March Moms 2006 - Bring on the baby bellies!!!

[MarchMoms2006]

Welcome to the 2nd Trimester, Mommies!!!

We've got 48 BABIES, 4 SETS OF TWINS, 16 BOYS, 15 GIRLS, and 12 SURPRISES so far!!!

To join, please submit a post to this thread with the following information (in RED) or PM MarchMoms2006.

CC Name
Me: Name, age
DH: Name, age
Married: Date
TTC: Date (optional)
BFP: Date (optional)
EDD: Date

***Please also note if you have any other children, etc.

You can find our First Trimester thread here. (http://constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=1732&page=1&pp=10)

[MarchMoms2006]

ajb524 It's a BOY!!!
Me:Andrea, 24
DH: Jason, 27
Married: 05/24/03
TTC since January 05. Had laparoscopy in May to remove suspected endo. Conceived on first cycle after lap surgery.
EDD: 03/09/06

akwifeandmomma It's a SURPRISE!!!
I'm: Shanna, 24
DH: Nathan, 35
DS: Noah, 2, July 2, 2003
Married: April 27, 2002
TTC Date: January 2005
M/C: 05/12/05, 11 weeks, natural.
BFP: *faint* July 16, 2005, darker in the next few days. Confirmed with HCG of 8 on 07/19, more than tripled to 34 on 7/21.
EDD: 03/31/05 (According to my doc--I know I'm due a little later than that going by my O date, more like April 2...but figure I'll likely be a March momma!)

amychris03 It's a BOY!!!
Me: Amy, 29
DH: Chris, 35
Married: 6/21/03
TTC: 9/03
BFP: 7/13/05
EDD: 3/26/06

aprilshowers It's a SURPRISE!!!
Me: 31
DH: 31
Married: 4/03
TTC: 4/04 (m/c 9/04 & 3/05)
EDD: 3/2/2006

Bernie It's a BOY & a GIRL!!!
Me: Bernie
Age: 30
DH age: 34
Married: 1/03
TTC: 1/04
IVF #1: 6/05
Positive beta: 6/29/05
EDD: 3/8/06 (TWINS!)

Bernie & Matt
Me: Bernadette, 30
DH: Matt, 28
Married: June 15, 2002
DS: Carson, 1
TTC: Weren't really
BFP: July 18 and 20 (is it possible for the test line to be darker than the control )
EDD: March 26, 2006 (according to FF)

brooke It's a SURPRISE!!!
I'm: Brooke, 31
DH: Eamon, 36
Married: August 8, 2003
TTC: June 2005
BFP: June 28, 2005
EDD: March 3, 2006

bunny nose It's a BOY!!!
Me: Karen 35
DH: Jeff, 39
Married: 7-12-2002
TTC: Started TTC in Oct 2003
BFP: 7-11-2005- day before 3 year anniversary
EDD:3-16-2006

butterfly0202
I'm: Gabriella, 29
DH: Steven, 27
Married: September 18, 2004
BFP: June 29, 2005
EDD: March 6, 2006

ce_Kathleen It's a BOY!!!
me: Kathleen, 26
DH: Mike, 26
DS: Alexander (born 8/17/04)
TTC: 6/2005
EDD: 3/13/06

Christy5599 It's a SURPRISE!!!
Me: Amanda (Christy was my mom's name) 27
DH - Matt 30
Married 06-29-02
Off BCP - 01-03
TTC - 08-03
BFP 6-28-05
Due - 3-7-06

Dasha
Me: Sharon 38
DH-39
Married 11-28-03
TTC: Since December '03, m/c 11-04
DX: Undiagnosed infertility
BFP: 6-25-05
EDD: 3-6-06

dec27bride It's a GIRL!!!
Me: Ali/26
DH: Jay/30
Married: 12/27/02
TTC: 12/04
BFP: 6/20
EDD: 3/1/06

Elenitsa It's a GIRL!!!
Me: Eleni, 30
DH: Vasilis, 40
Married: 01.31.04
TTC: 06-2005
BFP: 06.26.2005
EDD: 03.10.2006

ellybella It's a BOY!!!
Me: 30
DH: 31
Married: 9/1/02
TTC: 1/04 winging it until mc 9/04, more focused thereafter
BFP: 7/14/05
EDD: 3/25/06

heidi0622 It's a SURPRISE!!!
Name: Heidi/29
DH: Mike/29
TTC: 03/04
Treatments: 50mg of Clomid this cycle and I had acupuncture for the past 3 months
M/C: 10/04 at 5.5wks
BFP: 7/12/05
EDD: 3/22/06
Guess on the sex: BOY (no clue why!)

honey_bee It's a SURPRISE!!!
Me: Melissa, 24
DH: George, 31
Married: 8.28.04
TTC: June 2005 (not really trying, just not preventing!)
BFP: July 8, 2005
EDD: March 10
1st DA: July 20

HSSweethearts It's a GIRL!!!
Me: Liza, 28
DH: Vincent, 28
Married: 4.28.02
TTC: April 2005
BFP: July 9, 2005
EDD: March 21

IUAlum It's a BOY!!!
Me: 28
DH: 28
Married: June 22, 2003
TTC: 4/05
BFP: 7/11, Beta 7/12
EDD: March 14, 2006 (according to yesterday's ultrasound)

Jen71 It's a BOY!!!
Me-Jen age 34
DH-Chris age 38
EDD: March 18,2006

JennW It's a BOY!!!
Me: Jenn, 26 (27 in Aug!)
DH: Paul, 31 (32 in Aug)
Married: 6-14-03
TTC: June 2005
BFP: July 12, 2005
EDD: March 25, 2006

JennZ It's a SURPRISE!!!
Me: Jennifer 35
DH: Kyle 38
Married: 7/08/2000
This will be baby number 3
EDD: March 9, 2006

Junkinmytrunk It's a BOY!!!
ME: Lisa ~ DH: Brian
MARRIED: 11-17-01
TTC: 6-03 (3 m/c's prior to this pregnancy -- thinking VERY sticky thoughts!)
BFP: 7-8-05
EDD: March 21, 2006

kalee
Me: Kathy, 31
DH: Andrew, 31
Married: 5/3/2003
TTC: May 2005
BFP: July 18, 2005
EDD: March 18, 2005

kat It's a BOY & a GIRL!!!
Age: 36
DH age: 40
Married: 9/02
TTC: 12/03
M/C in 10/04 at 5-6 weeks
IVF #1: 6/05
Positive beta: 6/23/05
EDD: 3/2/06

kdotp It's a SURPRISE!!!
Me: Kari, 26
DH: Nate, 29
Married: 9-6-03
TTC: 2-05 but we were supposed to be on a hiatus until Jan 06
M/C #1: 12/24/04 at 6w2d
M/C #2: 4/22/05 at 8w
BPF: 7/11/05
EDD: March 14

klm2klh It's TWO BOYS!!!
Me: Kristin
Married: September 15, 2001
EDD: March 26, 2006

Kristine80 It's a GIRL!!!
Me:Kristine, 24
DH: Jeff, 31
Married: 7.5.03
DD~Natalie Grace: 6.9.04
TTC: June 05
EDD: 3.11.06

Losthoosier It's a GIRL!!!
Me: Candace, 24
DH: Mario, 30
Married: July 3, 2004
TTC: Went Off BCP March 05 to see what happen
BFP: July 16
EDD: March 24

Lovin'it It's TWO GIRLS!!!
Me: Emma, 25
DH: Stace, 31
Married: Nov 16, 2001
TTC: April 2005
BFP: June 29, 2005
EDD: Mar 12, 2006

mom2amelia It's a SURPRISE!!!
Me: Cyndi, 36
DH: Rob, 38
Married: 5.26.02
TTC: March '04
DX: Unexplained 2ndary infertility
BPF: 7/4/05
EDD: March 15
DD: Amelia Grace 6.11.03

MrsCantDecide (MCD) It's a SURPRISE!!!
Name: Stefani/28
DH: Shane/31
Married: 5/4/02
TTC: 07/04
BFP: 7/18/05
EDD: 3/25/06

nicknack It's a SURPRISE!!!
Name: Nicole
DS: Brooks, 11/18/03
EDD: 3/16/06

Paulisgirl It's a GIRL!!!
Me: Sarah, 27
DH: Paul, 33
Married: 1/10/04
TTC: 2/05
BFP: 7/11/05
EDD: 3/22/05

phart It's a GIRL!!!
Me: Shannon, 30
DH: Alex, 29
Married: 05.25.02
DS: Aiden, 11.10.03
TTC: Eh, beginning of this year...on and off. 2 chemical pregnancies (unconfirmed by a MW/OB visit)
BFP: 7/11~~light line confirmed by MW/OB urine test and betas
EDD: end of March sometime

red_canuck It's a SURPRISE!!!
Me: Amanda, 25
DH: Rob, 27
Married: June 14, 2003
TTC: August 2003
BFP: July 13, 2005
EDD: March 17, 2006

samijo
Me: samijo, 29
DH: 31
Married: May 18, 2002
TTC: May 2005
BFP: June 28, 2005
EDD: March 6, 2006

ShannonGH It's a GIRL!!!
Me: Shannon, 28
DH: Burton, 32
Married: 10/19/02
TTC: 6/05
BFP: 7/13/05
EDD: 3/26/06

tgal It's a GIRL!!!
Me: Tara, 32
DH: Chris, 31
Married: 9/02
TTC: April 05
BFP: July 3, 2005
EDD: March 6, 2006

Tracie It's a BOY!!!
Me: Tracie, 28
DH: 30
Married: June 29, 2005
TTC: January 2005 (although we took a few months off - we tried for 5 cycles.)
BFP: July 7, 2005
EDD: March 15, 2006

tray622 It's a GIRL!!!
Me: Tracy, 24
DH: Mike, 27
Married: 6.22.02
DD: Zoey, 10.6.04 (9 months)
TTC: defintely werent...
BFP: 6.18.05
EDD: 2.25 - 3.2 ??

trm98 It's a BOY!!!
Me: TL, 30
DH: D, 28
Married: 6-22-02
TTC: April 2005
BFP: June 19, 2005 (Father's Day)
EDD: 3-1-06

tunibell It's a GIRL!!!
Me: Jessika, 31
DH: Peter, 29
Married: 6.12.04
TTC: 5.05
BFP: 7.8.05
EDD: 3.20.06 (based on ovulation)

yby1 It's a BOY!!!
Me: Yvette, 31
DH: Christopher, 34
Married: 9/15/2001
TTC: 10/2004
M/C: 3/8/02 @ 14w
M/C: 2/10/05 @ 8w
BFP: 7/3/05
EDD: 3/16/06

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
larslobster

[MarchMoms2006]

March 1-8
tray622 – 2/24-3/2
dec27bride - 3/1
trm98 – 3/1
aprilshowers – 3/2
kat – 3/2
brooke - 3/3
butterfly0202 - 3/6
Dasha – 3/6
Samijo - 3/6
tgal - 3/6
Christy5599 – 3/7
Bernie – 3/8

March 9-16
ajb524 – 3/9
Elenitsa – 3/10
honey_bee – 3/10
Kristine80 - 3/11
lovin'it - 3/12
ce_Kathleen – 3/13
IUAlum - 3/14
kdotp - 3/14
mom2amelia – 3/15
Tracie – 3/15
yby1 – 3/16
bunny nose - 3/16
nicknack - 3/16

March 17-24
red_canuck – 3/17
kalee – 3/18
Jen71 - 3/18
tunibell - 3/20
HSSweethearts – 3/21
Junkinmytrunk – 3/21
heidi0622 -3/22
paulisgirl - 3/22

March 25-31
Losthoosier - 3/24
ellybella - 3/25
MrsCantDecide (MCD) – 3/25
JennW – 3/25
Bernie&Matt - 3/26
klm2klh - 3/26
ShannonGH – 3/26
amychris03 – 3/26
akwifeandmomma - 3/31
phart - end of March...

