November 2005 Mommies! - Our Babies Are Starting To Arrive!

[Kristen78]

Lindzee - I liked the non-stress test too. I don't mind having them done, the problem is now I have to take off from work to go there and its twice a week, plus I have my regular OB appointment every week and it just gets to be alot of time I am missing work. Luckily my job is nice and I still get paid, but I feel bad being gone so much.

walking - I haven't been doing ANY walking really. I live out in the sticks so there are no sidewalks and no "neighborhood" to walk around. This morning though I was vacuuming because my DH broke a glass and I felt these sharp pains way down low around my cervix. I couldn't stand up straight and they literally took my breath away. But I also felt the baby moving around a ton at the same time so I think her head is just pushing against my cervix or something. I dont know if I dropped though. I dont think so, but maybe I did?

appointments - I have my 1st non-stress test this week today at 3:15pm. My husband is going with me to this one. My next one is Thursday at 9am, and I see my regular OB at 10:30 on Thursday as well.

Oh, I went to visit my friend yesterday, the one who had the baby on Thursday. Her son is absolutely gorgeous! Really really cute! But my friend looked like she got run over by a train. She was just so tired and sore. I am not looking forward to that feeling at all. But I think her son made her very happy. So its all worth it.

[Lindzee82]

Natasha - Good luck with the natural induction techniques!! I am praying they work for you!!

albuquerque - Good luck at your appointment tonight! I hope you are making some progress!! I can't believe you are due so soon!! Yay!!

***

37 weeks today! I am full term. That means it is fair game and I want this baby out now!!! I am just so excited to meet him and see what he looks like and I just can't wait anymore. My docs will induce at 42 weeks, so I could still have 5 more weeks to wait until I get to see Matthew. That makes me very sad. I don't want to wait that long. I just want to hold him!!! The closer it gets the harder it is! Also, an end to nausea and all over pain would be nice, too!!

Nothing new and exciting going on here. Today I get to do groceries! That is my big exciting adventure of the day. I get so tired now that I only do one thing each day. Tomorrow is laundry and Wednesday is dusting and vacuuming. I live such a thrilling life! I say this every week, but this weekend I really want to have everything ready for the baby (except the blue clothes washed). I am reading The Baby Whisperer and it says that you should have everything ready to go for the baby by one month before your due date. So I am a little behind. I thought I was silly for wanting to get things done so early. But now that I read that, I feel that I am behind and need to get cracking! So that is my plan. I washed all the bedding and gender neutral blankets on Saturday so his crib is ready to go. The pack n play sheets are good to go too. So once I set that up I can put the sheets and blankets on that. So at least he will be able to sleep!

[Lindzee82]

Kristen - That is good that your job is good about you taking the time off for all of your appointments. I understand that you feel bad about being gone so much. I would feel the same way. I started feeling pains down in my cervix after the doc had told me that Matthew had dropped. So maybe you have dropped! That would be exciting! I am glad your friend is doing well despite the pain. All the pain is definitely worth it. I just think it will be very hard to feel that way in the heat of the moment!

[Sebski]

Natasha you're doc will seriously let you go that overdue? I haven't had a conversation about that w/ my doctor - maybe I will at today's appt. I want a heads up if that's what their deal is too... i have another 4w to go, can't imagine tacking on another possible 3 to that!!!

Alanna so sorry to hear about your cat! How's that going?

Lindzee congrats on the full term! :)

Everything here has been "business as usual". I got woken up a few times over the weekend by some cramps, but otherwise all is well. I'm looking forward to my doc's appt this afternoon because I can get the strep test over with and also maybe get an internal. Can I ask for one if they don't give one? What I'm NOT looking forward to is the scale. I was there last week and up 3 pounds. I can't imagine what I'm up today since I spent the weekend basically hibernating and snacking due to the crappy weather here. :rolleyes:

Walking I don't do much around the neighborhood because I'm lazy. HA! But on the days I commute into the city and am walking around the office I notice some definite pressure down there. So, I know that walking will help - I just have to do more of it.

Natural Induction Okay, besides DTD, spicy food and walking - what else can be done? Next week I'll be full term and I'm looking forward to starting something to help get the ball rolling...

[Lindzee82]

Just thought I would share this...I thought it was cute!!

HAVING MOM OVER FOR DINNER
You don't even have to be a mother to enjoy this one.........
Brian Hester invited his mother over for dinner.
During the course of the meal, Brian's mother couldn't help but keep noticing how beautiful Brian's roommate, Stephanie, was. Mrs. Hester had long been suspicious of a relationship between Brian and Stephanie, and this had only made her more curious.
Over the course of the evening, while watching the two react, Mrs. Hester started to wonder if there was more between Brian and Stephanie than met the eye.
Reading his mom's thoughts, Brian volunteered, "I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you Stephanie and I are just roommates."
About a week later, Stephanie came to Brian saying, "Ever since your mother came to dinner, I've been unable to find the beautiful silver gravy ladle. You don't suppose she took it, do you?"
Brian said, "Well, I doubt it, but I'll send her an e-mail just to be sure."
So he sat down and wrote: Dear Mother:
I'm not saying that you "did" take the gravy ladle from the house,
I'm not saying that you "did not" take the gravy ladle.
But the fact remains that one has been missing ever since you were here for dinner.
Love, Brian
Several days later, Brian received an e-mail from his mother that read:
Dear Son:
I'm not saying that you "do" sleep with Stephanie, and I'm not saying that you "do not" sleep with Stephanie. But the fact remains that if she was sleeping in her own bed, she would have found the gravy ladle by now.
Love, Mom
LESSON OF THE DAY... NEVER LIE TO YOUR MOTHER!

[Lindzee82]

Sebski - Thanks! I would definitely ask for an internal. You are already gonna have your pants off. It couldn't hurt!

[Sebski]

Lindzee that story cracked me up! :D I'm definitely going to ask for an internal... can't hurt to ask right? No pun intended! ;)

Ok ladies... I ventured over to the Parenting board and saw a thread about the Pliko 3 stroller and the Viaggio car seat. Stupidly I entered and now am questioning my infant seat allllllll over again. :o We JUST purchased the Viaggio last week to go with the Pliko that we got at my shower. Now, after reading the thread, I'm wondering if I should return the Viaggio for the Graco car seat frame/stroller and a SnugRide seat. :confused: :confused: :confused: What would you do? DH will SHOOT ME if I bring this conversation up yet again.

[clzj]

After my long weekend at my brothers I did get some things crossed off my shopping list. It was bottle liners, bath tub (from SIL), boob cream. My SIL also gave my some clothes for the little one. For our 4 hour drive we just made a few more stops. My DH has to go up there again but I will not be making that trip.

Hopefully this week I can pack the hospital bag and get the baby laundry washed and put away. DS likes helping with the laundry so that is good.

Seb-On the stroller front get the one that you want. at times it can be to much.

[ginadc]

Alanna, I'm thinking of you and your kitty! I hope everything's okay. We have two dogs and two cats, and it's like Alb said--they're a part of us. I lost my 12-year-old cat a few years ago to kidney disease and I still get tears in my eyes thinking of him; my father about had a coronary when he heard how much money I spent on that cat's vet bill, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. They are family.

Seb, glad I'm not the only one angsting over which stroller to get! We have a SnugRide car seat and are planning on eventually getting an Inglesina Zippy (which the SnugRide is supposedly compatible with), but are planning on using a snap-n-go type for the first few weeks. But I too keep second-guessing myself! The P3 was the other one I really liked. I agree with clzj--go with the one you really want. It's exhausting trying to factor in all the different opinions and reviews!

Lindzee, hooray for full term! How exciting!

Our birthmom will be at full term as of Sunday. I'm eagerly awaiting the results of her sonogram, which we hope will be tomorrow; of course, given the fact that Wilma is buffeting all of Florida and all kinds of things are closing there today, I don't know how that will affect things. Hopefully all will be back to marginally normal by tomorrow and her appointment will happen as scheduled.

I'm thinking about getting a suitcase partially packed with some of my summer clothes that I'd put away for the season, since it's likely to be in the 70s and 80s down there when we go. That will be one less step I have to race through when the call comes. Do you think I'll be jinxing us if I do that?

[albuquerque]

Sebski we ended up getting a travel system from a brand that doesn't exist in the US. In some ways I was hesitant because I couldn't check to see if everybody recommended it, what the safety ratings were, blah blah blah, but now that we have it, honestly it is SUCH A RELIEF that there isn't any information about it on the websites I read. There is definitely information freaking overload about some of that stuff and the second you ask a question you regret it because your head starts spinning and it doesn't stop--everything you hear will be this in favor on one hand and that against on the other....I would say keep what you've got and stop reading the stuff you see on the websites. You pretty much bought cadillac quality stuff, you can't have really gone wrong. Just put your blinders on and go with your decision. You know that there are going to be people out there who do like this and don't like that and absolutely hate something else about every single product on the market--particularly baby products. Do yourself a favor and stop questioning your decision.

[Lindzee82]

Sebski - Glad you liked the story! I find the internals to be very uncomfortable. But they don't last too long, and it is nice afterward to know where you are at. I have never heard of a Pliko or a Viaggio, so I cannot help much. I have the Graco system and like it - however this is without ever actually using it...

clzj - Yay for getting some things crossed of your shopping list!

ginadc - Thanks! I am very excited to be full term, finally! I hope the sonogram is tomorrow! You must be just so excited! I will be crossing my fingers that her appointment goes as scheduled! I think that packing a suitcase is a great idea.

***

Just did my grocery shopping and got all the Halloween candy! Hopefully it makes it through the week!!

[sem426]

Did anyone else notice there is already a July 2006 Mommies thread!?!? that seems SO far off right now!!

Seb We have the snugride car seat and the snugrider stroller. Although I haven't used them yet, most people rec'd these to us.
we will use these until the baby is a little bigger and then we are getting the Inglesina Zippy.

hospital bag packed some stuff yesterday. there are so many things i still need, that will have to be added in at the last minute, but i wrote them all down so i hopefully won't forget anything.

laundry i did 3 loads of baby laundry yesterday. i can't believe i'll have a little baby to wear all these tiny clothes soon!

work they are basically moving me off all of my accounts beginning this week...but i'm planning on working until 11/11...so i will have NOTHING to do at work come next week! looks like i'll be spending even more time on CC!

nothing else much to report from here...just kinda waiting like everyone else!
I ordered 2 miracle blankets on line today....i've been reading rave reviews about them and many CC'er's love them for swaddling etc. They should be here by the end of the week.

I can't believe tomorrow I am full term!:D

[Lindzee82]

sem - July already!! Wow!!! I can't believe that we are almost done and they are just getting starting! Poor girls!! I did the same thing with my hospital bag - put a list on top of the bag of the last minute things I have to grab when the time comes! Isn't it so cool to do baby laundry?? It is my favorite type of laundry. I could do it all day!! I have one swaddling blanket. If Matthew likes it I will get some more! Yay for being full term tomorrow! How exciting!

[Hawaii2SJ]

Hi ladies!!:D So much is going on here. I've been so consumed with nesting and making use of my maternity leave that now I have NOTHING to do this week. It sounds like many of you are trying to jump start labor and I feel the same way. I just can't get myself to DTD these days, I feel soooo yucky and huge....uughhh. I have tried walking and spicy food, which has not done anything. I had my 38 week appointment last Thursday and my cervix is still thick and my OB said it may be "open a little" whatever that means. But after the appointment I had spotting all day with cramping, but the next day I was fine. This coming Thursday is my 39 week appt and she mentioned "if I was interested" she could strip my membranes to get things going, but I'm scared so I might wait till 40 weeks. I'm still a little undecided. I'm already up 40 lbs and I'm scared to death that this baby is gonna be huge!:eek: by 40 weeks.

Lindzee Cute story!! and about the Halloween candy, I bought ours last week and now I have to buy more, DH and me too:p keeps digging into the stash.

Sebski The stroller topic had DH and I so confused too. We got the shelton print snugride for our shower gift and I ordered my P3 from babyuniverse a while back. DH's cousin gave us a universal carseat carrier and I'm gonna use that with my snugride. Just do what is gonna make you feel better, IMO opinion and the Police officer that inspected my car seat installation, the snugride is the safest seat around. Either way I feel that ANY car seat will be fine as long as you follow install instructions and drive safely:)

Alright ladies, I'm off to find something productive to do besides shopping today. For some reason taking the dog for a walk just doesn't sound too exciting right now either:rolleyes: I thought maternity leave was gonna be "fun and relaxing" but I'm going nuts just waiting around here. I was a crazy lady last week and cleaned EVERYTHING in my house, I organized the kitchen shelves, re-folded the linens in the closet, cleaned floors and blinds which I NEVER do and I vaccum everyday. I'm so ready for DS to be here already:p

[Lindzee82]

Hawaii2SJ - I think it is great that you have nothing to do this week!!! I don't have much to do...but enough to get myself tired each day. Enjoy your free time and get some rest! Luckily, I don't have to worry about DTD. I told my husband that when he comes to visit in November that we gotta do it lots and lots and he about freaked. He has absolutely no interest at all. I don't know if I should be happy or sad about that. Maybe once he sees me he will change his mind.... I hope that you find at your next appointment you have made some progress. I would definitely get my membranes stripped if they offered. I don't think my office does that. I have heard though, that it doesn't do anything unless you are already close to delivering on your own. So I would see what they say. How exciting that you could have your baby so soon! So far I have been good and haven't eaten any candy yet. I bought myself a king sized Resee package to eat when I wake up from my nap. That is my reward for doing groceries! I get one a week. So hopefully that will take away my sweet tooth and the candy will make it through the day. I can't promise what will happen tomorrow! Glad you are eating yours because then I wont feel so bad if I give in! Have fun today. I so wish I had your energy!!

rehoboth - Hope something happens for you soon!!

[clzj]

Nothing really exciting happening here. I don't go until next week for my 37 week appointment and then I should have 1 more after that and then c-section day.

My friend who is being induced on 10/31 had her membranes stripped on Friday and it really has done nothing for her. She is measuring 39.5 at 38 weeks. Dilated 2.5 and is misearable. she is going to do the herbal remedies on Sunday night to get it going before she goes to the hospital. None of her babies like to come out.

I hope that my DH will put DS bed in his room. I need the dresser space for the babies stuff. I need to get the laundry soap really bad.

[Natasha]

Decemberwed--I was super late with my son, too, and no natural induction stuff worked with him. I am hoping this one will be different! My round ligament pain is the same. When I roll over at night, my eyes water! It's bad. Time for baby to come on out! lol

Alb--We had two amazing dogs when I was a kid, and I get sad thinking that my kids will never know them, either. It's super hard to lose a pet. But, our kids will have great childhood pets of their own, too... Thats great that you and your mom are getting out an walking. It must be really cool to have her there. DTD doesn't happen that much around here, either. Some guys are just freaked out by the preggo thing, I guess... I know I am! heehee

Kristen--I get sharp pains sometimes when I do some serious moving, but the baby is wiggling, so I am with you. I think it's just the baby bouncing off my cervix.

Lindzee--No we're full term! YAY It's game time, time for this kid to get out! As far as having everythign ready one month before the due date-HA! We're still missing some key components (stroller, boppy, hooded towels, mobile, tylenol, gas drops, etc...) I loved that story about the mom and the son. It cracked me and Bert up!

Sebski--I would totally ask your doc how long he/she plans to let you go. Better to know now and prepare yourself. If I have to wait till december, I am going to be one grouchy (HUGE) momma! I feel a ton of pressure when I walk around too. We're off to do the mall and grocery store today. Pineapple and Evening Primrose Oil are supposed to help with natural induction. There's a thread about it in the pregnancy forum. HTH!

Gina--YAY for being almost full term! Go ahead and pack the bag. It's good to be prepared!

Hawaii2SJ--I'm still waiting for my nesting instinct to kick in. I have been very lazy so far. Maybe it's the 2 year old running around? heehee I hope my doc will strip the membranes at 40 weeks, too!

