April & May mommies 2010

[a_spark]

a_spark- So glad you found a doula! How many did you talk to? I talked to two, and I think the reason I did that was because there was something about the the first one I interviewed that I wasn't sure about. I knew I needed to talk to someone else. Had I talked to the second doula -- the one I hired -- first, I wouldn't have had to talk to anyone else. I'm sure she's the one for me. But now I'm second-guessing my choice in OBs, but that's another story. :(


Becky, I actually only ended up interviewing one... I had appointments with two others that I really liked over the phone, but one just didn't show up (nice, huh?) and the other had to cancel because she realized that my due date falls during Spring Break and she'll be on vacation. I really loved the one we met with though, especially because she's a monitrice as well as a doula, so I just went with my gut and we'll use her. That reminds me, I need to call her and tell her she's hired! I'm sorry you're questioning your OB choice... is there someone else you can transfer care to?

[MrsBeckyLP]

I really loved the one we met with though, especially because she's a monitrice as well as a doula, so I just went with my gut and we'll use her. That reminds me, I need to call her and tell her she's hired! I'm sorry you're questioning your OB choice... is there someone else you can transfer care to?

Glad to hear it! I went with my gut, too. I wasn't even able to meet with the doula I hired, because she's currently on maternity leave. But we talked on the phone for an hour, and I got a great vibe. And we've e-mailed back and forth several times already. She's been checking in on me, and I haven't even paid her the deposit yet. We're going to meet sometime in November when she goes off leave.

I could transfer to a different OB, but there's a problem there. I can only see OBs in one practice. They have offices all over the area, but there are about 15 doctors total in the practice. So at delivery, I get whomever is on call. (This is the reason I chose to see my family practice physician, who specializes in OB, for my first pregnancy. There was a 90 percent chance she'd be delivering me, but she can't do VBACS.) That means I could switch to a different OB and still end up having my current OB deliver me. And I could see her not following my wishes during labor just because I switched, you know? I think I'd rather take my chances and stay with her so don't piss anyone off and have a better chance at a VBAC. I'm not sure why I'm feeling like this now. I guess she was kind of in and out at my last appointment, and that turned me off. I'm used to my regular doctor, who doesn't ever rush to get out the door. It's just a gut feeling I'm having. Hopefully it passes!

[a_spark]

Becky I totally understand why that'd turn you off! I'm glad to hear that it wasn't something like her being negative about VBAC, or something like that, though. Hopefully she'll get more in tune with you as your visits progress. I totally see why you wouldn't switch OBs-- it'd certainly make for an awkward situation if she were the one to deliver you!

[stevesbabygirl]

cyd - I think you only have to wait between shots if you get the FluMist nasal spray, and since you can't take that if you're pregnant, I think you're okay to get your other flu shot. I think I'm going to get it, because the thought of not getting it seems worse to me at this point, even though I never get flu shots.

[cyd_96]

So I have a question...a few of you have mentioned how you feel ahead or behind because we are spread over two months - which I'm with you on that.

While I love hearing all of your updates, it is kind of hard for me personally to relate to some of you because I feel so behind. Then, once I've reached that milestone, I don't really want to bring it up because it's really already been discussed. KWIM? AND, there are so many of us, it's hard to keep up with everyone, and easy for someone to get lost in the shuffle. Perhaps it's my pregnancy emotional sensitivity, and if that's the case, just tell me to shut it. :-)

So with that, is there any chance we can split, once we start a new thread? I also may be in the minority or overstepping my bounds - I'm fine with whatever, but thought it wouldn't hurt to ask.

[cyd_96]

cyd - I think you only have to wait between shots if you get the FluMist nasal spray, and since you can't take that if you're pregnant, I think you're okay to get your other flu shot. I think I'm going to get it, because the thought of not getting it seems worse to me at this point, even though I never get flu shots.

That's what I'm struggling with. What if I didn't get the vaccine, and then got H1N1 - ugh! I'm pretty religious on getting flu shots, even when I was pregnant with DD, and don't know why I'm so concerned about this one?
Thank you both for your insight!

[MSH]

I could really use some positive thoughts right now. I just came home from work and when I stood up I felt a huge gush of blood. i called my MW and she wants me to go straight to the ER, so we are just waiting for FIL to get here. She did say it is a very bad sign. Needless to say I am freaking out.

[cyd_96]

MSH, I am so sorry. You are in my prayers.

[ieducate]

Hello Ladies, I hope I can join you now as we just got the official word yesterday with a heartbeat. It has been a long, long, long haul for us to get here and I am still a bit nervous about the pregnancy, but I wanted to share it with someone so this seemed to be a great place to do it. :)

CC ieducate
Me: Karen, 37
DH/Significant Other: Andrew, 38
Married: August 1, 2004
TTC Since: December, 2007 after unexpected pregnancy resulted in m/c
BFP Date: September 17, 2009
EDD: May 27, 2010 (according to LMP)
Gender Prediction: BOY
Finding out the gender?:We already know...did IVF with PGD
Other children: Julia Rose, 1/13/07

I won't go into the whole story as it is entirely too, too long, but I had a m/c before my daughter Julia, went on bedrest at the hospital at 25 1/2 weeks with her (dilated 1cm), delivered her at 29 weeks weighing 2lbs, 15oz after my placenta ruptured. 1 month before her 1st birthday we got pregnant again (weren't trying). We had our 2nd m/c. After that we began working with a fertility specialist and then later we went to a clinic for IVF. We had 2 more m/c's after that, one ectopic pregnancy, and one biochemical. We did multiple fresh rounds of IVF and then a frozen cycle of IVF when we finally got pregnant. I am 7 weeks tomorrow, but the u/s from yesterday puts me a little before that...based on transfer date instead of LMP.

The due date is of course arbitrary for me, as I will likely have a scheduled c-section early. I meet with my perinatologist on the 20th of October to see the hb again and to discuss the plan. We already know I am getting a cerclage (sp?) at around 12 weeks and then the rest will have to wait and see.

Hope you are all well. Look forward to getting to know you all.

[Taurus]

MSH, I am absolutely thinking good thoughts for you.

ieducate, welcome!

cyd, whatever is decided, post whatever you want despite what's already been discussed. i think that is pretty common/expected on all the parenting boards. no one has time to go through old posts on the other threads, and i think people here would be happy to chime in even if they have moved past that stage. I think there have just been so many slow threads in the past year+ that the merged threads became common, yet this thread does seem to be chatty (whereas, say, the thread I was in for DS2 totally fizzled out).

[a_spark]

MSH Oh, my gosh, how scary... I'm thinking of you!

[Adrianna]

Sending good thoughts your way, MSH.

Welcome, ieducate!

[beetle]

MSH, saying a prayer for you right now. I really hope everything turns out to be okay.

And welcome, ieducate! It's SO great to see you here!

[mamax2]

I guess the data (combined with the blood test) combined with the data from the second tri scan give really good info about potential problems and that is a GOOD thing for people to get to know, but I guess I sort of feel like there is an assumption about whether people would continue with the pregnancy, and there is just something expensive and excessive seeing every person you know (including yourself) being sent to a maternal fetal specialist, not to mention the expectation it puts out there for gender and for "getting to see" your baby, and the whole culture of that. I don't know, I can't quite explain it but don't at all mean to imply that it's not a good thing for people with different risk factors to have access to this care.


I see what you're saying about that, your perspective makes sense. I was just thinking about it from my side where I really don't have good access to specialized care even though I do have risk factors and I'd love the chance to just get that care 'handed' to me without having to fight for it, make a day long drive to get it, etc. Frankly, I'm surprised insurance covers all those referrals/testing as a routine practice. I'm sure you can refuse those tests though, right?

MSH ~ Please keep us posted. I'm saying a prayer for you.

[newmommy]

MSH: Thinking good thoughts for you!!

Becky: My big U/S is on the same day as you!! Mine is at 3:30pm....that should be a fun day for us!

Ros Yes in some ways it's going quickly...but due to M/S I'd say some days too slowly!

H1N1 After speaking with my OBGYN, I'm not getting it. She herself said that if she wasn't obligated to get one-she wouldn't have(not sure if I've already posted this).

AFM: napped/rested all day as planned...then ordered Chinese Food for dinner : ) I feel a lot better!! Tomorrow I'm working until 11:30, and DH took the day off, we're going to the Topsfield Fair(a pretty big one around here and we've never been!) Have a good night all!

[MSH]

I'm back. Still bleeding but the Dr was able to pick up a HR of 153 on the dobbler. I am being sent for an u/s either tomorrow or Friday to see if it is a placenta issue. So by definition I'm having a threatened miscarriage. I'm on bedrest, vaginal rest for upto a week as it stands now. Thank you for all the positive thoughts.

[Adrianna]

I am glad that you heard a heartbeat...will keep my fingers crossed for the u/s.

[MrsBeckyLP]

Oh, MSH, I'm glad to hear they got you in right away and picked up a heartbeat. Hopefully it's just another one of those "it happens" bleeding stories. I know how scary that is, and I don't wish it upon anyone. Take it easy. :)


So I have a question...a few of you have mentioned how you feel ahead or behind because we are spread over two months - which I'm with you on that.

While I love hearing all of your updates, it is kind of hard for me personally to relate to some of you because I feel so behind. Then, once I've reached that milestone, I don't really want to bring it up because it's really already been discussed. KWIM? AND, there are so many of us, it's hard to keep up with everyone, and easy for someone to get lost in the shuffle. Perhaps it's my pregnancy emotional sensitivity, and if that's the case, just tell me to shut it. :-)

So with that, is there any chance we can split, once we start a new thread? I also may be in the minority or overstepping my bounds - I'm fine with whatever, but thought it wouldn't hurt to ask.

I'm sorry if I made you feel this way by saying that we had discussed the H1N1 thing. The only reason I said we had discussed it was so others didn't think I was a moron for repeating myself! I don't mind discussing things again, especially something like H1N1 that is timely now that it's finally starting to arrive. It wasn't my intention to make you feel bad, so I'm sorry if I did.

That said, I've thought myself that it might be nice to split, especially since several people have mentioned feeling so far behind the rest. We have A LOT of mommas here, and it might make it easier for all of us to keep up with each other if we split up. That's just my opinion, though. I really don't care either way! I think most of the winter groups doubled up months because their numbers were low, but it always seems like there are a lot of spring babies.

stevesbabygirl- Where did you hear about only waiting between regular flu and H1N1 only if you had the nasal spray? Just curious, because my OB said you had to wait between shots.

ieducate- Welcome!

H1N1- I know I just commented, but I have something else to say. I feel like this is the toughest decision I've had to make in a while. It makes me so wary when some doctors say to get it, and others say not to. Ugh.

[ieducate]

MSH: My thoughts are with you. I know it must be so scary, but finding the heartbeat (and one so strong) is a great sign. Stay in bed and keep us posted. My deepest prayers are with you.

[april2010moms]

updated to here ... Whew!

[stevesbabygirl]

Aw man, what happened to my post :confused:?!

Anyway, in my local paper, there was an article from the AP about the vaccines. They asked a flu vaccine specialist from Vanderbilt University, and he said that you can get both at the same time if you're lucky enough to find a doctor's office that has both. You can also get a shot and a nasal spray, but you have to wait 3-4 between nasal sprays if you get those for both. But pregnant women can't get the nasal spray because that uses a live virus.

[a_spark]

H1N1 I am REALLY struggling with this. I am extremely wary of any medication during pregnancy (so much so that I am currently suffering from a horrible sinus cold and I have yet to take anything for it), so getting a vaccine really, really freaks me out. That said, this 6% death rate of pregnant women who have contracted H1N1 also really freaks me out. I'm really torn. I think it wouldn't freak me out so much if DH weren't a teacher and DD wasn't in a big school, but there is a lot of risk for exposure there. I'm really on the fence!

Splitting threads I kind of agree with this... I feel like there are so many of us in here and it's so hard to keep up with everyone! And like someone said, we're all at such different points, it's hard to relate sometimes.

[Smittenk]

Splitting threads I kind of agree with this... I feel like there are so many of us in here and it's so hard to keep up with everyone! And like someone said, we're all at such different points, it's hard to relate sometimes.

I would be fine with splitting the threads as well...I do feel pretty behind alot of the time. It is such a huge difference between people due at the beginning of April and end of May.

[MrsBeckyLP]

I know I mentioned this weeks and weeks ago, but I highly recommend "Pushed (http://www.amazon.com/Pushed-Painful-Childbirth-Modern-Maternity/dp/0738211664/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254967376&sr=1-1)" for all of you. It's such an eye-opener. I get the impression that my mom thinks my "theories" on childbirth are goofy and doesn't understand why someone wouldn't access all available medicinal interventions possible during labor -- "they make them and doctors recommend them, so they must be good for you" -- so I'm making her read it when I'm done. This book definitely explains it.

Anyway, off to read my book in bed. :)

[Taurus]

If the group gets split, there should a May mom or two who want to be TM since all three of ours are April moms! (and thank you again, you three!) :)

[amew]

MSH -- How scary, but thank goodness they found the heartbeat! Sending lots of positive thoughts.