[MarchMoms2006]

September
7th: ce_Kathleen (with OB), junkinmytrunk (OB)
8th: Bernie (OB), tunibell (NT test), trm98, kdotp (OB), Jenn W
10th: Elenitsa (MW)
13th: honey_bee
14th: tray622 (OB)
16th: Christy5599 (OB)
20th: honey_bee, tgal (quad test)
22nd: kat (OB)
23rd: ellybella (OB), tgal (OB)
27th: tunibell (OB, 1-hour glucose, AFP), dec27bride (BIG u/s)
29th: losthoosier (OB)

October
3rd: Tracie
4th: Bernie (BIG u/s), ajb524 (BIG u/s)
5th: tray622 (OB)
6th: kdotp (OB), JennW (OB, quad screen), aprilshowers (BIG u/s), trm98 (OB), heidi0622 (OB), kristine80 (OB), ce_kathleen (OB)
7th: trm98 (BIG u/s), ellybella (AFP)
8th: Elenitsa (MW)
11th: ce_kathleen (BIG u/s)
12th: Tracie (BIG u/s)
13th: Bernie (OB), kristine80 (BIG u/s)
14th: tray622 (BIG u/s)
17th: Christy5599 (BIG u/s), Elenitsa (BIG u/s), tgal (OB), brooke (OB)
18th: ajb524 (BIG u/s, Take 2)
19th: kat (OB)
20th: red_canuck (BIG u/s), Bernie (BIG u/s #2)
21st: ellybella (OB), brooke (u/s)
24th: honey_bee (BIG u/s), IUAlum (BIG u/s), junkinmytrunk (OB)
25th: ellybella (BIG u/s), tunibell (BIG u/s)
26th: junkinmytrunk (BIG u/s)
27th: MCD (OB), losthoosier (OB)
28th: MCD (BIG u/s), klm2klh (3D/4D u/s)
29th: JennW (BIG u/s)
31st: heidi0622 (BIG u/s), amychris03 (BIG u/s), kat (OB)

November
1st: kdotp (BIG u/s), trm98 (OB), yby1 (BIG u/s)
3rd: losthoosier (BIG u/s), ce_kathleen (OB), phart (BIG u/s)
9th: Bernie (OB)
14th: Christy5599 (OB)
16th: ShannonGH (BIG u/s)
18th: MCD (2nd BIG u/s)
21st: honey_bee (OB)

December
1st: tunibell (MW)
5th: Bernie (OB)

[MarchMoms2006]

9/27: dec27bride It's a GIRL!!!
10/4: Bernie It's a BOY & a GIRL!!!
10/6: aprilshowers It's a SURPRISE!!!
10/7: trm98 It's a BOY!!!, tgal It's a GIRL!!!
10/11: ce_kathleen It's a BOY!!!
10/12: Tracie It's a BOY!!!
10/13: kristine80 It's a GIRL!!!
10/14: tray622 It's a GIRL!!!
10/17: Christy5599 It's a SURPRISE!!!, Elenitsa It's a GIRL!!!
10/18: ajb524 It's a BOY!!!
10/19: kat It's a BOY & a GIRL!!!
10/20: red_canuck It's a SURPRISE!!!
10/21: brooke It's a SURPRISE!!!
10/24: honey_bee It's a SURPRISE!!!, IUAlum It's a BOY!!!
10/25: ellybella It's a BOY!!!, tunibell It's a GIRL!!!
10/26: junkinmytrunk It's a BOY!!!
10/28: MCD It's a SURPRISE!!!, klm2klh It's TWO BOYS!!!, HSSweethearts It's a GIRL!!!
10/29: JennW It's a BOY!!!
10/31: heidi0622 It's a SURPRISE!!!, amychris03 It's a BOY!!!
11/1: kdotp It's a SURPRISE!!!, yby1 It's a BOY!!!
11/3: losthoosier It's a GIRL!!!, phart It's a GIRL!!!
11/16: ShannonGH It's a GIRL!!!

[MarchMoms2006]

Please feel free to suggest others...

Parenting
www.sleepbaby.com
www.parentstages.com
www.inventiveparent.com
www.babywhisperer.com

Baby Shopping (nursery, baby equipment, toys, clothes, etc.)
www.armsreach.com
www.artforkids.com
www.arunningstroller.com
www.babiesrus.com
www.babybeddingtown.com
www.babydepot.com
www.babydilly.com
www.babyfit.com
www.babystyle.com
www.babysupermall.com
www.babyuniverse.com
www.bellini.com
www.bundleme.com
www.brattdecor.com
www.balmex.com
www.bugaboo.nl/us
www.babubabu.com
www.babysdream.com
www.babydelight.com
www.babytrilogy.com
www.babybuggy.com
www.boppy.com
www.babyserene.com
www.babytrend.com
www.badgerbasket.com
www.brandeedanielle.com
www.babybjorn.com
www.bareware.net
www.babyfeetjewelry.com
www.babybunk.com
www.burtsbees.com
www.carters.com
www.carouseldesigns.com
www.childrensplace.com
www.cececo.com
www.chariotcarriers.com
www.californicababy.com
www.designeroutlet.com
www.DreamDropsOnline.com
www.dreamtimebaby.com
www.distinctivenurseries.com
www.dreamerdesign.net
www.disneybaby.com
www.elegantbabygifts.com
www.forevermine.com
www.fisher-price.com
www.folkmanis.com
www.foreverinseason.com
www.gap.com
www.garnethill.com
www.gotoyourroom.com
www.gymboree.com
www.getgozo.com
www.gracobaby.com
www.gerberchildrenswear.com
www.geniusproducts.com
www.inthetreetop.com
www.joggingstroller.com
www.kellyrightsell.com
www.littleme.com
www.landofnod.com
www.landsend.com
www.lullababy.com
www.maclarenstrollers.com or www.maclarenbaby.com
www.munchkininc.com
www.mommyshelperinc.com
www.motherease.com
www.mybabysam.com
www.morigeau.com
www.nurserydepot.com
www.navadesigns.com
www.oldnavy.com
www.organicbebe.com
www.polo.com/children/
www.poshtots.com
www.potterybarnkids.com
www.pokkadots.com/
www.pregnantinc.com
www.playtexbaby.com
www.regallager.com
www.rattleroll.com
www.sassybaby.com
www.simonhorn.com
www.susanturnerbaby.com
www.target.com
www.thebabybungalow.com
www.thebabyoutlet.com
www.target.com
www.tinylove.com
www.thefirstyears.com
www.thecompanystore.com
www.thebabyplace.com
www.theenchantedbaby.com
www.unisar.com
www.usababy.com
www.uggaustralia.com
www.wendybellissimo.com
www.zutano.com

Monitors
www.babybeat.com
www.storkradio.com
www.babyplus.com

Slings
www.thehiphugger.com
www.aboutbabiesinc.com
www.mayawrap.com
www.newnativebaby.com
www.prenatalcradle.com
www.babybjorn.com
www.babywearer.com

Cord Blood/Stem Cell Info.
www.securacell.com
www.viacord.com
www.cordblood.com
www.cryobank.com
www.lifebankusa.com
www.corcell.com
www.cryo-cell.com

Baby Registries
www.babiesrus.com
www.babystyle.com
www.buybuybaby.com
www.babydepot.com
www.usababy.com
www.target.com
www.walmart.com
www.sears.com

Maternity Shopping
www.dueduds.com
www.onehotmama.com
www.oldnavy.com
www.gap.com
www.pumpkinmaternity.com
www.apeainthepod.com
www.mimimaternity.com
www.imaternity.com
www.bellybasics.com
www.bellamaterna.com
www.momstheword.com
www.japaneseweekend.com
www.target.com
www.jcpenney.com/maternity
www.chadwicks.com
www.momshop.com
www.naissancematernity.com
www.babystyle.com
www.motherhood.com
www.plussizemommies.com
www.plus-size-pregnancy.org
www.maternityplus.com
www.jakeandme.com
www.rumpled.com/plussizematernity.shtml
www.babybecoming.com
www.maternitymall.com
www.bravadodesigns.com
www.mothersinmotion.com
www.garnethill.com
www.veroniquematernity.com
www.cadeaumaternity.com
www.mommychic.com
www.aboutbabiesinc.com
www.belly-belt.com
www.duetdesigns.com
www.gabrialla.com
www.leadinglady.com
www.maternityblues.com
www.melindag.com
www.motherhoodnursing.com
www.prenatalcradle.com
www.picklesmaternity.com

Plus Size Maternity Shopping
www.oldnavy.com
www.imaternity.com
www.jcpenney/maternity.com
www.maternitymall.com
www.jakeandme.com
www.babybecoming.com
www.motherhood.com
www.maternity4less.com
www.plusmaternity.com
www.motherwear.com

Health & Fitness
www.fitpregnancy.com
www.drapplebaum.com/pregnancy.html
www.fitmommies.com/pregnancy
www.freedhem.com
www.konsyl.com
www.sea-band.com
www.therapilates.com

Oils and Products for the Mom-to-Be (belly/massage oils)
www.bellamama.com
www.motherlove.com
www.californiababy.com
www.maternityskincare.com
www.motherofeden.com
www.sagecreeknaturals.com
www.greatmothersgoods.com
www.magiabella.com
www.preggiepops.com

All About Mom's Weight Gain Info Site
www.BabyCenter.com
www.BabiesOnline.com

Cloth Diapers
Cloth Diapering discussion in Parenting
www.diaperpin.com
www.punkinbutt.com
www.apronstringsbabythings.com
www.babiesinthesun.com
www.babyj.com
www.babykicks.com
www.beniboi.com
www.borntolove.com
www.diapercovers.com
www.diapersafari.com
www.earthbaby.com
www.ecobaby.com
www.fullmoonbabygear.com
www.greenmountaindiapers.com
www.happyheinys.com
www.katieskisses.com
www.keesterkovers.com
www.kellyscloset.com
www.kissaluvs.com/outlet.htm
www.motherease.com
www.naturalbabies.com
www.naturalbaby-catalog.com
www.organicbebe.com
www.peanutbutterkisses.com
www.sosdiapers.wahmweb.com/store
www.stacinator.com/covers.html
www.sweetcheeksdiapers.com
www.weebees.com

Delivery/Birthing Options (OB, Midwifes, Doulas, birthcenters etc.)
www.birthcenters.org
www.acog.org
www.acnm.org
www.maternitywise.org
www.lamaze.org
www.bradleybirth.com
www.birthingfromwithin.com
www.birthworks.com
www.hypbirth.com
www.hypnobirthing.com
www.midwife.org
www.alace.org
www.icea.org
www.waterbirth.org
www.charm.net/~totoro/doula.html
www.dona.org

Invitations/Announcements
www.storkavenue.com
www.invitingsmiles.com
www.naptimecards.com
www.cuscraft.com
www.achildsown.com
www.celebrationcottage.com
www.classiccard.com
www.inababycarriage.com
www.mommysmiracles.com
www.babyseeds.com
www.babygrams.com

Breastfeeding
www.lalecheleague.org
www.Kellymom.com
www.mothering.com
www.Promom.org
www.breastfeeding.com
www.whisperwear.com
www.medela.com
www.ameda.com
www.boppy.com
www.blis.com
www.maternalconcepts.com
www.pumpmate.com

Pumping
www.medela.com

Formula Feeding
www.similac.com
www.enfamil.com
www.verybestbaby.com (Nestle Good Start)
www.brightbeginnings.com

For fun:
Chinese Calendar: http://www.thelaboroflove.com/chart/cal.html
http://www.thelaboroflove.com/chart/pred.html

[MarchMoms2006]

http://www.avalon5.com/images/digitalbaby.jpg

Post away!!!

[tgal]

Thanks postmaster for getting this up and running!

[kat]

Yay! A new thread. It feels so clean & neat in here....wish my office felt the same way. :)

Worst. Night. Sleep. EVER. last night. Ugh. Between the achy hips (even the pillows didn't help much last night), the cramps (see below), and the dreams, I woke up what felt like every twenty minutes.

