for me instead of induction. Maybe my little girl will beat them to the punch. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!:)

[Katie&Micah]

Ohhh I've got everything crossed for you rangerwendy!!!

lol.. My ankles are now SO swollen that they look like the Michelin man gained 20lbs! One of my friends came over earlier and said, "Oh wow, your ankles are FAT!" Thanks.. lol I hadn't noticed!

[mel_hams]

These BH are sooooooooooooooooooo strong. I can't get comfortable at all. I am 100% sure they are BH b.c of how high they are as well as irregular, but I don't care WHAT you call them, they still hurt sooooooooooo bad. Hello 38 weeks....hurry and get here.

[polkadot]

Hi girls~

Just got back from the doctor..I actually have progress to report....nothing big but...he said my cervix is softening...and I am almost a fingertip dialated...but not close enough to call it one cm., and Eli is head down. He did an u/s b/c he could tell I was concerned about his size and position...but you could see him, head down, with his butt and legs right in my ribs, where I feel him all day long...so thats my report...:D

I know that I could never get past this point and could have to be induced, but atleast I feel like my body is starting to do its job, that was a big worry of mine since I felt like my body was giving me the finger when we were TTC. :rolleyes:

So thats my report...

Michelle~ cant wait to see pics of the girls...

katie~ you are too funny with the michelin man pic...

rangerwendy~ Whoo Hoo about losing your MP...thats good..things are moving along in here!!

Hope everyone else is good!!

[Katie&Micah]

mel_hams
I hope for your sake these are real and not Bh or that they go away soon!!!

polkadot
How exciting!!! I have my dr's appt. tomorrow and I'm hoping I'll get some good news of progress like everyone else.

[MommaO]

As for me, I lost my mucous plug this morning(I'm pretty sure, but not 100% positive. How do you really know anything your first time around). Plus, my husband got home from a business trip last night and immediately commented on how low my belly has dropped. And I have been having some uncomfortable contractions, but not super painful and not regularly. So, pray for a naturally occurring labor for me instead of induction. Maybe my little girl will beat them to the punch. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!:)

How exciting, Wendy. I hope your body keeps pluggin' along. That's awesome!

Me? Had my weekly appt today. I'm now a "solid two". Small progress but progress nonetheless. B/C my Dr is out of town next wed I'm going in next Friday if nothing happens b/4 then. Which I really hope it does.

[jimmysgirl424]

rangerwendy Woohoo! Yay on losing the MP!! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that your little girl beats everyone to the punch and comes on her own. Sending {{{labor vibes}}} your way! Keep us updated.

MommaO Hey, progress is progress, right! Hope it goes fast for you!

polkadot Okay, I can't believe how many of our mommies are reporting back with progress! Good for you! Sorry you are so uncomfortable. Did your doctor seem concerned at all with Eli's size?

mel_hams Are you 100% positive that its BH that you are having? Or could it be the real thing? Keep us posted!

BrownEyedGirl I was wondering how you will do with labor and delivery with that incision still so new. I know its healing up, but I am still concerned for you. Let us know how your appointment goes today. Mine is today too!

alliannie Are you on weekly appointments yet? Are they bringing you back earlier since you didn't get to see your doctor yesterday? I hear you on the baby's movements, my little one has been going crazy in there and making her mama very uncomfortable at times. I had to get out of my glider last night and sit on my exercise ball for awhile just to stop the pain.


Okay ladies, today is my 36 week u/s as well as my regular doctor's appointment. I am going to ask our u/s technician to check the baby's sex for us since I've been driving myself and everyone around me bugshit worrying that its a boy and not a girl! :rolleyes: So keep your fingers crossed for me that we don't get any surprises today!

On a bad note, DH has been really, really sick since Monday. His doctor is stumped, he's been running a fever and his body is obviously fighting something, but she doesn't know what. He had already taken a full course of antibiotics and two days after he finished them, he was sick and running a fever again. When he went back to his doctor yesterday, she said it "could be" an upper respiratory infection, or it "could be" some time of viral infection. She put him on another course of antibiotics, but warned that if it is a viral infection, it would just have to run its course as the antibiotics won't help. Last night, his fever climbed up to 103.2 and scared the crap out of me. I've never seen him so sick. :( I couldn't get him to drink, to eat, nothing. I even tried to get him into a cool shower to help bring his fever back down but he was so weak that he couldn't get off of the couch. I was finally able to get some Tylenol Severe Cold liquid into him and his fever started dropping. This morning it was down to about 98.9, so thats somewhat of a relief, but each day it seems like he battles a fever that keeps going up. His doctor said if he's still running a fever come Monday that he will have to go back for blood tests and a chest x-ray. All of this while I'm sitting here at 36 weeks and miserably scared that something serious is wrong with him. :( And of course, we're both terrified that I could go into labor and he could still be sick and not able to be there with me. So everyone, please send me some "baby stay where you are for now" vibes until he gets better.