Rehoboth--How exciting to be 3 cm dilated! Thats awesome. Maybe you'll be next!

Speking of next, where's Alanna? I hope you're doing ok! I have my doctors appointment on Thursday. No idea on if he'll do an internal or not. I'm just gonna keep eating spicy food and walk, walk, walking...

[Alanna]

Hi everyone!
Sorry for abbreviated S/Os Im still catching up...

Natasha Im here! Thanks for asking about me! No baby.. just a really stressful weekend....

Gina DC, Sebski, Alb, Abby, Shirsty, Lindzee and Natasha. Thanks so much for all the well wishes on my cat... the good news is that she is home with me and she is doing better... I have had to bring her in every day for IV fluids and tomorrow she will get an ultrasound (ahhh just like me!:)) they think it might be kidney failure - it isnt as dire as it sounds... my mom has a 17 year old siamese that has been treated for 2.5 years for it and he is just fine... its just that you have to visit the vet's once a week to let them give her fluids - something i am more than willing to do if her quality of life is good.

Alb she is the kitty in my avatar - I know what you mean about pure breds... i grew up with another siamese (i talked about him above) that always had a lot of health issues, and i blame those to some degree on him being overbred.. but lydia, my cat, has always been really healthy... so im not sure if i would stay away entirely from purebreds (i grew up with a purebred dog - a Sheltie - who didnt have any major problems either - if i ever get a dog.. i think it would be *very* hard for me not to want a Sheltie) but I think i also would feel like I would want to adopt animals from a shelter because of desperate need for homes... hopefully I wont have to seriously consider those options for a long time though.

Also, I totally know what you mean about people and sympathy over animals.. I still get misty when I talk about my dog.. and its been almost ten years since she has been gone.. I think its completely undertandable that people have to mourn for their animals and worry about them too... i always think its incredibly unsettling wheni encounter someone who DOESNT seem to exhibit much emotion over pets... makes me look at them with a pretty critical eye...

Sem we ordered a Miracle Blanket a while back... it looks like a really neat thing!

Gina cant wait to hear about the sonogram... I dont think you'll jinx yourself by packing... I think you should be prepared!

**************

So - in baby related news... i had my appointment today and they are going to send me for another u/s to "make sure the baby isnt huge". my m/w was pretty reassuring that she thought the baby was fine... but she wants to triple check. I dont mind getting another peek.. so that appt will be sometime next week.

and other big news! we FINALLY got our furniture!

they called on thursday and told us they would deliver it between 7-9am on saturday. they arrived at 6:45am! :eek: Thank God i was dressed!

anyway here are a few pictures of our very wee nursery... we still have to decorate the walls...

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce05b3127cce9499d440657200000016108AbuG7No1ZNG

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce05b3127cce9499c4ea65d000000016108AbuG7No1ZNG

there are many more in my journal, including Before pictures of what the room used to look like...

[sem426]

alanna YAY the furniture is here! the nursery looks great!!

[Natasha]

Alanna! I love, love, love your nursery. And, yay for your kitty's condition sounding like it can be maintained (did that make sense?).

[amypooh]

rehoboth - That is awesome you're already progressing right along.

sem - I'm so jealous, I wish my office would start taking some of my work. Instead they just keep piling it on and that was really stressing me out last week.

alanna - I LOVE the furniture, that is beautiful.

Doctor's Appt - had my lowest BP yet at the doctor today. 112/65..awesome. My doctor told me to keep doing what I was doing...all that changed was I FINALLY got my house in order. Closets are organized, boxes put away, trash taken out. Landscape company starting work Friday. Maid service coming Wednesday. Blinds for the house arriving Thursday. ...so can I write all this off as medical expenses? ;)

My doctor did want to me participate in some gestational hypertension study. I have to use their BP machine and do home urine protein tests but I can do that no problem. My doctor's exact words were, "well after today's BP I think you'll make it to the 15th, you will probably be miserable, but we're going to get you there." haha I thought that was kind of funny, she's so honest... its going to suck but you'll make it.

I go back Friday for another visit and another sonogram... hoping the BP stays down.

[Sebski]

Nothing eventful happened at the doc's office... other than my neighbor seeing my vagina. :eek: :eek: :eek: That's right... he saw my chotch. My doctor called in sick today and he took her patients. I knew I was due for the Strep/internal and I literally started FREAKING when they told me - conveniently right before I walked into the examining room. I was so :o ... I told the nurse that he was my neighbor and I felt a little weird. She was all "oh don't worry - he's so gentle with internals". Great, not exactly what I was concerned about. Anyway, she steps out, I strip and sit there praying for something to happen, aaaaaanything to happen, to prevent him from seeing my privates. So, he struts in asking if DH saw the game last night, are we getting our leaves picked up this year or having them done etc. making small talk as if he's not going to insert a q-tip into my vagina in like 5 seconds. So he pulls out the stirrups and I get into position all the while afraid to say anything because I knew I'd throw up. He tells me to relax my knees - lovely - and proceeds to swab my vagina and BUTT!!! Oh God, I seriously don't know how I didn't deliver right then and there. Needless to say, I did not get an internal... I think he knew that I was extremely uncomfortable because I couldn't talk OR relax my knees. Instead, he gave me an u/s. :) The baby's still measuring about a week ahead and is weighing in at an estimated 6pds 7oz. I got to see his aorta, his ribs/spine, head and little legs. So wild how cramped he is in there! He said that the baby is very low, and when he was feeling up my belly, he was pressing really low where his head is and I squirmed away - it hurt so much... he said that it's normal to start getting sensitive down there - that he had just pushed the baby closer to my cervix (or something like that) and it's a very sensitive area right now. Anyhoo, like I said, I was SOOO not asking for an internal so I'm not sure what kind of progress I'm making at this point. He did say that they wouldn't stop labor if it started now and to call if my water breaks or anything happens etc. I don't know what in the world I'm going to do if he's on call when it's time for me to deliver!!!!!!!! I couldn't run out of that place fast enough!!!

Travel systems I went to BRU after my appt and wheeled the SnugRide and frame around along w/ the PP w/ the Viaggio. I'm going to keep the Peg system we have. It just felt sturdier to me for some reason. I'll probably change my mind another 10 times though by the end of the week!

Nipple cream I went looking for nipple cream while at BRU and they didn't have any. :confused: Where are all of you getting your Lansinoh (sp?) from? They said that they don't carry that...

[Lindzee82]

Alanna - I am glad to hear that your kitty is home with you. I really hope it is not kidney failure, but at least it is something that can be managed if needed. I hope your ultrasound goes well! Yay for getting your furniture! Your nursery is so beautiful!!! I love it!

amypooh - Yay for your blood pressure being so low! Sorry they are planning on making you wait until the 15th. Hopefully it wont be so bad!

Sebski - Too funny about your neighbor seeing you! That is so awkward! Yay for getting an ultrasound! That is much more fun than an internal! I found Lansinoh at Walmart.

***

Busy night tonight. Went to Kentucy Fried Chicken for dinner with my mom and Pepere. Then we went to Home Depot. I bought a candle. It was on sale and smelled sooo yummy that I couldn't resist! Then I went back to my mom's and called Eric. He asked me if I could send him some brownies. So, my mom and I hopped in the car and sped to Walmart so I could get some brownie mix. They are in the oven right now and in the morning I will go to the post office and send them off in the mail. I have never mailed brownies before. I hope they are still good when he gets them. I have been having a ton of uncomfortable contractions and am having severe back pain. I am just so sore down there. My hips are very sore. It is not much fun. Nothing regular to get excited about, but maybe I am making some progress. It still seems kind of early though. We will see.

Here are this weeks belly shots:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce05b3127cce94a398a7a41500000036108AbtGzhs3ZtT

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce05b3127cce94a398ada41f00000036108AbtGzhs3ZtT

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce05b3127cce94a398a5a41700000036108AbtGzhs3ZtT

And compared with last week:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce36b3127cce948090c5747600000036108AbtGzhs3ZtT

http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/p/dev317pb___.png (http://www.baby-gaga.com/)

[abbytfox]

Just have a minute, my MIL is here and I hate to leave for a long time.

I talked to the doctor today and he said basically what the u/s shows is that bedrest is working and I don't have a placenta previa. That means that I won't "have" to be induced early. Shoot! We are really ready to get this show on the road...at least in about 4 weeks when I will be full term. THe good news is I will be able to labor naturally (with meds in my case) but I will be able to have a vaginal delivery if all goes well. However, I am on bedrest for the next 7 weeks at least. Not the news I was hoping for, but I will do what I need to in order to have a healthy baby.

I will be back tomorrow with SO's, but I have to say that I am glad your kitty is home with you, Alanna, and Lindzee you look darling!

[shirsty]

Alanna glad to hear your kitty is home with you, what a relief. I think you are right, having to do the fluids thing is quite common with older cats. Keep us posted!

Sebski I am the same way on double-guessing all the baby items we've had to buy, the thing that has finally put it to rest for me (at least temporarily!) was just to go with the top pick in Baby Bargains in our price range, at least I know I'm getting something decent. You can really go nuts trying to research everything online. Also that is CRAZY about your neighbor!!! It sucks because you're screwed either way, either you have to come out and announce that you don't want your neighbor looking at your hooha OR you have to let your neighbor look at your hooha!! Cross your fingers that he's not on call when you have your baby!

Lindzee good luck on the brownies, I am sure they will get there fine. What a good treat for your DH.

I got our carseat checked today, we had it in pretty tightly but the angle was a little off. Can't wait for our appointment tomorrow afternoon, I had some more cramping today (actually woke me up last night, couldn't sleep from 3-6 AM this morning), so I am *hoping* that we'll have some more action tomorrow!

[Lindzee82]

abbytfox - Glad the bedrest is working and yay for no placenta previa. Sorry you have to stay on bedrest, but you seem to have a good attitude about it. That is great news that you will be able to deliver vaginally on your own! Thanks for the compliment on my belly!

shirsty - The brownies sure smell good. Hopefully if I bring them to the post office tomorrow they will get to him by Friday. I am going to wrap them in saran wrap and then put them in a Tupperware container. Hopefully that will keep them nice. Eric doesn't ask for much, so when he does I know he really wants something, so that is why I rushed right out and got the mix! Good luck at your appointment tomorrow. Hope some progress has been made!

[Kristen78]

Sebski - OMG you poor thing! I would be mortified if I had to go to the OB and it turned out he was my neighbor. I can imagine how nervous and uncomfortable you must have been. Although your neighbor has seen it all before and it was probably no big deal for him, but still way weird for you! I have the Pliko P3 and the Graco Snugride. From what I've read the Viaggo carseat is very safe too. The downside is that it is so expensive compared to the Snugride. But if you already have it then I say keep it!

Non-stress test - so I had my 2nd non-stress test yesterday. My DH went with me. It was such a fiasco. I got up to L&D at 3:20 and no one there had any clue that I was coming. They said they don't usually do appointments for NST. Usually I go to another area of the hospital for a scheduled NST. They did my NST last week though and I swear my doc said to go back to L&D. They were nice though and said they would do it and it was actually good I came there because the other department that usually does the scheduled NSTs was moving to a new building/floor so they couldn't have done it yesterday anyways. But I got it done. I love the nurses in L&D so far the 2 I have met are so nice. And the OB/GYN resident I had yesterday was very sweet too. Baby is doing great and no need to worry there. My BP was alot lower (not fantastic, but lower than the time they got all freaked out) too. It was 129/77 or something. Which is OK for me since I was at the hospital where I get all anxious.

Pediatrician Interview - I met with my first (and last) pediatrician yesterday. I think we are going to go with her. She was so nice and spent like 45 minutes talking with me. She is in practice all by herself but has a nurse practicioner working with her also. She was really happy that I was planning on breastfeeding. She even answered the late night phone calls at her house herself (providing she was not on vacation). I was impressed with that. I am glad to have that out of the way.

Carseat - I installed my carseat myself yesterday. I did it behind the driver's seat. I wanted it in the middle but I have a 2005 Subaru Outback and the manual says you have to use the seatbelt in the middle and to only install a carseat in the middle if you can get the base securely planted in the middle. But I couldn't get that to work. It was sliding all over the place. So I moved it behind the driver's seat and used the LATCH system and now it seems very snug. I am going to bring it someplace to get inspected and see if they can get it in to go in the middle without moving all over the place, but if not I will keep it behind the driver's seat. I am happy to have that out of the way. Its wierd to be driving around with an infant seat though.

I think my baby might be breech! Yesterday I posted about having sharp pains in the morning followed by alot of baby movement. Well yesterday I was sitting at my desk at work before I left for my appointments and I felt that the baby had the hiccups but I could feel them way up by my chest. Before they were way down below my belly button. So I think all that pain and movement yesterday morning might have been the baby flipping. I am not postive though. I will find out Thursday at my doctor's appointment. I was freaking out yesterday but now I guess I am over it. Maybe I will have to get a C-section if she is breech. I figure if thats the case they will want to schedule it soon, right? Because its better to get the C-section before you go into labor naturally right? And I would think they will want to do it before 39 weeks. Of course this is all just be thinking of what they might want to do if she is indeed breech. Maybe she didnt turn and I am worrying about nothing.

[clzj]

I am cotemplating which Pump In Style to get. I know that I want the Natural expression. But do I want the back pack or the brief case style. Could you guys give me some input?

Pump in Style Back Pack
or
Pump In Style Brief Case

[sem426]

sebski OMG! I can't believe your neighbor did your strep test! It was bad enough that my OB did it...but someone I know...I would have died too!

kristen so glad the NST went well and that your BP was lower. YAY for finding a pediatrician too.

abby sorry you are "back" on bedrest. But like you said, you'll do whatever it takes to have a healthy baby. you made it this far...not much longer to go now.

lindzee great belly shots as always! so sweet that you baked brownies for DH!

amypooh Yay for your blood pressure being so low! Sorry they are planning on making you wait so long still...hopefully it won't be awful like he said.

Nothing much to report from here....I'm full term today :) can't believe we've made it this far! looking forward to my appt on thursday to see if anything is going on down there! baby is very active still and everything i have bad BH contrax lately...maybe something is starting...who knows!

UGH it is raining here AGAIN today...i feel like we've had more rain this month than ever before....I guess I shouldn't complain, my cousins who live in south fla..have no power, phone, or water now from the hurricane...so I guess I'll take rain anyday over that.

[Sebski]

Lindzee YUM to the brownies - now I need to have something chocolatey! :) Great pictures - looks like you've definitely dropped girly!

Kristen Yes, yesterday's appt was mortifying... I will definitely be avoiding the neighbors for awhile and saying my rosary that he isn't on call when I deliver! Congrats on finding a ped!

Shirsty Good luck @ the doc's - hopefully something's brewing down there! ;)

Amypooh Kudos on the low blood pressure at your appt - here's hoping it stays down!

Gina Any word from the birthmom on today's u/s? I hope its a go for you guys! I would pack the bag if I were you... the last thing you're going to have when you get the call she's in labor is a clear head, so I would pack now to ensure that you have all that you need ready to go. I don't think you're jinxing anything - positive thinking never hurt anyone! ;)

Sem Yeah, my luck w/ the strep test huh? I was nervous enough as is about the whole "swabbing" part and in walks my cutie-patootie neighbor to do it. Such my luck! Congrats on hitting the full term marker!!!

Off to get some late breakfast!

