December 2005 Mommies: 3rd Trimester!

[oceanblue]

jaredsgirl-I'll probably give her the design I'm going to want before he's born, just to have that set. If I can ever make up my mind :rolleyes:

Isn't it crazy how close we are...everyone asks me when is the big day, and I will say, just a little over 7 weeks, then they all tease me about having the countdown...well heck yea, I have a countdown...I want to meet my little baby!!!

That I want to see my feet again, and my ughhh, well, coochie, and stop peeing 50 million times in a day, and various other things too! ;)

[kamileer]

aprilbride - I am also considering ordering ours through Amber. My DH is a wiz at photoshop and we usually make this kind of thing ourselves. I just don't know if we'll have time! I would like to save the money though. ;) Anyway, if going through Amber do you HAVE to start booking her/picking designs now???? What is the lead time? I was planning on doing this after the baby is born. Am I crazy?

[kamileer]

OB appt - Had my 30 week appt today. Baby is still breech but we knew that. If she doesn't turn on her own by week 36 they will offer me a version procedure (where the doc tries to manually moved the baby) at week 37. I am so bummed that she is breech! Is ANYONE else still breech? If the version (and other tricks...better get going on my exercises) fails, we are c- section bound. :(

I'm up 2.5 lbs from 2 weeks ago and 17.5 pounds total. I'm measuring 29cm, but the doc says that it is normal to be +/- up to 3 cm.

[JRPAGV]

jengen: How big is the 1st announcement? It looks smaller than 4x6. I'm going to go with #1. I like that font the best. Is his name centered once you include your last name? I would probably make it centered if it's not. Love the announcement!

Announcement/Holiday Greeting Combo: I really want to do this and preorder from InABabyCarriage, but what if my little one comes before December? Will it look funny to have a November birthdate on there with something like "Merry Christmas!"? Does that make any sense? I don't want to decide on an announcement with snowflakes in the background if he comes in November (it doesn't snow in Georgia in November). ;) Bot sure what to do.

MIL/FIL Worries: DH informed me a little while ago that he keeps telling his parents we won't need them to stay with us and help out after the baby is born. They keep responding by telling him that when it happens, we'll see that we need them. I don't think they get that they're not staying with us when the baby is born! :eek:

[oceanblue]

kami-No you don't have to preorder, I'm just doing it (the envelopes) to get them done and out of the way. I'll probably will let her know what design I'm going to go with, but there's not much she'll be able to do anyway, without a picture from us after he's born. Make sense?

I'm sorry she's still breech. Hopefully if she doesn't turn on her own, the version will work!

Janna-Even if you have the baby in November, you can still do the Merry Christmas thing. Just wait a few more weeks to send out the announcements. We didn't get my cousin's announcement (she had the baby in July) until the end of August. No biggy there.

[fwgirl]

jengen I really like both announcements, but if I had to pick one I would go with #2. There is just something about it that pops out at me. :)

Janna I think we're going to do combo announcements/holiday greeting cards too! We'll probably order through snapfish or shutterfly (depending which designs we like best). I figure if the baby is born early then it will be Cmas cards, but if the baby is born too late for that we will send New Year's cards. I'm just going to print labels before hand and worry about the rest once she gets here. Heck, I'm just proud of myself for thinking about this ahead of time!

Kami I think our baby is still breech too. I haven't had an ultrasound since 21w, but at my appt on Tuesday my doctor was feeling around. She said she thinks our baby is of average size and still with her feet over her head. But she said she's not concerned since she doesn't feel too big and thinks she still can turn. We have our child birth class this weekend and I'm going to ask about it re: chances of c/s. Also, I'm going to question my doctor about it again at my next appt. I think we're in the same boat.

***

Last night I spoke with our wedding photographers. (I love them!!) We're just now getting our album since I'm such a procrastinator, but I felt like we should have that done before the baby arrives otherwise it will never happen. So when I met with them last weekend I asked if they take baby pictures and they do! We decided to talk sometime this week about baby pictures and ended up doing that last night. I'm really excited about it! They want to do it in her first few weeks while she's still very new. They were said, "we know you'll be tired and not feeling/looking your best, but it's all about her. besides, we can fix the photos to make you look better/less tired." We talked about what DH & I should wear since we'll be the background. It will mostly be shots of her. I'm really excited that we have a plan for this! I just feel so comfortable with these people and I think they are so talented.

I have a slightly silly question. For some reason I've been thinking about socks lately. Not for me, but for baby. Does anyone have any recommendations for baby socks? I've heard that they kick them off and that some brands are better than others, but I can't for the life of me remember what I've heard. If anyone has any tips or recommendations I would love to hear them. (It seems like as my due date approaches I get more and more attached to these little details. I guess it makes me feel more in control or something...)

[kamileer]

fwgirl - I know our breech situation isn't ideal but I am so glad that I'm not alone. Keep me updated on what your doctor/class says!

socks - My mommy friends tell me that Gap and Old Navy ones are the best. ;)

[JRPAGV]

kamileer: I'm sorry your baby girl is still breech. Hopefully, she'll turn before 36 weeks. If not, I'm sure that the version will work. I wonder if that's what I saw on A Baby Story recently. An OB put her hands on the mom's belly and literally turned the baby around.

I'm jealous of your weight gain. I weighed myself at Linens 'N Things the other day, and those stupid scales said I was up like 6 pounds from three weeks ago! :eek:

ETA: I bought Nathan the cutest socks from Old Navy. They are white with grey toes and heels (like the socks DH and I wear). :D

[jaredsgirl]

aprilbride One more question, are you talking to amber through here or through the website?

socks So funny what kamileer said because my SIL hates Gymboree, Gap and Old Navy sock, she says that Carters are the best. But with that, thinking that it might just be baby dependant?

[oceanblue]

jaredsgirl-Her website. Since it is business and all ;)

[Orion]

Hi All: Got tired of the WC a long time ago but decided to check it out to see how everyone was doing and found no one there. Managed to find you all over here and thought that I would join during these last weeks of pregnancy. I am currently 31 weeks pregnant and everything is going very well. I have been put off work as of August 24 because of back pain that was caused by a car accident that occured back in March and is being aggrevated by the pregnancy. I'm not really complaining about not being at work but when you are so used to working every day there are a lot of hours to fill and obsess over the pregnancy. Once I get used to this message board I will be better at keeping in touch (no excuse since I have so much time on my hands!). Take care.

[AMC]

jengen- I like #2 better because of the C in the back ground as well. Thanks for the crib info.

kamileer hope your little girl turns soon!

Birth Announcements- I will be going with Amber at inababycarriage as well. She did my daughters birth announcement and 1st birthday invites and they were awesome. She is usually very quick but I know she is super busy right now, so her turn around time might be longer. Here is my DD's, its featured on the website.
http://inababycarriage.com/designs/girls/images/pastelstripes.jpg


Bumpers- I used one just fine with my DD and plan to with my second. DD is still using hers actually. It keeps her arms and leg in the crib. She sleeps like a wild woman!

epidural- got one last time and plan to this time. There is NO WAY I could make it without one.

nursing bras- In my opinion they all suck but you definitely have to try on many styles to find one you like. I really like the Target and Glamourmama nursing tanks pictured earlier. They were my lifesavers.

[jengen]

AMC What an adorable announcement! How did you get your DD to pose so nicely? I want to pose my son similar to the mock photo in my announcements that I've posted, but just wondering how difficult this is to do with a sleeping newborn. Do you think he'll be fussy with his clothes off in the winter?

Well, ladies, we are officially still TIED! :) I think I may have to pick one out of a hat!

[kamileer]

jaredsgirl - Must be an individual baby thing like bottles! ;)

AMC - Beautiful announcements. Thanks for the baby turning wishes!

JRPAGV - Yes! EXACTLY like you saw on Baby Story. Kinda freaky, huh?!

Orion - Welcome. :)

[AMC]

jengen in the very beginning they are in such deep sleep, you can pretty much pose them anyway you want. Just make sure the room is nice and toasty.

[kinaida]

Hey all,

jengen -- #1 (am I the tiebreaker?) :) Very adorable!

bumpers -- thanks for the feedback everyone! My main concern is that, since we got a sleigh bed style crib that we won't be able to securely fasten a padded bumper on since it's solid at the ends.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00005QJ12.01._PE11_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

We might go with the mesh (breathable) bumper so that at least if it's not as securely fastened as it should be (but still as secure as we can make it) I won't worry so much about the baby suffocating.

announcements -- I still don't know what we're going to do. I'm thinking about just going easy (and inexpensive) and ordering those greeting card pictures from snapfish. I want to get them out in time for Christmas (even if I deliver in November) but don't want to deal with the additional stress. Maybe I'll order some of the more expensive announcements for family & close friends and the cheaper ones for other friends?

breech baby -- as of my 28 week appointment, my baby was head down, but I know that they can turn at any time. I think my baby goes from head down to transverse back to head down. I don't think that s/he has ever been completely breech since I've been paying attention. I have heard that getting breech babies to turn manually is painful!! I hope everyone's babies turn!!

[mamax2]

WHEW! I missed a lot yesterday!

My MW appt. went well except I'm up 5lbs in 3 weeks :eek: She was totally cool about it, but I'm kind of not :o I hope the next 2 weeks goes better. My little girl is head down and we could feel her knees sticking out - too cool! Carrie said she still has another 5 weeks or so to flip, but I haven't felt her flip at all, well, not totally. I feel her body rotate from one side to the other, but her head never goes anywhere. I feel like her head's half way down the birth canal already there's so much pressure sometimes.

My next appt. is 10/26. I have no earthly idea why they've already switched me to an every 2 week schedule, but whatever. We talked more about my GBS+ issues and now I'm on a mission to cure/prevent this thing from showing up at my 36 week test. *Crossing Fingers* I'm also back to considering a doula again and even talked to one yesterday, but her fee was rather steep for us ($500). DH need to talk this one over some more.

jengen ~ room looks awesome, name is great and I vote for announcement #1 :D

socks ~ For newborns, I liked the little socks from BRU - the style that folds over around the ankles helps keep them on, I've found. Once she was older, I only liked Gymboree socks for DD.

bumpers ~ As w/my first DD, this baby will sleep in the PNP bassinett until she outgrows it (at least 3 months, I imagine). At whatever point she moves to a crib, it'll have bumpers. In fact, we STILL have the bumpers on 3 sides of my 26 month old's crib! They aren't puffy, they tie securely at the top and bottom and she's never seemed to have a problem with them. We followed all the other anti-SIDS recs like: exclusively BFing, not smoking and putting baby on back to sleep. Plus, she'll be sleeping right next to me for the first 3-4 months anyway and SIDS risk begins to decrease at that point anyway.

announcement ~ Still undecided on this since baby could easily be born the actual week (or even after) Christmas. Maybe I should give up the idea of Christmas cards and go straight for New Year's cards, but then again, I like the idea of sending an announcement that shows both of my DDs together, kwim?

epidural ~ definitely not - unless I were to truly NEED a c-section, and I mean medically necessary, not for anyone's convenience or because of some protocol. I am having a hospital birth, but would prefer a birth center if one were available to me. I had a 17 hour labor w/an 8lb 2oz posterior baby and I had a natural childbirth that was a transformative, amazing experience that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. I absolutely want that again. I'll leave it at that since it looks like I'm the odd man out on this topic so far :p

[kinaida]

bumpers ~ As w/my first DD, this baby will sleep in the PNP bassinett until she outgrows it (at least 3 months, I imagine).
Thanks for reminding me -- I was going to ask about the PNP bassinet. This is also our plan to have the baby sleep in our room in the PNP. Do you just put the baby in there with no sheet for the bassinet (do they even make them)? We have a standard Graco PNP. Obviously no blankets in the bassinet except for a swaddler -- but I just wasn't sure if you just put the baby in there in its pjs or what...

[kamileer]

kinaida - I've heard that heavy duty velcro can be used to attach a bumper to the solid parts of your crib

Encouraging info about breech presentation from my acupuncturist...

I emailed my acupuncturist who I saw while undergoing fertility treatments. Here is her response...

As far as the breech presentation I would wait a little closer to the due date to see if the baby changes position on her own. There is a technique called moxibustion that can help turn the baby. It would require only one visit here at the clinic. I would show how to apply the moxibustion technique so you could do it on your own. It has worked wonders for many patients, actually here at the clinic we currently have a 100% success rate with turning breach babies. Please check back in with me mid Novermber if the baby has not turned.

:)

[doubleR]

jengen if I choose number 2 over 'being on the fence', does that help? something about the big C, I really like that design.

kami hopefully the little girl turns for you, but thats great that you already have a few back up plans in place ;)

AMC that announcement is too precious! what a beautiful little girl you have!!

mamax odd man out or not, I give you so much credit. most of my friends have gone all natural in birthing centers, using the Bradley method. and I love hearing their stories, it's just not for me - I always feel like the odd man out with them ;)

kinaida I know they make bedding for bassinets, but I'm not sure about specific PNP bassinets. You probably want something down though.

Orion good to see you over here!! sorry to hear about your back pain. are you on bedrest?

god, I haven't even thought about announcements :o we still haven't even decided on a name yet :eek:

pumps I don't know if I should just buy one or possibly rent one from the hospital. I've heard to just go with the electric double pump right from the beginning, b/c you end up wasting money trying out others. I spoke iwth someone in the lactation center at my hospital today and I can rent one for $45/month. That is basically just renting the motor. With that, I'd have to buy a $38 kit which includes any parts that the milk comes into contact with. Pretty cool since I was wondering how that actually worked. Yeah, you can sterilize the parts, but I feel better knowing I'm the only one. I figure I can rent a pump for about 6 months for the same price as buying one. All the hospital pumps are Medela. I guess I won't make any decisions until after my BFing class, which isn't until November 15th. I've been looking on Ebay too and the Purely Yours or something like that are really well priced. I just don't want to buy one and then find out that for whatever reason, I won't be pumping or needing it.

bravada bras I ordered 2 bras today and I cannot wait for them to come in! I'm still wearing underwire, but I've about had it. I figured I'd try these out and hopefully order 1 or 2 more if I like them. I'll also check out some of those tanks, they do look comfy.

[JRPAGV]

Where is everyone buying the Bravado bras from? If they're nursing bras, are you already wearing them now?

[JRPAGV]

Another question...

Do you think that this background (snowflakes) would still be okay to use if I were to send the announcements out after Christmas? (Ignore the wording, I would use something different.)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v713/jrpagv/snowflakes2blue.jpg

[kamileer]

JRPAGV - For sure! Those scream WINTER to me, not Christmas. :)

[happygolucky]

jengen - I vote for #1.

kamileer - I hope the baby turns for you - otherwise, I'm hoping that the baby can be turned manually. I'm also hoping that my baby stays turned. I *really* don't want a C-section. Watch - I just totally jinxed myself and I'm either going to have the world's longest and most difficult labor and delivery, so that I would have been better off with a C-section, or I'm going to have a horrific L&D and then follow it up witn an emergency C anyway. Oooh - we can see I put on my optimist hat this morning, huh? lol.

Pumps - I registered for the Medela, but if I don't get it as a gift from a family member, I'm going to rent from the hospital. Although, the more I think of it, the more I sort of think taking it off the registry and just renting is the way to go.

Announcements - Don't know what I'm going to do about that yet. Don't have a clue. Baby isn't due until 12/16, so that could be cutting it awfully close to Christmas. I'm sort of inclined to do my Christmas cards early, send them out just after Thanksgiving and then do birth announcements in January.

Socks - I registered for Carters.

Question - did any of you get unnerved by your maternity ward tour? DH and I did ours today and, although I was excited when we were on our way there, the tour itself seriously rattled my nerves. I saw all those babies in their basinettes and suddenly they looked AWFULLY BIG and I was thinking, "Oh my gosh, I'll never be able to get something that big out my girl-part!" Add to that the fact that the nurse giving the tour looked like Stephen King with boobs, and you've got a recipe for one freaked out happygolucky.


*** edited to fix spelling error. Have degree in English. *Do*, in fact, know how to spell "emergency". ***

[happygolucky]

JRPAGV - I agree with Kami - winter, not Christmas.

[jaredsgirl]

Maternity ward tour Ours wasn't bad, the place was pretty dead and we only saw one baby. So I think that helped...but happygolucky, you totally cracked me up with your comment!

JRPAGV I think the announcement is definately winter, not Christmas. Also, the Bravado bras, I don't have one but have seen them online all the time...I just bought nursing bras since I went into a 38G and didn't want to buy bras again for after the baby is born, and they are so much more comfy without the underwires for me!!

[oceanblue]

Janna-Absolutely winter, that's one of the 2 I'm deciding on as well! Good choice!

[around the world]

happygolucky, you cracked me up. We haven't had our tour yet, won't until DH gets back from overseas. But I can *so* relate to how you felt. I've forbidden myself from watching A Baby Story and whatever that way-too-real birth show is on Discovery Channel from here on out, they freak me out too much. Which probably clearly answers the question of the epidural for me: yes, I plan on one. I do plan on laboring as long as I can stand it at home, I want to hold out on the epi until it is a last resort, and I don't want any other narcotics (Nubain, etc). But I do want the epi. Talked to my OB about it, and at the hospital I'm delivering at, they don't have a window.

mamax2, I'm like doubleR, you wouldn't be the odd man out in my group of friends. Heck, even my mom went natural with my sisters and I. I actually don't talk too much about my choice with any of them, not because they wouldn't respect it, but because I feel like the slacker mom of the group. I even have a pretty high pain tolerance, but I want the epi. I'm right with folks who want a natural childbirth -- I want to be as 'present' as possible during the birth. Just knowing myself, I'm more able to be present when I'm calm and comfortable than when I'm really working, you know? Still, part of me wishes I could (and would) do what women who have natural births do. I am sure it is unbelieveably powerful, and I have so much respect for those that can experience birth that way!

JRPAGV, I love that announcement, and I agree, definitely winter not Christmas. Gorgeous! And jengen, I vote on #1 too. I just like that you get your son's whole name on that one. Something so sweet about seeing your new baby's entire name, printed out that way. Very formal, and very sentimental. Sigh.

kamileer and everyone else with breech babies, more hopes that those babies of yours turn. kamileer, I can't believe she's still in that position! They sure are flexible, aren't they?! I can hardly sit cross-legged anymore!

I need to get on the ball and order some maternity bras/tanks. I've just been busy buying things for the baby this whole time, and now that it's getting close, I'm sick of spending money. But I guess I have an excuse -- if I want to breastfeed, I'm gonna need the undergarments for it! :rolleyes:

I'm off for the weekend -- talk to you gals on Monday!

[mamax2]

doubleR & around the world ~ Can I meet some of your friends?? :p I've really never met anyone IRL - outside of my Bradley classes, doula and MWs - who supports natural childbirth. I hear the comments all the time about being a 'hero' or a 'martyr' and those things are so disheartening because they always seem to be spoken from a place of trying to make NCB mamas feel badly for their choice - like we're out for some sort of recognition or to prove a point :rolleyes: It's soooooo not about that. Anyway, I think it's great that you both have friends who have experienced NCB - it helps all women to hear lots of different birth stories and so many of us have a really limited scope, so you're both lucky to have some diversity!

Janna ~ I think those announcements are great - I'd send them any time between November-February (maybe even March if I lived in a colder climate). They're 'winter' not Christmas at all, IMO.

The more I think about it, I think I agree w/whoever suggested sending Christmas cards really early - like right after Thanksgiving and then sending the announcements a little later. I'll just do cheap Christmas cards this year - no photos or anything and send an announcment a couple weeks later that shows both of the girls, maybe something like this:
http://www.naptimecards.com/xq/asp/ProductId.1086/qx/SiteAdmin/ProductImages/show_bir_1853daydreamport.jpg
I ordered DD1's announcements from this company (Naptime Productions) and was really happy w/them. And, even though I pre-ordered the envelopes and everything, it was still about 10-12 days before I even got around to posing DD for a 'photo shoot' and then had to send them in, get them printed, etc. I think they went out just before she turned 1 month.

[burkie]

jengen - I love the #2 announcement!

JRPAGV - Gorgeous announcement! I think that it definately looks more winter than Christmas.

happygolucky - I am with you about being freaked out by the hospital tour. I think that I am finally getting over it, but it took me a week :rolleyes:

Everyone with breech babies hoping they turn soon.

Pumps - I think I am going to rent the Medela from the hospital until I decide if I like it and if I am going to be using it long term.

[kamileer]

I am also doing Christmas cards independant of birth announcements. For one, our baby isn't due until the 21st and it would probably be cutting it too close. #2 - I REALLY want to seperate this baby's birth from the Christmas holiday. After all the crap I have gotten about having a "Christmas baby" I want her annoucements to be babyish not Christmasy (does that make sense?). That being said, I have seen combo cards and they are GORGEOUS. I just have a weird stigma about it, I guess. I plan on getting my X-mas cards out nice and early this year.

[doubleR]

jrpagv, I ordered the bras right from bravadodesigns.com - the return policy is great if I should need another size or something. I like the fact that the sizing is in a range - they are nursing bras and I am hoping to wear them now, but I can't really answer that part of the question until I have them ;) But if I can't, I guess I'll be wearing them soon enough. And with the range sizing thing, I should be fine if my boobs grow even more when my milk comes in. Please god, don't let them grow any more!!!

and I LOVE that announcement. it's so cute and definitely winter, not holiday. I really love it.

happygolucky, you had me cracking up. I'm sure I'll think of your post again when we tour our hospital.

I'm so happy that tomorrow is friday :D :D :D

[JRPAGV]

I REALLY want to seperate this baby's birth from the Christmas holiday. After all the crap I have gotten about having a "Christmas baby" I want her annoucements to be babyish not Christmasy kamileer: That's how I feel. I know you and the others said that the snowflake announcements are wintery, but do you think they keep the two events (birth/Christmas) seerate? I was just talking to DH about this a little while ago. I want to make sure that my baby's birthdate and Christmas are two seperate things. I'm worried that this snowflake design kind of links the two together. Does that make any sense?

[kamileer]

JRPAGV - Makes PERFECT sense. I adore (and I mean it) the snowflake design but I personally wouldn't go that route b/c I am SO sensitive about this subject.

[jengen]

JRPAGV IMO, I think the snowflakes say "winter" more than Christmas...especially if you stay away from Christmasy colors. I think that announcement is adorable.

Thanks again to everyone for your votes!! #1 is winning by 2! :)

[helen22]

Bedding – I love the bedding sets, but just don’t think we would use everything they come with. We have bought some sheets, and will probably buy a bumper.
Torch76/others who didn’t buy bedding sets, where did you buy a dust ruffle on its own? That is one item I’ve had a hard time tracking down outside of a set. And I love your red carpet picture, you look fabulous :)

Jengen: I like #2 slightly better, but they are both lovely. You can’t go wrong :)

Janna – I think you could send that announcement for a baby born from Nov-Feb. I think if you end up sending it right near Xmas, it could seem sort of Christmas-y – I only say that because these days there are so many “happy holidays” cards that have only winter designs, no hint of santa/tree/other these days. But I think the design is adorable, and to me seems more “winter baby” than anything else.

AMC – did you take that photo of your daughter for the announcement, or is it professional? It’s gorgeous!

Orion – welcome!

Happygolucky – your hospital tour description killed me. I am not looking forward to my tour. Like everything else lately, I think it will make this all way too real and scary…! (also not helping: the stores that are starting to decorate for Xmas…time is moving way too fast all of a sudden...)

[ktdelsur]

epidural ~ definitely not - unless I were to truly NEED a c-section, and I mean medically necessary, not for anyone's convenience or because of some protocol. I am having a hospital birth, but would prefer a birth center if one were available to me. I had a 17 hour labor w/an 8lb 2oz posterior baby and I had a natural childbirth that was a transformative, amazing experience that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. I absolutely want that again. I'll leave it at that since it looks like I'm the odd man out on this topic so far

mamax2: You're not the odd man out, I'm totally with you on this one. Even if I didn't already have back complications that would make an epidural not such a great choice for me, I still wouldn't want one. My mom did it twice w/ no drugs (8lb4 oz baby and a 9lb 2 oz baby). MIL keeps saying, "Don't try to be a martyr, if you need it, you need it." I DON'T need it!!!!!!! Augh! Luckily DH is pretty supportive and encouraging. We talked about stages of labor and back labor last night (our maternity tour isn't until next Wednesday)...DH is now worried about my back, and worried I'll end up with back labor - how did you cope w/ a posterior baby and back labor? In the class they make it sound like the baby *can't* come out sunny side up (although DH apparently was facing up and came out ok)...but evidently they can...?! I'd love to hear about your experience (if you don't want to post it here you can email me at ktdelsur at yahoo dot com)!

breeches: Hope all of your babies turn around! Mine's head down but I don't know if he always stays that way. He seems to roll around a lot.

announcements: I think y'all are so ambitious with your pre-ordering. I've looked at announcements, and I'll do them at some point, but depending on when the baby comes, I'm going to be focused on trying to get sleep, get to know my baby and if someone gets mad because we maybe don't send them a Christmas card, too bad is what I'm thinking! LOL I love those snowflake cards, and I don't think they scream 'Christmas' but I totally understand your concern.

birthday/christmas: My bday is 12/16, and since the doc already told me he wont' let me go more than one week past my due date, I know the baby's birthday won't be any later than 12/12. My SIL keeps talking about all this baby stuff she is getting ME for MY birthday. How can I nicely tell her to wait a week and give the stuff to the baby for CHRISTMAS....give me ADULT stuff on MY birthday. Is that too much to ask? I spent my life managing to dodge the combo "Happy Birthday/Merry Christmas" gift, and I don't want to start having a "lets buy mom a baby gift for her birthday". My best friend's bday is in August and her daughters is January. You don't see me buying her baby stuff for her August bday!

I got another Christmas baby comment today, as well as a comment from a man heading up a Business Expo that my company is participating in that went something like, "You're not going to pop that thing out before the end of the Expo tomorrow, are you?" Uh no, I have another month, thanks, jerk. :p

[PilotsWife]

Just a drive by post to vote -

Janna - I know what you mean that people may see snow flakes related to Christmas, but I think if you send them out after Christmas, its just wintery. Again, it also helps that it is blue and that there is no red or green. I think they're really pretty.

Jengen - another vote for #1

[Mrsbuw]

Hi all,

Janna coming in a bit late here but I agree, I think the announcements look more wintery then christmas. I love the announcement. I think it is adorable. I love the snowflakes.

Jengen baby brain, I think I already voted for #1

Orion Welcome back

Hospital tour We have ours in a couple of weeks. A couple of people from our prenatal class had their tours and said they were sort of scary. They saw EVERYTHING including some of the hospital instruments and epi needle- yikes

I had a bit of a nesting freak out last night. We do have quite a bit of baby stuff, clothes, the stroller, carseat, crib, playpen etc but my shower isn't until Nov 12th. All of a sudden I realized after all the sock conversations that Jack doesn't have any. I ran out last night and grabbed a bunch plus some sleepers. Am I freak or what?

We are headed to my parents this weekend for a late thanksgiving dinner. Two big turkey dinners in a row and I have a doc's appt on Monday. I am pretty scared to step on the scale this time.

[kinaida]

Morning all,

hospital tours -- We need to do this very soon! I've been putting it off, but we need to get on the ball with this.

I had my first girl dream last night! It has always been a boy in my dreams, but last night it was a girl and she was beautiful. *sniff* The weird thing is that she came out pretty big -- like as big as a 6 month old! Let's hope that doesn't happen. And I also dreamt she had a poop blowout! Weird thing to dream about, for sure.