So I've hit another growth spurt. It's pretty amazing. I really "popped" even more on Sunday (even DH said, "Wow - what a quick change!"). I now look like your average 6 or 7-month pregnant woman (assuming she's having only one baby). The fact that I'm not even half done (knock on wood) and I'm already this big really scares me. Sitting is starting to be uncomfortable much of the time, too, as my belly crunches up into my ribcage. I think I'm going to need a wheelbarrow to get around once I hit 7 months. :D

I meant to have DH take another belly shot last night so I could upload both of my belly shots & post, but forgot. He's out of town until tomorrow night, but I'll try to remember soon.

I've been having a TON of cramping, some of it pretty painful, and of course it scares me half to death (especially while I was sleeping -- I had TWO nightmares last night about losing the babies). I'm trying to chuck it up to "normal pregnancy stretching & growing," and my rational side believes that, but of course there's a tiny voice in me that also says, "you should be worried."

Today I ate chicken for the first time in two months. Hey, it ain't much, but it's progress!! Pretty soon even meat-in-sauce won't sound so gross to me anymore (I hope)!

By the way, I met with a psychiatrist yesterday re: the depression I felt early in the pregancy: she believes it was caused by a number of hormonal factors, but primarily low thyroid -- I've been treated for hypothyroidism for years and yet I had no idea how much thyroid could affect mood. When my need for thyroid hormone skyrocketed at the beginning of pregnancy (as it probably would have with *any* pregnancy, but especially because I'm carrying twins), evidently that caused the depression. It's certainly true that once I started increasing my Synthroid dose, the depression started to lift. She's going to keep in touch with my endocrinologist just to confer on a treatment plan, especially for when the babies are born and my hormones go crazy again (trying to ward off screwy thyroid that could contribute to PPD).

So, the moral of this story is: if you're feeling particularly low energy and/or depressed, tell your doctor! Even women who aren't hypothyroid before getting pregnant can have thyroid shortages in pregnancy (it's very common).

(Oh, and beautiful ultrasound pictures, Shannon!)

[Elenitsa]

Thanks Threadmistress or (es) for bringing up the thread! Looks great!

Shannon great scans!


QOTD- Anyone look into the cord blood banking? Any idea on costs? What's your motivation to do or not do it? We personally have not decided nor have we really looked into it.

tgal - Nope haven't started looking for a doula, I'm going to speak to my M/W about it at my next appointment.


Threadmisstress can you update?

Next MW appoint 10 / 8
BIG u/s - Oct 17

[phart]

Thanks for the new thread!

Shannon~~Great u/s pictures! I was just looking at Aiden's and it's just so neat to get a glimpse of what's going on in there!

kat~~I never got real big with Aiden so I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through. I felt big (and anything on my small frame was *big* to me) but looking back on my 40w belly shot I just snicker at myself when compared to others!! It doesn't really matter though because it's all in how you feel. I'm sorry you're so umcomfortable already.

[kdotp]

Yay for a new thread!

I had DH take some belly shots yesterday. I feel like it looks like I've just had too many cheetos and red bulls (a la Britney), but it's something at least.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/kdotp/9-19007s.jpg

I'm having the hardest time finding something that sounds appetizing to eat. Right now, all I want is Chinese food.

[phart]

I didn't *subscribe* so I'm doing that now :rolleyes:

kdotp~~Cute! If you had too many cheetos you'd likely have a second chin too;)

[Tracie]

Yay for the new thread! :D Looks great!

Threadmistress - Could you please change my due date to March 15th? Thanks!

Had to go to the doctor today - I have a little bit of a rash. It's way TMI so I'll just leave it at that! I'm fine though, and was happy to unexpectedly get to hear Little Shamrock's heartbeat, as well as have a day off work! I also got to meet one of the midwives and I thought she was wonderful. My practice has two OB/GYN's and two midwives, and any of them could deliver Little Shamrock, so I want to meet all of them before I'm due. I gained three pounds since my last appointment on Aug 31. My next appointment is Oct 3, and my ultrasound is Oct 12!!!

Hope everything's going well for the rest of you ladies!

[tunibell]

Dropping of my belly pic from this week:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d701b3127cce947ef453cc6700000025108EctG7Fq2Z-

I wore that tank top to my day-of-wedding bridesmaids' brunch...back in the days when it actually covered my entire torso!

[Bernie]

Thanks for the new thread - it makes me feel like we are really making progress!

Kat - I had some cramping on Sunday and Monday. It wasn't too bad, but I called my OB anyway, and she basically said "duh - you're having twins -there is a lot of stretching going on down there." She told me to put my feet up and drink lots of water - which I did - and I feel much better today. Hopefully it's just stretching pains!

Not sure how pregnant I look - but apparently pregnant enough for people to start rubbing my belly. At work. I find that a bit weird - although at the same time, I'm still so excited to be out in the open about this that I feel like saying "rub away!"

I love seeing all of the belly shots! Everyone looks great - I'm making a mental note to get some belly shots in here soon.

[dec27bride]

Hi Ladies-

Just realized that I haven't posted much lately, but I have been reading along.

shannongh- Those u/s pics are amazing! Makes me so anxious for my u/w next week, which reminds me:

BIG u/w scheduled for 9/27.

Glad to see all the belly shots, I'll take some more tomorrow at 17 weeks!

[tray622]

Thanks tunibell for the new thread!!

[ShannonGH]

I am SO LOVING all of these beautiful belly shots!!!!! Keep them coming! And kat, I can't wait to see your belly too! I'm sorry that you're so uncomfortable though. I hope you sleep much better tonight.

Thank you so much for the compliments on the u/s pics! It was so fun to watch him/her move around. We tried to detect the sex but never really got the perfect angle so my friend wants me to come back in two weeks to see if we can find out then.

Thank you threadmistress for the beeeeautiful new thread!

[MrsCantDecide]

Thanks so much for the new threadmistresses!

Nothing exciting really going on here... still in normal clothes, still not feeling pregnant. Maybe for 14 weeks I'll let post a belly shot. ;) Maybe....

Hope everyone is having a good week so far!

[MarchMoms2006]

updated :)

[lovin'it]

CUUUTTTTTEEEEE Bellies! I love it!

[Christy5599]

Beautiful new thread! Thanks threadmistress!

I actually took a couple of belly shots yesterday am, I'll have to try to post them soon. LOVE the pics, keep 'em coming!

[mom2amelia]

Yay for the new thread. Thanks threadmistress.

I took belly shots every week or so with my first pregnancy, and here I am at 14w and I haven't taken even one yet. I've got to get on that.

Hope everyone is having a good hump day.

[heidi0622]

Such cute bellies ladies!

For those of you that are still in your normal clothes...I'm right there with ya. My selection is more limited and pants are tight, but not quite unbearable yet. I get worried that maybe I'm not growing enough, but then I remind myself that a) there is a little bit of belly there, b) I am 5'10" and have a LONG torso (rather than long legs), which gives the baby plenty of room to grow, and c) I wasn't exactly a skinny one to begin with so there also is some extra room before my belly pops out!

JennW, thanks for the heads up on the Old Navy sale. I plan to head out there tomorrow after work. Hopefully it isn't too picked over by the time I get there.

QOTD, How has everyone been about exercise? I know in the past we asked about exercise routines, but how has everyone been about keeping them up? I'll go first and I'll be honest...

What I said earlier...I swim a few times a week and walk the dog most days of the week.

What I've really done...my hubby and I split the dog walking duties, so I usually get out there approximately 3x a week. I usually walk the dog about a mile or 1.5 miles, but not at a brisk pace, so I can't really count dog walking as exercise. As for swimming, I probably have gone 5 or 6 times during the entire pregnancy - pathetic! While I haven't gained a lot of weight, I really need to get my arse in gear. I'm hoping to take advantage of the so-called honeymoon 2nd tri and get swimming at least 2x a week.

[honey_bee]

Morning Ladies! Wow, such a squeaky clean new thread and a big YIPEEE for reaching the second trimester. Thanks Threadmistresses and congrats to us all.

I had a dr. apt yesterday and it was great! My OB was called to the hospital so I ended up seeing the N.P. and she was wonderful. She took a little more time to answer all my questions and sort of visit with me. She searched and searched and (whew!) finally found the baby's heartbeat. She said it was 147 bpm, and reassured me that it was completely normal. It sounded so much stronger and clearer than last time and it was truly music to my ears. Unfortunately DH couldn't go to yesterday's apt due to work conflicts, but he will most definitely be there on Oct. 24 for our big ultrasound!

I haven't had an ultrasound yet, and am just so anxious to *see* our little one. We won't be finding out the sex, but all I want is to see his/her little face. The drs office has a 4-D ultrasound machine, so hopefully we'll be able to make out some detail! :D

In other baby-related news, I feel like my belly has popped in the last week or so. Just see for yourselves:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d939b3127cce92b4569d7a1e00000076108AcuWbhm5bN6
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d701b3127cce947d157e6d4600000056108AcuWbhm5bN6
As you can tell, I sort of had a pooch to begin with. :rolleyes: But I've definitely noticed some big changes lately. Oh, and please disregard my crazy pajama pants. :cool:

[JennW]

Subscribing to the new thread! How exciting that we’ve graduated to a new one!!!:) YAY! Thread looks great, thanks, threadmistress!:D

[ellybella]

mrs what a relief to read your post, seeing we share a due date. i was just telling dh that i haven't felt very pregnant lately. i'm not really showing either. still able to wear some pants. i get reassurance that something is happening when i try to put on my fitted jeans and realize i can't even zip 'em. i'll post a belly shot when you do. i think i've taken 4 of my non-belly thus far.

anyone know how to do a progession of belly shots in one document?

kat sorry you are uncomfortable already, what a drag. glad you're feeling better these days. i'm sure those low days were pretty scarey.

qtod i thought of donating the cord blood, but our dr. charges $450 to do the procedure. so not sure now. that money could be well spent on other necessities.

looking forward to my dr. appt. friday and hoping we'll hear the heartbeat again. i'm also curious to see the weight gain since the last appointment.

another qtod haven't done any exercise other than taking the dog for walks, but nothing brisk, and not regularly. we have an electric fence so she gets to run around all day. there is a gym not even a half a mile from our house so i'm thinking of joining just to walk on the treadmill.

Thank you threadmistress!

[phart]

qotd ~~We didn't really look into it with Aiden and haven't yet discussed it this time around but I'm doubting it.

qotd2~~Hmmm...I've walked a couple of times and did my (also walking) video a couple of times as well. I'm awaiting a prenatal yoga DVD as we speak and plan to get back into it soon. I worked out a lot with my first pregnancy (and was a server so walked a lot there too) and I really think it helped to keep the weight off and with my recovery.

[tgal]

You ladies look fantastic! I love seeing the belly shots and can't wait to post mine at some point!

Not much happening here! Felt quite a few flutters last night. I figured out that if I lay on my left side and drink really icy cold water it makes the baby flutter like crazy. Dh gets a little sad because he can't feel it from the outside. Other than that, just being a slob watching premier week tv. LOST tonight and I can't wait!

QOTD1: I was tempted to donate, but I had no clue that there are charges associated with the procedure. Hmmm, I'll have to look into that further.

QOTD 2: I have been walking min. 3 miles/3 x / week for the past two weeks. I have gone to the pool twice and swam 50/kick swim pulls twice. I can't believe how out of breath I get now when I swim. It feels so good to be in the water though. Sad enough, I haven't done anything this week yet, so I need to do something at least for the next few nights to make up for it!

[ShannonGH]

JCPenney is having a baby sale
15% off nursery decor, furniture, strollers,etc.
25% off maternity & baby clothes

Here's a link (http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/babysale.aspx?RefPageName=Default%252Easpx&RefDeptID=&RefCatID=&cmAMS_T=T1&cmAMS_C=C10)

[JennW]

Thanks for the tip, Shannon.:)

[Tracie]

QOTD- Blood Bank We discussed it after my nurse intake appointment back in July and decided against it. We just felt that the expense was too much.

