April & May 2010 Moms: From the Second to Third Trimester [Archive]

april2010moms

12-22-2009, 09:08 AM

Meet the Moms

a_spark
Me: Courtney, 33
DH: 40
Married: October 17, 2003
TTC Since: On and off since Feb 2008
BFP Date: July 18
EDD: April 1
Gender Prediction: Girl
Finding out the gender? Absolutely. I have no patience whatsoever!
Other children: Ava, July 15, 2006

Adrianna
Me: Adrianna, 31
Significant Other: Mr. P, 33
Married: Ummm....
TTC Since: Surprise!!!!!
BFP Date: Sept 5
EDD: May 11
Gender Prediction: Girl...you know, the timing...
Finding out the gender? No. I want to burst into tears when the doctor says, "It's a..."
Other children: Mr. P has 3 children, K (10 next month), D (8) and AJ (5.5)

amew
Me: L, 32
DH: C, 33
Married: August 4, 2001
TTC Since: June 2009
BFP Date: August 6, 2009
EDD: April 16, 2010 (according to LMP)
Gender Prediction: No clue! DH says boy.
Finding out the gender? Yes.
Other children: Henry, August 22, 2007

anemone
Me: 34
DH/Significant Other: 34
Married: 10/21/00
TTC Since: This was a surprise
BFP Date: 9/18
EDD: 5/27
Gender Prediction: girl
Finding out the gender?: yes
Other children: DS is 4, DD is 16 months

Angelcookie2002
Me: Dani, 25
DH: Benji, 28
Married: September 9, 2004
TTC Since: We weren't, it was a surprise!
BFP Date: August 2, 2009
EDD: April 9, 2010
Gender Prediction: Girl?
Finding out the gender? Yes
Other children: Kiara, September 18, 2008

beetle
Me: 30
DH/Significant Other: 30
Married: June 2002
TTC Since: October 2006
BFP Date: July 30, 2009
EDD: April 3, 2010
Gender Prediction: No idea!
Finding out the gender?: Yep
Other children: No, just our two beagles

candy corn
Me: Diane, 30
DH: T, 29
Married: 10/22/05
TTC Since: 07/27/09
BFP Date: 08/24/09
EDD: 05/07/09
Gender Prediction: girl (all the great-grandkids so far are girls!)
Finding out the gender?: no
Other children:none

cyd_96
Me: Cyd, 35
DH: 39
Married: January 27, 2007
TTC Since: Weren't really trying yet!
BFP Date: Sept 8
EDD: May 13
Gender Prediction: Boy
Finding out the gender? Yes, I'm too much of a planner, not to
Other children: Delaney, 15 months

Eloo
Me: Emily, 25
DH: Tim, 30
Married: August 11, 2007
TTC Since: July 2009
BFP Date: August 10, 2009
EDD: April 24, 2010 (according to LMP)
Gender Prediction: I say boy!
Finding out the gender? Yes.
Other children: Milo, October 17th, 2008

filmgirl7
Me: Carrie, 31
DH/Significant Other: Jeremy, 36
Married: 1/7/06
TTC Since: August '09
BFP Date: August 23, 2009
EDD: May 3, 2010
Gender Prediction: girl
Finding out the gender?: YES!
Other children: Spencer, age 2

Gia - TWINS!!!
Me: Gretchen, 34
DH/Significant Other: M, 42
Married: 12/01
TTC Since: 9/07
BFP Date: 8/23
EDD: 4/28/10?
Gender Prediction: no idea
Finding out the gender?: not sure yet
Other children: no

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

KGif
Me: Kelly; 35
DH: Mike; 40
Married: 5/3/2003
TTC Since: Wern't really trying - but obviously not preventing
BFP Date: August 9
EDD: 4/6/10
Gender Prediction: Changes day to day!
Finding out the gender?: Heck yeah
Other children: Son - Jack - born 5/16/2005

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

lilo
Me: 34
DH: 37
Married: 2002
TTC Since: May 2009
BFP Date: Aug 3, 2009
EDD: April 13, 2010
Gender Prediction: No idea, but I'll say girl!
Finding out the gender?: Absolutely!
Other children: DS, 2 1/2 years old

mamax2
Me: K, 32
DH: C, 35
Married: October 27, 2001
TTC Since: June 2008
BFP Date: July 27, 2009
EDD: March 31, 2010
Gender Prediction: Hopefully Boy
Finding out the gender?: Definitely!
Other children: C - 6, C - 3.5

mimieliza
Me: Michelle, 31
DH/Significant Other: R, 32
Married: 8/9/2003
TTC Since: 1/2009
BFP Date: 9/1/2009
EDD: 5/16/2010
Gender Prediction: Girl
Finding out the gender: Yes
Other children: Miranda, 10/30/2006

mlfallis
Me: Melissa, 28
DH: Scott, 27
Married: June 10, 2006
TTC Since:July 2009
BFP Date: Aug 3/09
EDD: April 12, 2010
Gender Prediction: No guess
Finding out the gender?: Yes, I can't stand not knowing something, now telling other people is still up for debate
Other children: Kyle - October 13, 2007, 2 cats, and 2 dogs

MrsBeckyLP
Me: Becky, 26
DH: 29
Married: June 10, 2006
TTC Since: June 2009
BFP Date: July 21
EDD: April 2
Gender Prediction: Girl
Finding out the gender? No way! This is the best surprise ever!
Other children: Maddie, April 17, 2008

MSH
Me: Nat, 28
DH/Significant Other: S, 27
Married: 08.16.03
TTC Since: we were SWH
BFP Date: 08.05.09
EDD: 04.09.10 - will be going for a daing ultrasound next week
Gender Prediction: Currently thinking girl because my symptoms are very different than with the boys but hubby thinks boy
Finding out the gender?: probably
Other children: DS 09.2006, DS 07.2008

nawsgirl
Me: 30
DH: 30
Married: 6/25/05
TTC Since: 7/09
BFP Date: 8/22/09
EDD: April 27, 2010
Gender Prediction: Boy?
Finding out the gender?: Yes
Other children: no

newmommy
Me: Stephanie, 31
DH/Significant Other: 32
Married: 9/14/02
TTC Since: July 2009
BFP Date: 08.07.09!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EDD: April 17 20010
Other children: DS 01/07.06 DS 12/09/07
Gender: may find out and keep it a secret for fun!

Parrothead
Me: S, 31
DH/Significant Other: P, 38
Married: 5/11/02
TTC Since: June 2009
BFP Date: August 2009
EDD: 4/21/10
Gender Prediction: Not sure, everyone is guessing boy this time
Finding out the gender?: Yes
Other children: DD #1, 3.5 years, DD #2, 17 months
Next appointment: 10/15/09

RobynScott
Me: Robyn, 33
DH: Scott, 34
Married: August 29, 2004
TTC Since: July 2009
BFP Date: August 6, 2009
EDD: April 14, 2010 (I think)
ECD: April 14, 2010 - tentative
Gender Prediction: No clue! DH says boy.
Finding out the gender? Possibly. We're currently in negotiations
Other children: Seth, July 17, 2007

Smittenk
Me: Alison, 32
DH/Significant Other: Mike, 40
Married: 04/2004
TTC Since: 03/09
BFP Date: Aug 26
EDD: 05/09/10
Gender Prediction: not sure
Finding out the gender?: I think so
Other children: Connor 06/2007

someday soon
Me: Karen, 33
DH/Significant Other: DH, 37
Married: 4/12/03
TTC Since: 6/09
BFP Date: 8/19/09
EDD: 5/1/10
Gender Prediction: I think it's statistically likely to be a boy (two other sons)
Finding out the gender?: Nope
Other children: DS1 6/20/05, DS2 10/31/07

Stevesbabygirl
Me: Heather, 30
DH/Significant Other: Steve, 31
Married: August 31, 2003
TTC Since: June 2009
BFP Date: July 31, 2009
EDD: April 13, 2009
Gender Prediction: Hoping for a GIRL
Finding out the gender?:Yes
Other children: Owen, born 6/25/07

Steve's Sweety
Me: Tish (33)
DH/Significant Other: Steve (33)
Married: June 9, 2001
TTC Since: Aug 2009
BFP Date: Sept 1, 2009
EDD: May 12, 2010
Gender Prediction: Boy
Finding out the gender?: We didn't with either of our DC so probably not
Other children: Holden (5), Adelyn (21 months) & Journey (Angel Baby)

summerbride2005
Me: C, 31
DH: W, 31
Married: 8/7/05
TTC Since: surprise! we weren't, we were trying to prevent
BFP Date: August 25
EDD: I think 4/29/10
Gender Prediction: not sure
Finding out the gender?: yes
Other children: DD Camryn 4/11/08

SunnySideUp
Me: Emily 26
DH/Significant Other: Chris 27
TTC Since: SURPRISE!!
BFP Date: 9/17/09
EDD: 5/27/10
Gender Prediction: LOL, I'm still getting used to the "I'm Pregnant" idea
Finding out the gender?: Probably
Other children: Fuzzy kid Romeo

Susan
Me: Susan, 32
DH/Significant Other: Matt, 35
Married: 8/4/01
TTC Since: August 2009
BFP Date: Sadly I forget the exact date - around mid-September
EDD: May 31, 2010
Gender Prediction: No idea!!
Finding out the gender?: Yes!
Other children: Emily, 16 months

Taurus
Me: 31
DH/Significant Other: 34
Married: 4/03
TTC Since: 7/09
BFP Date: 8/6/09
EDD: 4/18/10
Gender Prediction: Always imagined all boys
Finding out the gender?: DH very much wants to, otherwise I wouldn't this time
Other children: DS1 1/06; DS2 9/07

teacher_jessica
Me: Jessica, 32
DH: Brad, 35
Married: July 23, 2005
TTC Since: December 2008
BFP Date: Sept 9
EDD: May 22
Gender Prediction: Boy
Finding out the gender? Nope. Didn't with Charlie and loved it.
Other children: Charlie, 21 months

uwsweet
Me: Candy, 32
DH: Jason, 32
Married: May 6, 2006
TTC Since: January 2008
BFP Date: July 21
EDD: April 3
Gender Prediction: Girl
Finding out the gender? Undecided
Other children: Just furry 4-legged ones, Porter and Ivy

VeekaSF
Me: Veeka, 31
DH/Significant Other: Steve, 38
Married:09/23/05
TTC Since:08/18/09
BFP Date:8/30/09
EDD: 05/19/10
Gender Prediction: Girl
Finding out the gender?: No
Other children: Son - 2 years 9 months

In our thoughts teacher_jessica (has since re-joined!!!), tgr68, Pewee9196, Jeggink, CarrieCP

april2010moms

12-22-2009, 09:08 AM

Moms by Due Date

March
31 - mamax2, polkadot

April
1 - a_spark
2 - MrsBeckyLP
3 - uwsweet, beetle
6 - KGif
9 - Angelcookie2002. MSH
12 - mlfallis
13 - stevesbabygirl, lilo
14 - RobynScott (scheduled c/s)
16 - amew
17 - newmommy
18 - Taurus
22 - Jeggink
23 - Parrothead
24 - Eloo
27 - nawsgirl
28 - Gia (TWINS!)
29 - summerbride2005

May
1 - someday soon, filmgirl7
4 - candy_corn
9 - Smittenk
11 - Adrianna
12 - Steve's Sweetie
13 - cyd_96
16 - mimieliza
17 - lee60657
19 - VeekaSF
20 - teacher_jessica
27 - SunnySideUp, anemone, ieducate
31 - Susan

april2010moms

12-22-2009, 09:10 AM

Appointments

December
1 - cyd_96, parrothead (Big u/s), ieducate
7 - Steve's Sweetie
9 - filmgirl7 (Big u/s)
10 - nawsgirl (Big u/s)
15 - SunnySideUp (Big u/s)
16 - cyd_96 (Big u/s), ieducate
21 - Steve's Sweetie (Big u/s), smittenk (Big u/s), stevesbabygirl, Eloo
23 - smittenk
29 - ieducate
31 - mimieliza

January
6 - mamax2 (OB, GTT and u/s)
7 - Adrianna (Big u/s)
11 - SunnySideUp (Big u/s)
12 - ieducate (Big u/s)
14 - Beetle (OB and GTT)
20 - stevesbabygirl

april2010moms

12-22-2009, 09:11 AM

Helpful Links

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

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

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

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

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

Baby Shopping Sites:
Baby Age (http://www.babyage.com) * Baby Ant (http://www.babyant.com/) * Baby Bazaar (http://www.babybazaar.com/) * Baby Box (http://www.babybox.com/) * Baby Center's Store (http://store.babycenter.com/home.do?scid=aff:logo_bnr) * Baby Depot (http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com) * Baby Dilly (http://www.babydilly.com/)* Baby Dream (http://www.babydreams.com/)* Babies 'R Us (http://www.babiesrus.com) * BabyStyle (http://www.babystyle.com/default.asp)* Baby Universe (http://www.babyuniverse.com/)* Carousel Designs (http://www.carouseldesigns.com/) * Dimples and Dandelions (http://www.dimplesanddandelions.com/index.asp) * Dreamtime Baby (http://www.dreamtimebaby.com)* Elegant Baby (http://www.elegantbabygifts.com/) * Fisher Price (http://www.fisher-price.com/us/default.asp) * Gap (http://www.gap.com) * Graco (http://www.gracobaby.com)* Gymboree (http://www.gymboree.com)* In The Treetop (http://www.inthetreetop.com/default.aspx) * Land of Nod (http://www.landofnod.com/)* Little Showoffs (http://www.littleshowoffs.com/) * Net Kidswear (http://www.netkidswear.com/) * Nursery Depot (http://www.nurserydepot.com/) * Old Navy (http://www.oldnavy.com)* One of a Kind (http://www.oneofakindkid.com/) * One Step Ahead (http://www.onestepahead.com) * Pokkadots (http://www.pokkadots.com/) * Signature Baby (http://www.signaturebaby.com/) * Target (http://www.target.com) * The Baby Marketplace (http://www.thebabymarketplace.com/) * The Children's Place (http://www.childrensplace.com) * Tutti Bella (http://www.tuttibella.com/) * Wendy Bellissimo (http://www.wendybellissimo.com/) *

Baby Name Sites
Baby Name Wizard (http://www.babynamewizard.com/) * Behind the Name (http://www.behindthename.com/) * Nymbler (http://www.nymbler.com) * Social Security Administration (http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/) * Nameberry (http://nameberry.com/)

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

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

Formula Feeding:
Bright Beginnings (http://www.brightbeginnings.com/) * Enfamil (http://www.enfamil.com/app/iwp/enfamilHome.do?dm=enf&ls=0)* Similac (http://welcomeaddition.com/productinfo.aspx)

Diapering Info: (some have coupons & contests)
Cloth Diapering (http://www.borntolove.com/index.html) * Huggies (http://www.huggies.com/)* Luvs (http://www.luvs.com/home_new.jsp)* Pampers (http://www.pampers.com/globalsplash/flashlanguagejump.jsp)

Slings:
Rosie Baby (http://www.rosiebaby.com/) * The Hip Hugger (http://thehiphuggeronline.stores.yahoo.net/)* About Babies Inc. (http://aboutbabiesinc.com/) * Maya Wrap (http://www.mayawrap.com/)* New Native Baby (http://www.newnativebaby.com/) * Prenatal Cradle (http://www.prenatalcradle.com/) * Baby Wearer (http://www.thebabywearer.com/)

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

Invitations/Announcements:
2Peas1Pod (http://www.2peas1pod.com/)* 5StarBaby (http://www.5starbaby.com/)* BabyGrams (http://www.babygrams.com/order/)* Baby J Cards (http://www.babyjcards.com/) * Bella Baby (http://www.bellababy.com/)* Celebration Cottage (http://www.celebrationcottage.com/) * Classic Card (http://www.storkavenue.com/) * inababycarriage (http://www.inababycarriage.com/)* InvitationBox (http://www.invitationbox.com/) * MetroBaby Cards (http://www.metrobabycards.com/) * Mommy's Miracles (http://www.mommysmiracles.com/) * My Gatsby (http://www.mygatsby.com/) * Naptime Cards (http://www.naptimecards.com/) * PhotoStamps (http://www.photo.stamps.com/Store/?source=si10985886) * PurpleStork (http://www.purplestork.com/)* Simply To Impess (http://www.simplytoimpress.com/) * Stork Grams (http://www.shopbirthannouncements.com/)* Tiny Prints (http://www.tinyprints.com/)

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

Feel free to recommend any additional links and please let me know if any of the above links do not work.

april2010moms

12-22-2009, 09:11 AM

Saved just in case.

april2010moms

12-22-2009, 09:18 AM

This thread is open for posting.

I took it upon myself (Becky) to delete the entries for belly shots and ultrasound photos; it seems like nobody really cared to have them saved on the front page anyway. :)

Also, does anyone object to NOT keeping track of upcoming appointments, or do some of you like that feature? It's kind of a PITA to keep track of and update, and a lot of the time we don't get it updated until the appointment has passed anyway. If I don't hear any objections, I'll probably nix that entry, too.

Please check your stats and let us know if anything needs to be changed.

Adrianna

12-22-2009, 10:45 AM

Woo hoo New Thread! Thanks, TMs!!!!

Re: the appointment feature...we're all pretty good about coming in and talking about upcoming appointments...I hardly check the main post to keep track.

I am 20 weeks. Holy cow...halfway there. Whoa.

mamax2

12-22-2009, 11:16 AM

Becky ~ You closed the old thread before I could answer your question re: same gender & coming home outfits. I have one born in August and one in December, so they most definitely did NOT wear the same outfit to come home! My oldest was in a linen 2-piece top & bloomer set and my youngest was in a footed fleece outfit. Even if they had been same season, I would want different coming home outfits though. I like to keep that outfit as a keepsake and so I'd want each kid to have her own, kwim?

Thanks for starting the new thread - I'm fine w/all the changes you suggested. I have never once referred back to the 1st page to look for appts/photos or any of that other stuff. The less work, the better, for the TMs, I think!

MrsBeckyLP

12-22-2009, 11:44 AM

I have one born in August and one in December, so they most definitely did NOT wear the same outfit to come home!

:o Um, duh. I never thought of that. I guess I have a one-track mind since mine will be born in the same season! You raise a good point about a keepsake. Just the advice I was looking for. New outfit it is! Yay! (Now to decide if I'll dig out that boy outfit or shop for new one of those, too ... )

Taurus

12-22-2009, 01:21 PM

Thanks for the new thread!

I didn't get a chance to delete some of my info though (I always forget to do that before the group threads get closed--I was going to delete some personal info that I posted here and there. I am neurotic. :) )

coming home outfit- I actually wanted my kids to all come home in the same outfit, which was purposely bought in yellow, and it seemed do-able given our mild weather, but it didn't work out that way and I didn't end up attached to what they came home in. The outfit I got for DS1 turned out to be really big on him. (He was 6 lbs 10 oz and so we ended up getting a few preemie things for him for the first 1-2 weeks.) Then it was hot the day we brought DS2 home and I just put him in something that fit well--one of the blue preemie outfits we had bought DS1. He was 7lbs 13 oz and that was the only time he wore preemie anything. (And I just realized I gave that stuff away last week to my friend--OOPS if I wanted to save it!)

I do, however, get new baptism outfits for each of them as keepsakes.

MrsBeckyLP

12-22-2009, 01:33 PM

Taurus- Sorry about having the old thread closed too soon. The mod I sent a PM to was right on top of it, and that doesn't usually happen. If I ever start a new thread again, I'll make sure not to PM a mod right away -- I just did it because I didn't want to forget. Oh, and let me know when you get those tickets, just for peace of mind on my end. :)

Taurus

12-22-2009, 01:39 PM

Tickets just got here, Becky! DH just brought in the mail and put it aside for his mom, but I looked when I saw your post. Yay!

No prob about the thread. I can always PM a mod to delete something. But I meant to do that about two years ago with another thread when I announced DS2's name, and never did--ha ha! I just tend not to leave any photos or names on here.

MrsBeckyLP

12-22-2009, 01:56 PM

Tickets just got here, Becky! DH just brought in the mail and put it aside for his mom, but I looked when I saw your post. Yay!

Yay!!! I was a bit worried. We try not to send them through the mail when we sell (it just makes us a bit nervous), so I'm glad to hear they arrived safely. :)

SunnySideUp

12-22-2009, 02:29 PM

What??? A new thread already? Crap....I can't keep up with how fast this is going. My mom is pushing me to nail down a shower date already for the end of MARCH :eek:. I'm not quite in my third trimester yet. Actually, I don't even think I'm at 5 months yet. I'm a little over 17 weeks, 18 on Thursday I think.

I've been cleaning all day...and all I got done was my bedroom and bathroom. Although, they do look pretty immaculate. Oh, and I have had the windows open all day too. So amazing, I love this weather. It's been in the 60's and 70's since Sunday!!!!

I need someone to justify my $50 purchase of the Boppy Total Body Pillow (http://shopboppy.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=15&zenid=798c8798fc3a3f9508743805eeaf8624). I like it because it wraps around me and it is really supportive. I still haven't told BF how much I spent on it, lol.

Adrianna

12-22-2009, 04:36 PM

SSU---JUSTIFIED!!!!!!!!!!!!

And if your boyfriend balks, tell him that it will save you tons of money in chiropractor and massage fees! :D

mlfallis

12-22-2009, 04:37 PM

Coming home outfit: I love babies coming home in sleepers, I think #2 will get his own just to come home in and wear afterwards. I have yet to decide if I am going to use #1 coming home outfit or not. I am trying to figure out if I would have really used DH coming home outfit if MIL kept it. I am thinking not, which is why I think they will each have their own outfit, but I might not keep it forever.

stevesbabygirl

12-22-2009, 06:11 PM

Coming home outfit - I just bought a blue and white striped footed sleeper to bring him home in, but it doesn't have a hat, so I may have to continue my search. I want to get something cute, but not too cute, because I'd hate to buy a super cute outfit that he'd only get to wear once, kwim?

newmommy

12-22-2009, 06:21 PM

Coming home outfit: My boys were born almost 23 months apart to the day...so the same season. They each got their own outfits : ) HOWEVER they wore the same Christening outfit(which I now regret).

I have looked a bit online for a coming home outfit for this baby--but haven't found anything yet. April in New England is so iffy. It can be freezing cold and wet OR get a really warm day!

MrsBeckyLP

12-22-2009, 07:03 PM

April in New England is so iffy. It can be freezing cold and wet OR get a really warm day!

Same here. We could have snow, or we could have 65. We lucked out and had 70 and sun for DD's first birthday party on April 17.

I should mention that I don't go all out with a coming home outfit. DD wore this (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/DSCF1196.jpg), so basically a sleeper without feet.

amew

12-22-2009, 09:45 PM

DS1 wore this home from the hospital, and I am thinking I will put DS2 in the same outfit. It has a matching hat and blanket, so it would be fine for April in Texas.

http://www.peacockalleygifts.com/image.php?image_field=image&table=image_item&id=860

I love gowns for new babies, and I can't really think of any reason that I need different outfits for the boys. I think it would be sweet for them to wear the same thing.

Parrothead

12-23-2009, 07:32 AM

Suscribing!

SunnySideUp

12-23-2009, 08:34 AM

Coming home clothes - BF and I were talking about this last night. I don't think we're really going to shop for a specific outfit. When my sis had her baby shower, she got so many adorable outfits, and just picked one for my niece's coming home outfit. I will probably do the same. In Florida, May is HOT!!! Like mid to high 80's, so it won't be anything extravagant.

QOTD - I have felt little bits of movement, although I'm still second guessing weather it's really baby moving (apparently I have an anterior placenta). Tomorrow will be 18 weeks. Should I expect to start feeling major movement soon? Or is baby gonna hang out for a few more weeks? I know we talked about this a couple weeks ago, but I honestly don't remember and don't have the brain power to look back, lol. Thank you ladies for everything. This group has made this pregnancy MUCH easier for me. I've never done this before and I feel like I have gotten a lot of advice and experience here.

Parrothead

12-23-2009, 08:50 AM

I am completely annoyed. My 1st choice name, Emma, is now listed as the top name of the DECADE! I am just not a fan of super common names. I like simple, classic names that stand the test of time, but I do not like trendy names. I am so bummed b/c this baby really had become Emma to me and now I just don't think that I can't name her that :(

KGif

12-23-2009, 10:43 AM

Parrothead
I LOVE the name Emma and considered it as well ... but was also turned off by the popularity factor. I just would rather not have my little one be Emma G in school along with Emma S and Emma K and Emma C. ;)

SunnySideUp
I didn't feel anything that I'd call a real defined movement until 23 weeks!!! I'm 25 weeks now and the movement that I feel is few and far between. Just a couple of kicks/flips a day really. Of course some here have been feeling somewhat strong movements on a regular basis since 18 weeks or so. I have a friend who felt her baby move twice the ENTIRE pregnancy! Just sooo different for everyone I think :)

Coming Home Outfit
I cannot for the LIFE of me remember exactly what my son came home in. I know I have pictures somewhere. Hey - it was 4 and 1/2 years ago! I can hardly remember what I had for dinner last night :)
I alredy got a little coming home outfit for #2. Found it on sale at TJ Maxx and it's just adorable. I will try to take a pic tonight!

Christmas
HOW is Christmas already two days away?!?!?! Time is flying and our babies are going to be here before we know it!!!

Smittenk

12-23-2009, 10:47 AM

QOTD - I have felt little bits of movement, although I'm still second guessing weather it's really baby moving (apparently I have an anterior placenta). Tomorrow will be 18 weeks. Should I expect to start feeling major movement soon? Or is baby gonna hang out for a few more weeks? I know we talked about this a couple weeks ago, but I honestly don't remember and don't have the brain power to look back, lol. Thank you ladies for everything. This group has made this pregnancy MUCH easier for me. I've never done this before and I feel like I have gotten a lot of advice and experience here.

With my first I started to experience bubbles in my belly at 18 weeks and then at about 20-21 weeks started feeling rolls and small punches. I would say you are right on target! Many women don't feel their first until 21-22 weeks.

Coming Home Outfit I just bought a little cable knit cardigan and matching hat and a pair of striped wiggle pants from Hanna Andersson. They are sold out of the matching kimono top but I have loads of time to buy it.

Adrianna

12-23-2009, 11:16 AM

Amew: where in Texas are you? I am in the D/FW area.

Coming home outfit: I can't decide if I want something sweet or something sassy. The ONLY thing that I have bought for Limey is a set of Boston Bruins onesies, to give Mr. P for Christmas. Not sure I want my non-home team memorialized in the coming home shots! :p I think that I will buy a girl outfit and a boy outfit, and see what happens.

SSU: I, too, was stressing about movement a couple of weeks ago. I am still only feeling flutters and, if I lie just right, a roll of my innards. If you look at pictures of your particular gestational period, you'll find that the baby still has a LOT of room in there, so you have to be scrunched just right to feel anything substantial. I am getting frustrated, though...I am ready to feel this little one---I am so excited for it.

Trendy Names: Yeah, I saw that list. Some of the predictions for what will be popular are just crazy!

MrsBeckyLP

12-23-2009, 11:39 AM

I have a friend who felt her baby move twice the ENTIRE pregnancy!

So that's how some of those people on "I didn't know I was pregnant" explain it? :p Seriously though, I can't believe I forgot to mention this here. One of my good friends has a friend who had a baby in October, and she didn't know she was pregnant. I will NEVER understand that -- babies move, bellies grow, you don't get a period. Here's the quick story:

This girl doesn't have a significant other, so I believe the father was a one-night stand. She parties a lot, and she's overweight. She has a really wide hip/thigh area, but not all that flabby of a gut; when she gains weight, she grows out at the sides. So anyway, I guess she didn't feel well and had a lot of pains, so she had her dad take her to the ER (she is 24 and lives with her dad and step-mom). The doctors didn't know what was wrong, but they asked if she could be pregnant. She told them of course it was a possibility, but she didn't think so. I'm not sure what happened then, because next thing my friend told me happened was the girl said she felt like she had to poop. The doctors told her to go, and she gave birth to her son, alone and on the toilet. According to my friend (who is really close with this girl), the baby was a good size, so they think he was close to term. Thankfully he has no health problems, even though his mom liked to party.