Welcome back orion!

mamax -- I have quite a few friends who did NCB. At least 4 off of the top of my head. I'm getting more nervous about childbirth as we're getting closer, but like I said, I'd prefer to do it without an epi. I've heard bad stories of people getting severe headaches for weeks afterwards -- something that I don't really need while tending to a newborn! Honestly, the thing I'm most scared of with NCB is tearing and then feeling the general anesthetic on my perineum before they stitch me up. *That* does not sound like fun to me.

[mamax2]

DH is now worried about my back, and worried I'll end up with back labor - how did you cope w/ a posterior baby and back labor?
kt ~ I coped by using a birthing ball - both in the shower and out - and rocking on my hands and knees while someone applied counterpressure to my hips and rolled tennis balls on my back. My husband and I were/are deeply committed to natural childbirth so it never occured to me that there was a way NOT to handle it, kwim? Yes, when I was in transition, I did say "Just take her out already!", but I never asked for drugs, I never screamed, I never cursed at anyone - a lot of that stuff is just Hollywood drama. It doesn't have to be that way. If you truly *believe* that NCB is the best thing for you and your baby - your whole family really - then you will (most likely) make it happen.

The other beautiful part about NCB is that you don't see some complications that you'd get w/drugs - like stalled labor (which then necessitates Pitocin which causes abnormally strong contractions), pushing time is almost always shorter because your body tells you how to push more effectively, and since you usually push less and have less chance of having things like episiotomies, vacuum or forceps, the recovery time is generally shorter. I was up out of bed walking around within an hour after DD's birth. I do have a birth story, which I'll e-mail to you (it's too long to fit in 1 post on CC, but I'm happy to break it up into several posts or just e-mail to anyone who's interested). I can also recommend a great birth story book that I'm reading right now:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1569243689.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
This book is ALL birth stories covering lots of different scenarios - everything from home to hospital births, Drs/MWs/Doulas, etc. - there's a little bit of everything.

Honestly, the thing I'm most scared of with NCB is tearing and then feeling the general anesthetic on my perineum before they stitch me up. *That* does not sound like fun to me.
kindra ~ Well, you're right tearing isn't 'fun', but I didn't actually feel it either. The endorphins your body produces in birth are phenomenal. At that point, your baby will be out, hopefully laying on your tummy/chest and the whole world around you will stop. It won't matter what's happening because you'll feel sort of like it's an out of body experience.

If you do tear (and not everyone does), I doubt you'll feel the needle used to anesthetize the perineum. I certainly didn't! I had a couple of stitches and I didn't feel a thing. I do know that my MW gave me two shots to numb the area because I asked her how many more needles there were going to be, but honestly it wasn't that bad. I had a faster and easier recovery than pretty much everyone I know (and all of those people had epidurals). This time around, I'll do everything I can to keep my perineum intact again - using massage prior to labor and warm compresses during delivery to minimize or eliminate tearing.

[kamileer]

Latest belly shots. :D

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce35b3127cce9497b1b67d8000000015138Ibs2jJs5Zg
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce35b3127cce9497cfc2fcfb00000015138Ibs2jJs5Zg

[malala]

Good morning all!!:)

I have what I think is a VERY stupid question, what are lap pads for? I've seen them but I can't figure out how or when you use them, do I need to get some? TIA

Replies:

kamileer and fwgirl: I hope your babies turn, but don't stress about it until 36 weeks or so, from what everybody says those babies have plenty time to turn!

Orion: welcome!!:) and I'm sorry you have back problems. I hope you are not in too much pain.

AMC: I LOVE your DD's birth announcement, and she's beautiful!!

JRPAGV: I also think the snowflakes scream winter and not X-mas. But, I think that if separating your baby's birthday from X-mas is super-important for you, you might wanna consider going with a different design, because people might relate the snowflakes to X-mas since they're gonna be receiving the announcements that time of the year (X-mas), did that make sense?. On the other hand I think those announcements are beautiful, decisions, decisions!!

helen22: I was at Ross yesterday and they had some cute Carter's dust ruffles for about $5. I also suggest to search on ebay, they have tons of them there.

socks: I have no idea which ones are better than others, but I wanted to let you know that Old Navy is selling right now 8 pairs for $10, and they have tons of colors.

pumps: I'm planning on renting the one from the hospital first, to see how things go w/breastfeeding.

nursing bras: I'd really appreciate it if those of you who have bought some already could recommend some to me. My boobs have grown from a
34B to a 36C, which I think is becoming to small already. I need something with good support since the "girls" have been following the gravity laws while growing:eek: . I want to buy something without and underwire, but I wonder if it's gonna "hold them up", suggestions? recommendations?

[kinaida]

mamax -- I'd love a copy of your birth story. You can email me here (kindramorelock@yahoo.com).

Thanks!!!

[jengen]

hospital tours Well, ours only does them on Wed nights and unfortunately it will be too early for DH to come. Is my hospital the only one that has NOTHING scheduled on the weekends?! I was so disappointed.

epidural Almost every single one of my friends and family members who've given birth recently have had one. All of them have said that they were a completely different person after getting it (happy, able to relax and talk), that it made labor a piece of cake and that they couldn't imagine why in the world anyone would do it differently. Given hearing all of their positive stories and being deathly afraid of the pain I'd feel without it, I am not committed to natural childbirth at all. I give credit to people who do, though!

[jengen]

forgot to add, kamileer you look great! :)

[oceanblue]

You look terrific kamileer

Ok you guys, I'm seriously considering spending the $69.50 for this outfit as a going home outfit, just because it's too adorable:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000DJLVR.01-A384KJXVVDRTP5._SS400_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000DJLTN.01-A384KJXVVDRTP5._SS400_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

it's Anne Geddes, they sell it on Amazon......I heart her...

[kamileer]

aprilbride2002 - OMG. That is too cute. I saw something similar on sale at the Gap the other day. :)

http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/316/316763/main/gp316763-01p01v01.jpg

http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/316/316866/main/gp316866-01p01v01.jpg

[mamax2]

kami ~ Great picture - you look fantastic!

jengen ~ Have you asked your hospital if they could do a tour for just you & your DH? That's what we did. Our hospital's official tour is part of their childbirth prep classes and since we aren't doing the classes, we weren't part of a tour. I just called the maternity ward and asked them if they could accomodate us. They were very willing and just asked us to call one day about an hour before we wanted to come and they would confirm availability (whether a nurse would be free to show us around and also that a room was unoccupied so they could show it to us). It worked out great.

malala ~ I'm a huge fan of Bravado bras - wore them almost exlusively for 16 months of nursing. I bought mine from www.breakoutbras.com and they ship fast (and free!). Prices are a little less than the Bravado website too. I also recently purchased a GlamourMom nursing tank, but haven't had a chance to put that one to the test yet. All your good nursing bras are in the $30-40 range. I've paid less and been disappointed and I've also forked out the money for a Medela bra that I bought directly from an LC, but I hated it. Bravados are great because the sizing system is so flexible, plus, although they don't have underwire, they do have a nice thick band around your ribcage, so they feel supportive. Plus, they're really breathable - just cotton and lycra fabric.

ps: no clue what lap pads are really for! And, that said, I of course, have some! They aren't absorbant like burp clothes so pretty much the only thing they do is catch stuff that spills or serve as a changing pad, IMO.

eta: kindra & kt ~ you have mail! ;)

[jengen]

mamax2 That is a great suggestion, I will try it! Thanks! :)

aprilbride That outfit is adorable, however my DH is against putting anything with ears on our son! :D

My brother bought the body suit below in grey, not knowing that it had ears on it and my DH gave him heck for it! :) It is adorable though and I totally intend to put him in it.

http://www.oldnavy.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/Assets/Product/320/320151/main/on320151-02p01v01.jpg

[kamileer]

I love baby clothes with ears!!!!

[helen22]

Ktdelsur – you are not the only one getting baby stuff as presents for YOUR birthday, I did too – and my birthday was in August!! I told my mom I was going to buy myself some nice earrings for HER birthday.

Kamileer you look fabulous :)

Malala, thanks for the Ross tip – I will check them out.

Pumps: I think I will try to rent one, but not sure where/how - I guess I'll ask my hospital. Need to investigate. My work provides one at the office once I go back, so just need the adaptor set or whatever. Hopefully I can rent the same model so I don't need two adaptor sets.

Going home outfit – those ear outfits are super cute. Have other people picked out going home outfits? I haven’t thought about it!

Enjoy your weekends!

[burkie]

Happy Friday everyone! :D

kamileer - You look wonderful!

aprilbride - love the outfit you posted! I got the outfit that jengen had posted from old navy. I'm also a sucker for anything with ears :)

Well, this is a little late, but here is my belly shot from 32 weeks 4 days:

http://images.snapfish.com/344%3C559523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D7%3A5%3D57% 3B%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B728236%3A5ot1lsi

Have a great weekend everyone!

[postkalidurga]

Epidural - Not an option for me as I'm having a home birth. That being said, I'd love a copy of your birth story mamax. Email here (kali_durga@msn.com), thanks!

ktdelsur - there are exercises for turning a posterior baby as well (according to my child birth class). And it doesn't even include an ironing board! Basically, if you've done any yoga, it is like doing the cat/dog stretches where you are on your hands and knees and you tuck and straighten your pelvis. Apparently, it will help you sleep better at night too if you do it just before you go to bed. However, unlike the yoga, you don't want to go up into an arch position, just go from neutral to tucked pelvis and back again.

So today I decided to get some Christmas shopping done. The parking lot was already packed and I was having trouble finding a space. I saw one then just right near the entrances and as I pulled up to it saw a sign reserving it. I wasn't surprised and figured it was a handicapped parking but when I got closer I realized it was a space for 'expectant mothers and mothers of small children'. Yeah! There are perks to waddling! (other than the obvious - baby at the end bit :p )

[mamax2]

postkalidurga ~ You have mail :D

Ugh - feeling huge, cumbersome and so over this pregnancy thing today! Must go appear motivated so DH will feel guilty and start doing stuff around the house while DD naps.

[Jaycee]

mamax2 I'm so right there with you!! I am soooooo ready to have this baby!!!

Question Has anybody been having insomnia? I have had such a hard time falling asleep lately and I've been feeling extremely wired at bedtime. Then I'll wake up in the middle of the night and have a really hard time falling back to sleep.

[PilotsWife]

Jaycee - Yes, I've been suffering with insomnia probably for the last 3 months now. Usually I have it one or two days and on the third day, I am so utterly exhausted, I pass out in to a very deep sleep. I'm then okay for the next 2 -3 days, and then the cycle starts over again.

postkalidurga - I'm jealous of your energy level - I've gotten too overwhelmed whenever I start to think about Christmas! I was in the mall last night and couldn't believe how crowded the parking lot and the stores were! I also was also shocked at how little I could get done! I went to Baby Gap and bought a few things, to Motherhood and to Sephoria - I had to stop and sit down 3 different times and then I just had to leave, even thought there were other stores I wanted to hit - I used to be able to do 6 hours in a mall easy!

mamax2 - I believe you had mentioned the zantac75 - thank you - I bought a box last night - I have my fingers crossed!

I'm sorry, I forgot who I asked about the prescription for heartburn - just wanted to say thank you for the info!!

My in-laws called today from England to see how I was doing. We then started talking about Christmas - so now I have both baby and Christmas panic setting in - SO. MUCH. TO. DO! I'm big list person so I just started making my menus (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day!) and decorating ideas. I also need to figure out how I'm going to entertain them for six days with 2 wee babies at the same time - I have to go scream now :eek:

[JRPAGV]

Insomnia: Yep, I've been experiencing this lately. I've been having a hard time falling asleep. And I'll wake up a few times during the night and feel wide awake.

kamileer and burkie: Great belly shots! :)

jengen: I bought that same outfit for my baby, but in blue. I didn't know they had grey.

aprilbride2002: That outfit is sooo cute! I received a similar one from a friend at my baby shower. Not sure where she got it, though.

Thanks for your your replies about the snowflake birth announcements, ladies!

[happygolucky]

Happy Monday to all!

I had my first baby shower this past weekend, which was fantastic! Lots of fun with the ladies. I was amazed by how special the whole shower made me feel! I have such wonderful friends. << happy sigh >>

Anyway, I started taking stock of what I have for Junior and what I still need and I realized that I still need A LOT! I know we have a list of baby gear web sites at the start of the thread, but I don't know if we have a list of sites and manufacturers that offer freebies and coupons and samples. Does anyone know of any good places to get free baby stuff? It seems like it's getting to be time to stock up.

TIA!!!

[ktdelsur]

happygolucky:
I think you can try the diaper web sites - and local grocery stores have programs too. I've already gotten coupons from Target for registering there, and Publix grocery stores have a Baby Club where you get coupons every month.

Oh ya'll I feel I've grown exponentially over the weekend. Blah.

[jaredsgirl]

Burkie Cute belly!!!

Shower Well I had my second shower this weekend...wow...all the loot!!! We got pretty much all of our big stuff, like stroller, car seat, pnp, swing, high chair, bouncy seat and so many other cute things. Two of my aunts and my SIL threw the shower for me and my SIL came up with an idea that all the cards be books that they sign instead...so cool!!!! I have so many cute books. I did get duplicates/triplicates but I figured I can have some at the grandparents or in the diaper bag. I really got excited for Junior to come along. I too still have alot of things to get and I have another shower Nov. 10 at work, which will be big, so after that I will be going to Target and BRU to finish up the things I think I really will need after the baby is born.

Weight I got a little upset at my family this weekend. They kept telling me how huge I am and I'm going to have a miserable time getting weight off after the baby, etc. Well I took it ok as they said it and then I went to shower and got so sad and was crying, it is not like I have super high self-esteem right now, KWIM. After that I was sitting with my mom and I talked to her and she said that she is the last person to talk and that I weigh the same as her and she isn't pg and all they meant to be saying was that it was going to be difficult after the baby is born to lose weight. So I asked, when did I ever say it was going to be easy (I'm crying at this time). My mom apologized a thousand times over and was hugging me and trying to make me feel better. After that, no one said a word about my weight or that I am huge. That was so much better to not hear anything!

Insomnia I have my nights but for the most part I fall asleep in seconds, just am up alot to get comfortable. Then last night I was a little congested as well.

[jdevaz]

Hi everyone! Happy Monday. I hope everyone had a great weekend.

Insomnia - Jaycee, I have had the insomnia hit in the last few weeks. It takes me forever to fall asleep and I wake up frequently throughout the night and find it impossible to fall back to sleep.

I'm starting to take stock of what I need for our hospital bag and was wondering if anyone knew what kind of pajamas I should bring with me. I'm assuming nursing pajamas work best, but is it more comfortable to pack a nightshirt, or full pajamas with pants? I always sleep with pajama pants, but I'm not sure if that would work best after giving birth. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[krbb]

jaredsgirl- I'm so sorry that people keep saying those comments to you. People probably don't realize how it sounds, hopefully they don't. I don't think how much weight you gain corresponds to how easy it is to take it off either.

jdevaz - For pajamas I have *read* that a nightgown is easier in the hospital because the nurses will be coming in the check you now and then and it is easier. I never wear nightgowns so I will probably just look for an inexpensive nursing one. Also if you end up having a c-section the pants might not be the most comfortable thing.

happygolucky- Glad your shower went well. As for free stuff, if you plan on formula feeding I think the websites offer coupons and samples. Also I know Pampers have a thing were you enter a code that is on the diaper package and earn points for stuff. I'm sure the other diaper sites have stuff to.

Insomnia- Not really, though I am waking up more and not just to go to the bathroom. Sometimes it is harder to get back to sleep, especially if I start thinking of stuff we need to do for the baby.

PilotsWife - I'm sure the twins will be enough entertainment for the in-laws.

This weekend we went camping. The weather was perfect, which is odd because whenever we decide to camp it ends up raining. We did some hikes, but not the strenuous ones. Sleeping wasn't too uncomfortable and I made it through the night without having to get up to pee!

Tonight we have our breastfeeding class and tomorrow I am back working, for a few more weeks at least!

[kinaida]

jaredsgirl -- you poor thing. It drives me nuts when people think they can just say whatever they want! It's not like we're not already feeling enormous and insecure about our bodies. I'm glad that your mom said something to the rest of the family.

insomia -- haven't had this yet. My doctor was amazed to learn that I'm still sleeping through the night. I've been a very very lucky girl so far, I know this.

pajamas -- I am going to get some nursing pajamas for the hospital. Not sure where to get them though? Probably it's best to have a nightgown vs. pants b/c they might have to check you or whatever?

I had a doctor's appointment this morning. I'm up 30 lbs, fundus height is 33 cm, blood pressure 102/70. The baby was kicking while she was listening to the heartbeat, so that was fun :) Everything seems to be going swimmingly. She did tell me to get a flu shot though, so I'm going to get one after this dang cold passes.

ETA -- QOTD: Are you at all worried about seeing your baby when s/he first comes out because of the blood/goop/blue-ish coloring? I didn't think I would be, but I was watching A Baby Story last week and this baby that came out looked really scary to me. It wasn't crying & the doctor was kind of manipulating it like a puppet saying "Hi mommy!" and then put the baby on the mom's belly. I was thinking that I might be a little freaked out by the whole experience...

[kamileer]

Pediatricians - Has anyone begun interviewing them yet? I don't know why I am nervous about this since it seems to be a common practice but I a little feel weird "interviewing" a DOCTOR. Do I just call up the office and ask for an interview???

[krbb]

Pediatrician - I have already chosen one. DH just called up the office and asked for an interview. We ended up only doing one because we really liked him. I think most pediatricians are used to them. We prepared a list of questions, but he went through all of them without having to ask. He had become pretty familar with all the questions. At the end he walked us around the rest of the office. It was pretty quick about 15 minutes, but we got really good feel for him. Also, he was recommended by my Dr so if you don't have one in mind your Dr/mw might have some they have worked with before.

[kamileer]

krbb - Thanks. I have 2 referrals. I guess now would be a good time to get rolling on this. I don't know why it makes me nervous!

[Jaycee]

Happy Monday!! I've been really bad at keeping up here..sorry :o

jaredsgirl I'm sorry you were made to feel bad. Sometimes I think people just say stupid things without really thinking.

jdevaz I haven't gotten any yet, but I think I'm going to get a few cheapo but comfy nightgowns at Target. Maybe the kind that have a few buttons down the front so I can nurse, but I'm not gonna get PJ's because I'm sure the nurses will probably still need access to my nethers :)

krbb Camping?? WOW, you are a rock star in my book!!

ktdelsur I think I've done some major growing myself this weekend. UGHHHHHHHHHH!!!

happygolucky Glad you had a great baby shower!!

kinaida I'm not so much worried about the blood, but DH is really freaked out at the site of blood, so it will be interesting to see his reaction. I think he'll do fine though. As for what I'm expecting? Well, I'm expecting a little princess to pop out looking just like the Gerber baby :D

kamileer Yep, just call them up and make an appt. They are used to it. We were going to interview 2, but we really loved the first one, and so I think we are going to go with him and not even interview the 2nd. He's the same Dr my OB takes his own kids to, so how bad can he be, right?

Has anybody started doing baby laundry yet? This weekend DH did a lot of our last minute shopping for baby, and I then did all of her laundry. I used Dreft and it all smelled so good as I was putting it all away in her closet. Mmmm, I can't wait :)

[mamax2]

jaredsgirl ~ ugh! what is the matter w/people? I had a co-worker come in my office last week (he hadn't seen me in months) and told me I looked like I was 'going to go any day now' :rolleyes: Why do people need to make ANY comment on a pg woman's weight. They should just say 'you look fabulous' and leave it at that! And I agree w/the PP who mentioned weight gain not necessarily corresponding to how easy/difficult it is to lose the weight afterwards. I think that depends much more on HOW you've been eating, how you eat after the baby is born, exercise level and if you breastfeed, plus of course, your body's natural metabolism. Don't let anybody scare you or put you on a guilt trip - you're doing great!

I'm assuming nursing pajamas work best, but is it more comfortable to pack a nightshirt, or full pajamas with pants? I always sleep with pajama pants, but I'm not sure if that would work best after giving birth. Any ideas?
jdevaz ~ I'd definitely go w/gowns and not pants. Between the Dr/MW/Nurses checking you out down below and the number of times you'll need to get up and go to the bathroom, the gown is really easiest. Plus, if you have a c-section, you won't want a waistband on you at all. Oh, and from what I remember, the maternity ward is like a boiler - they keep it really warm for the babies so pants may even be too hot. Motherhood sells gowns & robe sets pretty inexpensively - I want to say around $30.

QOTD: Are you at all worried about seeing your baby when s/he first comes out because of the blood/goop/blue-ish coloring? ~ After what you go through to labor and deliver the baby - nothing will seem gross or weird! And even if it does, you'll be so glad to have that baby out you won't care what it looks like! :P

It's official - I have NO pants to wear. I have to go shopping TODAY. Even my jeans from my first pregnancy don't fit this time. I hate shopping for pants :(

[doubleR]

jaredsgirl First of all, that is so great that you got all of the big stuff at your shower, so exciting!! But I’m so sorry that your family got you so upset. I’m sure they didn’t realize how they’re comments actually sounded out loud :rolleyes:. From any pictures you’ve posted, you look wonderful. And FWIW, one of my friends gained 65 pounds during her first pregnancy - definitely not ideal. She lost 40 of it before leaving the hospital, that much of it was water/fluid. And the other 25 she lost pretty quickly, so… everyone is different. I’m already thinking about how I’m going to lose all the weight myself. Maybe we can start up a ‘losing the baby weight’ thread for support ;)

Insomnia not so much. Some nights I can’t fall back asleep after that last time I’m up to pee, which is usually only an hour or so before my alarm goes off. now that's annoying! :mad:

free stuff I registered on a bunch of different baby websites – pampers, huggies, similac, enfamil... and I have gotten lots of coupons plus free samples of the formulas – decent size tubs of the powder mixes were sent to me. I’m planning on BFing but figure it can’t hurt to have some formula in the house.

pediatricians I have 1 referral, so I’m hoping we really like him. We’re pretty new to the area which makes it kinda hard, I'd rather not pick a name out of a book, you know? I guess I’ll ask my own doctors if we don’t feel comfortable with the referral – we’re meeting with him next week. When I called to make an appointment, I didn’t say interview, I just asked for a consultation visit as I was expecting in December… the receptionist was definitely familiar with this and was really excited congratulating me, asking me if it was my first, etc., etc.

QOTD ok, first of all Jaycee, your comment cracked me up!! My friend’s husband was mortified b/c their baby came out with a cone head – she knew this was possible, but apparently he didn’t. As far as how the baby will look with all the goop/blood… I haven’t even gotten there yet, I’m more concerned with what goes on to get to that point. I just hope it all goes well and I hear some crying… then see 10 little toes and fingers. And then I’ll probably be a little freaked out at all the other stuff going on :p.

I watched A Baby Story one day last week and the couple didn’t know what they were having… well, when the baby came out and it was a boy, I started crying hysterically as if it were MY son that had just been born and the doctors were telling ME that I had a new little son. I mean, I was bawling, saying 'it's a boy, oh my god, it's a boy'. These emotions are ridiculous!!

mamax2 good luck with the shopping. ITA, it’s just not fun buying maternity pants. And to think that it all seemed so exciting in the beginning!

I can't believe that I'm going to be a mom in just another 7 weeks, give or take. I cannot wait :D

[postkalidurga]

mamax - thanks!

pilotswife - I wish I had energy! Doing that bit of Christmas shopping was pretty much all I did in my entire week off from work and I did it all in a bookstore :p . It is depressing though how exhausting something can be now when it used to seem so much more effortless. Like getting up from a squatting position, or putting on shoes...

jaredsgirl - sometimes people just suck! I've been getting the opposite, with everyone going 'oh, you're so tiny, you hardly look that far along' etc. and I'm feeling huge and ungainly and completely misunderstood. My family of course is saying - you look so fat!!!! Just tell me I'm beautiful and leave it at that ;)

QOTD - nope. I believe my baby is going to be absolutely perfect and I'll fall in love instantly.:o Of course when it is born all blue and scrunched up and covered in slime and vernix the whole thing will be so surreal that I'm sure I won't even care.

Insomnia - not really though my sleep quality has definitely dropped. It doesn't help that my dh is feeling a bit 'unattentioned' and so during his sleep he unconsciously snuggles up as close as possible, sometimes rolling over onto parts of me. I do wake up almost every time I need to roll over or shift but rarely completely become conscious - however I don't really feel like I ever fall into a deep sleep anymore either.

[kamileer]

I can totally relate to this, postkalidurga!
I've been getting the opposite, with everyone going 'oh, you're so tiny, you hardly look that far along' etc

[e&d]

Phew! It has taken me SO long to catch up. I'm so glad I did though, because so many of the conversations are (of course) so relevant. :)

jaredsgirl, how rude. I'm so sorry.

insomnia has improved dramatically for me over the last week. I think it's because we started our hypnobirthing childbirth class and we have to listen to a relaxation cd every day...when we listen to it, I sleep much more deeply and can fall asleep more quickly after pee breaks. Love it!

I had another appt. today -- had an ultrasound -- everything's looking good! He is head down and she said he's 4 pounds. She said by size, she'd guess I'll deliver December 11. (Anyone know how they determine that?)

The nursery is coming together! We just have to put one coat of paint on the trim around the windows and get the glider. I ordered it last week...a little late, oops!

By the way, I know this was eons ago, but I LOVE your nursery, burkie! So cute.

What else. Oh, she said on the ultrasound that she could see hair on his head! Is that crazy or what?

Thanks for talking about announcements, jengen and others. I just ordered a sample from purplestork.com to see if I like them. I love the winter design posted from inababycarriage.com though -- am tempted by it!

[happygolucky]

Thanks for the input on web sites, ladies. I'll register with the formula places.

Re: weight - I agree with whoever said something along the lines of, "People should just say I look fabulous and move on." Half the world thinks I'm tiny, the other half says I'm huge. Guess what - neither makes me happy. I hate not being able to tie my shoes. I hate feeling like I'm going to suffocate after I've eaten six bites of my dinner. I hate looking down for my feet and having to go on faith that they're still there. I hate looking at the scale and seeing the numbers go up-up-up! No matter what anybody says, I still feel like a whale and nothing is going to change that, so why can't people just let it go? By the way - it's invariably my blood relatives who say that I'm huge. My friends, at least, either say that I look great or that I'm tiny. At least they mean well.

Insomnia hasn't been an issue for me - I sleep like the dead. I'm still up twice a night to pee, but I don't even wake up all the way anymore. I do it all by rote.

Re: what the baby is going to look like. Oh, dear Heaven above, I'm terrified of this. Blue and white and red and slimy and coneheaded and screaming and the cord and I'm gonna pass out just thinking about it. Blech!

[helen22]

Mamax2 and jaycee – I agree with you, I’m ready!! (well except when I’m panicking about how NOT ready I am) Today I got an email from someone from another office who I work with occasionally – he said “isn’t it your due date? Congratulations!” I had to tell him he was a bit off….

Insomnia – definitely. All of my sleep patterns are off – I don’t know if it’s all the getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night or what. It drives me batty.

PilotsWife – maybe we can get your English in-laws together with my English in-laws for Boxing Day and they can entertain each other and give us a break :D

Jaredsgirl – that is so uncalled for. I feel like people sometimes forget that you’re still a person when you’re pregnant, not just a science experiment that they can comment on! I’m glad your mom apologized.