[Lindzee82]

Kristen - Sorry about the NST fiasco. Glad that they were able to help you out, though. That is great that you like all of the nurses you have met so far. That will definitely make your delivery experience much more better if you like your nurses. Great that you have chosen a pediatrician. Another thing to cross off your list! Yay for having your carseat installed in your car!! I think it is totally crazy too, to see the carseat in the car! I can't wait until I get to put an actual baby in it!! I am sure whoever inspects your carseat for you will be able to get the seat to fit correctly wherever you want it. I really hope your baby is not breech!!! I do believe that they will schedule a c-section earlier than your due date for something like a breech baby. They don't want to take a chance that you will have a really quick labor and not get to surgery in time. A c-section wouldn't be fun for you, but your baby would be here sooo soon! And, if she turned this late in the game, she could turn right back around!

sem426 - Thanks! I try to be a sweet wife. Heaven knows I have put DH through a lot during this pregnancy. It was the least I could do. Too bad it cost over $20 for shipping!! They should be to him by Thursday, though! Yay for being full term! How very exciting!! You should see the rain we are getting!!! And very windy too!! Not much fun. Especially since I am still wearing flip flops!

Sebski - I stole a brownie for myself! I am going to test it out in just a few minutes. Sorry to get you thinking about sweets! Thanks for the compliments on my belly shots! I love taking the pics. Especially when I can see a noticeable difference week to week, like I did this week. I definitely have dropped. Not only can it be seen in the picture but I can hardly walk!! I feel all bruised down there. It is so sore! I hope they tell me I have made some progress when I go for my appointment tomorrow!

***

Nothing to report here. I am still just so sore. My back is killing me! I am still getting a lot of contractions - probably just braxton hicks, but they are uncomfortable. I also feel very bruised down below. My hips and pelvis really hurt when I walk. I think it is because he is getting lower in there. I have a wicked waddle now!! I didn't sleep at all last night because I was just so sore. I have laundry to do at my mom's tonight, but other than that I am on my way to camp out on the couch for the rest of the day!

[ginadc]

Alanna, so glad it sounds like your kitty will be okay! She is a beautiful cat.

Abby, ugh, sorry about the bedrest again, but I'm glad that it's working!

Seb--aieeee! I think I would totally freak out if one of our neighbors saw my privates, even in a "professional" capacity. While I could intellectually understand that "Yeah, hey, it's something he does every day," it still would be very wiggy.

Kristen, crossing my fingers that the baby isn't breech--or if she is that she turns again soon. Hey, if she did turn when the hiccups moved, she could do it again, right?

We got our car seat installed this weekend too. Or more accurately, DH did--we have LATCH in our car and for him it was the easiest thing in the world. (Gotta love engineers.) I'm going to get it checked out at the fire station soon just in case, but it feels pretty damn solid in there. (Of course DH looked all insulted when I told him I was going to have it checked out and I had to keep reassuring him that you're really supposed to do this regardless of how well you think it's installed.)

Got an e-mail from bmom yesterday and she's still doing well. She actually bought a couple of little things for the baby which she thinks will go well with our nursery theme--isn't that sweet? She said we'd hear from her today after the appt., but didn't mention what time it was, so of course I'm going to be on pins and needles all day. ARGH!

I think I will start packing that suitcase...

[Natasha]

Seb--YIKES on the NST. Oy vey...

Gina--Can't wait to hear about the u/s!

Lindzee--I can sympathize on the soreness. Sometimes I just feel all beat to heck.

sem--YAY for full term!!

Kristen--Breech doesn't mean a c-sec for sure. The baby may flip again, and if not, the doctor can try an inversion. Not very comfortable, but more comefortable than major surgery!

shirsty--YAY for maybe some baby action. Keep us posted.

Nothing new here. I just feel ginormous. It's worse at night. I was almost in tears last night, begging her to come out. I have been getting the worst restless legs. Anyone else?

[Lindzee82]

Natash - Sounds like we are right at the same place! I was in tears last night, too! Grrr!

[Sebski]

Ugh... I'm having a bad day today! I'm tired and achy 'downstairs'... and, I don't know what to do with our cat anymore.

I love him to death but I'm at my wits end. I can't keep him out of the crib, or the baby's clothes baskets, or the bassinette - which I just saw is covered in cat hair and already ruined with his hind claws and I only got it a week and a 1/2 ago at my shower! :( My mom had it custom made for the baby. I tried putting a netting over the crib and bassinette, tried tinfoil, spritzing him with water... nothing seems to work - I'm just at a loss now. He's also been peeing in the basement too. I'm afraid he's going to start peeing on the baby's things. He's always been a cat that likes to hide out in things, but he's been good with the furniture and never really gotten into trouble. The peeing started several weeks ago, but the vet said there's nothing medically wrong, it must be behavioral. DH is frustrated enough w/ the basement thing, so I've been keeping the other stuff (crib etc) from him hoping to fix the problem before he catches on. If he finds out, it won't be a question of HOW to fix the problem but rather how SOON the cat's out the door. He's told me numerous times that he's not putting up with any cat antics when it comes to the baby... I know he's right, but this is the first pet he's ever had so he's not cut from the same cloth that I am. I think I'm going to have to look into 'housing' him at my brother's girlfriends place if things get worse... she volunteered to take him in while we get adjusted w/ the baby and all.

I just don't get it - how do people with pets get their pets adjusted to a new baby????? I feel like I'm failing my poor cat or something.

[amypooh]

sebski - I'm totally with you on the achey bottom. I feel like I'm dying its hurting so bad today. And about the cat...our's started doing that right before Kailey was born. He progressed to peeing in a corner of her room and then one day he peeded on her changer and that was it! I'd had him since I rescued him in college but I couldn't take it any more. I gave him to to the Maine Coon rescue and they found him an awesome home with a retired lady who totally dotes all over him.

[clzj]

I have the same problem with my dog. The first pg he ate the couch. We still have him. This pg he pees and poops in the house. It is out of jealousy. Once the baby gets here he will be okay. He just feels that he will get left out.

[Kristen78]

Pets - Can you close the door to the baby's room? I have 4 animals. 2 cats and 2 dogs and they haven't done anything so far that has been out of the norm because I am pregnant. I have always kep the upstairs bedroom doors closed just because I dont want my beds covered with car fur. So they are used to that. They will try to run into the nursery if I leave the door open but I usually shoo them out. My dogs haven't sensed anything different I dont think. They haven't acted out or anything like that. They are been pretty good. I think they will lose some of our attention after the baby comes, but hopefully they learn to deal with it and will come to love the baby.

[Alanna]

Pets we are locking out cats out of the nursery too. However, I let them in when Im in there.. I dont want it to be a room of mystery for them... I am expecting a lot of accidents and throwing up (by the cats) when when the baby comes home. I think the crying is really going to upset them. I think it will take some time.. but i do think they will adjust. I dont have any real advice.. I think you will have to just weather the storm... but maybe getting some cozy beds or hidey baskets for him might help? it sounds like he is feeling insecure...
i hope he comes around soon!

[rochacha]

sebski -- sorry to hear that your cat is making things miserable for you. It has been years since I had a cat. If you have already tried the tin foil and water...besides locking him out of baby's room I am not sure what more you can do. I have heard that animals can get thrown off by your hormaone, just like we do.

We have a very active 1.5 year old lab, and he has not resorted to pooping and peeing in the house or detroying things (anymore than usual), but he has increased his bark. When we are watching TV he will sometimes get up from sleeping, come over to me and bark at me for 5-10 minutes! No apparent reason, he is not hungry, he just went out, he won't play fetch, he doesn't want his bone he just wants to talk to me. I can usually calm him down with some scratches behind the ear and petting, but he knows something is up. He barks at the crib too. The mobile we attached freaks him out.

I just hope that this kid isn't scared of his bark. Considering he has heard it in utero all these months he should be use to it.

Sounds like some of you guys are gearing up for labor!!! Next week is our month!!!

[abbytfox]

Starting about 3 weeks ago I started noticing these little red dots at the tips of some old stretch marks I have from years of losing and gaining weight. Now they are turning into full fledged stretch marks on my hips. I think they are so gross. All red and flame-y looking. I have been putting on lotion every day but I know that it is hereditary and there is nothing I can do. Everyone else here looks like they have escaped the stretch mark witch. Can anyone sympathize? It is making me feel even worse about my huge-ness.

Breast Pumps I ordered the Ameda Purely Yours carry all from babyage.com. Since I am planning on staying home for at least 8 months I won't need to pump as much as if I were working. It was more than $100 dollars cheaper than the Medela. I hope I am pleased with it. From past threads it seemed like most women had a good experience with it.

sebMy main pains are in my left hip and thigh. I also sometimes feel like someone kicked me in the crotch! But only on the left side...not a good feeling. Hope you figure out what to do with you cat. I don't have any pets...we were planning on a dog but found out we are going to have a baby first! Good luck!

gina Sounds like you have an exciting day ahead...I bet you can't wait to find out what the u/s says! Very exciting. And it is so considerate of her to buy you some things for your nursery. Yay for getting the carseat installed, still working on that one over here.

NatashaI feel more huge at night, too! It is the worst. I am a total waddler and feel like I have to get up about a million times a night to pee...I am so ready to get this baby out and in our arms! Still, even when I say that I start to get sad that he/she won't be in my tummy anymore...am I hormonal or what?

Kristen I know that my baby is totally head down (way down) but I sometimes feel hiccups up on top too, so maybe they are just getting stronger or something. I hope that your appointment on Thursday can put you at ease. We are doing the pediatrician thing this week. I have asked around, but everyone we know uses someone about 20 minutes from here and I would love to find a doc a little closer. More like 10 minutes away. Since I have nothing to do but sit around I am going to make some calls this week.

lindzee Lots of contrax? Could be soon for you! I am sorry you are feeling so uncomfortable. I can sympathize with you on that one. I have the worst hip and leg pains, not to mention the "kicked in the crotch" feeling that comes and goes. I guess that is the baby's head pressing. Hope Eric likes the brownies! We (and by we I mean my MIL) made my mom's recipe for banana bread today. It looks so good and has chocolate chips in it! Hopefully it will satisfy my sweet tooth. I hope your DH feels satisfied by the brownies!

[Lindzee82]

Sebski - Hugs, sweetie! I am so sorry you are having such issues with your cat. I wish I could help you, but you have already tried all the suggestions I would have given you. For my cat, tinfoil and a spray bottle did the trick. You could also try putting amonia in the spray bottle. Just a little bit with the water. I heard that works better than just plain water. I caught my cat sleeping in the glider when I got up from my nap. She hasn't jumped in that in a long long time. I thought I had her trained. I didn't yell at her this time. I figure that she is going through enough that I will pick my battles. Keeping her out of the glider was for my convenience, nothing to affect the baby. I will keep watching her though and if she goes in the glider again momma is gonna yell. Luckily, she is being pretty good with everything, but we will see how she is when I set up the big stuff. Maybe you can try calling the vet and see what they give you for advice on how to keep her out of things. You do still have a little big of time before the baby comes that maybe you can buy some training spray at the store called "Indoor No." You would want to do this early enough so that you can get rid of it before the baby comes. But putting that smell even in front of the baby's room may make the kitty stay away. I am just so sorry that you are having all of these issues even before the baby comes. I so wish I could help.

abbytfox - Sorry about the stretchmarks. I have them on my hips, thighs, and butt pretty bad. I know they are just part of the territory of being pregnant and there is nothing I can do about them so I don't let them get me down. They are not in any place that others can see them so they are like my own little dirty secret! Yep lots of contrax, but not regular at all and not yet painful. I think I am just being teased by some sort of mean labor teaser thing! I am sorry that you are feeling so uncomfortable too. I am just having a really bad day of it today. I am just so ready to be done. I want Eric home and I want Matthew here. I am tired of this. It has been long enough. I have cried so much today because my back just hurts so bad and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it. I am afraid to go to my appointment tomorrow because she will probably tell me that I will be pregnant forever. On a good note, the banana bread sounds good. I am going to eat some yogurt now.

[Bliss]

We had our 35 week appt today, baby looks great- every time I go the docs answer my "how does everything look?" question with "baby is GROWING". I have this feeling I am going to have a humongous baby LOL. Had the group B strep test too.

On top of all the late 3rd tri wonders, I am now sick with a cold :( I have always had horrible sinuses, which PG is not helping, and with the sudden change in weather in the NE I am totally out of sorts. I went out and bought those breathe right strips that the football players use :p since I dont really want to take anything. Add that to the worsening carpel tunnel and I am having a pity party day at my house. I cannot wait to meet our little one!! and the remaining time seems so long. My cousin, who I shared most of my pregnancy with, gave birth over the weekend to a baby boy :). I am so happy for her. I cannot wait to hold my little baby in my arms too!

Strollers Chiming in late on this one, but we have the Peg Perego Pilko & Viaggio and I have heard nothing but great things about it from my mommy friends.

Pets We are planning to put a gate accross the nursery door to keep the dogs out. My 2 have not done anything weird yet, but I am a bit nervous about bringing the baby home since they are large playful dogs. We are plannign on setting up the PNP downstairs and the bassinet upstairs next week, so they get used to not running around near the baby stuff. They come in the nursery w. me when I am in there, its funny as I keep the doors upstairs closed so when they go in there, they look amazed as if they never knew that room existed lol.

Breast Pump My friend is loaning me her Medela PIS. I have no idea what it is lol, but hopefully I will get more info in my breastfeeding class on 11/7.

Too many s/o to do today, hope everyone is doing well! I am off to breathe in some steam :)

[Natasha]

Sebski--I am gonna have to agree with the girls who said wait it out. My cat was pretty good with my DS, but she was indoor/outdoor, so she'd hide outside when he bothered her. Now, we have no pets (my cat lives at my moms), so I haven't experinced any pet problems this time around.

Abby--I got a TON of stretchmarks with my DS. I called it a flame tattoo, because thats what it looked like. I also got them on the BB's, my butt, my thighs, and my calfs, even! This baby has grown differently, so I haven't gotten any new stretch marks, but Ethan really messed me up the first time!

Lindzee--I feel ya. Between the baby inside, and the hormones, and the weather. It's just rough. The good news is, for almost all of us, the babies will be here this time next month. At least your doctor didn't say you could be preggo till December! :D

Bliss--I hope you start feeling better. I had a cold a few weeks ago and it was awful. Stay hydrated!

So, I have been feeling sick to my stomach today, and I think I felt a contraction or two. Baby is stretching today. I felt simultaneous kicks in my ribs and (what I can only assume to be) head butts on my cervix. Thanks, kid...Like this wasn't already uncomfortable as can be...

[clzj]

furstration:They just changed my c-section date to 11/15. This is upsetting because 11/14 was the day that we had picked and it had special reasoning. The reasoning is that was GFIL birthday and it was to honor him. The tried both hospital's and there is nothing available. They had to move it becuase of other surgery's. She said that she can check back for that day as cancelations happen. It is just so furstrating. The other thing is I don't know how late they want to go for the scheduling because I will be 39w 2d

[Sebski]

Thanks for the pet reassurance ladies! I have taken to closing our upstairs doors off to him.. the nursery is always closed, but our master is where the bassinette is and I'm always in/out of there I forget sometimes. I also don't want to have to keep the doors closed all the time once the baby is here... I mean, I have a monitor, but hope to keep the bedroom doors open if he's sleeping in his crib/bassinette ya know? Anyway, the vet told me that once the baby comes, kitty will probably back off of us a lot. He's always been a lap cat, veeeerry affectionate. Vet said that the crying/noises baby will make will probably keep the cat at a distance and hopefully help improve his behavior. He'll be less curious when there's a crying baby in the crib etc. and retreat somewhat. I'm going to give it a bit of time after the baby arrives and see how we/kitty handle things. Seeing the bassinette tulle shredded earlier this afternoon really sent me over the edge... but, I hit Target for the rest of my hospital bag supplies and now I'm feeling much more positive about making things work with the baby and cat. I guess it'll just be a waiting game.

[clzj]

Seb-That is a good attitude. We have done that with my dog. Once the baby arrived his behavior changed.

[LSUGirl]

Pumps - I have the briefcase kind. I love it. It really depends on what you want.