I just don't get it. I know some women spot throughout pregnancy, and that could fool some people into thinking they're having a period. My friend said this girl was on the pill, but her period was irregular (which is odd, since most people on the pill are very regular). Friend also said the girl seriously didn't look like she'd gained any weight. Really though, I just think it's denial. You can't tell me there wasn't one time during the previous nine months that she thought to herself, "Hmm, something funky is up with my body. Maybe I should just take a pregnancy test." Denial, denial, denial.

SSU- I'm guessing you'll start to feel more movement soon, if you think you're feeling it now. You probably are! Before long, there will be no doubt in your mind that what you're feeling is the baby!

I think I've been feeling hiccups lately; I've had some very rhythmic movements/jerks. DD had hiccups all the time, so I'm pretty used to the feeling. This baby really is a mover and shaker, though, and I'm being kicked and punched all day long. I love watching my belly move. The other day I was kicked so hard that the book resting on my belly went for a bit of a ride! I really should take video of the movements. Sometimes I feel them low, and sometimes I feel them up near or above my belly button -- and sometimes both at the same time. This doesn't help my positioning paranoia. :rolleyes:

Adrianna

12-23-2009, 11:47 AM

My girlfriend was SIX MONTHS PREGNANT before she found out. She's had horribly irregular periods her whole life (would go six to eight months without one), even on the pill. She was on the pill, but was lax in taking them around her wedding in September. By December, she had gained 10 pounds. By February, she had gained 10 more. She told me that she had just let herself go after her wedding In April, after getting tired of people asking if she was pregnant, she POAS, for the sole purpose of carrying it around in her purse and whipping it out when someone made a comment. FLASHING LAS VEGAS NEON SIGN POSITIVE. Her honeymoon baby was born in July. I asked her if she felt him moving, and she said it felt like gas. Wha? Gas doesn't make a book move off your belly! If it does, you should probably change up the ol' diet! :p

stevesbabygirl

12-23-2009, 04:36 PM

Movement - I felt DS1 at 16w6d, and this one at 15w. If you have the anterior placenta, or if you are carrying extra weight, movement is often felt a little later. At 24 weeks, this kid is jumping around like crazy! I feel all kinds of rolls and punches, I love it :).

mimieliza

12-23-2009, 10:04 PM

Thanks for the new thread! :)

movement - I didn't feel DD move until after 20 weeks... this little one I felt as early as 14-15 weeks, and he has been moving and grooving regularly for about the past 2-3 weeks.

coming home outfit - DD's outfit was gender neutral, I was planning to use it for all babies, but it is fleece. Probably won't work in May, even though it usually isn't THAT warm here. I have a few tiny little sleepers that I love, and even a pair of overalls in size newborn (Carters sale!) that would be very cute and probably fit well at that point.

AFM - Is it possible to die from GERD? I have had such a problem this past week or so. It's not heartburn, per se, as in it doesn't really hurt most of the time. But there is acid irritating my esophagus and throat, and I'm having reactive airway problems (asthma). It is so bad that I wake up at 4 or 5 in the morning unable to breathe, start coughing and gagging and then throwing up. I have chest tightness all day, can't drink anything (hurts so badly, especially water) and have no appetite. My voice is totally shot, too, I sound like an emphysemic smoker. I've lost three pounds this week. It's ridiculous.

So my doctor has prescribed an albuterol inhaler (I had had to use my daughter's one night, I was really struggling that badly to breathe), and I'm taking Pepcid twice a day. It is slooooowly getting better, the RAD has definitely improved, and I am eating, but it is really hard to drink enough. Watered down lemonade is about all I can handle - either the real stuff or Crystal Light. Disgusting. But was it here that I got the tip about drinking slightly acidic things to help control acid? Because it really does help.

stevesbabygirl

12-23-2009, 11:15 PM

mimieliza - I'm sorry you're so uncomfortable :(.

AFM - This mid-back pain is absolutely killing me! When I'm on the couch, I have to sit with a pillow behind me, and right now, even that isn't helping. Yuck!

Smittenk

12-24-2009, 04:33 AM

Sorry to hear about all of the aches and pains...I wish I could send my acupuncturist as a christmas present! Definitely seek one out if you can!

mimieliza That sounds painful...I'm sorry to hear that you are suffering through that..not fun.

AFM So excited for Christmas tomorrow! DS is really into it this year which make it even more fun.

We went to my midwife appt yesterday and everything looks and sounds good...although she says my belly is measuring a couple of weeks ahead of schedule. DS heard the heartbeat and said it sounded like a boat on the riverfront, lol! One thing I did find out is that my anemia is more severe than I had thought. I told the midwife that I am taking Floradix and she said that was fine but it doesn't have the amount of iron to get my numbers up. Apparently my numbers are below what they normally allow in their practice--aackk!! The last thing I want is to get transferred to an OB at a hospital So I need to get my numbers up. I am now taking Vitron C every other day and will take Floradix on the in between days. They will take my blood at 28 weeks and will check levels since that is when it is normally at it's lowest. I am going to start eating dried apricots and figs for snacks and hopefully that will help too.

Anyways other than that, all is good! Now I *need* to get my butt in gear and interview some doulas...they are required by the Birthing Center and I don't want to get stuck with a bad one.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!!!

SunnySideUp

12-24-2009, 06:40 AM

Movement - I have really wide hips, so I could see how baby probably has lots of room to move around, which also explains why I might feel movement later. I am feeling bubbles and flutters. I guess I am just anxious to feel the big movements, lol. BF is always asking when he can feel the baby move.

Trendy names - This is the first time I am putting one of our name ideas out there. We aren't even talking to our families about it yet. For a girl, I am obsessed with the name Ava, but it is now #5 on the most popular list. SOOO, i think we may use it as a middle name if we have a girl. BF agreed we can still call her Ava, but at least her legal name won't be super trendy.

I finished up the xmas presents for our parents and BF's grandma. They are picture frames I made with the u/s pic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/charliezangel/SANY0401.jpg

And now, for the first time, a bare belly shot....Please disregard the red line on my tummy. My sleep pants are starting to get tight.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/charliezangel/SANY0409.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/charliezangel/SANY0410.jpg

SunnySideUp

12-24-2009, 08:38 AM

Smittenk

12-24-2009, 09:56 AM

SmittenK - I just noticed you said your birth center requires a doula. I found that kind of interesting, especially since there is so much personalized attention and support at a birth center vs. a hospital. Do you know why they require a doula? I'm really curious.

To be honest I am not exactly sure why. I am guessing though it is so the midwife can concentrate on the delivery of the baby and the doula (they call them Birth Assistants) can help the midwife but also help the mother with her labour. Thankfully my hubby is an amazing partner in birth but I do know friends who have hubbys who just can't stand to see their wife in pain etc and will sometimes stress out watching their wife labour....that is probably another reason to have a birth assistant...they can help the mother stick with their birth plan. My hubby has no problem with that :rolleyes: When I asked for pain meds when I was in labour with DS he told me that I don't want to take anything and handed me two tylenol 3's, LOL!

lilo

12-24-2009, 02:52 PM

Hello everyone! I am just catching up with the new thread and wanted to post a quck hello.

Coming home outfit: She will either wear the pink zutano onesie and matching hat or a light pink cotton onesie with a peter pan collar from ralph lauren. Not that I have planned it or anything. ;)

Okay gotta run!

newmommy

12-25-2009, 03:40 PM

Well tomorrow I will be 24 weeks!! I can't believe it-six months along!! I've been VERY sore lately. I'm having trouble walking--and I'm wondering if anyone else is experiencing this? I'm starting to be really uncomfortable at night, and I'm really not that big!

I have been waiting for the holidays to pass before I start shopping for this little one...so I'm hoping to get some online shopping done this weekend : )

As far as names, we're thinking about naming her: Gabriella. It goes with our sons' names, and it's pretty, but we're not 100% quite yet.

I have an U/S scheduled for Wednesday--and hope to finally post pics of her here!!

Hope everyone is doing well : )

stevesbabygirl

12-25-2009, 09:06 PM

newmommy - I'm going through the same thing. I get pretty sore after walking around for a while, and I can't believe how early it's started this time around.

SunnySideUp

12-26-2009, 06:51 AM

Ugh. Yesterday was a really long day. And to top it all off, I really didn't feel well most of the day. By the time we got to FIL's at 3, I had a taken a small nap and felt a little better. I think I ate my weight in food there. OMG, they had so much food, and I just kept eating. When we got home later, I started feeling sick again....and then I got REALLY sick, and vomited. It was awful. Apparently the baby was not happy with something i ate. So needless to say, I was in bed from around 7pm on.

FIL and Step-MIL got us this fetal heart listener. I think it's still a bit early for me to pick up anything, but there are also speakers so we can play music and talk to the baby. I thought it was pretty cool. They also gave me an overnight bag for the hospital, which will def come in handy. And I got some other odds and ends from everyone. Nothing for baby, because people keep insisting that they can't buy gifts until they know the sex. HELLLOOOO!!!! Green, yellow...neutral colors. It's getting annoying. Like, I have any control over whether or not we are able to find out the sex.

OK, I'm just ranting now, so I'm going to jet. I'll be back later with a better mood, hopefully.

mamax2

12-26-2009, 09:34 AM

Well tomorrow I will be 24 weeks!! I can't believe it-six months along!! I've been VERY sore lately. I'm having trouble walking--and I'm wondering if anyone else is experiencing this? I'm starting to be really uncomfortable at night, and I'm really not that big!

YES! I'm about 3 weeks further along than you, but the past week has been miserable. I'm starting to get so uncomfortable. Even my Mom said last night that this is the first pregnancy she's ever seen me uncomfortable this early. I don't know what's wrong with me. I feel like I should be in the last month of pregnancy and yet I still have 3 months to go! I go down hill as the day progresses. I'm going to ask my MW about it at my next appt and see if she has any ideas. I have a feeling it has to do w/baby being transverse and putting a lot of weight really low which is causing all the pressure.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

angelcookie2002

12-26-2009, 05:46 PM

I've been lurking on here alot, but don't post much. Sorry. COngratulations to everyone who has found out the gender! We found out at the end of October that we are having a BOY! It actually took awhile to get used to, because we were sure and hoping for another girl. I think I am having a hard time with this pregnancy in general because it was such a surprise and I am a big planner.:rolleyes: My due date was also moved to Easter 4/4/10! So I will be 26wks tomorrow! I can't believe how fast the time is flying by! I can hardly believe next week will be 2010! I should really start getting ready for this baby! Oh and his name is Kai.:)

MrsBeckyLP

12-26-2009, 06:35 PM

I feel like I should be in the last month of pregnancy and yet I still have 3 months to go!

I know. I keep thinking "How can I possibly have three months of growing left?" My mom said to me on Christmas, "Well, maybe your growing will taper off a bit now." I replied, "Yeah, because that happens at the end of pregnancies." Thanks for the wishful thinking though, Mom!

I hope everyone here had great Christmases! We are so lucky to have such wonderful families, even if MIL and FIL drive me nuts! I tried so hard to be nice, and I think I did a great job. Many of DH's aunts and uncles (who we just saw at Thanksgiving) asked me when I'm due, and they all looked at me like I was lying when I said I had over three months to go. I can't blame them for thinking my due date is closer though ... I am getting kinda large. I'm just glad my face hasn't gotten fat yet! (I shouldn't have even typed that; now I'm sure it will start to happen.)

OK, off to play with our new iPod Touch!

Taurus

12-27-2009, 11:56 AM

Hi Everyone!

I am 24 weeks today! Comfort-wise I am actually BETTER off than with my second pregnancy. I have no sign of the upper back pain that I got with DS1 and which started so early with DS2. I think it is either that I am stronger now from lifting kids, am wearing better fitting bras (my boobs are huge during pgcy for having such a small frame) or I am carrying lower. I also have the vaginal varicose veins but they don't really bother me most of the time, so that is a major improvement from DS2's pregnancy. I have very few aches and pains.

I am, however, a bit larger than I am used to being at 24 weeks (ETA: not weight per se, but just size of belly) and worry a bit about how much my stomach might get with this one and, vainly, if my stomach will survive as well as it did with my first two and if the weight will fall off again afterward, like I am used to. At the end of yesterday my stomach felt felt huge (for me) and heavy, and DH and I were marveling that I still have 3+ months to grow.

Becky, DH should be rooting as we speak! :) MIL and the boys and I are back from up north.

a_spark

12-27-2009, 02:54 PM

Hello everyone! Just wanted to jump in quickly and wish everyone a belated Merry Christmas. We have been so busy, it's insane. I feel like this is the first time I've sat still in a week. I hear everyone on the soreness and feeling big. I saw my cousin over the holidays, who is due 2 weeks after me and I am MUCH bigger than her. It's her first, so I guess that explains some of it, but I look like I'm about 9 months along. I just read somewhere that at this point my belly will gain 1/2" in size a WEEK. I may explode.

MSH

12-27-2009, 05:15 PM

I too am feeling really uncomfortable. However, it is more the hot flashes and restless legs that are bugging me and preventing me from sleeping. I am EXHAUSTED and such a cranky *insert choice of not nice word here*. Coupled with lots of bad news over the holidays I am just not in a happy place right now. Tomorrow we are going to go out and do some of our gift exchanges, take the boys out for lunch and just try to relax a bit. The boys spoiled me with some nice new maternity clothes, feels so good not to be quite as frumpy on my days off.

Oh and I think we may have picked a name for baby boy #3!!

newmommy

12-28-2009, 07:12 AM

MSH That's great-would you mind sharing?

Taurus I keep warning DH that I won't bounce back as I have in the past! I told him that this baby has taken a toll on me!!

AFM I had some more bleeding yesterday--but I think it's because I was on my feet all night with my younger son. We had to take him into the ER yesterday for Steroids and a Nebulizer. It was so stressful-and I was in so much pain last night...having no sleep and standing...well to me, bleeding makes sense. NOT as worried as last time!

I really think this little baby wants her mommy doting on her 24/7--by laying around and rubbing my belly ;)

beetle

12-28-2009, 08:52 AM

Hi, ladies!
Hope all of you have enjoyed the holidays. We stayed so busy that I'm just now having a few minutes to try to catch up in here. Sorry for not keeping up with SOs...

I am totally with those of you who are feeling HUGE. I already have a couple maternity tops that are getting tight, and I can't imagine three more months of growing at this same pace. This is my first baby, too... I am way bigger than EVERYONE I know who is due near me. DH was 9 lb. 2 oz., so the predictions for a big baby have begun. I actually think a lot of my size has to do with the fact that I'm 5'2" and short-waisted, with nowhere else for the baby to go but out. Anyway, I have a feeling I'm going to be pretty miserable by the end.

Weird development: I've for weeks had a spot high on the right side of my belly that's been tingly and numb-feeling, and I often get a "stitch" (like when you've exercised too soon after eating) in the same area. The other night, I suddenly got a really painful, stinging sensation in that exact spot that lasted 30 seconds or so. It almost felt like a bug bite. Several days later, the spot is still strangely numb on the surface and sore/tender underneath. Any ideas on what happened? It's just so weird!

Taurus

12-28-2009, 09:03 AM

beetle, if it makes you feel better, DH and I were both over 9 lbs at birth (and I am only 5 feet tall now, and usually hover under 100 lbs when not pregnant). I was *terrified* of delivering a big baby, but my first was only 6lbs, 10 oz! he was a week early, but even my second, who was a day late, was 7 lbs, 13. i always liked hearing reassuring things like that when I was pregnant the first time. :)

SunnySideUp

12-28-2009, 12:56 PM

WOW, this day has really flown by. I feel like I just woke up, and now I have to leave the house in 2 hours to pick up BF from work. I dropped him off at 9, then I came home and cleaned a little, then I went to the mall to use my Motherhood gift card and got a pedi. THEN, i did a ridiculous grocery shopping trip because I went shopping hungry. I spent close to $100 on food we really didn't need. A lot of it was stuff I have been craving, and I bought some fresh and frozen fruit for the smoothie machine BF got for xmas. I can't wait to try it out tomorrow morning. My plan for tonight is to make steak, broccoli and mashed garlic potatoes. MMMM....can't wait!!!

At 18 weeks, I feel huge. None of my pre-preg jeans fit now, even with the belly band. I'm a little apprehensive about buying too many pairs of maternity pants. Right now I have a pair of mat jeans, black pants (that fit a little interesting but are still really comfy) and a pair of mat leggings. I have plenty of tops, and just bought another today along with a mat dress and hoodie jacket. So I guess I should just stick with what I have until I start getting bigger.

My back is starting to get very sore. I have a hard time standing for too long and sleeping is very uncomfortable. The body pillow is helping, but I still toss and turn all night. I'm hoping it won't be like this the rest of my pregnancy, but I'm guessing it will only get worse. I'm feeling whiny, lol.

mamax2

12-28-2009, 01:28 PM

I'm hoping it won't be like this the rest of my pregnancy, but I'm guessing it will only get worse. lol.

Uh, yeah, it gets worse, not better. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news! :p

As for the maternity pants - BUY THEM!!! Seriously, it's not worth being uncomfortable (physically or mentally) with your clothes. In my first pregnancy, I was really careful about making due with just the bare minimum and the pants and I ended up wearing those pants out. Had to get new ones w/DD2 anyway (except the jeans). This time, I've been really lucky to have a lot of clothes given to me (hand me downs) and it's so worth it to be comfortable.

Having a very lazy day at home w/my kiddos and I'm feeling better (physically) than I have in about a week. I've also barely eaten, so I think part of this might have to do w/stuffing myself. I have a busy few days coming up since we host a New Year's Day Open House, but it looks like my Mom is going to take my girls for an overnight tomorrow so I should be able to get a lot done and maybe not have to be on my feet like a crazy person cooking & cleaning for the next 3 days.

Adrianna

12-28-2009, 02:32 PM

I second that...the second I bought maternity pants, I felt and looked better. It was AWESOME. My family knows that my new mantra is "panelpants"! I will never NOT wear maternity pants around the holidays. I heart panelpants! :D

Sorry for the aches and pains, ladies! I am counting the days until that starts, b/c I know it's a just a matter of time. I am starting to get leg cramps ever so often at night, and if I stand up too fast, my lower abdomen protests greatly.

But the baby is making up for it...just in the last couple of days, Limey has been really active when I lie down to go to sleep, and when I lie in bed in the morning. The day after Christmas, Limey backed that a$$ up underneath my belly button and did a full-on stretch. Mr. P was so giddy about my belly being rock hard, and feeling a little baby butt. I was pretty stoked, too!

I have a favor to ask...the Friday before Christmas, a girlfriend that is 25w2d (as of today) went for a check-up, and wound up on bedrest at the hospital. Could you all please send her good thoughts? Gia, if you have any tips to share, I'd love to pass them on to her. Thanks, ladies!

Eloo

12-28-2009, 02:59 PM

Weird development: I've for weeks had a spot high on the right side of my belly that's been tingly and numb-feeling, and I often get a "stitch" (like when you've exercised too soon after eating) in the same area. The other night, I suddenly got a really painful, stinging sensation in that exact spot that lasted 30 seconds or so. It almost felt like a bug bite. Several days later, the spot is still strangely numb on the surface and sore/tender underneath. Any ideas on what happened? It's just so weird!

My guess would be the baby is sitting on a nerve when that happens. It happened a lot to me with DS and is happening now again. If it's something that's really concerning you, I'd talk to your Dr. for peace of mind.

stevesbabygirl

12-28-2009, 08:23 PM

summerbride2005

12-28-2009, 09:13 PM

I don't post often, but I definitely read along every day. Just wanted to update a few of my stats. DH and I are both 32, and my due date is now 5/10/10.

We had our ultrasound today and it was confirmed that we are having another GIRL!DH and I are very excited. We've been worried this entire pregnancy that there might be something wrong since the baby was always measuring small (about 2 weeks off) and I had a threatened miscarriage, but she looks healthy.

a_spark

12-29-2009, 06:45 AM

Congrats on your GIRL, Summerbride!

Question: Is anyone suddenly having monster gas pains at night? I'm being awoken, every night, by a searing gas pain or two. It lasts about 15 seconds and then is gone, but man it hurts. And only at night when I'm sleeping. Lordy.

Taurus

12-29-2009, 08:54 AM

Congrats, summerbride! Glad all was looking good.

Was up late last night obsessing. I think the middle name [edited to remove names].

Adrianna

12-29-2009, 09:19 AM

Adrianna - please don't kill me for saying this, but I *think* what you were actually feeling was a Braxton-Hicks contraction. The rock hard belly is what makes me think so. Your baby is only about a foot long at this point, so it has a teeny tiny cute little but right now :).

I was wondering...but it only got rock hard right in the center, so I assumed it was baby booty. At any rate, Limey gave me a good kick last night (my first one!!!), right above my bladder. So the baby's definitely getting bigger and more active. :D

Congrats on your Girl, Summerbride!!!

newmommy

12-29-2009, 09:55 AM

Hi ladies,
I'm not sure why I'm not gettin e-mail updates, even though I re-subscribed??

Anywho, it's FREEZING here!! It's below 20 today--and I stupidly went out when I really didn't need to! I convinced myself that we really needed milk--but in truth, I just wanted to get out!

I feel like I may have started nesting-is that even possible?? I want to stock up on everything!! I also feel like scrubbing everything in sight!

aches and pains Boy am I in that club! I can't believe that I'm only 24 weeks along, I feel so much furthur along! I am also so slow! This morning just getting myself and my boys to the store exhausted me : ( I feel like lately everything is overwhelming to me too. I'm VERY emotional...anyone else?

My wall heater just broke in our back hall...and luckily my dad is around/capable to fix it. The very idea of it being broken sent me to tears! I feel so unlike myself lately, and I realize I've had a lot going on, but really? I feel like I'm being so weak and emotional. I am super excited about tomorrow to get the U/S done, that'll ease my mind!

Okay enough complaining, have a great day ladies!

mamax2

12-29-2009, 12:56 PM

I was wondering...but it only got rock hard right in the center, so I assumed it was baby booty. At any rate, Limey gave me a good kick last night (my first one!!!), right above my bladder. So the baby's definitely getting bigger and more active. :D

The head is also a lot bigger and firmer than the butt, so it's possible that's what you were feeling as well. Heads and tails can be really hard to distinguish :p

Nesting ~ YES! Mine is mostly related to wanting to organize everything (see my post in the Big Kids forum about toy storage for big kids & babies - lol) I am DESPERATE to organize closets, sort toys, etc. After work, I'm stopping by a friend's house to pick up some toddler toys from her 2 boys so I'll really need to get my act together w/the storage ASAP.

AFM ~ Just 1 week left until I am in the 3rd trimester! Crazy!!!

SunnySideUp

12-29-2009, 04:49 PM

I managed to get a lot done today. My step-dad got me this beautiful watch for xmas. Unfortunately, it was a bit snug and I know I'm going to puff up a bit more over the next few months. I took it to this watch repair kiosk at the mall and the sweetest woman put a different clasp on it and it fits perfectly. I also went to motherhood to exchange a pack of panties I had picked up yesterday. I just grabbed them off the rack and didn't realize they were the wrong size until I got home. Let me say this, I did not open them, they were still completely brand new. The sales girl made a bit of an issue on the exchange. I asked her what their return policy is and she said they only take back items that are never worn and the tags are still attached. It seems weird to me that a maternity store would have such a rigid return policy. I am more indecisive now than I have ever been. I have tried on a few things in the store that I can't stand when I put them back on at home.

Dog went to the spa today and looks fabulous. He's such a little priss, lol. He likes to prance around after he's had his hair cut, like he's showing off. It's freaking adorable. After I picked him up, I cleaned out the car and took a nap. Now I'm getting dinner together before BF gets home. I'm still really exhausted, but I'm trying not to nap too much so that I sleep through the night. I feel really sick when I don't get a solid 6 or 7 hours of sleep in a row.

QOTD - does anyone have cramps after sexual activity? Its not just after intercourse. It's also after just fooling around and having an orgasm. Sorry if TMI. I'm curious if I should bring it up with my MW.

MrsBeckyLP

12-29-2009, 05:44 PM

Adrianna- I was going to say the same thing as mamax2. The head is really hard, and that could have been what you felt. Since DD was breech and her head spent a lot of time up near my ribs, I got to know the feeling of it well.

SSU- Motherhood has a horrible return policy. Pregnancy is such a short period of time in the grand scheme of things, so it really only makes sense. But I can't see what the big deal was if the undies were still in the package and not opened.

Nesting- Funny this was brought up. My mom and I painted DD's big girl room pink yesterday, and we took off the tape today (thought we might have needed another coat but wanted to wait until daylight to see) and put the room back together. We got everything washed down really well (crib, dresser, other furniture in her room). I think we'll move her to the big girl bed sometime in January, so the crib will stay in her room for a while yet. My plan for tomorrow morning is to take her to daycare (since I am paying even though I'm off) and clean out/organize the linen closet and start cleaning out and organizing the guest room, which will be baby's room. I also need to open and put together some of her toys from Christmas. She sure got a load from my parents. All that work yesterday, and my back -- upper, mid and lower -- was killing me. Oh yeah, my crotch too. I wanted to die.

I went to the doctor today, and my urine was more concentrated/darker than they'd like to see and had trace amounts of protein. However, my blood pressure was 100/62, so they think it was just because I haven't been drinking enough water lately. When I'm not working, I always have to force myself to drink water (and actually think about it), because I forget. So of course we went for lunch afterward, and I drank a ton of water. I gained 5 pounds, so I'm up a total of 14 -- 10 of those pounds have been packed on in the past seven weeks. Told you guys I'd start catching up!

The doctor told me she's pretty certain the baby is head down, which makes me SO happy! She picked up a really strong, loud heartbeat in an area she said was coming directly through the baby's back. She said it wouldn't have been that loud if the head was up, meaning the heart would have been in a different position and not as audible where she was holding the wand. She also felt around and said she could feel the bump of the head behind my bladder, and what I thought was the back/butt/legs very likely is!! You guys don't know how happy this makes me. :)

I also thought I'd report that my Hypnobabies program is going well. I haven't missed a day, not even Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. It's just becoming part of my routine.

Eloo

12-29-2009, 06:04 PM

QOTD - does anyone have cramps after sexual activity? Its not just after intercourse. It's also after just fooling around and having an orgasm. Sorry if TMI. I'm curious if I should bring it up with my MW.

I actually think that's pretty common. When you orgasm your uterus contracts (not in a bad "I'm going into labor sort of way) so it would make sense that you would feel the cramps a little more now that your uterus is much larger than it has been. It happened to me with my pregnancy with DS and this one as well.

MSH

12-29-2009, 08:46 PM

It has been a couple of interesting days around here. I would list it all but it seriously sounds unbelievable and semi soap opara like. However, in our household alone both boys are sick with some odd illness that is causing high fever, vomiting, runny poop and fatigue ... motrin is our friend. Personally, I have been fighting cramps/lower abdomen pains. I have been holding off on calling the MW as I truely believe I just pulled a muscle when I sneezed the other night and thankfully it seems to have gone away for the most part. I was terrified if I called them they would have me in L&D for a NST, u/s etc and I would end up on bedrest. If it should come back I will call but for now I'm calling it a false alarm.

Oh and I just remembered (reading BeckyLPs comment above) that the MW told me baby is head down already. Of course I know he could turn many times between now and then but it was fun to have her show me how to check ... oh and this baby also seems to have a large head just like his brothers, lol.

mamax2

12-30-2009, 06:40 AM

SSU ~ Totally normal to have cramping as well as a variety of other aches & pains after sexual activity. And, yes, Motherhood's return policy SUCKS. In good news (maybe) the Motherhood outlet I went to a couple months ago said their store is doing a pilot program to make the return policy more user friendly. I think she said I could bring things back for 90 days w/tags & receipt. I was shocked, but she said they are testing it out and if it works they'll roll it out to all markets.