Pediatricians – I haven’t interviewed one yet, first meeting is this Thursday. I agree it seems really weird, but so far when I’ve called and said “is Dr so-and-so taking new patients?” they immediately say, “Yes, you can come to the next interview in two weeks” or whatever. So it must be standard for peds.

QOTD – how the baby will look definitely makes me nervous! I guess you’re so full of endorphins and relief that you don’t notice that much…? Oy.

Baby laundry – have not done any yet! But that is in line with the rest of my lack of preparation…although we finally ordered a crib so (if it arrives in time!) baby will not have to sleep in a drawer…

[e&d]

Re: what the baby is going to look like. Oh, dear Heaven above, I'm terrified of this. Blue and white and red and slimy and coneheaded and screaming and the cord and I'm gonna pass out just thinking about it. Blech!
Ha! I love this, happygolucky. :)

I was relieved to see that the pictures immediately after birth of the baby of a friend of mine weren't great...the baby just looked icky. It made me feel much better and lowered my expectations. I'm not too worried about this.

Thanks so much, yoganut and mamax2 for the insight into breastfeeding and hospital packing! Very helpful.

[Cookie777]

Hi Ladies!

I hope everyone is doing great. :D I've tried to keep up somewhat but I think I've just been gone too long to know everything that's going on. Great belly pictures everyone has posted recently! :)

I'll just do a quick update...

I had an ultrasound on 10.7. Baby was measuring 2 weeks ahead all of a sudden..by his weight, size of his head & length of his legs. :eek: We're definitely not off on dates..he just had a major growth spurt I guess!

He had his hand in front of his face the whole time so it was hard to get good pictures. This time I think he was really looking like me. I thought he looked like my husband last time..so who knows. He definitely inherited my cheeks! :D He has big chubby cheeks right now..so cute.

I haven't scanned the ultrasound pictures yet. I'll probably do that soon.

I had a check up today. As far as me...I'm measuring on the "big side of normal"..hmmm

Here are my most recent pictures.

29 Weeks - 10.9.05

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/Cookie777/29Weeks.jpg

30 Weeks - 10.16.05

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/Cookie777/30Weeks.jpg

My belly is shiny in my 30 week pictures because I have tummy honey on..


My baby shower is on 10.29. Both of my MIL's & my Mom are planning it.. with some input from me. Sounds like it's coming along nicely. I'm just hoping that everyone sticks to the registry!

[ktdelsur]

Great belly shot, cookie!

Yowza.
My 33-week, 1-day belly shot.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/khpowell/33wks1.jpg

Girls, I'm bummed.

I went on my BRU registry last night and saw that my stroller pattern has been discontinued. I registered separately for the Graco Metrolite stroller and infant carseat in the Shelton pattern. (I had previously registered for the Delancey pattern but it was discontinued too, so I changed to the Shelton...) I received the carseat at my first shower, and here, 3 days before my last shower, I find that the stroller w/ that matching pattern has been discontinued online AND in the store (I called to check). I can't return the carseat because we took it out of its box to pack everything in my car and do not have a gift receipt. Soooo it looks as though my options are:

1. Hope someone gets us the infant carseat frame we registered for as well, and just live with that until he outgrows the carseat and we buy a whole new carseat and whole new, separate stroller.

2. Go to BRU and buy, out of our tightly budgeted pockets, a different Graco Metrolite stroller that DOESN'T match, and just live with it.

If we went with #1, I would probably not get a Metrolite - probably a Combi or something, once he outgrows the carseat. I don't know.

I can't believe how little time we have left as preggo ladies, girls - its kind of scary!

[mamax2]

cookie ~ What's tummy honey? It sounds yummy!

katie ~ Bummer about the discontinued pattern situation. If it's discontinued, maybe you'll find it on sale? If not, I don't think mismatched carseat/stroller is any big deal. Mine have never matched! You use the travel system for such a very short time and since we're having winter babies, you'll probably have a bundle me type thing or at least a blanket draped over your carseat anyway - I don't think the mismatch thing will really be a big deal in the long run. Oh, and great belly shot!

Clothes ~ Well, all my complaining and worrying about lack of pants is for nothin' because I went on a shopping spree yesterday! :D I looked like a total slob yesterday wearing grey yoga pants, red t-shirt, black hoodie and really worn out black slip on shoes. I decided enough was a enough so I hit Motherhood and discovered pants in the 'all around belly' style. Ladies, I'm in heaven :p They don't have the big, traditional belly panel, but they stay up better than the low rise or roll panel styles. It's perfect! Even better for short little me is that they have 1 pair of pants and 2 pair of jeans that come in petite length w/this style! I ended up w/black pants, khaki pants, jeans, a pair of pink velour lounge pants (good for post-partum too since they're drawstring), a courduroy blazer, 2 cotton tops and a little shrug sweater for $130!!! I think this stuff combined w/my tees from the summer and the blouses that I had from my first pregnancy will get me through the next 2 months perfectly - yay!

these are the pants I'm in love with:
http://www.motherhood.com/Images/Products/7907.jpg

The shopping spree will continue this weekend... We have to go up to NJ for my neice's birthday party so I'll be hitting BRU and Buy Buy Baby to shop for double strollers and a new baby monitor (ours is fried and we'll need a 2 monitor system anyway now).

[Mrsbuw]

33 weeks, 5 days

Hey all,

I had another long weekend and too much turkey eating.

great belly shots cookie & ktdelsur

ktdelsur Sorry about the stroller, that sucks. Like mamax2 said, it is no biggie if they don't match.

mamax2 Yeah on the shopping spree!! Love the pants

Cookie777 Two weeks ahead, sounds like you are going to have a big baby boy. Maybe he did just go through a growth spurt. Sorry he had his hands in front of his face. At least you had a good view last time and got to see his chubby cheeks- he sounds adorable!!

Insomnia Some nights are good, some not so much.

QOTD How the baby will look. I don't think I will care, I will be sooo happy to see him. My doc told me yesterday she usually puts the baby on the moms chest right away, blood and guk and all. I think my DH will have a harder time. I just can't wait to see him, see who he looks like etc.


I had my doc appt yesterday and everything went great. Baby is measuring bang on. I gained 3lbs but my last appt I had lost 1/2 lb. I blame it on my long weekends, how can I not eat when on a mini vacation right:rolleyes:

We discussed in detail the birth plan, when to call her etc. I found out she will be on vacation the first two weeks of nov, so Jack had better stay put for awhile.

We also had an appt to pre register at the hospital. They now have all our paperwork, birth plan etc on file so if we go early we are all set. We also have our hospital tour next Monday.

QOTD Emotions Anyone else feel they are on a crazy rollercoaster these days? I am so sappy and weepy. I start bawling when I think about meeting the baby for the first time. I am getting more anxious about everything too.

[kinaida]

Morning all --

Great belly shots cookie and ktdelsur! It's hard to believe how big we have all gotten :) It's exciting because it means that our babies are almost here!!!

I know that you ladies are right -- I'm just going to be so glad to have that baby in my arms and to see what s/he looks like that I won't care if s/he is covered in goop!

qotd -- yes, I've definitely been more emotional. Not irrationally emotional (i.e., snapping at DH), but just feeling things a little more than normal.

mamax -- love the pants! I'm trying to not buy anything else, but I might have to break down :)

[e&d]

Cookie, belly shots are looking great! :)

ktdelsur, it's so frustrating when the best laid plans go awry! I think mamax2 is right though...especially since we will have winter babies, I don't think this is a big deal. Out of your options I think #1 is perfect: Hope someone gets us the infant carseat frame we registered for as well, and just live with that until he outgrows the carseat and we buy a whole new carseat and whole new, separate stroller.
Everything I've read says that people don't really like the travel systems anyway -- too big, heavy and bulky. This will give you the chance to have a lightweight frame and then once the baby is here and bigger, you'll have a better sense of what you'll really need and what's important.

mamax2, yay on the successful shopping spree! Pants were by far my hardest item too. I found two great pairs at Target that should take me through to the end -- but good to know Motherhood has good options too.

Speaking of shopping, I got this from Old Navy last weekend for my shower, which is this Saturday. Love it!
http://www.oldnavy.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/Assets/Product/350/350467/main/on350467-01p01v01.jpg

MrsBuw, ooh I hear you on the crazy emotions. I was soooo upset with my husband last night bc he was late picking me up for our childbirth class...it really wasn't his fault, but I couldn't get over it and almost started crying. (I never cry under normal circumstances, and kept wondering who had taken over my body!) I also almost started crying watching Nanny 911 over the weekend, because I felt so bad for the poor mom and kids who were in such miserable shape. Bizarre. :rolleyes:

Dealing with anxiety over the labor and birth...we are doing a hypnobirthing class, and as part of the class, we have to listen to a relaxation and birthing affirmations cd everyday. It has made a huge difference for me! I sleep much better and I feel a lot calmer. I think there are other similar cds out there that would be helpful to anybody, whether you're doing this type of class or not.

[kamileer]

e&d - My dress for my shower (this weekend) is sleeveless and I have been eyeing that ON jacket to go over it. Do they have it in the stores or did you buy on-line?

[doubleR]

hi girls. not a lot of time to post, but I just wanted to say that I got my Bravado bras yesterday and I LOVE them. absolutely love 'em. what a difference. I will not be wearing any underwire for quite a while... I forget who asked, but they are nursing bras and I'm able to wear them now. I'd highly recommend them, I think they're definitely worth the money and really, they're not any more expensive than paying full price for any other bra.

***cute blazer from ON, that is adorable ;) I still don't know what I'm wearing to my shower, but I guess I still have some time, it's next weekend.

[Jaycee]

OK, I've heard somuch about these Bravado bras, I think I may have to get one. DoubleR where did you get yours? Are they sold in stores? I would definitly want to try one on rather than order it online, because I really suck at returning things if it means I have to make any effort on my part :D

I am 34 weeks today!! Woohoo!! In reality this means that I could actually have a full term baby in as little as 4 weeks!!!! Today in a meeting a few people asked me how much longer I have, I said "4-6 weeks, preferably 4" :p

[JRPAGV]

Jaycee: I've always heard that 37 weeks is full-term. That means you could have a full-term baby in as little as THREE weeks! :eek:

[Jaycee]

Jaycee: I've always heard that 37 weeks is full-term. That means you could have a full-term baby in as little as THREE weeks! :eek:
Really?? HOLY MOLY!!!!!!!!!!! Thats crazyyyyyyyyyyy

[doubleR]

Jaycee I ordered mine online right from bravadodesigns.com - and only felt comfortable doing so b/c the sizes come in a range. from the Bravado site -

Retail Availability

Our products can be purchased at retail stores, lactation centres and hospitals across North America. Please call us at 1 800 590-7802 for a current list of locations in your area.

Hopefully you find a place near you to try some on.

That is really crazy to think that your SO close. guess I'm only a week behind ya ;)

[mamax2]

That ON blazer is sooooo cute. It would be great after baby too! It started getting chilly here and I couldn't really wait the time it takes to order stuff online and risk having to return it, etc. I literally had NO pants I could wear to work today :eek: The first time around, I spent the winter/spring months in my first and second trimester, so I could wear those no-belly, low rider transitional pants which are so not happening these days! I felt kind of bad buying more maternity stuff, but I guess that's just what happens when you're pg. in totally opposite seasons.

crazy emotions ~ Well, I would have said 'no', but since I had a major meltdown last night when DH erased a show I had on TiVo, I think the answer must be 'yes'! :p In his defense, he did it by accident, but in my defense, I specifically asked him to make sure he wasn't erasing the show I wanted to watch. Well, he did and then he didn't apologize so I was in a snit and didn't talk to him the rest of the night. Really mature, huh? :o

I just have to stop in and report my good news - I think I've found a doula!!! I had been looking a few months ago and got no response, but I've started to get kind of antsy and started looking again and trying to go some other routes. I've talked to two women in the past couple of days and the one I spoke w/today seemed really compatible w/me. We're meeting at her house tomorrow, she has a DD a few months older than my DD so they can play while we chat. Everyone, wish me luck that we 'click' in person as much as I felt we did over the phone. I'd love to resolve this issue and move forward w/my birth plans. :D

[jaredsgirl]

Jaycee I'm thinking the same thing, I was thinking about how I'm only 3 1/2 weeks away from when this baby can come out of me and it is considered full term...freaked me out!!!

Cookie & ktdelsur Love the bellies, looking good!!!

Crazy emotions This is the first time that I have noticed that I am emotional. Maybe started a month ago? I cry at anything and if I see anything about a baby or pg women...I'm crying like crazy!!!

How baby will look Not too worried about this. I know I'm going to just fall in love with it within seconds. Heck I love this little one like crazy now and I have no idea what it is going to look like!!!!

Pediatrician We only interviewed one but loved her and felt incredibly comfortable with her. So I didn't look for any others.

Well DH has been so funny, he is all excited putting all the new baby stuff together, he did the stroller, pnp, swing and exersaucer. I keep telling him there are a few more things for him to put together...so I know he will like that! :) It is crazy, we now have baby things out and getting ready for little one's arrival!!!!!

[burkie]

I have not been very good at keeping up recently. I seem to always feel exhausted recently. Sorry to all those I miss.

Insomnia - yes. Probably why I am always tired :rolleyes:

cookie and ktdelsur - Great bellies!

Jaycee - my dr. considers 37 weeks full term too, so only 3 more weeks. On one hand I am so ready to have this baby as I always seem to feel so uncomfortable recently. On the other I am not sure I am ready to take care of a baby yet. I'm not sure I'll ever really feel ready for that though.

e&d - I love that blazer! It is so cute.

Pediatrician - have not done this yet. I think I will call as soon as I finish this post.

crazy emotions - I have prided myself on being so even keel through this whole pregnancy, but recently they seem to be getting the better of me.

weight - I have also been hearing everything from "you are tiny" to "are you having twins?" It amazes me how perfect strangers seem to think that it is perfectly ok to comment on your size :eek:

how baby will look - I am not concerned with this. I think I will just be happy to have her out of me.

[Orion]

Hard to believe that I am now at thirty-two weeks.

Everyone's belly shots look so good. I have started to get the ugly stretch marks so after seeing the last few gorgeous belly shots I don't dare post mine!

Thanks to everyone who was concerned about my back pain. It's not that bad now because I'm not working and attending physio twice a week. Thanks goodness that I'm not on bed rest...I'm having a hard enough time just being at home all day with nothing to do. Not that I'm complaining about not working and having all this free time. It's just a very big change to go from working 55 hours a week to not at all. I'm looking forward to having a little baby to keep me company for the year that I'm home (Canadian here and we get a year for mat leave!).

Does anyone else have trouble sleeping from hip soreness? My hips get so sore at night that I am flipping from side to side every half hour and flipping sides is getting more difficult the bigger I get? I'm not sure if the pain is caused from the pregnancy or from the car accident and being made worse from the pregnancy. Any advice on sleeping positions that work for you?

[ktdelsur]

Pediatrician: Done!

My earlier stroller "dilemma": I found out BRU will accept my Graco carseat/extra base sans box, with all the untouched parts and let me trade it in if I like. I'm thinking I may do this and get the Combi Connection carseat and Savvy Soho stroller. Haven't decided yet. But, considering what mamax2 reminded me of, I may just keep the Graco seat, stay registered for the Snap N' Go frame, and stay registered for the Savvy stroller for when he's a few months old and we're out talking walks more.

The carseat expert guy here at work said that the Baby Bjorn was so much more convenient for taking walks than taking out the stroller. I'd tend to believe that is probably true, but I have a feeling no one from work is going to buy me an $80 carrier. We'll see. :p

how he looks: I second the "don't care how he looks as long as he's out of me and has all his parts!" idea.

Insomnia: I don't have problems falling asleep - its staying asleep. I have to wake up to turn over, etc, and it bites. LOL

[mamax2]

katie ~ I know lots of people like the Snugli just as well as the Baby Bjorn and it's like 1/2 the price. Plus, lots of people, like me, like slings or pouches even better and there are MANY reasonably priced options on that front as well. Check Marshall's, Ross, TJ Maxx & Ebay for a reasonably priced Bjorn, if that's what you have your heart set on though.

[jengen]

Hey Ladies! I'm just popping in quick, but have caught up on all your posts, at least. I survived the plane ride to Chicago, but am really beat after the plane ride on Sun and 2 FULL days of sitting in a chair all day long during training. My back is killing me today. It doesn't help that I feel I've doubled in size in the last week and a half. It is amazing! Only one day of this training to go and I fly home after it tomorrow!! Wish me luck! :D No swelling on the way down, but my legs and feet felt like they had lead in them. Oh and one more thing - right before we are boarding the plane they make an announcement that we all better use the bathroom if we have to, because the ones on the plane are inoperable!!! I was like you are f*cking kidding me! But, then the flight attendent on the plane told me it was no problem if I needed to use the bathroom...only thing was they didn't have running water to wash your hands. Could you imagine if they really hadn't let me use the bathroom for 2+ hours?! :eek:

weight/comments like I said above, I feel like I've doubled in size the last couple of weeks. At this training I'm currently at, I'm seeing coworkers from across the country that I haven't seen in months. For every "wow, you're tiny!" I get a "WOW, you are huge and still have a looonng way to go". :rolleyes: I am so nervous to get weighed at my appt on Friday after the way I've been eating here all week.

clothes washing haven't started this yet, figure I will wait til after my showers

what baby will look like I don't care as long as he's healthy, but I think a major conehead might freak us out a little. :)

pediatrician Pretty much know who I want, but need to call.

belly shots You ladies who posted look great!!!

I have my first shower this week! On Sunday, with a few of my closest girlfriends back from the town I used to live in. I totally didn't expect them to do this for me and am so looking forward to spending time with them. Can't wait!

Hope you all are having a good week!

[e&d]

Glad you guys like the blazer too! :) kamileer, I got it at the store near me. They don't have a huge maternity selection there, so it's worth checking to see if your store would have it in stock too.

doubler, so glad to hear the bravado bras are good. I just ordered one yesterday.

mamax2, congrats on (hopefully) finding a doula! I am working w/a midwife so not hiring a birth doula, but if I had an OB I definitely would have. I am probably going to hire a postpartum doula to stop by though a few times after the birth. Let us know how the meeting goes!

burkie, I'm wiped out too.

Orion, sorry, I haven't had hip pain so no good suggestions. Do you have a body pillow?

Jaycee, you are freaking me out!! I can't believe we're getting this close! I guess I should face the fact that I am at 31.5 weeks and could have a full term baby November 18! :eek: :eek: :eek:

[ktdelsur]

mamax: Thanks! I'm not a 'sling' kind of girl, I don't think. A close friend of mine had one of those ring slings...and I just don't think I'd ever trust it to hold the baby up while I did other things. I know it will, its just MY issue of not trusting it. LOL ... Plus I don't think I'm going to be a baby-wearer (nothing wrong with that but I only really want it for DH and for me to use on other occasions...)

I mentioned the Snugli on here before and all I remember getting was "I hear the Snugli is crap!" but from what I understand, the Bjorn is good up to a pretty decent weight/height, etc...if no brave soul purchases the Bjorn for a shower gift, I will probably just go buy the Snugli myself unless I find a good deal on a Bjorn elsewhere.

:D

[kamileer]

ktdelsur - I bought a Bjorn on clearance at Marshall's for around $45. I've seen them at TJ Maxx since too. :D

[jaredsgirl]

QOTD Anyone else experiencing swelling? My feet are horrible and today my hands are really bad. I took off my wedding rings a month ago because it was mild and I didn't want them to get stuck some day, but today is horrible, it is hard to bend them. My feet are looking FAT. I drink 100oz of water a day and I'm barely going to the bathroom (compared to what I was going say a month ago). Ugh, at least I know the water is going to my feet or hands. Yeah, makes me feel so attractive!

[oceanblue]

QOTD-Yup. I took my rings off the other day, to avoid having them get stuck. And my feet/ankles/calves occassionally are swelling, my hubby thinks it's funny and says I have cankles. :rolleyes: Love you too babe.

Pediatrician-Got one. She's in the same building as my ob/gyn so it's pretty convenient.

clothes washing-Yup, I have everything he currently owns washed and in its appropriate place. Can you say anal??? :p Actually we got a toy chest from my sisters for my shower filled with clothes, plus we got lots of toys that I needed to put in the chest, so I thought it was as good a time as any to just wash them and get it over with. I didn't buy the Dreft, my sister said it's not necessary. She uses All Free and Clear so that's what I got. It's in a white bottle.

belly shots-Bellies are looking good girls!! I can't believe we're almost there!

what baby will look like-Huh. I never thought about it. I'm really not too concerned, I think I'll just be so happy to have it over with!

weight-I think this is mostly my problem. No one has said anything about me being huge or small really, I think I'm my own worst critic there. Probably because I'm the only one (besided my doctor) who's seen the scale :o

[JRPAGV]

Washing Clothes: Haven't done this yet. I think I'll start today. I've heard from a couple of people, though, that I shouldn't wash everything. He may never be able to wear or use some things, so it's a good idea to leave the tags on in case i can exchange them. I think I'll still wash the blankets, onesies, and socks, etc.

I'm paranoid that I'm going to screw his clothes up when I wash them. I don't want the colors to run together. But, I also don't want to wash one or two items at a time. What are you guys doing? I've always been paranoid about washing different colors together the first few times (like grays with blues).

Swelling: I've started noticing a little swelling in my hands and feet. DH told me to stop wearing my rings because they almost got stuck one day recently. Sometimes I think my lower legs look a little fat too. Oh, and of course my face looks a little plumper... not sure if that's fat or swelling. :p

Pediatrician: Um, I really need to look into this. I meant to ask my OB who she uses for her children, but I totally forgot. I don't know anyone around here to ask. Well, i guess I could ask the mom of the quadruplet babies next door. I hadn't thought of that.

Great belly shots, ladies!

[JRPAGV]

QOTD #2: Has anyone else started feeling really anxious or almost overwhelmed? I think we've talked about this before, but DH and I have gone into panic mode. I think it just really hit us that we're going to have a baby in approximately 4.5-8 weeks! :eek: Have you started nesting like crazy, or are we the only ones? DH and I have been buying the little necessities and organizing everything, etc. We're definitely in nesting mode.

[Jaycee]

Swelling Yeah, today my face looks really bloated!! I've been ok in the hands and feet so far though, and I attribute that to regular massages.

Washing Clothes I have pretty much washed everything together, I had about 2 loads. All of her clothes are pretty light in color, so I really wasn't worried about colors running. I suppose if I had reds, or other primary dark colors I would have seperated them.

QOTD #2 I'd say anxious would be a good word to describe what I'm feeling, which is probably why I'm having the insomnia. I am definitly starting to nest!!

[jaredsgirl]

QOTD #2 OMG...totally getting into panic mode and nesting. I have washed all the clothes (without a dresser to put them in though) and am freaking out that the nursery is not set up, it is a mess from all the gifts so far. I'm starting to buy little things that we need and DH is putting everything together. I think over the next two weekends it is going to be coming together, but that is not fast enough! :)

[postkalidurga]

swelling - a little bit. I've quit wearing my rings too because I've had some trouble getting them off before I get in the shower in the mornings but the swelling doesn't seem noticeable to anyone else. Speaking of which...

QOTD #3 - do you feel self-conscious out in public without your wedding ring on? I have always felt that people need to make the choice that is right for them and if having kids before marriage is the right choice then go for it. I've been really surprised though that I feel awkward without my wedding ring when I'm obviously pregnant, as though I'm sure people are thinking horrible things about me. What is up with that?!?!? I thought I was so much more liberal :rolleyes:

panic and nesting - No real panic though some bizarre nesting. Not much to do with baby but I have been tearing the house apart and culling everything I can. We have too much stuff and I am feeling this crazy need for space. So basically a bunch of baby stuff is piled haphazardly on the change table and I have no interest in it, instead I'm sorting through old files and re-organizing our computer desk so I know where everything is.

QOTD #4 - Anyone else hating work? I feel this massive desire to just be at home doing next to nothing. I feel like emotionally I need some transitional time to be ready for motherhood and having to come into work every day is just pissing me off. This is a very visceral feeling though, it's not like I just decided I needed time and am now angry I'm not getting it, I've been feeling really resentful of work for quite a while and only finally figured out this is probably why. Even though I'm off is 6 1/2 weeks (32 1/2 working days, but who's counting?), it just seems unendurably long and I just want to cry when I have to get up and come in here every day.

And now I've probably used my quota of QOTDs for the rest of this pregnancy!!! :p

Kamileer - I dropped by to see my Mom yesterday and she was surprised my baby was head down already. She thought they didn't turn until way later. I asked how late it was when we turned and apparently we all turned at about 9 1/2 months - basically right before labour!!!!! All naturally too, though with my sister the Dr kept turning her manually and she'd scoot right back. There is hope!

[Jaycee]

postkalidurga For what it's worth, I rarely if ever look at someones hand to see if they have a ring on. I'm sure you probably just feel weird not having it on so it's just making you think of it, but other people probably aren't even noticing. :)

Work I was just thinking this today actually. I really want to be done already!!! I don't resent my job like I did in the first trimester, but I'd be happy if my last day before my leave was today :)

Another Question: I am having this terrible pain in my pelvic bone (The bone right in front of the vagina). It almost feels bruised like I've been kicked there. Does anybody else have this pain or has anyone had it in previous pregnancies? I just left a messege w/ my OB to call me.

[oceanblue]

Jaycee-Yes, yes, yes!! My doctor (I called) said it's just from the pressure of him pushing on it, and to get used to it because it will probably get worse before it gets better. It's just the position he's taken in there. It is especially bad after I exercise or if I sit for a long time and then get up!

[JRPAGV]

Baby Turning: I asked my doctor when babies typically get and stay in position, and she said 36 weeks.

[jaredsgirl]

QOTD #3 I do feel exactly the same way about the rings. I feel stupid for thinking that, especially when DH is walking next to me holding my hands, whose right is it to judge me. I know it is dumb and everyone can do things at their own pace, but yes, I feel weird not showing the world that I'm married by wearing my rings.

QOTD #4 I'm just having a really hard time working. I just am constantly planning on what we need to get done for the baby and what I should be doing at home and then I'm not doing much work. It doesn't help that I'm an engineer and I can't do any "fun" work while I'm pg.

[JRPAGV]

Jaycee: I've read on CC and WC where lots of pregnant women experience that pain. Apparently, it's fairly common. I forget what causes it, but they all described it like you did... it feels like someone kicked you or you're bruised. Hope it goes away soon!

[e&d]

pelvic/pubic bone pain -- I have been having this for the last month or so. It is REALLY painful when I get up in the morning...I think yoganut and mamax2 were saying they felt the same thing. My midwife said to be careful not to aggravate it, and don't do things that cause it to hurt. (I wasn't sure if it was a good thing to try to stretch through the pain or what.) So I just try to move really slowly when I get up, and when we do poses in yoga that hurt it, I modify.

not wearing rings in public -- I actually haven't worn mine for the most part for the last 4 months or so! My hands haven't been tremendously swollen, but it's been enough that the rings are uncomfortable. I agree with you, postkalidurga, I thought I was much more enlightened too. :rolleyes: The weird thing for me: I am taking a graduate class towards my masters. Being on campus is the WORST for me because I don't want people to think I'm a young unwed pregnant student. Then I have to remind myself that these other 20 year olds probably never thought I was one of them...I am 31 but tend to think I can still blend in with a college crowd. :rolleyes: I think I am delusional.

There was something I wanted to ask everyone but I'm blanking completely. I keep remembering when I'm not on here!