Seb - Could you use a crib tent to kep the cat out of the crib?

cramping - no more cramping for me. :( I think we are at a stand still.

strollers - I still haven't decided on a double strollers.

carseats - we moved Matthew's to the side and installed the infant seat a few days ago. Oh boy! Two carseats really does mean two babies lol.

pediatrician - we have decided to switch peds. Good timing huh? I am meeting with the possible new pediatrician tomorrow.

Not much else going on - gotta lose those cervical punches from babe. :(

[amypooh]

LSUGirl - I still haven't decided on a double stroller either. But I'm thinking if we wait another month there are going to be some new options out there. I was reading on http://www.strollerqueen.com that there is a real push right now for double strollers that will accept one infant seat. I've found that is nearly impossible to find now without going with that huge Graco duoglider out there. Let me know what you decide on, I still can't figure it out.

[clzj]

Has anyone noticed a change in the babies movement?

[Lindzee82]

What a stupid appointment I had! I am just so frustrated, I can't take much more of this. This morning I was having really bad stomach pains. It felt like someone was squeezing my insides together. It hurt to breath or move. So that was the first thing I mentioned when I went in. She said it was probably just gas and left it at that. So that was encouraging and relieving. I asked her about the swelling in my right foot. She said that was normal. I probably just ate something salty and I had to drink more water. I don't think it is possible for me to drink more water! That is their fix for everything. I told her about my severe back pain. She said I was 9 months pregnant and to expect it. I gained 3 pounds from last week and this was not okay with her. She said I was not on a good path. How can one person be so happy with my weight gain and the next be unhappy about it? I am just so frustrated!! Its not really like I can eat less because with my nausea I need to eat every so often. Yeah, I could probably choose healthier things to eat but because of my nausea I can only eat certain things. I really can't get much exercise because I don't feel comfortable walking around my neighborhood by myself and it is dark now by the time my mom gets home from work. I am so stressed out!!! She didn't do an internal, so I don't know if I have made any progress. I guess she isn't too worried about it. I told her that I was nervous that I wouldn't know when I was in labor and she laughed at me. She said if I don't know if I am in labor then I am not. She said I will know. Okay thanks, that helps. She looked in my file and said, "so your husband is coming home for 3 days?" I said yes and that I had wanted to get induced but that Jess didn't seem optimistic. And she says yeah you can't force it. So she is against my induction, too. I just find this so strange. It seems that almost everyone gets induced. I don't understand why they wont work with me. I just feel so alone. No one wants to help. I ran into my friend in the waiting room on my way out. She was due October 23rd. She has made no progress whatsoever. No dilation or effacement or anything. But they are going to induce her within the week. How is that different??? Yeah so she is overdue by a week. I wanted to go three days early. If we are at the same place internally - no baby wanting to come out on their own - how is the induction different? If I don't go on my own then I am going to end up with an induction anyway, which is what they think will happen, since no one thinks I am going to go into labor early. It is just so annoying. The only good thing was that Matthew was moving all around and his heartbeat was great. I was negative on the strep. I go back next Tuesday.

[Kristen78]

Has anyone noticed a change in the babies movement?

YES YES YES! I dont know but for the past day I haven't been feeling as much movement. I know I felt some yesterday while I was at work, but it wasn't anything major. Then last night I was getting worried so I got out of bed and had a big glass of OJ followed by a big glass of ice water. I felt some movement after that, but again, nothing major. This morning I had a Dr. Pepper and some Diet Coke thinking the caffeine would kick my little one into high gear, but I still only feel a few slight movements. I am thinking that maybe she is tucked into a position where I can't feel her as much? I thought she might have flipped breech the other day but I can't tell now. Maybe she has her back up against my tummy and her legs are on the inside so I dont feel them as much? I'm really not sure. Are you experiencing less movement too? I haven't called my doc because I have felt some movement, just not a ton. But on Monday she was moving alot.

[Kristen78]

Lindzee, I'm sorry your appointment is so frustrating. I don't think everyone gets induced though. Most doctors will only do it if there is a medical reason. Your friend might get induced because the baby could be getting too big for a vaginal delivery. Or when the baby is overdue it could mean that the placenta is not nourishing the baby properly so it is best to get the baby out sooner rather than later. It is disappointing and frustrating though. It does sound like you midwife/doc is brushing you off about the stomach pain and weight gain though. I think you look fantastic and if I were you I would not worry about a measly 3 pounds. You were tiny to begin with and you will need the extra weight for breastfeeding. I dont know why your midwife is making such a big deal about it. Hang in there! Maybe Matthew will surprise you.

[clzj]

Kristen-Yeah I am feeling a lot less movement. I am going to call DH and see what he says.

[Natasha]

Lindzee--I so sympathize, honey. What a sucky appointment. I think our doctors get a little callous, loking at preggo's everyday, and maybe forget our condition is every bit as much emotional as it is physical. Too bad we aren't big, rich, famous people. They get to have their babies whenever they want... Good luck, hon!

Movement--My baby is still moving pretty good, it's just painful, now. Yesterday, she took my breath away several times with jabs and rolls. I keep telling her, if it's so crowded in there, come out!

[sem426]

Movement--My baby is still moving pretty good, it's just painful, now. Yesterday, she took my breath away several times with jabs and rolls. I keep telling her, if it's so crowded in there, come out!

NatashaI TOTALLY agree! jabs and rolls....that's exactly what I've been feeling!

lindzee Sorry your appt didn't go the way you wanted. But like Kristen said...maybe Matthew will cooperate and come out when you want him to!

seb sorry about the cat problems. I can't really be of any help since I don't have any pets....but try not to stress too much about it. Keep the door shut and hopefully when the baby comes, the cat will adjust.

Its' getting so cold here! Has anyone thought about what kind of winter gear they are getting for the baby? I saw this the other day at children's place and think I might go back to buy it http://www.childrensplace.com/www/b/TCP/images/styles/395055_l.jpg

[Natasha]

We got this:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000AZJTLQ.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
at our baby shower, but the legs look reeeeaaally short, so we may be buying another one. There are aome adorable ones out there...

[Lindzee82]

Kristen - I know not everyone gets induced, but it does seem like the majority do. I think that in the October thread, at least half of them were induced or are going to be induced. I know all about the inductions for medical reasons. I wish they say mental insanity as a health reason! Thanks for your support on the weight issue. If me gaining 39 pounds doesn't bother me, and my blood pressure is fine and all that, why should it be an issue. I really hope Matthew suprises us, but no one seems to think he will.

Natasha - Thanks. Good point on the docs not being so sympathetic after seeing preggos all day. That makes sense. They see the same things all the time so it isn't a big deal for them. But for me, I am going through this for the first time all alone. I hate that they treat me like a little baby. Today I saw the doc I liked, too, so I was very surprised with how she treated me. Maybe I really am a big baby. Yeah, to be Britney Spears...

sem - Thanks. I told the doc that Eric thinks Matthew will come out on his own before the 11th or on the 11th for him. She said not to hold my breath. So I don't have any hope at all. Matthew has two snowsuits and some knit sweaters. One suit is from Old Navy and the other is from Toys R Us. I got two in different thicknesses for the changing weather.

[Alanna]

Hi Everyone!

Baby Movement I totally agree.. the kind of movemnet i have had for the past couple of weeks has felt different... rolls and jabs.. and i have a very pronounced foot on my left side and sometimes it feels like she is flexing her leg... not so very comfortable.

SEM I think that is a really cute snowsuit! There is something about those that just crack me up.

Lindzee Im sorry you had a bad appointment... it seems so unfair that you are so close to being able to have everything work out. But I think Kristen was right.. i think they are more likely to induce after the due date because of placenta and size issues... its so annoying when you are just talking the difference of a few days... but maybe Matthew will appear on his own accord at the perfect moment!

GinaDC have you had an update on the BM's appt? Cant wait to hear what you found out!

Speaking of big babies... I am going to have an u/s tomorrow to make sure the baby isnt super big.. my m/w seemed a little concerned.. she thought from the way i was carrying that the baby might be posterior... I have a very high pronounced bump... but when she felt around.. she doesnt thing she is. So now she is wondering if the baby is just very big... im not too worried... this is the one who is so hung up on GD... even though i passed the three hour twice.. she is still convinced i might have a mild case that would make the baby on the large side... :rolleyes:

the truth is that large babies run in my family... i was over 9 lbs (so was DH) and none of my siblings have had a baby under 8lbs... so im prepared from anywhere from an 8-10 lb baby... but... Im not going to turn down another peek at her. :)

Kitty update I had to take my Kitty for an u/s yesterday. It was really trippy.. the machine was exactly the same but smaller but it printed out pictures JUST like our u/s pictures (but of her kidneys etc) Like mother like kitty!
the sad part is that they had to shave her quite a bit and she already had one leg shaved for the catheter on Friday.. she definintely is not looking herself. Its been worth it though because they were very optimistic about what they saw... so we will be able to treat her and she will enjoy her quality of life... so thank you for all your prayers and thoughts... they worked.. im so relieved. i am still a little nervous.. but im hoping over the next week or so.. she will continue to do well so that when i leave her to go to the hospital I wont be totally worried about her.

[ginadc]

It's a...


....



....very modest baby! He or she didn't show anything yesterday, unfortunately! But the U/S tech was nice enough to say they'd repeat the scan today to see if they could see anything. So bmom is going to e-mail us again as soon as she's back. Meanwhile, everything looks like it's going very well, doctor says, and he is fine with us being in the delivery room (along with bfather and bmom's best friend--quite the crowd!) as long as there are no complications. Bmom wants to have the delivery videotaped so that we can both have copies (wow), and she's asked if one of us wants to cut the cord! I cannot believe how thoughtful and emotionally generous she's being...she's really an amazing person.

She didn't mention in her e-mail if the doc had said anything about progress, like dilation or softening or anything, so I asked about that when I e-mailed back. We shall see!

[Kristen78]

I am not getting a regular snow suit for the baby this year. I do have a fleece bunting that I got from the BabyGap though. I just don't think that the baby needs your typical snowsuit. Its not like she's going to be outside running around or anything right? And you can use those large puffy snowsuits in the carseat so whats the point? This is what I have

http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/300/300858/main/gp300858-00p01v01.jpg

I'll use it in the stroller when I am outside and if I use the Baby Bjorn. It allows you to snap the bottom as a sack, or as 2 legs. I also have one of those Bundle Me fleece thingys that work with the carseat as a type of cover.

[Lindzee82]

Alanna - Thanks. I am so hoping that Matthew will cooperate...but if he is anything like me or his daddy we don't have a chance in the world!! Good luck at your ultrasound tomorrow. How exciting to be able to see your baby again!!! I hope the baby isn't too big!! Good news on your kitty. I am still praying that she will be okay!

ginadc - Sorry for the modest baby! That stinks, but great that they are giving it another shot!! I hope he or she is much more "open" today!! That is awesome that she wants you to cut the cord. That is very cool. I am so excited for you!!

[Natasha]

Whoops, couldn't let us slip off the first page! Good luck on finding out the gender, Gina! How great that your bmom is being so cool. I'm glad to hear your kitty is doing well, Alanna. Went out and got some walking in today. I have a feeling she's going to keep us waiting, though. I would not be surprised if she ends up being a December baby...

[Sebski]

SnowSuits (Alanna they crack me up too - so 'A Christmas Story-esque!) I got 4 of these at my shower. :eek: I have the one that you posted Sem - but in Blue along with 2 other blue ones from I'm not sure where. Also got a really cute coverup from my Mom - its made by Carters and is blue and furry w/ a hood and ears. She got it in a 6/9 months in case I didn't want to use a snowsuit - big enough for me to fit an outfit on underneath. Its really cute! Like Kristen said though, we're not supposed to use the snow suits with the car seats right? I have a Bundle Me that I'm probably going to use more than the suits. But they are adorable!

Movements they come and go... he's positioned really low in my cervix based on Monday's u/s. I don't get the strong/hard jabs and kicks much anymore, but his rolls and little movements are pretty consistent. And, they still come 10 per hour - that's all my doctor seems concerned about so I'm not too worried. I still also bug him with the doppler I rented though (nope, haven't returned it yet - HA!) so I have that extra reassurance.

Lindzee <<<hugs>>> on the frustrating appt! So annoying when we don't get the news we're hoping for isn't it? And frustrating when 1 doc can have a prob with weight gain while another is fine with it.

Alanna hope you get some great shots of your little one at tomorrow's u/s!

Sem you were going to checkout that furniture store in LI over the weekend weren't you? How'd that go?

Gina shux on the modest baby! But, I'm sure you'll appreciate that in years to come if you have a little girl on your hands! :D It's great that they were giving it another go today - hopefully you guys get better results! And how wonderful of the birthmom to want everyone in the room - sounds like a really strong/thoughtful woman!

[Lindzee82]

Natasha - Yay for getting some walking in. I walked, too! Think positive...your little girl WILL be here in November!!! I just know it!!

Sebski - Thanks for the hugs. I am over it now. Just gotta take things as they come.

***

So if I wasn't already uncomfortable enough...tonight I pulled my groin muscle. We have gotten a ton of rain and because of this our doorjam swelled. I couldn't get the screen door opened so tried to push it with my leg. Bad idea. I felt it pull right up my leg and up inside me. I can barely walk now. It is sooo painful. I can't really stretch it our or anything. Hopefully it will feel better tomorrow. It is so annoying because I had been doing very good to not hurt myself - my mom comes and picks up my laundry and does the cat box and takes out my trash so I don't have to lift anything - and I hurt myself doing something as simple as trying to get out my front door. I just can't win. I think I am cursed!

[Natasha]

Awww, Lindzee. Thats no good. You're not cursed, just pregnant! The dumbest things happen when you are preggo, I swear! But, what are ya gonna do? I hope your pulled muscle feels better soon, that really stinks! I am trying to be positive about having the baby next month, but I don't want to get my hopes up too high. If I expect the worst, I'll be happy no matter what happens! :D

[LSUGirl]

snowsuits - don't really need one here. But with as small as our babes will be this winter I would go with the bunting kind. They are more newborn friendly than an actual snowsuit.

double strollers - Amy, We will probably end up with the Graco (since that is our seat), but I am not happy about that. Have you seen the sit 'n stand type strollers. I don't know ifthey work with Graco seats or not.

[Sebski]

Early post from me... caught an episode of Maternity Ward on the Discovery Health channel last night that had me tossing/turning most of the night. This woman was devlivering what her and DH expected to be a healthy baby boy. Well, he was born with a chromosonal defect (I think it was something with the 15th chromosone) that had gone undetected during the whole pregnancy. The doctor had done a c-section and knew right away as soon as he took the baby out that something was wrong - he had low-set ears and small genitals. The doctor said that his defect would cause weight problems and possibly severe retardation by the 2nd year of his life...

Is anyone else worried about their baby's arriving w/ unforseen problems? Pretty stupid question - I'm sure we all have our concerns... but seeing that show last night made me realize that as much as I want to meet my little man, I'm scared to death that something could be wrong with him! It was a real eye opener... and I have 2 friends now who are going through their first tri-mester and are very cautious about EVERYTHING. It's making me think maybe I should have been more cautious about things... not that I did anything wrong/bad for the baby, but I certainly wasn't overly overly cautious ya know?

Man - I've got to start listening to DH and STOP watching those shows!

[Lindzee82]

Natasha - I definitely have done some of the dumbest things while pregnant! It is crazy! I am so clumsy and forgetful. My muscle feels better this morning after resting it all night. Still hurts, but definitely not as bad. Might be a different story after I start moving around today. I am going to try and take it easy. I am glad you have such a good attitude about when the baby arrives. I wish I could be more like you. I am just so darn impatient!

Sebski - Yes, listen to your DH and never watch those shows again!!!!!! I am a little worried because I screened positive for Down Syndrome. I elected not to have the amnio. The ultrasound looked fine, but we will not know 100% if he has Down Syndrome or not until he is born. Of course it wont matter to me whether he has it or not, but we wont know for sure until he gets here. So I do worry about that. I am constantly worried about something going wrong, but I try to push those thoughts out of my head.