QOTD - Exercise I've been horrible, just horrible. I said I was going to keep with my regular exercise routine as long as possible. Well that got bagged entirely around August because I was just too tired. One weekend I walked and did my prenatal yoga, but that was a couple of weeks ago and I haven't done anything yet! I've been eating horrible food. It's a miracle I haven't gained my 25-35 lbs already!

I'm glad I'm not the only one still in regular clothes. I do have a little belly, and there are some pants I can no longer wear, but most my clothes still fit. I like my pants big though, so I had plenty of room to grow in them anyway, so that's probably the only reason.

[dec27bride]

Hi Girls-
Loving the belly shots! Here is one of mine from today.

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1443/2/97/38/28/56/7/756283897205_0_ALB.jpg

The pants I had on in that picture will definitely be going in the "not again until after baby" pile, that seems to be growing by the day...

QOTD1-Really don't think we'll do the cord blood banking, although we haven't really talked about it.

QOTD2-I have really been trying to keep up with the excersize routine. It has always been such a stress reliever for me, so I enjoy doing it. But recently, it's been down to 2-3 days a week.

Anyway, can't believe that by next week we should hopefully know the sex of this baby, so exciting!

Have a good night all!

[lovin'it]

First things first!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/emmabarrus/BabyAProfilesmall.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/emmabarrus/BabyAgirl-Small.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/emmabarrus/Baby_BProfilesmall.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/emmabarrus/BabyBgirl.jpg


Two GIRLS for me!

So, yesterday I had my second appointment. Babies are looking good, healthy...which is all I care!

The doctor said I have gained way too much weight for this point in my pregnancy...but, according to Dr. Barbara Luke...I am okay. He said he disagrees with her...

Oh, well!

Hugs to all, Emma

[red_canuck]

Good morning ladies :)

I'm still waiting on the anticipated 2nd trimester energy boost. I hope it is here soon, because boy am I dragging! In bed by 9pm most nights, and it's so hard to drag myself to classes during the day, not to mention staying away to do my readings! Ah well, it's all for the greater good, ya?

Congratulations on your baby girls lovin' it!

I'm so sorry, i've missed way too much to do individual shout outs. I'm a horrible person :(

So, to answer some QOTD:

#1 - We have talked about banking cord blood, but will need to look mor einto the cost of it. I don't feel strongly either way at this point.

#2 - HA! exercise, yeah...right! Before being pg, i was swimming 6 days a week....i think i've been 6 times since finding out i'm pg! Between the nausea, the headaches and the fatigue, there's been no way I could force myself to go. I do walk alot, and even more so now (about an hour a day) so at least I'm moving.

How about a new QOTD for today?

Have you decided on a Nursery "theme" or bedding yet? If so, share!!!


We're doing froggies, and using either the Sir Leaps alot Bedding from Wendy Bellisimo or the Freddie the Frog, either one i adore :D The main bedding is sage gingham, which I've already started to buy!

[JennW]

QOTD cord blood: Same as everyone else, I thought about it but the expense is keeping me away as well. So much to pay for when baby comes I think the money will probably be spent elsewhere.

QOTD exercise: Have been trying to really keep up as I gained weight before getting pg and am terrified what will happen during this pg. I work out probably 4-5 days a week. I don’t do anything too strenuous, but I am moving and burning calories so I guess it’s better than nothing. I am also trying to eat healthier, though I am no where near where I probably should be with that.

QOTD nursery: Waiting to find out the gender. If it’s a boy I think we’ll go with an animal theme. I haven’t decided yet for a girl. There are so many I like. (Plus, I honestly feel like this baby is a boy and have since finding out I was pg. So I haven’t looked at as much girl stuff. If they tell me at the big u/s it’s a girl, I’ll start girlie shopping/looking then!)

dec27_bride – We can’t view your picture!:( My after baby pile is huge too! I need to cycle out those clothes so I don’t have to look at them!:D

lovin’it – Congrats on your girls! YAY!:) Poo on the doctor for saying you gained too much weight! You’re having twins for Pete’s sake!

Hey red – Feel better soon! I hope that 2nd trimester boost finds ya soon!:)

[phart]

lovin'it~~Wow! Congrats on your baby girls!

bedding~~We'll be using the same bedding we used for Aiden.
http://www.babysupermall.com/main/products/kli/kli9200beds.jpg

Can't wait for more energy too:)

[kat]

Congratulations, lovinit, on the baby girls! I'm kinda surprised that your doctor thinks you've gained "too much weight." Did he say why that was a concern? I know I've gained a ton (I'll find out today just how much - yikes), but so far my doctors have told me that since it's practically impossible to have macrosomatic twins, that I shouldn't worry too much about weight gain. That and Dr. Luke, of course....

I'm just curious about your doctor's concerns in case *I* should be concerned, too....hey, ya gotta have something to obsess about, right? :D

QOTD (cord blood): We haven't discussed this yet. I hear such conflicting information (all from reliable sources) that it's a decision we'll make later, maybe once I'm done grading everything this semester. I need time to really dig in and research, and haven't had that yet.

QOTD (exercise): I've been terrible. Before getting pregnant (well, before starting the IVF cycle -- they limit exercise during the IVF cycle), I was pretty good -- made sure to exercise 3-4 times a week.

Since the IVF cycle, I have done almost nothing. That pain that I keep talking about (in my hip/butt) came on at about 5 weeks and has made even walking a PITA (literally! :)). These past couple of days it's been better, but I'm a little nervous about tempting fate and starting to exercise -- will wait to talk to my doctor about it today (or maybe wait to start exercising again until after going to PT).

I'm also interested in prenatal yoga, but right now that, too, sounds like it wouldn't work until I "heal."

QOTD (nursery theme): Our theme will be pastel colors. :D I'm really not interested in developing a "theme," so we won't be doing anything in particular. We're planning to sell our house in June, so I don't even know if I'll paint the walls!

I already ordered (and received) the crib bedding -- various solid pastel colors from The Company Store. I *did* "splurge" and buy dust ruffles for the cribs, and fleece blankets. My current plan is to do the "community crib" (they'll likely share one crib for the first few months) in yellow (bought yellow sheets + yellow dust ruffle), and then once they split up into two cribs, do one in pink and one in blue. I'll keep the yellow as backup. :D

[Elenitsa]

Congratulations lovin it on the girl-lies!

Great sonograms too! I'm a little obtuse, in the ones were they point out the gender, what is the angle on those? Is that a toukus shot?

Excersice - um.. yeah.... I should be doing that huh?


Nursery theme - I really don't know yet. So many cute things that I see, I need to narrow it down after our big u/s. Can't wait till then. I totally feel like a kid waiting for christmas morning!

Update here. I was feeling a little bummed b/c I didn't have anyone close by IRL pregnant girls. I have my SIL and we talk a good deal, but our ideas differ greatly. So, I'm afraid to bring up some topics. And she is over an hour away, so it doesn't make for evenings of baby shopping. But, yesterday I got phone calls from two friends who are also expecting! I was giddy the whole ride home!

[IUAlum]

I've been so far behind! I am leaving today for ISRAEL! I'll be back in the country on 10/2.

I just scheduled my BIG U/S! It is October 24th!

As for the QOTDS:

Cord Blood- I have not looked into this at all, to the extent that aside from having heard that there is something you can do with cord blood, I don't know anything. NOTHING!

Exercise- Um, yeah, I'm with Elenitsa. I have gone on maybe 1-2 walks per week. But I'm eating so much healthier, that must make up for it. Right?

Nursery- I'm not bringing stuff into the house until the baby is born, I think we discussed that already, but I have been thinking about the nursery. That's ok right? Anyway, what I have in my head is to make a big family tree and frame it and then have kind of a tree/forest theme. Do I know if there's anything out there that fits this idea I have? Of course not. But I like the idea of sage as a color. We'll see, since our master bed room is already sage, DH may revolt on that one.

Anyway, you ladies have a great couple of weeks. Hopefully I'll come back with a belly!! I echo those of you who aren't really showing yet.

[ShannonGH]

FABULOUS u/s pics lovin'it ! And congratulations on your twin girls!!! :D

QOTD cord blood-I don't think we'll be storing ours. I do want to look into donating it though.

QOTD nursery-We won't be doing a "theme" either. I have been trying to find some cool artwork as the "inspiration piece" but haven't had any luck.

QOTD exercise -what's that?

I also wanted to say that Lisa, if you're reading this, I want you to know that I've been thinking a lot about you lately and I hope everything is okay. I'm worried that we haven't heard from you in awhile.

[tgal]

lovinit - awesome u/s pics and congrats on your baby girls! Very exciting! I didn't have you on the chart. Were you thinking they were girls?


QOTD (nursery theme):
I don't think we are going to do a theme, but I would like our nursery to be gender specific in terms of colors. I have an awesome picture from traditional home magazine of a girls room that I fell in love with. It is a bit extreme, but I love the concept. I'll scan it and post later.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d703b3127cce946527db5c9400000016108QYtmbZo4ay

I am in love with this crib. I contacted Land of Nod (where the picture comes from) and they said the artist that took the picture owns this crib. It can't be an old one because look at the rails they look narrower than a coke can and also looking closely at the feet they are spirals which is a bit more modern. If anyone has seen anything similar, could you please let me know.

[kdotp]

lovin'it congratulations on your girls!! How exciting!! With twins, you're supposed to gain more. Ask any of the mamas in the Moms with Multiples thread, and I'm sure they'll all say you're fine.

qotd 1 cord blood. Haven't really thought about it.

qotd 2 I used to walk our dog every day. Sadly I didn't feel much like it in the first trimester. I've felt better the past week or so, so hopefully I can start picking that up again. I also bought a prenatal Yoga DVD a while ago that I'd like to start doing as well.

qotd 3 No specific theme or bedding. Because we're not finding out the sex, the nursery will have to be fairly gender-neutral. I'm making a quilt of creams and muted greens, so we'll pull all the colors for the room out of that. Our house is almost 90 years old, so I'd also like to have a more antique look/feel for the room. DH wants to completely gut and renovate the room, though, so we have a lot of work to do before we can even think about decorating! (And, honestly, I'm not entirely confident it will be finished by March)

There are some nights I come home and am still completely exhausted and there are other nights where I've got tons of energy! I know I should be expecting to feel better, but it still makes me a little nervous. I've noticed I'm not as hungry as I was a few weeks ago and I get fuller, faster, but I haven't changed my eating habits one bit. My midmorning snack was EasyCheese (you know, that chesse in a squirt can) and wheat thins! :rolleyes:

[junkinmytrunk]

Shannon: Hi there!! Not sure if it was me you were asking about but I'm here.... You are a doll! (And I bought the toy you posted from Amazon, BTW).

Well guys, I've been gone for *ages*. I don't even know where our other thread is -- I'm hoping I didn't miss anything too big. And I'm hoping everyone is safe and healthy and all is well. I've been in NJ dealing with family stuff but I'm back home now and hoping for a little normalcy.

I'm finally out of the 1st trimester!! YAY!! Also told my bosses that I'm PG. They want to know if I'm coming back to work. Hmmm. I'm not planning to but I'm not telling them that until waaaaaaay later. Oh yeah, I got results from the nuchal trans screen and everything was perfect. Yay! I have the amnio booked for October 7th so we'll know the sex soon after.

Let's see, QOTDS:
1. Cord blood: Yes
2. Exercise: None until my next DA when she tells me I'm officially off moderate bed rest
3. Theme: well, we won't have a real nursery until the baby is about 3 months old; s/he will be in our room until then (we need to move out of our 2 BR condo into something bigger and hope to do so when the babe's about 2 months old).

So for our room until we get a real nursery I want this and this:
http://www.badgerbasket.com/images/direct/00829_sm_st.jpg

http://www.badgerbasket.com/images/direct/2232_sm_st.jpg
and maybe this:
http://www.badgerbasket.com/images/direct/1340_sm_st.jpg
because the last two pieces could be used elsewhere in the house after we move.

I love the french country look for a girl, (must get a chandelier) and for a boy I'd like to do a cityscape sort of feel - something really cool and urban.

That's the plan now but everything changes all the time.