H1N1 -- After much debate and research, I am getting it first chance I get. Getting a new vaccine in early pregnancy is certainly not something I want to do, but I think these particular circumstances warrant me setting aside that discomfort. In this case, I think the risks of the illness outweigh the risks of the vaccine. I have two pregnant friends who are MDs, and both plan to get the vaccine. H1N1 is a big problem in my area--a baby at my hospital recently had to be delivered at 30 weeks because the mom was in the ICU with H1N1 complications. But the kicker for me was when I brought it up with my dad who is a pulmonologist and has therefore seen some of the worst of the H1N1 cases so far. He is generally very non-alarmist (he is so used to dealing with really sick people that anything short of terminal cancer doesn't seem to register as sick in his book). I never get a regular flu shot, and his attitude is "whatever, you're young and healthy, you'll be fine." When my son was wheezing up a storm all night as a tiny infant and I was worried sick, he pronounced it nothing to get bent out of shape about. But when I implied that I thought I was going to skip the H1N1 vax, he flipped out and told me that if I didn't get it he would drive the 7 hours to my house and forcibly give it to me himself. He is not one of those doctors who just follows the CDC recs, and he doesn't tend to get caught up in the hype. He actually seems to quite genuinely believe that I would be putting myself at a significantly increased risk of death by foregoing the vaccine. I really don't want the dang vaccine, but I really don't want the virus more. Ugh.

[lilo]

MSH: I'm so sorry you're going through this but am so happy to hear that they picked up a heartbeat.

H1N1: Nope, I'm not getting it. I got the regular flu shot and that's good enough for me. Heck, I seem to still get some version of the flu each year even with the flu shot so I feel like there is no 100% safeguard against anything, even the swine flu. I agree that the 6% death rate among pregnant women is scary but I also feel like the media skews things in their favor. I'd like to find out what the average death rate is among pregnant women for the regular flu each year. For me personally, I don't feel comfortable getting this particular vaccine.

splitting threads: I don't have strong feelings either way. I enjoy hearing about everyone's pregnancy journeys but can definitely understand how some people would feel way behind or ahead. I actually love the fact that we're so chatty. :D

-------------------------------

Yesterday I broke down and had to take the normal dose of Tylenol to get ride of my annoying headache. Thankfully it worked pretty quickly. I'm wondering now if it has something to do with staring at a computer screen all day but of course I've been doing that for years! Who knows. So far so good today so we'll see what happens. My other new pregnancy 'symptom' is becoming very emotional over the tiniest thing. It seems that the floodworks turn on at the drop of a hat. Very odd. We are doing potty bootcamp with DS this weekend since I have Monday off so I'm excited and wary about that. I hope it works!

[MrsBeckyLP]

If the group gets split, there should a May mom or two who want to be TM since all three of ours are April moms!

Oh yeah. Good point. I thought of that last night, too, but forgot to mention it.

So ... any May moms out there who want to TM your own group? Otherwise we'll probably start a new April/May thread soon since we're over our post limit.

amew- Very interesting info about your dad. Thanks for sharing.

lilo- I had to take a normal dose of Tylenol last weekend, too. Just one pill wasn't cutting it for me. Did you notice that it's virtually impossible to find regular strength Tylenol (or generic acetaminophen)? I'm surprised, especially because of the warning that came out over summer regarding liver damage and high doses of acetaminophen.

I've been sleeping GREAT lately, and I don't want to get out of bed in the morning. It's so wonderful. I haven't had to get up to pee at night for over a week now. Love it! Hopefully that won't start again until baby is bigger and pushing on the bladder.

[a_spark]

Becky I read Pushed, it's a great book! It was the beginning of my VBAC journey, I'd say. It really opened my eyes, to say the least! I wish it was required reading for all women, because I so believe in people being informed about their health care choices and we are really kept in the dark most of the time.

AFM: Guys, I am so sick! It's awful. My sinuses are completely blocked and I'm exhausted and run down and just feeling miserable. This happens to me every fall and usually morphs into a sinus infection, which I'm desperately trying to avoid with the neti pot and Afrin at night. I hate taking any kind of medication (as I mentioned earlier) but I literally cannot breathe and thus cannot sleep unless I use a squirt of Afrin in each nostril before bed. Ugh.

[MrsBeckyLP]

a_spark- I started reading it when I got pregnant, but then put it down while I read a few novels. I picked it back up again the other night, and now I'm having a hard time putting it down. Reading about some of the common practices doctors use makes me so angry at times. I'm sitting there shaking my head at the book! I'm sorry you are feeling so crappy. I felt the exact same way last week, but I'm doing much better now. Afrin is my saving grace when I'm not pregnant. It's the only way I can sleep at night when I have sinus issues. Did you ask your doc or pharmacist about it? I forgot to ask last week, so I avoided it, but I would have loved to take it. Sinus infections are the worst, so I hope yours doesn't turn into that.

[lee60657]

Hi ladies! Congrats to everyone:)

lee60657
Me: Lee, 34
DH/Significant Other: E, 35
Married: 2005
TTC Since: swh since 8/09
BFP Date: 9/6/09
EDD: May 17, 2010
Gender Prediction: no clue!
Finding out the gender?: Nope:)
Other children: DD, 4; DS, 18 mth

Here I go with round 3! I can't believe it. Things were weird early on with this pg (lots of brown spotting), so I have been anxious which sucks since 3 is it for us, I would like to really enjoy this pregnancy. All seems well now, we have seen the hb twice (were actually able to hear it on Monday).

flu shot I just go the seasonal flu shot at my OBs office. They have the "low mercury" shot - that is what they call it, but I think they are referring to the low level of thimiserol in it. My OB highly rec'd getting it.

H1N1 Still undecided on this one. The information is so mixed it makes it very hard to make a decision. Plus, it is not available at my OB's office yet, so I have some time. I will probably talk it over with her again before making a final decision.

Pushed I will have to look into that getting that book. I have had 2 uncomplicated vaginal births, both were very different, but amazing. With my DD I had an epidural at around 4 cms. With my DS I actually ended up not getting the epi in until less than 10 min. before he was born! So I experienced labor, but it took the edge off pushing and I felt great after the birth. My plan this time is to go as far as I can w/o, but if I want it get it. But I am SO glad I labored w/o it with my son - just to have had that "almost" natural labor experience was really neat.

[Taurus]

welcome, lee and congrats on your third! I know what you mean about wanting to enjoy your last pregnancy. I only feel that I have really been able to begin that this week (12th week) due to various worries and just being so tired and sick.

sinuses - I have been told it's fine to take Afrin when pregnant before at my previous OB. My new OB has it listed as okay to take for three days, then to call them. When I talked to her this week, she said to get a regular saline spray and use a humidifier. The humidifier has helped.

[a_spark]

Becky Yeah, Afrin is on my midwife's list of medicines that are ok, though as Taurus pointed out, it's not safe (even when not pg) to take for longer than three days, so hopefully this cold clears up in 2 more days! I do have a humidifier but it's not helping much. I'm so stuffed up that I get zero air through my nose once the Afrin wears off...which is cool during the day, but I am completely unable to sleep when it's like that!

Welcome, lee60657!

[Adrianna]

Welcome, lee!!!

Splitting threads: I think that I might have a dissenting opinon...being a first timer, I definitely appreciate knowing what's happening with the ladies that are a few weeks ahead of me. However, I am sure that there are enough RO's in May that I'll get great advice and guidance. So, I guess I am good either way.

[nawsgirl]

Welcome to ieducate and lee!

splitting- I don't mind either way- since I have a late April due date I am kind of in the middle right now.

flu shot and H1N1- I'm getting both, although this will be my first time ever getting any kind of flu shot. I work at a public library though so germs are everywhere...

AFM: I was so sick yesterday, threw up for the first time in a few weeks :mad: I just don't know what to do differently, which is frustrating... I'm not supposed to gain a lot of weight, and I would prefer not to, but this is kind of hard when I feel like I have to eat every hour or be sick. I feel a little guilty that I am not more excited about being pregnant...

[KGif]

Jessica and Eloo I literally screamed out with glee upon reading your good news. I'm sure my co-worker in the cube next to me really appreciated it :)

MSH SO happy to hear they found a good strong heart beat. My thoughts are with you!

Splitting threads Works for me! I too find it a little hard to keep up with so many mamas in here. Then again I always love reading everyone's updates so if we decide not to split I'm good with that too!

Me I've gained 10 lbs so far. Did you hear me, I said TEN POUNDS. What on God's green Earth is wrong with me!? I'm not going to ask how in the world it happened - b/c I know how it happened. I've been eating often and like crap and excercising not at all. I need to change that STAT. I am now over my first tri tired-all-the-time feeling so I plan to get back on a workout schedule. There is no reason why I can't jump on the treadmill for 30 minutes at least three times a week.

[MSH]

Splitting threads: I'm OK with either. I love how chatty our group is and the great group of women we have here.

AFM: I got an appt at the hospital for my ultrasound but it isn't till tomorrow morning, so I am in limbo for another day. Thankfully only brown spotting today, a little heavier than I would have liked but still just spotting.

[someday soon]

Splitting threads I'm in favor of keeping them together, as I have a May 1 due date with an expected late April c-section. I don't know where I'd go!

[a_spark]

kgif I'm 16 weeks and I've gained 13 lbs so far! Argh! I know it's because in the beginning all I could do to keep the nausea at bay was to eat, eat, eat and all I wanted was carbs. I have this layer of extra padding now... :rolleyes:

[newmommy]

Hi ladies,
Quick question: tonight I had the SLIGHTEST twinge of pink when I wiped today(sorry if TMI). I'm nervous because with DS#2 I had a low placenta, and bled--and was on bed rest for a few weeks.

Do I call the Dr tomorrow...even if there isn't anymore? I'm really worried.

TIA!

[mimieliza]

newmommy - I would call tomorrow. I tend to call when I'm worried about things, and my doctor's office has been really nice about it, and helpful at alleviating my worries.

Splitting threads - I'm in favor of keeping the threads together, just because I like a big, active thread and I would miss all the April mommies!

MSH - Crossing my fingers that everything is okay for you! Hopefully the u/s will put your mind at ease.

KGif - Ugh, tell me about it! I've put on about five pound already. I am eating junk constantly. Last time around I couldn't eat much, so I didn't gain any weight for the first 20 weeks or so. I've been more aggressive about treating the nausea this time. I still feel like crap, but I can eat! And if I don't eat, I feel way worse. Oh well. My plan this time around is to do what I need to do to get through the first tri, and not lose any sleep over it.

flu shot and H1N1 - My doctor recommends waiting until 14 weeks for the flu shot, but wants me to get the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it is available. I work in a hospital, so I'll be one of the first staff to get the vaccine once it is available. I worry that if I wait, they will run out since the H1N1 vax is in short supply. 4-6% mortality rate among pregnant women has me freaked out! Plus, my OB's office just had their first case, a 34 week pregnant woman hospitalized with H1N1.

lee - Welcome, and congratulations! :)

MrsBeckyLP - Yes, I was looking for regular strength Tylenol and I couldn't find it! All I found was real Tylenol brand (very $$$) uncoated tablets. I knew I wouldn't be able to choke those down, so I didn't bother. But I was surprised that regular strength isn't widely available.

AFM - I had a nice appt with the nurse yesterday just to get my health history, and do bloodwork. I also touched base with my OB, and we discussed the NT scan. She recommended it and feels it is more accurate than the quad screen done in the 2nd trimester. So I'll go in to see the OB in two weeks (Appt: October 21) and get the referral for the NT scan/bloodwork at that point.

I am still sick, of course. I swear, I could stay in bed all day if I had the option. I am sooooo tired. I've been staying on top of the nausea the past few days with the Unisom/B6 trick, sea bands and an occasional Zofran. But it's like a continuous effort to avoid smells, eat the right foods, etc. to avoid throwing up.

I've been on my "days off" for the past three days, and I hate my schedule so much. DH works a regular M-F schedule, so I'm taking care of DD full time on my days off. It has not been easy. She has watched a lot of television. :( I feel so guilty. I just need a real day off each week where I can just catch up on rest and do my own thing.

[stevesbabygirl]

H1N1 - I think I'm going to go ahead and get this shot, and not the regular one. My mom had the flu a few weeks ago, and we believe it was swine flu. She felt like absolute hell, and when she thought she was better, she came down with a nasty cough. That cough ended up being pneumonia, and blood tests came back yesterday to say it was pneumococcal pneumonia, a bacterial infection. She also broke a rib from coughing so much. I really don't want to go through any of that, because she was truly miserable, and so so sick. DH works at a community college that has about 30,000 students, many of whom are homeless, and/or living in poverty, so I worry about him bringing it home.

[ieducate]

Welcome Lee.

lilo: My dh and I did Potty Training Boot Camp for our daughter (almost 3) over the summer (in mid August) and she is completely 100% trained, except for sleep times (nap and nighttime). It was a tough few days...really tough first week, but well worth it, if the child is ready. Our daughter needed that extra little push and it worked for her, but it doesn't work for all. We have her in a diaper when she sleeps mainly because I don't feel like having to get up in the middle of naps and/or nighttime to take her to the bathroom. We will work on that one before the baby arrives. Good luck and keep me posted on the progress.

AFM: nothing really new. Still having some stomach issues (my colitis has been acting up) and my queasiness seems to take a backstage to that. My boobs are killing me as usual and I am plum exhausted all the time. When I was pregnant with my dd I slept almost 14 hours a day...and probably could have slept more had my dh not woken me to eat every few hours. :)

Anyway, hope everyone is doing well.

[MSH]

Well we leave for the ultrasound in an hour. No new bleeding just a little brown spotting, no cramping still so I am trying to stay optimistic and I swear I can feel the baby moving, so I am crossing my fingers.

Threads From what I see most are either neutral or in favour of keeping the threads together? As I am on bedrest I have oddles of time on my hands these days and badly need something to do so I was going to start a new thread today or tomorrow as we are past our post limit. If a May mommy wants to start a May thread please PM me otherwise I will start another joint thread.

[mamax2]

newmommy ~ What you're describing sounds sort of like what can happen after an internal exam or even BDing. Do either of those apply? If not, I'd probably call your Dr just to be on the safe side.

splitting threads ~ I'm fine w/whatever. I think A spark and I are technically March mommies now anyway and we're still hanging out here :p It can be really hard to connect with mommies who are basically due 2 months apart from you though. 8 weeks makes a big difference during pregnancy, but I'm definitely fine w/keeping them together too. Looks like majority favors splitting so as long as some May mommas step up to the TM role, that's fine by me.