[Jaycee]

Jaycee-Yes, yes, yes!! My doctor (I called) said it's just from the pressure of him pushing on it, and to get used to it because it will probably get worse before it gets better. It's just the position he's taken in there. It is especially bad after I exercise or if I sit for a long time and then get up!


Jaycee: I've read on CC and WC where lots of pregnant women experience that pain. Apparently, it's fairly common. I forget what causes it, but they all described it like you did... it feels like someone kicked you or you're bruised. Hope it goes away soon!

Thanks! On one hand it's good to know that this is normal, but on the other hand I kinda wish it wasn't normal because I'm so sick of being in pain (ribs, back, and now pelvis) that if my doctor tells me "it's normal" one more time, I think I'm gonna freak out!! I just wish there was something that could be done about all of this pain!!! :mad: :eek: :(

[jaredsgirl]

Jaycee I'm with you...I'm in so much pain all the time and the dr is fine with it, says it is all normal. I'm sick of beingin pain. My ribs feel like they are going to break in half some days, my back feels like someone tried to break it, my hips are sore from the baby resting against them, and I also get the tons of pressure on my pubic bone. I think I will welcome L&D because I know the end of the pain is in sight!!

[kinaida]

Hey all --

Lots of questions today! Not sure where to start...

nesting -- I have this a little bit. I was in JoAnn Fabrics yesterday and they were having a HUGE sale on baskets -- cute baskets, like the kind you put in the nursery. 60% off! I wanted to buy a bunch and organize, organize, organize! But I only bought 2. I will probably go back though :) I am feeling a little stressed about nothing being ready for the baby, but honestly, the only things that NEED to get done if I were to go into labor right now are done. Except I need to get some baby wipes! :)

swelling -- I haven't had this too badly yet. My rings still fit and come on & off without too much trouble. No ankle swelling either.

self-conscious about no rings on -- I think I might feel a little self-conscious mostly because I live in a low-income community with a great abundance of teenage, single moms. Most of the kids in my neighborhood didn't even think that DH & I were married, just thought we were living together. I have been thinking about getting a necklace to wear my rings around my neck. But if I don't, that's fine. I know I'm married!

pelvic pain -- nope, I haven't had too much of this yet. The only sensations I feel low in my belly are little bubble-like movements, which I have read are hands.

Yet another question: is anyone doing perineal massage? I haven't yet, but I feel like I should to get that thing ready (would really prefer to not tear too badly if I can help it at all)!

[ktdelsur]

Anyone else hating work? I feel this massive desire to just be at home doing next to nothing. I feel like emotionally I need some transitional time to be ready for motherhood and having to come into work every day is just pissing me off. This is a very visceral feeling though, it's not like I just decided I needed time and am now angry I'm not getting it, I've been feeling really resentful of work for quite a while and only finally figured out this is probably why. Even though I'm off is 6 1/2 weeks (32 1/2 working days, but who's counting?), it just seems unendurably long and I just want to cry when I have to get up and come in here every day.

I feel you here. My doc said he might put me on 4-hour workdays (8:30-12:30) starting a week or so before my due date. I'd love to be able to take off for Thanksgivinga ndI've always been the "I'm going to work til my water breaks" person, but the closer I get, the more I think I really want that downtime, whether I physically NEED it or not. It will suck up my vacation time and leave me with one unpaid week of maternity leave on top of the two I'll already have unpaid...but it seems to me it will be worth it.

nesting: Yup. But its frustrating when your nursery furniture still has not arrived and your baby clothes/shower gifts are just in a pile in the empty bedroom waiting to be put away. JRPAGV: its funny that you are BOTH nesting...DH is definitely NOT nesting. He likes to laugh at me when I clean, though, saying, "Nesting! Nesting!" He knows that things have to be done, but since he's in school too, he's doubly stressed. (Since his final exam for Fall semester is the week I'm due, and the spring is the time he's supposed to be writing his thesis, with a newborn screaming in the background.)

pelvic pain: I haven't had the pelvic bone pain, but when I sat down on my birthing ball last night, my right hip/upper thigh cramped up and I had to stretch it out. I also woke up last night for the first time with my right hip bone aching after I'd laid there for a good while. Really weird. I find it odd that I HAVEN'T had the pubic bone pain, especially since we've already confirmed that he's head down.

swelling: My feet and ankles look a little chunkier but I haven't had much swelling at all. Rings still fit fine - here's hoping it stays that way.

I guess one of my next appts will be the group B strep test - do any of you know what this involves? Is this a urine thing or a blood thing?

[jaredsgirl]

perineal massage I don't even know how to do this. Any resources?

Strep B I think it is a swab, maybe when they are checking your cervix? I'm not sure. I did have a friend test positive for it and had to do an IV the whole time. What a pain!

[JRPAGV]

I guess one of my next appts will be the group B strep test - do any of you know what this involves? Is this a urine thing or a blood thing? ktdelsur: My friend just had this done today (at 36 weeks). She said they swab the inside of your vagina and the outside of your butt! :eek:

DH is nesting worse than I am! It's really cute. :)

[malala]

Wow! there's been lots going on here lately. I'm so far behind that I'm not even gonna try to catch up

pelvic pain : I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who doesn't have this (knock on wood) I'm sorry for those of you who are in so much pain:(

swelling: my rings still fit, but my feet and ankle, specially my feet look pretty chunky

nesting: not really, and I probably should be. Since we are not doing the nursery, or buying its furniture until we move to the new house, I don't feel like there's so much I need to get ready. But, in reality there's so much I need to buy yet, it's not even funny. I need to get my butt in gear.

not wearing your rings: I understand where you're coming from. I couldn't care less if other people are married or not while pregnant. But for some reason I'd feel funny thinking that other people might judge me. I'm stupid like that with other things too, like for example: I've had 5 glasses of wine throughout my pregnancy (my doc is fine w/it), but since I started showing I haven't done it in public for fear that somebody might say something to me, my DH says it's horse hockey and I shouldn't care, and I agree with him. But I'd be so mortified if somebody said something. I need to get over what other people think.

mamax2: thank you for the recommendation on the nursing bras:)

I have a question for you guys, I passed my GTT test, but when I asked the nurse what my numbers were she said it was 61 which is low, but fine. I went online to research how low it was and I found that they wanna see your numbers between 60-120. So that means that my number was REALLY low, now I can't find anywhere what's wrong with having a low number, all the info I found is for high numbers/GD. Does any of you what a low number means? TIA

[doubleR]

Wow, lots of Q’s OTD. Trying to stay caught up in here and can I just say THANK GOD for this thread ;) I love being able to read about what everyone else is going through. I hate to read about anyone else's pain or discomfort, but it's just nice to know that we're not alone, kwim?

swelling some, but not too bad. I’m still wearing my rings – they’re definitely getting tighter, but I can also still take them on/off with no problems. I don’t want to wait too long before taking them off though, I fear having to have them cut off. Silly, I know, but… anyway, I think my calves are swollen, if that’s possible. For the first time since last year, I’m wearing a pair of my tall boots today. Good thing my skirt is long b/c I can’t zip them all the way up. I’m a little freaked out about that.

feeling anxious/overwhelmed absolutely. Our nursery isn’t done. My DH will finish painting the trim this weekend, but we still have to put together the crib and the changing table… my aunt hasn’t started on the cushions she is re-doing for our glider and ottoman, actually I haven't even chosen the fabric. My shower is next weekend, so then there will be all that stuff to sort through, clothes to wash… and we also haven’t bought anything ourselves yet, figuring we’ll wait to see what we need until after the shower. We don’t have a final list of names for a boy or a girl yet… yeah, I am DEFINITELY feeling overwhelmed. Which leads me to…

nesting. I’ve been a freak as far as cleaning and getting everything else organized. But as far as all things baby related go, for reasons stated above, not really. Which is causing more anxiety / feelings of being overwhelmed. I guess on the outside, I’m still pretty calm, but the enormous list of things to do is always on my mind these days – if that makes sense. I roll over at 3 a.m. and think about how we need to do this, we need to do that… guess this is all part of being a mom, huh?

emotional oh yeah. I think I posted about it before, but I was literally sobbing after I watched an episode of A Baby Story last week. The couple was also having a ‘surprise’ baby and when the doctor announced ‘it’s a boy’ I seriously lost it. I was picturing myself in that moment I guess. Very, very emotional.

group B strep test I’m having mine at my 36 week appointment and was also told that my appointments will consist of internals from that point on. Not really looking forward to any of those, but I guess it just means we’re that much closer to the end. I guess it’s not too serious if you test positive for the group B strep, but it would be serious to pass on to the baby – so if you have it, they give you antibiotics during labor. My OB also said that 1/3 of all women test positive for it.

pelvic pain no, but I do have the hip pain at night - they get really sore. And I’m feeling lots of flutters right near my pelvic bone, which like kinaida, I’ve also read were most likely the hands. The pain I do have lately seems to be all on my bladder – the baby is either leaned up against, sitting on, or constantly kicking my bladder. It just feels really full, but painfully so, and it’s anytime I stand up or I’m walking a lot and then I only pee a tiny bit. Really weird. Oh, and I’ll probably have pelvic pain starting later today – anytime I read about new symptoms in here, it seems I then have them ~ like insomnia ~ the other day I said no, but ever since that day, I’ve been waking up at like 2 or 3 and cannot fall back asleep. But when my alarm goes off, I’m ready to fall into the deepest sleep of my life. This has made for a great week so far, I’m so completely exhausted.

work I’m not really resenting work, but I have to say I just don’t care about it. I’m showing up, getting the job done and thinking about everything else going on in my life right now. I’m also really busy trying to prepare for other people to take over my job for 3 months while I’m out. And I’m thinking of all possible ways to either not come back at all or just come back part time. I definitely am not a person that loves my job, so I’m sure that doesn’t help. I’m hoping to work for as long as I can, as I’d rather take the time off after the baby is born. I’m thinking about asking if I can work from home one day a week though, starting in another 2 weeks or so. I’m just so exhausted these days, I think it would help. I’m looking forward to being exhausted for a much better reason in the very near future :).

perineal massage I know a few people that have said this really helped them during labor, but I thought they were having this done during their actual labor? I know nothing about it other than that, but would love to learn more.

happy hump day :p

[malala]

http://images.snapfish.com/344%3C976%3B23232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2357%3D473%3D72%3A %3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B7665%3C%3A%3B%3Bot1lsi

[kinaida]

Here's an article on perineal massage (http://www.babycenter.com/expert/pregnancy/childbirth/1955.html)

It's basically just a way to make your perineum more pliable so that it won't tear as easily.

[Jaycee]

I love being able to read about what everyone else is going through. I hate to read about anyone else's pain or discomfort, but it's just nice to know that we're not alone, kwim?

I feel the same way. In fact I was thinking to myself earlier today, how greatful I am to have this thread. I also have a great friend who is only a few weeks farther along than I am, but I can't even imagine what other women do who don't have these kinds of support and resources do. It would be really really tough to go through this alone. Thanks erveryone!!! :)

great belly shot malala!

[kamileer]

Boy...this thread can MOVE!

I can only WISH my DH was in the nesting mood. Is there a secret spell for this? I could really use some help getting my obsessive compulsive desire to organize EVERYTHING in the house done! ;) But alas...nesting to DH means lounging on the couch, making a nest out of pillows and his laptop!

[krbb]

Time for catch up. This week has been so busy. I had the breastfeeding class on Monday, dentist appointment and birthing class today and Dr appointment tomorrow!

Swelling- every now and then I notice it, but I can still wear my rings. I had never thought about what people might think if I wasn't wearing them. Hopefully she is pregnant and must be swollen :).

Work - I haven't been too resentful, but I have been taking a day off here and there and I took most of last week off so that has helped. I still plan on working up until I am due. If my Dr gives me a note for the week before I may use that. I have definitely found it hard to concentrate, I find myself daydreaming a lot.

Pelvic Pain- haven't experienced this, but I have read it is common.

Overwhelmed- most definitely, DH has to remind me to calm down and that everything is ok every now and then. I think after my last shower the first weekend in November I will be able to relax more.

Laundry- I have washed some, mostly the stuff that my sister has given me. I just do two loads of clothes, light and dark. I wash it in cold or warm with cold rinse. I also am just using the same detergent I use for my clothes wich is a perfume free one.

Perineal Massage- it has been in the back of my mind. I read about it earlier in the pregnancy. I wonder how much it helps.

[happygolucky]

Oh wow - lots and lots and lots of posts!

Okay - lemme see:

Nesting - I'm actually not nesting. I don't know if that's because I don't have a nursery or if it's because I'm in denial. I'm sort of hoping the nesting fever hits soon, because my baby gifts have started arriving and my home is starting to get overrun.

Swelling - knock on wood, I haven't had any real swelling problems yet. Rings still fit. Shoes still fit. Ankles are intact. I'm thankful each day that hands and feet don't blow up like a balloon. My tummy, however, is an entirely different matter.

Pelvic Pain - Nyet. But I'm still holding my breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Laundry - I haven't done a stitch yet. Could be because I don't have a dresser to put the clean clothes into... who knows.

Overwhelmed - yes, absolutely - when I let myself think about it. That's why I just don't think about it. ;)

Work - I work for myself, so it's hard to get too resentful. Sometimes I actually wish I had an office to go to, just because it's so easy to lose my productivity when I'm home all day, surrounded by baby stuff.....

Perineal Massage - not exaggerating here, I just about fainted when I read that article. I simply don't know if I'm up for doing that to myself.....

Hip Pain - no hip pain, but I have left ear pain. I know - it's bizarre - but my ear gets sore from sleeping on my left side. Maybe I need new pillows.

Great belly shots everyone!

I have to sign off now - the baby is having a party and it's making me so uncomfortable, I feel like I'm going to throw up. I've found that when s/he is restless, I can settle him or her down by standing up and swaying back and forth while I hold my belly. Feels like it's just about swaying time.....

Happy Wednesday everyone!

[around the world]

Holy catch-up, Batman! I go away for a few days, and I have, like, 10 pages to read through! But I like it, makes me feel like all of the wacky symptoms and strange worries I'm going through are normal. :)

nesting: yeah, I'm there. I only wish I had more time to do so. I've been running around like a crazy person lately with so much non-baby stuff, and the entire time I sit there stewing about how I wish it were stuff for the girl, how I *need* to be doing stuff for the girl. Ugh. Hopefully I'll catch some down time with work and life and be able to concentrate on the nursery, washing baby clothes, picking a pediatrician, all of that stuff.

swelling: yeah, I've got some. Mostly I get temporary swelling in my feet and ankles if I'm doing something to aggrivate it (like flying or sitting for extended periods of time). But my hands are just slightly swollen constantly, enough for me to only be wearing my wedding band these days. My e-ring is just too big and bulky (it has a really thick band to it), and I'm deathly afraid of the whole 'cutting it off' bit. Hoping that I can keep wearing my wedding band, tho. It's so thin, I can't imagine getting too swollen for it, but I know not to speak too soon...!

pelvic pain: not what others are describing with their pelvic bones, but moreso with the ligaments in my pelvis/groin. I suppose it is from them stretching out, but they just ache in the mornings. It makes getting out of bed an adventure, since I tend to feel like when you're first on a boat and don't have your sea legs yet. Fun.

overwhelmed: oh yeah. I was OK when it was still 8 weeks until my due date. But now that it's less than 2 months, I'm fah-reeked. I guess it's just a general nervousness about not being ready and everything is going to change, but it is pervasive. Someone will say something about Christmas being right around the corner, and I can feel my heart start to pound! The girl will *be here* by Christmas! Eek!

work: I'm in this state where I'm obsessing about getting everything ready for when I have to be MIA, which is no fun. I would much rather have the time to myself, but since DH and I own the firm with our other partners, my responsibility (and the fact that I'll be neglecting it for a while) is really weighing heavily on me.

perineal massage: I've been meaning to do some of this. I don't know if it will help or not, but it can't hurt, and I sure don't want to tear. It's just about my only major hope, actually, with my labor. Dunno why I've focused on that but I have. Anyway, hopefully DH will be willing to help out in that department once he's home. It's kinda hard for me to reach these days. ;)

Got back from my trip with my girlfriends this past weekend, and am really paying the price for being gone. Still, it was a great time. Very relaxing, we just sat around eating and drinking (I even had a bit of champagne!) and talking and laughing. Just what the doctor ordered, I've really been craving some time with my gals. I just wish we all could have stayed there for a couple of weeks, doing just that! Now that I'm back to the grind, I appreciate the time away all the more...

I had an appointment yesterday that was uneventful. Got to see the only man in the practice, and he was just fabulous. I'm kind of hoping he ends up delivering the girl, truth be told. I love the others, but I just clicked with him. He was so complimentary of me, just telling me how great I look and how great I'm doing, the kind of stuff that means so much to you when you look like you swallowed a watermelon, you know? Plus, he checked out to make sure that the girl is still head down (though it was pretty obvious from her kicks and where I feel her hiccups that she was), and then he helped me use my hands to feel her head! Like, right there in my hands, I could feel her round head just above my pelvis! So cool. Needless to say, Dr. F has completely won me over. My next appointment is November 1.

Guess that's it for me. I wish I had time to think of questions or post about my progress in preparing, but mostly all I have time to do is just respond to y'all. Oh well.

[Mrsbuw]

Hey everyone,

Wow lots to catch up on. I don't really get to read the thread much during the day now because I am training my mat leave replacement. I have less then a month left of work!!!!!!!! For my last month I get to sit in the corner reading(sleeping) while she does my job. I of course have to keep an eye on her but not a bad way to go. :D if not a bit boring.

Nesting For sure, I can't remember if I mentioned the sock incident where I realized he had no socks and had to run out that minute and buy him some.

Swelling - Yup, not that much in my ankles and feet but my hands for sure. I have been wearing a cheap silver band because I am scared my rings will get stuck.

Pelvic Pain - Not really, only if I walk around too much

Laundry - I keep meaning to but have focussed on getting all our winter clothes cleaned and organized instead. We won't have his dresser for a couple of weeks anyways

Overwhelmed - yup for sure. I have watched how my SIL's lives have changed with their new babies so I atl east have an idea what to expect. Although people tell us we have NOOOOO idea what we are in for- thanks

Work - Like I mentioned I am training my replacement so it isn't that bad. I do have to watch myself, I just don't seem to care about the little details and I hope I am not setting a bad example for her.

Perineal Massage - yikes, I didn't even like reading about it.

Hip Pain - yup, I have to roll over every hour because my hip/thighs are KILLING ME

Kegals Okay here's a new one. I was talking to my doc about tearing and told her I have been doing my kegals. She told me to stop doing them. She said 80% of us will tear now matter what. You want the area to be weaker so it tears more easily. So for all those out there you haven't been doing your Kegals there you go. At least according to my doc, I personally have never heard this before.

It is almost 9pm and I think I am going to go to bed NOW- so tired. Sorry for any spelling mistakes I am just to tired to check

Have a great one!

oh my next appt is NOV 1st, after that I have weekly appts

[JRPAGV]

Kegals Okay here's a new one. I was talking to my doc about tearing and told her I have been doing my kegals. She told me to stop doing them. She said 80% of us will tear now matter what. You want the area to be weaker so it tears more easily. So for all those out there you haven't been doing your Kegals there you go. At least according to my doc, I personally have never heard this before. I think one of my journal buddies mentioned this once. She said something about not wanting the muscles and everything too "toned" or tight down there because it could make things worse.

[mamax2]

Nesting ~ I'm a wanna-be nester. I'd like to nest, but I have nothing to nest with so I'm sorta stuck. Over the weekend I tried to get some things ready, but it's hard w/DD underfoot and a DH who thinks we have sooooo much time left :rolleyes:

Swelling ~ None. Only on a couple of days when I don't get enough water to drink and it's *really* hot. My rings are somewhat loose usually though. I didn't swell w/DD1 either. Guess that means I can't blame any of my weight gain on 'water weight', huh? :p

Pelvic Pain ~ Oh yeah - big time and it's 1000X worse and happened much sooner than in my first pregnancy. My pubic bone and basically that whole area is generally sore w/periods of intense kicking/stabbing pain. I think my baby has a giant head that she's already decided to lodge firmly in place!

Laundry ~ Nope. I'm sure everyone is tired of hearing me say this, but I can't get DH to go into the attic to look for boxes, so I'm not sure I even have any laundry to wash. I may be making a mad dash for the Carter's outlet the first week of December! :eek:

Overwhelmed ~ Totally. I had a really great day shopping w/my DD and meeting my doula, but by this evening, I just felt exhausted and my back hurt and I'm getting a sore throat. That compounded w/reading this thread and seeing how much everyone has done and how very little I've done put me in a weepy state. I'm better now, but still feeling like a big-time slacker.

Work ~ I felt just like you ladies are describing in my first pregnancy too. Now, I'm only working part-time and it's a really easy, cush job, so it's not as burdensome to me. All the same, I'm putting my notice in and I'm cutting my hours in 1/2 by mid-November and finishing totally by December 1st.

Perineal Massage ~ I'll be starting these later on - around 36-37 weeks. Actually DH will be doing this since I won't really be able to see the area at that point ;) We did this last time too and I can't say that it *prevents* tearing, since I did, but it *may* have helped minimize it, kwim? Also, for those of you trying to avoid tears/episiotomies, make sure your birth plan indicates that you want warm compresses and perineal massage during delivery - that's probably the most important thing to do to avoid/minimize tears.

Kegals ~ I'm going to continue w/my Kegals. I've never heard anyone mention that they do a thing for tearing - they strengthen your pelvic floor muscles which are much higher up than the area in which you tear. I think Kegals are really useful for keeping the 'tone' of your vagina and afterwards to prevent/minimize and incontinence that often results from having a baby.

Group B Strep ~ I already tested GBS+ in the form of a UTI when I went for my initial prenatal visit this time. I will be DEMANDING a retest at 36 weeks and at that point, based upon my test results (for most women just a vaginal/rectal swab, but I'll also ask for another urine culture b/c of my past result) and my colonization levels, I'll decide whether to pursue the antibiotics or some less invasive methods to minimize the GBS.

Rings ~ Well, I'm still wearing my rings, but I feel naked w/out them if I leave the house - pg or not! In fact, I distinctly remember being on the way to the hospital to deliver my first daughter and I forgot to put my rings on and I wanted my DH to go back for them (he refused!).

Doula ~ I found her! I found her! I met w/an awesome woman today who is going to be our doula. I'm so thrilled to have finally found someone and we really 'clicked' so I'm feeling really good about things. She's actually an assistant midwife and training to become a direct entry midwife herself one day. She hasn't actually acted as an official 'doula', just an asst. MW, so the bonus is that we are one of her first official clients which means no fee! That's just icing on the cake really - I'd be willing to pay her for sure b/c I just feel that good about things. We're going to meet at least 2 more times before D-day.

e&d ~ Which tapes are you using for your hypnobirthing? Are you taking a class too or did you just buy tapes? Although I'm deeply commited to Bradley, I'm thinking of integrating some hypnosis, esp. since we have a 1 hour drive to the hospital. I'm interested in learning more about your program. Oh and FWIW, I'm delivering w/a MW too, but as I learned in my first delivery, if you're in a hospital, you may not be the only patient your MW has at the time and you won't be able to know in advance how much attention she can give you. Anyway, just thought I would throw that out there in case anyone else is even considering a doula.

katie ~ If you're not really into babywearing, per se, I wouldn't spend the $$$ on the Bjorn. I think for occasional use, you and your DH could be very happy w/the Snugli OR pick up a used Bjorn off Ebay or a consignment shop or something. To tell you the truth, I wouldn't have spent the $80 on it myself. I rec'd it as a gift, but if I hadn't, I wouldn't buy it at that price. If you don't like to buy things used, check Marshalls, TJ Maxx, etc. Our local Marshall's had them for like $50.

[PilotsWife]

Oh my goodness - so much to catch up on!!

mamax2 - so happy for you that you had such a successful shopping trip!

DoubleR - I hear you about being emotional and feeling/reacting as though the baby on the screen is your own. DH and I have been attending a birthing/twin preparation class and at the last class they showed a video where there was a c-section for triplets. The last baby, a boy, was only 2 and half pounds and his legs were so tiny, I just started crying in the class and couldn't stop. (All 3 babies went home after 5 weeks and were very healthy.)

Jaredsgirl - Your DH sounds so cute putting all the baby stuff together and getting excited! I hope my DH is like that soon.

Helen22 - Boxing Day - you're on!

Orion - hip soreness - this just started happening to me too! Certainly doesn't help with the insomnia I'm suffering from. I'm sorry to say that I don't have any suggestions to make it better.

Postkalidurga - I am VERY resentful of work right now! I too would much rather be at home, doing nothing (my energy level/nesting instinct has not yet kicked in yet :p )

But alas...nesting to DH means lounging on the couch, making a nest out of pillows and his laptop!

LOL!!

[ktdelsur]

Cross-posted from my LJ:
Had our 3rd childbirth class last night - and a tour of the maternity area. Pretty cool...

Sleep woes, in a big way:But...y'all, I had such a hard time getting comfortable to go to sleep last night that I actually shed frustrated tears over it. DH was being so sweet and understanding, even though I was waiting, any minute, for "Will you please BE STILL?!?!!" It didn't help that I was SO thirsty before I went to bed and I couldn't help myself - I had a glass of milk. I KNEW drinking anything that late would activate the reflux/heartburn issue, but I was parched and could have drank a whole gallon of milk.

So, I tried totally propping up in a sitting position, and was sleepy enough to fall asleep by about 10:30, but around 11:15 or so when DH came to bed, I woke up and couldn't get comfy...I got rid of pillows, I added pillows, I switched sides...then I got remotely comfy and had to get up to pee. It was an endless cycle. I laid there and shed a few silent tears and realized crying would only make me clogged up/make it harder to breathe so I quit. Then I had a slight moment of panic when I thought, "what if I get this frustrated when the baby's here and I'm so tired but he keeps waking up? am I just going to sit and cry? is this what is to come or am I just upset at this present moment?" I thought I was "stronger" than that...I hope I'm right, but I know hormones play a big role in all of that.

I tried moving out to the couch, no dice. Tried the recliner, no dice. Went back to bed...then had some weird hot flash and threw off my side of the covers...I really hope DH got some sleep. I think I finally went to sleep but I don't remember when. Once I sat up for long enough I think the stupid barely 1/2 cup of milk I drank finally digested. AUGH.

At this point I can't wait to have the baby so I can sleep on my stomach like I used to, with ONE pillow.

Strangely enough though, I'm not dragging this morning. I'm sure it will catch up with me though. I've got to work another Expo this morning. *ugh*

[doubleR]

ktdelsur sorry to hear about your night last night. I definitely feel your frustration.

I had the worst morning. My husband came home last night, unexpectedly since he travels and I didn't think he'd be home til tonight. Anyway, it was great to see him and of course I love having him home, but with my nesting neat-freak phase, it also means that his stuff from the week is everywhere all of a sudden, he had a late snack so there were crumbs on the counter, salsa on our coffee table and dishes in the sink when I woke up this morning. I realize I'm an anal freak, but this stuff just really bothers me. THEN, I hated my outfit for work, ended up changing like 3 times, but still don't really *like* what I have on - figure at least I'm comfortable though... and then I just lost it and started crying hysterically. I think it's mostly because I'm just so freaking exhausted at this point. I haven't had a good nights sleep all week - really, ever since reading about the insomnia others had. weird, huh? last night was a little better, instead of waking up from 2-5, I didn't wake up until 3:30. I went grocery shopping last night and it took me over an hour, that's how slow I was in the store. I'm just tired. Mostly, I think I'm just tired of being enormously pregnant and a huge emotional mess.