MSH ~ Hope all of you feel better soon.

I am SO anxious to get started on baby's room and get our house organized. My nesting has kicked in gear big time! When my first DD was born, we were planning an out-of-state move. When my second DD was born, we were in temporary housing and about to break ground on our house, so I've always been in a very transitional phase and I haven't had the time or ability to really organize, decorate, etc. This time, it's all I can think about! My DH is a major slacker. He hasn't worked on the attic all month and I know he's going to make me crazy by not getting this stuff done and I won't be able to move all the furniture out of baby's room to set up the nursery.

MrsBeckyLP

12-30-2009, 06:55 AM

Speaking of nesting, we are thinking about finishing a bedroom in our basement soon. We don't plan to finish the entire basement yet, but we realize it would be nice to have a spare bedroom (duh!), and I also want to have a big, finished storage closet, which is what we plan to put in the basement spare bedroom. Today I'm working on cleaning out the walk-in closet in the soon-to-be nursery, and most of the stuff stored in there really should be stored in a finished area. We already know where the bedroom will go, so it really only makes sense. And with DH's buddy doing the work, it would probably only cost a few thousand dollars.

OK, off to clean and organize. Yippee!

newmommy

12-30-2009, 07:20 AM

Hello ladies,
Well Im heading to my OB appt shortly..I'm so anxious for my U/S. I hope to find out that everything is fine, and that she is still a she ; )

Wish me luck~
BBL : )

beetle

12-30-2009, 07:49 AM

Eloo - I think you might be right about that weird spot being somehow nerve-related. It's a good bit higher than where the baby is right now, but I have a feeling something is getting pinched or compressed. I'm honestly not too worried about it - it falls in the annoyance category for now - so I think I'll just mention it at my next appt. on the 14th.

Taurus - Thank you for that bit of reassurance. It does help to hear that big DH doesn't necessarily = big baby!

Nesting - I guess I didn't recognize it as that, but I've definitely been getting motivated with the nursery. I plan to use my time off tomorrow and Friday to start cleaning out the closet and put up the sample paint to make sure I like the wall color (a blue-gray - Gentle Rain by Behr). Also hope to maybe paint the nursery book case. DH's uncle is coming up Sunday to begin the big basement finishing project, so he'll probably be here for a couple weeks getting that done. He'll probably also paint the nursery while he's here. Can't wait to see it all come together!

mimieliza

12-30-2009, 12:25 PM

Ugh, I can't even talk about Motherhood Maternity without spitting (ptooey!). So the $70 jeans I bought at Pea in the Pod (same co. as Motherhood), which were the perfect length and GUARANTEED not to shrink, SHRANK of course! First wash, on cold, low dry only until damp. :mad: They look so stupid, I can hardly wear them. Plus, as I wear them, they stretch out until they start to fall down. So they are wide and short. They are total crap. I am very ticked off about the waste of money, since I NEVER spend that kind of $$$ on clothes.

And of course I am totally out of luck due to the non-existent return policy and complete lack of responsibility for their crappy products. MM does not have to worry about customer service or loyalty because they are pretty much the only game in town. Makes me sooooo mad!

In better news, a local maternity store went out of business, so I picked up an awesome pair of jeans for $17 (originally $80), as well as Japanese Weekend black pants ($24) and dress ($36). So at least I'm well clothed despite stupid Pea in the Pod. :)

beetle

12-30-2009, 12:47 PM

Yeah, I have to agree about not having great luck with Motherhood Maternity. I did get a couple pairs of jeans there that have worked well (although the material is a bit rough and clearly not the greatest quality), but the khaki pants I bought for work shrank on the first wash and were unwearable almost immediately, not to mention the pilling of the cheap fabric in the thigh area. And of course, no returns. :rolleyes: I started out trying so hard to buy inexpensive maternity clothes, but I've learned over the last few months that some good pieces from Gap (especially work pants) have been well worth the investment.

Adrianna

12-30-2009, 01:06 PM

Old Navy has awesome true waist maternity pants for work. I heart them. Target's Liz Lange pants are kinda thin, so my chicken legs are quite cold in them. I bought a pair of jeans from MM, and they have been okay, altho I think the panel is starting to stretch. My $12 pants from Burlington coat factory work just as well!

newmommy

12-30-2009, 02:06 PM

Well ladies, I just walked through the door :)

Good news: baby is fine! The placenta, cervix and uterus looks great! There is no specific reason for the bleeding!! I have to take it easy for the next four weeks, until I'm out of the "danger zone"....but otherwise everything is normal!!

Oh and the baby is all GIRL!!!! The tech couldn't believe how rude people have been to me, and pointed out her labia right away...I'm on cloud nine because everything is perfect, and I can breathe a sigh of relief : ) : )

Have a great night ladies!

SunnySideUp

12-30-2009, 03:09 PM

Well, I met grandma for lunch, and she insisted on taking me to MM for clothes. LOL, I couldn't say no. However, the MM at the mall we went to did NOT have a plus size section. SOOOO, I was miserable, but ended up buying quite a bit. Then, I got home, re-tried everything on, and went to the MM near my house that DOES have a plus section and made a quick exchange for some things that fit better. I also moved all my pre-preg clothes to one side of my closet and the maternity clothes to the other side. LOL, it seems a bit unbalanced. But as someone else said earlier, this really is such a short period of time in the long run.

newmommy - YAY!!! Now it's time to start ignoring people. Or, use your pregnancy as an excuse to tell them to shut the eff up.

newmommy

12-30-2009, 03:28 PM

SSU You've got that right! LOL!! Now that I'm 100% sure-people better watch out!!! ; )

mimieliza

12-30-2009, 04:51 PM

Newmommy - yay for your LO still being a GIRL! :) I was nervous with DD as well - in fact I had an u/s to check her position during labor, and the first thing I asked was "Is she still a girl?" This one I'm not nervous at all since his little you-know-what was clear as day.

SSU - Oh don't worry about it, despite my complete and total hatred, about half my maternity wardrobe is from that stupid place. They are evil, I tell ya!

Beetle - I wish I would have gone to Gap, I could have gotten a great pair of jeans for $70.

Nesting - It's not going to be pretty. We are moving to our new house sometime in February. I can hardly think about it, it's going to be pretty stressful. But ultimately it will be good to be moved before the baby comes. I do want to paint his new room, though, may try to do that before we move. Is it strange too paint a boy's room yellow?

MrsBeckyLP - Having a guest room sounds awesome. We won't have one at our new house once the baby arrives. We'll have a futon in the baby's room and a trundle in DD's room, and that will have to do for guests.

AFM - I'm sorry all I do is complain, but I feel terrible! Yes, it's MUCH better than the first tri, but I'm still taking 8 mg of Zofran every morning. I tried to skip it today and was throwing up within 15 minutes of getting up. And starting the day like that just causes everything to be off all day, stomach-wise. Plus I have been crushingly tired and a little depressed, a bit of post holiday slump I think.

In good news, I can't believe how fond I am of this little guy already. Feeling him move around is such a joy. With DD (my first baby), the idea of these random movements coming from an actual baby was a little vague and murky. But with this one it's like I can really visualize how he is growing and changing and becoming someone I will love completely forever.

MrsBeckyLP

12-30-2009, 06:15 PM

MrsBeckyLP - Having a guest room sounds awesome.

We've always had one (three-bedroom houses and only us and DD), so it's something we're definitely used to. The idea of not having one is really throwing us for a loop for some reason. We plan for it to be a large room that will also house our desktop computer, which we'd have to move to our bedroom otherwise. I was actually surprised when DH agreed it was a good idea; I figured he'd shoot me down right away. He's talking to his buddy tonight, and it sounds like it's going to be a go. I'm excited now!

I have my glucose tolerance test in the morning. Yay. :rolleyes:

I'm going to go watch My Sister's Keeper. I read the book years ago, so I only remember bits and pieces. I'm sure I'll cry a lot. :p

amew

12-31-2009, 11:02 AM

Just wanted to stop in and say Happy New Year to everybody! Does anyone have big plans for tonight? We are going to meet some friends for a casual dinner and let the kiddos run around on the playground for a while, then head home to ring in the new year. I am not about to try to find a babysitter and hit the town on New Year's Eve.

Sorry so many of you are dealing with discomfort. I have avoided joining in the conversation for the last couple days because I don't really have any major complaints (yet...), and didn't want to gloat. :o

Maternity clothes -- I haven't had any real issues with Motherhood. It's not great quality, but it's also not that expensive, so I can deal with it. I also have a lot from Old Navy, Gap, and Target. I love most of what I have from the Gap. The Target and Old Navy stuff, like the Motherhood stuff, is pretty cheap quality, but cute enough and works for a few months. My favorite nice pants for work are from Target and Pea in the Pod (all bought when pregnant with DS1). I am also loving the maternity cords from Old Navy--I bought them in two colors. They are still in stock. I would be embarassed to admit how many pairs of maternity pants I have. I don't know how I have accumulated them all!

Nesting -- I am not there yet, though I did buy some art for the nursery a few days ago. The nursery was previously our office/guest room and the closet is still filled with office crap, so we really need to get to work cleaning it out. Definitely a goal for the new year.

Guest room -- We have a four bedroom house and used to have a bedroom for DH and I, a bedroom for DS1, a guest room, and a playroom, which was so nice. Now DS2 gets the former guest room, and the playroom will have to serve both functions (it has a sleeper sofa). I would love a designated guest room, but we really can't go buying a 5 bedroom house right now...

Gia

12-31-2009, 11:34 AM

amew- That is awesome that you have been feeling good! I won't think you are gloating! :) Happy New Years! Have fun at dinner.

MrsBecky- That is great that you will have a guest room. Hope your glucose tolerance test went well today!

mimieliza- I am sorry you are still dealing with nausea. It sounds awful. I still had some morning sickness at 20 weeks, but now it is gone. Hopefully you will get some relief soon.

SSU- That's cool that you stocked up on some maternity clothes. Before I got put on bedrest I packed up a rubbermaid container of a lot of my regular clothes and pushed regular stuff aside in the closet. It does seem so unbalanced, but it makes getting dressed soooo much easier! I am glad I organized it when I did.

newmommy- Glad your u/s went well and baby is definitely a girl!! :)

adrianna- I will think positive thoughts and prayers for your friend who is on bedrest in the hospital. Are they going to let her continue bed rest at home or keeping her there long term? Is she allowed to have a laptop in the hospital? Here are some tips:
1) Someone here recommended sidelines.org to me. It is a good resource for women on bedrest and there is a message board.
2) I have a little cart with drawers next to my sofa that has helped me soooo much. I have my toiletries and makeup in one drawer, one drawer has note cards/paper, address book, nice pens, journal, etc. and then I have odds and ends in the top drawer (current book I am reading, cross word book, luna bar for food emergency, etc). On top I keep my water, medicine, and cell phone. I am less tempted to get up if everything is right there and organized.
3) Also, I allowed myself a day or two of pity-party, and then I decided to just make the best of it and complain as little as possible. One thing I am doing is writing/emailing people I know who I know could use some encouragement (example: friend who has FOUR kids under 7 and her husband just left her). It helps me feel useful.
4) Someone I know who was on long-term bed rest with two pregnancies said she typed out some motivational signs about being on bed rest and hung them up by her bed and sofa. I kind of used that idea but I made up some index cards. I can flip through them when I need encouragement.
Sorry this was so long!!!

AFM: DH and MIL painted the nursery and our hallway bathroom yesterday! Yay! I think my BIL and father are coming over this weekend to help dh bring the cribs upstairs and put them together. I also bought a double rocker/glider off Craigslist that needs to go upstairs. I really hope everything fits/matches!! My family is having a shower for me Jan. 24th. It will be close to my house and I am ok'd to go-- I just have to lay on the sofa the entire time. Things are really moving along.

The other night my husband got to feel one of the babies kick! It was so cool. He has really been waiting for that.

I haven't kept up with belly shots since I have been on bedrest. I took some the other day quickly when I was up to use the restroom. Twins + Bedrest = Exponential belly growth!

http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt242/geezeig/23weeks5.jpg

http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt242/geezeig/23weeks1.jpg

Adrianna

12-31-2009, 11:47 AM

Gia, thanks for the tips. I'll let her know...I am pretty sure that she's going to have to stay at the hospital, I am not sure that she "un-effaced", if that's even a word.

And cute belly. I would like to say that I am bigger than you at 21w, with just ONE. You are uber tiny and uber cute. Glad to hear that you are getting to go to your shower! :D

a_spark

12-31-2009, 12:03 PM

Gia, you are ADORABLE! It sounds like you're really making the best of bedrest and I admire that attitude. How much longer do you have, or is it indefinite?

Sorry I am missing so many SOs, it's really hard to keep up! I hope everyone's doing well, though, and I wish you all a Happy New Year! We're staying in tonight- we'll go to an early family dinner in the neighborhood but then we'll just snuggle on the couch and watch movies, and that sounds just fantastic to me. Funny, because I usually make a big deal out of NYE and this year I have no interest in dressing up and finding a sitter and finding cabs, etc.

MrsBeckyLP

12-31-2009, 12:04 PM

Gia, you are so cute!

Just wanted to report I was just e-mailed the results of my GTT, and I passed with flying colors. Standard range is 70-140, and I was at 86. And here I thought I ate way too many cookies last week! ;)

amew

12-31-2009, 12:28 PM

Gia, you are so cute!

a_spark -- I hear you. I have no desire for a big NYE out this year.

Becky -- Yay for passing the GTT! I have now had to cancel mine twice for work-related reasons. :rolleyes: I really need to do it some time next week.

ieducate

12-31-2009, 01:04 PM

Sorry i have been MIA. Been a tough couple of weeks...very tired and my almost 3-year old has not been sleeping well.

Anyway, just wanted to come on and say Happy New Year to everyone. We are having some friends over (and their two kids) for dinner and cards. Hopefully the kids will all go to sleep around a decent time so that we can actually relax and hang out as adults...we have not done that in a long time. Next year I am planning on getting a babysitter...I so desperately need a night out with my dh alone.

AFM: I am doing just fine. My glucose numbers have been great and I am hoping I can avoid insulin all together. I have my big level II u/s on the 12th and I can't wait. I feel fine, just very tired. I very seldom feel the baby move, but sometimes I feel a flutter and I think that it is probably him.

Hope everyone is doing well. I am sorry I can't do any SO's tonight...getting the house cleaned before company arrives. Hope to catch up soon.

newmommy

12-31-2009, 02:30 PM

Weight Gain? I will be 25 weeks on Saturday--and I can not believe how much weight I've gained!!! If I go by the Dr's office, it's about 20, but according to my mom's scale...it's more like 30!!! I don't know how this is possible!!

I honestly don't look it-I'm still wearing non-maternity sweaters! DH says that I'm all belly...I'm actually wondering if my mom's scale was wrong in the first place(at least that'll make me feel better :o)

Have a great day ladies!!

BTW: went through some clothes my mom and I have picked up, and this little girl is starting to have quite a little wardrobe!

SunnySideUp

01-01-2010, 01:35 PM

I just want to say that I am sooooo happy!!!! We are FINALLY getting some winter weather. It rained this afternoon and it is 65* out and it's supposed to get in the 40's tonight!!! AND, it's going to be that way all week. Highs in the low to mid 60's, lows in the mid 40's. I can finally get a break from my ridiculous body temps. LOL.

MrsBeckyLP

01-02-2010, 11:16 AM

SSU- It cracks me up that that is "winter weather" to you! It was below zero here this morning. Brr. We are supposed to go over to a friend's house tonight, but I don't even want to go outside, much less take DD out there. Ugh.

Not too much is new here. I hope everyone is having a wonderful new year. I'm not looking forward to heading back to work on Monday after nearly two weeks off, but at least I only have eight weeks left, and one is a vacation week in Mexico. Speaking of that, I need to tell my boss I need off that week. I'm sure he won't be too happy to pay me for a week of vacation when I'm only working eight more weeks for him. Oh well. I guess I could be a real crappy employee and take all three weeks and four personal days I have for 2010.

Steve's Sweety

01-02-2010, 11:57 AM

Been a while since I posted.
We had our u/s on 12/21 and the tech said she could see everything she needed for her measurements, but the baby was in such a position that we could hardly see anything at all. We got one blurry profile picture. It was a pretty disappointing experience, and I'm just worried that there could be something wrong that she might not have seen b/c at one point I asked her if something was an arm or leg and she said she couldn't even tell. :confused:
At any rate, I am hoping like crazy that everything is ok, and plan to talk to my MW at my next appt on Mon to see if there any possibility of getting another u/s. Normally I'm all about minimal intervention/etc but I just don't feel at ease and that's important too.
By the looks of the profile shot, this baby will look exactly like DH. DS looked just like him but in a different way than DD who looks just like him b/c they both have a rare genetic condition. It's nothing too serious but it bothers DH that he gave it to one of our children, esp DD b/c thin sparse hair is one of the components and he didn't want one of them to have to deal with that, esp a girl. Anyway, since this baby looks like him in just the profile, I'm guessing there's a pretty good chance s/he has it too, though the profile also looks like DS and he does not have it. There's a 50/50 chance so we'll just see when baby is born. It's pretty obvious to us since we know what we're looking for. There are definitely worse things and I will be so glad if that is the only thing.
Whew, guess I needed to get that out. :o

But, I can't stop staring at the u/s pic, I've been feeling more movement and absolutely love it, and I finally look pregnant (though still not totally obvious) and just feel so blessed to be carrying another life inside me.

Oh, the u/s also dated me closer to what the first one did but I am sticking with my estimate of 5.12! (First u/s said 5.6, this one said 5.8), and, even if we had wanted to find out baby's sex we would not have been able to b/c s/he had one little foot tucked tight up into his/her crotch. ;) I am even more convinced that it is a boy though (and it just *looks* like a boy in the profile pic), and DH thought he saw "something" even though the tech later told him that it was the spine, LOL.

We had a low key Christmas and NYE and had been visiting every day with DH's brother and family who were here from CA until yesterday. So fun to watch our kids with theirs, as they also have a boy and girl pretty close in age to ours.

Hope all is well with all of you, and can you believe that this is the year in which our babies will be born?!? :D

MSH

01-02-2010, 01:53 PM

Hi everybody!!!

I sure hope you are all feeling better than me. Someone has been sick in our house since Christmas Eve, the boys both have/had what I suspect is the flu, I have a lovely sinus infection and DH just isn't feeling 100%. Hopefully all but DS2 and I seem to be feeling better. I am so freaking excited to meet with my new MWs on Tuesday, I adore these ladies and am so so so happy they opened their practice and will be able to deliver this baby.

Our holiday season was less than joyful with no less than 4 people passing away and an attempted murder on my father (I kid you not), it has been quite stressful but the family time we spent just the 4 of us was wonderful. I sure hope 2010 will bring more joy to our lives than the end of 2009 did.

I leave you with my belly shot from new years day just before we took down our tree :(
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs212.snc3/21975_264467147094_563112094_4973527_322663_n.jpg

Taurus

01-02-2010, 02:15 PM

Gia and MSH, you both look great! Sorry to hear of all the stress, MSH. ;(

Becky, glad you passed! I do mine next Wednesday. I wish my new OB did it like my old OB did...I got to take the drink home for the appointment day, then drink it on my own (and they always recommended I pour it over ice then drink it right away to make it more palatable) then show up right at blood draw time. This time I have to go and do it all on-site. Not worried about the results though.

Steve'sSweety, I can't believe that some people can get an ultrasound as sketchy as yours while some of us are getting more advanced images than we even need. So unfair! I totally understand why you want peace of mind.

AFM, we are wrapping up our long trip in DH's hometown and I think I'm ready for it to be over since it's getting harder to entertain the boys as time goes by, especially with it being 5 degrees here today. DS2 cries every time he has to put a jacket on! DS2 also got a double ear infection, so I'm sort of worried about the 2-leg flight home. Excited to get some stuff for this baby when we get back home, though, and also we always go home with newfound energy to do little improvements to our living spaces at home. I'm sure there is lots of nesting in my immediate future.

Smittenk

01-02-2010, 05:05 PM

MSH - You look great!!! I LOVE your jeans...mind sharing what brand they are? I cannot believe your holiday stress, how awful, I'm so sorry. You must have really been looking forward to the New Year arriving.

a_spark

01-02-2010, 05:18 PM

MSH Wow, I am SO sorry about all the stress and the deaths you've experienced lately. I hope things start to get better for you.

Steve's Sweety That sucks about the disappointing ultrasound. :(

Becky Congrats on passing the GTT! I still have to take mine... I was putting it off until next week and now it looks like I'll be switching MW practices, so not sure when I'll be taking it. Soon, though! Not really looking forward to it, as last time I failed the 1-hour and had to take the 3-hour (which I passed). Yuck.

Taurs Have a safe trip home! I hope it goes smoothly.

AFM: Someone asked about weight gain... I was hoping to gain less with this pregnancy than with my last (I gained about 45 lbs), but it's not looking good! I ate my way through December and now am up a total of 31lbs at 27.5 weeks. Yikes. I lost all the weight in a few months last time, but I'm sure it gets harder each time, and really was just hoping to not have to deal with the extra weight this time around. That extra 10 lbs is totally just overeating.

In other news, I have been kind of not feeling it with my midwife. Nothing major, just little things that are SO important to me seem not to be to her. I'm really sensitive about this stuff, because I'm a VBAC and I really very much want a natural birth. She's cool about both but she's just more medically-minded than I'm looking for. Each time I've tried to have a conversation with her about when I go into labor and pain management, and mentioning that I really want to avoid an epidural (bad reaction to it with my daughter's birth so I'd rather not go there), she kind of brushed me off. Also, that hospital is 45 minutes away from me and my plan is to stay home (with my doula, who is an RN and will monitor me) for as long as possible. So, I had a 45 minute drive in transition staring me in the face. I got a call last week from my doula, who had been wrestling with sharing some information with me; namely, that a client of her partner's who was also a VBAC and was working with my midwife, had a very traumatic experience because she basically had to fight for her VBAC. The midwife started trying to get her to have a c-section from 2 days past her due date until she was actually in labor at the hospital and then the nurses started in with the pressure, until they were all trying to pressure her. She did get her VBAC, but had to fight the whole time (and there were no emergencies warranting a c-section, it was just a long labor). The doula was "appalled" at the management of the birth. SO... I'm going to switch to a practice that is nearer to my house and that is very pro-natural birth and pro-VBAC. They actually deliver in a birth center within a hospital, encourage freedom of movement in labor, and are very into avoiding unnecessary interventions, so it's just the environment I'm looking for. I wanted to go with them initially, but they had temporarily lost their OB backup because he was overloaded. They've got him back now, so I have an appointment with them on Monday. I'm really excited and for the first time, really looking forward to this birth.

Sorry for the novel!!! This is such a huge deal for me that I had to share :)

amew

01-03-2010, 06:32 AM

Steve's Sweety -- Sorry about the U/S. I really hope you are able to get another one to put your mind at ease. If it would help you enjoy the rest of your pregnancy more, I think the extra intervention would be well worth it.

MSH -- What on earth? Four deaths, a murder attempt on your father :eek:, and a house full of sick kids! You poor thing! Hoping 2010 brings an end to that stress. You look great, though.

Taurus -- I am ready to start the home improvement and nesting phase, too!

a_spark -- Ugh, sorry your midwife isn't living up to your expectations. Hope the new practice turns out to be a great switch.

AFM -- Not much going on. The three-day weekend has been a godsend after holiday travel and a stressful week at wor last week. We finally got the Christmas decorations and tree down yesterday, and DH and I even got to curl up on the couch and watch a movie last night. Scary how long it had been since we had really relaxed. We watched Away We Go, which is a totally entertaining film about expectant parents if anyone needs a rec...

Oh, and I also bought crib bedding and a duvet for the twin bed that will be in the nursery yesterday. Yay for the first bit of progress on the nursery front!

Gia

01-03-2010, 11:54 AM

Steve's Sweety- I am sorry you were not able to get a clear ultrasound. I hope they let you reschedule!

MSH- I am sorry you had such a stressful holiday. I agree though, you do look super-cute!

Taurus- Hope your trip home goes smoothly!

a_spark- Hope you are able to switch to the other mid-wife practice. It sounds so much better all-around. Don't beat yourself up about the weight gain! I bet it will all come off quickly if you lost it all that quickly with your first.

amew- Yay for getting your crib bedding!

AFM: I got to see the progress on the nursery last night when I went upstairs for bed. DH is doing a great job so far! I was very relieved to see that it looks like everything will fit/match.
I have a question for everyone: Does anyone know the exact measurement that cribs should be from windows with blinds?
I googled it and mostly everything just said to keep cribs away from windows and blinds (no exact measurement for distance), and to use safety devices on the cords or tie them up to 6 in long. I did find one site that recommended 3 feet from any window. I think I will only have about 2 feet from the one crib, but I will definitely invest in the safety devices for the cords. Has anyone else heard an exact distance? I may need to reconfigure the nursery if two feet away is no good.

mamax2

01-03-2010, 12:22 PM

ng. I did find one site that recommended 3 feet from any window. I think I will only have about 2 feet from the one crib, but I will definitely invest in the safety devices for the cords. Has anyone else heard an exact distance? I may need to reconfigure the nursery if two feet away is no good.

I'm sure that will be fine. Neither of your kids will have 2' long arms so they should be just fine! :p

MSH ~ WOW. You have had a really rough holiday season. I truly hope things get better in your neck of the woods. You look fantastic though!

Tisha ~ I would totally ask for another u/s if the images are that poor.

I think I mentioned but I'm on an organizational frenzy, only we have NO money at the moment so I can't buy any of the supplies I really want/need to get things situated. So, I have all this stuff and all these ideas about what I'd like to do and well, no place to put it! I did separate out all of baby's hand-me-downs last night and got all the 0-3 stuff in a laundry basket and all the bigger sizes boxed up. Listed some stuff on eBay today to further help clear out the room. Still looking for curtains and need to decide on paint color. Will pick up a crib mattress when we visit my ILs up in NJ later this month. I guess that's as good as it's going to get!

Smittenk

01-03-2010, 12:32 PM

Just a heads up for those stocking up on necessities! BRU has Earths Best dipes for $5.00 a pack!! We scored 9 packs of dipes (2 for DS and the rest in newborn and size 1 for the Turnip) for 45.00!!! More than half off :D

I think I might go back tomorrow to see if there are any left ;)

I also scoured the Clearance section and got several packs of NatureBabycare toddler wipes (flushable), 2 bottles of Weleda pregnancy oil (for 6.50!!), and a BOB car seat adaptor with tray for half off!!

Love getting deals!!

ieducate

01-03-2010, 12:55 PM

Hi everyone. Hope everyone is doing well and enjoyed the New Years weekend.

Gia: here is a link to order a repair kit for blinds (if you need it). I just ordered a bunch (they are coming at some point) because all of our blinds in the house have long strings and I freaked out. I don't know how far away the cribs need to be, but now I am worried about my dd pulling on them and she is almost 3-years old.

http://www.windowcoverings.org/ Go to the left side where it says "order a free retrofit kit". Very easy and FREE. :)

Steve's Sweety: sorry about the u/s. I would definitely ask for another one soon. That just isn't a good experience at all. I for one haven't been real happy with ANY of my u/s pics and am praying that on the 12th I get a GREAT one.

MSH: you look GREAT!!! Sorry to hear about all the bad stress going on for you. I hope for a great, and stress-free 2010 for you.

Taurus: sorry to hear that DS2 has an ear infection. My dd has had only one in her life so far, but it destroyed her. In fact she stopped nursing because of it. Of course this was a long time ago, no time recent, but I have sympathy for you nonetheless. Good luck with the improvements on the house.