I have my 15 wk appointment on Monday. Hoping to actually hear the heartbeat this time -- no one ever lets me listen!

[tunibell]

Totally OT, but....

I just got an e-mail from our photographer saying that Wedding Bells wants to feature our wedding in their spring magazine.

:D :D :D

[Christy5599]

Soo COOL Tuni!

[junkinmytrunk]

I just got an e-mail from our photographer saying that Wedding Bells wants to feature our wedding in their spring magazine.
Soo cool! I used to work for Wedding Bells / Wedding Channel in the LA office. So happy you got picked!

Let's see some of your wedding pics!!!

[trm98]

Hi girls. It has been a while since I have posted, but I read when I get the chance. School has started again, and I am swamped. I think I need three days just to grade all the papers.

QOTD (cord blood): It is really expensive, so we will not be storing it. But, we will be more than happy to donate it.

QOTD (nursery theme): Are you kidding? We haven't even talked about the nursery. We are about to start building though, so maybe we will start talking about it when we pick out paint colors.

QOTD (exercising)- I have actually not been good this week, but before that I was walking or doing walk/jog intervals for 40 min- an hour 3-5 days a week. I will probably get back on tonight while watching Survivor. I am starting to have issues sleeping b/c I have really "popped" in the last four days. I find that when I do exercise I sleep soooooo good.

On another note, I think that I am feeling the baby move now. It has happened everyday since Monday around 7:30pm. It doesn't really feel like a flutter to me though. It is almost more like a very, very light cramp or tightening. Do y'all think that could be it?

[kat]

That's so cool, tunibell! Now I want to see pictures, too! (I gave up my bridal magazine addiction a long time ago, so you'll have to post some pics).

Just posting to say that I had my 16 week appointment this afternoon (even though tomorrow is 17 weeks). Heard both heartbeats -- sounded normal (I know that one of them was in the "high 140s," but I forgot to ask about the other one).

I've gained another 7 1/2 lbs., which is actually a lot less than I'd expected. So, from 8 weeks to 17 weeks, I've gained 15 1/2 lbs. I probably gained 2 lbs. from 4 weeks to 8 weeks, so about 17 1/2 total.

(Of course, that's not counting all the weight I gained on Clomid & IVF drugs....right now I'm a good 35 lbs. over my preferred weight, maybe a little more. I consider that "baby weight," although the doctors won't count it for purposes of my pregnancy weight gain).

She said I'm measuring (uterus) at what a 21 or 22 week singleton pregnancy would measure -- even though to me, I'm looking more like a 6-month pregnant woman.

Oh, and she said she "wasn't crazy" about the idea of me travelling to AZ for Thanksgiving (to go to my in-laws). She said she prefers that all twin pregnancy patients stay in the area after 24 weeks, and *definitely* after 28 weeks.....so either I'll send hubby without me (his family likes to golf over the holidays) or else neither of us will go. I'm not so completely upset about this. :D (But don't tell my DH! :D). I mean, a 4-hour plane ride is NEVER fun, but I can't imagine it would be that fun when I'm 26 weeks pregnant, either. If it was a wedding or something, I might suck it up and go.....but since we just saw them, and since they're moving here next spring....I can skip it. YIPPEE!!!! ;)

[aprilshowers]

On another note, I think that I am feeling the baby move now. It has happened everyday since Monday around 7:30pm. It doesn't really feel like a flutter to me though. It is almost more like a very, very light cramp or tightening. Do y'all think that could be it? Oooh, I've been getting those all week and I am just a day behind you. I was wondering if it was movement as well but was trying not to get my hopes up since everyone else was feeling fluttering. This afternoon, though, I felt a little "thump" and then another one maybe a minute later. Not sure if that was something either or just one of those little muscle twitches you get once in a while (though what muscle it might be, I have no idea - I don't think I have any left!).

qotd cord blood blanking - no idea!
qotd exercise - did a little walking this weekend but otherwise not really. I try to get out when I am feeling good but I'm back to feeling a bit pukey since I tried to skip the Zofran (whoops). Have GOT to start lifting one of these days!!!
qotd nursery - what nursery? The baby is going to sleep in what is currently our guest bedroom/rec room/office. We'll move the TV out into the living room and see if we still have room for the futon but the office has to stay. We're not really themey-type people anyway so will just do something simple for bedding and no other decor. We will likely be moving within the next year or two and our "target audience" will not likely have children so it doesn't make sense to "do" a nursery.

Sorry I haven't been around much lately - way too tired to do much posting these days. Going to lie down now...

[amychris03]

Not much all going on here. Still feeling icky from the allergies but it is
gradually improving. Taking benadryl at night has at least enabled me to
sleep a little. I had a drs appointment on Monday and she was able to
find the heart beat almost as soon as she put the doppler on. It was so
cool! :) I go back in 3 weeks for my 16 w appointment, and then will
have my big u/s with them at 20 weeks just prior to moving. I love my dr,
I really hate to go :( . Oh well.

QOTD: Cord Blood- No idea yet, haven't even looked into the
cost!

QOTD: Exercise- Still walking the dog daily for about 35 minutes,
and walk/chase/lift kids constantly at work so that gives me a pretty
good work out. I still want to start swimming but we decided not to
get a gym membership since we are leaving so soon.

QOTD: Nursery
Am i bad not to think about this yet? I guess because we are moving,
I haven't put much thought into it because I know there isn't much we
can do right now. I know if we have a boy, we will do an airplanes
theme since daddy flies :) . If we have a girl, probably no theme, just
girlie colors. Who knows! :confused:

[Tracie]

Nursery I painted the nursery before I got pregnant, so I wouldn't have to worry about fumes - DH and I just decided not to chance it. Anyway, here's a pic:
http://home.comcast.net/~gagnon61/12-Nursery2.jpg

The colors are a little muted, but that's the general idea. I'm making bedding and curtains using the same colors as the wall.

We wanted to make it unisex because if we have more than one, they'll use the same nursery. (And the baby wasn't even conceived when I painted it!)

[dec27bride]

lovinit- Congrats on your girls!!

tuni- That is so cool about Wedding Bells!

Tracie- Great job on the nursery, looks awesome!

I can't get these belly pics to upload...I tried Photobucket, but they're too big! :confused:

[kat]

D'oh! Forgot to mention that I scheduled my next OB appointments and the "big" ultrasound (though for me, it won't be so big because I already know the sexes):

"Big" Level II ultrasound is 10/19

Next OB appointment is 10/20

Next Next OB appointment is 11/3

(I guess she wants to see me every two weeks from 20 weeks on....will start checking my cervix at 22 weeks to be sure there's no change).

Also forgot to mention that they took blood for the AFP test today; although it's less accurate with twins, it's a fairly simple & painless test so we decided to do it. The CVS already ruled out the chromosomal issues, but CVS doesn't test for spinal cord & other neural defects, so we'll have to use the AFP + the Level II ultrasounds to rule those out.

The ultrasound appointment will be TWO FREAKIN' HOURS LONG! Ugh.

[losthoosier]

Congrats on your Two Girls Lovin it

Sorry I haven't posted started back to work on Monday and am just exhusted....

QOTD Cord Banking: I ordered the information, but think its out of our price range.

QOTD Exercise: Since being on bed rest no exercise for me. I am asking at my appointment on Wed. to see if I can swim or walk..

QOTD: I live in a 2 bedroom house and the baby will share the guest room and computer room. The room is green so I am going to do a green and yellow theme with frogs.

I hope you all have a good week and get lots of rest on the weekend.

[Bernie]

Hi ladies-

Glad to see everyone is doing well in here-

Tracie -- the nursery looks fantastic! I love the colors!

lovin it - I second (third & fourth) what everyone else said about your doctor's comments. Don't worry about the weight gain - it's good for the babies! My doctor told me that he doesn't quite agree with Dr. Luke - but his recommended weight gain for me was somewhere near the lower end of her recommendations. I've been putting on about a pound a week - which pretty much has me on target, I think. Kat - it sounds like I am on pace with you too - which makes me feel better!

Speaking of weight gain - I had to wear a suit to work today, and stuffed myself into one of my new bigger, but non maternity suits I bought a few weeks ago. I feel like a sausage - I can't believe how tight it is! I am vowing that this will be the last time I try to stuff myself into non maternity clothes. I'm hoping that none of the men at this deposition I have to go to notice if I unbutton my pants under the table. :rolleyes:

QOTD - cord blood - haven't really thought about it yet.

QOTD - exercise -- I've been trying to get to the gym when I can, and have been averaging 3-4 times per week. But my doctors never really took me off of my post-IVF exercise restrictions - they keep telling me that walking and low impact activity is fine, but I need to keep my heartrate pretty low. So I've given up running or anything that really gets me moving, and have been sticking to walking and the elliptical machine (with no resistance). It makes me feel good to just get to the gym, even if I am not doing what I used to do.

QOTD - nursery -- Not entirely sure what the theme will be yet -- but I found this bedding that I love with the cutest little bees on it, so we might try to work with that. I think we'll work on this more once we know what we've having.

Hope everyone has a good friday and a great weekend!!

[heidi0622]

Bernie, too funny about your suit...I'm sure no one will notice if you unbutton your pants!

kat, wow, lots of exciting appts coming up. Time is marching along :)

Tracie, wow, painted the nursery before you were pregnant. Nice to have that done now. I love the colors and the turtles, very cute!

amychris, sorry about the allergies. Good luck with your upcoming move...too bad about having to leave your dr. When do you find out exactly where you're going?

aprilshowers, ooh how fun...you may be feeling movement. So exciting. Sorry you're still so tired, take care.

trm, I can't offer any advice as to what movement will feel like, but I think it is exciting that you are on the verge of really feeling something. very cool!

junk, good to hear from you again. Fun stuff that you're looking at for your nursery. The dark wood is pretty.

kdotp, I also am noticing that I get fuller faster. I'm hungry every few hours, but fill up quickly. I've been trying to eat more meals, but less each meal.

tgal, very pretty crib. I don't know much about it, but I like that style.

tuni, so exciting that you're wedding pictures have been selected! You'll definitely have to share those with us.

IU, I guess you won't see this until you get back, I hope you had a fabulous trip to Israel.

Elenitsa, so fun that 2 friends are expecting so close to you. I have one friend that just had a baby last week and another due next month, so we'll be fairly close, but it'd be fun to have someone around the same time. My cousin is due the week before me, but she lives 1000 miles away...oh well, we've been emailing LOTS. It is fun.

QOTD - cord banking, it is too expensive for us to do for ourselves. I'd like to donate it if possible, but I'm not sure what, if any, expenses are there.

QOTD - nursery, no clue what I want to do for the nursery. Just yesterday, I started looking at some ideas. I looked on the Land of Nod website and found some really cute things. It is a little out of my price range though, I realized the Outlet is just 15 minutes from my house, so I may check it out. My aunt also sews, so I may be able to get some ideas and then see if she'll be willing to sew a few things. Since we're not finding out the sex, the nursery will be gender neutral.

Not much else to report. I had some gift certificates to Motherhood and Old Navy, so I went out and bought a few pairs of maternity pants yesterday. I'm still in my normal jeans today, but its nice to know I have some options now. My jeans are fine, by a lot of my more fitted work pants are too tight, so I may be breaking out the maternity wear next week. Fun, fun :)

Not sure if any of you are in the path of Rita right now...just know that you are in my thoughts. This hurricane season is unreal this year!!!

Happy Friday to all of us!

[jen71]

I only have a second, I had to log on at work. Every time I click on this thread at home, it knocks me off the internet. I cannot even read it. I have no clue why, so I may be missing for awhile....Wierd, huh?

[tgal]

Hi ladies!

I am really stressed this week, so I am so sorry for my lack of so's! I had my 16 week apt today and the babies heart rate is 160. I didn't mention this before, but at my last visit my bp wouldn't come down, so she put me on meds. I have been checked every week since and everything is back to normal, but I am still on the meds. As a precautionary measure, I am being asked to do the 24 hour urine sampling, not looking forward to that and she is sending me somewhere for my u/s and said they will probably want to do u/s every few weeks to keep an eye on the baby. Wow, all that for a reading of 148/90. Well, I am happy though that she is being proactive, which really calms my fears.