And so now my husband's all worried, thinking that this was a normal morning for me, which it definitely wasn't.

aroundtheworld glad you had a nice trip with the girls. you went to Vail, right? or Beaver Creek? I used to live in Boulder and miss going up there almost every weekend... I miss the whole rocky mountain vibe, god, even parts of that ride on I70 was gorgeous. *sigh*

pilotswife I was telling one of my friends IRL about my crying incident and she said that her and her husband both cried during every birth video they watched in their Bradley classes. So I guess we're not alone ;)

mamax I loved your 'wanna be nester' comment, LOL!! and congrats on finding a doula you love, that's great news. \

krbb how was your BFing class? I'm definitely going to be the furthest along out of anyone in our childbirth prep class and the BFing class. We're not taking them until November 12th and then the BFing class is the 15th... I'll be 37 weeks at that point :eek: It was the first Saturday class we could get into though. yikes!!
I really hope today gets better as it goes. I'm already thinking about leaving work early and I haven't even been here for an hour yet.

[kamileer]

Kegals - The main benefit in doing them is not to help with ripping, it is to help you keep tone and recover after birth. They help with urinary incontinence and keeping things nice and...um....tight...in that area (which is important to me once I recover from pregnancy). I plan on continuing to do them. My yoga instructor told me that she made the mistake of blowing them off and she still has some incontinence years after giving birth. She keeps repeating the mantra....kegals...kegals...kegals. ;)

ETA: If you are scared they may cause you to rip, I would skip them for now. But I would begin doing them right after that baby pops outs!

[mamax2]

Morning ladies! I had a terrible night sleep too and then my BIL showed up at 6:45 am knocking on our door, which set off the dog and woke all of us up :mad: :rolleyes:

Just to add to what Kami said, one of the other ways Kegals help is that they increase blood flow to the area, which obviously helps w/healing. So if you do end up tearing, bruising, etc., that helps w/the healing. Honestly though, I was so Kegal-ed out by the end of my last pregnancy, it took me a little while to get motivated enough to want to start doing them again!

I meant to tell ya'll last night, but forgot, if anyone lives near a Children's Place Outlet - you have got to get there. They had a bunch of racks of summer clothes for $.99!!! I got some great outfits for my girls. Plus, I have a coupon for 15% off, so I walked away w/whole outfits for $.85 :eek: If you don't have the outlet, but want to shop online, use the web code: HMA5 to save the 15% anything. I probably would have bought even more, but I'm obsessed w/buying matching outfits for my girls now, so I find myself not buying much unless it comes in a baby size AND a 2-4T - is that crazy or what?! :p

[e&d]

Ugh, so sorry to hear of the poor sleep going on around here. I just woke up from an hour-long nap that will make me late to work, but that's ok -- I feel really good! :)

mamax2, you asked about the hypnobirthing cd. I am listening to the one that we were given at our class...we're doing a class, reading the book, and listening to the cd. You can get the cd here: Hypnobirthing materials order form (http://www.hypnobirthing.com/newpage1.htm)

The cd consists of a relaxation track and then a series of birthing affirmations. It has been SO helpful to me so far! And I think both would be effective if you're driving an hour to your hospital. So glad you found your doula, too!

perineal massage -- thanks so much for posting the article, kinaida. I'm going to have to enlist my husband's help for this one. ;)

Off to work. Have a great day, everybody!

[Jaycee]

Had a Dr appt this morning. Everything is measuring on schedule, and she recommended a chiropractor for the rib/back/pelvic pain. She said this guy is really awesome and is used to seeing lot's of pregnant women. I really liked this dr. She's not my regular doc, she's one of the partners, but she was so warm and nice that I am almost hoping that she's the dr on call when I deliver. She just had a baby herself and so she was totally able to relate to what I am going through.

To all you who are having insomnia, I am so sorry. I almost feel responsible for bringing it up. :(

Oh, and a funny thing about perenial massage. Hopefully this doesn't offend anyone. My DH had me cracking up this morning. I was telling him he was going to have to start giving me pereniam massage, and he said "oh you mean taint"? and I was like "taint" ? and he said, "yeah thats what we call the perenium. It's that muscle right in the middle. 'taint' your your asshole, 'taint' your vagina". :D

[kamileer]

I think my DH would FAINT if I asked him to help me with perenial massage!!! ;)

[doubleR]

'taint' funny Jaycee :p

I don't know how my husband's gonna be either when I mention all of this to him ;) but honestly, I'd rather have him do it than one of the nurses during labor. I think anyway. One of my friends said this helped her tremendously. She did NCB, twice actually, with minimal tearing for one and none for the 2nd. She swears it's b/c of this. I never asked if she started it before or if it was just done during L&D though.

[Jaycee]

'taint' funny Jaycee :p

teeheehee :D

I got an appointment with the chiropractor for today at 4:15. I am really hoping that I can get some relief!!

ps. apparantly DH isn't the only one who calls it the taint, he says that it's pretty common among the male poulation to call it that, and earlier when I told a girlfriend about it, she knew that too. Go figure! :p

[e&d]

Funny, Jaycee! Good luck at the chiropractor -- mine has been helpful. I feel much looser after my appts.

I think my DH would FAINT if I asked him to help me with perenial massage!!! Hehe, Kami, I am going to have to think of a creative way to ask. I was thinking if it was in a more sexual context it might fly...who knows! :D

Ok, so I know I was just saying like 3 hours ago that I was all well-rested from my nap...I'm ready for another!! :eek:

Anybody thinking of cloth diapering? I am and have been looking into it. I'm interested to hear what you're stocking up on, or from our experienced moms, if they've done it and how it's gone, recommendations, etc. I've looked over the CD thread but it is soooo long!

[kamileer]

Jaycee - My DH calls that area the "taint" too. The subject was brought up totally randomly the other day when my girlfriend was in town (nothing to do with baby talk). The two of them couldn't believe that I never heard the term before!

[fwgirl]

swelling/rings I haven't had too much swelling, but I do notice it in the evenings. I've still been able to wear my rings, but have been thinking I might stop in the next few weeks. I have a family ring that I've been meaning to have sized and was too lazy to take it in. Now I'm happy I didn't since I think I'll wear that on my ring finger. I don't really notice rings on others, but I feel very self-conscience without mine. Go figure.

pediatrician I found one! So happy about this. :)

clothes washing I haven't done yet. I actually don't have many clothes yet, but that's a whole 'nother story.

feeling anxious/overwhelmed *raises hand* There seems to be so much to do and I can see the time slipping away. It's not so much that the days are going by fast, but I look at my calendar and see all the commitments I have in the next few weeks and all that things that see need to be done. Everyone tells me how calm I am, but I don't feel that way.

nesting Yes! I just feel like I can't get organized. I have been going through old files, tossing things we don't need, making piles for Goodwill, etc. And I clean whenever I get a chance. Yesterday I had an all day meeting that ended early. I went to Target and got all kinds of cleaning goodies and was actually excited to get home and use them. I was on a rampage. I think I even made my dog tired! He normally follows me everywhere, but about an hour into cleaning he laid down in the hall and just watched me. I'm sure he thought I was going nuts. :)

work I'm doing fine with work. It's my slow time of year so that helps. Also, I finally talked about my maternity leave with my boss. I'm going to start on Dec. 1. Can't wait!

emotional I've been very emotional lately. I cry easily and can go from happy to annoyed to frustrated to happy again in about 60 seconds. Poor DH.

kami We had our birthing class last weekend and talked about ways to get the baby into the best position for labor. Our instructor (who is a doula and a m/w in training) said that babies can still move up until the end, but there are certain things moms-to-be can do to help give the baby space to wiggle. She suggested laying on your belly with the help of a donut or small inflatable intertube. She gave us one and it is so comfy! She said that will give the baby space and gravity will help pull the baby into the best position. Also, she suggested the "dump" position. (DH couldn't stop giggling every time she said it. Boys!) It's basically this yoga position (http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/491_1.cfm), but on your knees. It's supposed to give the baby space to back up out of your pelvis and rearrange itself. Of course you should check with your doctor before doing anything, but I thought I would share since we're in similar situations.

mamax2 Yay for finding a doula! That's great. And you're husband is making *me* want to come over and get the stuff out of the attic for you! I'll keep my fingers crossed that he does it this weekend. ;)

jaycee My DH calls it the taint too. I guess there was a whole SNL skit about it once. It's a guy thing! :rolleyes:

It took me over an hour to write this since my phone kept ringing! Maternity leave it looking better and better.

[mamax2]

Anybody thinking of cloth diapering? I am and have been looking into it. I'm interested to hear what you're stocking up on, or from our experienced moms, if they've done it and how it's gone, recommendations, etc. I've looked over the CD thread but it is soooo long!
I've been CDing for a little over 2 years now, although now I would classify us as part-timers since DD is in school 2 days a week (where it's disposies only) and she's beginning to potty-train, so she wears panties at home, but diapers for sleeping or going out/long drives, etc.

My best recommendation is to get a variety of things to try before you stock up on a bunch of any one thing, w/the exception of chinese prefolds - these basically work for everyone in some manner or another and they're cheap so there's no harm in getting at least 24 to start. We've actually gone the cheap route for the most part - no fancy all-in-ones or wool covers, etc. We've used mainly prefolds or fitteds & covers and Fuzzi Bunz. I've tried a couple of other systems too, but economics was part of our decision to do this. I'm happy to answer any questions that anyone has on the topic though - it's really not difficult or gross or anything like that. I feel really good about it!

taint ~ O.k., now I'm dying to get home and ask my DH if he knows this term too. :p

[kamileer]

fwgirl - Thank you for the positioning strategies! I've also read about the yoga position. In my yoga class we call it the "puppy stretch" but I have heard it called the "head to knee" pose as well. The "dump" is hysterical! I guess I can see why she calls it that. When DH saw me doing it the other day he asked, "doesn't that position make you fart?!" Haha

I will have to try the inner tube one. Where on earth will I be able to find one of those in the middle of October?! Oh...maybe for sledding.

[kinaida]

You guys are so funny! I have never heard of taint before... I think I'll stick to calling it the perenium :)

cloth diapering -- I'd actually love to do this, but I hate doing laundry in our basement. I have an irrational fear of basements and ours is creepy to me :) I love our washing machine, but wish that we could bring it upstairs somehow. I'd do a lot more laundry then!

pediatricians -- I have a list from my doctor, but I have no idea where to start. there are like 10 names on it. Do I just start calling? I don't know. I guess I should look on my insurance website first to see who is covered.

work -- I'm working right up until I deliver, but I'm on a modified schedule starting October 31st. Basically I will be working 1/2 from home, 1/2 from the office for the first two weeks in November, and then full time from home after that. Can't wait!

Congrats on finding a doula mamax!!!

[burkie]

swelling/rings - My fingers are slightly swollen, but I am still wearing my rings. I feel naked without them. For those of you who don't like not wearing them a friend of mine who just had her baby last week went to wal-mart or target or somewhere and got a fake diamond ring for like 5 dollars to wear. It was really funny she actually got a lot of compliments on it :D

JRPAGV - I am paranoid about colors running in the wash too. Just make sure that the first time you wash stuff you do so in cold water. Also throw in some of your own clothes so that you are not washing two things at a time.

Speaking of washing, does anybody know if you are not supposed to use dryer sheets when washing baby stuff?

malala - great belly shot!

aroundtheworld - Glad you had a good trip. I used to live in Aspen and miss it so badly. I can't wait to get back.

kamileer - I think my DH would faint too :D

I had a dr appointment yesterday. It was uneventful fortunately. I was told that I would have my group B strep test at my next appointment and from now on every appointment will consist of an internal. Can't wait :rolleyes:

Next appointments:

Nov. 1
Nov. 7
Nov. 15
Nov. 22
Nov. 29

[krbb]

Had my Dr's appointment today everything was good. It was really quick. They moved into their new office. It was really nice, though it was kinda weird when they gave you a restaurant type buzzard that goes off when they are ready to see you. Is peeing the cup getting harder for you guys too? I can't see anything so I just hope I get the cup! My next appointment is Nov 3.

doubleR- the breastfeeding class was good. I have been reading some about it, my sister gave me a book called the Nursing Mother's Companion, so some of it was repeat. It was taught by the a lactation conselor who is also a ob nurse there. Found out there is a LC in M-Sat and Sunday there is one on call. We went over the different holds including laying down which she said unfortunatley she didn't figure out until her second child. She also said they will get you to nurse as soon as possible after deliver, I guess the baby then goes to the nursery to warm up, but will bring the baby to you to nurse (you or DH can be in the nursery) and the rest of the time the baby is with you. So she calmed some of my fears about not getting to nurse right away and also said BF will get BF package that does not have formula samples which I thought was good.

Cloth Diapers - I had kind of waiverd back and forth on this, but decided not too. I still might get a few to try out. My sister CD my niece and loved it. I think she mostly used the Chinese prefolds and had a few all in ones. My nephew was born and was orignally put in CDs, but for some odd reason the CDs gave him diaper rash and the disposies didn't. For my other niece she mostly used disposables. I know some CD brands offer trial packs and some people will get them off of ebay.

taint- I have never heard of this either! I will ask DH to massage my taint and see what he says!

Is anyone else feeling most movement super high in the ribs? It is so uncomfortable. At work I have to recline my chair super far back!

[krbb]

Burkie - I could be wrong, but I think they say not to use dryer sheats because the stuff that makes it smell (I can't think of the word) could be sensitive to their skin.

[jengen]

Hey Ladies! I'm back from my trip. Totally exhausted. I'll try to see if I can catch up:

workhas been sooooo busy lately, especially with being out of the office on this trip all week. It usually dies right around when I am due and through Jan., so I am working up til the end and they keep joking that I couldn't have planned my maternity leave better. :)

swollen/rings I don't know if it is from my recent travels, but I could not get my ring on today. Usually in the cooler weather they are more loose, so I think I am retaining some water. My lower legs look bigger also and when I take my boots off, there is a line like they were literally cutting into my leg.

cloth diapering I'm just not up for this and all the wash it will create. I wish I could be, though. So much less expensive and better for the environment.

taint I'll have to ask my DH about this also. kami I think mine would faint if I asked him to do that, too! In fact, I know he wouldn't. :p

I think that's it for now...I"m so beat, sorry for no individual shout-outs!

[Mrsbuw]

34 weeks

You girls crack me up, I have never heard of "taint" either. I will ask Dh to help but I am scared he will gladly agree:eek:

That's it for me, I am soooo tired again. I was up EVERY HOUR to pee and roll over. Sorry to everyone else who is having trouble sleeping

krbb I have lots of movement up high in my right rib too. I have to get DH to massage my ribs every other day. I also feel him really low too which makes me think this kid of mine is super long like his daddy (and me)

have a great day/night everyone

[ktdelsur]

Oh, and a funny thing about perenial massage. Hopefully this doesn't offend anyone. My DH had me cracking up this morning. I was telling him he was going to have to start giving me pereniam massage, and he said "oh you mean taint"? and I was like "taint" ? and he said, "yeah thats what we call the perenium. It's that muscle right in the middle. 'taint' your your asshole, 'taint' your vagina".

Thanks for giving me a good laugh after a long, hard day at work! hehahehahe....now I can't wait for DH to get home and ask him too. It seems I've probably heard it before but it'd been long enough that I'd forgotten. LOL

[JRPAGV]

Okay, we just got home from another Childbirth Prep class. I am officially terrified of tearing or getting an episiotomy!!! :eek: And the vacuum and forceps really scare me too!!

[yoganut]

Just finished catching up...so much going on here. I am so glad to see that everyone is doing well. All of the showers sound so fun!

Well, I had a not so pleasant experience this past week. I was OOT last Thursday through Sunday for my little brother's wedding. I was a bridesmaid, and it was a LONG day on my feet. Then, I came back and had to work a 12 hour day on Monday.

I woke up at about 4AM on Tuesday to some horrible pain in my side. I figured it was just fatigue and stretched ligaments, and tried to ignore it. Well, I got ready for work and started feeling a lot of pressure. Then, I took DH to daycare, and had two contrax while I was getting him set up - that were stronger than BH ones I usually have. I called my ob office, and they said to lay down for an hour and drink water. So, I go back home and do that, except the pressure is increasing and now my whole abdomen is really soar to the touch and the pain has moved from my side to my front.

I called my ob office back, and they said to come in. My ob checked my cervix via u/s and did a quick check on the baby - and then told me I needed to got to the hospital L&D for monitoring! :eek: I was pretty freaked out at this point as the contrax were starting to get consistent at 15 min apart. She said that my urine had white blood cells, so she thought I had a bladder infection that was causing pre-term labor.

We get to L&D and they strapped me to the monitors and started an IV. I was indeed contracting every 5 min at this point, but luckily they weren't too strong. They gave me fluids and antibiotics, but neither was helping the pressure or contrax. Then they gave me Terbutaline to stop them, and that worked pretty quickly. So, I ended up at the hospital for about 6 hours...and definitely don't care to go back until December.

I asked them about work, and the resident told me she thought it would be fine for me to go. Then, I had to go back to my ob the next afternoon (Wednesday), and she said I want to keep you on bedrest for another day. Huh? I told her the resident said I could go - she said they messed up. So, I went home after the appointment and put my feet up.

I went to work yesterday because the campiness had calmed down. I am supposed to go to this really important meeting Sunday through Wednesday in AZ, and won't know if I can until Friday - when the urinealysis results are back. If this was indeed because of a bladder infection, she said I can go because it will be treated. If not, then I can't travel anymore and might have to cut back on work. I am still having a lot of soarness from my belly button down...has anyone else had this?

There is some good news though - the baby looks great, and is measuring 3 weeks ahead on u/s. Sounds like it might be another big boy.

Answers to some of the QOTD

swelling - Luckily, this hasn't been an issue yet. I never swelled with DS #1, so I hope I am so blessed this time.

work - I wouldn't mind cutting back, but I think now would be a bit too soon. I am several weeks behind a lot of you. I also don't want to have a big cut in pay to deal with.

[sophiapb]

Hijacking thread to say Hi E&D. I sent you a PM.

[ktdelsur]

yoganut: Wow, that had to be scary. I hope it was just an infection and they can treat it so you can get on with your work, etc. Hope you get to feeling better!

Had a co-worker (one I don't see often) greet me this morning with, "Wow, you look like you're about to explode, honey!" Lovely. :p Then I met a lady in the elevator who could not have been older than I am who said, "Is this your first?" I said yes, and she said, "Aw, girl, congratulations - I have SIX!" :eek:

I can't concentrate today - my shower is today at 4, and I have a bridal shower to go to at 11:30...at least that is a good chunk of my day. :D

sleep: Girls, I'm so happy - after my awful night of uncomfortableness and no sleep on Thursday, I implemented a "no food or drink after 8 p.m." rule. I had no heartburn, no reflux, and slept almost 5 straight hours before having to get up to pee. WHOOHOO! Granted, my stomach was growling like crazy when I woke up...but it was worth it to go to sleep easily with no heartburn for once.

baby dropping: Is it too early for the baby to have dropped some already? My belly looks lower in the mirror, and I've gotten two random comments from people saying, "It looks like you've dropped!"

[helen22]

Wow, lots to catch up on! Fabulous belly shots, and glad everyone is having such fun showers.

And, um, I have heard of the “taint” – I guess I’ve read too many Cosmo articles??? :o

QOTD on panic/anxiety: I definitely have low-level anxiety, but for me it really verges on panic every time I think about how I will do any of the things I normally do – with a baby. Like last night I went to Barnes & Noble to read in the café for a while before meeting some friends for dinner. And I kept thinking, how would a stroller fit in here? How would I use the bathroom? Will people hate me if the baby starts crying? If she does start crying, where would I go? Etc, etc….

QOTD about hating work: I am just trying to check myself out more and more. Not just because I’m hating it, although I do often find it super irritating (all those “how are you FEELING?” questions!!!!! All day long!!) - but more because I think everyone wants some proof that things won’t fall apart when I’m out (yeah, right). So I’m trying to hand more and more stuff off. Somehow though I don’t feel less busy….!

Pelvic bone pain: I haven’t had this, but someone at work loaned me her maternity belt (is that what it’s called? The thick elastic belt that you wrap around your lower belly to give you more support) just in case. She said it’s amazing, really, relieves the pressure, not sure if any of you with pelvic bone pain have tried it…

Also on a nesting front: I have been price comparing things like breast pads, lanolin cream, wipes, etc. – and noticed drugstore.com seems to have really good prices. Of course that’s compared to New York, with our outrageous drugstore prices – you guys might have cheaper options available to you locally. But wanted to pass that on...

Perineal massage: was going to ask my doctor about this today. I googled it and found some useful sites (um, did not do this at work :D )

Hypnobirthing CDs: E&D, you convinced me to order a cd – DH ordered this one for me: http://www.natalhypnotherapy.co.uk/1676/30517.html I’ll let you guys know what it’s like when I get it…

Cloth diapering: I asked a ped we interviewed last night about it, she didn’t have an opinion about which is better for babies, said it is a economics/philosophy decision for the parents. If we go for it, it will have to be with a diaper service – washing in our building’s laundry room would be a nightmare. So, still investigating that one.

Names question: for those of you who are still undecided, are you feeling close?? We still have about 15 names on our “short” list. It’s so hard!! My aunt, who used to live in Denmark, told me they don’t name babies there for a couple of months so that they can be sure they give the baby the “right” name. I thought that was interesting. But then again, Denmark – like so many other countries! – has “Emma” as the number one girl name, so all that meditating doesn’t seem to make them more creative :)

I'm off to my dr's appt, will report anything interesting this afternoon!

[JRPAGV]

Question About Kegels: When I'm doing the exercise, do I have to "hold" it for a certain number of seconds?

[kamileer]

How scary yoganut! I hope it was *just* a bladder infection and there will be no more scares like this for you.

[JRPAGV]

yoganut: Sorry about your scare! :( I hope it's a bladder infection that's easily treatable. Take it easy!

[doubleR]

morning ladies :) I am so glad that it's friday - I feel like I've had the longest week, I'm completely exhausted and cannot wait to sleep in tomorrow and hopefully take lots of naps this weekend. I keep saying that every weekend and lately it just hasn't happened for me.

ailment of the day ~ I woke up at 4 a.m. to pee, went to scratch my back and had *something* on me. I couldn't figure out what it was, couldn't get it off either, so had to wake up DH. well... this is pretty random and definitely a first for me, but it was a tick :eek: so, DH got it out, thinks he got it all, but I called my doctor first thing this morning and have an appointment at 1:00. I just want to scream WHAT NEXT??????????

my DH was not interested in massaging my perenium. he laughed when I asked him if he had ever heard it called taint and was like, of course I have, you haven't? not until yesterday anyway. see the things we learn in here?

helen, we don't have names yet either. It's really starting to annoy me because I keep throwing out what I think are fabulous names to DH and he just keeps saying 'eh' and shaking his head. I'm hoping to narrow it down this weekend, but I've been saying that for months. :rolleyes:

ktdelsur, I've had people tell me I look like I've dropped to. I don't want to hear that yet!! I don't really feel any different and I don't think I look any different. but what do I know?

yoganut, that all sounds very scary, I hope everything is ok and your little one stays put for at least a few more weeks. keep us posted!

krbb thanks! did your husband go with you? not sure if I should bring mine along or what. I was initially thinking no since it's BFing, but he'll be the only other person around to help me out when the time comes...

hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm hoping the nursery is a lot closer to being finished by Sunday night :) One of the girls that works with my DH told him he HAS to finish the room so that I can relax. She said she wasn't relaxed until the baby's room was completely done and once it was, she went into labor the following week. Not that I want to go JUST YET, but... I can see her point. I know I'll feel a lot more ready once the room is done. And we have names picked out. And... :p

[kamileer]

JRPAGV - There are a bunch of different ways to do kegals. In my yoga class we pretend that our pelvic floor muscles are going up an elevator. You pause at the first floor, squeeze a little tighter at the second floor, squeeze a little tighter at the third floor and then go back down again gradually. I would say that each floor is held for a couple seconds and repeated.

You can also try holding them for 10 counts of 10. I've also read to try to hold a kegal everytime you sit at a red light. I have a hard time remembering to do that one!

[malala]

Hello ladies!! I had a doctor's appointment yesterday. Pretty uneventful, listened to the heartbeat (always a cool thing to do), and everything looks fine. I asked her about my low numbers on the GTT test, and she said it just means that my body processes sugars fast, or something to that extent, and that is a good thing, and not to worry about it. I have a love/hate relationship with my OB, I think she's a good doctor, and she's nice, but I always have to wait A LONG TIME when I go to see her. And, it's like she doesn't volunteer much information, she usually says that everything looks fine and that's it, no details. She answers my questions, but she doesn't tell me things on her own. I don't know how to explain it. Even if we weren't moving, I wouldn't keep seeing her after the baby is born.
Tonight we have our second (out of 3) Lamaze class, I just remembered that I have to prepare and bring a "birthing bag", and I have no clue what I'm gonna put in it. The instructor said the DHs had to pack it, but since my DH has been out of town the whole week, and will have to go straight to the hospital, guess who's gonna pack it?:rolleyes:
Replies:

around the world: your trip with your girlfriends sounds great, I'm glad you had such a good time :)

mamax2: Great news about the doula, and on top of you liking her so much, she won't charge you?, that's even better!!!!:D Thank you for the tip on the sale the children's place outlet is having, you reminded me that I have a coupon that's gonna expire pretty soon. I'll have to go check it out.

ktdelsur: I'm sorry about your awful night, but I'm happy you found a way to make it work for you, and you could enjoy a good night sleep last night:p

Jaycee: how did it go with the chiropractor? feeling any better there? I hope so!:)

yoganut: what an awful scare. I hope it's just a bladder infection, so that you can keep going with your life. Take good care of yourself:)

[kinaida]

yoganut -- how frightening. I hope you're okay. Please keep us posted!

doubler -- sorry about the tick :( I wonder how that got on you? Yikes. I totally hear you about the names. We have ours pretty much picked out, but it's DH's least favorite baby topic!!

dropping -- I think mine is dropping, just because the part of my belly below my belly button is getting really itchy, which means the skin is stretching...

kegals -- I normally do mine in the car on my commute. I vary it up. I sometimes do what kami said -- the elevator one. Sometimes it's just holding it for awhile. I think as long as you're doing something, you're doing great! :)

[doubleR]

kinaida I was at my parents house last weekend, which is sort of in the country I guess... Millbrook, NY, on the border of NY/CT. It's not like my back was exposed though or I was even outside in a t-shirt. I'm thinking maybe the cats, they have 2 and 1 is indoor/outdoor. It's really grossing me out to think that the thing was on me for several days though w/o my knowing it. My DH was away and where it was on my back, I couldn't/wouldn't have seen it, even if I wasn't pregnant. SO gross though. SO SO SO completely gross.

mamax2, I'm pretty sure it was you who you posted this info before, but this thread has gotten huge and it was a while ago... would you mind re-posting your tip to making up the baby's bed, the crib, in order to simplify possibly sheet changes in the middle of the night? thanks so much :D

[Jaycee]

Happy Friday!