A_Spark: good luck with the switch to another MW. I completely understand how you feel about "importance". I think it is the utmost important thing that you feel like your doctor respects what is important to you...even if they don't necessarily agree. My first ob when I was pregnant with my dd was so nonchalant it killed me. She blew off everything I asked about...she almost scoffed at me for asking such "silly" questions and caring about such "silly" things. Good luck and keep us posted.

Hope I didn't miss any SO's. :)

AFM: Anxious for the u/s on the 12th. It has been almost a full month since my last appt. and I am dying to see the little guy. I really want to know that he is growing the way he is supposed to be. I worry constantly...even though I feel fine. I am still tired all the time, but other than the exhaustion (partly caused by dd) I feel fine. I feel nothing actually. I very rarely feel any movement, but it may still be early. I don't think I really started to feel my dd until after 20 weeks or so. My mother is coming in to town for the u/s and it so happens to coincide with my dd's 3rd birthday the following day. I can't believe she is going to be 3 already. How time flies. I am going to go look at changing tables/dressers this week and hopefully find out where I bought the bookshelf in dd's room to get another one for the baby. I am anxiously waiting for February as that is the month my dh and I picked to get everything out of the computer room and ready to be a baby's room. Then we have to pick the paint color, hire a painter (dh won't do it), and get it done. We won't move any furniture or anything in there until after the baby comes (against religion), but we will have it cleaned and painted. I will probably move the glider in there from dd's room, but that's it. We will have to keep the door closed to the room at all times when we have company too...as we haven't told the gender to anyone outside family (except 3 of my closest girl friends). Check in with you all later...my SIL and the kids are on their way over and I need to make sure dd is up from nap and ready to play nice. :)

MSH

01-03-2010, 01:44 PM

MSH - You look great!!! I LOVE your jeans...mind sharing what brand they are? I got them at Thyme Maternity here in Canada our selection of mat wear is just awful and this is just about the only store where I can find clothes I like/that fits.

thank you for the kind thoughts everyone. It has litterally been like I was living in the twilight zone this holiday season. So far the new year has been much kinder to us.

newmommy

01-03-2010, 02:43 PM

Hello ladies!

I'm way behind on SO's!!

MSH Sorry this holiday season has been so hard for you and your family!

Back to work tomorrow : ( I seriously feel like I need a vacation from this vacation! DS#2 is feeling so much better, but between his asthma attack and my spotting, I'm drained. I feel so unlike myself these days--I'm getting so frustrated so easily, tired, etc. I've never been this moody during pregnancy--bumming me out. I know this is it for us, so I want to enjoy every last second!!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

MrsBeckyLP

01-04-2010, 06:55 AM

Wow, MSH, I'm sorry you had such a rough holiday season. I'm glad to hear that so far 2010 has been better for you.

a_spark- I think switching practices is a great idea for you. How disappointing that your previous MW was acting that way. Sounds kind of like a glorified MW to me -- like she has the title, but she's way more OB-minded, if that makes any sense. Let us know how today's appointment goes!

Taurus- I asked the lab tech about some practices doing the GTT that way, and she said the old office she worked in let patients take it home. However, there is much more room for people to fudge with the results (not drink the drink, not drink it all), and she also said it's possible for people to have a reaction to the drink -- though she's never seen it happen -- so they want people drinking it in the office in case that happens. I was OK with it, though. DH stayed home with DD, and I got a few hours out by myself. I just sat and read Hypnobabies stuff while I waited. Now the three-hour test? That would suck! There was another woman in there doing that one, and the tech told me she'd had a few that week already. She thought it had something to do with the fact that it was the week after Christmas! Oh, and I'd be SO READY to get home if I were you. That's a long time to be away, and this cold is really cold. Brr.

Well, back to work for me today after being off since Dec. 23. :( It was so hard to get out of bed this morning, and I absolutely hated waking DD up at 7 after letting her sleep in (until she woke up at about 7:45) every day of vacation. I keep telling myself over and over: Only seven more weeks. Only seven more weeks. (Well, eight, but only seven weeks of work because of our vacation.)

SunnySideUp

01-04-2010, 06:56 AM

It is 45* out right now!!!! LOL, I know that probably sounds warm to a lot of you. 60* is really cold for us, so 45* is absolutely freezing! I am thrilled with the lack of humidity. I can finally straighten my hair :)

Taurus - Long trips can wear me out. I don't like to take a vaca with other people for more than 5 or 6 days. I start to need a vacation from my vacation.

a_spark - Feeling uncomfortable with my midwife made my whole pregnancy suck. As soon a switched, I started getting really excited and felt so much better, physically and mentally. My new MW is totally open to whatever I want and is willing to discuss all my options for pain management. She even suggested I deliver in a hospital a bit further from me just because I could labor in the tub to try and avoid an epi. Good luck with everything. You feel so much better when it's all done.

amew - We have really enjoyed our time off together too. It's nice to just focus on each other sometimes.

Gia - I'm guessing as long as the babies can't reach any part of the blinds, it should be fine. I will probably end up taking out the blinds we have and put in curtains I can pull back and small venetian blinds or those pull blinds that you just pull down on and they pop up. You can get little locks for those blinds that have to be removed from the top in order to pull the blind, so baby can't yank on it.

Smitten - Thanks for the BRU savings! I'm gonna head over there this week!

ieducate - I'm sure everything is perfect with your little guy. I've read that little things that pop up early on often correct themselves pretty quickly in a healthy pregnancy, and it sounds like yours is quite healthy. Just keep taking it easy. Keep us posted. I have my u/s the day before you!

AFM - This is my last week of vaca. I feel like I've been on vacation FOREVER! And really, It has been a month at this point, so it will be a serious vaca when I'm done. Thankfully, my new MW office is right across the street from the university, so I can plan my appointments around my classes so I don't have to drive all the way out on off days. I am excited to start classes again. I am taking 3 classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I will be on campus from 10am to 5pm. Long days, and then off days I will prob be at the library or Starbucks studying. I am going to make every effort to get As this semester.

Our nursery is not even close to being put together. We cleared a bunch of crap out, but there is still a lot of junk in there that either needs to go to storage or get tossed. We need to pull up the carpet and decide if we are going with hardwood or tile. I'm voting hardwood (or laminate) because I think it looks nicer. The problem is cost right now. We are little strapped at the moment due to a ridiculous condo assessment. I'm starting to get really effing sick of them. The problem is that, 75% of the condos in our neighborhood are empty. Many are being foreclosed on and a good portion can't be rented because the owners don't pay their maintenance. On top of that, the management company has changed their policy for approving tenants, so it's more difficult to get someone in to rent anyways. So, with so little coming in for association fees, they start assessing those of us who actually pay our bills. It's frustrating. So we're holding off a bit longer before we make any more concrete changes to the nursery.

Our Level II is next Monday!!!! I'm so excited to see my little one again and I'm hoping we'll get an answer on the sex this time. We are both having very strong girl vibes.

Taurus

01-04-2010, 07:07 AM

I ended up getting sick, too, so hoping for the best on our trip home today. I will always be happy to come here for as long as possible in the summer, but in winter not so much. DS2 needs a new thing to do every five minutes. Literally.

Really glad my kids got the experience though. We wanted to come this winter while we only had two kids, and we plan to only do summer trips for the next few years. But, man, it has been so wonderful to be away from our own chores and that we got to spend DS1's two-week break from preschool here. (They also closed for TWO weeks at spring and that is going to coincide with the very end of my pregnancy. Ugh!) DH and I saw two movies at the theater, had two dinners out, one shopping trip out, and one overnight including massages and the longest breakfast we can remember. We could never have done all that at home in two weeks.

mamax2

01-04-2010, 07:32 AM

DH and I saw two movies at the theater, had two dinners out, one shopping trip out, and one overnight including massages and the longest breakfast we can remember. We could never have done all that at home in two weeks.

That sounds DIVINE!!! DH and I haven't seen a movie in a theater since I was pg w/DD2 - 5 years ago! We did an overnight w/massages 2 years ago. I can't imagine how nice it would be to get away for 2 whole weeks with the kids but then still have the opportunity for alone time. Heaven! Oh, when you get a minute, could you re-post the name of that site w/the cute lovies? I can't seem to find it and I didn't bookmark it like I thought I did.

It has been REALLY cold here too - 9 deg yesterday w/the wind chill. My oldest was starting to go stir-crazy so I'm glad she went back to school today. I have to go grocery shopping & do some returns though - not looking forward to that.

Wednesday is my GTT, u/s and next MW appt. I guess it's time to start de-sugaring myself before the big test, huh? :p

I found some curtains for the nursery at Wal-Mart. Hopefully they will be nice - cotton canvas and they are thermal lined to block light and noise. They aren't grommet top like I wanted, but I am on a BUDGET right now, so this might be as good as it gets. I'm ordering them today. Hoping to decide on a paint color this week. Sorted all the hand-me-down clothes over the weekend and I might start washing the little 0-3s today as well. Still too nervous to take the tags off the stuff I bought.

newmommy

01-04-2010, 08:07 AM

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr back to work today. Been on my feet all morning and I've started to spot again. I know they said it's nothing, but man this is getting to me :(

Taurus

01-04-2010, 09:38 AM

mamax2 - I do my GTT Wednesday too. The website is angeldear.net, though I have ordered the loveys from americangiftfactory.com. I can't wait to order this baby the pink bunny ones when we get home!

ETA: newmommy, sorry the spotting is back. :(

a_spark

01-04-2010, 01:23 PM

Taurus I'm so sorry you got sick! That's a bummer. But it sounds like you guys had a great time. All that alone time sounds fantastic!

mamax2 Those curtains sound great! That reminds me that I need to find some like that as well.

SSU I have to LOL at your weather! :) It's 19 right now here, and that's without the windchill. Oh, what I wouldn't give for 45!!! I'm sure it does feel really cold, though, since you're used to the 60s.

AFM: I met with the new midwives today and I LOVED them! I very nearly burst into tears because they were just wonderful and friendly and said that their philosophy is "we believe that birth is a natural process and that women were designed to give birth", things of that nature. Exactly what I was looking for. I go back tomorrow for the GTT and then have my first official appt with them next Monday and then biweekly after that. I am SO happy and so excited now. I'm bursting :)

Adrianna

01-04-2010, 02:49 PM

Man oh man...have I been absent or what. Everyone's been pretty chatty! I am TIRED. The weekends that we have the kids WEARS.ME.OUT. I swear. Coming back to work gives me a break...how sad is that?! :(

I can't believe it's 2010...and this is the year that my baby will be born! Welcome to the new decade!

I have my ultrasound on Thursday, SO.EXCITED to see the baby...STILL convinced that we aren't going to find out the sex. I can't wait. This one's definitely a wiggler...I can really feel the baby at night when I lie down, and during the day when I am just sitting, I feel like little gas bubbles are just rolling around. I love it...except for when it really tickles, and I burst out laughing.

I have decided that I don't want to wait until the baby is born to do a nursery...I want to do something gender neutral now. Is it awful of me to not want a pink/purple room regardless? I feel like it would be so unfair to K, but at the same time, I want the joy of putting a baby room together!

MSH

01-04-2010, 04:24 PM

oh my gosh ... I went back to work today after the holidays and wow am I ever sore. I sciatic nerve has been bugging me so I was standing in a way to eliminate that pain but that caused my back to get achy. I think a nice hot tub is in the cards for me tonight. It was nice to be back though, just not sure how much longer I can manage this line of work.

mamax2

01-04-2010, 04:36 PM

I have decided that I don't want to wait until the baby is born to do a nursery...I want to do something gender neutral now. Is it awful of me to not want a pink/purple room regardless? I feel like it would be so unfair to K, but at the same time, I want the joy of putting a baby room together!

Maybe you can let her help w/the color scheme - like let her pick yellow or green walls, etc. Pottery Barn Kids also shows some really cute examples of mixed gender rooms just to give you some ideas of what you could do if you have a boy and you still want to keep things 'girly' for K.

Taurus ~ Thanks for the links. I can't wait to get the Pony blankie! I hope this baby will be my 'lovey baby' - neither of my girls really ever took to one.

I exercised and grocery shopped today. My groin KILLS. I feel like I've been kicked in the crotch by a Black Belt... repeatedly... :(

Eloo

01-04-2010, 05:35 PM

Today has been the most incredibly random day.

8 days ago, DH and I adopted a retired Greyhound from a rescue organization not too far from where we live. Today I got a call from the owner saying that they had started to have some media attention. The way she said it, I thought she was going to accuse me of something! At any rate, she asked me if I'd be willing to take down the cell phone number of a reporter and give an interview. I'm figuring, oh sure, it'll be a phone interview. SO, I call the reporter and she asks if it's ok that she and her camera crew come over tonight to do an interview with me, DH and the dog. HA! I said sure, as I'm looking around my semi-cleaned house thinking "Dear lord, this will be broadcast to the entire state of MA." Luckily I managed to get the majority of the house cleaned, with the exception of the play room. I figured they wouldn't want to film the interview in a play room. Wrong! We filmed for about a half hour in my toy strewn room. *sigh* After they left DH said I was "rather verbose" while answering the interview questions. Great. :rolleyes: The clip will air tonight at 11 (for those of you MA girls who might be up) on CBS/ Channel 4.

ETA - mama, I totally know how you feel. There are days that I walk around feeling like I've been beaten between the legs with a 2x4. Ugh!

newmommy

01-04-2010, 05:56 PM

Eloo That is so cool!! I won't be able to stay up, but I hope to set my Tivo to record you!!!! LOL!!

beaten between the legs I'm relieved to hear I'm not the only one!! HOW does that Duggar woman do it?! Really, I feel like April 17th is TOO far away : (

AFM: Cramping has subsided, spotting is very mild, and now dark brown. I realize things could be a lot worse but is very scary, even still!!

DH is going away this weekend on business, and it's also DS' fourth birthday on the day he leaves!! Man, am I whiney or what?!?!!

Steve's Sweety

01-04-2010, 07:08 PM

Thanks for the support/sympathy on the u/s disappointment girls. I mean, if we choose not going to get a "money shot" I think we are entitled to a "feety shot"! No, really, I just want peace of mind. Had my appt today though and the MW said the radiologist's report says everything looks great. I'm going to just have to trust that.
BP was great, I was down 1/2 lb, and I go for my GTT next week.

Speaking of lovies, neither of my kids have been blankie kids so far but my niece was here over the holidays and had the most adorable one I have seen, by Bunnies by the Bay (http://www.bunniesbythebay.com/product_information.cfm?ProductID=125&Category=56), hers is a frog but they are all cute!

Oh, and MSH, been meaning to send my sympathy to your family for the recent losses and OMG about the attempt on your father's life, crazy stuff!

Oops, DD just woke up crying, gotta run up.

stevesbabygirl

01-04-2010, 10:00 PM

Hey ladies! I've been reading along but not commenting, sorry :o!

I had the most awful weekend on record, I swear! DS was a total pill, and DH didn't help AT ALL. He slept in until 11 all weekend; I could kill him!

lilo

01-05-2010, 06:34 AM

Happy New Year everyone!! We just got back last night from a 2 week vacation in CA visiting family and friends. We took DS to a ton of attractions and I was pretty proud of myself for being on my feet all day for the majority of the time. I'm glad DS had one last vacation as a only child, but am very glad to be home and sleeping in my own bed again. I am *so* excited that the third trimester is right around the corner since I am officially feeling like a whale these days. Eating my way through the holidays probably didn't help though. :o

I have a regular appt. tomorrow and will beg the nurses to keep my weight hidden from me since I am sure I gained some since my last appointment. Ugh.

But I shouldn't complain too much since I am feeling relatively good. This pregnancy has been *much* easier than my first so I am very thankful for that. I made a resolve to walk on the treadmill every day and to sign up for some prenatal yoga classes as soon as possible.

I must say how impressed I am on how far along some of you are in terms of getting the nursery finished. We are hoping to move before baby #2 comes along so I feel like I'm in a constant state of limbo. I will ask DH to bring down the pack 'n play next month since we'll use the bassinet feature of it for the first few months. I may also buy another bassinet to keep in our living room.

MrsBeckyLP

01-05-2010, 07:33 AM

There are days that I walk around feeling like I've been beaten between the legs with a 2x4. Ugh!

Yeah, that.

Eloo, I got curious, so I looked up your segment. You looked great, and I couldn't even tell the toy room was messy!

One day back at work for me, and my back was absolutely killing me last night. I am trying not to, but I can help but count down the days I have left. I'm probably torturing myself by doing so, but -- 26 work days to do. ;)

Please forgive me, but who else is/was planning on doing Hypnobabies? I can't remember -- amew, lilo, a_spark, smitten? I *think* it was at least one of you! How is it going for you?

Can we talk boobs? What has happened to everyone's? Before I got pregnant, I was only nursing DD twice a day, and I had already noticed how "flat" they were looking. But then I got pregnant shortly after that and they started to perk back up! Now I've noticed lately that they've gotten bigger, and my areolas have definitely darkened again. I think I'm looking forward to having big, milk-filled boobs again. :D But I'm surely not looking forward to what will happen to them after that.

Taurus

01-05-2010, 07:56 AM

Yikes, that 'between the legs' imagery doesn't sound pleasant at all! Even with the vulvar varicose veins all I am is just gross-looking and bumpy down there, and I feel puffy there late at night and first thing in the morning before peeing. Hope you all get off your feet as soon as possible at the end of the day!

lilo, so glad you had a good time. We just returned from two weeks AWAY from CA! I am glad you enjoyed some of the attractions.

We survived our trip back which wasn't bad except for DS1 waking up disoriented in a fit of rage (sorry, person sitting in front of us) as we were about to land, and DS2 throwing up on the floor as soon as we got down to baggage claim. I am so grateful for our family though. MIL went down to the airport with us to stay with us while we returned the rental/checked in, and my dad picked us up in our van and my mom had bought milk, eggs, bread and fruit for us since we got in at midnight.

Now I am praying the boys are well entertained by all their new gifts so I can get things unpacked and back in order today. I am excited to focus on the baby planning finally. I sort of still am in disbelief that we are having a baby girl soon.

SunnySideUp

01-05-2010, 08:07 AM

MrsBeckyLP - I am planning on doing a hypnobirth class, but not specifically hypnobabies. I'm still rather early, so we aren't planning on doing it just yet. My mom is paying for the class for us as a baby gift. I'm pretty excited at the thought of a calm labor and birth.

I'm loving this cold weather. My body temp is so freaking high that it's nice not to be sweating all the time. It's also nice to be cool enough at night to cuddle a bit with BF.

I am counting down the days until Monday!!!! I'm so excited to see baby again and find out what we are having. Today I am trying to remain stationary because my back is getting really sore. I have been doing a lot the past few days and I really need to relax a little and get some sleep. BF works until midnight tonight, so I will have the house to myself ALL DAY!!! Classes start in 1 week, so I'm just taking in the last of my vaca.

a_spark

01-05-2010, 09:09 AM

Hypnobabies Me, me! I just started last night and I love it. I am a really antsy person and am usually doing more than one thing at a time, so it was really strange/nice to sit still and relax for so long. DH thought I was asleep, I was so still. I definitely zoned out for parts of it. The lady's voice is a bit funny (just reminds me of what I'd think of as a classic hypnosis voice), but I really do like it. I think it's going to be a huge help.

Boobs Mine are HUGE, once again. I am normally a pretty small person and have an A cup, so pregnancy is weird for me. I pack on about 40lbs and my boobs go up to a C cup, then up to a D when my milk comes in, so basically become very round all over. The only place I get stretchmarks after being pregnant is my boobs, because they get so much bigger. It's a little insane. Needless to say, DH LOVES them.

Body temp I am hot ALL.THE.TIME. It's almost unbearable!

Smittenk

01-05-2010, 09:13 AM

Please forgive me, but who else is/was planning on doing Hypnobabies? I can't remember -- amew, lilo, a_spark, smitten? I *think* it was at least one of you! How is it going for you?

I got the package for the home study course on Saturday so I have just looked through all of the papers and read part of Chapter 1. It mentions doing each chapter over two weeks instead of a week if you start before 25 weeks or so so that is what I am planning on doing...just so I don't finish too early. I'd love to hear how it is going for all other other Hypno mamas!

Can we talk boobs?

Boobs Mine are HUGE, once again. I am normally a pretty small person and have an A cup, so pregnancy is weird for me. I pack on about 40lbs and my boobs go up to a C cup, then up to a D when my milk comes in, so basically become very round all over. The only place I get stretchmarks after being pregnant is my boobs, because they get so much bigger. It's a little insane. Needless to say, DH LOVES them.

O M G I am so glad you brought this up. Mine are out of control! I think it was like my uterus...they remembered what happened the last time around so just went there, lol. I am in my third trimester bras already and I am a little worried. It could also be because I am gaining weight faster this time around too. ;) I am busting through my 34DD already....when my milk came in with DS I was an E so I am just hoping things level out over this next trimester.

a_spark stretch marks--ugh me too. I actually got through my entire pregnancy unscathed and then the morning my milk came in I woke up with crater sized stretch marks all around my bbs :( I am really keeping my fingers crossed that because the skin has already stretched I won't get a double dose of those lovely red marks again.

Nesting - I brought out the pack n play today to change the batteries and let it air out. It has been in storage for a while now so I want to get it all cleaned off.

MrsBeckyLP

01-05-2010, 09:31 AM

Can we talk boobs?

O M G I am so glad you brought this up.

Whew ... I feel better now. After Taurus and SSU replied but didn't say anything about their boobs, I thought, "Oh no, was that taboo? Should I have kept that to myself?" But there's no such thing as TMI, as we all know. ;)

Taurus- At least DS2 waited to puke until you got off the plane!! How nice of your mom to have picked up the essentials for you guys.

Hypnobabies check-in: Smitten and a_spark, let's keep each other accountable, OK? I've been doing really well and still haven't missed a day. I listen to my pregnancy affirmations on the way to work (and then the last 10 minutes on my way home), and it makes my drive nice and relaxing. On weekends I listen to them as I fall asleep, and I find it's really helping me fall asleep faster. As far as the other scripts are concerned, I should be starting the fourth class on Thursday, but I might repeat the third class for another week. I keep falling asleep (or going into "hypnotic amnesia") and missing most of the Creating Anesthesia script, so I think I need more practice with turning my light switch to "center." Plus, I'm not too good about practicing it on my own time, five times a day, like I'm supposed to. I do have a problem with getting the "itchies" while listening. I need to try some different positions (on the birthing ball, sitting more upright), and I hope that will help, because they do get a bit distracting at times, and I feel like I'm constantly flipping my switch from "off" to "center" so I can scratch them. Have either of you joined the Yahoo! group? I have, and I like reading the daily e-mail I get. I have asked one question, but I mainly like reading through the other questions, because they're very informative and reassuring.

Taurus

01-05-2010, 10:42 AM

boobs: seriously, I didn't even want to go there. i remember when I was pg with DS1 the lady at nordstrom's was like, yeah, we don't have anything in your cup size after this (I was a 32 at the time but have since learned I am really more like a 30 band). since we live in the porn capital of the world i asked her if i had to go to the porn star store next. i am not growing too fast with this baby and don't want to jinx anything. and i am in denial about the part that is coming next. i spent 14 months nursing DS2 and unable to find a decent nursing bra--i am lucky enough to find my regular (non-nursing) 30E bras at breakoutbras.com.

Eloo

01-05-2010, 10:53 AM

Thanks Becky! I felt a lot better after I watched it. It was brief, but I suppose that counted as our 15 minutes of fame. :p

Boobs - Dear mother of God. When I got pg with DS I was a 36C and by the time my milk came in I was a 38H (that's 7 sizes). Talk about horrifying! It was ungodly how much they grew. By the time I weaned DS they were down to a 38F and are now sitting comfortably at a 38G. I'm cringing at the thought of them getting bigger than an H. I'm pretty sure they don't make bras bigger than that. *sigh*

Adrianna

01-05-2010, 10:58 AM

b00bs! YES, BOOBS. I was busting out of my 36C a bit before I got pregnant anyway, and was pretty miserable until about a week before Christmas, when I finally bought new bras. 36D/34DD...my dentail hygienist commented yesterday that my boobs were HUGE. I don't mind...but I hate that they just REST on my stomach, and it's like one big boobiebelly.

In other news, I WATCHED the baby move last night. SO.AMAZING. I was really overwhelmed and just giggled and beamed. I could see Limey punching the sides of my belly. It was awesome.

Steve's Sweety

01-05-2010, 11:04 AM

Hypnobirthing mamas - Any of you who previously did Bradley method? Just wondering how it compares. It will have been almost 6 yrs since our Bradley class by the time I have this baby and I'm sure I could use something a little more to help me along. I don't even know if I could get a refresher class anymore but I almost think it wouldn't do a whole lot if I could.

Boobs: I'm like one of the only people I know who has no changes in the girls during pregnancy. :rolleyes: I've had such huge nursing challenges that I always wonder if the two are somehow related, but there's nothing I can do about it. <shrug> I mean, even while nursing the most they ever went up was 1/2 to 1 cup size. I have to say I'm rather jealous, though I know you ladies have other struggles with the opposite end of the spectrum.

Taurus - I feel you on the kid waking up in a fit of rage during landing, that happened with DD when we were on our way to CA back in August, I felt bad b/c there was absolutley *nothing* I could do to calm her down, she wouldn't even nurse, it was awful and everyone kept looking at us.

I am starting to feel panicky about our cramped situation here, anyone have any words of wisdom to calm me down? It's just that the older I get the more claustrophobic I seem to be about all this *stuff* sitting around that we have no where to put. I would even consider a storage unit at this point even though I am normally pretty against them for this reason (clutter) but we don't have the extra $ per month for one. I can't seem to make myself get rid of old toys, I just figure we will pull them out of the bins when the next kiddo is ready for them so it doesn't make sense to get rid of them, you know? And realistically my kids don't have nearly as many toys as a lot of kids, but b/c of our small space they are just all sitting around here and there and I think the clutter even overwhelms the kids since they barely play with any of it.

mamax2

01-05-2010, 11:33 AM

Boobs: I'm like one of the only people I know who has no changes in the girls during pregnancy. :rolleyes: I've had such huge nursing challenges that I always wonder if the two are somehow related, but there's nothing I can do about it. <shrug> I mean, even while nursing the most they ever went up was 1/2 to 1 cup size. I have to say I'm rather jealous, though I know you ladies have other struggles with the opposite end of the spectrum.

I didn't want to say anything, but I'm pretty much the same way. I go up *maybe* half a size when pg and then when the milk first comes in, I get the porn star look and they settle back down to 34C pretty soon thereafter. This pregnancy, I am heavier or fuller, but not really bigger, kwim? Now, my areola this time, holy sh!t - it's ridiculous. I'm like a walking double-bullseye. I'm also very fair-skinned so it's especially obvious. Even DH commented on it :rolleyes: I'm pretty pleased though. I have enough lower back and crotch pain this time, I don't need shoulder pain from my ta-tas too, thankyouverymuch. :p

mimieliza

01-05-2010, 11:53 AM

Boobs - Mine have had a growth spurt, along with the rest of me. They are getting kind of ridiculous and I have no bras that fit, since all my nursing bras from DD are shot to heck.

Speaking of growth, I am up 15 lbs. total. Seems like a bit much, considering that with DD I didn't really start gaining any weight until this point in the pregnancy.

Steve's Sweety - I hear you on the clutter. We are finally moving to a bigger place, but when that was looking iffy I was making plans to maximize our space here. Some ideas I had: taking off the closet doors in the kids' rooms to make more space; giving up more of our garage space (yuck); getting DD a bunk bed with a full-size futon underneath for guests; selling our dining table and getting a smaller one; roofing a portion of our patio to use for larger toys/storage year round; and of course, having a good old garage sale/Craigslist clean out.

DH wants a storage unit, but I am vehemently against it at this point. We would just move a bunch of crap in there (including boxes that have not been unpacked in years), wouldn't really know what is in there, wouldn't use any of the stores stuff, and end up paying $$$ every month forever.