My next apt is scheduled for Oct 17 and the u/s place will be calling me to schedule my first big u/s.

Has anyone thought about doing a 4-D? Now that I will be having more u/s, I'm not sure a 4-D would be worth it.

Here is the nursery idea that I love. Of course, we don't have a fireplace in the room, nor do I really care for the wallpaper, but eveything else is ultimately girly and I love it! I am thinking I can find the fabric to make some of the stuff myself, that is if we have a girl, well, I could always do something similar in something more gender neutral!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d702b3127cce94615252040a00000035128QYtmbZo4ay
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d702b3127cce94615251853900000015108QYtmbZo4ay

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I am off to throw a bridal shower, this should be an eventful one! Too much to do and not enough time!

[ellybella]

just stopping in. i have an appt. this afternoon and hopefully we'll get to hear the hb again. curious to see how much more weight i've gained. dh is way too excited to find out the gender. he told everyone we were finding out today and "ultrasound" never came out of my mouth when i was talking about todays appt. too funny.

tgal love that crib you posted earlier, so unique! and that nursery is super luxurious! can't wait to see how yours turns out if you have a girl.

lovin' congrats on the girls! amazing how distinct their parts are!

tuni so exciting about your wedding photos! i'm with everyone else, show us the goods!

qtod - nursery i'm really only set on girl decor. i've been collecting paint samples this week and searching for bedding. what i'm finding online is a little more than i want to spend, since it's custom, but i might be able to find the fabric and have someone local make it. still trying to figure out the details. as for boy ideas, i loved the sail boats from pbk, but that seems to have since been discontinued and i love the best friends bedding (dogs) which has also seemed to disappear. the dogs was only available in twin, but thought of putting a twin bed in the nursery w/ that bedding, and just doing solids in the crib. so now i'm back to square one in that department. before i think too much about it, i need to find out what we're having and that won't be until the end of Oct. so i'll continue to gather ideas until then, and post as soon as some purchases are made.

happy weekend!

[ShannonGH]

Lisa- yes, I was worried about you but am glad to know that you're okay. :) I'm glad you got the Sunshine Symphony...isn't it so cool?!

After the QOTD about nurseries, it inspired me to start looking at crib bedding...I had no idea it was so freaking expensive! Those that have posted cribs and bedding, it is beautiful. Dh and I are going furniture browsing tomorrow. I'm starting to get a little overwhelmed about how much needs to be done between now and march. I've started a "do before baby arrives list." Besides the obvious items of register, buy baby furniture, etc, I've also listed
-take infant cpr class
-draw up a will

Does anyone else have any other ideas to add to the list?

[tgal]

Shannon - I am also overwhelmed thinking about everything that needs to get done.

Does anyone know if there is a timeline out there someplace similar to those the knot and WC puts out for wedding planning. It would be so helpful if therewas something like that, it would really help me get organized!

[kat]

Shannon, Wow! You are organized! If you actually draw up a will before the baby's born, you will be far ahead of almost every parent I know (including all the lawyer-parents I know, which is a lot considering I'm a lawyer). :) I doubt we'll get around to will-drafting (or should I say I doubt *I*'ll get around to will-drafting, since we know damn well I'll be the one doing it LOL) until after the babies are born, even though I know it should be done sooner. Maybe you'll inspire me later to get off my arse and get it done. :)

Here's something to add: do you plan to take a childbirth class of any sort? That's something we need to look into soon, since with twins we have less available time to take the class (I'll be in good shape if I make it to 36 weeks, and there's a decent chance that the last few of those will be on bedrest, so I want to get the classes done sooner rather than later).

You'll probably also want to tour the hospital or birth center, assuming you're using one.

tgal, I don't know of any timelines, but have you checked babycenter.com? I'm running to a meeting now (otherwise I'd check for you) but that's a possibility.

[ShannonGH]

Good suggestions kat! I'll add to my list.

tgal, that would be a great idea if someone put out a planning calendar!

[ShannonGH]

I found something that might be along the lines of what we were looking for--
http://www.firsttimemomonline.com/pages/3/

It has some pretty good information.

[junkinmytrunk]

Shannon ~ You are so organized, I wish I was you!!
Does anyone else have any other ideas to add to the list? - Not sure who has/doesn't have but we definitely need to beef up the life insurance policies in my household. I have a small policy thru work, as does my DH, but I can't decide between whole / term and a dollar amount. I have done the online worksheets but based on what these programs suggest, we'd be spending a GINORMOUS amount of money. What to do, what to do.

Kat: Thoughts on the online will kits I've read about?

Tgal: That nursery is SPECTACULAR!! My dream nursery - love it!!

[mom2amelia]

[QUOTE=junkinmytrunk
Kat: Thoughts on the online will kits I've read about?[QUOTE]

junk - I know you addressed this to Kat, but I'm an attorney too, so I thought I'd respond. I do estate planning, so this issue is near and dear to my heart. PLEASE don't use a "will kit." We see them every so often and they are universally awful. I'm not exaggerating. Some of the documents I've seen would "work", but they wouldn't acheive the Testator's goals. Others wouldn't even qualify as a valid will. They aren't always updated for state law, and they lack the individuality you need in a Will. Sure, we do plain vanilla wills occassionaly, but you'd be surprised at how no two person's wills are ever the same. There are intracasies to your life and your finances that a computer program just can't get to. It is not that expensive to do a simple will (all to spouse and to children on the 2nd death*) and it's worth it to spend an hour with someone who can look at the whole picture. *this isn't what I recommend, actually, but that's what's considered a simple will.

If you (or anyone else) has any questions about will, trusts, advance directives etc, just let me know. If anyone lives in Ohio, I'd be happy to set you up with a good attorney, or talk to you myself.

We updated our insurance, by a lot, after DD was born. We did term insurance because I wasn't planning to use it as an investment vehicle, and eventually our savings/investments will be enough to cover lost earnings, which is what our insurance is for now.

P.S. Kat, I'm one of those lawyers, estate planning no less, who didn't do a will until after the baby was born. I just could NOT come up with a guardian. I holler at my clients for that all the time!

[junkinmytrunk]

Mom 2 Amelia: Thanks *very* much for that valuable info. Too bad you're not in CA!! I will never be able to decide on a guardian -- must put that on the list to discuss way sooner than later.

I am thinking we too will do the term L.I. -- seems like the smartest option. Yikes -- all the important things we've put off until now... :)

[brooke]

catching up....

Can't tell you how thrilled I am to have said goodbye to the 1st tri...no more m/s...a bit more energy...

Work has been crazy busy since the end of August, hence my MIA status...so glad to see so many great bellies and u/s! We had our first big anatomical u/s on Sept. 9th - it was such a great feeling to see fingers, toes...and lots of movement! We also were able to hear the hb for the first time, which was amazing. The tech said everything looked great and I was measuring a week ahead...and my OB did adjust my EDD to 3/3/06. She could tell the sex, but we're going to wait...but it was so tempting...

A bit of a scare a week later though...OB called to say that they did notice a 'bright spot' on the heart - or EIF - which is a controversial 'soft marker' for Downs...OB said that most Drs don't even mention it, but it is their policy to do so...gee, thanks. Our NT test came back negative so we opted to have the quad test before even considering an amnio...which she doesn't even recommend as she has yet to deliver a baby with DS who had this marker...especially given my age (31).

Just kills me that they tell you this and then dismiss it and expect you not to worry.... I found more info here (http://www.pregnancy-info.net/QA/answers-Echogenic_foci_spots_on_the_fetus_heart) that made me feel better....trying to put it out of my mind until we receive the Quad results...hopefully on Monday or Tuesday.

Belly is starting to 'pop'...which is kind of neat....using the hair band tip I picked up earlier in the thread to give my pants a bit of wiggle room in this in-between state. Will take some belly pics this week...

Next OB appt: 10/17/05
Next anatomical U/S: 10/21/05

QOTD: Exercise....lift for 30m and cardio (precor/race walk) 30m....usually 3-4x a week.
QOTD: Nursery...we're in a 1BR in NYC...so we will not have the pleasure of decorating a nursery...will most likely use a bassinet and turn one of our dressers into a changing table until we outgrow the apt...


Tunibell - Great news about WB! Remember you asked about running a while back...hung up my marathon shoes after NJ...planned to run NYC last year but experienced running burnount...just wasn't fun anymore...of course, now I miss it...sigh.

[kat]

LOL, mom2amelia!! I no longer have any friends who are in estate planning (lost touch with the last one who was, and she didn't have any kids yet), so you may be the first estate-planning lawyer I know who waited until after baby was born. :D Hey, for you it's probably like the chef who never wants to cook at home.....

I'm glad you were here to answer Lisa's question, cuz my response would've been, "I haven't a freakin' clue." :) I've written exactly two wills in my life -- a simple one for a relative, and a more complicated one in one of my legal drafting courses in law school. One of my collegues was an estate planning lawyer before moving to academia, however, and I plan on bugging the crap out of her when I finally get around to drafting the thing.

Okay, enough of the procrastinating....time to get back to work!

[red_canuck]

How's everyone doing? I am so excited we made it to the second trimester. We've got so much to look forward to soon! The "big" ultrasounds, feeling baby move, new clothes, baby showers, shopping...:D Ya'll are completely freaking me out with this will/life insurance talk though. DH and I both have life insurance through his work, but we don't have wills. ugh, another thing to add to my to do list!!

I was feeling a need to celebrate baby today so I went baby shopping today. It was awesome :D i discovered this great little baby store in town, and spent an hour talking to the women there about baby, and pregnancy, and everything, it was so awesome! I'll be a customer for life, no doubt :p lol. Also going shopping tomorrow to get started on the nursery, so excited :)

Also wanted to share, i did some scrapbooking for Lucky tonight, if anyone wants to see, i posted the pics in my journal (link in sig). I won't clog this thread with them ;)

[tunibell]

I didn't want to clutter this thread with a ton of my wedding pics, but if anyone would like to see the shots that WeddingBells is planning on using, the link to my journal is right here. (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?p=208897#post208897)

:D

[ce_Kathleen]

WOW so much to catch up on! I was out last week in Atlanta for work and I can't believe how quickly things move!

Nothing new here to report, same old same old! Just wanted to say hello to all and that I am so happy we have made it to the 2nd trimester! Just think, most of us are at least 30% through our pregnancies! Scary to think that there is only like 25 weeks or so left!

[tgal]

Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend, well at least those not affected by Rita. Those that were, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your families!

Shannon - Fabulous Link, thanks for sharing! It was just what I was looking for.

Junk - Could you post the link to that onesie again? Thanks for suggesting the Life Insurance too!

Per Life Insurance, anyone have a good website that assists in calculating an amount that might be right for us. I really don't trust agents to provide estimates.

Mom -Thank you so much for touching on the computer generated will programs. DH and I bought the Susie Orman version and were convinced that would be good enough for us. Guess we shall have it looked at by an Attorney!

Wills, wills, wills! I know this isn't a great topic to get into, but Gals try to get one done. I won't go into details, but let’s just say we know someone our age that suffered a loss and didn't have one. No one wants to anticipate the worst case situation, but when it does happen grieving is enough to deal with let alone dealing with legal issues. Wills are one way of making life a little easier during such tragic times.

Ok, off my soap box now!

Brooke - Hang in there! Let us know how things are going.

Tunibell - Great pics and Congrat to you and your dh!


Red - I lurked in your journal, awesome work on the scrap book! I sooo need some time to do some of this stuff. I can't wait; it looks like you really had a great time putting it together!