Well, I had my chiropractor appt yesterday and it went OK, although I don't really feel much better today. But he says my back is pretty out of line and he wants me coming back twice a week. It's covered by insurance so I figure what the hey! If it works it works, if not I'm no worse off than I was before. Today the baby is moving around so much and she's so squished up in there my belly is moving into all kinds of funny shapes and it just feels sooooo weird. I spoke with a girlfriend here at work and she said that when she was pregnant the doctor wrote her out of work a few weeks before her due date, and that the company pays you short term disability and it's 100% of your salary, for up to 8 weeks, and it does not count towards your maternity leave! I think I may look into that route and talk to my doctor about when nd if he's be willing to write me out.

e&d - I'm glad the chiropractic treatments are working for you. That at least gives me some hope!!

fwgirl - I've been on the 0-60 emotional scale myself these days. I'm pretty sure that even if I were to decide I wanted to go through this whole pregnancy again, DH would have something to say about it :o

mamax2 - The Doula sounds fantastic!! I'm glad you guys clicked!! DH and I have a lunch meeting scheduled next week with a post-partum doula. I'm looking foward to meeting her and I really hope we like her!!

burkie - I think I read in the baby bargains book that dryer sheets were not good for the babys skin, as it could irritate it.

krbb - So? what did DH say when you asked him to massage your taint? :D

ktdelsur - I'm so glad you got a good night sleep finally!!

yoganut - WOW what a scare!! I'm glad you are OK. Please keep us posted!!

malala - I understand what you mean about your OB. I have always liked mine but sometimes I feel the same way you do, and yesterday I met with one of the other partners and I just LOVED her, so I really noticed the difference!

around the world Your trip sounds like it was so much fun!! I need a trip like that but I'm thinking it waill have to wait until after the baby comes.

doubler Yikes about the tick!! I'm glad you found it though. I hope everything is fine. I'm sure it is.

kamileer Thanks for the Kegal instructions, I need to start doing them more regularly.


Gotta run into a meeting, sorry to those I missed!!!

[kinaida]

re: dryer sheets -- are you just supposed to use liquid fabric softener then or no fabric softener? I have always used the sheets, so I feel kind of clueless :)

[around the world]

Morning, ladies. I'm still basking in the fun I had last weekend, and still paying for it -- I'm behind on just about everything I was supposed to get done this week, which is why I've hardly had time to check in. Eh, well. It was worth it. doubleR, yep, we were in Beaver Creek. The leaves were peak, the weather was gorgeous, there was snow on the mountains. Sigh!

You guys are killing me with the 'taint' bit. Add me to the list that hadn't heard that. I'll have to remember to ask DH when he gets back, but I would assume he'd heard it. He knows all kinds of crass slang for those kinds of, er, delicate locations... ;)

yoganut, I am so sorry that you had such a scare! And I am crossing my fingers that it's just an infection, I'm sure that you've got your hands full anyway with your son and the last thing you'd need is a worry like this. Hang in there...

I can't believe that my squeamish husband is one of the few up for the perenial massage! Seriously, y'all, he's just not all that into bodily/medical stuff. One of my larger deterrants against a natural birth is that he wouldn't really be committed to it, it's just not his kind of thing. But the massage? No sweat. Funny, how our husbands deal with this childbirth stuff, huh?

Congrats, mamax2 on finding a doula that you love! That must be such a relief, to know that you are going to have someone you can depend on (well, other than your DH).

doubleR & helen22, we aren't fully decided on a name either. Well, we have a first name but aren't sure about the middle yet. I like one name, DH likes another, and we think that we've come to a compromise and chosen a third. But aren't sure. I wish it were easier. Our system sounds a lot like yours, doubleR, I am the one to suggest names and DH vetoes them. Hardly fair, I'm doing all the work! But I know that eventually we'll come to an agreement. I'm mostly sick of people asking us if we've come up with something yet. I know folks are only going to get more and more incredulous as the time nears and we don't have one, and I can't stand the way people look at me like I'm already failing because I don't have a name! Gah.

ktdelsur, my SIL dropped (what seems like) really early with her girls. Probably right around where you and I are now, I'd say. With her second, they were *sure* it would mean she'd go into labor early, since she'd already done it all before, but no dice. Still, I'm with you, I don't want to hear that stuff -- I'm not ready for this baby yet! I don't need to feel like she's breathing down my neck! ;)

helen22, I'm with you, I've found drugstore.com to be the cheapest I can find stuff, even with shipping. Our WalMart never has anything, and the Target and grocery/drug stores are much more expensive than online. In fact, I'm sitting here looking at some bottles and some breastpads I ordered a few days ago that just came this morning. :)

In nesting news, I hope to paint the nursery this weekend. Just have to get off my butt today and pick up the paint. And then measure/tape the pattern I want to do. It's nothing fancy, but gosh, I suspect that I would be much better off to just paint everything the same color and be done. Eh, well, it's our first, we're allowed to go overboard, right? I'm pretty anxious to get that room ready, but the crib is still not here. In fact, I need to call and check on it. I was hoping to have it by the end of the month, which is fast approaching. Can not believe it will soon be November. Holy cats, we're almost done, ladies!

[JRPAGV]

This thread over in Parenting makes me sad for some reason. I guess it's because I'm so sensitive about my baby's birthday being overshadowed by the holidays. I, personally, couldn't imagine saying I and other people will be too busy to celebrate my child's birthday, so we might as well make up a day in a completely different month and season and pretend it's his birthday. Am I being weird, or does anyone else feel the same way? I don't want to post in that thread because I'm scared I'll start something.

half birthday celebration - weird or fun? (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=9108)

[Jaycee]

Janna I agree with you, I think it's sad. It's one thing for an adult to celebrate their own birthday on a different date, but I think for a child, it's important that no matter how busy you are around that time, a childs birthday should be celebrated and made a priority. Now if you want to add another celebration into the year thats gravy, but just because it's a busy time of year is no reason to skip someones birthday. Thats just my opinion and I'll probably get flamed for it too so I'll stay out of that thread.

[jaredsgirl]

That does make me sad...I am determined to make this child's celebration important, even if it means rearranging my schedule to make it work. I'm not a fan of the half birthday, people have birthdays in Dec all the time and are fine with it.

[around the world]

Oops, forgot my most recent belly shot! Here is 33 weeks:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce00b3127cce94edda621f2e00000055108AYt27Ny3bMz

Off to check out that Parenting thread...

[happygolucky]

Wow- lots going on here!

Yoganut - that is so scary!!! I hope everything is okay!

I'd never heard of "taint", and I'm pretty sure DH won't have either.

This next part is a downer, so feel free to skip it.

I can't believe I'm at 32 weeks. Now that it's so close, I've noticed that I'm starting to really freak myself out with fears that something is wrong with the baby. If I wake up to go to the bathroom and I don't feel it moving, I get scared that something is wrong. I'm freaking myself out about stillbirths. I'm freaking myself out about SIDS. I think I'm just plain old freaking out. I know perfectly well that there is absolutely no point in worrying about these things, but I still worry. What the heck is wrong with me??? I still don't have a crib. I still don't have a changing table. I still don't have a nursery. Why don't I worry about stuff that I can actually control instead of focusing on stuff that is totally out of my control? Maybe I'm just losing my mind.

Okay - downer over.

In other news, I don't think the baby has dropped, but I *do* think it's HUGE! I swear - I am so big, it's embarrassing. I actually fell over yesterday because when I squatted down to pick something up from the floor, the weight of my belly pulled me over. Classic.

The weather here in the northeast is crappy, but I hope everyone has a happy Friday and a great weekend anyway!

[mamax2]

I was wondering what you ladies would think about that half-birthday business. I can't really decide where I stand on it. On the one hand, your birthday is what it is - you can't change it, but OTOH, since I've grown up w/a December birthday, I can see the advantages. I don't think it's so much about *YOU* not making a big deal over your child's birthday or making sure it's separate from Christmas, etc. as it is about logistics. For many families, esp. those that are spread out, it would be tough to even have a party really close to Christmas b/c people have a lot of commitments, may be traveling out of town, etc. In those cases, I see how it's more fun for a kid to have a party in June w/all their cousins as opposed to a party in December w/just Mom & Dad, kwim?

Another spin on making December birthdays special is something my Mom instituted when I was a kid - we have birthday week. I get one present a day leading up to my birthday which was pretty fun. My family is, generally, really good about celebrating my birthday, but it's hard to ask all your kid's friends and schoolmates to be as accomodating, kwim?

Also, not to beat a dead horse, but I think the half-birthday concept is getting pretty popular for school age kids anyway. From what I understand, kids w/birthdays over the summer or over holiday breaks now get a 'half birthday' to celebrate w/their class and my DH's triplet cousins each have a 'designated birthday' so they each get to be the star in their class (ugh, their poor Mom having to bake cupcakes 3 times, 3 sets of party favors, etc!)

yoganut~ Wow - that's scary stuff. I hope you're feeling better and although a bladder infection is no fun, it sounds like a good thing in this case. Hang in there and keep us posted.

kegals ~ When I was taking Bradley classes, each week our instructor gave us a different 'Kegal regimen' - sometimes it was the elevator like Kami suggested, sometimes holding for increasingly long periods of time and sometimes it was a Kegal blitz, just doing a bunch of them in rapid fire succession. I agree w/Kindra ~ if you're doing something, that's all that matters.

Dryer sheets/softener ~ Leaves a residue on clothes which may aggravate baby's skin and causes the clothes to have a film making them less absorbant. If you use Dreft or some other baby detergent, you'll probably be pleased w/the smell & softness and not need a separate fabric softener anyway.

DoubleR ~ I don't think I posted anything about crib sheets before, but I know some people swear by making the crib twice. Essentially: mattress pad, sheet, mattress pad, sheet - that way if you have to remove a sheet and mattress pad in the middle of the night, you have another already in place and ready to go. This didn't work for us though b/c our sheets fit too snugly to accomodate any extra layering. Plus, we never really had a problem w/middle of the night changes - maybe 2-3 times ever when DD threw up, but that's it. I think it probably depends on each individual baby though.

Names ~ O.k., FINALLY something I have done :D ;) Maybe I'm not the slacker I thought I was. Oh wait, my kid still doesn't have a place to sleep or more than about 4 outfits to wear... :p

Ugh, I feel like total crap today. I caught a cold from my DD (oh, the joys of daycare :rolleyes: ) and so not only did I not sleep well, but my ribcage aches from all the sneezing and nose blowing I've been doing. Plus, does anyone know if it's safe for us to drink Green Tea? I had about 20 oz this morning since it was the only tea available at work and then I got really light headed and nauseous. I don't know if it's from the cold or something in the tea. I'm feeling a little better now, but sooooo not looking forward to our 5+ hour drive in the car to NJ tonight. Oh, and then we get to wake up in the morning and continue on another 1-1.5 hours to Long Island - come back to Jersey and then drive back home on Sunday. Can you say weekend from he11 :eek:

[doubleR]

I'm back from the doctor's and all is well :D the tick was a wood tick, they don't carry lymes disease and I don't need an antibiotic. thank god b/c I just finished taking one for the sinus infection. the doc also said that most likely the tick was attached for 24 hours at the most - said they usually fall off of people w/i a day. still gross, i'm just glad it's over with.

mamax thanks for posting about the bedding. I'm not sure about green tea during pregnancy... but I hope you feel better soon!!

aroundtheworld your belly looks so cute!

happygolucky I think freaking out is perfectly normal this close to such a huge life-changing event ;) and you're not alone in the *I feel enormous* department. I'm almost embarassed when people ask me when I'm due these days, like they're going to say REALLY, no kidding b/c you look like you're due tomorrow :eek:

hmmm, not sure where I stand on the half birthday thing, but I doubt we'll do it, definitely not at first anyway. Lots of people in my family have december birthdays and it hasn't been a big deal for any of them. and honestly, same with the birth announcement / holiday card thing - I just don't personally see the big deal and I'm not trying to offend anyone. Of course in years to come we'll separate the 2 occassions, but this year I'm not even thinking about christmas or the holidays, it is all about the baby, for us anyway, and this baby WILL be / IS our gift.

hope everyone has a great weekend :) :) :)

[burkie]

Happy Friday everyone! :D

aroundtheworld - Cute belly!

yoganut - Sorry about your scare. Take care of yourself.

mamax2 - Sorry about your cold. Not sure about the green tea though.

doubleR - The tick would gross me out too. So glad it is taken care of and everything is okay.

Names - we have no names yet either. Everything I like DH vetos and everything he likes I veto. I'm not sure we will ever reach an agreement. It does not help that this is DH least favorite topic.

half birthday - Being from a family with a lot of december birthdays and having one myself, I don't think that there is any problem with it. I personally have always enjoyed having my birthday around the holidays and think it would be weird to celebrate my half birthday. One of my birthday parties when I was little was a decorate the tree party. All my friends came over and we made ornaments and put them on the tree. Of course I still had birthday cake. I thought it was a lot of fun and never felt cheated. In fact I still have some of the ornaments that we made and I think it is kind of nice. Maybe I am a little weird, but it made an exciting time of year even more exciting for me. Just my two cents :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

[ktdelsur]

[QUOTEJanna I agree with you, I think it's sad. It's one thing for an adult to celebrate their own birthday on a different date, but I think for a child, it's important that no matter how busy you are around that time, a childs birthday should be celebrated and made a priority. Now if you want to add another celebration into the year thats gravy, but just because it's a busy time of year is no reason to skip someones birthday. Thats just my opinion and I'll probably get flamed for it too so I'll stay out of that thread.[/QUOTE]

jaycee: I totally agree with you (especially after growing up with a mid-December bday myself)...and I posted in the thread. I don't really care if I get flamed. :D

[kmmommy]

Just wanted to stop by and wish a all of you a happy last few weeks and happy, healthy deliveries.

As far as birthdays, my DH's birthday is December 26 and we still celebrate it every year with cake and presents. I think celebrating someone's birthday is so important no matter their age.

[jengen]

Had my dr's appt yesterday. Everything looks great except I gained 6 lbs in 2 1/2 weeks. :eek: Dr. thinks part of it is water retention and is not as concerned as I lost a pound at my last appt. She told me to take it easy the next couple of weeks. My next appt is Nov 3rd.

Names We have decided on Cole John. I think those of you who haven't decided yet shouldn't worry. A lot of people told me they had to see the baby to be able to decide and once they did, it didn't take long.

half-birthday I'll have to check out that thread. I think it's important to keep it a separate celebration in itself.

yoganut How scary! Hope you are able to get some R&R this weekend!

doubleR Wow, the tick would've freaked me out! Glad your DH was there to take care of it!

mamax2 thanks for the dryer sheet and mattress sheet tips. HOpe you are feeling better!

around the world great belly shot! :)

My first shower is tomorrow! I'm excited and nervous. I still have no clue what I'm going to wear. Hope you all have a great weekend!

[yoganut]

Thank you all for your thoughts and well-wishes. Unfortunately, I was back at L&D yesterday. :( I tell ya, I am not someone who is used to drama in their life...and I am getting tired of it.

Long story short, I woke up at about 1AM Friday morning with really bad abdominal pain in the front, under my belly button, and nothing I did made it go away (bath, changing position, etc.). I finally was able to sleep for a couple more hours but when I got up the pain was still there and felt a little more intense especially in a line down the middle of my belly. I felt a couple contrax, but not as bad as Tuesday. So, I called my ob at 8 and she said I needed to go back to L&D for observation.

I drove myself because I felt really bad for DH who had already missed work half of Tues and then Thurs because DS had stomach flu. I also knew that he would have been really antsy at the hospital and made me more stressed. :rolleyes: So, my mom drove up to meet me there. They hooked me up to monitors and saw that my uterus was 'irritable' but wasn't contracting regularly (thank God!), so then they focused on what was causing the pain. They got the labs back from Tuesday, and I do have a bladder infection. Then, I had to undergo some not so pleasant tests, and wait. They sent a perintologist in to do an u/s next, which I didn't mind nearly as much.

Well, turns out this baby is huge. He measured in the 98th percentile for everything based on my due date, and is already estimated at 4lb11oz! Considering I am only 29w4d, this is pretty darn large. I also have the max end of normal amniotic fluid (can cause extra pressure). They saw a spot on the placenta, and had to do more tests. Finally, they decided that they think the pain is a combination of adhesions from my last c/s and rapid weight gain of the baby, his size and the high amniotic fluid is causing my abdominal muscles to seperate. Yuck. I am relieved, but still in quite a bit of pain (like, hard to walk and move pain). I asked my ob how we are going to manage it, and she said taking it easy, tylenol, and we will probably do a c/s a little early (mid-December). I am on bed rest through Monday, when I see her again.

I think she is going to put me on a modified work schedule, which won't be too bad. Her concern is that I felt good Wed and Thur, went back to work, and then aggrevated everything. Anyways...that's the story. Good news: baby looks great, Bad news: I am goingto have a VERY uncomfortable remainder to this pg.

doubleR - Yikes! I would have been freaked out too! Glad you got that taken care of.

aroundtheworld - Your belly looks so cute!

happygolucky - I think it is totally noral to freak out. We were in Target a week ago, I saw the Christmas decorations and totally started to feel anxious! You are not alone.

birthdays - My DS#1 was born in December, and yes it was a busy month last year between planning a first birthday party and Christmas...but it was lots of fun. Maybe later when the boys are bigger and IF they are disappointed with the # of people around to celebrate (classmates on trips, etc.) I might consider celebrating earlier in the year - but I am going to wait to cross that bridge when we come to it.

changing sheets - Like mamax2, I find changing crib sheets a challenge with just one because they are so tight. One thing to consider is The Ultimate Crib Sheet. It is rubberized on one side and snaps around rails so it sits on top of the regular sheet. We haven't had issues with diaper blow outs, but the Ultimate sheet is handy when DS is sick so I don't have to pull the full regualr sheet off.

[JRPAGV]

Today's Belly Shots:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v713/jrpagv/33weeks5s.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v713/jrpagv/33weeks3s.jpg

[December2005Mommies]

Updated to here!

[PilotsWife]

Yoganut - I'm so sorry you are so uncomfortable - I sort of know how you feel (twins) - and I'm sorry you've had 2 rather scary experiences - it really sucks and the hospital thing gets old real fast! I'm very glad the baby is healthy! Take it easy - sending continued healthy and comfy vibes your way!!
__________________________

Not much happening here. DH and I went to a wedding yesterday - took us 2 and half hours to get there and another 2 and half hours to get home - between the ride and the folding chairs, I was NOT at all comfortable! I was so glad to finally be home, in my pjs, on my own sofa!!

Great belly shots everyone! Hope everyone is doing well!

[jengen]

yoganut Sorry to hear you are so uncomfortable, but glad the baby is ok!

JRPAGV you look great! :)

PilotsWife Ugh to 2.5 hours in the car...I know how uncomfortable it is carrying one baby, never mind two! :)

Well, I had my first shower yesterday with about 10 of my girlfriends. It was great and everyone was so generous...we got some great stuff! So, question to all of you...what have you been doing for gifts for the shower hostess(es)? I've read the threads out there, but still haven't decided what to do and though all of you might have some more ideas.

[oceanblue]

jengen-I bought my hostesses each a nice candle in a cool jar (medium sized) and then I also bought them gift certificates to a salon/spa by them to get a massage, mani/pedi, whatever they wanted. It seemed to be a big hit!

jrpagv-You look terrific!!

I had my 33 week appt this past Friday and I'm still measuring 3-4 weeks ahead. My due date is accurate, I'm 100% sure of that since I was a religious charter. I think at my next appt (I'll be 35 weeks) we'll start discussing what this all means (if I'm still ahead). I'm sure they'll send me for another u/s to guesstimate his size and how much amniotic fluid there is and go from there. I really don't want them to let me go too long if it means he's going to be so big that I don't have a chance of pushing him out vaginally and have to get a c/s. I mean as long as he's healthy and in good shape to come on out into the real world. This happened to my sister. My nephew was one BIG boy, and they let her go a week past her due date, let her labor for 20 hours knowing full well she'd have to have a c/s (which she did). He was 10lbs.8oz. I just sort of want to avoid this if at all possible. But we'll see.

On a good note, only 4 more weeks of work left for me!!!! Can you tell I'm excited!! I absolutely dread coming to this place and can't wait to get out of here (no, I'm not coming back).....

Have a good Monday ladies!

[Jaycee]

Happy Monday girls!!!

I am working from home today and I will be working from home about 90% of the time until I have the baby!! I am so relieved because it was getting way too painfull sittiing upright all day long at my computer. Now I can sprawl out with my laptop and be much more comfy.

This weekend I packed my hospital bag, I am getting so excited!! I went and bought 2 Bravado nursing bras yesterday, and a pair of really soft cotton pj's with a button down top for nursing, and I also looked at the glamourmom nursing tops which look really nice and I can definitly tell a huge difference support wise between those and the ones at Target. I am holding off on buying one for now, but once the baby is here I may send hubby out to pick one up for me ;)

yoganut Good gracious girl!! What a traumatic experience!!:eek: Hopefully you are still resting today and taking it easy. Is there anyway you can work from home for the remainder of the pregnancy?

Janna You look so GOOD!! Your belly is perfecty round :)

jengen I've stopped counting how many lbs I've gained..I think it's around 35 maybe a few more, but as long as my OB isn't concerned, neither am I. I don't feel fat, just huge and preggo :p Glad you enjoyed your shower!

PilotsWife WOH! thats a long time to be in a car!! I hope you at least enjoyed the wedding and they fed you some good grub ;) I have a wedding to go to 10 days before my EDD, but thankfully it's only about 1/2 hr in the car each way.

aprilbride2002 4 weeks to go!! YAYY, thats so exciting, especially since you won't be going back!! Lucky girl!

[Jaycee]

Heres the latest belly shot..

34 weeks 5 days

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce05b3127cce9499694425b000000016108BbNmzNq1aA

Janna, would you mind adding it to my progression? Thanks :)

Oh and while I'm upon shutterfly, I'll post a couple pics of the nursery. We still have a littles ways to go but we are almost done!!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce23b3127cce9433ef7926e200000016108BbNmzNq1aA

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce23b3127cce9433eac8e7f900000016108BbNmzNq1aA

[doubleR]

well, I'm a day ahead of myself, but just so damn anxious at this point!!! We finished the nursery this weekend and I love it :) Actually, we still need some finishing touches - like a lamp, an area rug and curtains. But since the baby will be sleeping in our bedroom in a bassinet at first, I'm thinking about holding off on those items until after we have the baby and I can make them more gender specific. That is unless I find something I really love in the next few weeks. We bought the fabric for our glider/ottoman last night, my aunt is re-doing the cushions for us. And this coming weekend is my shower ~ I can't wait! I'm so glad the nursery is done so that after next weekend I can start washing everything and getting organized.

have my 34 week appointment tomorrow, my last appointment before the internals start - yikes!

aprilbride only 4 more weeks of work, I don't know what I'd be more excited about, that or the baby ;) that's great, congrats!!

jaycee you look great :D and I LOVE your nursery - I love pink and brown together, and it's so different for a nursery, looks very warm and inviting to me! and I also love that you packed your hospital bag already, it's great to think that we're SO close!!

jengen glad you had a great shower!! I have mine this coming weekend - my mom, SIL and cousin are hosting... I bought my mom a bunch of things from Origins b/c she loves that stuff and I'm thinking about getting SIL and cousin some things from The Body Shop. not sure though and time is running out! I know, easier said than done, but don't worry about the weight gain, I'm sure that most of those 6 pounds has to be water weight ;) I've definitely had my share of those moments throughout this pregnancy. I'm not looking forward to my weigh in tomorrow, last time I stayed the same and I know I won't get that lucky twice, lol!

jrpagv you look great too, such a nice round belly!!

pilotswife wow, that is a long time in the car. DH would want to kill me, I'm sure, as I'd be asking him to stop at every possible rest stop for a pee break. I'm the worst these days ;)

yoganut I'm so glad everything's ok. I don't blame you for not wanting any more drama. take it easy girl and good luck at your appointment today!!!

hope everyone has a good monday. as good as it can be anyway ;)

[kamileer]

Oh goodness...I am behind!

I had my baby shower yesterday and it was really wonderful. I couldn't believe the turnout and the generosity from my friends and family. It was a bit overwhelming (to say the least...I was having hot flashes!) being the center of attention opening gifts, but I endured. ;) We got a great mix of essentials from our registry (pack and play, highchair, swing, bath stuff, carseat, etc.) and other fun things like clothing, hand-knit sweaters and blankets, new mom "must haves" and stuff like that. My mom hosted and the food spread was unbelieveable. She also had a make-your-own Blood Mary Bar and mimosas for the lucky ones who can indulge. ;) She worked really hard to pull everything off. For a hostess gift I ordered her 2 dozen roses from Proflowers. They should be delivered tomorrow.

We have one lucky (and spoiled!) baby on our hands.

The nursery is coming together and I promise photos as soon as the bedding arrives (which should be by week's end). :D

Jaycee - Your nursery is gorgeous. I adore pink and brown together. I also love light blue and brown (which are the colors of our guest room). You have put together such a stylish room! Way to go.

yoganut - You poor thing!

I am so jealous of those of you who only have a few more work weeks left. I am working up until I am 5cm dilated! ;) I don't get any paid maternity leave (yup...you read that right), so I am working until I can't stand up!

[Jaycee]

Thanks doubleR and Kami..from the sounds of it, we can look forward to some nursery pictures from both of you very soon!! :)

doubleR, I know..my next appt starts my weekly internals too!! I never thought this time would come and I'm so excited!! I never thought I'd be so excited about weekly doctor visits in my lifetime!! :D

Kami Your shower sounds great, and now I am officially craving a bloody mary!!!:p

[kinaida]

Hey all,

I think it just hit me this weekend that this baby is almost here. The nesting urge kicked in big time, but I didn't have the energy to do more than do some shopping, do all of the baby laundry and put the bouncy seat together. I think putting the bouncy seat together made it sink in that we're going to have a baby to put in there very very soon!

jaycee -- love the nursery & you look fabulous! I start my modified work hours next week, I can't wait! I'll be working about 50% from home & 50% from the office.

aprilbride -- yay for 4 more weeks of work!! When you say "measuring 3-4 weeks ahead", do you mean your fundus height or are you getting u/s that are measuring the baby's weight?

[oceanblue]

kinaida-Fundus height, I think they're going to send me for another u/s to guesstimate how big he actually is, although when my doc *feels me up* he says he can feel that it is a big baby. But who knows.

Jaycee-Looking good there girl!!! And gosh, I'm in love with your nursery!

kamileer-Yeay for a great shower!! I'm glad you had a good time!

doubler-I'm anxious too!!

[ktdelsur]

Hey girls...

Everybody's bellies look great!

jaycee: WOW on your nursery - looks amazing!

Nursery: I just called to make sure my furniture is coming this Thursday the 27th like they promised. They said they would call me right back. GRR. I swear, if they postpone it again I'm going to throw a huge fit. I ordered it in MID-JULY!

Leaving work: If I keep feeling as decent as I'm feeling, I may let the doc put me on half days the week before my due date (which would start Nov 27) and then just be out on mat leave after that week.

I went and picked up the Snap N' Go carseat carrier and crib mattress this weekend. I put together the Snap N' Go (which rocks) and my Aquarium take-along swing, which ALSO rocks w/ its portability. We still don't have our pack n' play, which is one of the last "must have before baby" things since it is where he will sleep for the first few weeks. BRU didn't have the one we wanted, and neither did Target. I'm thinking of ordering online from Target since our glider from Target got here in less than 3 days. I'm terrified I'll somehow deliver early and not have a place for him to sleep.

34 week appt this A.M.-
Had my 34-week appt this morning, which was good. I gave him my bulleted birth plan (which really was only about 6 or 7 bullets of things I ideally would like to have happen), and we talked about birth control after the baby (going back on a progesterone-only pill 6 weeks after birth!), and I am officially up 33 lbs. I've never weighed 165 before. :p Baby's measuring (by fundus) right on schedule and heartbeat/BP were good.