[rochacha]

Is anyone else worried about their baby's arriving w/ unforseen problems?
YES! This is mine and hubby latest irrational (we hope) fear :( . I caught about 2 seconds of the show you mentioned, that put me over the edge. We did not have any of the tests done and only one U/S, so we would have not clue if there was a problem or a risk. Hubby just keeps saying, "I hope he is healthy", and that makes think...

I have 2 friends now who are going through their first tri-mester and are very cautious about EVERYTHING. It's making me think maybe I should have been more cautious about things...
I have not been the most cautious preggo...I drink caffine, I have had a couple glasses of wine, eat soft cheeses, sleep on my back!!! If it turns out that something is wrong with our little guy, I can point to many "bad" things I have done. Can you say GUILT.

But, having said all that...I have to believe that our guy will be healthy, and so will yours!

[sem426]

sebski Yes, we went to the furniture store on LI on Sat and ordered the same set there...they are rushing it for us and I'm hoping to have it sometime next week (fingers crossed!) Stop watching the discovery channel!!
try to focus on some mindless TV like me...I'm watching Ellen now!

lindzee ouch..sorry about the groin pull. try to take it easy!!

snowsuits yes, we've also heard you aren't supposed to wear them when in a carseat. I think i might get one just in case i'm ever outisde walking around in the stroller and it's cold. i registered for the bunting thing also so I can use that as well.

worries I haven't been thinking about "what could go wrong" and i guess that's a good thing. I'm just trying to be positive and hope the baby is happy and healthy.

So I had the worst morning....like i said earlier I am watching Ellen now....from home.
Got on the train this am....we went maybe 15 minutes and stop at a station that we aren't scheduled to stop at...they come on the intercom and say "we are here bc of a medical emergency w/one of the crew" and hope to be moving shortly. 20 minutes later they tell us we all need to get off this train due to a medical emergency. after 10 minutes of standing on the platform, they tell us all to get back on the train. Now there are ambulances, police and a fire truck at this station. ( i am about 20 minutes from my stop..and no where near NYC at this time). so everyone gets back on....only for them to say 15 minutes later to all get off again! so now it's been like an hour and we are still sititing in this station. at that point i was like screw it...i'm going home. I have a dr appt today and was going to leave work early anyway...so at this point there was no reason to deal w/this anymore. So I walked to the other side of tracks along w/tons of other peole and took the train back home! I can check my email from here and who knows when I would have made it to NYC at that rate.
So I'm home now:) watching TV and posting on CC! What could be better! My dr appt isn't until 4...so I think I may head over to the mall for a bit too!:D

[Natasha]

Lindzee--My attitude is more defeated than anything else :D Ethan was pretty late, so I am expecting the worst! lol Part of me has accepted she'll get here when she gets here, and the rest of me keeps eating pineapple and spicy food and walking like crazy!

Sebski and rochacha--I soooo avoid those shows! I actually DON'T worry about what the baby will turn out like. It is something that is sooooo far beyond my control, I just can't even think about it. I was not the the healthiest momma during either of my pregnancies. I mean, I was good for the most part, but I drank diet soda and whatnot. My son was totally unplanned, and I had no idea I was pregnant till I was almost 8 weeks. I had been taking birth control AND diet pills! I was freaked, but he turned out healthy as can be. There is no way to prepare for something like that, so we'll just take it as it comes...

sem--What a hassle, but at least you're home. That's pretty cool! I have a doctors appointment too, at 12:45 (west coast, so almost the same time as you! heehee).

Ugh, I HATE waking up so nauseas! As soon as I opened my eyes this morning, I thought 'you have got to be kidding me'. All I wanted to do was go back to sleep, but Bert has a phone interview this morning, so i need to be up with Ethan. He has been so good about getting up with Ethan since he's been out of work. I have alot of trouble sleeping at night, so it's nice to get the extra hour or two that I wouldn't get if he was at work. Maybe after the interview, I'll go lay down again...

[Kristen78]

So I went for my NST test this morning. Results were great. Then I went across the street to my doctor's office. I called called right away. No weight change. My BP was high again, even though it was 120/72 at the NST. I guess my doctor's office really does make me anxious!

After that I was told to strip from the waist down and I had to wait 25 minutes for the doctor to come in!!! She came in and looked at my blood pressures. Then she gave me the results of my 24-hour urine test. I guess I had more protein in my urine than they like and she diagnosed me with mild pre-eclampsia. She wants to get me delivered NEXT WEEK!
I am having a baby next week! :eek:

She wants me to stop working immediately. So I asked if I could just work tomorrow and she said OK, but that once the weekend comes I need to be a complete couch potato. Ugh. So Monday I have another NST scheduled and then I am supposed to come into my doc's office right after. They are going to do another internal and see if anything is happening. Maybe strip my membranes and she will probably send me over to the hospital to get some gel on my cervix to start softening it up and all that good stuff. Then I will go home and I guess come back on Tuesday to get this labor started. :eek: I am excited but also nervous. Because now I know when I am going to go into labor.

I have a TON of stuff to do still. I need nursing bras, and my DH and I have to go food shopping. Hopefully we can do both of those tomorrow after work. I called my DH at work after the appointment and told him the news and he is pretty excited he just kept saying "WOW". LOL. Now I need to get my butt in gear and get myself prepared I guess. I never got my car seat inspected.

Oh, my baby isn't breech like I thought she might have been. So that is good news. I'm so excited and nervous!

[amypooh]

Kristen - Wow!! How exciting your baby will be here next week!!! :)

I'm getting so anxious for Cameron's arrival. I can't wait to snuggle him.

[albuquerque]

Kristen, WOW is right!! How exciting that you're going to have your baby next week! So, probably the cervix-softening stuff on Halloween, and labor the next day? Does that mean your baby will have a November 1st birthday? How exciting!! Personally I really don't want to be induced, but if I had a valid medical reason, as in your case, I think I'd be fine with it and it must be so exciting to think that the days before you are a mother are numbered!! Have I used the word exciting enough?! Actually, Alanna and I have single-digit days left until our due date, that's also pretty exciting! I hope you manage to get everything done, but given that they're a bit worried about you, really don't freak out and run yourself ragged. You can delegate errands--your DH can do food shopping, maybe a friend can help with the nursing bras, etc. Take care of yourself and take it easy a little bit.

Natasha, Lindzee is right, you do have a great attitude, consistently. About everything, actually. I'm remembering your thread in ES on the other site, and that one woman who was so obnoxious to you--you even had a great attitude then in the face of such ridiculous harrassment.

Sem sounds like your little train adventure sucked! But maybe it was God's way of saying take a day off, girl!

Rochacha and Sebski, I've been worrying a little bit lately about whether or not the baby will be OK. But I don't think that the occassional half beer or whatever could possibly result in a chromosomal problem. Usually whatever bad things you might do during pregnancy would result in low birth weight or preterm delivery, I thought--so as long as the doc says the baby seems a good size, we should be a-OK on that score, right? We're all far enough along that even if our babies came a bit early, everything should be OK. Look at how beautiful little Emalee is, and she was *waaaay* early! As far as the chromosomal stuff and other potential problems--well, there's nothing any of us can do about that. Don't watch any more scary TV shows and hope for the best!

Lindzee, sorry about the pulled muscle. Thank God your time living without DH is coming pretty quickly to an end! You've had enough of doing for yourself!

Alanna....9 more days til EDD!!! Seems very unreal to me. Poor little shaved kitty! I wonder if the hair growing back is as uncomfortable and itchy for her as it is for us, poor thing. I'm really glad the vet gave you good news about her condition, though. Hopefully now that you know what you're dealing with she also feels a little better overall, too, since you can start treatment.

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

So, EDD is next Saturday....and I have no signs of ANYTHING going on. No sign of mucus plug, no real cramping, some BH contrax here and there but nothing serious. Honestly I read about how some of you have some painful cramping and I really am jealous, since I'm pretty sure that's a sign of progress. I keep waiting for the baby to drop and I'm really looking forward to being able to feel like I can breathe deeply again--but so far, no changes on that score either. At Monday's dr appt, the doctor told me that my cervix is a *little* lower and a *little* softer, but that's all, still very posterior, whatever that means. I asked about any effacement/dilation, and she snorted at me and said wishful thinking. Baby and placenta seem to be fine, and my blood pressure seems fine to her I guess, so she said now we wait. We'll see what she says this coming Monday. My guess is that she won't let me go a lot past my due date--I would expect her to begin talking induction at my Monday appointment. I will refuse to be induced *before* my due date, and I am guessing she'd rather not mess up her weekend, so I expect her to begin to negotiate for induction a week from Monday (Nov 7th). I'll push back as hard as I can but I know she'll start talking about placental maturation, etc., and it doesn't take much to scare me since I'm a natural worrier. Anyway, we'll see.

[Lindzee82]

sem - I watched the end of Ellen today! That show cracks me up!!! The groin pain is a little more tolerable today. I can at least walk, so that is a good thing! Sorry about your bad morning. That must have been scary. Did you ever find out what was wrong with the crew member? Glad you got a day off of work. Enjoy it!!!

Natasha - I am contemplating eating some spicy food. I haven't had much luck with it because it gives me wicked heartburn so I stopped eating anything spicy. I am afraid to eat it now because if it doesn't put me into labor I will just suffer. Hard decision to make...Sorry about the nausea. Hope it gets better.

Kristen - Glad the NST went well. Yay that you are having your baby next week!! How exciting!!!!!

I just talked with first-time mom on the phone and she is having a scheduled c-section on November 10th! She is very excited!! She lost her computer to a virus and is hoping to be back on the boards very soon. She wishes you all the best!

Today I set up the Aquarium Bouncer. I love it!! I let my cat "help" me put it together. So far she has done really well with it. She has smelled it and batted at one of the toys once. Other than that she has pretty much left it alone. I am planning on running it once a day so that she can get used to the sounds it makes so that she isn't scared once Matthew starts using it. The noises are new to her and it is quite loud. I don't want her to be startled. Depending on how well she does with it for the rest of the day, I may or may not tinfoil it tonight when I go to bed. Hopefully she will be a good girl!

[Lindzee82]

albuquerque - Thanks. It is feeling a little better now. Sooo annoying though! I am so ready for DH to be home. He comes to visit 2 weeks from tomorrow!! I can't believe your due date is sooo soon!! I am just so excited for you!!

[Kristen78]

Lindzee - Thanks. I feel funny now that I told you "not everyone gets induced" and here I go getting induced...LOL. I guess those are the breaks. I am excited that I am going to have my baby next week but at the same time nervous about getting induced. I would rather have let the baby come on her own time. Oh well!

[Lindzee82]

Kristen - I can totally understand you being nervous. This is just so exciting!! I am sure your induction will be nice and easy and you will be happy with the results!!! Who knows...maybe she will decide to come on her own before the induction date! You never know...

[dziner]

I had an internal today and I was right...that cramping late last week did mean something...I am 2.5 cm dilated and 90% effaced! :eek: I am kind of freaking out over here. I REALLY don't want to go into labor before next weekend...I have a preschool open house to attend!! It is soooo different this time around. Most of my concerns are centered around things I need to do for Ava.

[amypooh]

dziner - I am the same way... I keep thinking Lord please let Cameron stay put... I want to take my baby girl trick or treating this year. I dont want to miss it!

[Natasha]

Look at all this PROGRESS!!!!!

Kristen--WOW! I am so excited for you! Induction isn't all that bad, I hope it goes well for you. Pre-eclampsia is a big deal. I'm glad yours is mild, but I am also glad you get to meet your baby next week!!!

Alb--Awww. It must be the hormones, your kind words got me all teared up! lol Being positive is much less stressful than being negative! heehee Your EDD is so close! Wow, you may start talking induction next week! It really is almost November, isn't it!?

Lindzee--Funnily enough, spicy food hasn't given me heartburn. But, I am pretty sure she dropped, because my heartburn in general has been almost non existent. Thats good that your kitty is doing well with the bouncer. I must say, I am glad I don't have pet stress this time around. Instead, I have toddler stress! lol

dziner--WOW! how exciting! I can sympathize. My main concerns have been with getting Ethan settled, too. He's a pretty easy going kid though, so I haven't had to worry too much. He really wants the baby to come out, too.

amypooh--I am totally stoked to take Ethan trick or treating too. He's 2.5, but this is his first year actually going out. He was too little on his first Halloween, and too scared on his second. Maybe all the walking will get something going! heehee

Well, I am off to my appoinment. Maybe all your ladies progress will mean good luck for me, too!

[Lindzee82]

dziner - Yay for making some progress!! that is good news...but I do hope that you can hold out your labor to finish all the things you want to do.

Natasha - That is awesome that spicy food hasn't given you heartburn. I am jealous! I spoke too soon - my cat has started to be a bad girl. The spray bottle has come out!! Good luck at your appointment!

[LSUGirl]

Kristen - Congrats! I felt the same way when I was induced with Matthew. I wish I could have gone on my own, but he needed to come out for medical reasons. I am determined not to be induced this time (it was not a bad experience at all, I just want to have the experience of telling hubby "it's time." LOL)

Amy and dziner - I am hoping Andrew can wait until after I take Matthew trick or treating. I don't want to miss it!!!

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

I had my 38 week OB appt today.
*First off, no weight gain LOL
*I am now 3 1/2 - 4 cm. That's up from 2-3 last week :)
*50% effaced. The previous two weeks she wouldn't tell me b/c she didn't want to discourage me. But we are making progress, so she told me this week.
*She asked if I wanted her to "disrupt the water." I told her (laughing) not if it will hurt. She said each woman is different and then we didn't mention it again.
*After the exam she told me "You are a really good exam right now. Almost a 4, 50% effaced and I can feel the bones in his head. Would you mind terribly if I had my medical student come in and do an exam?" Well, shoot. I'm already undressed and laying on the table... go for it.
*Med student was suprised she could feel his head so well.
*OB gave me an RX of lots of nipple stimulation and sex (shhh don't tell Paul, lol) to get things going this weekend. OB is on call this weekend, so timing would be perfect.
*TONS of cramping since the exam - or should I say two exams. But that is to be expected.

So that's where we stand at the moment.

[dziner]

Thanks for the encouragement. I am curious, LSU, why are you anxious to get things going now at only 38 weeks? It sounds like labor is going to be super quick for you...last time I had contractions from 5pm-1:30am just to get to 2cm! And then it took till noon to get to 10cm. This time we'll be that much further before we even start the Real Deal. Scary. Both times my babies were really far down beforehand...today my doctor had to really prod to see how dilated I was b/c the head was in the way!

Kristen, I know you wouldn't choose to be induced, but I'm sure everything will go well and then you won't have to worry about the preeclampsia anymore. At least you are able to plan and have everything packed and ready; that's a luxury!! Bring a good book, b/c often induction the first time takes a while.

[LSUGirl]

Oh no.. I'm not anxious to get things going. My OB is. There will be no sex or nipple stimulation this weekend LOL. I am just letting nature take it's course. Andrew will come when he is ready ;) (which is why I really didn't want her "disturbing my water." Which I am assuming she meant stripping the membranes.)

Plus, I am working my old job tomorrow, I have a shower on Sunday, and trick-or-treating with my son on Monday. Andrew needs to wait until at least Tuesday ;)

[sem426]

Wow...lots of people are having progress!

Not the case here...which is ok for now.

Had my 37w appt...
gained 1/2lb..which is nice! i think my weight has hit it's max (I hope) in the last 2 weeks...I lost a lb ...then gained a 1/2 lb. so i think i'm steady at this weigth until baby comes.

My strep test was negative....so that's good news, but other than that...nothing going on....cervix is soft...but that's about it. I go back next Fri 11/4 for my next appt and we'll see if anything changes.

I'm fine w/this for now...still have stuff to do! Hoping our furniture will come next week...I "think" my work shower is next thurs (my boss gave me some lame story about a "meeting" at 3 I need to go to!). I'm also hoping to work up til the 11th like I planned ...so we'll see what nature has in store for the next few weeks!