Work - Oh, I am so over it! And it is exhausting me. I work with adults with mental illness, and my patience is wearing thin.

Plus, I am just physically a mess. I feel like I am falling apart. My weight is skyrocketing, I'm still nauseous and acid-y, I have constant headaches, my back is starting to hurt, and I get all winded and tired when I try to do that smallest amount of exercise. Also, lots of braxton hicks - enough to definitely make me uneasy when I exercise (and by exercising, I mean walking briskly for 30 minutes, not training for a marathon or anything).

I don't know if I should talk to my doctor or not. I mean, it is all normal pregnancy stuff. But I just feel unhealthy and uneasy.

MrsBeckyLP

01-05-2010, 12:09 PM

I work with adults with mental illness, and my patience is wearing thin.

I give people like you a LOT of credit, because that is something I could never do. So I think you have every right to be getting a bit sick of it during pregnancy!

Wow, some of you guys have HUGE boobs!! :p Like I said, mine have gotten a bit bigger lately, but not enough to make me buy new bras since I have a variety of sizes from my first pregnancy (though I might have to buy new soon or just wear my nursing ones), and of course a band size as my rib cage has expanded. I'll probably go up another cup size or so when my milk comes in, so nothing extreme.

Adrianna- Watching the baby move is the coolest, isn't it? Some days I just sit there with my shirt up and watch him/her go!

Smittenk

01-05-2010, 12:10 PM

Forgot to add to my post that I'm starting prenatal yoga tonight! YEYEY!! I'm so happy to get started...I loved doing it every week when I was preggo with DS.

Anyone else doing prenatal yoga?

beetle

01-05-2010, 01:33 PM

Boobs - mine have grown a LOT. I'm right now in the bras I was wearing several years ago, before I lost 30 lbs. (36C), and they are actually a bit small. I probably need to invest in new bras, but I've been holding out, hoping maybe to wait and invest in nursing bras.

Overall discomfort - I have been surprised how uncomfortable I'm already getting, particularly over the last week or so. I work from home a lot, which really helps, but my days in the office have been getting truly miserable. Like a PP mentioned, I've debated calling my doctor on a couple things, but I think it's probably normal stuff. Being a first-timer, it can be a little hard to tell sometimes. I am short and carrying big and very high, so I'm feeling a LOT of pressure and compression, and it's started to result in shortness of breath and even feeling a little faint sometimes. That weird numb/sore spot on my stomach continues to really bother me. I actually think it may be some kind of strained muscle or something. I also think the baby is up further than I thought - I think I may have been feeling him well up into my ribs this morning. In general, I'm worried about exactly how I'm going to survive continuing to grow at this rate for three more months! (It doesn't help that my mother keeps telling me how huge I am and how she's worried about me. :rolleyes: )

a_spark

01-05-2010, 01:37 PM

Just jumping in before I pick DD up from school to say Becky, I totally got the "itchies" a few times while listening... mainly when DH was in the room and distracting me a bit, which brought me out of the zone. I just realized today that in the car I was listening to "Birthing Day Affirmations", not "Joyful Pregnancy Affirmations." I quickly turned it off- oops! PG brain strikes again. I should join that Yahoo group! I'd love to get a daily email if only to remind me to do the work :)

linea nigra I got this last time but there's no sign of it this time. Is that weird?

mamax2

01-05-2010, 01:57 PM

s.

Overall discomfort - I have been surprised how uncomfortable I'm already getting, particularly over the last week or so. I work from home a lot, which really helps, but my days in the office have been getting truly miserable. Like a PP mentioned, I've debated calling my doctor on a couple things, but I think it's probably normal stuff. Being a first-timer, it can be a little hard to tell sometimes. I am short and carrying big and very high, so I'm feeling a LOT of pressure and compression, and it's started to result in shortness of breath and even feeling a little faint sometimes. That weird numb/sore spot on my stomach continues to really bother me. I actually think it may be some kind of strained muscle or something. I also think the baby is up further than I thought - I think I may have been feeling him well up into my ribs this morning. In general, I'm worried about exactly how I'm going to survive continuing to grow at this rate for three more months! (It doesn't help that my mother keeps telling me how huge I am and how she's worried about me. :rolleyes: )

We sound a lot alike except I'm carrying low and my Mom keeps telling me "I must have too much amniotic fluid" :rolleyes: I carried much higher with my girls though and I know that out of breath feeling. When this baby gets out of transverse position (which never lasts long), I totally feel winded. Just today, walking down and then back up my stairs, I had to sit on my bed and recover. Oddly, I do much better when I'm exercising for some reason. It's stairs that really wear me out.

smittenk ~ I've been doing prenatal yoga 2x/week since I came off pelvic rest at 11 weeks. I just do a video at home since we don't have any prenatal yoga classes in my area.

newmommy ~ I think it was you who suggested the Boppy Support in Style, right? Are you still happy with it? Do you think it'll help after delivery as well? It's $30, but I'm thinking of ordering one to help with all this pelvic/groin pressure I'm having. I like the idea of being able to wear it afterwards as well, but noticed that the small fits sizes 6-12 and I'm normally a 4-6, so I hope it would be small enough to really do something, kwim? Just looking for your thoughts on it...

AFM ~ As some of you know, I am a consultant and have been employed by my company since March but unfortunately, our major client has only verbally committed to our work this year. So, I found out last night that this means I'm out of a job until further notice. This is a really big deal as just a couple weeks ago, my DH had to 'fire himself' and go on unemployment as we try to keep our company afloat. So, if anyone is the praying type, please lift one up for us because things look pretty grim right now. :(

Adrianna

01-05-2010, 02:54 PM

Sending big time prayers, Mama.

Becky, it totally is. Limey was wiggling around pretty good earlier, and I just wanted to go lock myself in the bathroom stall and watch. I am pretty sure that would be frowned upon. And kinda weird. :cool:

mimieliza

01-05-2010, 07:56 PM

Contrax every 5-10 minutes this evening... I called the on call CNM, who said that I could go into the hospital and that they would have to observe me overnight since it's too early to pick up contractions on the monitor or do the fFN test. :( Otherwise I can wait until morning and go into the office.

I had this with DD (irritable uterus) around 25 weeks, and was on meds throughout the rest of my pregnancy, so I'm pretty sure that's what will happen this time. With DD I had NO cervical changes, despite really frequent contractions, so I am leaning towards staying home tonight and only going in if the contrax get worse/become painful. I really don't want to spend the night in the hospital. But of course I'm worried.

stevesbabygirl

01-05-2010, 08:31 PM

mimieliza - I hope things calm down so that you don't have to go to the hospital!

anemone

01-05-2010, 09:31 PM

mimieliza sounds like you're having a tough time. I hope the contractions settle down, and you're feeling a lot better soon.

mamax2 I'm so sorry about the job situation. I hope things turn around soon for you guys. Are you in an area of the US where employment is ok?

beetle I've always carried high in my pg, and I often feel short of breath. I remember with DS being woken in the night by a foot (I think) kicking me in the lungs. It felt like I was being stabbed to death - totally awful!

msh sorry about your rough Christmas and the recent deaths you've experienced. I'm sure your 2010 will seem like a breeze by comparison, and you're obviously due for a break!

steve's sweety we've always lived in what most would consider small houses. To stop the toy clutter, I do a regular throw out of broken stuff, and try to keep things in storage containers. I really like the Ikea "Expedit" bookshelves - they also have pull out bins to go in the cubbies, and there are some other great plastic tubs and bins that I keep train sets, miscellaneous cars (DS has a tonne of matchbox and various other small vehicles), dress ups, etc in. I find if I keep it organised they play with it. If it gets mixed up, they don't. I also put away all the toys in the living area at night, so it isn't a kids zone all the time.

Us Well, I haven't been in here for a long time - we moved house 3 weeks before Christmas and it took over 2 weeks for the stupid internet/ cable company to connect us (they have since compensated us $500 for the inconvenience - there were numerous problems with them). Lots of Christmas entertaining to go to, and then we were then away for 2 weeks in our home city to visit family for Christmas.

I had my big 20 week u/s today, and we found out that it's a BOY!. I am totally shocked as I was so convinced I was having a girl. Everything was looking fine, so that was all great. So now I'm going to go through all the baby clothes (as this will be our last) and give away or sell all the girl stuff. I have friends literally salivating over DD's clothes, so it won't be hard to offload. When we moved I realised that we had over 10 boxes of children's clothes that were outgrown. It will be so nice to get rid of a lot.

So I'm having to get my head around the fact that this will be a boy household, and that DD and I will be in the minority! I am also absolutely huge. Friends at Christmas drinks parties that haven't seen me in a while were asking if I were due in March, rather than May, as I have such a huge tummy. Depressing! I think my stomach muscles have basically given up. Pilates here we come!

stevesbabygirl

01-05-2010, 09:59 PM

Congrats on your boy anemone!

amew

01-06-2010, 04:38 AM

mamax2 -- I am so sorry to hear about your job situation. That just sucks. Praying things turn around for you guys soon.

mimieliza -- How are you today? I hope the contractions stopped. How scary!

anemone -- Congrats on your BOY and on the move!

a_spark -- I had a linea nigra last time, too, but it hasn't appeared this time around. I can't really remember when it showed up with DS1, though.

Boobs -- Um, I guess I am in the minority, as I am still wearing the same 34-As that I have always worn. The same was true throughout my entire pregnancy with DS1, though I did go up to a 34C when my milk came in (and awoke to breasts covered in stretch marks literally overnight despite a stretch mark-free pregnancy). My breasts have, however, grown enough for DS1 to notice. :rolleyes: Last week he asked me if the "mommy milk" was back (he weaned early in my pregnancy and still talks about nursing all.the.time) and when I said no he asked "then why do your breasts keep getting bigger and bigger?" DH and I about died.

Yoga -- Haven't done it this pregnancy, but would like to. I just need to find the time.

AFM -- Still no discomfort to speak of pregnancy-wise, but my job is killing me. I am so sick of working late into the night and surviving on 4 hours of sleep. I have now had to cancel my OB appointment twice for work reasons, and there is no way I will be able to go for the rest of the week, as I have to attend a conference for the next three days. Yuck.

beetle

01-06-2010, 06:36 AM

mimieliza, I am thinking of you. I hope the contractions eased and you were able to sleep in your own bed last night. Prayers going up for you and the babe!

Congrats on your healthy baby boy, anemone! Nice to know others have experienced what I'm feeling with carrying this baby high. With this being my first time, it can be hard to know what is normal.

mamax2, we do sound alike, as I also do better during exercise than during normal activities. Weird how that works. I also wanted to say that you and your family will be in my prayers. I can sympathize a bit, as my DH is part-owner in a technology start-up and as of December has had to stop taking a salary. I don't know what we would do if something happened to my job. I really hope things change SOON to ease the pressure for your family.

AFM, I think I'm going to give my doctor's office a call today, just for peace of mind. The numb/painful spot on my stomach seems to be getting worse, and I guess it's better to at least mention it. I was actually reading something this morning about sciatica (which I haven't experienced), and the symptoms sound similar to what I'm feeling on my stomach. Makes me think it probably is nerve-related, but we'll see what the doc says. Meanwhile, I think I've also been experience BH contractions. I thought at first that it was the baby twisting or turning, but I'm pretty sure they're mild contractions. Kinda freaks me out, as they sometimes are fairly frequent, so I've been trying to rest more and drink a lot of water.

lilo

01-06-2010, 07:18 AM

Boobs: Count me in but I am not complaining! :D I am normally a very small 34B (I swear my boobs shrank after nursing DS) and now I am proud to say that I am a full 34C! They got big pretty early on and it’s just fascinating to see myself with actual cleavage and boobs. They will probably go up to a 34D once my milk comes in and again, I am not complaining! ;) I will be sad once they go back to their sorry, tiny state but I am planning on getting a boob job in about a year. I just want to be a nice solid 34C and actually fill out a bikini for once! And to be able to wear sundresses without a bra!

Nursing Bra Question: Since we are talking about boobs, what brands of nursing bras do you all like the best? Last time, I bought a few cheapies from Target, which were okay but I felt really unattractive. I’d like to buy some nice, pretty nursing bras this time. I also bought some nursing tanks from Target but didn’t love them. I would love to hear any suggestions.

SmittenK: Yes, I’m starting weekly prenatal yoga classes soon too! I can’t wait. I also did them with DS and really enjoyed them. It will be nice just to be in a room full of other pregnant women and to feel like I ‘belong’ if that makes sense. Are you going to take them until you deliver?

Overall discomfort: Beetle, I hear ya and am right there with you. I’m not in constant pain (although my butt pain is back. Ugh.) but just feel *very* large and tired all the time. I am walking at a snail’s pace now and am out of breath after walking for only 10 or 15 minutes. Ugh.

Mamax2: So sorry to hear about the work situation. You are in my thoughts.

Anemone: Congrats on your boy!!!

AFM: I feel so *ugh* today. I actually got up early this morning to do some Yoga On Demand which felt good but was extremely hard. I am over going to the gym at work and people staring at me. I also just don’t feel comfortable baring my big pregnant belly in front of co-workers even though I don’t work with them directly. I’m actually going to re-join a private gym once I’m on maternity leave so I can utilize the gym daycare and get an hour of ‘me time’ once DH comes home from work. DH has been sick with a cold for a few days and of course now I am getting it. Ugh. My throat is a little sore, I’m definitely congested and I just feel run down. It is so cold here and windy. I am so ready for Spring to get here already. Okay, done with my pity party. :o

a_spark

01-06-2010, 07:18 AM

beetle and mamax2 I'm so sorry about your job difficulties. I'm self-employed, too, so I know how precarious it all is. It's extra freaky with a baby coming along. I hope everything is resolved soon and in a very beneficial way for both of you.

mimieliza Please let us know how you're doing! I hope the contrax went away...

yoga I keep meaning to do this on a regular basis (3x a week is my goal) but am getting to it about once a week. Rarr.

AFM I FINALLY got a good night of sleep and it's doing wonders for my disposition this morning. Our bedroom is so freaking hot, since the genius who rehabbed our house put the furnace on the 2nd floor, which means it's about 20 degrees hotter up there than the rest of the house. We have all vents closed up there, etc, but since heat rises it's just unbearable at night if we have the rest of the house at a comfortable temp (and I'm talking 68 degrees). So, yesterday I cracked the bedroom windows and shut the door all day. When we went to bed, I turned the heat down in the rest of the house (DD sleeps under 2 blankets in her room and usually ends up in our bed anyway) and it was SO much better. I actually slept!

MrsBeckyLP

01-06-2010, 07:30 AM

mamax2- I hope things turn around for you guys soon.

mimieliza- How are you doing today? Hopefully the contractions have stopped.

anemone- Congrats on your boy!

lilo- I never thought I'd ever consider getting a boob job, but I might consider it when I'm done nursing. I got a glimpse of what my boobs will look like after I'm no longer nursing (when I was only nursing DD a few times a day), and it wasn't pretty. They used to be so nice and perky, and they just looked so ... flat!

Carrying- I carry pretty low. I am tall though, and I have a lot of room in my torso. However, it seems that I just grow out anyway, even though there is plenty more room to grow up. Luckily with DD I never had the out-of-breath feeling some of you describe, and I doubt it will happen this time either. I've never been kicked in the ribs, either.

Nursing bras- I never found one I was totally crazy about last time. I mainly wore this one (http://www.motherhood.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=905710361&MasterCategory_Id=MC29) (I had several) from Motherhood. There just aren't a lot of options around here for buying nursing bras in the store; I need to try them on first, so ordering online really doesn't appeal to me.

It was pretty crazy to read mimieliza's post just now. I was thisclose to calling the after-hours line for my OB's office last night. I was having a lot of pain in my lower abdomen, and I was having contractions that were more on the painful side than the normal uncomfortable side. DH had a migraine, but I still made him give DD her bath and put her to bed -- that's how crappy I felt. I rested on the couch and drank a bunch of water, and then did my Hypnobabies, and they eventually stopped. I think the baby might have been moving around a lot/switching positions, and that's where some of the pain came from. Today it feels like he or she is back in the usual position, however. It made me realize that I need to contact someone nearby to have an emergency person on standby if we need to go into the hospital for any reason -- or for when labor starts and my mom (90 minutes away) can't get here soon enough to stay with DD.

Do any of you guys have childcare backup lined up in case you need it?

Smittenk

01-06-2010, 09:46 AM

SmittenK: Yes, I’m starting weekly prenatal yoga classes soon too! I can’t wait. I also did them with DS and really enjoyed them. It will be nice just to be in a room full of other pregnant women and to feel like I ‘belong’ if that makes sense. Are you going to take them until you deliver?

I definitely plan on doing it right up until I give birth. I did with DS too and it helped soo much! I really liked the class alot but the only thing that kind of sucks is that I am the only RO so they are all kind of "fresh faced"...no one to really talk to about doing it the second time around but it is all good. Maybe they will make me feel innocent about childbirth again :p

mimieliza

01-06-2010, 09:53 AM

I stayed home last night and didn't seem to have any problems, but felt really crampy and uncomfortable when I woke up this morning. Plus I'm having some fluid-y discharge. Ugh. So I'm going into the office at 11:30.

Part of the problem is that I do not have much support for backup childcare. I am dropping DD off at a friend's house today, but last night I would have had to go by myself while DH stayed home with DD. And I'm on my own today, too, if they decide to send me to the hospital for monitoring. DH is in the middle of a four day trial. :(

MrsBeckyLP

01-06-2010, 10:05 AM

Part of the problem is that I do not have much support for backup childcare. I am dropping DD off at a friend's house today, but last night I would have had to go by myself while DH stayed home with DD.

That was why I didn't even call last night. :o I didn't want them to tell me to come in, because I would have had to go by myself.

Keep us updated. I am surprised to hear that they can't pick up contractions on the monitor at your stage of gestation. I guess I would think that technology would allow any contractions to be picked up -- a contraction is a contraction, you know? :confused: Guess you really do learn something every day.

SunnySideUp

01-06-2010, 10:25 AM

mimieliza - Keep us updated. I'm thinking lots of good thoughts for you and baby.

QOTD - How many of you would consider going on A Baby Story on TLC? They are looking for families in my area to be on the show, and I'm tempted to apply. However, being this is my first, I don't know if I really want cameras all up in my face while I'm giving birth.

a_spark

01-06-2010, 10:40 AM

childcare in event of emergency Funny, I was just thinking about this last night! My mom lives only 10 minutes away, but I was wondering what if she doesn't hear the phone? She doesn't have one in her bedroom so I doubt she'd know if we called her in the middle of the night. I might ask her to start sleeping with her cell phone in her room, just in case.

Baby Story A friend of mine just did A Baby Story- they have a homebirth and her review of the experience was that while the interviews were really exhausting (they'd re-shoot a lot of stuff and make her do things over and over again), at the actual birth were only a camera person and a producer, and they did a great job of staying out of the way. Her only real complaint was that she doesn't get any original footage of the birth- they just have to tape the show when it airs.

MrsBeckyLP

01-06-2010, 10:51 AM

Wow, a_spark, A Baby Story actually taped a homebirth?!?! I haven't watched that show in ages, but when I did it usually had the standard I'm-getting-an-epidural-the-moment-I-go-into-labor and/or c-section-type stories.

SSU- I don't think I'd personally consider it. I have my reasons, but they'd probably sound a bit odd to some of you, so I'll just say that I wouldn't do it.

Adrianna

01-06-2010, 11:01 AM

a_spark, I would totally switch homes with you!!!! Our bedroom is the only room in the house that's not as warm as the rest of the house. I can walk out the door onto the landing of the second story, and be greeted with a blast of hot air, but the bedroom (and the master bath) are COLD. I hate it. I seriously have to have the heat up to 72 or 73, just for the master bedroom to be bearable...and I know that the kids are sweating to death in their rooms. When the heat kicks on, the vent is pointed right at the bed, so it blows down all of the cold air FIRST...and the ceiling is so low that if I turn on the fan to circulate the warm air down, I can feel the air blowing on me, which I don't like in the winter. Ugh. And did I mention that the bathroom is cold? I seriously hover over my OWN TOILET, because it's sooooo cold. :(

Mimieliza: thinking of you...hope all is well!

Anemone, congrats on your baby boy!

a_spark

01-06-2010, 01:52 PM

Becky I know, right?! I avoid that show for that very reason but I was so happy to hear that they were interested in a home birth. Of course, I'm sure they'll make it seem really dramatic and a near-death experience when really it was a very calm, easy birth. They just love the drama! They're doing a whole homebirth week this spring, which is great, though. Not sure when yet, and I'm so anxious to watch my friend's birth! They had a camcorder at the ready but found out after the birth that it was pointed in the wrong direction on the tripod :rolleyes:

adrianna That sounds terrible, too! Nothing worse than a cold toilet. Sounds like our HVAC systems were planned out by the same people! :)

mimieliza

01-06-2010, 04:28 PM

Just a quick update (shout outs later): baby is fine, and my cervix is long and closed. TMI ahead: I have a vag infection, for which I was started on antibiotics. So that could be the cause of the contractions. FWIW, I had no symptoms other than a slight increase in clear (i.e., normal looking) discharge.

I'll go back in on Tuesday to see my doctor (saw a CNM today) and to make sure there still aren't any cervical changes. We'll also discuss medication options at that point - the CNM thought it was too early, but I didn't really understand why 21 weeks is too early, since I was started on meds at 25 weeks with my DD (terbutaline and procardia) for similar symptoms.

So I'm hopeful that getting the antibiotics started will calm things down a bit, and very relieved that there aren't any signs of labor, just contractions.

Adrianna

01-06-2010, 05:12 PM

Mimieliza, so glad to hear that there are no signs of labor. Sending hugs!

stevesbabygirl

01-06-2010, 06:14 PM

mimieliza - So glad to hear it was *only* an infection. I'm kinda wondering if I may have one because I feel a little itchy and irritated down there.

I don't know anyone who was on A Baby Story, but my friend was on Bringing Home Baby. She said that they gave her a bunch of cool stuff!

I went to Disneyland with a few ladies from the moms' group, and boy did I feel beat up by the end of the meetup! We were only there for about 4 hours, but my lower back was killing me by the time I got back to the parking structure. Must remember to take it a little easier next time. And of course, my next Disneyland meetup is the same day as my glucose test, so that could make things interesting :p.

MrsBeckyLP

01-07-2010, 07:12 AM

Good news, mimieliza.

Adrianna

01-07-2010, 09:46 AM

T-3.5 hours until my ultrasound! I am so excited to see this little one. I COMPLETELY forgot my camera...I wanted to be able to video some of the sonogram. Luckily, Mr. P will run by the house and get it on the way to pick me up.

We are NOT finding out the gender. I am going to ask the tech what her default pronoun is, and tell her to NOT tell us that she knows. I am also SERIOUSLY considering writing "NO Baby P0rn" on my belly...Offensive? I thought it would be kinda funny, but who knows.

I just can't wait!!!

My girlfriend just offered to have a baby shower for me, so I potentially have two showers in the works. I think that I'll split the guest list up between friends and family. Should be fun. Can you tell I had a dozen donut holes this morning?!:p

Gia

01-07-2010, 10:05 AM

mimieliza- I am glad everything is ok. I am surprised they are saying it is too early to pick up contractions on the monitor or start medication... I had very noticable contractions on the monitor at 20 weeks! And I've been on procardia since then. I can see why they would want to delay starting the procardia though if you haven't had any cervical changes. I don't think they really like to have people on procardia forever. I hate that I have to take medication while pg, but I guess they have to just look at the benefits/risks of each individual case. Hopefully it is just from the infection and the antibiotic will calm things down!

aspark- I am right there with you on feeling warm. I am usually one of those people who is always cold, so I am actually enjoying it! We have our heat set at 64 and I am still sweating sometimes at night! It is crazy! DH is loving it b/c our heating bills should be lower this winter.

SSU- That's a tough one (regarding A Baby Story)... I probably wouldn't do it. I can totally see why people do though, and that is cool that you get a bunch of free stuff.

AFM- Thanks for the info all on the device for the blinds (was it ideucate?) I will definitely get those.

I had another u/s with the perinatologist Tues. I actually got through an appointment there with good news! :) Both babies looked great and are growing fine. Baby B is high (which I knew b/c I can see him/her traveling across my belly and kicking my ribs)! Baby A continues to hang out really really low, right on my cervix, which isn't helping the funneling issue. My mom joked that it wants to make sure it's the first one out. They are still moving around too much to say of they are settling in head down or picking sides or anything. They are also still measuring 1 week apart, but that has been consistent, so they are not worried about it unless it gets to be a bigger difference. I had NO contractions this time on the monitor!! Yay.

Gia

01-07-2010, 10:09 AM

Adriana- Sorry, we cross-posted. GOOD LUCK today! Definitely say something about the pro-noun thing. I wish I had. I have had so many u/s throughout this pg. I always remind them we don't want to know the gender. THREE different techs have all referred to the babies as "he" over the past 6 weeks. I don't know if that was just their default pronoun or if they slipped!

mamax2

01-07-2010, 10:57 AM

SSU ~ I don't think I would have done Baby Story w/my first birth, but afterwards, my MW told DH and I that she wished she had filmed us for an instructional video on Bradley Birth, so I'm pretty confident now :p I would totally do it. BUT, I'm also a really big advocate of natural birth and I would see it as a way to further normalize the birth experience. I mean, seriously, who needs to see one more woman with an epidural and giggling her way through labor and then getting a bunch of interventions? I want other couples to see how amazing and beautiful birth can be - even without drugs and a bunch of procedures that make it seem very scary and threatening.

Adrianna ~ Good luck today! My u/s techs STILL always ask me if I know the gender or want to know. I think they're very good at making sure you don't see anything if you don't want to.

AFM ~ Had my GTT yesterday, won't know the results for 1 week. I went immediately into my Level II u/s and OMG, I got so sick from the glucola & then having to lay down. They had to turn the a/c and fans on me and put wet wash cloths over my head. I didn't know if I was going to puke or pass out. I was so glad my Mom was there! My little guy is doing great though - measuring 5 days ahead and 2lbs 12oz. His HB was 143. My cervix is nice and long so all these BH have done nothing (that's good for now!) I've gained a total of 20lbs (22 by my home scale). My MW gave me a prescription for the Prenatal Cradle, but I'm sure my craptastic insurance won't cover it. I start going every 2 weeks now - blech.

Taurus

01-07-2010, 11:28 AM

I want other couples to see how amazing and beautiful birth can be - even without drugs and a bunch of procedures that make it seem very scary and threatening.

I love how amazing, beautiful and non-scary my two medicated births were. :) No other interventions, just lovely epidurals (and a narcotic with DS1 but I wouldn't ask for that ever again.)

My doc told me yesterday I don't have to worry about going too quickly and having "no time" for an epidural. I always thought there was a window of opportunity but she brushed off that notion. If I could have a third delivery as wonderful as my first two (by my own personal definition), I'll be such a lucky lady.

I go very quickly from not being sure I'm in labor to water breaking/excruciating contractions, so I would like to do some refresher on various breathing stuff. With DS2 I got checked in and they were still asking me a ton of questions and putting my bands on me while calling the anesthesiologist, and all along I could barely talk, was in the last stage of labor, and delivered about 1.5 hours later. My doc doesn't think I need the hospital's refresher course but I am wondering if there is a DVD or something DH and I can watch together to remind us of how to breathe/relax me during that time.

I also had my GTT test yesterday. I had a quick checkup. She said I could take Robitussim DM for my cough but I haven't bought any yet. I gained 9 lbs during weeks 12-25. Don't know if I had gained any prior to 12 weeks because that was when I started at this office. Aside from having what I think might be a sinus infection, I am feeling pretty darn good.

congrats on your boy, anemone.

good luck, Adrianna.

glad to hear all is well, mimieliza.

mamax2

01-07-2010, 12:27 PM

I love how amazing, beautiful and non-scary my two medicated births were. :) No other interventions, just lovely epidurals (and a narcotic with DS1 but I wouldn't ask for that ever again.)