Movement ~ I am pretty sure I felt this little one for the past 2 days. Wednesday night I was at my Book Club and I was sort of hunched over & eating wings and I could feel that little pokey feeling. Last night, DH was listening w/the Doppler and this baby does NOT like the Doppler. I felt a total flip-flop sort of feeling and then the HB was gone and DH picked it up on the other side of my belly. That was totally weird!

MSH ~ Thinking of you!

[a_spark]

mamax2 So true! I follow along with the March thread but I'm attached to this group. ;)

threads I'm really fine either way... it is kind of nice to have such a big, chatty group.

[lilo]

ieducate: That is great to hear that the potty training boot camp worked for your DD! DS goes to the potty half of the time so I feel like he needs that extra push too. I'm a little scared of getting him to poop on the potty but I am so ready to ditch the pull-ups during the day and I think he's ready too. I will definitely keep you updated. Keep your fingers crossed for me this weekend!

mamax2: That's so exciting about feeling some movement. I sometimes wonder if the twinges I feel every now and then are movement but I have no idea and chalk it up to gas. ;)

MSH: Good luck with your U/S appt. today! I am sending you tons of positive thoughts. :)

Exercise & lack of motivation: Since I am firmly in my 2nd trimester and don't have the energy to do high impact exercise classes anymore, I'm finding my motivation to exercise slipping. I am a total exercise class girl and find working out in a gym at a slower pace super boring. I know I need to get some cardio in a few times a week so I'm hoping to go on walks a few times a week outside until it gets really cold. There is a kick boxing class that I usually take on Fridays but I have no desire to go anymore. Isn't that horrible? I did work out twice this week but I usually workout 4 or 5 days a week. I love the prenatal "On demand" workouts so maybe I'll try doing more of those. Anyone else slacking in the exercise department???

TGIF!! I'm so happy for the long weekend coming up.

[mamax2]

I love the prenatal "On demand" workouts so maybe I'll try doing more of those. Anyone else slacking in the exercise department???



I liked them too, but thought they were too short. I would do the 2nd trimester work-out as a warm-up and then do A-List Arms or Explosive Upper Body or something like that so I'd get a total of 20-25 minutes in. It looks like all the prenatal stuff is gone this month though! I'm doing prenatal yoga for 45 minutes twice/week and then I try to do the elliptical for 25-30 minutes once/week and the OnDemand stuff the other 2 days/week. Those are only 20-25 minute workouts though. Overall, I'm not working out at the level I used to. It's just hard to put in the time with my DD running around. She's good, but still!

[jeggink]

TM, can you please remove me from this thread?

My nuchal did not go very well and things do not look very positive at this point. If things do turn around I will rejoin, I need to distance myself a bit from this pg at this point Thanks!

[Adrianna]

Jeggink, thinking of you. I am sorry that you didn't get good news. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[lilo]

I'm so sorry jeggink. I am sending positive thoughts your way and hope you can rejoin us later. take care of yourself.

[Gia]

Oh, jeggink, I am so sorry. I hope everything works out ok for you.

[lee60657]

Jeggink So sorry - thinking positive thoughts for you...

[beetle]

I am so sorry, jeggink. Thinking of you...

A warm welcome to lee.

[ieducate]

Lilo: don't be surprised at all if the pooping doesn't happen until later. It took about a full month of being potty trained before DD would go poop on the potty...she would always hold out until she was in her diaper for nap or bedtime. I kid you not. I have heard from MANY moms that pooping is entirely different and that it can sometimes take forever before they feel comfortable doing that without a diaper. Good luck to you again.

AFM: I am feeling uncomfortable in my skin today. I feel extremely sluggish and have been having a hard time catching my breath today. Not comfortable at all...especially this early. I don't know if this is normal for me because I slept so much with dd that I just don't remember. It is definitely a bit harder being pregnant and taking care of a toddler at the same time, but I am so thrilled to finally be pregnant that I simply don't care. :) Anyway, a little over a week before my next appt. and I can't wait...I really want to see the hb again. Makes me feel so much better. I can't wait until I am far enough along to hear it with a doppler.

Hope everyone enjoys the long weekend.

[lee60657]

Potty training I totally agree with ieducate about the pooping - that is a whole different thing than peeing on the potty. DD was peeing on the potty and out of diapers during the day by the time she was a little over 2. I won't even go into the nightmare that was pooping on the potty:rolleyes:

Sluggish I am sluggish too. And pukey. And hungry. Great combo! To top it all off my DS does not yet sleep through the night so I am just exhausted due to lack of sleep.

exercise Lol.. what is that?!? With each of my pgs any type of regular exercise had to wait until I was out of the 1st tri. It is looking like it will be that way again. I do have a decent pg workout dvd that I need to drag out.

Maternity clothes Anyone bought anything yet? I am ditching my old maternity wardrobe (with the exception of some quality pieces) for a new one this time around. I refuse to succumb to the frump. Thankfully, swingy cardigans are in this fall/winter so I plan to buy some of those and pair them with fitted maternity shirts. I also use pregnancy as justification to purchase shoes and handbags - for those it doesn't matter how big my belly gets;)

[stevesbabygirl]

jeggink - I'm so sorry. I'm thinking positive thoughts for you, and hope you'll be able to rejoin us soon!

[a_spark]

jeggink I am so very sorry. My thoughts are with you.

[Eloo]

jeggink - I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[nawsgirl]

jeggink, I am really sorry :(

[newmommy]

Hi ladies, quick post:

Since I didn't BD or have an internal, I did call my Dr.

They had me go into Boston for a diagnostic U/S. Everything looked fine...what a relief! The baby is measuring 13 weeks and one day(although I'm supposed to be 13 weeks tomorrow).

The baby was flipping over and bouncing all around--and that was so fun to see : ) I asked the U/S tech if she saw a penis, LOL!! She said it was too early...but for the record: I didn't see one ;)

The next U/S is 11/17 and I really want to find out--I didn't think I did, but I was so curious today!!!

Okay off to put ODS to bed!

[teacher_jessica]

jeggink~ I'm sending many prayers your way. I'm beyond sorry that your appointment didn't go well but I hope that things turn around.

MSH~ I sure hope you continued to get uplifting news today at your u/s. Sending lots of positive vibes your direction.

Splitting Threads~ I like a chatty group but that's mostly because I've been a part of threads before that just fizzled out because people weren't actively posting enough. So I certainly prefer things as is even though I'm waaaaaay behind. ;) But if the other May mommies want to split that's fine (I'll probably still peek in on the April mama's too though).

AFM~ This has been a rough week with DH working from the wee hours of night to the wee hours of night (wasn't home last night until nearly midnight). Tonight he's out of town staying with a friend who looks to be going through a divorce and was in need of some guy time. I am seriously in need of some time to just lay on the couch. I wake up feeling icky and it gets progressively worse throughout the day to the point where I'm just gagging constantly at night. Bleh.

I know I'm not doing many s/o's right now but I thought I'd share the nastiest parental experience I have had to date that happened on Wednesday. DO NOT KEEP READING IF YOU DON'T FEEL WELL:
I had just changed DS's diaper but hadn't actually gotten him dressed yet and went to log on here to catch up. It hadn't even been 2 minutes when I hear, "Eeeeeew." I look over and DS is reaching for me with poo all over his arm, his tummy, back, leg... you get the picture. He had reached down into his diaper. :o So I swooped him up and ran upstairs and I started dry heaving which DS found to be hysterical so he was belly laughing. I got sick twice while cleaning him up so after getting him in the tub I got to clean up all sorts of fun stuff. :rolleyes: Is that not the grossest thing EVER???

[MrsBeckyLP]

jeggink- I'm so sorry.

Jessica- Yep, that's pretty damn nasty. Since I got pregnant, DD has had some poops smelly enough to make me want to puke, but I haven't. And of course she hasn't spread her poop all over herself. EEEEWWWW!

newmommy- Glad to hear your ultrasound went well!

[Taurus]

jeggink, sending thoughts for whatever strength you and your family need right now. good luck.

[RobynScott]

Jeggink - I'm so sorry about the results. I think Taurus said it best - also sending thoughts for whatever strength you and your family need right now. good luck.

[filmgirl7]

jeggink - I am so sorry. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you right now. Please take care.

[Taurus]

teacher_jessica, ugh, with two boys I have had so many disgusting things happen during this pregnancy. This week has been insane as we're renovating both bathrooms and for one brief point in one day I had no working toilet and DS had to use his potty seat that we've only had to use for peeing in the car, but I had nowhere to dump the poop then forgot I had put it outside. If DH had been home he would have totally gotten stuck with that cleanup but he was away for one night.

Is anyone else having to eat like a second dinner before bed so you don't wake up ravenously hungry? I am so exhasted from these weeks upon weeks of eating so much! I am feeling a lot better though, now that I am approaching 13 weeks. I have not fallen asleep on the couch in a while.

Speaking of, whoever said their kids have been watching more TV than usual (mimieliza?), uh, I'm sure we had you beat the past two months!

So my friend who is due two days after me with twins went to the peri I went to on Tuesday, and he and the tech told them they were 90% certain it was girl-boy. We will see in our second tris if he has gone 3 for 3 with his predictions!

[ieducate]

jeggink: I am so sorry and hope you rejoin us very soon.

AFM: fighting some other illness at the moment. I got sick less than 24 hours after getting the flu shot (seasonal) on Monday, and my doc said he thought it was a reaction to the shot. I had a mild fever, stuffed up, and was feeling really sluggish and slightly achy). Anyway, the fever finally broke on Wednesday night and then this afternoon it reappeared. It is still only about 100, but I feel lousy. My stuffiness went away and I don't feel achy, but the fever is making me feel cold and hot on and off and it is definitely making me feel more sluggish than I already was. :( I told dh tonight to take dd out tomorrow and let me sleep it off...that way whatever I have (if it is contagious) will have time to disappear and I won't have to worry about getting them sick...or taking care of dd for a few hours. :) Otherwise I feel the same...my stomach problems (colitis) are still bothering me and I am still getting queasy and hungry at the exact same time. Oh, and I had a revelation tonight...I figured out why pregnant women crave pickles and icecream....the thought was actually making me sick to think about it until about an hour ago (it's 2:30am my time) when I woke up craving both...the sweet icecream and the salty pickle...I am totally craving them...just not eating in the same bowl. :)

Anyway, I am going to attempt to get some more sleep now. Hope everyone is well.

[april2010moms]

Updated to here

[mimieliza]

jeggink - I so hope that things resolve well for you and your family. I am so, so sorry. :(

ieducate - Ugh! Getting sick while being preggo is something I would like to avoid. Sounds miserable for you.

newmommy - yay for such a great u/s! It feels so nice to be reassured that everything is okay, doesn't it?

Taurus - It depends on whether I was able to eat a normal dinner or not. If I was only able to pick, I totally have to have something big before bed (last night I had French toast). And my DD watched the full 7:00-Noon PBS Kids lineup every morning she was home with me last week. It's probably a good thing we don't have Noggin or else we would keep going past noon. :o

Lee - My OB recommended waiting until past the first tri to exercise (sue to spotting issues I had). I am certainly glad to have an excuse. There's no way I could handle that right now. I do not even have the energy to do all the basics each day (work, care for DD, etc.).

lilo - Warning: more poop talk! First time mommies, avert your eyes. :) Anyway, we had quite an ordeal with poop. My advice is just make sure your little one doesn't become constipated. My DD got horribly backed up her first week in undies, and it was really awful. Lots of screaming (from her) and crying (from me) and many emergency calls to the pediatrician. She was in so much pain. Anyway, she is on a stool softener every day now (per the ped's recommendation) and doing really well with the potty. So it wasn't a deal breaker, but it sure wasn't any fun to go through.


AFM - ARGH. The Zofran headache is unbearable today. I took some at work to get through the day and the headache kicked it around 1:30. It's now 6:30, and hasn't abated after a Coke, two Tylenol and an attempt at a nap. I am in such pain and miserable. May attempt the Unisom/B6 combo tomorrow at work instead, although it may knock me out.

I feel so bad for taking so many medications this time around. I was so careful with DD, I didn't take anything in the first tri except maybe one Tylenol and some Tums once or twice. I asked my doctor about it last week and she was adamant that it is FINE, everything I have taken is totally safe, etc. But still. It's like I have to take something every day just to get by. I'm not able to just check out for awhile like I did during my first pregnancy when things got rough, I have to keep working through it.

But, a tiny bit of good news this week: I met with the benefits coordinator for my OB's office. The total cost to me for having this baby, after my awesome hospital health insurance, and DH's health insurance, will be $15. :eek: THAT is why I am still working in this job with a horrible schedule that is kicking my ass. We paid thousands when DD was born, and we did have health insurance, it just wasn't great. It is such a relief to know that we won't have those huge medical bills rolling in in the weeks after the baby is born.

I may ask DH to pick up something totally unhealthy and guilt-ridden for dinner for me. I'm thinking Arby's. :)

[Steve's Sweety]

I haven't been around since I posted my intro but just read up and have to send heartfelt {{HUggSS}} and healing thoughts to Judi. I am so sorry and hope by some miracle that things will turn around for you.

Doesn't feel right to post anything else in with this so I'll be back another time.

[newmommy]

Just deleted.

[Taurus]

newmommy, guess we are doing the same stuff this morning, just got our u/s pics uploaded.

From Tuesday's NT scan at a peri's office:

deleted

[ieducate]

Wow Taurus and Newmommy, look at how great those pics are. It is so cool to see the baby so grown. That is awesome. Thanks for sharing.