I don't feel TOO uncomfortable yet...still sleeping pretty well, no swelling or cramping...so I could last for another couple of weeks:)

kristen, LSU, dziner looks like we might have a busy week here next week with all of you so close!

[Sebski]

Wow lots of effacement and dialating going on in this thread! :D Looks like we might have some new arrivals by the end of this weekend!!! Anyone know when we're due for the next full moon - my mom swears by lots of deliveries based on that. I'm so excited for those of you making progress and so happy it isn't me right now. :p I still have so much left to do!

Thanks for the reassurance on the crappy Maternity Ward show and being worried about the baby. I feel much better now since I pushed the thoughts out of my head throughout the day. Like it was stated before, it's out of my hands and I just have to trust that all's well.

I had a lot of cramping on the train ride home tonight... I sat there thinking, are these contractions? They can't be because I'm supposed to be able to time them and they feel like one big AFish cramp. I really hope I'll know know when labor starts!

Sem congrats on getting the furniture squared away - can't wait to see pictures of it all! And I looove the days that the commute ends up being a bust and you head home back to your bed/couch/jammies!!! :)

[dziner]

Sebski, cramping could mean you are starting to dilate, but you will know when it's labor! They'll come and go every x minutes and get more intense as time goes on. Not like when AF is coming and you just feel, and I must quote my old college friend here, "like a broken Coke bottle is inside you."

[Sebski]

Dziner so, contractions start off like a big AF kinda cramp and then progress into something that you can time once it's the real thing? Like big steady cramps on top of the minor-AFish ones? I've been having the AF type cramps a few days on/off but they aren't "time-able" so I would sit and think, how the heck do you time contractions when they feel like one big old cramp. :confused: Thanks for the help/insight!

[LSUGirl]

Yes, they start like AF-cramps. It could be days before actual contractions start - or weeks. You never know :(

Next full moon = Nov 15
Next New Moon = Nov 2

[Alanna]

well.. more news from here too.

I went for my ultrasound and well... turns out that my m/w was right. Baby is measuring big. she is estimated to be around 9.5 lbs. :eek: Im not even 39 weeks yet. of course there is a margin of error of at least a pound either way. My m/w said that they will not induce before my due date for a big baby.. but they will not let me go much after it. so it looks like i will be having this baby in the next couple of weeks. Im SO relieved that they arent going to induve me earlier.. we are still trying to get my cat stabilized and i had a really awful night with her last night... tonight has been much better... i am hoping that it will all get better from here.

it seems like this place is going to be hopping really soon.. its so exciting!

[Natasha]

Lindzee--Well, the baby has dropped, so I am sure thats why my heartburn has subsided.

LSUGirl--Wow, look at you and all that progress! Here's hoping baby stays put till at least Tuesday!

sem--YAY for no weight gain. Wish I could say the same...

Sebski--Yeah, I get the big cramps that hang around for awhile too, but no timeable anythings.

Alanna--Wow, big baby! Ethan was 9lbs 6oz. That's cool that they aren't in a huge rush to induce you. Good luck getting to your due date!

I had a good doctors appointment, too! The baby has definetly dropped (yay!). If there's no progress by the 27th, he's gonna strip my membranes, but he doesn't think I'll make it that far, which is also good news. He thinks I only have a few weeks left. I gained SEVEN pounds in a WEEK!!!!!!!!! Can you believe that!? But, my doctor said my weight is ok, so if he says so....... I came out feeling really good, and much more motivated. So, YAY! Bert got some bad news though. Our hospital doesn't let the dads stay overnight in the recovery rooms. So, after the baby is out, he can't spend the night. he was very, very bummed. Poor guy. I told him, that means I am coming home to a clean house! So, yay for everyone's progress!

[Tulip]

Saturday, Oct. 8
I was having contractions every 40 mintues. They weren't real strong so I thought it was false labour again.

Sunday, Oct. 9
The contractions were getting stronger. I was having to breath through most of them. That didn't stop us from going out to breakfast. After that we went home so I could grab a nap. Then we headed for the hospital at about 2pm. They told us while we were there that I was 3cm and my water was still intact. They told us to go home and have Thanksgiving dinner and I would probably have the baby before the end of the week.

So we went to MIL's house for turkey and pie. Afterwards we went home to watch Cold Case and Desperate Housewives. I missed a lot of DH because the contractions were getting a lot more intense at that point. They were 6-7 minutes apart. We headed back to the hospital at 10pm and I was told I was 4cm but the contractions weren't strong enough. They monitored me for a bit and then I was told to walk around the hospital for 2 hours and they would check me again.

Before we walked I decided to make use of the bath tub room and have a warm bath. Then we walked around and around the empty hospital until 1:45am. They checked me again and said I was 4 1/2cm but things still weren't good enough to stay. They gave me some Tylenol 3s to sleep and sent us home.

Monday, Oct. 10
I woke up just after 5am and started to time the contractions myself so Dan could sleep. They were 5 minutes apart, then by 6am they were 4 mintues apart. I woke Dan up to go back to the hospital and by the time we were leaving the house they were 3 mintues apart. We got back to the hospital and they told me I was 6cm and we could finally stay.

I got into my room just before 7am and the epidural was in by 7:30am. Thank goodness b/c the contractions were ripping through me one on top of the other. I would get about 3 in a row and they a tiny break before they would start again.

We both slept on and off all day. They broke my water at about 1pm and my mom arrived with my step-dad at about 2pm. I started to feel the urge to push at about 3pm. The doctor came in and said I was 9cm. So I waited another half hour and they came back. They said I was 10cm but I still had a tiny band of cervix at the top. So at 4pm they came in again and I was clear to push.

I had been pushing for about 10 mintues when the baby's heart rate monitor showed the h/b had gone down to 70. They called in for a vacuum team and hooked a probe into his head to monitor his heart rate more closely. They put an oxygen mask on me and wanted me to sign the papers to concent to an episiotimy and vacuum suction.

After 3 or 4 more contractions his heart rate was back to normal and I never signed the papers. So went on and pushed for another half hour and I thought I was making good progress when the on call OB decided that I need an episiotimy. They thing that really bugs me is that she never examined me herself. There was a resident and a student on either side of me doing the delivery, she was standing back observing.

The resident started to make a cut and the OB jumped in and made it deeper. She then proceeded to make 2 more cuts. I have so many stitches I can't even count them. After that I had one contraction and his head slid out. His shoulders didn't even wait for the next contraction, they came out right away. Then they moved him a bit and pulled on the cord and the placenta came sliding out.

I remember looking at him and thinking he was small but asked them to weigh him. I was so doped up from the epidural plus they gave me a local during the cutting. While they were getting him cleaned up, they did my stitches and gave me two more locals for them. I fell asleep right away and didn't even get to hold my son until he was over an hour old.

Over all I'm thrilled to have him home with us but I'm not happy with the OB or the delivery and am planning to file a complaint with the hospital about her.

[LSUGirl]

CONGRATS KELLY!!!! How exciting he came so early :)

What are his stats? How small is he (you used the word small, so that's why I am saying it ;) )

WAY TO GO MAMA!!

[dziner]

Sebski, I don't remember it super clearly, but it wasn't bad for a while. Just felt like little cramps at first...I was able to cook dinner, do stuff around the house, whatever for a while. It was maybe 4 hours or so till I decided it was the real deal, not just discomfort.

Tulip, I'm sorry you had such a bad experience! That stinks. If it's any consolation, I tore pretty badly last time and got a bunch of stitches, and they healed up right away. By my 6 week PP exam, the doctor couldn't see any evidence of them anymore.

The other reason I don't want this baby to come is the opposite from many of you...I want him to grow! Ava was born at 39 weeks and only weighed 5 lbs, 12 oz. I am currently at the same weight gain as last time, but am hoping this guy hits 6.5 lbs.

[Lindzee82]

sem - Yay for your strep test being negative. That is good news! One less thing to worry about when the time comes. Hoping for you that your furniture does come next week. We are getting down to the wire! I am so jealous that you do not feel uncomfortable yet. Not that I wish you to feel uncomfortable, but you know what I mean! Hopefully that trend will continue for you right up until you deliver!!

Sebski - Hope the cramping means something for you!!

Alanna - Wow, that is one big baby! I hope they were off by a pound more for your case. Hopefully you only have an 8 pounder. That is good that they will not induce you before your due date. I am sorry that you had a rough night with your cat. You are still in my thoughts and prayers that she will be okay.

Natasha - I thought Matthew had dropped, but I am still getting heartburn. I had to take Maalox last night and I didnt' even eat anything that I thought would have contributed to it. Strange. Glad your appointment went well!! Awesome that your doc now doesn't think you will make it to the 27th! That is less than a month away! Looks like you wont have a December baby after all!!! That completely SUCKS that your hospital doesn't allow the dads to stay in the recovery rooms. That is the strangest thing I have ever heard! I guess I am lucky at my hospital because they have a special bed right in the room for the dads and they really cater to them. They can order hospital food and everything. Hopefully you will have the baby first thing in the morning so that he can be with you all day long! Good idea on making him clean the house, though. He should have to suffer a little after all you will have gone through!!

Tulip - Oh my goodness. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am sorry things were not so good for you. How frustrating that they sent you home so many times. I can't believe they did the epiosiotomy without really checking you and that they gave you so much anesthesia that you couldn't even hold your baby right away. Definitely file a complaint!!! I am just so glad for you that you are okay and that you have your baby with you!!

[Alanna]

Tulip thank you for sharing your story with us! I have been wondering how you have been doing.. its nice to hear from you. It sounds like the episiotomy was pretty traumatic :( I think you are right to air your grievances.

Natasha sounds like you are moving right along! Yay for a November Baby!!!

No new baby news here... the kitty news is SO much better than yesterday... she had stopped eating for about 24 hours and I was so panicked... the Vet started throwing around the idea of it being the kidney problem BUT also started saying that it might be lymphoma. I was a total wreck all day but as a result they took her off the antibiotic she was on just incase that was causing her to have nausea... and she is eating again !!! Hooray! I have never been so happy...

have you guys noticed that in the January thread they are expecting 17 boys and only 6 girls with 2 surprises... that totally cracks me up... every other thread has a pretty even distribution...

I decided to buy a baby sling.. (you know.. hands free baby so that I can still check in on CC once she is here... ) and while I dont know if baby or I will like or use it when the time comes ( i know people end up loving or hating them) if anyone is contemplating buying one... the site i bought it from has already *really* impressed me. I emailed them with a question and they got back to me within a few hours and I ordered it on wednesday.. and it arrived today :eek: ! and the shipping was only $4.00...

anyway... the site is: http://store.attachedtobaby.com/

heres a pic of the one i decided on.

http://store.attachedtobaby.com/images/4_2.jpg

just thought id pass it along in case anyone is interested...
thats all!

[Lindzee82]

Alanna - So glad that your kitty is doing better today!! 17 boys!! That is crazy!! I didn't order a sling. I got just a regular front infant carrier. We got the Snugli infant carrier.

[Bliss]

Wow, there has been a lot of progress around here! I cannot believe how close many of you are to meeting your babies :) Since I am bringing up the rear I am enjoying hearing all about your progress lol.

Well, I was definitely sick and am slowly fighting off a sinus infection :( I really did not want to be on anything but my primary care doc and my OB convinced me that its OK to take a small dose of amoxicillin to fight off the infection. Of course, I cannot breathe at all through my nose, so sleeping at night is nonexistant. My poor DH, between me trying to get at all comfy and trying to breathe he is not getting any sleep either. Oh well, now he knows what pregnancy is like LOL.

I had been planning to do baby's laundry this week, but being sick I dont want to touch the stuff too much, so I only got one load done. I think I might start doing some more today, since I have been on meds since Tuesday.

hospital bag This has been causing me agada at night- how did you all prepare your hospital bag in advance? I have the nursing bras/tanks, my robe & slippers and that is it. I dont have enough clothes/underwear to pack in advance. I keep having this thought that I am going to have to go to the hospital and have no clean underwear :p

Lining Drawers Did anyone put liner on the babys drawers in the new furniture? I have heard about this from a friend, she is really paranoid though- she doesnt want the baby's clothes in drawers that may have been treated w. something. I dont have to do this, do I?! :p Not to be lazy, but I HATE lining drawers and if I do, the poor baby will have no clothes put away :)

I had a mini-shower from my old job yesterday, dragged myself there all stuffed up. We got so many cute outfits (hooray! finally clothes!) so now I am actually all set clothes wise for the babe.

Tulip Congrats on your baby! Hope you are healing well.

Natasha Glad your appt went well! I am also surprised that your hospital doesnt allow your DH to stay overnight. We are lucky w. ours, they have full beds and DH can stay- I dont know if he is going to, we need to find someone to take care of our "other babies"- the dogs :) Hopefully you will be able to get some rest & bond w. baby, the night will probably go pretty fast anyway.

Alanna Wow, that is a big baby! Did they give you an idea on how long that they will let you go? My BF has 2 boys, both around 9lb/6oz. I loved holding them, they were so cute and I was not as afraid to hold them as they were solid and could almost hold their heads up!

[abbytfox]

URGH! I just spent 20 minutes on a response and something happened to erase it all. So annoying.

Here's a recap...
1) Feeling really achy and uncomfortable lately. I think the baby is pressing more on my cervix or on nerves in my groin and legs. I am waddling like a duck and groan everytime I need to get up from the couch...not pretty!
2) My first shower is tomorrow. It will be here and I can't wait to see what my best friend has put together. One annoying thing is that none of my pants fit me anymore! Oh well, I guess I am going in my new sweater and glorified black sweatpants. I am entitled, right?

BlissSorry you aren't feeling well. One of the benefits of bedrest is that I never have contact with the outside world and can avoid getting sick! YAY for new clothes for the babe!

Lining ShelvesNot doing it. I am also using a regular "free" detergent, not dreft. If baby develops a reaction, we can switch, but I think it should be ok.

Hospital BagI don't have enough undies either. I am going to write a note to myself and put it on the top of the bag with what still needs to go in. It seems like the time from first contraction to leaving for the hospital is long enough to throw those last things in.

TulipSo sorry about your experience. At least you did a great job keeping your sugars down and Fletcher healthy. Don't they say that usually moms who have GD have big babies? You must feel really proud that Fletcher was healthy and totally average size. Good job and congrats! Also, I would write a complaint also, that OB sounds terrible.

AlannaI think I am headed for a big baby, too. Little BF is already 6 pounds and I am only 34 weeks and 2 days. My doctor will let me go until 42 weeks. If they gain 1/2 pound a week...well you can see that it will be quite large. It makes me concerned about delivery. Are you worried? Glad your kitty is feeling better...what a relief!

NatashaSounds like you had a good appointment. Your baby will be here so soon! I can not believe that they don't have room for your DH to stay after the baby is born. That seems really strange to me. Our hospital has a pull out chair that converts to a bed.

Hi to everyone else! Hope you are all doing well! It is hard to keep up sometimes...but I am thinking of you!

[Natasha]

Tulip--Thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry you had such a bad experience. i had a pretty rough deal with DS, which is making me more and more nervous as time to deliver #2 approaches. But, I am glad you and your little one are safe and doing well!

dziner--I am the total opposite of you! lol Ethan was over 9 pounds, and if I do a VBAC (which i am planning on), I really hope she isn't that big!

Lindzee--I dunno if the end of heartburn is an indicating factor of dropping in everyone, but when I told my doctor the reasons why I thought the baby dropped, that was one of them. I hope your heartburn gets better!

Bliss--YAY for clothes. That must feel so good! I hope you feel better soon!

Alanna--YAY for the kitty being better! That must be such a relief for you! Heck, it's a relief for me! ;)

abby--I think "glorified" sweats are just fine for a shower! :D How exciting, I can't wait to hear how it goes!