[MommaO]

Kym Hope all goes well at your appt today and that the U/S and it simply confirms what you already kniow- that you will soon be holding a baby girl. :) Oh and big "get well" vibes to your DH. How scary. I hope that 1) they rapidly figure out what's bugging his system and 2) that they can treat it to get him ready to greet his daughter in the next few weeks!

[polkadot]

Kym~ Hoping that todays appt goes well and the girlie parts are confirmed :D And sorry about your hubby that sucks...I hope he feels better soon.

QOTD: Those of you who are sending out birth announcements, have you picked out which one you will use and have you begun addressing the envelopes yet?

I have mine chosen, but just thought about starting to address the envelopes so I dont have to do it once Eli arrives...

[mel_hams]

Hey girls! I feel better this morning. They continued until about 1am and then softened up. I've been having such strong BH since about 28 weeks (I hear they are supposed to be worse with the 2nd pregnancy, but these are so horrible) but last night's were especially bad. I wonder if b/c he checked me Monday at my visit (no dialation or effacement) that it's just things starting to get to work? Who knows. Either way, I wonder if I may should request to NOT be checked this Monday. I had the cramping for a couple of days first and then that awful night last night. Ugh. I just need a little break to gain up some strength to go through labor and those first few weeks with a baby, you know what I mean? Anyway, sorry to gripe. I guess I am just so tired!
I know most all of you understand what I mean by that!

[LDS Angel 19]

hi girls, checking in quick...

i'm going home tomorrow. i could have gone today but opted to stay and be close to my girls and get waited on for a little longer. :) Thanks so much for all your kind thoughts and Katie I don't mind you posting the updates,i'm glad someone is. i'm working on my birth story and will have that and the pics for you all sometime tomorrow night.

[alliannie]

LDS-Great to hear from you and can't wait to see pics of your darling girls.

mel-Glad your BH have gone away. I can't decide if I was you if I would get checked or not. I would want to know of those made me progress but I wouldn't want to go through it again. Good luck deciding!

QOTD: Those of you who are sending out birth announcements, have you picked out which one you will use and have you begun addressing the envelopes yet? We aren't sending them out.

Kym-I hope your DH feels better too and I am sending your baby girl some stay put vibes till he does! I am on weekly appts. And nope they told me to come back at my normal weekly appt no sooner even though I didn't see the dr. So I could be effaced or dilated and not have a clue:eek:


ranger and polka-woohoo for progress!!

Katie-How are the feet and ankles today?? Any better?

Well last night was horrible. Really. I have to admit to that it is probably my fault:o. DH and I had sex and afterwards I got VERY crampy. Much more than normal. I stayed crampy all evening and was pretty miserable at his ball game. We got home and went to bed. I woke up at 3 having contractions. I stayed awake timing them(about 10 mins apart). But at about 4 they stopped and I feel back asleep. Then a little later I woke up sick to my stomach and was miserable and having some again. Those stopped to and I was finally able to sleep. I just got up this morning:o and I feel better but am still crampy. I am now officially scared to have sex again!! So we will see what today brings.

[jimmysgirl424]

Okay, I'm reeeeeeally glad that I'm going to the doctor's today. I don't know what is going on, but I'm having pains down low, some of them so bad that they almost feel like an electrical shock. And I also feel very crampy too. I know the baby has definitely dropped and am attributing most of this to her having new and tender areas to kick and punch on, but some of this pain just doesn't seem right to me.

[ceaserbride]

Hey girls! Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I feel like I'm just playing the waiting game now. Everything is done and we're just ready for this babe to arrive...okay, I AM ready for her to arrive, dh says she can wait till her due date so he can work a couple more weeks!

Had an appointment on Tuesday. All is well, measuring 40 weeks now but havent gained weight the past couple weeks, so YAY for that! We don't really do internals in Ontario, so I'm not sure if anything is really happening, but I think my body is gearing up as I've been very crampy and having lots of bh like lots of you have. I'm really hoping she comes before of very close to her due date as the dr. said we'd "TALK" inducing at 41 weeks but they really don't like to induce and even with my "big" babe he'd like me to go into labor on my own...but would love to see me in L&D ASAP!

Okay, onto replies!

Kym- I hear you on the crampyness and I think this is normal but the other pains don't sound so fun. Keep us updated! Hope dh is feeling better soon!