AFM: I think that the stomach issues have slowed down a bit, but now I am left feeling beyond weak. I barely have enough energy to even type this right now. It is awful how weak I feel. Thank goodness for a weekend when dh is home to take care of dd. Now I just have to get through the week with her on my own...dh is not off tomorrow. :( Anyway, just sent dh out for gatorade for me and hopefully more pickles...that is definitely my craving so far...pickles, pickles, and more pickles. I didn't crave them until I had one with dinner a few nights ago and now I want one all day, every day. I craved grilled cheese and chocolate milk with my dd. Anyway, counting the days until my u/s with peri doc on the 20th. I can't wait to see the hb again....makes me feel so much better everytime I get to see it and/or hear it. :)

Hope everyone is doing well and enjoy the extra day of the weekend.

[SunnySideUp]

It is so tough to keep up here, lol. I need to check daily to even have a chance and i rarely have time. My semester ends December 7th and then I'm off until after New Years. So I will def be around a lot that month, lol. For now, I'm checking in when i can. Congrats on the ultrasounds, i love seeing those. I haven't had one yet, and prob won't for a while. My midwife likes to wait until the first trimester is complete. I really want to see if sooner though. I'm trying to figure out a way to get it done.

I'm also starting to consider NOT going the birth center route. It's been heavy on my mind the past few days. I have been so sick and have been so wimpy the past few weeks, i can't imagine going through labor w/o at least having the option for an epi. I dunno, I'm starting to really get nervous about being pregs.

[stevesbabygirl]

Taurus - those pictures are so cool!

[newmommy]

Judi: Just saw your post, I'm so sorry you're going through this. Take care : )

[KGif]

Judi Please know that our thoughts are with you. I'll continue to send up prayers for you.

[MrsBeckyLP]

Speaking of, whoever said their kids have been watching more TV than usual (mimieliza?), uh, I'm sure we had you beat the past two months!

We've been watching a lot more TV than normal, too. :o DD only watches one show, but until she got sick over summer and I was home with her for a week (the week I found out I was pregnant, actually), she really didn't watch any TV. But ever since that week, she's watched more. I feel a bit guilty, but I know it's a necessary thing in our house some days.

Taurus- Cool pics! It's so neat to see what's going on in there!

SunnySideUp- Are you open to encouragement? Stick with your plan! You can do it, and chances are you won't feel as crappy as you do now for too much longer. I only wish I had the option of a birth center birth!!

Cost of prenatal care and childbirth- Like mimieliza, we're really lucky. I thought I was supposed to have a $10 copay for my first office visit, but when I asked they said no. Nothing has changed with our insurance since I had DD, so it will probably cost me a whopping $0 to have this child -- unless they send me a bill for that $10 copay, but it's been seven weeks since then, and they usually send bills for copays a lot quicker than that. My options are limited (have to see doctors in one practice, have to deliver in a certain hospital), but our coverage is great, so it's good and bad. I looked through my bills online a few months ago, and it cost about $23,000 to have DD (prenatal care and hospital bills), but I only paid the $10. I am paying $600 out-of-pocket for my doula.

QOTD: Has anyone started thinking about birthing classes or methods?

Since I had a C-section with DD and never labored, this VBAC is constantly on my mind and I feel like a first-time mom in this regard. I realize now how unprepared I was that that my one little childbirth education class probably wouldn't have done much for me had I labored. One doula I talked to is a big fan of HypnoBirthing, so I've been looking into that and HypnoBabies, and I need to decide which will be better for me. I won't actually do the classes, because I don't think we'll be able to find the time (especially since we don't have a babysitter!), but I'll study them at home. I think I read somewhere that HypnoBirthing is more partner-involved, and there's no way I'll get DH to practice techniques with me, so I might go the HypnoBabies route.

[mamax2]

I hate my Dr's office scales! Here I was at my house this morning thinking I hadn't gained any weight since my last appt and then I hop on that scale at the Dr's office and I'm up 2lbs in 2 weeks!!! :eek: WTH!?!?! Everything else went well. My blood pressure is a little low but then they decided that's normal for me. Told me to drink more fluids. I asked this Dr his thoughts about the H1N1 vax and he said to get it. So, just goes to show, every opinion is different - even in the same practice! He also said he doubts I'll be able to find it anywhere, but if I do, to get it. My level II u/s is November 3rd and my next MW appt is November 9th. My gender u/s is still this weekend, but they called and pushed back the time - grrrr!

[Taurus]

QOTD: I just took the regular hospital childbirth preparation class with DS1. It all happened so quickly that I barely used the breathing we had learned, although what I really loved about that class was how it explained what would happen post-birth, etc. With DS1 my water broke at home and in one second I went from the feeling that maybe labor was starting soon to excruciating contractions that were just a few minutes apart. We are a few blocks from the hospital so my "method" was panicking and freaking out until they gave me Stadol, until the anesthesiologist could get there to give me the epi. I was 100% effaced when I got to the hospital, but not very dilated. (ETA: I rested for about 4-5 hours and then he was born.)

With DS2, I was determined not to have Stadol again. My water did not break at home but again I went to short, intense contractions pretty quickly. I was unsure what to do since they weren't the textbook "long" contrax so my doc had me come in, but he laughed when he saw me, did a quick check and sent me across the way to the hospital. I was in full labor, I again cursed my way through the contrax until the epi came (30 minutes maybe?). DS2 was born about two hours after I got to the hospital.

My biggest fear is this one going too quickly for an epi, so I am thinking I may need to look into some ways to cope. With both my boys my epis were heavenly, I felt not a single thing when they were coming out, and they were both born with just a few pushes!

[a_spark]

QOTD The doula we hired does Hypnobirthing and is a Hypnobirthing instructor, so we'll be going that route. I use self-guided meditation to deal with extreme flying anxiety and it helps me a lot (and I used to have full-blown panic attacks on planes), so I'm hoping it'll be a big help in labor.

SunnySideUp I second Becky's encouragement. You can do it! You'll feel a lot better soon and you are stronger than you think!

mamax2 I do believe you're the first to schedule your Level II US! Yay! And I'm excited to find out what your gender U/S results are. How exciting! As for the scale, hopefully it's just "off" :)

AFM: I have a midwife appt on Wednesday and hopefully will be getting the paperwork for my Level II U/S then. I cannot wait to schedule that U/S! I've been feeling a lot of movement in general but not so much in the last 2 days, which of course is driving me insane. I can't wait to hear the HB again.

[Taurus]

mamax2 - I forgot to ask my OB last week but I'm sure she'll say to get the vax. Our ped told me to get it. I am sorry for your later u/s this weekend, but it will be here soon and we will all be excited to hear. I know you'd like a boy, but I do have to say that being 1 of 3 girls is wonderful. When we found out this one is likely a girl, I jokingly whined to my sisters, "Who will her maid of honor be? She'll have ask a FRIEND?!?!?" :)

[Taurus]

sunnysideup, oops, my post was bad timing re: my epidurals. :) This is a great board for getting a lot of encouragement about natural childbirth. Read their posts, not mine! I think it would be something that you would not regret if you went with the birth center.

[newmommy]

Taurus I have to ask....did they point out specifics when they said that it's a girl? I ask because I didn't see a penis at my U/S last week...and I'm beginning to wonder if that does = girl? I mean a penis would be quite obvious at 13 weeks--I'd think......

[lee60657]

QOTD: With my DD I took the birthing class offered at the hospital I delivered at. It was all day on a Sat. It was very informative, but really did not speak to techniques to cope/handle labor. I did not take it again with my DS and I won't take it with this one. Once was enough. I was told by my ob that tat he hospital where I delivered (and will deliver this time) about 85-90% of the women go with an epi at some point. But, with each of my previous deliveries the nurses ask what your birth plan is, what your wishes are for your labor etc., so the epi is not all forced on you. They also have birthing rooms with tubs and allow midwives. With my DS I did not get an epi until about 5-10 min before I had him, but it def. took the edge of the birth. I intend to hold off on the epi this time around as well. That said, if I want it I will get it. Also, I had a positive experience with it both times and no complications. But, laboring is such an experience. This will be our last child, so I really want to "enjoy" the whole experience:)

Sunnyside I agree with the others - check out the natural childbirth thread to hear some of the great birth stories before you change your mind.

AFM Looking forward to the 2nd tri - it is hard to work and then take care of 2 kids when I am so tired all them time. I need energy:) I remember feeling much more energetic once I hit the 2nd tri so I am looking forward to that. My nuchal is set for Nov. 2.
newmommy With my DS at my nuchal which was when I was a little over 12 wks the u/s tech told me that they could not tell the sex yet or even make a good guess. By my level II at 19 weeks or so they were 100% it was a boy - I could even tell clearly without it being pointed out to me:) That said, I have heard of techs making gender predictions at early u/s. The one I had maybe just did not want to say if she was not sure.

[nawsgirl]

QOTD- I think we'll probably end up taking a childbirth class, if only to know how things will go from the hospital standpoint. As far as methods, I haven't thought about it yet. My mom went all-natural with both me and my brother (and he was 10lbs, yikes!) but both her deliveries took less than 2 hrs. I guess I want to be informed about different ways, but flexible since I have no idea what it will feel like and whether or not I can deal with the pain.

AFM: Had an appt today and she broke out the little portable sonogram machine to see the heartbeat, which I was not expecting. She said everything looks good and the heartbeat sounded fine. I keep forgetting to ask what number bpm, but oh well. I have my NT scan tomorrow, and I was told I would get lots of pictures... plus they will do a blood test and then in a week we'll talk to the genetic counselor about the results.

[amew]

jeggink -- I am so sorry to hear your news. I hope things work out.

mamax2 -- I can't believe you get to find out the gender this weekend. Too fun!

newmommy -- Not Taurus, but as I understand it, at 13 weeks gender is determined by the angle of the genital tubercle (aka the "nub"), which all babies have at that age. It's not really about the presence or absence or an identifiable penis at that point. You see the nub in the same profile shot that is used for measuring NT--if it angles up 30 degrees or more, baby is likely a boy. A flat nub or one angled less than 30degrees from the bottom of the spine is likely a girl. At 13 weeks, gender would not be apparent from a classic between the legs shot like at an 18 or 20 week U/S. Google "nub theory" for more info. It is a very accurate means of early gender determination if the tech or OB reading the U/S is knowledgeable and experienced in this area. I have been obsessing over the profile pics from my own NT U/S for days now, but you can't really see the nub in mine.

QOTD -- I, too, just took the hospital childbirth class with DS. My goal was to labor without drugs as long as I could, but I wasn't opposed to the epidural. I went into labor with DS about 4 am and labored at home until about 1 pm. I was around 4 cm when we got to the hospital, and waited another 2.5 hours to get the epidural (I think I was around 6 cm when I got it). By the time I got it, I REALLY wanted it. I didn't use any particular coping strategy up to that point other than walking around, distraction, breathing, etc. I was very happy with how my last birth went, with the exception of bad tearing that I didn't feel at the time but made for a not so fun recovery. I think I will plan to handle things the same way this time around, though I am somewhat tempted to go for natural childbirth just to see if I can do it and because it supposedly minimizes the risk of tearing.

[Taurus]

Taurus I have to ask....did they point out specifics when they said that it's a girl? I ask because I didn't see a penis at my U/S last week...and I'm beginning to wonder if that does = girl? I mean a penis would be quite obvious at 13 weeks--I'd think......

Drive by post: basically in the shot like yours when we saw the side view of the full length of the body (which I do not have a photo of), I saw what was like a tube sticking out straight on the very lower part of the body, (eta: NOT straight up and between the legs, straight out to the side no matter if the legs were pointed upward) which I kept thinking was maybe part of the cord, but I couldn't be sure it wasn't a penis either since when you see something between the legs you think penis...but it also did not look like I recall DS2 looking at 12-13 weeks, and I kept thinking, hmmm. I guess the idea is if it were a penis it would have been something pointing up or at a sharp angle rather than what I saw. I didn't go in there expecting to find out the gender especially if it were a girl, so what really took me aback was their certainty, but time will tell if I'll be their one recent case of mistaken gender identity! ;)

[lilo]

Cost of prenatal care and childbirth: We're really lucky too in this department. I have fantastic insurance and don't believe we had to pay more than maybe $60 when DS was born. I can go to any doctor I want and deliver at any hospital in my network but I will be delivering at the same hospital as with DS. It's a great hospital, relatively new and when we were there, the nurse staff were amazing.

Has anyone started thinking about birthing classes or methods?: I didn't attend a birthing class last time and probably won't do it this time as well. I would like to read up on better coping methods for labor and just the birth experience in general since the first time wasn't that great for me. I had the Epi, which was great for a while, although it kept wearing off and after a while didn't really help me. I will definitely get the epi again but I want to try to hold out a lot longer so I'm not confined to the bed. I think the hardest thing for me was that I ended up with something called a epidural headache (if you're not familiar with this, I urge you to look it up) although noone (including my DH) believed me until about one week postpartum, which was h!ll. This time, if I get any kind of headache prior to leaving the hospital, I will refuse to leave until they take care of it. I was in such pain for that first week of being home and when it was finally resolved, it was a 10 minute procedure and I felt 100% better. So ridiculous.

mamax2: So exciting that your gender u/s is this weekend! I can't wait to hear!

AFM: I am feeling much better these days but still pretty exhausted on the weekends and in the evenings during the week. I'm just glad the nausea has gone away although my appetite still seems to be huge once in a while. I'm really afraid of gaining too much weight this time around so I'm going to watch my portion size and workout a little more. I seem to be 100% showing now since I keep getting the usual 'congrats' from people that see me once in a while.