With all due respect, the 'magical epidural l&d' is *very well* portrayed by the media. It needs no further glorification, IMO. On the other hand, very few women and couples have a chance to see natural birth because very few natural births are shown on all the baby/medical TV shows. That's pretty much the point I was trying to make - the reason I would do a show like A Baby Story would be to share that particular experience with people because I feel it's underrepresented by the mass media. It wasn't a commentary on your (or anyone else's) birth choices, it was just *my opinion* as to what would motivate me to participate in a filmed birth. I thought it was clear the way I worded my post, but I guess it wasn't. I'm not knocking anyone's birth choices. I'm just sharing why *I* would participate in A Baby Story per SSU's question.

MrsBeckyLP

01-07-2010, 12:49 PM

Gia- I'm glad to hear things are going well. Sounds like bed rest is doing what it's supposed to!

Adrianna- I hope your ultrasound -- per my weak calculations you should be going in any time now -- is going/went well!!

I realized yesterday that my SPD pain was, and had been for a few days, very minimal. I got all excited, thinking something must have changed and it went away. And then it was back with a vengeance today. Grr!

SunnySideUp

01-07-2010, 01:00 PM

Question - Is it too early for BH? I JUST started feeling little kicks in the past few days. But I had a very odd sensation last night while I was driving home and this afternoon just sitting on the couch. I can't even really explain it. It wasn't painful, just very interesting. Very low in my abdomen, it felt tight and....strange....

MrsBeckyLP

01-07-2010, 01:15 PM

SSU- Nope, it's not too early. I had some around 18 weeks this time, and I do recall having them in my early 20ish weeks with DD. :) I get them rather frequently lately, but I'm also 28 weeks.

Taurus

01-07-2010, 02:49 PM

I didn't feel "knocked," mamax2. It is definitely a shame when people don't have information or support to make a choice for themselves. (ETA: I also had read what you wrote to mean that the drugs/interventions themselves are scary and threatening--which I now realize isn't what you meant--and I was thinking that notion is no more true across the board than the idea that all women who have had a natural birth enjoyed it and would do it again, or that women who didn't have one would have chosen one if they had only had more familiarity with one.)

Ugh, our big outing of the day was a bust--NEITHER child fell asleep on the way home! My whole day was depending on that! DH is away. Yuck.

newmommy

01-07-2010, 04:23 PM

Hello ladies,

DH just left for a business trip to Texas : ( I really hate being alone at night. My mom is here now--she's helping me get the boys in bed....she's throwing some laundry in for menow too :)

She's asked us to sleep over her house tomorrow and Saturday night, and I'm seriously starting to consider it!!!

Oh geez, BBL

Taurus

01-07-2010, 07:21 PM

Steph, I feel your pain. DH is away until late Saturday. I feel so lousy with this sore throat and cough, and half the time I can't get out the words to talk to the kids! I am thinking of sleeping at my parents' house tomorrow as well!

MrsBeckyLP

01-07-2010, 08:09 PM

Ha! My DH left today for a three-day trip to Vegas for his 30th birthday, so we're alone this weekend also. I get so bored when I'm home alone with DD for that long, so my plan all along has been to visit my parents. But we got about 7 inches of snow today, so I have to wait until tomorrow morning to go, and I'm not sure roads will even be decent by then because of blowing and drifting. I was planning on leaving tonight. My mom has already told me I can sleep in on Saturday!

Taurus

01-07-2010, 08:21 PM

Becky, that's where DH is--for work! Sorry about the snow. I hope you can get to your mom's.

DH bathes the kids every night and I didn't even want to do it tonight but I had already skipped last night!

OMG, can I just say that this freakin' heartburn is making everything going on in my throat so much worse. UGH!!!!

SunnySideUp

01-07-2010, 08:23 PM

Well, BF isn't out of town, but his new job has him working until midnight. I try to stay up, but it's close to impossible. Last night I was delirious, lol. I just hate going to bed by myself.

I felt kicking a lot tonight. It's so weird. I am so amazed that I have this little life growing inside of me.

stevesbabygirl

01-07-2010, 11:05 PM

DH is very much in town, but he might as well be out of town with the amount of help I've gotten from him lately :mad:. Can you tell I'm a little angry lol?

a_spark

01-08-2010, 07:42 AM

You guys, I failed the 1-hour GTT pretty miserably with a score of 200. Apparently, in many practices, they would just diagnose me with GD and go from there. I failed it with DD but only by a little bit and then passed the 3-hour. I'm scheduled for the 3-hour on Monday but I'm really scared that I won't pass and after getting off the phone with the (new) midwife yesterday I broke down and cried hysterically for about an hour. It's just scary to get this news that might affect my care when I'm already a VBAC patient and am so scared of the slippery slope of interventions that might lead me to another cesarean. The midwife is new and young and now that I can look back on our conversation with a little more perspective, I think she hasn't developed that ability to be reassuring and encouraging while delivering potentially bad news yet. So this morning I called back and spoke to the RN, who assured me that even if I do have GD, as long as I can control it with diet, there will be no cause for concern. I feel a million times better but I'm still a bit unnerved. I haven't even had an appointment with them yet (Monday is my first), so I was in this weird window of having left my former midwife and not yet knowing these women, and being given what sounded like dire news that would result in me being high-risk. I pretty much freaked out. Ugh. I'm trying to be positive and I'm sure that if I am diagnosed, that I can control it with diet. I eat very healthfully as it is and have no other risk factors that would complicate things- I'm not overweight, my blood pressure is very low, baby is a normal size, etc.

There's still a little hope that I'll pass on Monday, so please cross your fingers for me, ladies! I could really use it.

PS- sorry to jump in with no SOs! More later...

Taurus

01-08-2010, 02:07 PM

a_spark, sorry to hear about the test. Even if you have GD, it definitely does not have to mean that a bunch of other stuff goes with it. I am glad the second person you spoke to made that more clear.

Well, I have an ugly sinus infection and am on antibiotics. My primary doc also prescribed a Rx nasal spray decongestant and I am kicking myself for not contacting her months ago regarding the congestion (it had gotten better right before I got this sinus infection). She said it was safe for me to take, and I am so happy to have it now for the rest of the pregnancy!

Adrianna

01-09-2010, 11:09 PM

Hey ladies!!!!

Quick shout-out to a_spark: I hope that you are feeling a bit better, and a bit more optimistic. I am sure that all will be fine with you. Good luck on Monday!

AFM: Thanks for all of the well wishes, ladies!!! Oh my gosh, my ultrasound was awesome. I am not a huge fan of the technician, she's not super personable...but she IS nice, and was very relieved when I made it perfectly clear that we didn't want to know the gender...she said that took a lot of pressure off of her. The ultrasound dated me at 23w (when I was only calculating 22w2d), so I guess my due date is 5 days earlier now...but I am still going to consider it May 11, so that I don't start fretting when the baby is "late". The baby is head down, but face up; Limey's head was right on my bladder (NO KIDDING), so the tech had to really wand around on my belly to be able to get the head circumference. It was so awesome SEEING the movement on the screen as I felt it. Good wittle baby! We didn't get great pictures from the ultrasound---I was hoping for the perfect little profile shot, but just got a bunch of blurs. We do have two perfect pictures of a little foot, and I can clearly see 5 little toes! The doctor confirmed that all is perfect (whew)!!!

The only concern that they have is that my fluid is low, so I am trying to drink as much water as possible. That's the bad news...the good news is that I get to go back in two weeks and see the baby again! Heartbeat was 141 during the ultrasound, and 148 on the dopplar. Weight gain since last appointment was 4 pounds, for a total of 14. I definitely have my energy back, so I am thoroughly enjoying the second trimester. I am giddy, can you tell?

Mama: if you don't mind, I'd really like to pick your brain about your Bradley births...

My next appointment is 01/11, for a follow-up ultrasound, and then 02/08 for the glucose test. After that I will be going every two weeks. Wow, this is just flying by!:D

SunnySideUp

01-10-2010, 05:13 AM

Tomorrow is the day ladies!!!! Any guesses?

20w Belly Shot (Please excuse the HUGE pile of laundry behind me)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/charliezangel/SANY0525.jpg

It has been truly freezing here. 35* this morning with a wind chill of 31 think. I know that's probably only freezing to me, lol. My poor dog doesn't even want to leave the front yard to pee. As soon as he's done, he's yanking me back in. Poor little guy. We let him sleep with us last night and he was very happy.

My little monkey
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/charliezangel/SANY0245.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/charliezangel/SANY0282.jpg

Now that i have felt baby move, I feel it all the time. It's like a little fish in there!!! I can't wait to find out what we are having so I can start using a name when I refer to baby!!!

mamax2

01-10-2010, 06:17 AM

Mama: if you don't mind, I'd really like to pick your brain about your Bradley births...

Pick away! :D

a_spark

01-10-2010, 10:32 AM

Thanks, Taurus and Adrianna. I'm sure I sound like I'm totally freaking over nothing, but this VBAC (and of course a healthy baby) are so important to me so it was really scary to have that conversation with the midwife. I ended up calling back the next morning and asking the RN a bunch of questions and it's not as big of a deal as the midwife made it seem. She said that if I'm GD, as long as I can control it with diet, they're not worried about me. So, phew! I think this brand-new midwife (she's only been practicing for a few months) needs to work on her delivery when she's giving someone some potentially bad news. :rolleyes:

SSU Lookin' good! That's awesome that you're feeling the baby move and that your US is soon! So exciting.

Taurus I'm SO sorry about your sinus infection- those are the worst. So glad you found something to help with it, though! That's priceless.

Adrianna Sounds like such a great US! Sorry about the fluid levels-- hopefully with rest and drinking lots of water you can get your levels back up there.

Here's my belly! Getting bigger and bigger and bigger...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2767/4262616251_b446d8a9d7.jpg

mimieliza

01-10-2010, 04:57 PM

a_spark - GREAT belly pic! You look so cute! :)

SSU - I'm going to guess boy, but I'm always wrong (even with my own). Good luck tomorrow! And what kind of dog is that? he's adorable!

Adrianna - YAAAAY! for a great u/s! Isn't it such a wonderful feeling to see the little one moving and hear that everything is developing properly? My little guy was measuring five days ahead as well, but thankfully they did not move my due date, since I'm having a c-sec and don't want to go too early. My current due date is based on conception date and backed up by an early u/s, so I'm pretty sure it is accurate.

stevesbabygirl - Yeah, my DH has kind of been a slob lately, too. I haven't been feeling good, so he totally drops the ball. He had a three day weekend last weekend while I worked all three days, and he did NOTHING around the house. He and DD played the whole weekend, which is great, but jeez, do a load of laundry, would ya?!?

AFM - Still contracting away over here. I left work early two days in a row. They are super stingy about time off - vacation and sick leave are all the same. If I use sick leave, it means I can't take vacay time later, which I really need when we move next month. Sucks, big time.

I just need to complain a bit - this is the HARDEST part of pregnancy for me. I hate being so freaked out all the time, but unsure whether I'm overreacting or not. I felt the same way with DD, and I didn't really start to feel better until after 33-34 weeks when I knew an early delivery would be "okay." I'm hoping my doctor will have some reassurance for me on Tuesday when I go to follow up. I also read the the fFN test can be done as early as 22 weeks - I had that done every two weeks with DD and it provided a great deal of comfort every time it came back negative.

I'm starting to get really nervous about moving, especially if I'm going to be all contraction-y and worried. It will be a great, very happy move, and relatively easy (our new house is across the street). But hard to do while pregnant!

mamax2

01-10-2010, 07:16 PM

The ultrasound dated me at 23w (when I was only calculating 22w2d), so I guess my due date is 5 days earlier now...but I am still going to consider it May 11, so that I don't start fretting when the baby is "late".

They don't usually change your due date when you measure off dates this late in pregnancy. It just means your baby is growing a little larger size than average. I measured 5 days ahead this week as well (for the first time, I'm usually exactly on target). Still, that only put my little guy in the 60th percentile. The tech suggested he's probably going to be sized more like my oldest (8lbs 2oz, 21") than my youngest (6lbs 12oz, 19"). So far, he feels like he's all arms and legs in there anyway. I refer to him as the Octo-baby (ya know, half-octopus, half-baby) :p

steve's & mimie ~ I can totally sympathize with you ladies, my DH is a total slob as well. We are most likely putting our house on the market next month (very reluctantly, but this economy just isn't turning around fast enough) and I tried to get him to help make a list of all the stuff we need to get done and prioritizing it over the next couple of weekends. You want to know what I did today? Got the last bit of the Christmas decorations put away, sorted through old photos and books and got a closet shelf in baby's room cleaned out and everything condensed down to one bin, dusted my entire first floor, changed the air filters, made dinner, 2 loads of laundry. Want to know what my DH did? Assembled a filing cabinet. 'Nuff said.

newmommy

01-11-2010, 06:34 AM

And the rudeness continues...I tell ya, working with all women is great! :rolleyes:

Within the first 15 minutes of getting into work, two beauties:

So here are the rude comments I just endured today:

"wow you are huge, I guess you get huge boy or girl. Don't worry you'll probably lose it(sarcasm in voice)"...ummm nice

My response: Ya you're right, I will lose it!

"Why are you waddling so early in your pregnancy Melissa(another first time pregger lady in building) doesn't even waddle yet and she's due next month!"

My response: Umm actually you can tell everyone who is talking about me...I'm not being dramatic. This is my third pregnancy, and I've been cramping and bleeding for the past few months...on modified bed rest....and I'd like to write on my shirt: Not being dramatic, but my vagina feels like it's been in a fight, and it lost"!!!

LOL GO ME!!!!!

beetle

01-11-2010, 07:11 AM

Wow, newmommy, those comments really do reach a whole new level of rudeness. Good for you for sticking up for yourself. Hopefully it will help them know to hold their tongues next time.

mimieliza, I'm so sorry about the continued contractions and the worry that's bound to cause. Take care of yourself, and I do hope your doctor can provide some reassurance tomorrow.

a_spark, you look fantastic! That's such a cute outfit you're wearing, and such a perfect baby belly. Sorry about the GTT and the added stress but very glad you were able to get some reassurance from the nurse.

SSU, looking forward to your news today! You're looking great. I have no system at all for gender guesses, so I'll just wait to hear the official word. :) (Your pup is adorable, by the way.)

Adrianna, I am so glad you had such a great ultrasound experience! Isn't it just remarkable to see such a complete-looking little baby in there, with all its working parts? Hope your fluid levels have improved by the second scan; sounds like they weren't overly concerned and it shouldn't be a big deal.

Taurus, I'm really sorry about the sinus infection. Hope you're on the mend quickly. Goodness knows I've had a LOT of congestion throughout this pregnancy, but I've thankfully been able to avoid an infection. They are not pleasant, I know.

AFM - Can't believe I'm now officially in the third trimester! This pregnancy really is flying. We're currently in the throes of our big basement remodel. DH's uncle is staying with us and doing the work, and it's coming along nicely. The construction should hopefully be finished the end of next week. I'll be very glad to have it finished, as we can then make real progress on the nursery, which is coming along slowly.

We finished up our registries over the weekend, since my best friend is planning a girls' weekend/baby shower for me at the end of this month. I've also sent in our contract and deposit to the doula and have begun reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, which is fantastic. It's really boosting my commitment to natural childbirth, but it also makes me even sadder that our insurance/financial situation means we're having to go the OB/hospital route instead of the midwife-assisted home birth I would have preferred.

It's funny how I can be SO excited to meet this baby and yet thoroughly overwhelmed at how much we have to get done before he gets here!

newmommy

01-11-2010, 07:18 AM

Thanks! I had to laugh it off, because at the time--it was so hard to believe!!

Just because there is another pregnant woman, why am I being compared??

She and I look so different, and not to be rude, but she looks like she's going to explode, and she keeps saying she's "all belly" YA RIGHT!! LOL!!

Okay, that was mean ; )

I still have to post a pic of me soon!

Parrothead

01-11-2010, 07:28 AM

I am so excited. I finally got some things figured out this weekend. I have been nesting like MAD and have not been able to sit down w/ DH to discuss new bedding for the nursery (used the same set for DD#1 and DD#2 and need a change!) and the layout of DD#1 and DD#2's combined room. But, we got a chance to figure it all out this weekend and I feel 110% better :)

Here is the bedding we chose for DD#3 :)

http://www.babysupermall.com/main/products/ban/banshi0043-big.jpg

MrsBeckyLP

01-11-2010, 08:40 AM

a_spark- I'm glad you were able to get some reassurance from the RN. I know how you must be worrying about everything and anything that might affect your chances at a VBAC -- I'm the same way. That's why I'm paranoid about position, fluid levels, blood pressure, etc. Hopefully the GD, if you do have it, will easily be controlled by diet and you'll be able to go on to have your wonderful VBAC.

beetle- I read Ina May's Guide a few months ago; I started with the actual "guide" part and then went back and read the birth stories later. What childbirth method are you planning to use? (I *think* I remember you mentioning Bradley, but I'm not sure.) I've had a lot of friends who say they plan to have a natural childbirth, but then they really don't study a childbirth method, and they've all ended up with epidurals because they didn't have a way to manage the pain. I'm not at all trying to shoot you down, since I'm going for a natural childbirth too, but I am just curious to know what techniques you plan to use to help you achieve it. :) I'll be rooting for you! Oh, and I hear you regarding insurance. I'm not sure if I would have wanted a home birth (not because I'm "scared" of it, but for other reasons), but a birth center would have been ideal. But our insurance covers 100 percent of our prenatal care with an OB and hospital costs, and it wouldn't cover a cent of us seeing a midwife, so I can't justify that cost.

newmommy- I like your response to the second person! Someone recently commented on my belly size and waddling, too, and I mentioned that it's not necessarily the size of my belly that necessitates it, but the intense crotch pain. Talking about your crotch shuts people up pretty quickly, doesn't it?!

Adrianna- I was going to say the same thing as mamax2 regarding your due date, and I agree with her completely. I'd make sure they stick with your original due date, especially because those five days could come in handy down the road if you are "late" and your OB wants to start talking induction for no real reason other than being 40 weeks.

Taurus- I'm sorry to hear you have a sinus infection, but I hope you're feeling a bit better by now. I had one when I was pregnant with DD, but I didn't think I could take anything for it so I didn't bother seeing my doctor. I was miserable for a long time. I hope your congestion clears up soon, too. Mine has within the past few days, so maybe there is hope for you!

parrothead- Cute bedding!

SSU- I think you're having a girl.

I got to sleep in on Saturday and Sunday. How fabulous! I love my mom and dad!!! :D

I don't have too much to report in the pregnancy department, other than the continued killer SPD pain. I lifted up my leg way too fast on Saturday night to change my pants before heading out for dinner, and I could hardly walk the rest of the evening. Sadly, I remember the pain being worse when I was pregnant with DD, and I was optimistic it wouldn't be so bad this time. However, I think I just haven't quite reached that point yet.

stevesbabygirl

01-11-2010, 08:48 AM

SSU - Very cute belly, I'm going with girl! Your dog is super cute too, what kind is he? In the face he looks like a Pomeranian, but I've never seen one that doesn't look like a giant poofy football :).

AFM - I am so totally in the midst of the uncomfortable stage. On Wednesday, I went to Disneyland and my back was killing me by the end of the few hours that we were there. My right hip has been really bothering me too, as that's the side that I sleep on. I need to go out and get a pregnancy massage; I deserve it damn it :p!

DS is being a total pill today. He woke up about an hour earlier than he usually does, and had a huge screaming fit because he didn't want to sit in his high chair and eat his Apple Jacks. I finally let him sit in DH's spot, but ugh, what a nightmare! I think it's because DH got up with him this weekend (hooray for sleeping in!), gave him a bowl, and let him sit on the couch while watching Finding Nemo :rolleyes:.

beetle

01-11-2010, 09:05 AM

MrsBecky, I read some of the birth stories and then jumped to the guide section, as well, which is the part I'm finding really helpful. I'll go back and finish the stories after. I also got a copy of The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth, which was the other top recommendation from our doula, but haven't started that yet. I am actually really frustrated with my attempts to find a natural childbirth class. DH and I really wanted to go through a course of some sort, but the Bradley classes are more $$$ than we can afford and a HUGE 12-week time commitment, which just isn't realistic for us. There is a Hypnobabies course offered, but the location is more than an hour from our house, which again, isn't realistic. Our doula is trying to plan a course that would be an amalgamation of several approaches, but she hasn't finalized anything yet. Do you think there would be a benefit to at least getting a book on the Bradley method and going through it with DH? I do think having a doula will be very helpful in managing/working with the pain, but I'd like the two of us to also be as equipped as possible ourselves. Like you, my insurance won't cover anything for a midwife. So frustrating! Oh, and SO sorry about the SPD pain. It sounds absolutely miserable.

stevesbabygirl, I am with you on being solidly in the uncomfortable stage. I, too, have been thinking very seriously about getting a pregnancy massage. It sounds like heaven!

Adrianna

01-11-2010, 09:36 AM

Beetle: I know you directed towards Becky, but I eavesdropped and I am jumping in. A Bradley class isn't going to work for us, either, because I work until 8 pm every day. I bought a book on Bradley, don't remember the exact name, but I have been reading it. I think the class would be invaluable from a practice standpoint, but the book is still full of TONS of information. There are pictures and diagrams, and exercises, and everything. I really feel as though I am getting a good education from it. I am also reading the Thinking Woman's Guide...it's very educational. While I haven't seen any true pain management techniques in the bok, each chapter gives you "ways to avoid X", and then also talks about "If you have to have X, here are ways to control it." While it's definitely skewed towards a natural delivery, it also suggests ways to have what I think of as "incremental interventions". It's been very helpful as I am formulating my game plan.

SSU: I say boy. I am probably wrong, but I think boy. :)

Parrothead: I HEART that bedding!!!!

MrsBeckyLP

01-11-2010, 11:07 AM

beetle and Adrianna- I haven't done Bradley, so someone else can probably step in, but what I've heard from a lot of people is that the book Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way (http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Childbirth-Bradley-Way-Revised/dp/0452276594) is better than the actual Bradley book (http://www.amazon.com/Husband-Coached-Childbirth-Bradley-Method-Natural/dp/0553375563). My guess is that if you read and really practice the method -- and I'm going to go out on a limb and say that practice is key, because that's how it is with Hypnobabies -- you should do fine. One of the main reasons I picked Hypnobabies is because of the time (with our first, we only took the hospital's one-day condensed class instead of the four-day class, but I wasn't necessarily planning a natural childbirth then) and cost associated with other classes -- and because of the fact that I know my DH won't be very involved, so doing something husband-coached would be a really dumb idea for me! Plus, Hypnobabies just really appealed to me for some reason. And you're right -- a doula should really help! (FWIW, IMO most hospital classes are useless in terms of teaching you ways to labor naturally, but they are informative for the husband or birth partner.)

Linea negra- Anyone? I noticed over the weekend that I've started to develop a light one on the lower portion of my belly, but nothing above the belly button.

Stretch marks- Anyone? I have some on the top of my hips (think love handle area) from my pregnancy with DD and about three small ones under my belly button that appeared after I had DD (I know, because I used a mirror to look frequently during pregnancy, and I've since heard it's possible for them to appear shortly after). They haven't gotten worse yet, I don't think. But this morning I noticed a small purple one at the top of my leg/thigh area near my bikini line. Nice. I'm pretty sure it appeared overnight. If my belly can be spared this time again, I will be so happy.

I think I forgot to mention that I developed some sort of weird reaction to my wedding/engagement ring about a month ago. It started as this small bump, almost like a pimple, but then it turned into a nasty-looking rash (dry, flaky, red, almost like athlete's foot, and covering the entire lower area of my finger). I had to stop wearing my ring. It was basically cleared up, so on Saturday I tried wearing it again, and I started to get the little bumps again, so I took it off as soon as we got home from dinner. I'm really disappointed, because I hate not wearing my wedding ring, especially when I'm pregnant and when I'm out without my husband (who always wears his ring). I don't mean to offend any of you who are unmarried, but I feel so judged -- like people are looking at my finger to see if I'm married or not. Anyway, it's white gold and has really worn down to the yellow gold under it lately, so I'm going to take it in to have it re-rhodium plated. Maybe that will do the trick. The NP at my OB's office said it was probably pregnancy hormones reacting to the metal -- boo!!

newmommy

01-11-2010, 11:31 AM

Stretch Marks Found some new ones! I have a lovely lilac one developing beside my belly button ; )

Linea Negra I had one with each of my boys, but nada this time around!

Beetle and Mrs. Becky Ya, today was a bit much. Considering that these people rarely speak to me-I don't get why they are so rude!

Parrothead That bedding is ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gia

01-11-2010, 11:49 AM

newmommy- Jeesh, you have some rude co-workers! :eek:

Parrothead- CUTE bedding!

SSU- You look great! And you're dog is so adorable!

aspark- You look great too! I hope your next GTT goes ok and hopefully if it is GD it can be controlled with diet. Sounds like the midwife just needs to work on her bedside manner. I felt like that with the Phys. Asst. who called me with my integrated blood screen results. She sounded so... morose? I guess that's the best word for it. I understand they want to convey that they are concerned/sympathetic, but there's a happy medium!

stretch marks- none yet, but I am pretty sure they are in my future! My belly has been super itchy. I put oils/lotions on it 2-3x per day and that helps the itching, but I know there's not really anything you can do to prevent them.

linea negra- yep! That started this week. I don't know why, but I didn't know that really fair skinned women could get that. Also, my belly button is now officially an "outie". It looks funny poking out of my shirt!

Waddling- I always swore I would not waddle when I was pregnant.... so I was super-surprised when I was waddling at 18 weeks with twins! HA, paybacks! I don't think it has anything to do with belly-size b/c my belly was still pretty small then. I think it was due to the extreme pelvic pressure. Now that I am on bed rest, that's better, and I don't really waddle anymore.

Question: Anyone having heartburn? I just started having that over the weekend. DH propped pillows up in the bed for me so I could sleep on an incline the past couple of nights and that seemed to help. ANyone know any prevention tips?

mamax2

01-11-2010, 12:04 PM

Beetle & Adrianna ~ I am a HUGE proponent of Bradley birth. I really loved my classes and I think it was invaluable for DH. My DH isn't the type to sit and read a book on childbirth or coping techniques, but he easily absorbed the information in the class (even when I doubted if he was paying attention :p ) and he turned out to be a MUCH better coach than I ever imagined him to be. If time/finances are a concern for both of you, I would contact the Bradley instructors anyway and let them know the issues. They may be willing to work with you through trade, a condensed class, personalized session, etc. The problem is that the Bradley organization (that offers accreditation to the instructors) is expensive. So, the teachers really have to charge a lot to the students. I would also look for Birthing from Within (http://www.birthingfromwithin.com/) classes which offer weekend and 'intensives'.

Fundamentally, I think it's just really helpful if you and your DH do *some* type of class on natural birth - not just to learn pain management techniques (much of which you could figure out by reading the books, ITA w/Becky's recommendations, BTW), but because it really helps to see (on video) and hear from the instructor about what natural birth is really like so neither of you are taken by surprise. That's really the best way to meet your natural childbirth goals - be prepared for what it's REALLY like so you aren't caught off-guard and/or coerced into any procedures for which you aren't prepared.

If you truly can't make it to any sort of class, watch 'The Business of Being Born' as well as any other natural birth videos you can get your hands on. Read as many birth stories as you can (if your DH will do the same, all the better!) and just practice the exercises together to help get yourselves in tune with one another because, ultimately, that's what makes Bradley birth really great - the bonding between husband & wife as the baby is delivered by them as a *team*.