LSD- Thanks for the update! So glad everything is well with you and your girls! Let us know how they're doing. I'm so happy for you!

Mel- Glad your bh have subsided. Sounds painful! We don't get internals here. I suppose they figure there is no real point since you could be dialated for weeks or you could be closed up tight and go into labor the same day!

QOTD: Those of you who are sending out birth announcements, have you picked out which one you will use and have you begun addressing the envelopes yet?
I may get to this in the next couple weeks if babe doesn't arrive :p

MammaO - Yay for progress!

Rangerwendy- Hoping you're in labor or have had your babe by now! So exciting to have lost your plug! I keep checking the toilet on a regular basis:o

Browneyedgirl- Hope your appointment went well. Let us know how it went!

Allieannie- Sorry you didn't get to see your dr.:( HOpe all is well!

Katie- Sorry about the swelling. I definatly know how you feel!

Lisa- Your shower looked great! That food is making me hungry!!

[Katie&Micah]

Thanks for all the thoughts about my fat feet! They looked really good when I woke up, but they're starting to get fat again. I had my dr's appt. today and everything was ok. The motherboard went out on our computer again (just had it replaced 3 months ago). So we're going to be buying a new computer. I hope I don't miss out on too much until we get the new one set up. Good luck to everyone!!

[mel_hams]

so bad that they almost feel like an electrical shock

That's how I've been describing my cervical pain. I say it feels like little pelvic lightening strikes. I've been having them for a couple of weeks now, but much more frequently since the internal on Monday. I think it's our cervix trying to thin out and get busy, don't you?

[Lisa]

wow a busy thread today!

Wendy- yeah on the MP! Hopefully you will start labor soon!

Kym- sorry about DH. Hopefully baby girl wont come while he is so sick. I hate when my DH is sick:( Hooray on your u/s and I know you're having a girl. but its cool you can get double checked

Mel- sorry about the painful contractions! Hopefully they are doing some good and getting you ready to meet your little girl.

Michelle- so glad you checked in! Can't wait to see pics of your girls! You're so blessed to have them. I cant wait to meet my little guy!

Allie- the sex thing, same thing here. For us it really depends on the position. I told DH I hate that it bothers me b/c it makes me dread it:rolleyes:

Ceaser- you sounds like your next and ready to go! I'm measuring big too. I thought I didnt look that big but EVERYONE is commenting on how I look like I could drop him out any day. I still have 4.5 weeks;) hopefully less though. I miss you belly shots:)

Katie- yeah on a good appt!

me- I'm still tired but making it through the day with 2 crazy boys!

QOTD- Birth announcements- I think I know what I want but I wont address them yet. I'll wait to order them. Plus I have everyones address on my comp so I'll just print them out on labels

QOTD- Are you less hungry? I dont seem to like any meal but lunch. I cant get myself to really eat breakfast or dinner. and if I do I feel sick

[ceaserbride]

I miss you belly shots

Awwww, thanks! I'll try and get one up on Saturday!

[lovelifeandlivelove]

Katie - Good luck with your feet, your posting cracked me up!
Caesar - I am so glad you posted that about being closed up tight and going into labor the same night because I made no progress this week. Hope you go into labor close to your EDD!
Jimmysgirl - Hope your DH is feeling better! I hear you on the day care situation esp. with the prices of day care in this area. I am so grateful that my job is so flexible (and that my boss actually put the idea in my head to work outside the box sort of speak to figure out a way) My biggest problem with not starting day care right away is not being able to see my DH on a regular basis. We hope to delay starting the baby in day care at least 3 months after my leave but if it works out ok then maybe 6 months. Good luck with trying to work it out. Maybe day care part time and work out your schedules accordingly (Dh or you go into work later, other leaves earlier) or see if anyone in your office has the same situation going on. The one girl at my work has a baby also and we have talked about splitting day care duties once my baby gets older (i.e. one of us works while the other babysits, we are a 24 hour facility though).
Rangerwendy - I am so excited for you to have your baby naturally! I bet it's soon.
Lisa - your shower's food looked so yummy!
LDS - Can't wait to see the pictures and so happy to hear the progress your girls are making:):)
Mel_hams - My dad was saying that it seemed as though my mom went into labor always the night after one of her visits like the dr. did something to her while she was there. Around my 12 week I had major bleeding and cramping right after an internal exam and they said they thought that was what it was from so maybe it does impact it. Hope the BH subside!
Yah for everyone who made progress!
Announcements - We picked one out but haven't ordered the envelopes yet. I have all our addresses saved on he computer though so I may just use labels! Anyone want to share the ones they picked out. Ours is
http://http://www.storkavenue.com/images_lg/4763CA.jpg Unless we have a boy!
Me - I had my appointment yesterday and nothing new! I am not dilated or effaced, she's still head down, my BP was really low, I lost 1 lb, nothing new! Next appt. is Friday June 29

[j2478]

Yeah for everyone who is getting closer: Ceasarbride, Rangerwendy, Momma O, Mel (maybe you'll be soon too)!