[mamax2]

QOTD ~ My DH and I took Bradley birth classes in my first pregnancy and just the hospital tour the 2nd time around. We'll probably do the same thing this time (just the tour) just in case things have changed, new check-in procedure, etc. I've had natural births with both of my DDs and if there was a birth center where I live, I would SOOOOO be there! My first labor was 17 hours with a posterior 8lb 2oz baby. My second was much faster - 6 hours with a smaller baby. We're a little worried about making it to the hospital this time as it's about 1hr 15min drive.

sunnyside ~ If you want a natural birth, I would *highly* recommend Bradley or Hypnobirthing. The thing about the birth center is if you KNOW drugs aren't an option, you'll get through it. It is a tremendously empowering and rewarding experience. It is the biggest high you'll ever experience and I wish every woman could know just how amazing it is (although I respect that not every woman wants to know ;) ) I am actually excited for L&D because it is just that awesome. For me (and probably for most natural birthers) it's akin to completing a marathon - lots of training, hard work but you will feel so accomplished in the end.

newmommy ~ A penis wouldn't be identifiable at 13 weeks. Actually even at 14 weeks that protrusion can be really obscure still and that's why my u/s tech wouldn't tell me during my last pregnancy. 16 weeks is usually when external anatomy becomes really obvious.

[MSH]

QOTD: - classes/methods We took the class offered by our hospital with DS1 ... I wish we had saved our time and money, what a waste that was. They really didn't tell me anything I didn't already know from friends/online and kinda felt like a big joke. With DS2 we didn't take any classes and won't be this time either. This time I plan to labour at home as long as possible (as I did with DS2) but will go to the hospital with a MW for delivery. With DS2 I went all natural and couldn't be happier about it. With DS1 I felt pressured into getting oxytocin and because of the stories I had heard about how the pain gets "so much worse" with oxy, I was terrified and agreed to an epi even though it was the last thing I wanted. Had I known better there is no way I would have done it. It was the beginning to a long list of issues which resulted in far from the birth I had wanted. I couldn't get up to move around and help the baby move down, couldn't eat because an epi is well known for slowing down the process so it puts you at a higher risk of a c/s, couldn't feel when I was ready to push because I was 100% numb, which was scary all in it self. When I finally started pushing I couldn't feel anything and therefore couldn't push very effciently, my contrax spaced out, I had to have oxy to get them going again and ended up with an episiotomy ... not a fun experience!! With DS2 I wanted to avoid all drugs for as long as possible and honestly there was only 15 mins of true pain where it would have been nice to have something to take the edge off but it was amazing how much better it felt to just push though it. Sure there was about 2 hours of discomfort but nothing breathing and focusing couldn't get me through. DH had a picture of DS which he taped to my hospital bed, which really really help to get me focused. Had I known the pain level I was at with DS1 when I got the epi was just about as bad as it would get I would have never done it. So with this one I really want to avoid it at all costs.

QOTD - costs of birth In Canada, well at least Ontario the cost of giving birth is covered by our provintial health insurrance. The only thing we will have to pay out of pocket if $20 to upgrade from semi-private to private

SunnySideUp you can totally to NCB!! Talk to your MW about what options you do have available at the birth centre, if there is atub or shower the hot water will do wonders in relieving pain and they usually provide the gas also, which can take the edge off.


AFM I had my u/s on Friday and it showed a healthy, rolly polly baby with a HR of 146bpm!! I do have a small abruption of the placenta with a small hemorrage, which presumably is what caused the bleeding. So I was taken off bedrest as the bleeding has stopped. But was told not to return to work till the spotting stopped, which it did today and not to lift more than 5-10 lbs. So I will be returning to work tomorrow and just making sure I am extra careful. They will check on the abruption again at my next ultrasound in 4 weeks, which hopefully will show it is either the same or smaller.

[amew]

Okay, I am so jealous of those of you will be paying practically nothing for the birth. We'll pay around $3000 before it's all over.

[mimieliza]

QOTD Classes/Methods Pretty sure I'm going to have a repeat c-section, so no classes or methods for me.


Still so sick and tired today. I was called off from work, thankfully, and I had grand plans to take a bubble bath, go to the grocery store all by myself (luxury when you have a toddler), etc. Instead I slept until 10:00, got up, ate breakfast, ate lunch, and went back to sleep at 1:00. I didn't wake up until 5:00! :eek: The problem is, I still feel like crap. Nauseous and crushingly tired. That is what is so hard for me, the fact that no matter what I do, I still feel terrible.

[SunnySideUp]

OK, gonna try some shout outs here.

First of all, thank you ladies for the encouragement. It is so tough to consider that anything could be worse than how I feel right now, lol. But I keep reminding myself how much we really wanted this, and how thrilled I am to be having a family with my very best friend. There is such a reward at the end, that I know this will all be worth it.

My mother is a doula and childbirth educator, and I have a very good friend who has coached a few births. So I have serious support on this end. My mom has been very patient as I go back and forth and supports whatever I choose. But I have been exposed to a lot of NCB. My youngest brother was born at home, and I video taped it!!! I am actually going to be with the same midwife that delivered him 11 years ago :)

Taurus - LOL, no worries. That is totally your path. I like to hear other people's concerns and ideas. It helps me to understand that every woman has, and is entitled to, a different type of birth and birth plan. It's what makes us all so unique and special to carry these little angels.

MrsBeckyLP - $23,000....wow....we are struggling to get the medicaid to go through right now. We were planning to wait until I was done with college, so we weren't really worried about health insurance. But with all this happening so suddenly, we don't really have a lot of options. Out of pocket, the birth center would cost $3500 total.

mamax2 - I lost 4 lbs in the first 3 weeks of knowing. Now, none of my jeans feel comfortable. I bought the "Be" band at target today. It's my the same company that makes "Belly Band", but it's cheaper. I gave it a try when I got home on some unbuttoned jeans, and you can't even tell they are unbuttoned and they hold them up perfectly. Fantastic, because I am not in the market for any more new clothes before this trip. (Vaca, I'll update on that more in a sec)

lilo - I'm glad you are feeling better. I am waiting for it!!!

QOTD - I will probably take a hypnobirthing class. Also, I am required to take childbirth classes with my midwife. I'm not sure when those start, but I def want to and Chris is also very interested in going. He's been very involved so far.

So I'm heading off to MD on Thursday. Chris' cousin is getting married, so I get to meet his extended family for the first time. We've been best friend for 10 years, and I only know his parents and his grandmother. I am really nervous, seeing as I am meeting them for the first time and I happen to be knocked up, lol. I ended up having to buy a new dress because my boobs have gotten way to big for the one I had planned to wear. Also, we made plans to go to DC one day and play tourists. Now we're gonna have to play that by ear depending on how I feel.

[MrsBeckyLP]

It is a tremendously empowering and rewarding experience. It is the biggest high you'll ever experience and I wish every woman could know just how amazing it is (although I respect that not every woman wants to know ;) ) I am actually excited for L&D because it is just that awesome. For me (and probably for most natural birthers) it's akin to completing a marathon - lots of training, hard work but you will feel so accomplished in the end.

It sounds so inspiring when you put it that way. I'm really hopeful I'm able to do it. And I also agree with you that I respect when someone has no desire to do it. Since I'm a VBAC, I really feel like going natural is my best bet for the birth outcome I want.

MSH and any other Canadians out there- Happy Thanksgiving! Glad the baby looks good and that you're off bed rest.

[MrsBeckyLP]

My mother is a doula and childbirth educator, and I have a very good friend who has coached a few births.

OK, now that is cool! I get along great with my mom, and I think it would be awesome if she truly were in a position to really help me out. But, she keeps trying to tell me that she was virtually a doula for her BFF, just because she sat with her and made her wait to go to the hospital with her fourth child (she went too early each time with her first three and was sent back home). I roll my eyes at her every time she tells me. She says, "You know, I could do that." Um, yeah mom. I'm pretty sure she's joking, but I also know her well enough to know there's a part of her that thinks she is qualified to assist me in the way I'll need. :rolleyes:

Regarding your general hospital childbirth education classes- I agree with MSH that I didn't learn anything I didn't already know/hadn't read online or in books. However, I do think it was good for my husband. He's the kind of guy who doesn't read, and he doesn't believe something I tell him unless he hears it from someone else, too. He also took a "Daddy Bootcamp" class, and he came home saying, "So you're really not kidding when you say it's hormones making you bitchy," "So contractions really do hurt" and other stuff to that effect. Hmm, so I wasn't making it up all along, huh? The bootcamp class was great for him, and it made me feel good he was willing to take the class for me and our child.

[stevesbabygirl]

I will freely admit that I'm a total wuss, and wouldn't even want to attempt a natural childbirth. I waited until I was 6cm to get my epidural, and I was proud of myself for getting that far, especially since I was on Pitocin. However, I wasn't completely numb like I had hoped to be, so I could easily tell when it was time to push. I did feel some pressure and pain, but that probably helped out a lot.

As for childbirth classes, I took it while pregnant with DS, but I don't think I got a whole lot out of it, so I won't be repeating it. They have a refresher course for those who haven't given birth within the last 3 years, but it hasn't been that long for us, so we won't be doing that one either.

I have my doctor's appointment tomorrow, and I'm super excited! I know it'll only be to hear the heartbeat, but I'm really hoping that they will schedule my big u/s for the next appointment, when I'll be 18 weeks. Last time, they wouldn't do it for my 17-week appointment, so I had to wait until 21 weeks. They'd better not make me wait until 22 weeks!

[mamax2]

Okay, I am so jealous of those of you will be paying practically nothing for the birth. We'll pay around $3000 before it's all over.

Ditto. I had to meet my $1500 deductible already this year and now that my plan starts over December 1st, I'll get to meet ANOTHER $1500 deductible. Gotta love self-employment :rolleyes:

SunnySide ~ Hope you enjoy your trip to my home state this weekend!! :D

[ieducate]

I lost 4 lbs in the first 3 weeks of knowing. Now, none of my jeans feel comfortable. I bought the "Be" band at target today. It's my the same company that makes "Belly Band", but it's cheaper. I gave it a try when I got home on some unbuttoned jeans, and you can't even tell they are unbuttoned and they hold them up perfectly. Fantastic, because I am not in the market for any more new clothes before this trip. (Vaca, I'll update on that more in a sec)

SunnySide: I am looking for something just like this...my jeans fit fine now, but when I sit down I am uncomfortable. I have been wearing my maternity pants a few times here and there and they are simply too big for right now...as I am not even showing yet. Anyway, where in Target did you find the "be" band? Is it in the maternity section or in like the lingerie section?

AFM: Today was the first day that I didn't have a horrible stomach ache...I feel queasy, but no stomach ache...and my fever finally broke last night too. I actually think now in retrospect that I may have been fighting some kind of virus for the last two weeks...it just was hard to tell since I was having pregnancy symptoms at the same time. I will be overjoyed if my colitis issues have gone back into remission and I can just continue with regular old pregnancy symptoms. :) My boobs are KILLING ME more and more each day...sometimes they hurt the most when I get out of bed in the morning...they are so heavy...already. AGH. I am going out to buy some new bras this weekend so hopefully that will help at least during the day. :) I am counting the days/hours before my next appt. one week from tomorrow. I can't wait to see that hb again. I want to know that everything is still 100% where it is supposed to be. I still have so far to go.

Classes/Birth: It is about 99% positive that I will have a scheduled c-section because of my circlage (sp?) and the placenta abruption with my dd. I missed all my classes last time with my dd because I was on bedrest at the hospital and delivered 11 weeks early. I will almost feel a little more at ease having another c-section because I know what to expect...I just pray that it is not an emergency c-section like last time and that I don't have another preemie.

Hope everyone is doing well. Good luck to all those who have appts. coming up.

[newmommy]

Thanks ladies--that all makes sense! I posted my profile pic on BBC and the nub shot was not in the pic I had : (

I thought that I wanted to be surprised-but I guess not! LOL! I also can't believe how obsessive I've become about it :o Thanks again!

[SunnySideUp]

SunnySide: I am looking for something just like this...my jeans fit fine now, but when I sit down I am uncomfortable. I have been wearing my maternity pants a few times here and there and they are simply too big for right now...as I am not even showing yet. Anyway, where in Target did you find the "be" band? Is it in the maternity section or in like the lingerie section?

They were in the maternity section in my Target, but it could be totally different where you are. They also had these really long tanks. They were super smooth and stretchy. But they were almost $30 each. I thought that was ridiculous. The BE band in itself was only $17.

[mamax2]

They were in the maternity section in my Target, but it could be totally different where you are. They also had these really long tanks. They were super smooth and stretchy. But they were almost $30 each. I thought that was ridiculous. The BE band in itself was only $17.

Same place in my Target. I'm WAAAAAAAAAAAAy past the 'Be Band' stage, but I did pick up some cute cotton tops with the ruched sides for $9.99 this weekend. Love Target!!

[Taurus]

newmommy, you'll know soon enough! :) I found that having this prediction and thinking about it, thinking about the reasons I'd be happy to have a girl but also the reasons I was (and would remain) very excited at the possibility of three boys has been a good distraction for me because I have felt so crappy for so much of this pregnancy and so, so tired that I found I had been thinking about surviving the pregnancy as a mom of two so much more than I had been thinking of the baby itself. So maybe that is why you are thinking about it so much. :) In any case, there is more to what the peri was looking to see anatomy-wise (the "parallel lines" of female development, blah blah) but I really didn't ask that many questions about what they were looking at. I was honestly so worried about this baby for some reason, I was just relieved it was okay. (My sister was being scheduled for a D&C the same day I had the u/s.)