Taurus

01-11-2010, 12:27 PM

Gia, yes...heartburn. I had read that the brand Earth Mama Angel Baby makes a heartburn tea. My Whole Foods didn't carry it so I bought a digestive ease tea (Yogi brand) and I am quite sure it has helped a lot. Or maybe it's just that my heartburn was worse before and during my sinus infection. I also read that drinking milk helps. There are a lot of foods you can try to stay away from, but they are some of my favorite foods!

linea negra - same as newmommy come to think it. Yes with both both boys, this time not so far.

parrothead - I also love the bedding!

Thanks for all the feel-better wishes. I am feeling so much better! Not at all congested even, which is how I spent the first 5 months of this pregnancy even prior to getting the sinus infection.

Parrothead

01-11-2010, 12:54 PM

Thanks, everyone. I am really excited to freshen things up in the nursery a little bit. It's been the same for 4 years and 2 babies, time for a change! We are getting new art and wall letters for her name, too!

Gia

01-11-2010, 01:14 PM

Taurus- So glad you are feeling better! Thanks for the recommendations on the teas- I will send dh to the store to look for some. In the meantime, I will give the milk a try before bedtime. I think the heart burn is related to Baby B moving up really close to my ribs-- I think he/she is pressing on my stomach.

beetle

01-11-2010, 01:22 PM

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Adrianna, MrsBecky and mamax2 for the Bradley info. This is all very helpful. It hadn't occurred to me to directly contact the instructors to find out if there's some alternative to the full 12-week schedule, but I will definitely do that. I'll also check on the Birthing from Within classes - that's one I hadn't checked on. I know my DH would read a book if that was our only option, but I think some type of class/in-person instruction would be much easier for him.

linea negra - I started noticing a very faint one a couple weeks ago, and it does seem to have gotten a tad darker now. The belly button is stretched to near-non-existance, so we'll see if it pops out soon.

stretch marks - None yet, thank goodness. I was afraid this might be a real issue for me, since I already have some old ones on my hips from gaining and then losing 30-ish pounds over a few years. Really crossing my fingers that they stay away.

waddling - I'm not sure if it's exactly waddling, but I've been walking differently since very early on. I think it has less to do with the belly and more to do with spreading hips, loosening joints and ligaments, etc. As the belly has gotten bigger, I have started having a much harder time with things like bending over and getting up from the couch/bed.

hearburn - Oh, yes, I've dealt with this off and on for a couple months now. I had one particularly bad episode when I actually thought it was going to cause me to throw up. This baby is so high and I'm so short-waisted that I suppose it was inevitable.

a_spark

01-11-2010, 01:56 PM

Thanks for the support, ladies, you rock! I did the 3-hour this morning and while I was hungry and cranky and tired, it wasn't that bad. I also had a midwife appt in the middle there (baby is head down, yeah!) so that helped the time pass more quickly.

You guys have been chatty today! Let's see if I can get everyone:

beetle I pretty much second what everyone else has recommended. Also, have you thought about trying the Hypnobabies home course? It's cheaper than a class and you can do it on your own time.

linea nigra None! This is extra weird because I had one last time. My belly button, however, has popped all the way out and my DD loves to play with it, which is really uncomfortable.

stretch marks None so far and I didn't get any last time except on my boobs when my milk came in.

waddling Oh yeah, especially when I'm tired. Then I literally walk like a duck.

heartburn Oh, god, yes. Some nights I've had dreams I'm in labor because it's so bad. I've discovered that if I take my vitamins after lunch as opposed to after dinner I don't get it as bad, though.

parrothead I LOVE that bedding! Where is it from? Is it Orla Kiely? It looks like her style.

mamax2 I feel like we have the same due date, don't we? Are you planning on taking a refresher Bradley course or do you feel like you still remember everything?

newmommy I am SO sorry people are being such jerks. What is wrong with people??

becky You know, I had a rash like that about a year ago and the dermatologist said sometimes it happens under rings when soap gets trapped and the skin becomes irritated by the soap and the moisture and warmth of being under your jewelry. I can't quite remember but I think she gave me an antifungal cream and it went away after a few days, but I did have to take my rings off to let the area totally dry out for about a week. I can see how pregnancy hormones would cause trouble like that, too. I hope it goes away so you can wear your ring again!

Parrothead

01-11-2010, 02:04 PM

Thanks for all of the compliments on the bedding. It is by Skip Hop.

SunnySideUp

01-11-2010, 02:08 PM

It's a GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy crap, I can't believe I'm having a girl. I have always seen myself with a little rough and tumble boy. But I am so excited. We went to Target afterward to register and BF was going crazy with all things pink!! This vist was only an u/s and then I will see my MW on Friday and she will go over everything with me. I weighed myself in the bathroom at the specialists office and according to that scale I am down 1 lb form my MW appt last month. Dunno how that is possible, lol.

Yes, my little pup is a Pomeranian. We keep him very trimmed because he is super finicky and if ANYTHING sticks to his fur, he freaks out. Right now, his fur is about 1/2 in long and he was just groomed 2 weeks ago. We have him groomed every 6 weeks. He's just a spoiled little guy. We were pretty sure babies weren't in our future for a very long time, so we got him and treated him like our child. lol.

waddling - I feel like I am, but I think it's because of my back. My back gets worse by the day. I'm going to start yoga very soon, prob by the end of this month. Hopefully that will help. Also, I will be walking a lot starting tomorrow when my classes start again. We'll see if the added exercise helps wit the waddle.newmommy, can you please remind me where you got your maternity belt and what brand? I need to get one ASAP for school days.

heartburn - I have had horrendous heartburn since 10 weeks. I mean, radiating heartburn and reflux that makes me feel like I'm breathing fire. It's awful. I take an extra strength tums, and that usually helps right away. Staying hydrated helps as well. I just have to be really diligent about spicy foods (which I freaking LOVE right now) and not laying down right after I eat (or snacking while sitting in bed). I've also heard that a shot of heavy cream or half and half can help, but I'm lactose intolerant so i haven't tried that yet.

stretch marks - I have some very light stretch marks from when I gained all that weight at the end of my marriage. I ballooned to 300lbs. I had lost 40+lbs before I got pregnant and the weight loss made the stretch marks a little more noticeable because the skin is a little flabby. Now that all that extra skin is filling in, I'm worried about darker stretch marks. I have been using Palmer's Cocoa Butter, but not consistently. I have to remember to do it every night.

linea negra - My mother's was VERY dark with one of my brothers, and it also seemed prominent in pics of her pregnancy with me. I have not seen anything noticeable on me.

MSH

01-11-2010, 04:19 PM

linea nigra thankfully no, didn't have it with either of the other boys either

stretch marks again none, never had them with the other boys so I am truely grateful to whomever decided to spare me so far

waddling I'm sure I do. I know I did with DS1 and I know it was worse with DS2 so I wouldn't be surprised if I look like mama duck ... speaking of which DS1 thinks we should name this baby "duck", lol.

heartburn Only on occation, usually if I lay on my right side but so far a tums has cleared it right up

AFM If still feel great but I really thought there would be some point of this PGcy where the exhaustion would let up. I tell you I am ready for bed most nights at 7 when we put the boys to bed. I have so many thing I need to get done and some are just basics like laundry and dishes but most days I just don't have the energy, my house is a dump!

Tomorrow I have another ultrasound (hopefully my last) to check on the Choroid Plexus Cysts and Venous lakes. Then I go to see my OB on the 19th and my MW on the 26th ... then I am down to bi-weekly appts :rolleyes:

mamax2

01-11-2010, 04:29 PM

mamax2 I feel like we have the same due date, don't we? Are you planning on taking a refresher Bradley course or do you feel like you still remember everything?

I'm due March 31st - do we have the same EDD? We don't have any Bradley instructors in my area. I would LOVE to teach Bradley myself, but there isn't enough of a natural birth community here for me to get enough clients to warrant the expenses. This will be my 3rd birth though. I'm pretty confident on our Bradley abilities, but I do need to brush up on my birth stories and meditations.

a_spark

01-11-2010, 05:51 PM

mamax2 Ah, my EDD is 4/1, so we're close! Though I suspect that mine is a wee bit off, since I got my very clear BFP at what would have been around 8dpo (if 4/1 is correct) and had implantation spotting 2 days before that.

ssu Congrats on your GIRL!!! Sorry about the major heartburn. My midwives say that eating papaya or taking papaya enzyme can help, too. I haven't tested that yet but I plan to! Heartburn sucks.

lilo

01-12-2010, 09:08 AM

Hi everyone! Wow, a lot going on in here so I won’t even attempt individual SOs.

Stretch marks- I think I may have a small red one near my belly button but I’m not sure since it disappears sometimes. I didn’t get any with DS and am really hoping to go unscathed this time around especially since this will be my last pregnancy! I later up on lotion twice a day too but am not sure if there is proof to preventing them from doing that. If all else fails though and I do get a few little ones, I will be marching right to my cosmetic dermatologist to get those suckers lasered off once I’m done with pregnancy.

Linea negra- Nope. I never got it with DS and luckily don’t have it this time as well.

Waddling – Like someone else said, if I get really tired in the evenings, I definitely feel myself waddling but only allow myself to do it at home. ;) I definitely feel just BIG all over now and can’t imagine growing how much bigger my belly is going to grow over the next few months.

Heartburn – On occasion, yes! It’s mostly in the evenings if I eat something too rich. Not fun.

SSU – congrats on your GIRL!!!

AFM – I am still fighting a cold but feel like it should be gone by the end of this week. Ugh. It’s been so draining to deal with and I haven’t been to the gym now in 3 weeks since we were away for the holidays. I am going to start walking on the treadmill again tonight at minimum since I’m already noticing a difference in my energy level and comfort level. Anyone else feel like they had a growth spurt over the holidays? I definitely feel like I have and am a little nervous about how much bigger I’ll get over the next few months. Maybe I’ll be luckily and deliver a little early although I am not ready in the least. I finally bought the crib bedding (Serena & Lily Harper crib set on sale!!!) as well as our double stroller. I’ve been buying bit and pieces of clothing too although I definitely need some more footed onesies but will probably just buy some inexpensive ones from Children’s Place that she can sleep in. I like that they are 100% cotton, have a zipper and not at all expensive. I’ve been finding great newborn basics in baby GAP as well. I still have to go through DS’s infant clothing to see if I have anything gender neutral but I’m not betting on it. We had a lot of blue things and very boyish. Which is fine by me because I’m having the best time shopping for a baby girl. I’m definitely at the uncomfortable stage and am ready for April to get here already. I’m still sleeping really well so I’m thankful for that but I feel I walk at a snail’s pace and my maternity bottoms all feel uncomfortable. I may have to buy a few more inexpensive pairs of pants to get through these last few months.

Could someone recommend Old Navy versus Motherhood to me? I know both have so-so quality but it’s only for 3 months so it’s not a big deal. Thanks!!!

Oh, I have my GTT test this weekend and I am nervous about it. I'm trying to eat really well this weekend in hopes it will help a little. ;)

MrsBeckyLP

01-12-2010, 09:11 AM

Congrats on your girl, SSU!! It's funny you mention pictures of your mother when she was pregnant. I'm pretty sure my mom doesn't have any!

Speaking of pics, here is my 28-week shot from last Friday, if you haven't seen the belly shots thread.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/FSCN2024.jpg

And here is how goofy it looks from the front. When I look down at it, it's really narrow, like a torpedo. It doesn't grow out at the sides at all. I was the same way with DD, but it's even more narrow this time around.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/FSCN2023.jpg

Random thoughts: My belly is so itchy lately. I'm totally getting Taco Bell for lunch. It's actually sunny outside!!

mlfallis

01-12-2010, 10:04 AM

Stretch marks: no new ones yet. DS did a number of nice ones though so I am not really sure if I would be able to tell a new one from an old one

linea negra: I have a faint one, I got one with DS so I am not suprised.

heartburn: every night before bed and it really sucks. Tums thankfully works and it is gone by morning.

waddling: DH hasn't said anything yet and I am pretty sure he is the only one brave enough to. I don't think with DS I did till closer to the end.

AFM: I am worried about my GTT this week. I am craving sugar like crazy for the last week.

Group B+: Any RO positive last time? I was and I want to do anything I can not to this time. ANyone have tips? There are a ton online but I am looking for something that will actually work.

Taurus

01-12-2010, 10:14 AM

MrsBecky, wow your belly is adorable and definitely a shape I have not seen often! I'd be tempted to change my prediction for you from boy to girl since you say you carried the same before, but I am carrying pretty much the same despite having a girl this time.

lilo, I find Motherhood pants to be much better fitting if you are petite or small in the hips/thighs BUT the quality of the knit pants and PJ bottoms I got there were so bad, they barely lasted three months and look wrecked. So pilled I can't really wear the knit pants out. The cords are still in good shape though. The only pants I've really had fit me well from ON are the velour pants (love my velour track suit from ON!). For shirts I only buy tees from ON now bc of the quality, though I did get two clearance sweaters from ON for less than $5 each and that was awesome. Motherhood's return policy sucks though as has been discussed.

Re: the linea negra, for those who say thankfully they don't have one, is it just 'cause you think it looks funny even temporarily? Because mine weren't permanent or anything. Just curious!

SSU, congrats on your girl!

I am feeling better than before I got sick. Off to take the boys to the zoo...

a_spark

01-12-2010, 10:31 AM

Just popping in to say that I PASSED the 3-hour glucose test! YEAH!!!!! I am so happy right now. And just had a BLT to celebrate :)

newmommy

01-12-2010, 10:46 AM

QOTD Anyone else just not that hungry? I'm really surprised how little I'm eating this pregnancy. I'm packing away pounds despite of my lack of appetite. Am I the only one?

SunnySideUp

01-12-2010, 11:00 AM

newmommy - Some days I am starving, and some days I forget to eat. It really just depends. My weight really doesn't reflect anything right now. The scale at the specialists office said I lost 1 lb since last month's visit (3 weeks ago!). Like, I'm eating lunch now at 2pm, and haven't eaten a meal since breakfast at 7:30am. I had a Jamba Juice at 9:30, and snacked on a few pretzles around 12:30 (during my last class). The little snacks, even if I don't want them, keep my stomach going which keeps me hungry and reminds me to eat (if that makes any sense). Try eating some finger fruits like grapes or cut up strawberries. The sugar in the fruit will keep you digestive juices going and you'll feel more hungry so you won't forget to eat.

a_spark - Congrats on the GT!!!! I'm dreading mine. While my sugar intake has been seriously low, my carb intake has not. I still don't understand how the GT can be accurate. I mean, my blood sugar WOULD be ridiculously high if you pumped me full of sugar water at 9 am when I haven't eaten since the night before. Especially because I don't eat a lot of sugar as it is.

AFM - First day of classes is today. I've already been to 2, and I have my last class at 3:30. I got all my books and my student ID set up with my "food funds". LOL. I've also managed to trek across campus twice and will have to do so again in about 10 minutes here. GOTTA get a maternity belt. This little girl is growing like a weed already!

MrsBeckyLP

01-12-2010, 11:13 AM

Just popping in to say that I PASSED the 3-hour glucose test! YEAH!!!!! I am so happy right now. And just had a BLT to celebrate :)

AWESOME!!! I can't believe I am actually going to type this, but I thought you were a lost cause! :o:p I'm so excited to read you passed!!!! Maybe something was just out of whack the day you took the one-hour.

MrsBecky, wow your belly is adorable and definitely a shape I have not seen often!

You know what it reminds me of? You see those sexy photos of male models with their pants really low, and they have that muscle on each side that leads below the belt ... kind of like this (http://www.answerfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/Tyson-Beckford_1.jpg). Yeah, that. Only this isn't quite so sexy!

I was wondering the same thing as Taurus regarding the linea negra. I don't find it a big deal at all.

Hunger- I'm still hungry pretty frequently. This is about the only difference between my two pregnancies.

Heartburn- None here, thankfully.

Smittenk

01-12-2010, 11:44 AM

QOTD Anyone else just not that hungry? I'm really surprised how little I'm eating this pregnancy. I'm packing away pounds despite of my lack of appetite. Am I the only one?

Nope...me too! I eat quite a bit in the morning up until about 2pm and then I'm done. I will have a couple of snacks in the evening but I can't do dinner.

lilo

01-12-2010, 12:06 PM

a_spark: congrats on passing the 3-hour! I'm sure that is a load of stress of your back.

Not really hungry?[B] I do get hungry during the day but I'm starting to eat smaller meals since my belly has gotten so big now and I feel full a lot sooner now. I'm also really trying to watch my carb and sugar intake these last few months since I've fallen off the gym bandwagon and just feel huge in general.

[B]Taurus: Thanks for the tips on Motherhood pants. There is a store near me so I'm going to make a trip this weekend. At least I can try stuff on in the store too. At this point I just want my pants to be comfortable and somewhat decent looking. The two pairs of GAP maternity pants are no longer comfortable and sit so low under my belly, it's awful.

Is anyone else surprised that there is already a September 2010 thread! Wow. It just makes April/May babies seem so much closer. :)

You know you're a RO when you don't hesitate to buy a diet coke and actually enjoy it like I'm doing right now. :p

Steve's Sweety

01-12-2010, 12:54 PM

aspark - YAY!

SSU - Congrats on your girl!

Melissa - That is a most excellent question, b/c I was last time too and I only got one dose of the abx (all they had time to get in me) and they MESSED ME UP, and I think they affected Adelyn too.

GTT - OOPS, just realized I was supposed to have gone to get mine today, can't do it tomorrow b/c it's my day to volunteer in DS classroom. Do you think 2 days later from the day they told me to do it is a big deal?

MSH

01-12-2010, 01:20 PM

Yay!!! I had my ultrasound this morning ... which I thought was at 11 but turned out it was really at 1, thankfully they were able to bring me in right away. Anyways the exciting news is the cordial plexus cysts are gone!!!! I still have the veneous lakes but they aren't a concern. She did say the baby is only 25th percentile so my OB/MW may want to watch that. Baby is still head down, bum under my ribs and feet on my right side just like his brothers.

MrsBeckyLP

01-12-2010, 01:45 PM

Steve's Sweety- I don't think it really matters. My OB's office told me to come in anywhere from 26 to 29ish weeks.

Good news, MSH!

mamax2

01-12-2010, 03:17 PM

I still don't understand how the GT can be accurate. I mean, my blood sugar WOULD be ridiculously high if you pumped me full of sugar water at 9 am when I haven't eaten since the night before. Especially because I don't eat a lot of sugar as it is.

Not all OB/MW practices use a fasting test. I was specifically told to eat a low-carb, high-protein breakfast prior to my GTT the first time and the subsequent tests I've never been given any rules so I just did the same thing. Neither of the OB/MW practices I've attended use the fasting test model any more.

MSH & aspark ~ Big relief for both of you!

newmommy ~ I definitely just feel 'snacky' these days. At lunch today, I ate a bowl of soup and then went back for 2nds and felt AWFUL. My Mom couldn't believe how miserable I looked from soup of all things! I'm down to eating only 1 slice of pizza, etc. Just much smaller amounts of everything.

Adrianna

01-12-2010, 04:09 PM

Chatty chatties!

I *think* these are the topics being kicked around:

Linea negra: nope. I've been looking, but no sign yet.

Stretch marks: none yet...I am fully expecting them, though, b/c I feel like I am going to get huge eventually. I have been drinking lotion practically, so let's see what happens.

Heartburn: O.M.G. YES.SO.FRICKING.BAD. And RANDOM. Like I have eaten NOTHING spicy today, and it's so bad I am burping. Sexy, no? I haven't really had it for a few days, and today it's so bad...which means it'll be bad for the next week or so and then I won't have any for a few days. Weird, random, unpredictable, and Tums and I are now best friends. I have had heartburn more since August than I have had in my WHOLE.LIFE. Can you tell heartburn is the bain of my existence?

Food: I have noticed that I am less hungry than I was in the beginning. I was RAVENOUS in the beginning, and now I have a normal appetite, thankfully.

Lilo...sigh...you don't even have to be an RO to buy that Diet Coke...I have had to wean myself, but I am still at 2-3 a week!:D

a_spark---glad you passed the GT!

Becky...I totally just want to rub your belly. It's so way cute!

mlfallis

01-12-2010, 04:29 PM

Melissa - That is a most excellent question, b/c I was last time too and I only got one dose of the abx (all they had time to get in me) and they MESSED ME UP, and I think they affected Adelyn too.

Sorry you feel it affect Adelyn, but I must say it is nice to hear someone else say it. A year ago when I was dealing with 6 months of EI and Kyle admitted to the hospital with pneumonia at just over a year old I knew that those stupid drugs during labour had to have effected him. I had 5 doses before he was born, I was induced. My MW can't believe how many I had. I was going to ask my MW on Thursday I will let you know what she said. Have you asked yet about it?

Parrothead

01-12-2010, 05:28 PM

Had my 1 hour GTT today. Crossing my fingers that I passed. I was very happy to only be up 2lbs since last appointment, given I gained 5lbs between my last appointment. Overall, I think that I am up about 17. With DD#1 and DD#2 I gained 27lbs each time and hope to do the same with DD#3.

I have been having a lot of contractions this afternoon, 5 solid ones in 45 minutes of Costco shopping so I think that was my last Costco trip. I told the OB I was having a lot of contractions with this baby and she said that 5 in an hour was too much. So, I am taking it easy for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

I am curious to see what happens with this baby when it comes to due date. Per my LMP, I am due 4/16 and am 26w4d. But, per my calcs, I am due 4/23 and am 25w4d (I was using OPKs and know when I ovulated). But, the dr. said that they will go with the 4/16 due date. So, I am wondering what they'll do when/if 4/16 comes and goes and the baby is not here. How long before they'll induce me? We'll see! DD#1 was 10 days early and DD#2 was 2 days early so we'll see if we even get there!

Gia

01-12-2010, 06:24 PM

Parrothead- Hope you pass the GTT!

aspark- That's great news about passing the GTT! What a relief for you.

MSH- Great news about the ultrasound!

Becky- My belly looks EXACTLY like yours! It's really narrow and I have those same muscle things going on at the bottom too. My sister says it looks like those fake bellies you try on in the maternity stores 'cause it just sticks out all in front with nothing on the sides.

Taurus- Thanks for the tips on the heart burn. I tried milk last night before bed and I think it helped!

Eloo

01-13-2010, 05:08 AM

Good luck to all of you taking the GTT! I go in for mine next Wednesday.

Linea negra - I never got one with DS and I don't see any signs of one with this pregnancy either.

Stretch marks - Oh dear lord, I looked like I got mauled by a bear by the end of my pregnancy with DS. I didn't have a single one until 28 weeks and then they just exploded. Everywhere. Needless to say, they're still there and I'm curious to see if they get any worse. I hope not!!!

Heartburn - Definitely! I find that some sort of dairy product works really well to help make it manageable.

Food - I definitely go through periods where I could care less about food and other times where I'm starving 45 minutes after a meal.

Becky - I'm going to have to be the dissenter and say that I think you're having a girl. I'm convinced!!

AFM - The past week has been HORRIBLE. Last Thursday DS woke up covered in vomit and proceeded to throw up every half hour the majority of the day. I ended up taking him to the ER because he was grey and lethargic. After a baby dose of Zofran and an IV he was feeling much better and we were sent home. Fast forward to Friday night, I started vomiting and was followed by DH shortly thereafter. It took until Sunday afternoon for us to be a puke free house. It was AWFUL! We've never had to deal with both parents being sick, with a sick kid. Luckily my mom came down to stay with us and take care of DS.

In baby news, I ordered my double stroller. I got a Bumbleride Indie Twin. I'm sooo excited to get it and try it out! No retailers around me carry it, so I'm hoping I like it. I also ordered a new car seat and the nursery set.

Here is the stroller:

http://www.bumbleride.com/collection2009/images/indie-twn-sg.jpg

Here is the bedding set from PBK:
http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/morgan-nursery-bedding-pink/?pkey=bgirls-nursery-bedding
ETA: The picture was HUGE so here's the link...

newmommy

01-13-2010, 05:45 AM

ElooI love that double! It looks light enough for the mall, but sturdy enough to go walking!!

I am going to try to post pics of the bedding we bought the baby...here goes!!!

http://www.cottontaledesigns.com/collections/lollipops-and-roses.html

Here is the nursery furniture we bought:

http://http://www.creationsbaby.com/index.cfm/do/groups.main/CollectionId/4/Venezia

Ironically the furniture has the exact same bedding we chose!!

a_spark

01-13-2010, 05:50 AM

LOL, Becky, I thought I was a goner, too! I was already pretty much in acceptance of the diagnosis, so I had to make the nurse repeat herself when she said I passed.

RLS Does anyone else have this problem at night? At least, I think it's RLS. All I know is, I keep waking up in the middle of the night and my legs feel achy and stiff and I really want to walk around and stretch and cannot get comfortable. I have a body pillow and all that, I just... ugh, it's the weirdest sensation.

MrsBeckyLP

01-13-2010, 06:45 AM

becky You know, I had a rash like that about a year ago and the dermatologist said sometimes it happens under rings when soap gets trapped and the skin becomes irritated by the soap and the moisture and warmth of being under your jewelry.

I forgot to comment on this yesterday. I thought that was the problem when the rash occurred the first time, but then when I wore the ring for just a few hours on Saturday and the rash reappeared -- and I was really careful to keep it and my finger dry -- it made me think that wasn't it.

Becky- My belly looks EXACTLY like yours! It's really narrow and I have those same muscle things going on at the bottom too. My sister says it looks like those fake bellies you try on in the maternity stores 'cause it just sticks out all in front with nothing on the sides.

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one! You typically see more roundness in a pregnant belly, you know? I met with some good friends last weekend and they were marveling at its shape (I lifted my shirt to show them when they were commenting on my belly).

Eloo- I'm sorry to hear everyone in your house was sick. That sounds horrible. :( Oh, and nice stroller!

newmommy- Can't see the furniture, but the bedding is really pretty!

I'm so excited for warmer weather! Our forecast calls for temps in the mid and upper 30s for the foreseeable future. Yay!!!! Anyone else warming up a bit? I can finally get my car washed without worrying about it freezing shut.

newmommy

01-13-2010, 06:54 AM

Becky: Thanks!! As for a warming trend, we're having one here too!! Yesterday when I woke up it was 15 degrees...and by the weekend it should be in the 40's!!!!! I'm looking forward to this snow melting! I slip on ice daily!!

I'll try the furniture again--although this isn't the exact set. I bought that crib(which converts), a different bureau with mirror, and an armoire...oh and a chandelier!!!

http://http://www.creationsbaby.com/index.cfm/do/groups.main/CollectionId/4/Venezia

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xr5/R-100665765/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

mamax2

01-13-2010, 07:04 AM

eloo, newmommy & parrothead ~ Love all your bedding choices! Really nice looking stuff! Stephanie ~ your furniture link didn't work for me, but I'm sure it's beautiful too. Can't wait to see all the finished nurseries.

mlfallis & Tisha ~ I was GBS+ in my 2nd pregnancy as well. Actually, it was first discovered in a UTI at around 10 weeks. So, I was highly colonized. I didn't get to the hospital in time to get ABX and I had none of the risk factors like PROM, fever, etc. My water literally broke on the first push and baby was out 2 pushes later, so her risk was practically nothing. I did stay 2 nights for observation of baby, but I'm so glad I didn't get the ABX. This time, I'm about to start my probiotics again and if I do test + again, I'll try to avoid the ABX as long as I don't have risk factors.

I've decided that I'm going to paint the nursery even though we're putting our house on the market. For all I know, it could be months (or more) before it sells or maybe we'll get lucky and the economy will turn-around and we won't have to sell after all. I'd just like the room done, even if we don't get to stay here for long. It's just a one-day project, right? It's going to be Blue Ice:
http://www.myperfectcolor.com/v/vspfiles/photos/MPC0006751-2T.jpg

Lots of work to catch up on the next few days. It's been one week and I haven't heard back from my MW about my GTT, so I guess I passed. She said they'd only call w/bad news, so no news is good news in this case!

lilo

01-13-2010, 08:48 AM

mamax2: That's a very pretty color blue. We're hoping to sell our place by the end of this year too but that won't stop me from going all out on the nursery. Like you said, you never know how long these things could take!