Update - Big U/S October 7th - I can't wait I am so excited! I will be 19 weeks, so hopefully the gender will be visible. Something I didn't realize until last night though until my MIL told me, my ob is sending me to a high risk ob for the ultrasound. All that she mentioned in my apt. on Friday was that I would be getting more u/s's due to my bp issue, she didn't say anything about sending me to a high risk ob. My MIL asked me who was doing the u/s and I told her and she asked why are you going to the high risk ob. We didn't want to tell our families about the bp issue because mil especially freaks out about pregnant women with health issues. I swear she knows every pregnant woman’s history in town and feels the need to tell me every time I see her. Anyway, not really worried myself, again glad someone is really concerned and looking out for my best interest. However, a little irked with my OB once again for not explaining things more in depth. Also, good news, quad test came back negative. Next regular Ob apt October 17th.


One more question: In regard to insurance, who do you call to find out what is covered and what isn't. I just got a bill for the quad test and for some reason they aren't paying for everything.

[mom2amelia]

Mom -Thank you so much for touching on the computer generated will programs. DH and I bought the Susie Orman version and were convinced that would be good enough for us. Guess we shall have it looked at by an Attorney!

No problem. I don't know that I've ever seen a "Susie Orman Will" so I can't say for sure that they aren't any good. Just that in my 8 years of practice I've never seen a quality do-it-yourself Will. Is your program state specific? Does it allow for a trust for minor children? This is important if you have life insurance or any other significant assets - if you both die in a common disaster you could end up with an estate in the millions (e.g. you each have a $1mm policy = $2mmm estate not including other assets) and that would all go to the child/ren at age 18 or 21 under state law. You've now got a kid who's lost both parents prematurely and he's not got $2mm to spend as he wishes. Maybe he'll use it responsibly and go off to college. But maybe he'll blow it on expensive cars and extravagant vacations for all his friends. It's just a scary situation. Total tangent, sorry. I get really *into* this. In Ohio, for example, we never do testamentary trusts (i.e., trusts that are part of your will) because Ohio law makes testamentary trusts more complicated. We always do a separate revocable trust and a pour-over will (a will that "pours" everything into the trust on death). Each state has different laws that make one device preferable over another. If your software doesn't take this into account you end up with an inferior end result.

I'm sorry, I'm really getting carried away. I think, since you already bought the software, like you said, you should do the Will and then have a local estates attorney review it for you. Let us know when you do. If it gets the A OK maybe I'll have to reevaluate my opinion about do-it-yourself Wills.

[ShannonGH]

What a wonderful day! One of my very good friends at work just announced she's pg (albeit very newly pg). She's due June 1. I'm so happy for her. So now that makes 3 of us at my small elementary school that are pg!

So Dh and I head out Saturday morning to go "browsing" for baby furniture. We go to Babies R Us and another furniture store and didn't really find anything that screamed "buy me!" Then we go to USA Baby and boy did we do some damage! We ended up getting a crib, dresser, and glider. Of course we didn't *intend* on buying anything but it was the last day of a big sale that they only have 3 times per year (blah blah blah, I'm sure they say that to everyone just to get you hooked--and it worked for me!). Honestly though I'm very pleased with the price we paid...I was expecting to pay more for all 3 pieces. So that was fun! Although I really felt weird buying baby furniture and I'm not even showing yet!

I'll come back later for SO's!

[jen71]

I still cannot get on here from my home computer. Sounds like a few of you have been baby shopping. I cannot get into it yet for some reason. I feel like I need to know the sex firts!

Maybe it is because I still buy so much for DD. We leave for New York october 3rd to visit family. I am excited to leave AZ for awhile!

[heidi0622]

Happy Monday morning all!

Shannon, how awesome that you bought the baby furniture! You are definitely on top of things. Thank you as well for the link to that baby check list. I need to print that out as I have been feeling completely overwhelmed by all we have to do and it is keeping me from starting anything.

mom2amelia, I don't mind your tangents about wills one bit. This is a topic that I am not very familiar with and I am happy to take all of the advice that I can get. I have one of those programs at home, so I think what I will do is create one at home and then have a lawyer review it to see what is missing. Thanks so much for your helpful advice!

tgal, wow...the big u/s appt. already...I'm feeling so far behind you right now. That is very exciting. I'm glad your OB is being proactive about high BP issues. Could you just play dumb with your mom and just say that was who they scheduled your u/s with and you don't know why they had you go to the high-risk u/s tech? Good luck!

ce_kathleen, it is funny to think we are already 1/3 of the way through our pgcies! In some ways March seems so far away, in other ways I can't believe how quickly time is going.

red, yay for shopping! So fun! I can't believe you've gotten started on your baby book already...that is great! I'm frantically trying to finish some other books that I am working on, so I can focus on the baby once it gets here. I doubt I will get much done before the baby comes...as much as I would like to.

Brooke, sorry about the scare from your dr. Sounds like the other tests are pointing you in the right direction though. Good luck getting your quad screen results back.

I am having one of my more panicked pregnancy days though. Maybe some of you can help put my irrational mind at ease...question, are any of you still in your regular clothes? I started panicking a bit this morning because I weighed myself this morning and lost a 1/2 pound and I don't think I've grown at all in the past week or so. My pants fit exactly the same. They are tight and I can't wear all of them, but the ones that I can wear, button up fine, they just start to dig in a bit as the day wears on. I'm sure you second-time moms are giggling a bit and I'm sure I will look back on these days and be so glad that I didn't gain weight so early and be wishing for my pre-pregnancy clothes, but today I am getting worried a bit. I know that I am tall (5'10") and have some room to grow into my maternity clothes...are any of the other not showing yet???!! Thank you for putting up with my irrational thoughts....

[MrsCantDecide]

Good Morning Ladies! So much activity last week, not hardly any over the weekend! ;)

Here's QOTDs from last week:
QOTD ~ Cord Blood ~ Not doing anything with it, probably... can't afford the costs.

QOTD ~ Exercise ~ Haven't been so good about this either. Definitely need to start doing something though!

QOTD ~ Nursery ~ Thought about it. Wanted to do Dr. Seuss, because I thought that was a cute gender neutral theme. MIL doesn't like it, she's the one painting, so not sure what we'll end up. My little sister is going to do some fun paintings on the wall for me, but now I don't know what. MIL and I are going decoration/paint shopping on Saturday. She wants to be able to find out the sex so that we can do a themed boy/girl nursery... not gonna happen! Only decision made was yellow and green for walls. :p That'll probably change too!

*****************
Still feeling very normal. Gotten some of my energy back, I didn't spend all day Saturday and Sunday sleeping like I had in weekends pass. In fact, I didn't take one single nap ALL weekend!

Took belly shots on Saturday, but I swear that the days I go to take belly shots, so look very UN-pregnant. The days I don't plan to take belly shots, I swear my belly is WAY out there! ;) STILL in regular clothes though, but people are telling me that I have a tiny little baby belly starting. :rolleyes:

I'll post my Saturday belly shots when I get home tonight... I forgot to resize and upload them this weekend. I was busy trying to pick baby names (which we are not revealing until the baby is born). :D

[MrsCantDecide]

Heidi ~ Totally with you there! There are days where I swear I look SMALLER than I did before! But yeah, as the day wears on the clothes do get tighter. Right now I am wearing the same exact skirt that I wore in my first belly shot that I took right after finding out I was pg.

Remember we're due later than most people on this thread, and you're tall (I'm 5'8", but I don't have a very long torso).

Hope that helps ease your mind!

[junkinmytrunk]

Tgal:
Junk - Could you post the link to that onesie again? Thanks for suggesting the Life Insurance too!
I think I have preggo brain - I can't think of what onsie you are talking about...remind me? :)

[tgal]

Junk - didn't it say junk in my trunk or was it a t-shirt?

[JennW]

Hello girls! I haven’t posted in this thread in so long, but have been reading along with each new post. I need to post more often cause this thread sure has a way of getting away from you! Haha! I’m going to have a million SO’s. Things are going well and I’m still feeling relatively normal except still tired from time to time.. I had a minor surgery last week for a skin thing, but am fine. I have to go for a follow up this week but there is nothing to worry about. next ob appt = 10/6. We’ll have our quad screen done then. I hope that we can schedule our big u/s at that time, too!:D I can’t wait for my next appt. and to hear the h/b again. As usual I am getting nervous about all that (always happens about a week before my appt.!)

You all are SO ahead of me. I seem to be the opposite of everyone. I am still too paranoid to do anything or buy anything yet. Not only that but for some reason I just have this awful *everything will take care of itself* attitude. I need to get on the ball! I have a feeling a lot of that can be attributed to my still lack of tons of energy cause I am normally a super psycho planner!!!:)

All this talk of will drafting is making me nervous!!! I feel so behind!

I agree with everyone else on the getting fuller faster thing, too. That whole stuff myself with greasy food thing from trimester 1 is definitely gone. Thank God.

Okay, back to work. Happy Monday, all!:D

elenitsa – Glad you have some pg friends. I don’t have anyone that I know that is pg and almost all of my friends do not even have kids! So it is quite the lonely road. I’m glad for you that 2 friends came out of the closet on being pg! I hear you on the anxiousness of waiting for the big u/s. I am almost ready to start counting down hourly like I did for the wedding!:D

tgal – Gorgeous cribs! Sorry to hear about the BP issues. Hope the shower went well. I don’t have any answers for your insurance question, but when you find out, can you post? I know we all deal with these insurance issues crap!

kdotp – Glad I’m not the only one who is still tired some days!

Junk – Love the furniture you have chosen. The dark wood is very nice.

tuni – Congrats on WB choosing your wedding pics! That’s awesome! Your pics are beautiful!

trm and aprilshowers – So cool that you felt the baby move. I can’t wait for that!

amychris – Sorry you have to leave your doc. It’s tough to leave a good doctor behind. Glad you’re feeling slightly better now.:)

tracie – Your nursery is gorgeous!

kat – Lots of big appts.! Time is flying. Good luck and post about them all for us!

Bernie – Hope all went well with your unbuttoned suit and no one noticed!

jen71 – Hope you can get on soon from work! Have a nice trip to NY!

ellybella – Funny about DH being so excited. That is cute that he is telling everyone.

Shannon – Great list! Thanks for posting! That is precisely what I need! Great buys! You cleaned up! Must feel good to have something done.

mom2amelia – Thx for all the tips!

brooke – Sorry about your scare. I hate the way doctors word things. Hope work slows down for you soon.

red – Yay for baby shopping. And, as I told you in your journal, your scrapbook is GORGEOUS!!!

Kathleen – Welcome back!

Heidi – I would not panic! If you look in the pregnancy forum, I posted a thread a while back about when women started to show. If you read that thread you’ll feel better cause most women did not show this early. I also work with a girl who literally did not show until she was almost 6 months! So don’t worry. Everyone grows at different rates!

MCD – Post those belly shots!:) I hear you on not sleeping quite as much. I only took 1 nap this weekend, which for me was a big difference!

WOW I WROTE A LOT!!!

[Elenitsa]

JennW - I don't think I can keep up with your shout outs! Sorry that you feel like you are on a lonely road. Just wanted to point out that I am in NJ, sorry I forget where you are located, but if ever you might like to trade phone numbers just pm me and I'd be glad to share.

I forget who posted, but Thanks for the list of things to do before baby arrives! That is excellent.

Health Insurance - Make sure you call and harrass them about why they didn't fully cover your claim. Sometimes a phone call is all they need. I got a bunch of claims denied b/c I switched ins mid-stream. So, the original ins was billed on a correct treatment date, and I was still covered by them, but my doctor submitted the payment request on a date beyond my coverage. Their dumb computers look at the date of submission, not treatment and rejected the claim. Apparently, it only took a phone call, but how many people might not follow up and pay out of pocket. Also, my dr just sent me the bill out right and never even tried to re-process. That bugged me too and I changed drs.

Life Insurance, Savings Plans (401k) & IRA - On the list might be updating beneficiacies for those if you already have one? I need to update some of these with even DH's name.

Hope the rest of you ladies are doing well! And now for my Rant.........


My SIL invited me to this Baby Safety event for first time expectant parents. I thought great. It is sponsored by the Advisory Council on Baby Safety. First off, I have to say they did make a few important points about child safety, but overall there were a bunch of scare tactics thinly veiled in their attempt to sell some over priced baby furniture all for one incredibly low price, only if you ordered on the spot at the seminar. I don't know if anyone has recieved a similar invite in the mail, but I just wanted to offer my 2 cents opinion to all, for what is might be worth.