[newmommy]

Taurus Thanks : ) I was SUPER nervous during the U/S too. I was a wreck and even my OBGYN was teasing me about how nervous I am this time around. IDK I guess having three healthy children is a lot to ask for..and I feel very blessed. Which is also why I'm so mad at myself for thinking about gender so much! I feel the same way, as long as my baby is healthy(although a little pink would be fun too; )

[mamax2]

Taurus Thanks : ) I was SUPER nervous during the U/S too. I was a wreck and even my OBGYN was teasing me about how nervous I am this time around. IDK I guess having three healthy children is a lot to ask for..and I feel very blessed. Which is also why I'm so mad at myself for thinking about gender so much! I feel the same way, as long as my baby is healthy(although a little pink would be fun too; )

I think this is totally normal! Most people I know tend to feel this way with their 3rd especially if you haven't experienced any struggles/losses. It's as if they think 3 healthy pregnancies/babies is just too good to be true. I think it's just human nature, kwim? In my case, I feel like I've been through enough and not only do I deserve a healthy baby, but I want a boy too d@mn it!! Yes, I'm getting greedy now :p DH says I've jinxed us, but we'll find out this weekend. I have tried to prepare myself for the possibility of another girl. I picked out some crib bedding I really like for a girl (I've decided it's worthwhile to buy something 'new to me' just because I get sick of looking at the same crib bedding for years on end).

O.k., I'm really not getting ANY work done tonight! I have spent way too much time on CC and looking online for Christmas gifts. :o

[amew]

I was SUPER nervous during the U/S too. I was a wreck and even my OBGYN was teasing me about how nervous I am this time around. IDK I guess having three healthy children is a lot to ask for..

I have been much more nervous this time around as well, and it's only my second pregnancy. For some reason I just feel like two uncomplicated pregnancies ending in healthy babies with no losses is too good to be true. I keep telling myself that plenty of people have two healthy kids without any problem, but I think I am impacted by my mom's history of loss (a 2nd tri miscarriage, a full-term stillborn, and losing my big sister to cancer when we were children). I grew up so aware of how hard it was for her to get and keep living children here that I am almost surprised that things seem to be so much easier for me, and I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. And it doesn't help that my mom is always a nervous wreck when I am pregnant.

[SunnySideUp]

TMI....just warning in case anyone really doesn't want to hear about body functions, lol. Although I'm guessing it's no big deal here.

OK, so I have been having some very faint spotting for a couple weeks. It comes and goes and really is no big deal. It's always very light brown.

Last night, it showed back up and it was pink, and then there was a little tiny clot that I saw on the tissue. That freaked me out, but there was really no bleeding besides that. Just very light pink. This morning, there is nothing. I am really worried. I can't afford an US through my MW right now, and my only option to get it done is to just go to the ER. But then I get a ridiculous bill to try and pay off. I'm gonna call the MW as soon as she opens up, but I really want to get an US or hear the hb or something.

[mamax2]

TMI....just warning in case anyone really doesn't want to hear about body functions, lol. Although I'm guessing it's no big deal here.

OK, so I have been having some very faint spotting for a couple weeks. It comes and goes and really is no big deal. It's always very light brown.

Last night, it showed back up and it was pink, and then there was a little tiny clot that I saw on the tissue. That freaked me out, but there was really no bleeding besides that. Just very light pink. This morning, there is nothing. I am really worried. I can't afford an US through my MW right now, and my only option to get it done is to just go to the ER. But then I get a ridiculous bill to try and pay off. I'm gonna call the MW as soon as she opens up, but I really want to get an US or hear the hb or something.

How much would your ER bill be? If you have a co-pay situation, it might be worth it. It cost me $100 for an ER visit w/an U/s, which was more than it would have cost in the Dr. office, but they couldn't get me in right away when I needed it (their u/s tech was on vacation that week). Also, you should ask your MW, but an u/s that's considered medically necessary like this will be billed/treated differently. There might be some way for her to submit for reimbursement (ie.: if she codes it 'no fetal heart tones' or 'threatened miscarriage'). You could very well just have cervical polyps or something along those lines that's irritated, but like you, I'd want some sort of reassurance. I've BTDT, I *know* how nervous you must be, but hang in there!

[SunnySideUp]

How much would your ER bill be? If you have a co-pay situation, it might be worth it. It cost me $100 for an ER visit w/an U/s, which was more than it would have cost in the Dr. office, but they couldn't get me in right away when I needed it (their u/s tech was on vacation that week). Also, you should ask your MW, but an u/s that's considered medically necessary like this will be billed/treated differently. There might be some way for her to submit for reimbursement (ie.: if she codes it 'no fetal heart tones' or 'threatened miscarriage'). You could very well just have cervical polyps or something along those lines that's irritated, but like you, I'd want some sort of reassurance. I've BTDT, I *know* how nervous you must be, but hang in there!

Well, we don't have any insurance right now, so it would be ridiculous at the ER. I'm trying to get qualified for medicaid, but that is turning out to be a bit of a hassle. I talked to my MW and she said it doesn't sound like anything to worry about. I'm making an appointment to go in.

[Smittenk]

Well, we don't have any insurance right now, so it would be ridiculous at the ER. I'm trying to get qualified for medicaid, but that is turning out to be a bit of a hassle. I talked to my MW and she said it doesn't sound like anything to worry about. I'm making an appointment to go in.

One thing you can do is buy a doppler for home. I have one and LOVE it!!! It costs 88.00 online and I picked up the heartbeat at 8w4d....it might at least give you some piece of mind if you can hear the heartbeat.

The doppler I have (http://www.semedicalsupply.com/sonoline_b.htm)

[Taurus]

I think this is totally normal! Most people I know tend to feel this way with their 3rd especially if you haven't experienced any struggles/losses. It's as if they think 3 healthy pregnancies/babies is just too good to be true.

Well both my boys wear glasses for severe nearsightedness, which is pretty rare, and I worry about their lifelong vision on an almost-daily basis, and I often wonder how much worry my parental heart can take, which was a factor for me in deciding to go for three. So I think I question how much more I could handle (esp having an aunt with Down Syndrome), yet the flipside is I also know the miracle of her and that I'd be strong enough to deal with other things if I had to.

sunnysideup - I had some tiny clot(s?) that passed with DS2. I hope you can find a way to not have to be so worried, I know it's hard.

[SunnySideUp]

Alrighty, I spoke to MW again and she said I have nothing to worry about. She said that the nausea is a very good sign and that I should just keep up with my prenatals and keep myself de-stressed. SOOO, I'm going to go get my toes done today so they look pretty for the wedding, and I'm going to spend a couple hours with my sister and my niece (she is almost 6 months old!) before they leave this weekend. They are moving like 15 hours away and I'm a little sad about that. So there are a lot of things going on for me right now.

Chris is stressed to the max cuz we have been trying to get stuff done and make plans for our trip, and his father seems to have a hand in everything we do. Today, he said he was going to work from home (he and his dad own the business), but his dad insisted that he come into the office so they could discuss what Chris and I were planning to do while we were in DC. He wants us to make a portfolio.....come the eff on. I don't even know if I'll be leaving the hotel room save for family functions at this point. And Chris is not the type of guy to leave me vomiting in a hotel room while he gallivants around. He just won't do it. And really, the only work Chris has to do today is finish up and online course so they can start getting more work when we get back from our trip.

Frustrated..........but at least I have some down time right now. I have an exam tomorrow morning, so I have a bit of studying to do today anyway.

[MrsBeckyLP]

but I did pick up some cute cotton tops with the ruched sides for $9.99 this weekend. Love Target!!

I stopped at two Target stores over the weekend. One was out of them, and the other only had one size small and two XXLs. I did order two online, though. I hope they're plenty long. I can't begin to explain how sick I already am of my maternity wardrobe.

SunnySideUp- I'm sure you have nothing to worry about, but it must be frustrating not being able to just go in and make sure everything is OK.

I jinxed myself by saying last week that I've been sleeping well and haven't had to get up to pee. That night I started sleeping like crap and have been since. I'm trying out different pillow combinations, and I think I came up with a decent one last night. My pregnancy pillow still isn't doing the trick.

[KGif]

QOTD: I took a ton of classes at our hospital with my first pregnancy. Ended up having a c-section and will have a repeat c, so no further classes for me this time!
I'd definitely recommend checking out your hospital and/or birthing center's website to see what is offered. My hospital offers tours ... child birth class .. child birth refresher class .. breastfeeding class (you practice positioning with dolls - kind of funny but very informative!) .. newborn care ... sibling preparation. They even have classes on pre-natal nutrition as well as pre-natal aerobics and yoga! Even if you don't want to take a birthing class it's defintely worth checking out your hospital's schedule to see if there is something you'd be interested in!

Weight gain THANK YOU to those of you who chimed in letting me know about your quick weight gain. Makes me feel a bit better to know that I'm not the only one.

SmittenK Thanks for passing on that doppler website. I rented a doppler for a month - it's on the way to me in the mail now. Cost $30 to rent one for 30 days ... now I'm wishing I would have purchased the one you have - $88 for the entire pregnancy! Can't beat that!

[KGif]

FYI - MamaBargains.com has Balboa Serene Slings on sale for $62 (retail $140).
:)

[mamax2]

FYI re: Doppler, I'll be selling mine in another week or so. I'll let everyone here know the link when I post it on eBay in case any of the mamas further behind me want it.

KGif ~ Thank you so much for mentioning the sibling class. That's something we didn't do last time (I don't even know if our hospital offers it actually), but now that our girls are older and more aware of what's going on, I think this would be great for them. I'm going to look into it!

[Gia]

Hi everyone. I am in total shock right now. I had my nuchal test this morning and guess what?!! I'm having TWINS!!!

They are 90% sure they are identical. There was just a thin thin membrane between them and it looks like there's only one placenta. I said it would be cool if it was boy/girl twins, but the tech said not to get my hopes up b/c
they are so sure they are identical. I am happy either way, just shocked! It was so cool to see them both moving around in there!

Good news is the nucal fold part of the test went well. Not so good news is that I have marginal placenta previa (sp?), so no more gym, no other strenuous activities, and no sex for at least 4 weeks. They are going to recheck it in 4 weeks.

I have an OB appointment Fri with my regular Dr. I guess they will discuss more with me then. I am assuming my due date will be adjusted by 2 weeks. I also have a follow-up U/S and blood work Nov. 10th.

[nawsgirl]

Wow, congrats Gia!! Hopefully the placenta previa will resolve itself or not be a big deal... housework is considered strenuous activity, right? :p

[lilo]

Wow, congratulations Gia! That's so exciting. Do twins run in your family???

[a_spark]

Wow, congrats Gia!!!

[newmommy]

Gia Congratulations!!! How exciting!!!

[Taurus]

Congratulations on your twins, Gia! What a shocker for you, huh? I was also told at my nuchal fold u/s that I have placenta previa right now. I haven't given it much thought since the peri said 1/3 of women have it this early on and that in 90% of those cases it resolves itself. They also didn't tell me I have to restrict my activity. I wonder if that is because of the twins? Congrats again! DH has identical boy cousins and he grew up with the two of them, but I still can't tell them apart! :)

sibling class/tour - when I had DS2, DS1 was too young to be allowed on the sibling tour but I would like to do it for him this time if DS1 is old enough because he is so inquisitive and remembers everything he sees.

[MrsBeckyLP]

Wow, Gia, congrats!!! What a shocker! I'm sure your placenta will "move up" as your uterus grows. It's common for it to be low-lying early on. :)

[beetle]

Congratulations, Gia! That must have been quite the surprise!

[Smittenk]

Congratulatons Gia!!!

[KGif]

CONGRATS Gia!!!! How exciting!!!!

[Gia]

Thanks everyone!

I am slowly getting over the shock as I am spreading the news. Now I feel totally justified in how fast my belly has been popping out the past two weeks! :) Everyone at the office was saying I looked small for being 12 weeks with twins, which was good for the ego of course!


Taurus- yeah, I am thinking they are being extra-cautious about the placenta previa since I'm having twins and I am 35 yrs old. They did say they hope that it will correct itself.

lilo- nope, no twins on either side! I was on clomid though, but I only had one folicle when they did the u/s at ovulation so I should not have had an increased risk. If the twins are identical, like they think, they say that is random (3/1000 births) and not due to heredity/fertility treatments/etc. Crazy! I have been googling all about twins this afternoon!

[MSH]

congrats Gia, what surprise!

AFM: I went back to work today, it went well. My supervisor was shocked to see me as she thought I would be on bedrest for at least a week but I told her it was upto a week. I then told the two other girls I work with because we do so much lifting and it wouldn't be quite fair for me to just not do any of it without a good reason. They were both really excited, so that is great news. Hopefully, everything will continue to go well. I should only have 2 weeks left there and then I am back to a couch job, lol.

[stevesbabygirl]

Congratulations Gia :D!

My doctor's appointment went well today. The good news is that I'm only up 2lbs this time, as opposed to the 8lbs I gained last time, oops. They couldn't find the baby's heartbeat with the Doppler, never a good thing, so they ended up doing an ultrasound, always a good thing, yay! We got to see the little Nutter Butter (Steve came up with it, don't ask lol) bouncing around on the screen, healthy and happy as could be. Once she figured out where the baby was, she put the Doppler back on, and eventually found it. What a little troublemaker :).

Unfortunately, I have to wait 6 weeks for my big ultrasound. So now I go back in 4 weeks and in 6 weeks for my appointments. Annoying! My next prenatal appointment is November 10th, and my big u/s appointment is November 24th

Here's a super fuzzy shot of the Nutter Butter. S/he wasn't in a good spot to get a good picture, so this was the best I got. I identified some body parts so that you can tell what is what.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_auETk81R7Lk/StT_lJk8nKI/AAAAAAAADg4/CPc3j2E_nzQ/s640/baby1.jpg

[Parrothead]

Had my nuchal u/s today. All is good. Phew. Going in for a regular appointment tomorrow.