Bert can stay in the labor and delivery rooms for however long it takes to pop the baby out. But, after I get transfered to recovery, he has to be gone from, I think, midnight to 8am. It's because I will be sharing my recovery room with another mom. I think if no one is there, they will be more lenient on letting him stay. We'll see. I am just so happy to know I only have a few more weeks to go!

[amypooh]

Doctor Appt Today - The sonogram estimated Cameron to be 7.5lbs today...last week it only said 5.5lbs so I'm wonder how accurate that is really. My belly did grow two cms in one week though. That is pretty impressive.

Took my BP at home and it was way high. The BP machine I have at home telephone's the nurse my BP. So she called me immediately freaking out. I told her about the back pain I'm having too. It feels like someone is pushing down on your head and it compresses your spine at the base over and over again. She said that could be some contractions. Yeehaw, just what I needed today. So I'm having to lay here for 20 minutes drinking water and resting and retest.

Back Labor - Any of you second timers out there have back labor before? or can describe it to me? I'm trying to figure out what these pains are. If they are just the baby moving around or back labor.

[Kristen78]

I think I am getting sick. :( I started to get a sore throat this morning and it hasn't gone away. I hope I dont feel like this on Monday & Tuesday when I will probably have to go to the hospital to get induced. Being sick would make labour miserable I think.

Tulip, I am sorry about your experience. Why did you not have your regular OB or midwife? It sounds like you had whoever was available at the hospital instead. They weren't really looking out for you it sounds. I would definitely file a complaint too.

[Alanna]

Amypooh holy growth spurt! hopefully you have fallen victim to the margin of error and the growth is somewhere inbetween those to weights... otherwise... if he keeps it up.. wow! How are you feeling now? I hope resting and getting off your feel helped with your bp and contractions.. keep this up and you might very well be having the threads next baby!

Natasha thanks for the thoughts on my kitty... as my dh says... "happy kitty = happy Lana" so true! I hope your baby times her entrance for early morning so that you and Bert can have lots of tme with her befor ehe has to go home... the good part about that is that at least he will be sleeping well at night.. and it will be good to have him fresh!

Abbytfox I was just starting to wonder about you (i get so suspicious every time you are gone for a bit..) Im glad you are still with us! have a great time at your shower! as for clothes... at this point I think your friends should just be relieved that you arent in pjs when they arrive! I am a little worried about the delivery.. my family has a history of c-sections.. and i really wanted to avoid that if possible.. im trying to stay positive.. and Im hoping that the u/s was off on the high side.. and maybe by next week the baby will be only 9lbs... my sister was all quick to discount the baby's weight when i told her yesterday... she said "oh well you know Caroline (my niece) was 9lbs 13oz." and I responded "yes. but you had her at 42 weeks!!!!! Im only 39!!!" :rolleyes: anyway... heres hoping you and i both have easy labors resulting in chunky happy babies!

Lining drawers Dear God. No. I'm not going to do that.

Bliss My m/w said that we will probably plan for an induction at my next appointment. (nov. 3 - next thursday) she said they wont let me go too far past my due date... so I interpret that to be within a week of my due date... I'll be glad to know all the details. They of course would rather i go before that on my own so i got the "have lots of sex and use evening primrose oil... either orally or... well... down there (my words - not hers :o ...) Im going to wait til the end of this weekend to start any of that... i would like to have a few days of my cat feeling better before I actually urge anything along.

Hospital Bag after all my talk at about ... oh 34 weeks... we JUST packed the bags 2 nights ago... i dont have enough underwear.. or clothes for that matter to put the in early to the bag.. so we put a list on top of everything that we needed to add last minute to it.

Lindzee thanks for the kitty thoughts! we got a hand me down snugli... it looks cute..

[LSUGirl]

Amy - I did not have back labor. Sorry I am no help.

[rochacha]

Alanna -- good to hear your kitty is doing better.

Kristen78 -- hopefully the sore throat is just a passing thing, I can't imagine laboring while ill.

amypooh -- Wow, back labor? I know nothing about that. I hope your BP goes down. Take it easy this weekend.

Natasha -- I guess it makes sense that if you are not in a private room hubby can't stay with you. Sucks though.

abbytfox -- have good shower, and wear what you want and what makes you comfortable.

hospital bag -- started to pack it, but I don't think I have everything. I still need toilletries, but I have more than enough underwear (i hate doing laundry)

Drawer Lining -- OK, I'll admit it...I did it. :rolleyes: Let me preface...the dresser we are using is um, about 75 years old. The bedroom set in the nursery was the wedding gift to hubby's grandparents back inthe 1920-30's. It is rough shape, but works great. We lined the drawer thinking about splinters potentially getting into the clothes.

Lindzee82 -- I just started getting heartburn. It hasn't been an issue all pregnancy, ut it just started?!?! I don't get it.

Tulip -- thanks for sharing your birth story. Sorry it didn't go like you had wish, def. voice your greivences.

I had a Dr. appointment on Wednesday. I did not like that OB that was on rotation. Let's just say that he was not gentle with his internal exam. It hurt so much!!! I have been spotting since Wed. morning and I am all achey down in that region. I have been having internals since week 30, and never had a spotting issue. With all that, there is nothing going on with me. Still have 24 days and counting.

My co-workers threw me a shower yesterday. I was very luck to have gotten $150 gift card to target. We can buy lots of diapers with that!

The next full moon is Nov 15??? Oh, I hope that old wives tale hold true for me. I would love to go a little early. I am starting to get very anxious about the whole L&D, bringing the baby home, living with the baby, etc. It is starting to cause some sleepless nights.

Have a good weekend everyone! Maybe some of you will have an eventful weekend!

[sem426]

Here are my latest from 37w 2d:

http://images.snapfish.com/345375%3B923232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2329%3D%3C35%3D467%3 DXROQDF%3E2323%3B98%3A63%3B%3C9ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/345375%3B923232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2329%3D%3C35%3D467%3 DXROQDF%3E2323%3B98%3A63%3B%3C8ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/345375%3B923232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2329%3D%3C35%3D467%3 DXROQDF%3E2323%3B98%3A63%3B%3C6ot1lsi

[sem426]

lining drawers not going to do this.

tulip thanks for sharing your birth story. sorry you had such a tough time, but luckily Fletcher is healthy and happy!

full moon the next one is 11/15..that's my due date...what works for
me!

abby have a great time at your shower and definitely wear whatever you are comfy in!!

rochacha sorry about the painful internal...why are some dr's so rough!? Nice shower gift from your co-workers!

hospital bag slowly it's getting filled. ther things i still need and can't pack I have a list waiting to put in at the last minute. I have plenty of underwear packed since I had to go out and buy some for afterwards. I basically wear thong all the time...and that won't cut it afterwards!:rolleyes:

have a great weekend everyone! I'm heading out of work in like 1/2 hour...YAY!

[Hawaii2SJ]

Hi Ladies!! I'm doing my best to keep up with the latest news on everyone. It sounds like everyone is moving along well. I had my 39 week appointment yesterday and all is well with DS, no weight gain (40lbs so far), good BP, negative strepB, 2cm dilated and about 50% effaced and then I agreed to having my membranes striped. I was a little worried but as of today all that's been going on is a bit of cramping and I've been spotting ever since. It's weird spotting though, stringy slimey *TMI*sorry, could it be more of my plug coming out????:confused: My back is also killing me a bit more. I don't know if it's contracitons or not. I actually slept very well last nite too, which is weird. DS is also about 7.5lbs, which scares me a little, I want to try and labor w/o drugs. I'm doing my best to think postive.

Are there any second timers here that had their membranes striped? I found some info in the pregnancy thread but wanted to check here too. The stringy slimey issue has me a bit confused. Just thought I'd ask here.

drawer liners- I did it, PITA but I didn't want DS clothes to smell like wood, plus I was on a crazy lady nesting/organization spree last week.

Sem great belly shots! I wish I still fit my jeans like that, NOTHING fits me these days.

Natasha Too bad for DH not being able to stay over nite. At my hospital DH can only stay IF I'm lucky enough to get a private room, which Csection mommies get priority.

Amypooh I a little concerned about having back labor too, guess we'll wait and see what happens.

Kristen I felt "something" creeping up on me in the begining of the week but I kept drinking OJ and had some soup, then put on my socks and cuddle up on the couch. I'm feeling fine now. Hope it turns out to be nothing.

Well ladies have a great weekend and hang in there!!
Happy Aloha Friday:p

[Hawaii2SJ]

Here are some photos I finally got around to uploading. Just thought I'd share!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/alohadee/1af088bf.jpg
last week @38wks, I have to take one today @39wks

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/alohadee/94b0eca6.jpg
DS room...I'm so bumbed that you can hardly see his name on the wall, I think I'm gonna paint it green to match the stripes, we'll see, I have no energy these days, shouldv'e done it last week during my nesting madness.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/alohadee/75f6a22c.jpg
the other side...I need to find things to go on the wall but I can't find anything cute, not to mention affordable too:p the bedding is "two of a kind" by cocalco ??sp??

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/alohadee/156854dc.jpg
from the door.... *excuse the black sticker by the light switch, DH put it there:rolleyes: , it's gone now and the little puggy is my 3yo baby girl Sasha. If you look on the door I already ordered DS costume for next year. It was $9.99 at babystyle.com with free shipping a few weeks ago. Sasha has a bumble bee costume too, hopefully we'll use it next year, I just couldn't resist the price!

[StClaire]

So I've been MIA but have been reading and trying to keep up when I can. Just thought I'd drop in with the news that our daughter finally arrived!

Last Sunday, I had started having contractions starting at every 10 minutes apart and getting even closer to 3 minutes apart. I debated whether or not it was "the real thing" and if I should go to the hospital. It hurt bad enough I had my mind made up I was going. I called my OB and she said to go eat breakfast first, and see if they space out. DH & I head off to IHOP and I *try* to eat. I go home and the OB calls back and says to go to labor & delivery and have them check me. So I do. I am having contractions every 2 minutes, but I am only a fingertip dialated and made no progress, so they sent me home. :mad:

Fast forward to Thursday, the 20th. I continued having contractions on & off all week. Wednesday though they went away. I felt fabulous! No crampiness, no contractions, no nothing. About 5 am Thursday morning I woke up and had to go to the bathroom. I got up and thought that I had peed in the bed or something. My doctor had given me Ambien to help me sleep so I was thinking maybe it knocked me out so bad that I didn't realize I needed to go potty. As I hobble off to the bathroom, stuff continued to trickle very slowly out. :eek: Could it be?! I wasn't sure what to do... I wasn't feeling any contractions and I didn't want to get sent back home again. So I decided to take a shower. While I was in the shower, I started feeling like I was having very bad cramps. But they were in my lower back and kinda went around front. Didn't feel like that last time. I got ready and decided to wake up DH and tell him the news and that I thought we should go. I guess I was kinda in denial cause we took our sweet time getting ready and going! We finally got to the hospital about 6:30. They put me in a triage room and I was still only dialated a fingertip but was having *bad* contractions. I was almost in tears they hurt so bad. Finally I dialated to a 2- the moment I was waiting for. My OB had told me once I got to a 2 I could have an epidural and pain meds. At this point they moved me to a room. They started pitocin to get my contractions more regular. It must have worked, I went from 3cm to 10 in 30 minutes!!! Let me tell you... the epidural was my best friend. Love that thing! It didn't hurt getting it. I had heard horror stories about getting the epidural but I really felt no pain. Maybe the nastiness of the contractions was just covering it up?! So here it was about 10am and I was ready to push. I pushed for a while until they went to get my OB. She was with another patient who was having complications, so the nurse told me to lie on my side and rest a bit while we wait for her. Also, my baby was sunny side up, so they wanted to wait and see if my OB wanted to try and turn her. I waited, and waited, and waited while we watched That 70's Show to pass the time. Over an hour went by. I couldn't not push just a little. Pushing felt sooo good. It relieved a lot of pressure. Finally, the OB arrived and we proceeded. She decided the baby was too low to try and turn her, so I would try and have her face-up. I pushed a little while longer (while continuing to watch TV) with absolutely no pain and at 1:00pm my daughter was born. I gotta say, labor & delivery was much easier than I had anticipated. I was so freaked out about what was going to happen, but it turned out to be a great experience. I had a 2nd degree tear and had to get stitched up, but that was the worst of it. I was a little shocked that noone had warned me of all the recovery stuff that comes along with it. I had no idea that I would lose feeling in my bladder and not know when I needed to pee. (Ladies, I highly recommend kegels to help with this, although I don't think this happens to everyone) When people say it feels like you are having the worst bowel movement of your life, they aren't lying!! Afterwards, I definately felt like it!

Things have gotten better though. Each day is a little better than the one before. With only an 8 hour labor and delivery, I can't complain. Seeing the little miracle that DH & I created made the whole 9 months worth it.

Good luck to everyone- it sounds like some of you are getting ready to meet your babies very soon!!

Avery Grace
October 20, 2005 1:01PM
6lb 5oz, 20 in long

[amypooh]

StClaire - CONGRATULATIONS!!! WELCOME AVERY!!!

[abbytfox]

St. ClaireCongratulations on your little girl! That is so exciting. Thank you for sharing your story too. It really sounds like you had a great experience. I have to remember that for everyone that has a challenging or difficult labor there is someone who has an experience like yours. Thanks!

HawaiiYou look great! Your nursery is so cute, too. I love your little dog in the picture.

sem You are all belly! So round and cute.

Off to try on clothes for tomorrow...Sitting on the bed of course...I wouldn't want to do anything dangerous! Happy Weekend!

[Natasha]

StClaire--YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am glad the actual L&D went pretty smoothly. How exciting!

[Decemberwed]

St Claire- Congratulations on Avery Grace!

[november2005mommies]

Updated to here :)

Congratulations to St Claire on the Arrival of Avery Grace!!!

[LSUGirl]

Congrats StClaire!! Ok.. so my due date buddy has gone.. now can I go? lol I am getting VERY uncomfortable!

Hawaii - I think my OB did the "sweeping" the membranes things Thursday. I have had the exact same spotting as you. And I don't see how I could possibly have any plug left. Not sure what it is. I never had this with my first.

[Alanna]

YAY StClaire!!! Congrats! I just love Avery's name, I think it is so pretty and feminine. Thanks for sharing your birth story! Its so nice to hear a story like yours!

Hawaii2SJ Your nursery is looking great! I love the colors.. and your pug is SO cute!

Happy Halloween weekend to one and all.. speaking of which... I wonder if we will have a halloween baby on this thread... seems quite possible!

[Sebski]

CONGRATS St.Clare!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the cramp/contrax info Dziner & LSU! And for the moon info too! I wouldn't mind going around the 16th! ;)

Alanna wow - now that's a big baby! I like, though, how your doctor is saying that they won't induce just for size. Too many jump the gun on that I think and it's one of my fears since I've been told that my baby is measuring "large" too. Did you get any good pictures at the u/s or were you able to see the baby really well? We have a level 2 on Monday and I'm hoping to get to see the baby's face... haven't really gotten to see it yet and I know things are crowded in there now!

Tulip thank you for coming back and sharing your birth story with us! So sorry that things didn't workout as you had anticipated!

Kristen I hope you feel better before the induction!

Bliss Feel better soon!

Sem I have the same "Baby" shirt as you! :) Great belly shots!

Hawaii Love the nursery pix!

Now for some QOTD:

Hospital bag just packed this on Monday... have the following in it: robe, slippers, socks, scrunchies, toiletries, breast pads, maxi pads, underwear, nursing bra... still have to add the baby's coming home outfit (haven't gotten one yet) and something for me to wear home. Unless, I just end up wearing whatever I wear into the hospital home.

Underwear I bought some granny panties from Target last week since I really don't have any undies that will be comfy after laboring. Throughout the pregnancy I've stuck with my cute low riding boy short stash, as well as thongs, and they're nice, so I don't want to ruin any. :p I picked up a couple of packages of grannies that I won't mind if they get ruined or not. Plus, I imagine they'll be more comfortable w/ pads and stuff.