[tgal]

This might be on the list Shannon posted, but just in case it isn't. Social security paper work. I am sure you can't submit until after the baby is born, but won't hurt to have it ready just to fill in the date and send in.


Mom - I'll have to double check on those questions, but now that we are having a baby, we were debating having a professional look over or completely redoing our will anyway. It is something that is just too important not to have done right.

Shannon - We want to see pictures! Very exciting!

Heidi - I played it off well, but I am sure she is going to tell everyone in the family about it and continue to wonder why and worry at the same time. Oh well, what can you do. I haven't gained much weight and can still get into my pants, but there are only a few that don't get uncomfortable at the end of the day. Most of the time I go with elastic because I just don't know what is going to give me indigestion on any given day.

JennW - Called insurance and got precertified for the delivery out of the way! One thing to check off the list. Also talked to customer service for clarification. Huge bummer, I thought with a PPO that as long as you were in network you paid the copay and that is it. Not! Labs and diagonostics even in network are 80% covered, same with hospital, but there is a $2500 out of pocket max + $250 deductable. Good to know, but that stinks because it starts all over again as of Jan. 1st. Mental note, next pregnancy, get pregnant and have baby in the same calendar year!!!

[ellybella]

Threadmistress please update my appointments:
10/7 - AFP Screen
10/21 - 18 week check-up
10/25 - BIG ULTRASOUND!!!!

i have a question about the AFP Screen, i know there is a triple and also a quad should i be asking for either one of these or does the OB determine the necessity?

i still haven't made any purchases, but my grandmother has. this is so cute...i got a card from my grandmother congratulating us on the pregnancy and she enclosed a one dollar bill for the baby's savings (the $1 thing is just a little joke we have) and she wrote that she bought some onesies, a hat and bib. when i called to thank her she says "i bought more today". this is the first grandchild on both sides so i'm thinking it's going to be very spoiled.

heidi i'm still not showing. no maternity bottoms yet. i did buy a size up in a pair of cords and they are working out fine. i've bought a couple ts in a size up for the length. and a couple maternity tops. so looking forward to popping. i know i'm expanding because i wore one of dh's belts yesterday because one of mine was too tight even on the last notch when i sat. i've gained 9lbs total, but only 1 1/2 in the last 4 weeks.

shannon congrats on your purchases! can't wait to see pics. i've already printed out your checklist. can't wait to go over it.

tgal sorry about the bp issues. at least you're being closely monitored.

jen you rock w/ all of your shout outs. i have to take notes for shoutouts so i don't have to keep going back.

tuni your wedding pictures are beautiful. when did you get married?

[ce_Kathleen]

QOTD: is anyone NOT getting the AFP/triple/quad screen test?

I didn't get this test done when PG with Alex and we are not going to get it with this baby either. I just feel like I am young and healthy and there is nothing that would make me change my mind about my baby. I guess my main reason is that I have too many friends whose results came back that caused them to worry and need further testing all for nothing, the baby is perfectly fine.

Oh well I don't want to start a debate with this but I just feel like everyone is getting tested and I wanted to see if there was anyone not doing the test.

[red_canuck]

kathleen, i'm not either :) For the same reasons - We're young, healthy, no problems in the family, and we wouldn't do anything about the results anyways.

[phart]

Kathleen~~We didn't with Aiden and aren't with this one either.

social security paperwork~~Not sure if this is a universal thing or not but we filled out that paperwork and the birth certificate paperwork at the hospital and they sent everything in for us.

[mom2amelia]

Kathleen - we didn't do the AFP with Amelia and we aren't with this one either. I also declined the amnio (I'm 36).

We too go the SSN info at the hospital and they sent it in for us. We got her card in the mail not too long after she was born.

[aprilshowers]

kathleen, we also opted not to do the quad test. Though if something unusual showed up on the big ultrasound we would do it then (OB said it wasn't too late at that point). At our last u/s, the baby gave us a full wave w/ fingers all extended and the doctor said that was a good sign that there wasn't anything wrong since babies with chromosomal abnormalities aren't usually able to do that. We probably wouldn't have done the test anyway, but that helped to cement our decision.

[ShannonGH]

Well if you insist! :D
This is the crib we got in white (sorry for the big picture)-

http://www.babysdream.com/img_product/SECRPNCN_L.jpg
I can't find a picture of the dresser online.

Glider (ours is upholstered in denim)-
http://www.bestchairs.com/bcassets/prodimages/3137_21281.jpg

Can't wait for it to arrive!

[Tracie]

Hey pregnant ladies! Thank you to everyone who complimented our nursery!

QOTD - AFP We also declined it. It's just a screening, it doesn't tell you anything for sure, and it wouldn't change anything anyway. Besides, my doctor said they can usually tell Down's and spina bifida from the u/s.

[tunibell]

I just found out that I'm going to be an aunt again! My SIL is pregnant with my fifth niece/nephew (she has two boys, and my other SIL has two boys). She and my bro make such beautiful babies!:

http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b5d730b3127cce98548a74ccf500000016108AbM3DVu1bOa
(That's Riley, age 3 and Connor, age 7)

I have an OB appointment tomorrow, and I am so hoping they do an u/s. I'm getting reaaaaaalllly anxious to know the sex of this baby. (Also, I think I will deserve some sort of award for taking the one-hour glucose test at the same appointment.) Either way, I'll probably get to schedule the BIG ultrasound - yippee!!!

I'm going to take the AFP test next week. I pretty much take any test they offer me (I even took the HIV test, even though I've tested negative in the past and practically boiled all of my partners pre-coital.)

I just pawned the will thing off on DH. We've been meaning to do it for some time now and really need to get on the stick. My grandfather was too stubborn to draft a will, and my grandmother was too passive to do it herself - as a result, their estate was just settled - by their bickering children - ten years later. Not good.

I'm kinda jealous of all of you ladies still in your pre-pregnancy clothes. I think the last time I wore non-maternity pants was Week 7, and I'm up 13 lbs in 11 weeks. :eek:

[kat]

Drive-by to answer the QOTD (AFP/quad screen) : We're doing (as we speak!) the AFP testing, because spina bifida and other neuro defects aren't picked up by the CVS. Frankly, it didn't matter to me too much whether we did it or not -- my risk of neural tube defects ought to be relatively low (no family history + taking prenatals for several years). But we decided to do it because compared to all the other procedures/tests I've had over the last year, this one was nuthin'. And we are the types who like to know everything we can, when we can. (Although AFP test is less reliable with twin pregnancies, the test + the level II ultrasound should help diagnose any defects).

Won't be doing the quad screen (even though I'll be 37 when these kids are born) because it picks up the same things we've already ruled out via CVS.

HUGE deadline tomorrow - my "lunch" hour is now up (I gotta take a break every now & then or I'll go nuts), so no shout-outs today.

Nothing new from me re: the pregnancy - just worrying a lot about tomorrow's deadline. Happy Monday, all!

[junkinmytrunk]

AFP - just got it today. Didn't realize it was optional. Hmmm. Amnio is scheduled for next Friday -- my gut tells me to do it so I am. It won't change anything but it will be nice to be emotionally prepared for whatever we need to know, I guess.

Not sure if you guys rememember but I've been toting around a 10cm cyst on my left ovary through the whole pregnancy (it's grown steadily). She is thinking of doing a scheduled c-section and removing the cyst along with the baby. She said there is no threat of the cyst twisting now because my belly is growing but once my uterus is empty, it could twist and that causes giant problems. Kind of shocking to be discussing delivery with my doctor already.

Tgal: Junk onsie: http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/159-junk-in-the-trunk-creeper-or-t-shirt.html

Shannon : I don't know if I ever heard what happened with your cyst....will you share?

So tired, gotta get back to work.

Glad everyone is well. Take care.

[phart]

Didn't realize it was optional

junk ~~Everything is optional:) Even newborn procedures and vaccinations.

I can't read back far enough in this screen but to whomever was *worried* about being in their regular pants still...I was too with my first pregnancy. Well, I think I was in the next size up but I wore my jeans/pants pretty fitted. I wasn't in maternity until 16 weeks or so. Don't fret. Eventually you'll be tired of your maternity gear and ready for pants that zip so cherish this time:) I remember having a hard time remembering to zip up my pants PP;)

[phart]

junk~~Also, if you weren't pregnant, how would they remove the cycst? Just curious.

[brooke]

Thanks to all for your thoughts – change my mind every day on whether or not to get the amnio…quad tests are due any day, will made a decision then….I'll be flying to Mobile, AL Thursday for 4 days for work...so would need to wait until next week if I decide to go through it...

JenW rocking the shout outs!!….quick drive-by before diving back in to work…love all the nurseries!!

Heidi0622 – I’m still in the same clothes….certain pants are a bit tight at the end of the day, but tolerable. I lost ~5lbs the first trimester and have only put 1lb back on thus far….i’m sure I’ll be one of those ‘late gainers’…but who knows, my mother actually *lost weight* once I was born…fingers crossed I inherit those genes!

which brings me to my 17w belly shot...and first :rolleyes: Still haven't experienced the big 'pop'...but getting there

http://images.snapfish.com/344%3A9%3A4323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2323%3D%3B%3B%3C%3 D628%3D3232%3B%3B%3C537636nu0mrj


Tunibell – Congrats on becoming an aunt again!

Junk – Sounds like removing at delivery is the best option…would they need to completely knock you out?

QOTD: Insurance…called my insurance company when I learned I was pregnant. A bit nervous as policy is vague..but they said, as long as it is medically necessary, and ordered by my in-network OB…I’d be fine..no bills yet (fingers crossed). I have United Healthcare PPO…

QOTD: Quad Tests…its funny, Kathleen, I assumed *everyone* took these tests…honestly didn’t do enough research before taking the NT test (negative)…however they would have picked up the soft marker regardless on the anatomical us…awaiting results of the quad test now. Know in my heart its unnecessary worry, as I’m young and there is no family history….given what I’ve learned about the false positives, not sure it I’d take it again.

[trm98]

Heidi-
are any of you still in your regular clothes? I started panicking a bit this morning because I weighed myself this morning and lost a 1/2 pound and I don't think I've grown at all in the past week or so. My pants fit exactly the same. They are tight and I can't wear all of them, but the ones that I can wear, button up fine, they just start to dig in a bit as the day wears on.

As the others have said, don't worry. I am 17 weeks 5 days, and still fit into all my pants but the dress pants. They do start to get tighter, but I am even still wearing my prepregnancy jeans. I experienced a "pop" this past week. I'm sure yours will come soon!

QOTD: (testing) We decided not to, b/c we are both young (almost 30 and 29), there is no history of anything in our families, we are both healthy people, and mostly b/c I am the type of person that doesn't like to live my life on the "what if" or "maybe". I would rather be blissfully ignorant and deal with it when the time came, than sit and wonder/ stress over it. And, believe me I would stress and obssess. I wish the best results to those that are going through it! I know my sister did, and she was glad she did it.

I finally told work last week. I feel much better now that it is out of the bag. I had mixed reactions from the bosses, but I don't care! Everyone is really happy for me. I also noticed that once I told, I had the "pop". I think the stress and being so cautious was keeping it in. I sleep much better now.

Next ob appt. Oct. 6! I am sooooo ready to hear that HB again!

[ShannonGH]

Shannon : I don't know if I ever heard what happened with your cyst....will you share?


Well, since no one is still 100% sure as to what this thing is inside of me, they want me to get an MRI which I have scheduled for next Weds. I was VERY nervous when I first found out I had to get one but the more I read about it, the less nervous I become as every resource says its fine after the first tri. So I'll get my MRI and then meet with a surgeon to discuss which direction to go based on the results of the MRI.
Thanks for asking...that's so sweet of you. I'm so glad that you're able to put off surgery to remove your cyst until the baby is due! That is such a relief!

Beautiful belly shot Brooke!

tuni, hope you have a great appt tomorro