Wow, Gia!! Did they not see the twins at your 1st ultrasound? How exciting!

[nawsgirl]

Just got back from my NT scan. Baby was uncooperative about having its measurements taken so it took about 15 mins, but we didn't mind too much :) Nuchal folds measured completely normal, heartbeat was 176 bpm, everything looks great and right on track for 12 weeks. We got 7 great pics, including one with the baby looking straight on and holding its arms out. It was really neat to see it looking like an actual baby rather than just a blob!

[teacher_jessica]

Congrats Gia! How exciting!!!

Sorry for not being more present ladies but this morning sickness (*ahem* all day/all night sickness) is kicking my booty! It also hasn't helped that 3 out of the past 5 days DH has been gone until nearly midnight (and one night was gone until the next day). This is really killing me.

Question for those of you on Zofran:
Did you have to be vomitting several times a day to qualify for a prescription? I ask because from about noon on it's so bad that just standing up and walking around has me dry heaving but I've only actually gotten sick a handful of times. I just don't know how much longer I can handle this while needing to take care of DS all day. :( Any other suggestions for combatting this ickiness are more than welcome!

Other than feeling like utter garbage I'm excited/nervous for my appointment tomorrow. I don't think I've gained any weight yet which oddly makes me worry. Isn't that silly? I think I'm going to get another u/s but I'm not positive. I always get nervous when I go to the doctor's early on.

Thanks for sharing the u/s pic Steviesbabygirl! I love when you gals post pictures of your u/s's. :D

[ieducate]

congrats Gia. what exciting news. This wasn't your first u/s, was it? Do they know how they missed it the first time? That is just so exciting.

AFM: nothing new. Feeling more tired than anything...queasy on and off throughout the day. One week from today and I have another u/s. I can't wait.

Talk to you all soon.

Sunny: thanks for the info on the be band. :)

[teacher_jessica]

Forgot...
QOTD
We did a lamaze weekend retreat (http://www.herbertholeman.com/lamazegetaway/) which was amazing! It was a nice final getaway and it was great to have info condensed into one weekend. I also really appreciated that we were given lots of info on all types of birth~ medicated, unmedicated, c/s, etc. The bonus was that we had several meals/snacks a day prepared for us in a "healthy for your pregnancy" kind of way. I would highly recommend something like this if you have it in your area. Even DH, who was NOT looking forward to it at all, loved it.

As for hospital classes, we didn't do one of those. We did take the hospital tour though which I'm very glad we did. We did it AFTER the weekend retreat and I think that was perfect because seeing machinery and whatnot in the hospital room didn't freak me out at all because I already knew what it was.

Whoever said the classes are most beneficial to your partner is right IMO. I tried to get DH to read things last time around but I could tell that it wasn't until we'd completed our weekend retreat that he finally got some things and really understood. :p

[candy corn]

congrats, Gia!! one of my best friends from college and his wife found out they were having twins at their nuchal, too! :)

and congrats on other great nuchals, nawsgirl, Parrothead, and everyone else I may have forgotten!! Mine is Monday, and I can't wait to see the baby in better resolution!!

QOTD: hospital classes - I'm delivering at a hospital an hour away, but there are other closer hospitals to my house.... do I have to take the classes at "my" hospital, or will any hospital allow me to take a class there? it would be more convenient for classes not to travel so far!

sorry for the quick drive-by post, but DH is cranky and already went to bed, and I know how much crankier he gets if I don't humor him and go up soon, too!! (it's just not worth it!! ha ha!!)

[MrsBeckyLP]

Candy corn- You can take a class anywhere. You might want to look into a hospital tour, though, so you're familiar with where to go, what your surroundings will look like, etc. It sounds like some hospital tours are included in the childbirth education class, but ours was separate.

[mamax2]

Candy corn- You can take a class anywhere. You might want to look into a hospital tour, though, so you're familiar with where to go, what your surroundings will look like, etc. It sounds like some hospital tours are included in the childbirth education class, but ours was separate.

ITA. Childbirth classes anywhere, but do the tour at your hospital so you know what their practices & procedures will be.

I found a 'Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister' class at a different hospital but it doesn't run until February. Should be good timing for my girls though. I'm waiting to get more details.

Gia ~ Congratulations! I was just thinking that I was surprised we didn't have any twins in our thread so far. You'll be the first!!

[anemone]

Question for those of you on Zofran:
Did you have to be vomitting several times a day to qualify for a prescription? I ask because from about noon on it's so bad that just standing up and walking around has me dry heaving but I've only actually gotten sick a handful of times. I just don't know how much longer I can handle this while needing to take care of DS all day. :( Any other suggestions for combatting this ickiness are more than welcome!


Well, I guess it's up to your actual Dr whether they feel it warrants a prescription. Some are more pro medication than others, so in that case they'd only prescribe if they were worried that you were dehydrating, or not eating at all. My Dr prescribed it for me, typically I only vomit a few times a day, but the nausea can be absolutely crippling. I generally loose weight through the first tri, and the past two pregnancies I didn't have Zofran, but with this one, I've taken it a few times. I just personally can't manage looking after two children, DH working long hours and often away, no family to help out, and selling our house without it. I just can't lie on the couch or sleep all day. I have to be able to function, make dinners, change diaps etc etc. I have found Zofran does work - I still can have the nausea and occasionally vomit, but it's functional. I'm only taking it on the "bad" days.

The reason why Dr's are hesitant to prescribe it is that it hasn't got a long history of use with pregnancy to prove that it doesn't affect the developing fetus - the trials were only animal ones, and sometimes animal trials and human trials don't measure up. I guess thalidomide is always in the back of their mind as the first tri is so important for the baby's development. If the nausea is so bad you can't function (like me), then I do recommend it. If you think you can keep going, then maybe skip it. I'm trying out acupuncture this afternoon, so I'll let you know how that goes as an alternative.

[Parrothead]

Did anyone's doctor or ultrasound tech guess the gender at the nuchal fold test? Our tech guessed girl, but I didn't ask the doctor. I have read a lot about nub theory & the angle of the dangle and I am becoming obsessed. I need to just wait until my 20 week so that I don't drive myself bonkers.

[Taurus]

Mine did last week (and DS2 was accurately called a boy at his as well), but it was at a perinatalogist's office with what I have recently learned is actually called a Level III ultrasound and includes 3-D, etc. This office is extremely confident in their ability to see gender with their equipment, and I have read that with proper equipment at a peri's office 12-15 weeks is a standard time to be able to determine gender. Still, anyone can be wrong at any time, and as I posted here, it doesn't change a lot for us other than we aren't stressing so much about a third boy name right now (we already have 2 boys and were told likely girl--tech said 90% and the peri said 95% sure).

[newmommy]

Parrothead: Do you have a picture you can post on Baby Center? There are several U/S techs who will look at the baby's nub and tell you the gender. I posted mine--but it wasn't a nub shot as I thought :o

I wanted to buy the Intelligender kit--but I realize I only have a month to go, so I'm going to wait. All the online tests point to girl--but I don't put a lot of stock into those!! LOL!!

HOWEVER my little ladybug outfit came in the mail-and it would be so fun if I got to use it!!

[a_spark]

Parrothead My tech said it looked to her like it was a boy. She seemed pretty sure, but said not to go shopping yet. The thing that confuses me is that she did a close-up of the genital area (which did look like a penis), but when I got home and began obsessively researching it, I found that at 13w6d (which is where I was at that point), it was more likely that a tech would be able to predict gender using nub theory than by just looking at the genital area. So... since she showed us that view instead of a side view of the angle of the nub, I'm wondering if she was just tossing a guess out there and it isn't accurate?

Clearly, I'm obsessing too :)

[MrsBeckyLP]

You guys and your obsessing. See, there is a perk (besides a fabulous surprise at the end!) to not finding out. No obsessing for me. :)

[Parrothead]

I did not get a copy of the pic to post. Darn :( Guess I gotta wait until my 20 week.

[beetle]

Interesting that the subject of classes has come up, as I've just been looking into this. I really want to take a natural birth class, but the cost and time commitment for the Bradley class seems a bit over the top to me. (The only instructor I've found charges $500, and it's a 12-week course.) The doula we interviewed is with a group that offers a Hypnobabies course, which is less of a time commitment. I need to find out the cost, but it could be an option for us. I do still want to do a tour at the hospital where I'll be delivering, and maybe I'll take the basic hospital breastfeeding class.


DH read a book (Guess How Much I Love You?) to the baby for the first time last night. I'm not certain how well the baby can hear us at this point, but I figure it can't hurt. :)

[newmommy]

Beetle That is SO SWEET!!! I read online that the baby can hear your spouse's voice at this point! My boys are always talking to the baby!

[Steve's Sweety]

Hi ladies.
My ADS (all day sickies) have let up some but now I am fighting a cold or something (sore throat/headache) so I still don't have the energy to do SO's but I have a question.

What can you tell me about nuchal scans?
I know I can look it up but would rather hear from those who have BTDT.
I never even considered one with DS or DD (or even the quad test) but I just turned 34 last week and have the "do I get 3 healthy kids" thing going on (even though I've had a loss, I feel that way!).
So I had my appt on Mon, got to see baby moving (still so exciting even the 3rd time around!) and they said I'm a little further along than I thought (10W4D that day vs 9W3D) but I'm going to try to convince them to go with a little later date (maybe somewhere in between) so I hopefully don't have to worry about induction.
The nurse said most of their patients don't do the NT (she actually didn't even bring it up I had to ask about it), and I would have to be referred to a city an hr away. I don't know if my insurance covers it, or if it's mostly high risk patients who do it or what.
Info/insight appreciated.

[Taurus]

Steve's Sweety, I'm not terrible knowledgeable on the subject, but I think that the idea doctors put out there is that combined with a specific blood test, the NT scan can give good information about the potential for abnormalities that would be helpful to know about for the rest of the pregnancy and the delivery. That said, abnormalities can still develop later and not be seen until the 18-20 week scan. They can also miss abnormalities completely until birth. One of my OBs had said if we wouldn't terminate then we could skip the NT scan this time if we wanted, so personally I think that has a lot to do with why it is offered and why many people get it, but I could be wrong. Some people also say they would want time to prepare themselves for a child with abnormalities. I do technically have a family history of Down Syndrome, but that was my grandmother's tenth child at an advanced age so was not the reason I had one done. I think if it was not covered by my insurance I would not have done it. As it is, I found out the day of that I'd have to pay for a small part of it, and since we were already there we agreed to it. I did feel a lot of reassurance after the u/s though, so it was worth it in that regard. But I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that since having my last two children, my cousin carried to term a baby she knew would not survive a day. Other things I had not really ever thought of with my first two kids were in my mind. I think it is a really personal thing unless there is a strong medical reason for one. I do think they will become more common though as years go by.

[nawsgirl]

NT scans- I see a nurse practitioner and she highly recommended getting one. I suspect that, for the reasons Taurus mentioned, it's good to know what you're dealing with, even though complications might arise later. I like to be prepared, and if things had not turned out well, I would have wanted to know ASAP so we could make decisions about the future if need be.

The tech who did the scan did not even attempt to guess at gender. At one point I asked if something I saw was the nub, but she said it was actually the leg :o

[Adrianna]

Whoa. So, every Tuesday, Mr. P and I read the weekly update. I am just BLOWN away by the fact that there is this little person inside me. I mean, it's really messing with my head...but in a good way. I KNOW that babies aren't just little blobs for 9+ months until they pop out as fully formed little newborns...but I am still blown away. My baby is the size of a small plum. MY.BABY. Wow. I think it's starting to sink in that I really am pregnant.

Sorry for no individual shout-outs...but I have been away from the board for about 4 days, and came back to chaos at work. I do know that some big congrats are in order for Gia, and MSH, I am happy to hear that everything is A-OK.


OXOXOX

[SunnySideUp]

nawsgirl - YAY for seeing baby and heartbeat. How cool that it was reaching out like that!

teacher_jessica - I feel ya girl. I am miserable most of the time. It's awful. I do a lot of dry heaving, but have only vomited once or twice. It's freaking terrible. I'm not on Zofran, and I don't know if I will even ask for it. I'm just trying to wait it out.

a_spark - We are arguing about names and we still have another month before we even have a chance of knowing, lol. I don't know how obsessed I am, but I really want to know so I can plan and pin down name. The name is so important to me cuz the poor kid has to live with it their whole life. I don't want to screw it up, lol.

AFM - I had a sociology exam this morning, and then went over to my sister's place to watch the baby for a bit while they were packing. My niece is so much fun. She is the cutest little thing in the world. It makes me even that much more excited to be a mama

I am sick and I am tired and I have a ton of packing to do. And I would give my left leg for a broccoli and cheese baked potato right now. I think I might be sending BF out to Wendy's.

ETA: Congrats on the twins, Gia!!!!!

[a_spark]

Hi Ladies! Just jumping in really quick to say that I saw the MW today and she said I'm "doing a good job of incubating." Go, me! :rolleyes:

HB is at 152 bpm and I'm measuring right on schedule and everything is good. DD on the other hand, threw a HUUUUGE tantrum when the appointment was over because she didn't want to leave. Complete with kicking, screaming, crying, refusing to put her shoes on, etc. In front of the entire office. I was mortified and I'm afraid I did not handle it very gracefully. I have a very low patience threshold right now and so I did a lot of angry hissing and threatening which, of course, got me nowhere. I finally just told her I was leaving, and she came with me. Argh.

[teacher_jessica]

OK, so my doctor's appointment went great and I was assigned an official due date of May 22nd. That makes me 8w5d right???

I had my pap done, weight of course (I think I am up a pound now according to their scale), flu shot (but no H1N1 yet since they still don't have it), lab work (6 vials of blood, good Lord), and another vaginal u/s.