My next appt is Nov 8 at 9 a.m.. This appt will include my Group B Strep culture (you girls DO know how they do that test don't you? I just learned this morning that they do a swab culture on your rectum. Yay, can't wait for that. :rolleyes:) After that, I'll see the doc once a week til the big day!

I also was cleared to take Zantac for my reflux since apparently its better than Pepcid...too bad I just bought a big ol new bottle of Pepcid yesterday. Figures.

[mamax2]

jaycee ~ LOVE the nursery - so very chic! Did you paint the ribbon border free-hand?

Feeling tired and sooooo unmotivated this afternoon. It probably doesn't help that I can't kick this cold, spent all morning outside in a pumpkin patch and now it's freezing and rainy, right?

Our weekend was crazy - drove all night to NJ (4 hours) and got in just before midnight Friday night. Couldn't sleep all night due to this horrendous cold. Drove out to Long Island to visit DH's grandparents on Saturday, which was another 1.5 hours each way. On the way home, we went stroller shopping. I decided that I hate all double strollers. Seriously, I don't like any of them :( My MIL and SIL, of course, keep pressuring me to get a DuoGlider since that's what SIL has, so that's obviously the *right* stroller to get :rolleyes:

Sunday, on the way to my neice's birthday party, we got a flat tire. Finally make it to the party and it's fun and all, but 4 hours into the party, they haven't cut the cake or opened presents! :eek: Does that seem ridiculous to anyone else for a 2 y.o.'s birthday :confused: Anyway, I started getting tired and hormonal and asked DH if we could get ready to go, so *then* they decide we have to stay for cake. We finally got to leave an hour later. So a 5 hour party - and it was *still* going!

This morning, I went w/DD's daycare class on a field trip to the pumpkin patch. We took them through a corn maze. We got lost and the farm worker who was leading all the classes through the maze forgot us and started on another school's field trip. They finally sent someone else in after us. It was pretty comical. DD picked her pumpkin which was really fun then we took the whole class to a playground for lunch. DD's taking a marathon nap now - yipee! :D

Question for those of you w/traveling husbands... when are your DH's going to stop traveling for work?The major supplier for DH's business has their annual conference the first week of December (1st-4th, I think) and DH is afraid to go, but I told him I thought it would be o.k. It's still 2.5 weeks before my due date and we agreed that if it looked like I might go early for whatever reason, he would send someone else in his place. It's a really good opportunity and since DH didn't own this company last year, it's the first conference for him so I think he should be there. Is this cutting it too close?

[Jaycee]

THANKS!! kinaida, aprilbride2002, ktdelsur, and mamax2 for the nursery compliments!!

mamax2, I actually hired a lady to come in and paint the border. It was a major point of frustration for me because it took her coming back like 5x's until she got it looking decent. It turned out to be a major drama, It's not what I had originally envisioned, but I'm fine with it now :)
DH travels for work, and was scheduled to go to a race the weekend of Nov 19th which is 10 days from my EDD, but he has decided not to go now, seeing that I'm getting closer and closer to being able to do absolutly nothing on my own :D His last trip will be to Pheonix the weekend before that.

ktdelsur, I just posted a question in parenting about the PNP dilemma and whether we really need one immediatly or if we could use a little papasan bouncy seat, although thats just for napping during the day.
Oh and...This appt will include my Group B Strep culture (you girls DO know how they do that test don't you? I just learned this morning that they do a swab culture on your rectum. Yay, can't wait for that. :rolleyes Do they at least buy you a drink first? :D

kinaida My nesting urge has kicked in too!! Big time!! I have been walking around the house, scrutinizing everything that looks out of place and moving things, and cleaning everything in site. Who am I?? :D

[happygolucky]

Wow - lots going on here again!

Jayce - You look fantastic and I love your nursery. It looks SOOOO cozy!

Jrpagv - you look fantastic!

Yoganut - I hope everything keeps holding for you. Good luck today!

Aprilbride - congrats on getting into the final few weeks!

Pilotswife - I could never have lasted for that long in the car. No way, no how.

Everybody who has had their showers, I'm glad you've had fun! Mine is in a few more weeks and it's being thrown jointly by 5 people. I have absolutely no idea what to get for them as hostess gifts. Really. I'm just totally lost. I'm open to suggestions if anybody has any.

Re: Group B Strep Culture. EXCUSE ME????? Please tell me you're kidding. Please. Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease??? No? Oh, doody.

Re: travel - my DH is traveling through Thanksgiving. After that, we're trying to curtail it because he doesn't travel to places that lend themselves to a quick return home. Most of the time, it's a minimum of 6 hours on a plane, not counting time to and from the airports at either end and all that jazz. I think the travel question really turns on how fast DH can get back if need be, but that's just take on it and I know a lot of people feel differently. Then again, let's not forget that I'm the one whose DH will be in the waiting room rather than the delivery room if I have to have a C-section..... :rolleyes:

[ktdelsur]

Do they at least buy you a drink first?

LMAO!
I think I may have to ask my doc that before the swab. He's the type to get a real kick out of that one. I love my OB...I'm going to be heartbroken if he's not the one who gets to deliver my baby.

PNP/sleeping: I know someone posted something about letting the child sleep in the car seat, which I personally wouldn't do. I'd go out and buy a moses basket or something before I'd commit the kid to getting used to sleeping upright all the time, I think. I don't know. I almost bought an inexpensive but cute little bassinet, but I keep telling myself we will need the PNP when we visit the ILs, etc.

nesting: Yup. Kicked in awhile back. About two weeks ago I decided I needed to clean out the toaster oven/coffeemaker/ and the little things under the burners on the stove. Apparently the baby will care whether or not they are spotless. LOL

I also started piling up which baby clothes I'm going to wash for the beginning. I don't plan on washing the 6mo+ stuff I have until he's bigger. I should probably do it all now before he gets here...but...whatever. :-)

ETA:
happygolucky: Apparently it is a light "outside" swab or something - I don't think they stick it up in there. Sorry if that's TMI to some. :-p

[kinaida]

DH travelling -- the funny thing is that my DH hardly ever travels for work (I actually wish he'd travel more so that we could have a cheap mini-vacation). But he has a staff meeting in Maryland (we're in Chicago) the first weekend in November. It's just a Friday - Saturday thing, no biggie, but still. I am going to see if I can have a friend of mine on call in the event that I actually go into labor. It's unlikely, but possible. No travel scheduled after that.

strep B culture -- oy. My doctor did tell me that was coming & what it was going to entail. Not looking forward to it, but compared to what childbirth is going to be like, it will be cake. Just comes with the territory, I suppose!!

dropped -- I really really feel like this baby has dropped. The waddle is in full effect!! Has anyone else felt like they've dropped? DH was teasing me about my waddle and the fact that I'm moving a lot slower -- I told him to see how he would walk if I put something between his legs!

[Jaycee]

dropping: DH was away this weekend, and one of the first things he said last night when he got home was "wow, it looks like the baby has dropped"! I could really feel a difference too this weekend while I was out shopping, there was much more pressure down there :eek:

[kamileer]

I know it is hard to remember (I forget all the time), but I would love to see how far along everyone is when they post. It is tough going back to the 1st page all the time. ;)

[Jaycee]

I know it is hard to remember (I forget all the time), but I would love to see how far along everyone is when they post. It is tough going back to the 1st page all the time. ;)
Sorry..I'm at 34 weeks and 6 days...Tommorrow I hit 35!! YAY

[yoganut]

You all are so sweet. Thank you for the support! I am feeling a lot better after a weekend of laying around. DH was really supportive, and did all the 'heavy lifting' in terms of toddler care. I go back to the ob at 4:30, so we shall see what she thinks. I am thinking that I will try and go for a modified work schedule for a while, where I work from home a couple days a week. At least I don't have to deal with an hour+ commute each way and won't be running around the office like a lunatic. I am not ready for full time bed rest - both emotionally and financially.

It looks like my little bro who was on his honeymoon is going to make it out of Cancun today! Yeah! Poor guy had to rent a car with another couple and drive to some sketchy town - from there buy a new ticket to fly to Mexico City and on to LA. I will be so happy to see them safe and sound.

Jaycee - I LOVE your nursery. It is so classy! Well done!

Pilotswife - You are such a trooper! I feel luck such a whimp with my issues carrying one - I can't imagine what you are going through carrying 2 in there!

aprilbride - Lucky you, counting down! On the size thing, while nothing is a perfect indicator, I think the u/s is more accurate than fundal height. The FH could be bigger because of the way the baby is laying. My FH actually is just on target with my weeks - but then the u/s puts my baby at 3 to 4 weeks ahead. I can sympathize with your concerns about what to do if your baby is indeed 'very large.' That is exactly what I struggled with last time, and ultimately ended up going with a scheduled c-section. I didn't want to be a whimp and not try for v/b, but my doctor emphasized that if I induced the chances were very high that I would labor for 24 hours and then need a c/s. That sounded horrible and from what I hear the recovery for labor combined with c/s can be pretty tough. There were other things at play, but ultimately I think I ended up with the best outcome for our situation.

kamileer - Your shower sounds great!

happygolucky - The GBS test honestly isn't bad. I had to have it again in the hospital on Friday, and I didn't even know they were in that 'area' for more than a second (and yes, it is just the outside). Much better than all the cultures and other tests I had to have, IMO.

[helen22]

Yoganut, glad they seem to have figured out what is going on, and that the baby is fine! But sorry that it sounds like there isn’t much to be done to make you more comfortable :( Working from home sounds like it will be a good solution. And glad your brother made it out of Cancun!

Jaycee, wow, what a gorgeous nursery!!

Dryer sheets – I read online somewhere that you can use vinegar instead of dryer sheets as a fabric softener, but really no clue how you do this.

Dropping/delivering early – someone at work today told me her daughter was born 7 weeks early and I almost had a heart attack – that’s right around the corner for me!! But then she went on to say her son was born 6 weeks late, so now I’ve concluded she was going to a really bad doctor who didn’t calculate her due dates right. Um, 6 weeks late? Right.

And along similar lines – anyone else paranoid about their water breaking in an embarrassing way? My MIL suggested that we buy a waterproof mattress pad/sheet, because apparently their mattress was ruined when hers broke…

Happygolucky, I can totally relate to your nerves. My mom actually told me the other day that she bought almost nothing until right before I was born, because she was so paranoid that something was wrong with me. I know so far I have had a 99% normal pregnancy, but all the extra ultrasounds for various “small” issues have made me really nervous…

Shopping score – got a maternity bathing suit at Old Navy for $1.97 this weekend! I may never use it (going to FL in a couple of weeks, but not sure I will be brave enough to wear it in broad daylight – oy) – but who can pass up that deal!

Had a dr’s appt on Friday, with a new doctor – I feel nervous every time, but so far I like all the doctors in the practice (most of them better than “my” doctor – malala, I’m like you, I’m just not that wild about my dr), so I think any one of them could show up for the delivery and I would be OK.
- Measuring – Aprilbride2002, I’m at the opposite end of the spectrum from you, dr said I’m measuring 29 weeks (3 wks behind) – but she didn’t seem worried….
- Baby now seems to be breech (at the last ultrasound she was head-down – is there a term for that? – so this was a change). I know breech babies have been a big topic on this board already, and my dr didn’t say anything new – just that they try to flip the baby manually, and if that doesn’t work they schedule a c-section. Again, dr didn’t seem worried so I am trying not to be….
- She said perineal massage is sort of recommended, there is some evidence that it might help avoid tearing.

Oh, and – I thought this was interesting – she said the best predictor of baby’s birthweight/size was what your & DH’s birthweights were – doesn’t matter how tall you are now. I hope that’s true, because I was 7 lb 8 oz, and DH was 7 lb 4 oz :D

My next appts: Ultrasound 10/31 (this extra u/s is to check on the growth-lag problem that the baby had at 24 wks), OB appt 11/4. Forgot to check if that's a strep B appt, wow, can't WAIT for that one!

[jengen]

jaycee Your nursery looks awesome! I love the brown/pink combo. :D Can't believe you only have 5 weeks to go!

dropping nope, but I do feel like I'm waddling more.

I think my insomnia is starting to kick in, ladies. I'm right there with you, happygolucky. I was up for over an hour last night and then up every hour thinking about how clueless I am, despite all the babysitting I did as a teenager. Also, there is so much to be done at work before I go out...I just can't even fathom going early! I have my appt to talk with my boss tomorrow about my maternity leave. I am legally entitled to 12 weeks, but hope to get 16. Wish me luck! :)

[Mrsbuw]

34 weeks, 4 days 38 days

Hey everyone. I HATE not being able to come over here during the work day. I feel so behind and out of sync with everyone.

Well here goes an attempt at replies.....

Jayce - You look wonderful and I love your nursery. It looks beautiful

Jrpagv - Great belly pics!!!!!

Yoganut - I am so sorry for all the crap you are going through. I hope everything gets better soon. keep that little one inside.

Pilotswife - Ugh that car ride sounds horrible.

Showers I am glad all those who have had their showers have had a great time. Mine is coming up in a couple of weeks. I hope I am still pregnant.

We have our hospital tour in about 45 mins so I have to run. We also have a babycar seat workshop on tuesday where they will check to make sure it is properly installed.

Here is my latest belly shot.....as you can see my stretchmarks are growing like crazy......Well I was never a bikini sort of girl anyways. They are my battle marks I guess :rolleyes:


http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce05b3127cce94841a0bc42500000045108Aas2zVy4at2 http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce25b3127cce94228d7a552000000005108Aas2zVy4at2

Sorry I know I missed a bunch of people and topics
Hope everyone is feeling great. Some of us are almost there :eek:

[fwgirl]

yoganut I hope your appt goes well this afternoon! I hope that you continue to feel good. Take care of yourself!

jaycee I love your nursery. It looks fantastic! And you look great too.

Mrsbuw I think you look adorable! (And I'm right there with you with the stretch marks. Pretty, huh?)

mamax2 would you mind posting your Glamourmom code again? I'm going to buy two and I figured someone might as well get 'credit' for the sale. :)

***

I had to go shopping today at lunch because my shirts are just too short. It just killed me to spend the money, but what can a girl do? I picked up some tops and a pair of full-panel jeans at Old Navy. I figured the jeans would help extend the life of my other tops. We'll see. One thing that did make me happy was that even though I had to buy L and XL in the tops I was still an M in the pants. That tells me it's mostly belly. (At least that's what I'm telling myself...)

I had an appt on Friday and everything looked really good. And the best news was that our baby has turned!!!! :) She's head down now and my dr. said there is only a 1% chance of her becoming breech again. I was so happy I almost started crying when she told me. My next appt is 11/4.

Also on Friday I went shopping with my mom and picked up my first diaper bag. It's the SkipHop Duo in Ice Blue. I love it!

http://www.1800diapers.com/productimages/SKIPDDBBL01_largePicture.jpg

I grabbed a few other things including this really cute Cmas outfit and warm winter hat from Hanna Andersson. (I *heart* that store!)

http://www.hannaandersson.com/images/s7Style/30543_E48.jpg

and

http://www.hannaandersson.com/images/s7Style/28897_G51.jpg

I hope everyone's week is off to a good start!

[burkie]

yoganut - glad the baby is okay. Sorry you are so uncomfortable.

JRPAGV, Jaycee, and Mrsbuw - You all look great!

Jaycee - Beautiful nursery!

aprilbride - congrats on only 4 more weeks of work. I can't believe how close we all are getting! :D

kamileer - glad you had a wonderful shower.

mamax2 - I think everyone's comfort level with their DH's travel is different. Thankfully my DH refused a trip to Germany in the middle of November. I think I would have been a nervous wreck if he had gone. Unfortunately he still has a lot of other trips planned in November, but only two will require airplane travel and hopefully will not be too long. Otherwise the farthest he will be is a 5 hour drive.

fwgirl - Love the diaper bag and what a cute outfit! :)

[yoganut]

fwgirl - That is FANTASTIC news that your baby is head down! Hooray!! I haven't been to a Hanna Anderson store, but I love the catalog. I am considering getting both of my little guys matching holiday pj's from there :rolleyes: though I am afriad they are totally going to resent me if I go too crazy with the matchy stuff.

mamax2 - I forgot to mention it earlier, but I am totally with you on the double strollers. I am having a really hard time finding anything I like. My MIL is sending us a check for one as a gift, so we will end up getting something. I think in the beginning I am just going to sling DS#2 while we push DS#1 in the umbrella. I have a friend giving me a Snap-n-Go frame for when I am home on maternity leave and with DS#2 by myself. Beyond that we are thinking about getting a BOB double-jogger after a few months. Probably sounds crazy, but we know we will get long-term use out of it, and we do a lot outdoors.

jengen - Good luck with the maternity leave discussion! I really hope they approve your 16 weeks!

Mrsbuw - Cute belly!

The ob appointment went well. She did a quick u/s to verify the size estimate and fluid level the perintologist came up with. Baby Rhys is still big. I also got another lovely internal to make sure that nothing was happening...happy to say that I am still like Fort Knox. My ob was so cute - she was obviously worried about telling me she wanted this to be a repeat c/s because I had previously discussed wanting a VBAC. I told her not to worry, and that I had come to terms with the fact this would be a c/s last week during all the chaos.

Regarding work, I think she wanted to take me out altogether. :eek: I am so not ready for that. I manage a team of 5, and we have so much going on right now. Plus, DH and I were counting on my full income until late November at least. So, the compromise is that I will work from home 2-3 days per week and no more work travel - providing the pain isn't bad. If it gets bad, I need to cut back more or go on disability. I can live with that. She reaffirmed that she thinks the issues stem from a variety of things - big baby, previous c/s with scar tissue irritation, muscle tear/seperation, stress, and the UTI kicking things off.

[December2005Mommies]

Updated to here!

[scarlett]

So, it's been forever since I posted, but I have been reading along. I'll try to respond to some of the recent topics (but I won't get to all ;) )

Travel - DH travels every week, but has already told his client he will not travel in December. Hopefully, he won't have to go back after that. He does have to go to a training thing the first few days of December, but that's 2 weeks before my due date, so I think we'll be okay.

Half birthdays - I haven't read the thread, but as a person with a summer birthday, I always wished I could celebrate my half birthday in school. But, my half birthday is the day after Christmas, so I didn't get that either. I never had a birthday celebration in school. It looks like this kid won't have any either. Oh well. They'll get over it :)

nursery - I was so excited on Saturday to get a phone call saying our nursery furniture was in. It wasn't supposed to be here until my due date! So we went to pick it up on Sunday and the dresser is scratched. They're trying to get us a replacement. But, in the meantime, we at least have the crib and armoir. We haven't put the crib together yet because we have just a few more things to finish up painting in the nursery. We should get that finished this weekend or next. I did wash a bunch of blankets and clothes yesterday and put them away in the armoir. It was nice to have a place to put them.

work - Well, I've been on part time at work since the beginning of August and I've been loving it. I'll stop working altogether at the end of November. I can't wait. I'm really not comfortable sitting at my desk. My belly is too big to get close enough to do my work.

I had a doctor's appointment on Friday. Everything is just fine. My next appt is November 4. Every two weeks now.

I don't normally do individual shout-outs because I post so infrequently, but I have to tell Jacyee that I love your nursery. It's so sophisticated. Not babyish at all, but still completely appropriate for a baby.

[Mrsbuw]

34 weeks, 5 days

Morning everyone,

Thanks for the compliments on the belly. I feel huge lately ugh.

We had our hospital tour last night and it was very informative and scary at the same time. They showed us everything from parking to the mom's kitchen where we can grab coffee/ ceral etc. We saw a couple of moms checking in and some brand new babies. It really hit home how close I am and I am starting to freak out a bit.....
back to work

have a great one everyone

[kamileer]

fwgirl - WOOHOOOOO!!!! What wonderful news. Part of me is super jealous and part of me is so happy b/c it gives me hope (and I am thrilled for you). :D Could you feel the baby turn or was this a big surprise for you??

[kinaida]

mrsbuw -- you look great! I hear you about feeling huge.

fwgirl -- cute cute outfit! I love the hat :) It reminds me of one of the shower gifts that I got:

http://cdn.llbean.com/products/kids/43181/images/M43181_Natural.jpg

And hooray for your baby turning! I'm a little worried that my baby is transverse. I've been feeling lots of kicks on my left side, like way far over by my hips.

[kamileer]

Nursery Preview

We still have a little ways to go before it is completed, but here it is!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce04b3127cce94ad6e1a7dcc00000016108Ibs2jJs5Zg
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce04b3127cce94ad6c0afced00000016108Ibs2jJs5Zg
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce04b3127cce94ad5323bc4300000025118Ibs2jJs5Zg
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce04b3127cce94ad6e107dc600000025118Ibs2jJs5Zg

[kamileer]

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce04b3127cce94ad69bf3df200000016108Ibs2jJs5Zg
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce04b3127cce94ad623a7dea00000016108Ibs2jJs5Zg

My sister, who is 11 years old and an AMAZING artist, drew the baby this!!!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce04b3127cce94ad51debcbf00000025118Ibs2jJs5Zg

[jengen]

fwgirl Yeah for the baby turning! Great news! :)

MrsBUW You are too hard on yourself - your belly looks great! :)

yoganut Glad to hear things are ok, for the most part. I wouldn't mind leaving work altogether right now, I am so uncomfortable! But I could see where that would be stressing you out...I too, have so much to do before going out.

kamileer Your nursery looks awesome!!!

[helen22]

Fwgirl, love that xmas outfit! And congrats on your breecher turning :D

Yoganut, if your doctor takes you out of work early, do you not get paid at all? I have been wondering about that with my work. I find the variety in maternity leavs & policies totally crazy. And speaking of which, Jengen, hope you get your 16 weeks!!

Kamileer, your nursery is absolutely adorable!!

So I just had another mini panic attack about how on earth I will handle the baby – I had to go to a mtg in another building, and on the way back I stopped to get coffee (mmm, pumpkin spice lattes are back at starbucks – love it). So between my umbrella, my bag, and the coffee, I of course managed to spill coffee all over my shirt! And it just made me think – if I can’t manage to walk down the street by myself without an accident, how am I going to add a stroller/sling/diaper bag/etc to the mix???? AND BABY?? Sigh…

[Jaycee]

WOW! This thread is getting a ton of action today!!

First of all..Thanks again for all the compliments on the nursery!! It's been a real labor of love, and I'm looking foward to hopefully getting it fully completed in the next 2 weeks.

Last night we had our car seat safety class, and it was actually pretty informative and DH loved it, it was right up his alley..he's into all that car stuff ;) We got the seat installed in my car and I'm just going to leave the base in there from here on out. It felt pretty neat driving home with the infant seat in the back and DH said it's now really hitting home!!

yoganut Hope you are feeling ok today!! I know you said that you are not ready for bed rest yet, both physically and financially but is there anyway that you could work from home full time, so that you would be able to avoid the commute but still get paid?

helen22 Ummm vinager instead of fabric softener? YUK!! I think I'll skip them both thank you :D and don't worry, you're gonna do just fine as a mommy!! Deep breaths!!

jengen No I can't believe only 5 weeks to go. It's surreal. Sorry about the insomnia. Have you tried benedryl? My OB said it's safe to take daily if needed. Better than the no sleep alternative :)

Mrsbuw You look great! and I love how you call your stretch marks "battle marks" :p That is so true, and besides, now you have something to show Jack when he gives you a really hard time.."see what mommy went through to bring you into this world!!" LOL

fwgirl AWESOME news that the baby turned!!! Cute outfits too!! I especially love that hat!!

burkie I'm glad your DH turned that trip to Germany down..I'd be freaking out as would DH if he had to go overseas so close to the due date!

scarlett That sucks that the dresser was scratched, but I guess on the positive side, you at least got some of the furniture ahead of schedule, and I know how good it feels to get some laundry washed and put away!! :)

kinaida Happy 35 weeks to you!! How exciting huh?? I ordered that same exact bunting from LL Bean but in lilac. It's cute!!

kamileer I LOVE your nursery!! But then, I knew I would when I saw the bedding you had purchased and then later the furniture..It all really came together beautifully!!

[fwgirl]

yoganut thanks! I hope your compromised work situation works out well and that the baby cooperates! Hanna Andersson has really cute stuff. It's all so soft and such good quality. I would love to buy most of my little girl's things there, but I don't think my bank account would like that very much. As for the pj's I think that would be so cute if your boys matched! (But this is coming from the same person that almost bought my baby & my dog matching pj's from there and when I mentioned it to DH he suggested we get some too! And we're not even the type of people that "dress" our dog or are matchy-matchy!!)

Mrsbuw thank you! I'm happy to hear your hospital tour went well. We haven't had ours yet, but I can only image how real it makes everything feel.

Kami is it weird that I thought of you at my appointment?! :) I was thinking how I had to come here and update. I'm so relieved to know that she's turned. I didn't really feel her move, but I could feel a gradual difference in my tummy. Like when I would press around the hard spots were slowly shifting. Now her back is along my left side and her butt is directly under my chest. I'm due on the 10th so that's about 10 days before you. I think there is a really good chance that your little one will move too! I did that 'dump' position I told you about and laid on my tummy as much as possible. Were you ever able to find an inflatable intertube? If not, I have my bf class tomorrow night and I know they have them at the birth center where I'm taking it since it's the same spot we had our childbirth class. I could pick one up and mail it to you if you want. Just let me know. And your nursery looks beautiful! What a peaceful looking room. That picture your sister drew is fantastic, what an artist!

kinaida thanks! That outfit is so cute! It looks so warm and cuddly! I'll keep my fingers crossed that your little one isn't transverse and is instead punching you with their little arms instead of kicking you with their little feet above your hips. I feel that same sort of sensation and my dr. said it was the baby moving its arms.

jengen thank you!

helen22 thanks! And I understand what you mean about it being tough to juggle things on your own, never mind trying to do it with a baby in tow. I hope that once the time arrives some of my pregnancy clumsiness will have faded. I actually spilt a pumpkin spice latte all over myself last month. It sucked because I had barely had a sip and I still had hours left in my day before I could go home and change. Yum, but now that I'm thinking about them I might need one today. They are so delicious! It's like they put pumpkin pie in a blender!

jaycee thanks! Gosh, I can't believe it's already time to think of installing carseats! You're only about two weeks ahead of me. Eeck!

[mamax2]

Kami ~ The nursery looks great. I esp. love the 'and she lived happily ever after' plaque :D Can I ask where it's from? It would go really well w/the pink & green cottage-y look I'm doing for DD's 'big girl room'... if we ever break-ground on our new house!

Yoganut ~ I'm hoping we can get away w/doing the 'matching outfits' thing for a few years at least. They're still young and that's the fun of having two kids, right?! :p

I went to Marshall's during lunch and picked up some baskets for the changing table. I'm starting to debate whether or not we should try to put it in our room after all. For those of you who will be keeping baby in your room, are you going to have a changing station set up in there or just in the nursery? We won't have a nursery, but I could leave the changing table out in our family room or office or something. My DH came by my office today and said he thinks he's getting sick which really p1ssed me off and I told him it better not be an excuse not to get in the attic and get me those flippin' boxes. I'm going crazy - aaahhhh!!!