Mrs Becky: I keep meaning to say that I think you're having another girl too! Sometimes when I look down at my belly, it has that same torpedo shape, which I definitely didn't have with DS. Actually another friend of mine also had that torpedo shape and it was a girl as well.

I finally hit the gym last night! Woohoo! ;) And I even managed to break a little bit of a sweat. It felt good just to be in there and get my muscles going again. Hopefully I can keep it up. I think my cold is almost gone so I am happy about that. A few more days until my GTT test so keep your fingers crossed for me! I'll be glad to get it over with but hopefully I will pass.

Adrianna: Glad I'm not the only one enjoying a caffeine fix every now and again. Sometimes I just have to have it, you know? At least I've been good and have stayed away from sushi! Just a few more months until I can have my spicy tuna roll again. :D

Selling Maternity Clothing: Anyone else anxious to sell their maternity clothing already? I think I'm going to sell some of my smaller stuff on Ebay now so I'm not overwhelmed during my maternity leave to sell everything. I would start selling DS baby clothing but I want to be 100% sure baby girl is a baby girl so that will have to wait until she is here. It will be great to sell it all though since I have sooo many bins of clothing and some of clothing, he's never worn!

beetle

01-13-2010, 09:34 AM

Congrats, a_spark, on passing the 3-hour GTT! I know that's got to be a big relief.

Beautiful bedding, newmommy! I'm so happy that you get to do a girly nursery. :)

Eloo, I'm so sorry for the miserable sickness y'all dealt with. Hope everyone's feeling solidly healthy now. So glad you had some family help. I can't imagine trying to care for a sick child with both you and DH sick. Great-looking stroller, and beautiful bedding choice!

GBS - I showed up GBS+ in an early urine test, which I understand means I'm considered highly colonized. I'm pretty bummed about it. I really want a natural birth, and part of my plan was to labor at home for as long as possible before heading to the hospital. That doesn't seem very likely if I have to try to get in the ABX doses before delivering. I'm going to have to do some more reasearch on this and figure out whether to possibly skip the ABX if I don't have any of the risk factors, as mamax2 mentioned. I also need to better understand how the ABX could affect me and the baby. It concerns me that a couple of you seem to have experienced lingering problems.

Anyone on here cloth diaper or plan to? I'm planning to CD and am pretty excited about having just ordered our starting stash. I found all the choices to be pretty overwhelming at first, but I did a lot of reading and talked to a friend who is CDing her second baby. I think I've ordered a good range to get us through the first couple/three months and hopefully figure out what we like best.

SunnySideUp

01-13-2010, 10:36 AM

Who had the ring rash? When I gained weight a few years ago, I started to get a horrible rash under my ring. It ended up being a fungal infection from water getting trapped under there, and obviously because the ring was too tight.

warming up - Well, the weather is def warming up. After a couple weeks of below 40* weather, we're back up to the mid 60s today and we'll be in the high 70's by Saturday. It should stay that way for a bit. It's very short lived here, but I love the cold weather when we have it.

nursery - Well, there is too much to be done in the "nursery" before I can get to work on painting and stuff, so I'm starting on the guest bathroom. It will be baby's bathroom, too, but I don't want it to look like a kids bathroom. I bought some nice pink and neutral colors and a beautiful painting from TJ Maxx t put on the wall. I'm going to put different size candles on the counters and paint the walls brown with pink accents. I think I'm going to go with a pink/brown trend in the nursery as well. I'm thinking brown walls with different size pink circles and then a pink accent wall with brown circles. I'm getting excited.

selling maternity clothes - I'm probably going to put them all away for a little bit. I plan to get on a serious exercise plan after baby is born. I am determined to have a different body than I have for the past 7 years. While I am thrilled to have the motivation, It probably means none of these maternity clothes will fit me for baby #2. We'll see.

cloth diapers - I kind of wanted to at first, but I am NOT a laundry person. I HATE doing laundry, lol. And somehow, I am ALWAYS doing laundry. Also, BF was really not into it and it's one of those things that seems pretty difficult if both parents aren't willing to put everything into it.

baby food - Anyone planning to make their own?

mamax2

01-13-2010, 11:32 AM

Selling Maternity Clothing ~ Yes!! I'm going to get all my summer stuff together and photograph and list it this weekend. Whatever doesn't sell, I have someone on Freecycle who's waiting for it.

CDs ~ Yes, I do! My Mom helps with childcare when I work and she won't use them (although I wore them as a baby so who knows why? :confused: ) So, I have been picking up packs of disposables when they are on sale & w/coupons to have for back up. Also, although this little guy is measuring a pretty good size, my 2nd DD was small (6lbs 13oz) and it took a while before she really filled out her CDs. I didn't have that problem w/my first DD though as she was 8lbs 2oz and seemed to grow exponentially over night! :p

Baby food ~ Yes, I make my own. It's super easy and saves a lot of money. I don't grind my own grains for the cereals or anything like that though. Just the fruits & veggies. I'll have to make stuff ahead at the end of the summer while veggies are still in season here. Hopefully I'll remember to do that!

MrsBeckyLP

01-13-2010, 11:44 AM

Who had the ring rash? When I gained weight a few years ago, I started to get a horrible rash under my ring. It ended up being a fungal infection from water getting trapped under there, and obviously because the ring was too tight.

That was me. I actually just commented on it earlier today, because a_spark suggested the same problem. I thought that might have been it the first time, but when I wore my ring for just a few hours on Saturday (and I had washed it well since I'd last worn it), I made sure to keep it dry, and the rash still started to reappear. :confused:

Selling clothes- We're not 100 percent certain we're done having babies, so I'll wait a while.

Speaking of clothes, I can't find a pair of my maternity jeans that are bigger, so very comfortable for the third trimester. I know I got them out of the bin and washed them at the beginning of my pregnancy, but they're nowhere to be found. I'm pretty bummed, because my demi panel jeans are now way too uncomfortable, so that means I only have two pairs of jeans that fit.

Making baby food- I had thought about it with DD, but I never found the time with working FT. And then she never really ate baby food anyway, so it would have been a huge waste of time! But I might give it a try this time if this kid will eat purees.

DH is having a guy come over tonight to give us a bid on finishing that bedroom in our basement. I'm pretty excited, because that means I can get going on transitioning DD to the big girl bed and setting up the nursery! I might look at crib bedding options "just for fun." I hope to have the basement bedroom done by the time I stop working Feb. 25.

I was reading through the "nursing bras for large-chested women" thread (not that my boobs are that big, but I was bored), and for some reason I started thinking about doing the newborn thing all over again, and I got really excited. I can't wait to have this baby in my arms, to feed and nurture, snuggle, etc. :D

amew

01-13-2010, 11:56 AM

I am woefully behind on shout outs, so I won't even try to catch up completely!

a_spark -- Congrats on passing the GTT!

Becky -- Cute belly!

Eloo -- Yay for a new stroller and carseat! I love the look of the Indie Twin, and I've seen it in person at my Buy Buy Baby (I don't recall whether I pushed it, though). I am still trying to decide whether we need to get a side-by-side or whether we should just get a sit-n-stand given DS1's age.

newmommy -- How fun to be doing a girly nursery with a chandelier after two boys!

mamax2 -- Love the wall color! Our nursery is actually a similar color. I so hope that things turn around for you guys soon, and you are able to avoid an unwanted move.

Lilo -- The gym! Wow, I'm impressed...

beetle -- Ugh, sorry to hear about the GBS. I did not test positive last time so I have no experience with the antibiotics to share, but I can tell you that I had more or less decided to skip the abx even if I was positive, as I am terribly allergic to almost all abx, including the three most commonly given for GBS. I think there are some natural remedies for GBS you could try if you are interested.

warming up - We are back to highs in the 50s and 60s after a good week or two of freezing or near freezing temps (not cold for some of you I know, but very cold for Central Texas). Though I was just hit with freezing drizzle walking back from lunch, so I am not too impressed yet...

nursery - The walls were already a lovely shade of blue similar to what mamax2 posted when we moved into the house two years ago (the room has been a guest room up until now). DS1's old nursery furniture--a white crib and changing table and blue and white polka dot glider--has already been moved into the nursery. We are doing the room in navy, light blue, white, and lime green. I have the crib bedding (just white pique with navy trim) already, and we have a navy twin bed frame and a striped duvet on order to put in the room as well. Then we need to find curtains, clean out the closet, and work on the art for the walls and random decorative touches. So we have a good start, but still plenty to do.

selling maternity clothes - I suspect I will hang on to most of them *just in case* we get a hankering for a third in a few years...

cloth diapers - I am thinking of buying a few in newborn sizes to use when we are just hanging around the house while I am on maternity leave, but with two demanding full-time jobs and two little ones, I just cannot commit to a choice that results in more laundry or work for us, even if it's fairly minimal. I feel bad about that, as we generally try to make natural and green choices, but I think in this particular case it would negatively impact our sanity. Plus I don't think our day care would go for it. Though maybe I should look into diaper services...

baby food - I made all of DS1's purees and will do so for this baby as well. I would make big batches of 3-4 different purees every other Sunday, freeze them in silicon mini muffin pans, then pop them out and put them in my freezer in plastic bags to take out as we needed them. I gave our day care bags of frozen purees for them to give DS as needed as well. It worked great and was super easy. I received some Beaba baby food trays for Christmas, so I am anxious to try them this time around .

mlfallis

01-13-2010, 12:42 PM

Selling maternity clothes: So far we are going with the flow of this not being our last. I will keep them until we are sure we are done.

Cloth diapers: #1 was CD for 2 years, so we will be doing it again. I was sad when we stopped with him, but the rise on the diapers were no longer long enough and I was tired of getting plumber butt.

baby food: i made everything he ate when he was small. I want to do that again. I have gotten away for all organic since it is harder this time of year, but I want to get back on that bandwagon.

MrsBeckyLP

01-13-2010, 01:27 PM

Melissa- I didn't know you'd stopped CDing K? I know you hated sposies when you visited your brother a while back, so I bet it's painful for you! ;) I'm not surprised to hear they just don't fit him anymore, though. He's a tall kid!

Taurus

01-13-2010, 02:14 PM

Baby food ~ Yes, I make my own. It's super easy and saves a lot of money. I don't grind my own grains for the cereals or anything like that though. Just the fruits & veggies. I'll have to make stuff ahead at the end of the summer while veggies are still in season here. Hopefully I'll remember to do that!

Ditto. Though I did a little less homemade with #2 than with #1 (used more jars for going out) just because I was so much more tired and busy with #2 (I had them both home with no school or anything for DS2's first year.) I am looking forward to doing it again.

mlfallis

01-13-2010, 05:16 PM

Becky: By the time we finished the sposies pack, K had another growth spurt and the plumber crack was almost always there. MSH even measured diapers to see it any had a longer rise, but they didn't. I hate the smell of them, I can smell K from teh other side of the room. PG nose isn't helping it either.

MrsBeckyLP

01-13-2010, 05:24 PM

I hate the smell of them, I can smell K from teh other side of the room. PG nose isn't helping it either.

Hopefully you'll get used to the smell; it's not something I really notice, though I do know what smell you're talking about.

I'm worried we might be headed down the road Eloo's family was on last weekend. DD started puking two hours ago, puked up everything she had in her, and has been sleeping then waking up to dry heave, then going back to sleep. DH decided he'll camp out with her on the living room floor tonight. Poor kid. :( Both DH and I said our stomachs feel queasy; neither of us have eaten dinner, and neither of us feel like it.

Gia

01-14-2010, 08:10 AM

MrsBecky- Oh no! I am sorry your DD is sick. I hope you don't all get it.

Eloo- I am sorry you have all been sick too. I LOVE your stroller, by the way. It is often recommended by twin moms (I know it only takes one infant seat though, so I am also getting a double snap and go frame for early on). I have my eye on a gently used indie twin from Craigslist and I emailed her a few days ago to see if she would take a little less. She's letting me know by the end of the week. I am really hoping to get it!!!

Crib bedding: I love all of the crib bedding that was posted! We must all be seriously nesting, lol. I can't wait to see see photos of everyone's finished nurseries. We (I should say dh and MIL) ended up painting our nursery walls kind of a light stem green (I forget the name). They used the Benjamin Moore Natura paint and I definitely recommend it. It was a little $$$ but I was concerned about paint fumes since I can't leave the house and it has been way too cold here to open windows. The paint had ZERO fumes and dh said it covered really well. They painted our hallway bath too.

Selling maternity clothes: It is so funny that this is one of the discussion topics. I woke up just this morning thinking "I can't WAIT to sell or give away these maternity clothes!!" I think I am just so sick of everything I have. I didn't buy much, so I am wearing the same things over and over. I find it hard to justify buying more since I only leave the house for Dr appointments. I probably SHOULD hold onto them, b/c we haven't decided 100% that this will be my first/only/last pg.... but I'd love to just get rid of them.

mimieliza

01-14-2010, 09:17 AM

Cloth diapers - We used CDs for DD - I'm looking forward to getting our newborn dipes out and washed up. I think we'll get a few more as well - Kissaluvs and BumGenius One Size.

Baby food - I don't make it. Jars are fine and easy. We use Earths Best. I moved DD pretty quickly to small bites of grown up food anyway.

Selling maternity clothes - I haven't thought about it yet. I'm more overwhelmed by the idea of needing to sell all of DD's clothes. We probably have ten bins in our garage of outgrown girl clothes newborn-2T.

Nursery - I'm waiting until we move at the end of February. With the move, I'm not sure how much will get done on the nursery before the baby arrives. We will use a co-sleeper in our room to begin with anyway.

GBS - I was GBS+ with DD and ended up getting a fricking ton of abx, between that and my eventual c-section. I'm also allergic to penicillin, so I often end up on some crazy strange abx instead. I ended up with a case of thrush that made nursing the most painful thing I have ever experienced (MUCH more painful than any part of the c-section recovery). It took six weeks to get it diagnosed and treated properly - I was on Diflucan for a month.

So anyway, I'm having a c-sec again, so I'm assuming there's no way to avoid abx. Maybe I won't be on them as long since I won't have 16 hours of labor as well. I'm just going to be really on top of making sure we are thrush free - I'm thinking of asking the doctor if I can just plan to take Diflucan to prevent it.

beetle

01-14-2010, 09:47 AM

Had my GTT this morning, along with the normal OB appointment. Hopefully I passed easily and won't have to worry about that. Also had a second antibodies check and am scheduled to go in on Monday for a Rhogam shot. Asked the doc about that weird sore spot high on my belly, and as I suspected, he thinks it's nerve-related. He thinks that as the two main vertical abdominal muscles stretch, the one on the right side is pinching a nerve. Nothing to do about it, of course. Just an annoying symptom I'll have to live with. Uterus is measuring at about 33 weeks, so a little ahead. I'm not surprised, as baby has been very high up in my ribs.

Baby food - We're planning to make our own. In fact, my parents bought us a Beaba baby food cooker for Christmas. Not sure how useful it will be, but it is supposed to steam and process baby food in the same machine.

GBS - I am really interested in finding out more about natural methods I can try to eliminate GBS before I go into labor... I can do some research, but anyone have any personal experience with something that has worked?

Maternity clothes - I plan to hang on to mine for a while. Because we're likely to continue to face major IF issues and would have to go through more IVF for any future pregnancies, we're not sure what the future holds. But I will hang on to them for a while in case we do have another pregnancy.

Becky, I meant to mention earlier that you really do have a cute belly. Mine is so much wider, and I look like I have no waist at all. You still have such a nice, trim waist/hip area!

ETA: Rhogam shot appointment 1/18, Next OB appointment 2/4.

MrsBeckyLP

01-14-2010, 10:08 AM

So anyway, I'm having a c-sec again, so I'm assuming there's no way to avoid abx. Maybe I won't be on them as long since I won't have 16 hours of labor as well. I'm just going to be really on top of making sure we are thrush free - I'm thinking of asking the doctor if I can just plan to take Diflucan to prevent it.

I think I remember my OB telling me you only need the abx for a vaginal delivery, since that's where the bacteria is located, and that's not an issue with a c-section. If your water has broken or labor has started, then I think that changes things.

Parrothead

01-14-2010, 10:38 AM

Passed my GTT! WOO HOO!!!!!

SunnySideUp

01-14-2010, 11:20 AM

Adrianna

01-14-2010, 12:48 PM

Someone PLEASE take the internet away from me...I have been reading birth stories and watching photo montages of births, and I am crying. Would be fine if I WERE NOT AT WORK!!!!!!!!

:)

mamax2

01-14-2010, 03:25 PM

GBS - I worry about this a bit. I am SERIOUSLY prone to yeast infections. When I take abx I end up with a traditional yeast infection w/in 24 hours and a fungal rash on my breasts. It's awful. I also get the rash on my breasts when I eat too much white processed carbs or sugar. I have a serious over production on candida in my body. Is there anyway to prevent GBS+? I don't know a lot about it.

Being prone to yeast infections doesn't make you more likely to be GBS+ It's the treatment for GBS (antibiotics) that will give you the YI. If you were to be GBS+, you would have to decide whether you even want the antibiotics and if you got them, you should probably take steps in advance to help negate their effects.

mimieliza ~ Does everyone w/a c-section get abx? I'm guessing so since it's major surgery, right? It's not because of the GBS, just the surgery itself?

Beetle ~ Probiotics should help. There are some other natural remedies, but it depends on how far you want to go. I can pull up my old info. and if you want me to do that, just let me know and I'll share it with you.

My FIL just arrived with the crib mattress - yay! I desperately want to paint the nursery now too, but he's helping DH w/the attic this weekend so I guess that will have to wait.

Steve's Sweety

01-14-2010, 03:34 PM

Sorry you feel it affect Adelyn, but I must say it is nice to hear someone else say it. A year ago when I was dealing with 6 months of EI and Kyle admitted to the hospital with pneumonia at just over a year old I knew that those stupid drugs during labour had to have effected him. I had 5 doses before he was born, I was induced. My MW can't believe how many I had. I was going to ask my MW on Thursday I will let you know what she said. Have you asked yet about it?OMG, I can't believe how many you had either. Yes, let me know what your MW says, I have not asked mine but I'd bet she'd say she doesn't think so, I just wouldn't buy it. ;)

mlfallis & Tisha ~ I was GBS+ in my 2nd pregnancy as well. Actually, it was first discovered in a UTI at around 10 weeks. So, I was highly colonized. I didn't get to the hospital in time to get ABX and I had none of the risk factors like PROM, fever, etc. My water literally broke on the first push and baby was out 2 pushes later, so her risk was practically nothing. I did stay 2 nights for observation of baby, but I'm so glad I didn't get the ABX. This time, I'm about to start my probiotics again and if I do test + again, I'll try to avoid the ABX as long as I don't have risk factors.Not that this will happen to you with the GTT, but I just have to share that I thought my MW office had the no news is good news policy but with DD I had my GBS test and assumed I was all in the clear, then got hit with the news when I went in for my next appt. I started crying instantly b/c I am terrified of IV's and wanted no interventions.
And, I didn't realize fever was a risk factor, no one told me that when I called the office the day I went into labor thinking that I was coming down with something and ended up developing a fever while I was in labor. :rolleyes: I delivered 2 hrs after I checked into the hospital so I don't know how much of the ABX DD got, but I am convinced it was enough to mess w/ her system. I'll have to look into how the probiotics can help and if there is anything else I can do to avoid it this time.

SSU - This LO weighed in at 12 oz and that is the biggest of my babies at the scan so far, DS was 9 oz, DD was 11. I know DS's scan was only around 19W and I think DD's may have been a littler earlier than this one too. Those fetal weight estimates can be pretty off though, I've known so many people whose were near delivery time anyway.

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

So I think I might have been wrong about the GTT this week, shame I'm too lazy to get my paperwork out and look. :o But I figure it must be in the next couple wks instead since I'm only 23 wks and you girls are all farther that are saying you took it.

a_spark

01-14-2010, 04:20 PM

ABX with c-section Yep, as far as I know you automatically get abx with a section. Which led to DD and I having MONTHS of raging thrush, ugh! Thrush is the worst! I second the recommendation for probiotics.

cloth diapering I'm so excited to CD again! I didn't start with DD until she was about 5 months old, but this time I'm planning on starting from the beginning. My favorite diapers were the BumGenius with inserts, so I ordered a 12-pack of the 3.0 one-size diapers.

making baby food We did this some, though not as much as I'd have liked.

GBS I hope that everyone, myself included, test negative for this! All these tests are nerve-wracking.

parrothead Yay on passing the GTT!!

MSH

01-14-2010, 04:27 PM

Cloth diapers - We do!! Would seem strange otherwise as we have a business selling them, lol. We have used CDs on both our boys from the beginning and will do the same with DS3. I remember when I first mentioned it to DH and our family they thought I had gone off the deep end but once they tried them they were all on board.

Baby food - I think in total we have used 3 jars of store bought food for the two boys. I just found it so easy to just puree whatever I was already making for lunch/dinner/snack. DS1 actually refused jared food and after I tasted it I can't blame him, even though I know there is a huge difference from brand to brand.

Selling maternity clothes - Some of mine have gone through 3 PGcies so they need to be tossed, the rest will be saved in case there is a #4

Nursery - This baby will co-sleep with us in the beginning just as the other two and then move into the nursery when DS2 transitions into DS1s room.

Taurus

01-14-2010, 04:34 PM

Do all you CD-ers think a toilet sprayer is required? My CD-ing friend does, but I'd rather not invest a lot in CDing (especially initially) if we decide to do it with this one.

beetle

01-14-2010, 04:39 PM

Taurus - I have a couple friends that CD, and both said they haven't yet needed a sprayer. Breast milk poo can just be left in the diaper pail and comes out in the wash. From what I've read/heard, a sprayer is something you'd need later, if at all.

mimieliza

01-14-2010, 04:48 PM

Does everyone w/a c-section get abx? I'm guessing so since it's major surgery, right? It's not because of the GBS, just the surgery itself?

I'm pretty sure that's the case. With that type of surgery, I definitely understand the need for antibiotics, but I will do anything to avoid the thrush this time.

The problem is that most people seem to feel that nursing just plain hurts at first anyway. I was having pain by the time I left the hospital, and I just assumed it was "normal" nursing pain. But it just DID NOT GO AWAY. And then you get all the lovely assumptions that you are somehow "doing it wrong." :rolleyes: So I spent weeks suffering and trying to "correct" DD's latch which was perfect anyway. I didn't have any symptoms other than red, cracked, painful nipples. I started to think it might be thrush thanks to help at mothering.com and kellymom.com. I asked about it at a ped appt. DD never got thrush in her mouth, but the pediatrician started her on Nystatin anyway, which did nothing for my pain. When I burst into tears at my six week PP appt (and told my doc I was still taking Vicodin just to get through the pain of nursing), my doctor took it really seriously. I felt better 24 hours after my first dose of Diflucan. But I needed to keep taking it for a month - if I stopped, the thrush would come back.

Not trying to scare any first-time moms, it really does not have to be that bad. If it hurts so bad that you are crying, it's too much. Get help! And ask for Diflucan right away if you think there is anyway it might be thrush (especially if you end up having abx during or after labor). I found that my OB was a better resource for dealing with it than either the LCs or DD's pediatrician.

MrsBeckyLP

01-14-2010, 05:18 PM

mimieliza ~ Does everyone w/a c-section get abx? I'm guessing so since it's major surgery, right? It's not because of the GBS, just the surgery itself?

ABX with c-section Yep, as far as I know you automatically get abx with a section.

I'm pretty sure that's the case. With that type of surgery, I definitely understand the need for antibiotics, but I will do anything to avoid the thrush this time.

You guys are right. I was in a rush when I typed my response earlier (DD is still sick, and she started to whine before I could re-read what I wrote and really, what I was responding to). Being GBS+ doesn't matter when you're having a c-section, so the abx are purely because of the surgery aspect. Sorry I wasn't clear -- I blame it on mommy and pregnancy brain! (Sometimes I think it's a bitch having the two of those at the same time!) However, I stand by my statement that you'd need abx before the c-section if your water has broken.

Thrush and abx- I remember when DD was a few weeks old I thought we had thrush, and I was mentally blaming it on the fact that I'd had abx in the hospital because of my c-section (see, I did know they give abx to women with c-sections! :p). But when we went in to see the LC, she said we didn't, just that our latch wasn't great and that the pain in my boobs I was feeling all the time was letdown. I started taking a probiotic anyway, and that probiotic really helped with my, um, digestive health.

mimieliza and a_spark- I'm sorry you guys both had to deal with such bad cases of thrush. Hopefully you'll be able to avoid it this time. I had recurrent plugged ducts early on, and they were so painful. I actually took lecithin from the time DD was a few weeks old until she was about 9 months and I was confident we were over the worst. Once I started taking the lecithin I didn't get another plugged duct, so I plan to start taking it this time as soon as my milk comes in.

SunnySideUp

01-15-2010, 05:20 AM

mamax2 - thank you for explaining that. I never really understood. I knew it was a form of strep that can grown in your vagina, but I was sure how I could avoid it, or if I could. I'm going to talk to my dr today to get more info.

Dr appt today, and then I'm going to get things together for the weekend. I am trying to get this place pretty clean so I don't have to do anything around here over the weekend. I seem to have a bit of energy right now.

Baby has been moving like crazy the past 24 hours. She kicks and turns and wiggles. It's the coolest thing. I can't wait to hear her heartbeat today!!!

mamax2

01-15-2010, 06:01 AM

mamax2 - thank you for explaining that. I never really understood. I knew it was a form of strep that can grown in your vagina, but I was sure how I could avoid it, or if I could. I'm going to talk to my dr today to get more info.

It can really be present in lots of places - vagina (where it is often transmitted from the rectum, which makes sense since it comes from the intestinal tract) or you can have it up in your urinary tract (which is what I had). A Dr. will *most likely* tell you there's nothing you can do to avoid GBS and that's somewhat true as it is a transient bacteria that comes and goes in women any time - pg or not. In fact, testing for GBS in late pregnancy isn't even a perfect system because you could test negative at 37 weeks, but be positive by the time you deliver at 40 weeks. Vice versa is also true. This is why I believe (as do many MWs) that management based upon presentation of risk factors is more effective since that's a better representation of your health at the time of L&D and that's really what matters.

Here are some ways to prevent GBS or alternative treatment:

1. Consume probiotics and fermented foods throughout the pregnancy. These include food items such as yogurt and kefir.
2.Take acidophilus pearls of at least 100 million to 1 billion lactobacillus units throughout pregnancy. It is important to take acidophilus in pearl form, as these reach the intestines before dissolving and that is the area you want to treat. Acidophilus can also be inserted into the vagina.
3.Take a daily dose of 250 to 2000 mg of vitamin C, one zinc capsule, one garlic capsule and three cranberry capsules spread out through the day.
4. Alternate 10 days on/10 days off with two echinacea capsules two to four times daily and three teaspoons of colloidal silver between meals (holding liquid in mouth for as long as possible before swallowing),
5. Insert a peeled clove of garlic into your vagina every night for one week before the Group B Strep test. Cut little slits in the surface of the clove of garlic to allow the oils to escape.
6. Insert a tampon soaked in 2 percent tea tree essential oil and 98 percent olive oil. Leave the tampon in for 4 hours, repeat every day for one week prior to the Group B Strep test.
7. Rinse your vaginal area every six hours for one week before your GBS test with a chlorhexidine wash (which can be purchased from Walmart under the brand name Hibiclens), diluted as four tablespoons Hibiclens to 2 ¼ cups water.

I did the probiotics and I tried to do the Hibiclens, but my nosy Walgreens pharmacist wouldn't order it for me once I said it was recommended by my MW. She was apparently very anti-homebirth and even though I told her I was going to a hospital, she refused to order it :mad: Anyway, I was too nervous to try the garlic as I was afraid of walking around smelling like garlic :p

I need to get my probiotic pearls though. This has been a timely topic for me!