Kym: Hopefully baby girl stays put until DH gets better.

Michelle: Good to hear that things are going well for you and your family!

Lisa: I don't know how you do it, I am tired and only have to look after myself.

Birth Announcements: I am going to order the ones from Walgreens and I won't have the envelopes until after the order comes back. So I am planning on printing out address labels before the baby so that they will be easier to send out after.

I am not planning on buying the hospital photos - they are soooo expensive at our hospital. Plus everyone I know will be taking a million pictures anyways.

Me: I really have been sad lately over the baby being transverse. I have been trying the "home remedies" to get the baby to turn but I think it is still sideways. This is all I think about all day long and I get so disappointed that I might miss out on a birth and have to schedule a c-section. I won't get to wait for labor and obsess over whether or not its time, instead I would just have a date to show up at the hospital. We had our hospital tour the other night and instead of being excited over it, all I could think about how none of the labor part might not apply to me. When our group went into the birthing rooms it took everything I had not to cry. Please send turning vibes mine and the baby's way!

[MommaO]

popping in for a second b/4 a meeting....
J2478Please send turning vibes mine and the baby's way!

Just to let you know that my neice wasn't head down until nearly 36 weeks. Hang in there keep doing the stuff you can to try and encourage her to get into position. Hang in there, sweetie, I don't blame you for getting emotional during the hospital tour.

[gator97]

j2478- I felt the exact same way. . .and I had NO idea before the u/s whether or not she had turned. One day I was convinced she had, one day I was convinced she was in the same transverse position. I really could not tell. Other than the exercises, I had lots of "conversations" with baby about how nice it would be if she could go head down. Sounds silly, but it cannot hurt. It is definitely positive thinking.

LDS- congratulations. Cannot wait to see pics of your beautiful girls!

QOTD- Birth announcements- I am going to make my own, I think. But I also have a few websites on standby just in case that doesn't work out. We have all the addresses in a spreadsheet so printing labels should be easy. If I have time, I'll get them printed ahead of time.

Jimmysgirl and Mel- I read in one of my pregnancy updates that at this point it is really common for baby to settle in on some of your nerves---causing that type of pain. Hoping the babies shift for you into a more comfortable spot.


I had lots of contractions yesterday but not too many today. Nothing regular yet.

[DanaLand]

Birth Announcements - I can't do anything yet because I plan on taking her to JCP for portraits soon after birth. I took Landen at 12 days old and then ordered adorable picture announcements through them. I skipped buying the hospital pics since they never turn out that good anyway. I just printed one for a keepsake.

LDS - Wow, I still can't believe you have your girls already!

[jimmysgirl424]

Well ladies, its official..I'm now scared to death and literally feel like a ticking time bomb. Had my u/s and OB appointments today. First I will say that while the tech wasn't able to get a 100% clear shot of baby's gender thanks to her little hand being in the way, she did move in such a way towards the end that we were able to see the labia. Even my mother was able to pick it out in the picture they printed of it for me, so I do feel more comfortable with it than I did before.

So..during the u/s, I kept looking at the baby and thinking she looked big. I even commented on it a few times and the tech said not to worry, they would let me know at the end how much she weighed. HA!! Little was I prepared for the moment when they told me that she was measuring 8.3 pounds!!! :eek: At 36 weeks!! I know my eyes must have gotten as big as saucers. So, they sent me out to the waiting room to wait for their report so I could take it to my doctor's appointment with me. About five minutes later, here comes the tech, asking me to come back to the u/s room again because she needs a few more pictures of the fluid levels. She gets what she needs and comments that fluid level is high and they are going to fax the report up to my doctor immediately as my appointment was about five minutes away at that point.

I got up to my doctor's office (she's in the same building) and got undressed as she would be doing the Group B strep swab and an internal to check for progress. She walked into the room and I knew immediately by the look on her face that she was concerned. She basically said two things; one is that the baby is on track to weigh well over 10 pounds if I go full term and that she felt 100% sure that I would be unable to vaginally birth a baby of that size. The second thing is that my fluid levels were measuring very high. High enough that they are sending me back next Thursday for another u/s to check the levels again. One of the two things will happen at that point. If the levels are still as