Oh, and thanks to everyone who's weighed in on the travel issue. DH's trip would be to Florida, so we're talking a 2 hour flight + 2.5 hour drive - best case scenario. I guess if I were really to go into labor while he was gone, there's a good chance he'd miss the birth. Neither one of us want to risk that of course. I think we're going to play it by ear and if I've started to make progress at that point, he may send one of his employees in his place. Of course last time, I was like 3cm dilated and 70% effaced and still went 4 days past my EDD, so that's not really a good indicator either, but whatever.

[krbb]

I am way behind, this is my attempt to catch up. I have had the opposite of nesting, no motivation to do much! I can't believe how close we are getting to delivering. I wonder who will go first?

doubler - I was actually surprised that only one other girl had her husband come to breastfeeding class. The lactation consultant told the fathers that they can help check for proper latch and burp the baby.

yoganut - glad everything turned out being ok with the scares. The being off work might cause you more stress!!

JRPAGV- Here is a link to some Kegel excercise from Dr Sears' website. http://www.askdrsears.com/html/1/t012200.asp

Jaycee - For some reason DH wasn't excited about the "taint" massage. He asked if that was really necessary! Beautiful nursery, I love the chocolate color!

Kamileer- Love the nursery! All the baby girl nurseries make me wish I was having a girl!

Half Birthday's - I have a December birthday and always celebrated it in December so the half birthday thing seems kinda odd to me. I always had parties even if they were a couple weeks before or after my birthday. I always celebrated the day with my immediate family. For DS we will probably have a party for him with my family when we go for Thanksgiving (since we are 4 hours away) then one closer to/ or on his birthday with DHs family.

Baby dropping- No droppage here. He is still all up in my ribs. I did notice my friend who is due a week before has dropped slightly.

Hostess gifts- For my MIL's shower I got her flowers, for my friend DH and I are taking her out to dinner, for my sister and Mom no clue...flowers perhaps? My other shower is just at DHs office so probably nothing, I don't think any one person is hosting it.

Work- Those that can work from home are so lucky. I work in a classified environment so no work at home or even taking work home for me (that part is nice).

Belly Shots - everyone is looking great! I will post mine below!

[kamileer]

Thank you all for the compliments on our nusery. It has been really fun putting together (and splurging on! ;) )

fwgirl - You are so sweet to think of me. I was telling DH about how your baby flipped last night. You are giving us hope. I need to get better about doing my "dump" pose. ;) I've got a question for you? If the baby flips and I don't realize it, would that position make her flip BACK? You are so sweet to offer sending me the inner tube. I am going for an u/s on Thurs and if she is still breech I may take you up on it. :)

mamax2 - The sign was handmade by a friend of a friend.

[krbb]

32W1D Belly Shot - notice how the belly button is starting to pop!

http://images.snapfish.com/3453498%3B23232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E233%3C%3D865%3D%3C28 %3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B9289898%3Aot1lsi


Oliver's Room - we just have some little touches here and there to finish.

http://www.buten.com/photos/babyroom/room1.jpg

http://www.buten.com/photos/babyroom/room4.jpg

http://www.buten.com/photos/babyroom/room2.jpg

My cat loves the mobile! He pretty much thinks that we did the whole for him. He likes to play with the toys on the bouncy seat too!

[doubleR]

hi girls. it is cold and raining here and we're supposed to get some snow tonight :eek: seems way too early for snow.

had my 34 week appointment today. all is well. the baby's heartbeat is still right at 150 - it has been for weeks and that's the lowest it has ever been. I cannot wait to find out if this little octopus is a boy or a girl. I was only up another half a pound. I'm so relieved that after months and months I actually have started to even out with my weight gain. I'm now on the every week schedule and have my group B strep test next Tuesday. not looking forward to any of the internals, but I'm looking at it as the beginning of the end.

kami wow, your nursery is gorgeous, an absolute dream.

fwgirl congrats on your baby flipping, hopefully she stays put!

mamax my husband is sick too - I told him to get it out of his system now, he's the biggest baby. I love your reaction though, I hope this is the weekend he gets the boxes for you!!! as far as travel, my husband will be local beginning november 14th - but that is actually part of his job, he's in a blackout period... if that wasn't the arrangement, I don't know what we'd do. I think if you just play it by ear like you said you should be fine. be careful though b/c doesn't the 2nd one usually go a lot faster?

jaycee I can't believe you have the carseat in already. and yes, that does really hit home. my doctor asked me today if I had mine in... I was like, are you trying to tell me something?

ooops, late for a meeting, sorry I didn't get to everyone!!

[fwgirl]

Kami I don't think she'll flip back from those positions since we were told one of the ways they work is by gravity pulling her into the head-down position. Since the head and back are the heaviest parts of the baby gravity helps get her in there correctly for the easiest possible labor. Does that make sense?

Thanks doubleR!

krbb you look good! I can see your belly button. :) The nursery looks very cool. I really like the bright colors and the dinosaurs on the walls!

[jengen]

krbb You and the nursery look great! :D

So, I had my chat with my boss today. She just announced her retirement, so I think she is in a happy-go-lucky mode where she can care less cause she will be out of here soon. Guess it is a good time for me to be asking for favors, because she didn't flinch at me asking for 16 weeks maternity leave. She also is letting me come back to a four-day work week. I am very lucky to have these options, but just found out that anything that falls outside of the 12 weeks FMLA is considered "unpaid leave of absence" and you lose all of your benefits during that timeframe. :eek: So, me and baby will have to hop on DH's policy, because there is no way we can pay for COBRA while I'm not getting paid! I am thrilled that my boss is accomodating my requests, but getting really nervous about the money situation. I will be losing 20% of my salary by cutting down to 4 days a week, yet paying over $1000 for daycare. (unfortunately, not going back to work isn't an option as DH just took a paycut). To make matters worse, we are on a waiting list for daycare that doesn't have a slot open til June (2 months after I go back to work). We haven't even thought about crossing that bridge yet, but I'm starting to get really nervous. mrsBUW have I told you lately how lucky you are up there in Canada?! :D

[jaredsgirl]

krbb and kamileer Love the nurseries. Also, love the belly shot krbb

Well just had my dr. appt...interesting. I"m just going to hit the major point, baby is way ahead of schedule and I'm now getting an u/s (excited about that) and if it is where he thinks it is (around 6 or 7 lbs), he will probably induce me around 38 weeks!!! :eek: That is not even 4 weeks away!!!!! Seriously, freaking out is now happening!!! So much to do, so little time!!

Ultrasound for Nov. 1

Other appts
Nov. 22
Nov. 29

[Camara]

Everyone's nursery is so adorable!!

I had an appt about 1 1/2 week ago and everything is fine. They did an u/s and she weights 4.6 lbs and is in the 56%. The dr did say he might induce Dec. 1 b/c of my GD but he'll wait to see how much bigger she gets. I have another appt scheduled this Thursday.

Hostess Gifts I got each of the hostess a different gift depending on their interest. I got one friend a Lucky Money Tree since she just moved into a new house. Other gifts I gave were Yankee Candles, Starbuck's certificate, and a DVD tv set b/c I knew she was missing one of the seasons.
For the work shower, 2 girls hosted it and I gave them Bath & Body works stuff.

Work I hate it! I can't concentrate and I hate the 1-1.25 hr commute each way. I feel like I'm doing a horrible job b/c of the "pregnancy brain" and that they're going to fire me any day now.
Then my boss surprises me and gives me a promotion last week with a good size raise! He said he doesn't know if I plan to come back to work but this promotion is not meant to influence that decision in any way. He just said it was long overdue. He did say that I better not go on bedrest before Nov. 4 b/c that's when the promotion goes into effect. If I'm on bedrest before, company policy won't allow the promo & raise and my pay during FMLA will be based on the old rate.

Bellyshot Everyone looks awesome!! I have around 30 stretchmarks all over so I won't be posting any of mine.:(

Gotta go - baby laundry just finished and I need to go fold it.

[Mrsbuw]

Hey everyone,


After work I went to a baby carseat clinic and it is offically secure and safe. It was kind of freaky to look in my mirror and see a babyseat. jaycee It really does hit home doesn't it.

Camara sorry you are hating work right now but congrats (I think) on your promotion. I hope you don't go on bedrest before the promotion kicks in.

krbb and kamileer Both your nurseries look wonderful. Both your babies are lucky to have some cozy looking rooms.

krbb great belly shot. Your belly button really does look like it is going to pop.

mamax & doubleR Count me in for a sick husband. He is coming down with a really bad cold. I will be really annoyed if I get sick again errrrrrrr

Maybe everyone already knows this but last night at the hospital we found out that they won't let the baby leave the hospital if he is in a bunting or snowsuit. They said it can alter the babies position in the carseat.

[Camara]

MrsBuw I didn't know about not letting the baby be in a carseat with a bunting/snowsuit. We have one and were planning to use it. I'll check with the hospital and find something else for the baby to wear then. Thanks for the info.

[jengen]

jaredsgirl Your baby is 6 or 7 lbs right now?! :eek: I can't believe we might have a Dec baby born in less than 4 weeks! I am sure everything will be just fine, but can understand why you're freaking out! :)

camara I hate work too right now. I range from feeling really motivated to get everything done to not motivated at all and wanting to curl up under my desk and go to sleep. It stinks.

MrsBUW I didn't even think to ask about a snowsuit impacting the carseat. Thanks for the heads up.

Well, I have to attend an all-day training session today, so it is a break from the office, but will be a long day. At least it is already Wednesday!

[jaredsgirl]

jengen DH was a 10lb baby so look s like the baby is taking after him. My dr said that when I am full term and the baby measures over 8 1/2 lbs, I'll be induced since they want me to deliver naturally if possible. I turn 38 weeks the weekend before Thanksgiving. Guess that makes this a little bit more real.

[doubleR]

OMG jaredsgirl, 4 weeks!!!!! It is only 2 weeks early though. I can't believe how close we are at this point. I think you might actually have the best of both worlds - being induced to hopefully deliver naturally, but also possibly knowing exactly what day you'll be going into labor. I like that part ;) You'll be fine and I'm sure you'll get everything done. How are you feeling, are you still working?

krbb great belly shot and I love the nursery, it came out great! That is funny about your cat, thinking you did it all for him!

jengen that is great that you got the full 16 weeks you wanted and are coming back to a 4 day work week. I'm hoping for a similar deal so I can totally relate to the 'bringing in less money but now paying for daycare' thing. I really think that the time spent with the baby will outweigh everything else at that point. good luck to you guys!!

ok, one small selfish vent - I love how our nursery came out, I think my husband did a great job (I really can't take much credit for it, he did everything!), but seeing all these adorable nurseries in here is kinda making me wish we knew what we were having. it's so weird because just this past weekend I was catching up with a girlfriend who lives out west and saying how excited I was that we didn't know what we were having. my emotions are really all over the place these days.

I set up a meeting with my boss for next week to discuss my maternity leave. I get 12 weeks, 6 of which I'll be paid 60% of my salary and the other 6 are unpaid. I'm hoping to take 16 weeks, but I honestly might not even bring that up until after I'm out. not sure what to do... the meeting is more to discuss who is taking over what and for him to review all the policies/procedures I'm putting together.

Question - where are you guys finding these car seat clinics in your area? We were planning on going to a dealership that installs them for you or a local police station that will have someone check it out... but I think I'd rather go to a clinic if I can find one. Thanks!!

[Jaycee]

Mornin' girls!!

Today I came in to the officce to work, just so that I could get a little mental stimulation from being around other human beings :) I also have a prenatal massage after work, and then DH and I made dinner plans with another couple that we met at our birth preparation class. They are due in 2 weeks, and we already got an email from another couple in the class who just delivered their baby!! It's really happening!!! :eek: :)

mamax2 - The baby will be sleeping in a bassinet in our room for a theast the first few weeks, but since her nursery is right across the hallway from our bedroom, I'm not planning on setting up a seperate changing table. I'll just walk across the hall. We are however going to set up a seperate changing station downstairs, so that when we are hanging out during the day, we won't have to run upstairs everytime she needs to be changed.

krbb - You look terrific, and so does your nursery..It's so colorful and cheerful. What baby wouldn't be happy in there??

doubleR- glad your 34 week appt went well. I think it's so cool that you are waiting to find out if it's a boy or a girl..I keep watching "Baby Story" on TLC, and on the ones that they are being surprised, I always cry my eyes out with the excitement of the family, as if it were my baby too. :o :)

jengen glad your meeting went well, and I hope that everything works out, which I know it will! Good luck today in your all day training, I hope they give you lots of breaks throughout so you can get up to stretch and walk around.

jaredsgirl
WOW! That might make you the first momma in the group!!

Camara Congrats on the promo!! I know how you feel about work. I think we all have preggo brain at this point!! Think you can make it till Nov 4th? Hang in there girl!

Mrsbuw Our carseat class, which was given by our hospital did say that they don't recommend heavy snowsuits or heavy buntings in the carseat due to commpression possibilities, and that you should have a blanket that you can throw over the baby after he/she is strapped in tight, but they also never said that they wouldn't let us leave the hospital if the baby was wearing one. The one I bought isn't too thick, so I think it will be ok, but I will also bring a blanket now, just in case.

[Mrsbuw]

34 weeks, 6 days

Hey everyone,

Just a quickie while I am alone at my desk. I just figured out I have 18 days left at work......how is that possible?

We are soooooo close now, especially jaredsgirl :D

DoubleR The carseat clinic was set up through the health department of our city.

have a great day everyone

oh funny story. A while ago we were talking about our pets reactions to the babies. Well, my SIL and baby came over yesterday. My big fat suckie cat was really interested in the baby, she was asleep on the floor in her carseat.
He slowly walked up to her and she moved her foot just a little. The big brave cat jumped 2 feet in the air and ran away and hide under my bed. I don't think I have to worry about him being aggressive towards the baby.

[jrbnj]

Just checking in to say hi. Sorry, no SOs since I don't post here too much. I just can't believe how close we all are! It's so exciting and scary at the same time.

I know this has been discussed, but I'm really nervous about how my dog is going to react to the new baby. Right now, she is the baby and DH and I give her so much attention. I get sad looking at her and thinking that she won't be the only baby in the house in a little while. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait for our son to arrive, but I just feel guilty knowing that I won't give my dog as much attention that she's used to. I wonder if this is what it's like when deciding on having another child.

My shower was this past Sunday. It was small, only 14 of us, and was perfect. It's amazing how generous my friends were. We got some great stuff. A few my friends haven't seen me since August and couldn't believe how big I had gotten. I'm the first out of all my friends (except one who lives in FL) who is having a child and everyone is amazed by it.

I told my boss that my last day of work will be November 23rd. That's less than a month away! I'm not coming back after the baby is born so I feel so weird about it. I love my job and it's going to be hard to leave but I really want to stay at home too. I have very mixed feelings about it right now. I don't have the type of job where I could work part-time. Plus, my boss has 2 under 2, so I don't know how open she would be to a PT work schedule.

Anyway, I hope everyone is feeling well. Even though I don't post much, I lurk a lot.

[JRPAGV]

Good gosh! I am *way* behind!

yoganut: So glad you're feeling better and that your brother was able to make it out of Cancun.

fwgirl: Congrats on the baby turning! That's great! I love the color of your diaper bag.

scarlett: Congrats on your nursery furniture coming in early! Sorry the dresser was scratched. Glad you had a good OB appointment. :)

mamax2: I think we'll just use the changing table in the nursery and the one that comes with the Pack 'N Play (which will be in our room).

krbb: Thanks for the link! :) The nursery looks GREAT! Very cute!

doubleR: Glad you had a good OB appointment. Did it snow there last night? You're right, it's way too early for snow! It's even really cold down here in Georgia! Too cold!

Great belly pics, Mrsbuw and krbb!

Dropping: I don't think my belly has dropped yet.

We need to find a car seat safety class. I'm so worried we won't know how to put it in the car and put the baby in it correctly. I think I saw that BRU holds clinics. We have to buy me a new car before we do anything with the car seat. I'm driving a convertible right now, so I need something else for when the baby comes.

[JRPAGV]

More replies...

Hostess Gifts: I made a gift bag for the two hostesses that included a Burt's Bees Head-to-Toe Starter Kit, a bag of those yummy melt-away mints, and a nice memory box thing with a picture frame (hard to describe).

Camara: Sorry you hate work! But, congrats on your raise!!

Mrsbuw: Thanks for telling us about the snowsuits and car seats!

jaredsgirl: Wow! You don't have too much longer until you meet your little baby! How exciting!

Okay, that's all for now. :)

[kinaida]

Hey all,

jengen -- holy cow!! How exciting :) I was wondering who the first December Mommy was going to be and you might be the winner!

carseat/bunting/snowsuit -- thanks for the info mrsbuw! Although we have a Bundle-Me that I was planning on using, so for those of you who are wondering how to keep the baby warm, I've heard these are terrific.

jaycee -- I am the SAME way with A Baby Story!!!! I cry at almost every birth.

doubler -- I feel the same way about finding out the sex. It would help so much in putting together this nursery!! Even now I'm considering holding off painting until we find out :) Although I did find this very nice shade of greenish-blue that I like that could work well for a boy or a girl.

mamax -- I think we're going to use the changing table that comes with the PNP in our room while the baby is sleeping in our room. I'll just have a little basket with diaper changing supplies in there. Maybe I'll bring a few extra onesies and sleepers in our room too. I want to try to keep the majority of stuff in the nursery though.

camara -- I could have written your post, down to the stretchmarks :) Except for the raise/promotion part, that is!

[December2005Mommies]

yoganut: Do you want to add your profile to the first page?

QUESTION FOR ALL GROUP MEMBERS: We're getting so close to our due dates! How do you want to handle sharing the news with the group when your little one(s) arrive? I know some other mommies groups have paired up "labor buddies". Do you want to do that? If yes, then how should we go about it? We could also just simplify things and have each member email me with the details when her baby arrives. Let me know what you think is best! Thanks!

[around the world]

Oh. My gosh. Painting the nursery is going to be the death of me! This is the third day I've been working on it (I'm doing 3 separate colors, so I have to wait for one color to dry before starting another) and I am thisclose to throwing in the towel. I'm awfully jealous of you gals with handy husbands, right about now. Or husbands that are home, even. ;)

Speaking of which, DH comes home from overseas tomorrow! Hooray! I've been more than a little nervous, the past couple of weeks, about the thought of going into labor while he was gone. Logically, I knew it wasn't likely, but I was nervous all the same. So glad that I can put that concern aside and move on to another of the thousands still on my list. :rolleyes:

doubleR, I had heard that any police station or fire station will check your carseat for you to make sure it's installed properly. We don't have any 'clinics' in our area (coastal SC), I had checked into it.

Mrsbuw, that is a great story. I've heard that the cat/baby thing is a MUCH bigger deal as the baby gets older and more interested (and hence, more aggressive towards) the cat. Our neighbor's cat ignored their newborn, and then once the baby was more mobile (and more prone to trying to grab the cat's tail), the cat basically would retreat to under the beds any time he heard the baby awake. Heh. Poor cat.

mamax2, the baby will be sleeping with DH and I (well, in a co-sleeper) for the early weeks in our downstairs bedroom, and the nursery (and the changing station) is upstairs. So I guess I'll be keeping a stash of diapering necessities downstairs. The whole point in her sleeping with us is to not have to traverse the stairs during the night, so I'm sure not going to want to do that for diaper changes. I have one of these:
http://modernmom.com/site/images/pad2.gif
for my diaper bag, maybe I'll be getting more use out of it at home too, in the early days!

yoganut, so glad that things are looking good for you and that you are feeling better! And your poor brother, stuck in Cancun! Yikes!

fwgirl, hooray for a turned baby! I probably would have jumped up and hugged the OB! Now we just need to get kamileer's baby to turn, right? Is that the only other breech in our thread? Oh, wait, and helen22 too. Crossing my fingers for you, Kami & Helen!

jaredsgirl, wow! 4 weeks! That's great, though, that your docs are on top of things and want to give you the best chance for a healthy birth. And I have to admit, a part of me is a wee bit jealous that you have a 'deadline' to work for. I'm anxious to *know* when this baby is going to get here, it must at least be reassuring to have some kind of definite in that regard.

helen22, that's interesting about the parents' birth weight being the best predictor. I know I was 7lb8oz. Need to find out what DH was, but I bet he wasn't very big. I have to say, I wouldn't mind something under 10lbs. ;)

The nurseries are *fantastic*, y'all! I love the different color schemes, and the gorgeous fabrics, and the great wall decorations! They are really pushing me on to finish up ours. I simply can not believe that we are almost ready to be putting babies in these rooms. Holy cats!

[doubleR]

thanks for the info on car seat clinics!! this also might help someone else out, I'm definitely planning on having our seat checked out and make sure it's properly installed - at the very least - I'll still try to find out about a class or clinic in our area though. if you go to this site, at the very bottom of the page, the very last bullet lets you click 'locate a child safety seat inspection site by state or zip code': http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/

turns out the one near me is a AAA station (or whatever you want to call it, it's just the AAA building I pass all the time on my way to Hannafords ;)) and it's right around the corner.

jrpagv it did snow north of us. it was really weird to see cars with snow on them on my way to work this morning. I'm looking forward to not having to drive or be out in any of the bad weather this winter. I'll have a perfect excuse to just stay in :) I will miss skiing this winter though. I still plan on spending lots of weekends at our family place up in Vermont, only this year, I'll spend most of my time relaxing by the fire instead of out on the slopes.

jaycee thanks!! i'm just overly emotional. a baby story gets me every time these days.

mamax we're doing the same thing jaycee is - the baby will be in a bassinet in our bedroom, but the changing table will be in the baby's room, right across the hall. I plan on setting up the PNP in our living room and will use that changing station/bassinet part for diaper changes during the day.

kinaida I'm glad I'm not the only one second-guessing things!! I think the surprise at the end will definitely make it worth it. and I DO love our nursery - it's yellow, with some pale greens... I'll post pictures soon, promise! I've been going in there every morning and night and it just makes me smile. I'm holding off on some finishing touches until after the baby is born though... if we do have a boy, I feel like I need to add some blue :)

janna I like the idea of e-mailing you. OR a labor buddy, it doesn't really matter to me, I'll go with the flow and whatever everyone else wants is fine with me. I don't see my DH calling anyone though ~ he thinks it's so completely weird that we get holiday cards from girls I met on WC a few years ago ;)

aroundtheworld glad your DH will be home tomorrow, how exciting!! I'm sure your work on the nursery will all be worth it once it's done - it sounds really nice!!

[Jaycee]

Janna, I'm fine with whatever the majority wants, however, if we are going to be getting online isn't it just as easy to log on to CC and post here to the group?

Oh wait, nevermind..I just realized it will probably be our DH's doing the emailing.:o :)

So anyway, as I said, I'm open to either.

[JRPAGV]

I don't see my DH calling anyone though Yeah, my DH wouldn't want to call anyone either. :) I could give out my phone number for those who want to call or have their DH's call to share the news. They would have to leave a message, though, because I never answer my cell phone unless I recognize the number. That would save your (general your) DH from having to talk to a stranger. :D

Oh wait, nevermind..I just realized it will probably be our DH's doing the emailing. Yeah, I suggested the emailing thing because I didn't know how many DH's would be up to logging onto CC and finding our group. :p I figured a lot of DH's would be sending out mass emails to family/friends anyway.

[around the world]

Janna, yep, that sounds like what we expect my DH to be doing, sending out a mass email. We've got way too many folks to call everyone right away, so I'm just gonna give him a list of who I want emailed and he'll add his own. I don't think I could pay him to call people he's never even heard of before, i.e. my online friends! Heh.

[JRPAGV]

I don't think I could pay him to call people he's never even heard of before, i.e. my online friends! Heh. Same for my DH! He'd think I was crazy if I asked him to call my online friends!

*I* prefer the email thing. But, we'll see what the majority says. Although, right now I think the majority is saying they don't have a preference. :p

[oceanblue]

I vote email!!!! Just easier I think for everyone involved, but what about you Janna??? Should a few of us give you our email so you can inform us? We can't be leaving our lovely threadmistress out :)

[Mrsbuw]

I also have a husband who won't even call his own friends let alone my online friends. I vote the email notice....but will go with the flow of course.

[JRPAGV]

We can't be leaving our lovely threadmistress out Aww, thank you! :D Sure, I could get some of your email addresses. I'm journal buddies with several of you, so maybe I could just have DH email you all and one of you could pass the news along.

[doubleR]

e-mail sounds great :) :) :)

I cannot believe we're just a few weeks away from sharing this exciting news!!

[jaredsgirl]

Well I feel so far behind so I'm totally going to leave things out...

Birth announcemnt to group I think email is the best way. DH will probably be doing a mass email about it, so he can include you, Janna. Also, my SIL may come in here (BAM 9-21-02) and post about it too. But most definately email would be the way to go.

My early baby I still am in shock that I could be the first baby for the group and that I may be induced at 38 weeks. But it is super exciting at the same time. But now I know that I need to get everything ready in the next couple weeks so that I can rest up before Junior gets here!

Dropping Sometimes I think I have. I will have to take a pic and compare. People are defiantely noticing that I am pg though! :)

doubleR It is hard to decorate a gender neutral nursery. But I keep telling myself, I can use all this stuff for the next baby and spoil the little one when they get their "big kid" room. :)

car seat/bunting We are going to use a bundle me. We haven't gotten it yet (will soon) but one of my SIL's loved it for her baby. Maybe we will have a blanket just in case they won't let us leave the hospital.

Ok, weird thing, yesterday at my dr appt, I saw my dr heading to a different room than he normally goes to (I was in the waiting room). He was in scrubs so that we weird for me to see, he is always dressed really nicely. Well in the waiting room you could hear a woman screaming and crying in this room he went into (there were also nurses in there as well). Now my dr is very gentle, so kind, just love him as my dr, so I was wondering if someone had something going wrong, maybe this is why he was in scrubs, just was weird since the hospital is literally 2 blocks away. Well he told me later that he was in scrubs because he just came from a c/s and that the patient before me was a young girl who hates having her internal exams. :eek: Ok, I know they aren't fun and slightly uncomfortable, but to be screaming and crying, that is crazy!

Also, my dr and I talked, well obviously about the big baby, but also about the fact that he RARELY (one ever) does episiotomies (thank goodness) and we were talking about other pain meds that I could do besides an epidural (just wanted my options). Also, he said a birth plan was unnecessary, just tell everyone what I want and they will do it for me. That's easy.

Then there is my swelling. He isn't conserned about it since my bp is not bad (but it is getting higher with every visit) and I don't have headaches. But you know what, I'm retaining so much water, I drink 100oz of water a day that I shoudl be in the bathroom non-stop, but I barely have to get up for 1 bathroom break a night, not that I am not up 5 or 6 other times due to being uncomfortable. It is all going to my hands and feet and they are so hot and constantly sweating. How weird. And the swelling never goes away. Anyone else get that? It is so irritating

weigh gainAlso, officially up 50lbs. :( I do want to seriously cry about that. I have been so great on what I eat every day but I just keep gaining. I know alot is baby right now and alot is water. But my dr still is not concerned, but the sooner the baby gets out the better for me. I'm guessing my total weight gain is going to be around 60lbs!!! :eek: Here is a general day for me...

Breakfast - 2 bowls of honey nut cheerios (my big meal of the day)
lunch - frozen lean cuisine meal, yougurt
snacks - 2 string cheese, ensure (to keep my restless legs away), apple, and maybe a snack size candy bar (since we have it sitting around because of Halloween)
dinner - chicken kiev and corn

I do have some issues with fruit and veggies because my acid reflux (all the ones I like make me miserable) but still, I should not be gaining 2 lbs a week still. I guess there is nothing I can do about it...so that is the way life goes.