The baby has caught up a wee bit more to match up better with my estimations and my dr assigned me an official due date but was good enough to remind me that due dates are flexible anyways and to be ready 3 weeks before and up to 2 weeks after. DS was 9 days overdue so I know how that goes!

I also got a prescription for Zofran. I didn't even bring it up. The Physician's Assistant (who I adore) was questioning me about my m/s since in my file it was recorded how bad it was with DS. She went ahead and encouraged me to try the Zofran and just see how it goes. Well holy cow ladies has it made a huge difference! I took the Zofran a little over an hour ago and my nausea is totally gone for now and I'm a happy camper! :)

Next appt with my dr. is set for November 13th and the week before I go in for my NT Scan and bloodwork for part one of the screening.


Ladies I am so happy to be reading about all of these great appointments you're having! It puts a big ol' smile on my face. I'm also cracking up at all of the gender obsessing. ;) I'm with MrsBeckyLP in that I don't obsess because I've resolved not to find out and we loved that experience with DS so it makes it even easier this time around to not find out. I think if you are on the fence or want to know it's super hard to wait the last few weeks before "the big u/s" just like I started to get all amped up about it in the last few weeks of my pregnancy with my DS.

Well, if I keep feeling this good I'll be able to do S/O's no problem!!!

[newmommy]

dry heaving I am also all set with this--I do it all of the time. It's not just nausea all day..but if I move too quickly, talk too fast, etc. The other day I was teaching up at the board, and had to stop mid sentence! I'm going to be 14 weeks on Saturday--and it wasn't this bad with my boys. It's just not making this pregnancy very enjoyable: (

QOTD: movement has anyone felt life yet?? I keep thinking I do, but I haven't yet...has anyone?

[Smittenk]

I had my first appt at the BIrth Center....really liked the office and the midwife. I had 3 vials of blood drawn and did a clean catch urine test. She checked the heartbeat and it sounded good and that was that.

I asked when I would get an u/s and she said not until 20 weeks:( I was really disappointed...I just want to see this turnip!

Movement When I feel something I wonder but I know it is just the tummy rumblings and lovely gas

My next appt is November 17th

[SunnySideUp]

QOTD - How do you deal with the ridiculous range of emotions? I can be happy and excited one moment, and the next I want to jump off a bridge. EVERYTHING makes me cry. I mean, everything. I just can't stop.

[stevesbabygirl]

SunnySideUp - I'm having a really hard time with this. Up until the last few days, I've been extremely angry. I was fighting with DH all the time, and had no patience to deal with DS. It finally got better over the past few days, but then last night, I got angry all over again at some stuff that some friends of mine were posting on Facebook and LiveJournal. It was totally random stuff, and not even a big deal, but I just flew off the handle.

[MrsBeckyLP]

SunnySideUp- I don't think I'm extra emotional or bitchy, but who knows. I can be bitchy in everyday life (at least I can admit it!), so I'm not sure when it's my normal level of sarcastic bitchiness or when it's a bit over the top. Hopefully your emotions calm down a bit soon.

SmittenK- I'm glad you liked your midwife. Sorry you don't get an ultrasound until 20 weeks. :(

Movement- I do feel small flutters, but I'm anxiously waiting to feel real, big movement. Hopefully in a few more weeks!!

Jessica- I'm glad the Zofran did the trick for you!

beetle- Keep us updated on what you decide about the Hypnobabies course. I'm really interested in that.

My butt has been dragging lately in the morning. I've had a hard time getting out of bed. I usually drag myself out around 6:30, and we need to leave by 7:15. Luckily I can still get my shower in, makeup on and hair semi-fixed before getting DD up, but this morning that meant I had to stop at Burger King for breakfast because I didn't have time to eat at home. Oops.

DH and I are headed to his parents' house in Green Bay on Saturday, and they'll watch DD Sunday while we go to the Packer game. I'm never crazy about leaving DD with MIL and FIL (I've only done it twice, and just for a few hours), because they don't "click" too well. DD always cries when she sees them; it's almost like she's scared. Anyway, Packer games just aren't as fun as they used to be -- when we were childless, basically. And being pregnant -- and thus totally sober -- isn't the most exciting. I guess I'll have a few O'Doul's Ambers. I highly doubt I'll go to any games next year. There's no way I'm leaving two kids with the ILs.

Does anyone want to play the "getting to know me" game? We have so many moms here, and I don't know much about anyone. I'll share a bit about myself.

We live in Wisconsin, and we have an 18-month-old daughter. I am a magazine writer and editor who works M-R, but I'm (Yay!) not going back to work after this baby. I've wanted to be a SAHM for a long time, but it didn't make sense for us after having DD. But now with two kids in daycare, what I'd be bringing home a month wouldn't be worth it to be away from our kids. We'll have to change our lifestyle and spending habits a bit, but I'm sure we can do it. And I'll admit that while I really want to SAH and it's all I can think about, it scares me at times. Will I go crazy, especially during winter? Luckily there are three other SAHMs in our neighborhood; one has a child DD's age, and one is due in January, so this baby will hopefully have a playmate, too.

[Adrianna]

GTK U: Fun, fun! I'll play.

I live in Texas, born and raised. After 5 years of marriage, my husband and I separated in June of last year. I began dating a guy that I have been friends with for a couple of years sometime after that, and adore and love him so much. He has three kids from his previous marriage that are just precious (when the daughter isn't "tweening" and the boys aren't fighting). We were VERY surprised to find out I was pregnant right after I put in an offer on a house (couldn't stand the apartment life any more). So...the family doesn't quite know the situation yet, which is kinda awkward.

I work as a manager in a call center for a financial services company, and really, really like my job. I have tons of respect for SAHMs, because I know that I am not blessed with the patience to do that...I will be returning back to work after my maternity leave is up...Mr. P has his kids for 4 weeks in the summer, so I am pretty sure that if I have any doubts about being a SAHM, they will be GONE after taking care of 4 kids in the summer in Texas, when it's too darn hot to go outside for about half the day. :)

My whole family lives in the same city, so the baby will have lots of extended family. Mr P's from Boston, so all of his relatives are up north. I am sure that we'll travel up there a bit!

I love to travel...my most recent trip was to Boston for St. Patrick's Day, and last year I went to Costa Rica with a dear girlfriend...I'll actually see her in wine country in November, and can't wait. (Even though I won't be able to DRINK the wine!!!!!!!!) I love Dallas Stars hockey, I am super stoked about the Winter Olympics coming up, my hobbies include belly dancing (haven't in a while, but miss it) and rock climbing (yeah, that's probably not good for Limey), playing NHL on PlayStation with Mr. P, spending tons of time with our friends, and currently: working on my new house...because it's still covered in boxes!!!!!

I really can't think of anything else even remotely exciting, so I'll leave it at that!!! Great idea, Becky!

[Smittenk]

Does anyone want to play the "getting to know me" game?

Great idea!

I am 32 and a stay at home mama to DS (2). In my previous life I was a corporate travel consultant. I met my hubby in 2002 and we long distance dated for a year before we got engaged. I'm originally from Vancouver and moved to Hawaii in 2004 to marry my hubby. DH is in the Air Force so after HAwaii it was off to England where we had our son. We moved to N. VA a couple of years ago and here we are!

[mlfallis]

OH I will play GTKM, it will be a good way to get back into this thread.

I am 28 and a engineer in Ontario Canada. S and I met at university, both studying engineering in 2000. We got married in 2006, and K was born in October 2007. S has his own business which is very draining, but gives him alot of freedom that is sometimes needed with having kids. We live in what was his childhood home. This is good and bad. We have done a ton of work, but ILs live the next house down on the road. Thankfully there is corn in the field at the moment so we can't actually see their house. I guess this is a good time to point out we live in the Country on 50 acres with 2 cats and 2 dogs.

[a_spark]

Ooh, I'll play!

In a nutshell: I'm 33 and DH is 40 (!). We met in 1999 when I moved to San Francisco from Chicago. He was my neighborhood bartender :) We started dating a year later and got married in 2003. We moved to Chicago in 2004, and I am a print and web designer (self employed) and he teaches at the local public school. We have a 3 year old daughter, Ava, and a dog and two cats. And a small house. But we all really like each other, so it works!

[Eloo]

I'll play too!

I'm 25 and Tim is 30. I'm a SAHM to Milo who will be 1 on Saturday. *sniff* In my past life I was a Unix/Linux System Administrator. We were married in August of 2007 after dating for 7 months. We met in 2004 at work and eventually ended up in the same department. We had adjoining cubes and he was my mentor. Who says work place romances don't work out. :p

We live in MA, where I was born and raised (Tim's from MN). We recently bought our first house. We, mainly I, am having a blast remodeling and decorating. My family was originally from here but my parents and sisters have since moved away. Tim's family is in Minnesota, so we don't have anyone close by. Sometimes I think it would be a little easier if we had family around.

I'm actually pretty nervous about being a mom of two who are so close in age. I had pretty intense PPD after Milo was born and really don't want to go through that again.

[Taurus]

I'm a CA native married to a Midwesterner. I had my two boys 20 months apart and have not gone back to work (doing psychotherapy) since having DS2. (ETA: oh, and I only worked one evening/week after DS1). I think I'm a darn creative and tireless SAHM even though I do have a tendency toward laziness, impatience and needing me time: A pretty typical day for me is today which thus far has included a train museum then nearby train restaurant with the boys, but now letting the older one watch TV while I get some computer time and pretend the dishes don't exist. My boys will be 4 years, 3 months and 2 years, 6 months when this baby arrives, and I consider myself lucky to have the most amazing and supportive extended family on all sides.

[mamax2]

But we all really like each other, so it works!

LOL - that last part made me giggle!

I'm 32, DH is 35 (we have birthdays coming up soon though!) I work part-time both in and out of the house. WOH I'm a commercial property manager and WAH I am a marketing consultant. DH owns his own business which is a total drag. We have a 6 y.o., almost 4 y.o., dog, turtle and 2 fish. My parents live in town and DH's parents have their vacation home here, so we're lucky to get a decent amount of help.

[MrsBeckyLP]

I had my two boys 20 months apart and have not gone back to work (doing psychotherapy) since having DS2.

How was that? I'm finding myself a bit nervous about -- even though I never thought I would -- becoming a SAHM to TWO kids after working basically FT.


I am a print and web designer (self employed)

I pretty much know I don't want to write anymore, but I do some web stuff at work also and really enjoy that part. I often think about taking classes and getting involved in web design when I return to work several years down the road. I had a few basic classes in college a few years ago, and I think it's something I'd really enjoy. Plus, the potential to work for myself from home is exciting.

[Taurus]

Becky, I actually went back to clarify and edit my post, but we might have x-posted. I only saw clients one evening/week after DS1, so I was pretty much home full time with him as well. And even before DS1, I was not full-time as I had quit my county job in order to focus on doing some really good private supervision and hours before sitting for my exams. So I can't help you too much there. :) DS1 was a very easy baby and the whole thing was pretty indulgent now that I look back on it--I hung out with my sister and her newborn a lot, we had lazy days at home that suited me just fine. It was a harder transition for my sister, who had been an attorney and always like to be busy. If you are more like her, going straight to two might be easier for you because you really have to juggle, plan, and schedule. The hardest thing when I started staying home with two was not being able to run errands with just one kid--two in tow is a whole 'nother thing. I had two home full time for a year before DS1 started preschool of any kind. One morning/week my mom stayed with the baby so I could take DS1 to an art class, and I found that the most two-kid-friendly activity we could find was our Music Together class. You'll certainly get some great support/ideas here on CC if you need them. I'm sure it's exciting yet a lot to imagine all at the same time!

[ieducate]

Ooh, I'll play.

I am 37, dh is 38. We met in 2001 and got married in 2004. I am a SAHM to my daughter Julia (now 2 3/4 y.o). We live in Northern VA in a townhouse which we love, but I am hoping that we will move when this new baby starts moving around and my dh realizes this house is just not big enough. Before my daughter came along I was a 2nd grade teacher and LOVED it. I went on bedrest at a hospital nearby at 25 1/2 weeks with dd and had to stop teaching. I have hopes to go back to some sort of teaching job after this new baby is in school full-time. My dh works in finance for SAIC about 5 minutes away from our house. :) Our family is all over the place, but we do have my father, step-mother, and two sisters (13 & 18) in Maryland...about 30 minutes away. They babysit from time to time which is really nice. This will be our 2nd and probably last child, although dh really wants 3 kids. It took us 2 years, 6 losses, and lots of IUI's and IVF to get here so I think I am done. I was really hoping for twins so that I could be done AND give 3 kids to dh. :) Oh well. Maybe I will have the same luck Gia did and find out there are actually two in me right now...but I doubt it.

Smittenk: where in Northern VA are you?

BTW: I am 8 weeks today and still feel the same. The stomach issues seem to be getting better, which is great, but the nausea is not getting better...but actually a little worse. My doctor now thinks that I was fighting some virus (nuro (sp?) virus) and not a reaction to the flu shot. He of course thinks that because DH is sick with almost the same thing I was going through last week. :( I feel hungry all the time, but nauseous at the same time...not comfortable at all. I wake up sometimes in the middle of the night feeling the same thing. Crackers are making me sick just to think about them (probably ate too many in the beginning) so I am still looking for the comfort food that makes me feel all better. With dd it was grilled cheese and chocolate milk. I was eating pickles for a while and that was helping, but now that doesn't appeal to me either. :( I have my appt. with peri doc on Tuesday. YAY...can't wait to see the hb. The great news is that this is the furthest I have ever gotten with any of my pregnancies with the exception of my dd of course. I feel like it is a milestone. :)

[april2010moms]

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