Drawer Liners Heck no! I took the easy way out and just cleaned the drawers... I don't have the patience to line drawers.

Hope everyone's having a great weekend!

[albuquerque]

Congratulations St. Claire and WELCOME Avery Grace! What a pretty name! I'm sure you're busy, St. Claire, but we can't wait to see pictures!

Tulip, sorry about the episiotomy stuff...this is one of my big fears, so I feel for you on that score. Congratulations on a great job bringing little Fletcher into the world, though! We can't wait to see some pics of him, too!

No real news from me. We have another dr appt on Monday night, I'm hoping that at least I might have dropped a bit--the last word from the doc (last Mon) was that my cervix was a *little* lower and a *little* softer, but that's all. And I haven't really noticed any changes this week. No particular cramping to speak of, still can't get a decent breath of air, no sign of mucus plug or anything like that. :( Alanna, we might be right together on that induction thing--I don't think my doc will let me go much past my (our) due date, either. I'll really resist an induction before the EDD (which I'm 100% certain about, since I was charting and using OPKs), so I'm thinking she'll want to plan on the first business day after the 5th. So, maybe on Monday the 7th the pain will begin....she did say she doesn't like to induce until the mother's body looks ready for it--baby engaged, cervix ripe--and I'm definitely not either of those things, or at least I certainly wasn't last Monday and like I said, I don't feel any different at all. So, maybe she'll hold off a bit on induction. I certainly hope she doesn't decide to push for a C section....honestly if she did, I'd consider switching doctors as late as it is.

QOTDs
Hospital bag...haven't packed a bag, haven't even decided which bag to pack. Hadn't really thought much about undies--I'm a thong girl also, and now I'm worried because I won't have much chance to undie shop for grannie undies before next Saturday, which is EDD! :eek: I don't know why I'm in such denial about this....I also need to get some front-buttoning PJs for the hospital, and travel toiletries....I better get with it, I guess.
Drawer liners...no way!
Halloween babies? I hope not mine! My cousin thought it would be great if our baby decided to come on Halloween, but then again her favorite colors are orange and brown and olive green! (Good thing her baby was a boy and not a girl, you should see the clothes she puts him in! He looks really cute, but it certainly isn't a very feminine color scheme!) I would not be enthusiastic about a Halloween birthday. Anyway, this baby isn't showing *any* signs of wanting to come out anytime soon, so I guess a surprise delivery 2 days from now is the least of my worries.

[Bliss]

Congrats StClaire and welcome baby Avery! Love the name too :)

Hawaii Great pics, and love the nursery. How did you hang up the comforter? I was thinking of doing that since it comes w. the bedding set, but you are not supposed to have it in the crib. Although its so cold here in the NE that I may just drape it over the rocker to cover us when we are feeding at night!

Alb Hope you have a good doc appt on Monday with lots of news :) I cannot believe how close you are! Of course, I am in total denial of how close I am and finally got moving on washing some loads of baby laundry. I have this feeling when I go into labor I am going to spend signifigant time standing in one place in total shock that this is actually happening :p

My friend who just gave birth (or so it seems to me) emailed me that her son is 2 months old already! Its amazing, 2 months seems like forever when you are preggo, but seems to fly by once the baby is born.

This weekend we are putting up the bassinet and pack and play to start to train the dogs on how to behave around baby stuff. I am off today to get some treats, since my way of training is basically bribery :o

Thanks to all for the get well wishes! I am still fighting off this horrid lingering cold. I am a chronic self medicator, so its very tough for me to wait this out until its out of my system, but I am slowly seeing some improvement :)
Hope everyone has a great weekend!

[Natasha]

Alb--Good luck next week! Most doctor's DO NOT push c-sections unless there is a really good medical reason for it, so here's wishing you the best with an induction. I can't believe babies will start arriving NEXT WEEK!!!

Bliss--Good luck with the dogs and the cold. I have been lucky this time around, I just got one little cold several months ago, and a little two day thing a few weeks ago. I got the FLU when I was pregnant with DS, and was totally miserable. I hope you're feeling 100% soon!

Hospital bag Ahahahahaha, haven't even started. I need to go get some grandma panties, too, and a sports bra. Maybe we'll do that today. I know what the babies coming home outfit will be, but it's still hanging in her closet...

Underwear I strongly reccommend granny panties to everyone! They are super comfy if nothing else, and you keep the panties you like in decent condition.

Halloween babies--I am REALLY looking forward to taking Ethan trick or treating, so she can't come before Halloween. And, my doc will be out of town next week, so I'd kind of like her to hold out till at LEAST the seventh or so. So funny, I was in such a rush, but now I want her to wait.

[clzj]

COngrats to evenyone that has had their baby and will be soon.

I have not read through all of the posts since Wednesday. I can't read through them either.

Baby Report:
Angel Baby
10/26/05
appox 7 PM
baby weight: 6lbs 7 oz
baby height: 21.5 inches

Details:All day Wed I was feeding it sugar and trying to get it to move. After attempting all day it was just not working. I found out at 3 PM that the baby had not hr and had become breech. We do not know all of the details if we every will. The best guess is right now that when the baby flipped it pinched its cord between its head and the septum in my uterus. Without have the cord funtioning the baby died. I delivered via c-section on Wednesday. I just came home today

I will try and pop in when all is better. No telling when that will be.

[beevo12]

Clzj I am so sorry. I don't know what to say. I'll be thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. :(

[Alanna]

Clzj I am so sorry. My heart is breaking for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[sem426]

clzj I am so sorry. I can't even imagine what you are going through. I will be thinking of you and your family.

[Sebski]

Oh my God clzj my heart breaks for you and your family... all I can do is offer <<<<hugs>>>> and prayers to all of you. I'm so so sorry...

[Lindzee82]

I am very very behind so SOs will be weak!

Bliss - So sorry you are sick. Get better soon!!

abbytfox - You sound just like me with your achiness! Isn't it great!?

sem - Yay for belly shots! You look great!!

Hawaii2SJ - Your belly shot looks great!! Beautiful nursery!!

StClaire - Congratulations!!!! Thanks for sharing your birth story!

clzj - I am so very sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[tgr68]

Not a November mommy, but just wantedto drop in and offer clzj HUGS. I am so sorry for your loss! :( :(

[amypooh]

clzj I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.

[lml41981]

clzj - I'm an October mom and I'm not even sure if I "know" you...but my heart is breaking for you. I am so sorry that you are going through this. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Natasha]

clzj--My prayers go to you. I am so sorry you are going through this. There really isn't anything else to say, sweetie. I am so sorry.

[dziner]

Such opposite SO's...

StClaire, a big congrats to you on your little one!

clzj, I am so, so, terribly sorry to hear your news. I didn't know a baby could flip at this stage; I am simply in shock. I wish there was something I could do to help. I will be thinking of you.

[Amie]

clzj - I am so, so sorry for your loss.

[LSUGirl]

I am so so very sorry. I wish I had some better words for you and your family.

[albuquerque]

clzj, oh my God, there are no words for how sorry I am. Please know that all of us are thinking of you and your family, and hoping you will find some peace in time.

[Mrsbuw]

clzj I am a December mommy to be but I just wanted to express how very sorry for your loss.

[Hawaii2SJ]

clzj I'm so sorry :( to hear about your loss.

[Mystikal]

clzj I just wanted to pop in here with hugs for you. I am so so sorry for your loss and I am sending many prayers to you, your family, and your beautiful angel baby. :(

[jengen]

clzj I am a Dec Mommy to be, but lurk in here every once in a while. I just wanted to say how very sorry I am for your loss.

[albuquerque]

Lindzee, I think you and a few others were instructed by your midwives/doctors to take Evening Primrose Oil...could you tell me what dosage they told you to take? And...you take it orally, or....? What, just put in a capsule down there? When you're going to bed or what? Do you puncture the capsule or....just put it? And these are sort of oil filled capsules, right?

Many thanks to you or to anyone else who can tell me what you were advised regarding EPO!

[Alanna]

Hi Alb I thought Id respond on the Evening Primrose Oil question since Im up and dont sleep anymore. :rolleyes: My m/w told me to start using it last week... she said I could take one soft gel capsule (500mg) once a day either orally or if "my partner was willing"... to pierce it and apply directly to my cervix. I have been taking it orally... I'm just not quite up to the other version of application yet.. but maybe by the end of the week I will feel differently.

Happy Halloween! (do they celebrate in Greece?)

[Lindzee82]

albuquerque - I am taking 2600mg orally at night. I have been doing that for the past two weeks. When she introduced me to it, she said that at 38 weeks she would have me take it vaginally (which is where I am today). So I will ask at my appointment tomorrow what I should do. As long as it is something that I can "get in there" by myself I am all for it. I do believe you are supposed to pierce the top so that the oil can seep out. Hope that helps!

[StClaire]

How long did you follow your "post-pee" (for lack of better terms) procedures? By this, I mean cleaning with the peri bottle and using the tucks pads, etc.

How long did you bleed for? I will be at 2 weeks this Thursday and already, it is pretty light. I was expecting a lot worse, is this normal?!

How did you (or can you) know when your stitches are gone? Mine are getting pretty itchy, does this mean they are getting ready to go away?

How long were you instructed not to drive afterwards? My OB told me a month!!! :eek: I'm not sure why she wants me to wait so long. I've already been on a few outings and am not looking forward to sitting around the house for a few more weeks.

One more question out of curiosity- at your 6 week postpartum appointment, what did they do? Did your OB do an internal exam? (holy *#&% i can't imagine having an internal at this point!)

TIA!

[abbytfox]

clzj I just checked in after the weekend and read your news. I can not express how sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

[Tulip]

clzj I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. :(

[albuquerque]

I just checked our email account....I know it's too early, but I guess it's possible that Kristen78 is in labor right now! She said she had a dr. appt and that afterwards they would probably send her over to the hospital for the induction, right? Sending her good labor vibes!

Thanks for the EPO info, Alanna and Lindzee. Wow, Lindzee, it's crazy that your m/w has you taking more than 5x the dosage Alanna's m/w recommends! I took one 500mg capsule....orally. I'll have to think about the other way...

I'm nervous about my dr appt in two hours. I soooo don't want to be told I'm making no progress. I fully expect the induction discussion to start tonight.

Alanna, is it wild or what when someone asks when you're due, and you say, um, Saturday!?

[Lindzee82]

Albuquerque - Good luck at your appointment today! I will be crossing my fingers for you that you have made some progress. Are you going to ask your doc about the evening primrose oil? It will be interesting to see if they use it and what dosage they recommend.

QOTD - I would like to buy a can of formula to have on hand just in case I need to supplement or breastfeeding doesn't work out for me. I don't know what kind to get. There are just so many options and I don't know what is the best. Has anyone else bought any formula yet?

FYI - I just found out from actually reading the directions on the bottle that Johson's Bedtime Bath is not recommended for babies under 3 months of age! I had never heard of this before. I wonder why that is. So my bedtime bath is now neatly packed away under my bathroom cabinet so that I don't use it before it is safe. I do have the Johnson's Bedtime Cream and that doesn't have an age recommendation. Do you think that the same rule applies to the cream or would that be safe right away?

Also - I would like to go for a walk this afternoon but my foot is really swollen. Is it okay to walk on swollen feet?

Okay, I am done now!

[Alanna]

Alb Its so funny you say that.. this morning i was out getting our mail and one of our neighbors shouted to me..."how many more weeks left??" I shouted back... "5 days"! her mouth kinda dropped... people are so funny... they act all surprised that im out and about (relatively speaking) i mean.. what else would i be doing?

QOTD random and embarrassing. so. for about the past two weeks... all my maternity pants (all two pairs that still fit - one pair of jeans and a pair of capris made of jean like material) and my maternity underwear has suddenly gotten into the habit of severe sliding down. Especially when i am climbing stairs.. i have to keep one hand on them. otherwise.. it could be pretty bad :eek: i guess its due to my changing shape?? i'm so bumped out its slidey? anyone else having this weird problem??

ETA: Its so exciting to think about Kristen maybe having her baby!

ETA #2: Im totally going to ask my m/w about the EPO dosage.. I dont want to be takinga wimpy amount... i want to get this show on the road!!!

[Natasha]

StClaire--I used the peri bottle until I felt comfortable using TP only. I bled for around 6-ish weeks with DS. I had 15 staples down my belly, so i can't help you with the stitches thing, lol. I had a c-section, and was not supposed to drive for 6 weeks, I think? I ended up driving the day after we got home from the hospital.

Alb--Good luck today!!!

Lindzee--I have no idea baout walking on swollen feet. I used Nestle Good Start formula with DS, but I didn't buy it until after he was born...

Alanna--YAY for less than a week to go! My maternity pants are just waaaay uncomfortable. I am also constantly adjusting them. They are either too tight or too loose, depending on where I wear them.

Kristen--shing you luck, and can't wait to hear how you are!

I have been feeling waaay uncomfortable lately, with lots of way low pain. I felt like I was carrying her around with my knees the other day. We're going to the Jelly Belly Factory today. Pray that my water doesn't break! lol As long as I get to take Ethan trick or treating, I'm a happy momma. Anyone else with plans tonight?

[sem426]

alb/alanna I can't believe you are both due this week!!! Alb hopefully you'll get some good progress news from your dr today!

kristen good luck to you if you are indeed being induced TODAY!!

lindzee I would think if you feet area swollen you shoud probably sit w/them up and not walk around too much??

work so i'm "officially" off of all of my accounts here at work....so now what I am supposed to do?? Can i just GO HOME! these last 2 weeks are going to DRAG.... i'm having my final meeting w/HR this afternon about my leave and adding the baby to insurance etc. It's so nice out today, I might have to just leave early today!

Happy Halloween everyone! DH and I are kinda scrooges when it comes to Halloween...we didn't buy any candy and will go straight out to dinner from work tonight and basically "hide" from the kids! Next year we'll be much more into the holiday when we have a little one to dress up!

[shirsty]

Just a quick post to let you girls know that my husband and I welcomed our son Samuel Matthew to the world last Tuesday October 25th at 10:32 PM!!. Sam was 8 lbs. even and 21 inches long.

My water broke at 1:45 that morning, the day of my 39 week drs. appointment. Overall it was a good experience from beginning to end, labor was tough but doable, pushing was even tougher (2.5 hours!), but while my confidence faltered at times it wasn't as bad as I was afraid it would be. And we have a happy healthy baby boy to be thankful for. He had some jaundice at first but is doing better now. Our main issue now is getting breastfeeding going, he's pretty lazy at the boob at this point. We are so thankful and blessed.

I will try and come back tomorrow to post more details, hope you are all doing well and ready to meet your babies.

[Alanna]

Congratulations Shirsty!!!!
It's great to hear your news :)

[Lindzee82]

Shirsty - Oh my goodness!! Congratulations!! How very exciting!! Glad you had a good labor experience. Can't wait to hear more!!

[Natasha]

YAY SHIRSTY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you!

[LSUGirl]

Questions:

How long did you follow your "post-pee" (for lack of better terms) procedures? By this, I mean cleaning with the peri bottle and using the tucks pads, etc.

I had totally forgotten about this (thanks a lot ;) ). I used the bottle until it did not burn to pee anymore.

How long did you bleed for? I will be at 2 weeks this Thursday and already, it is pretty light. I was expecting a lot worse, is this normal?!

I bled for a good 4 weeks.. and then another two weeks was extremely light. So 6 weeks total.

How did you (or can you) know when your stitches are gone? Mine are getting pretty itchy, does this mean they are getting ready to go away?

I do not know when mine went away. I know by my 6wk appt they were gone. I was riding a motorcycle two weeks after my son was born.. so maybe around two weeks?

How long were you instructed not to drive afterwards? My OB told me a month!!! I'm not sure why she wants me to wait so long. I've already been on a few outings and am not looking forward to sitting around the house for a few more weeks.

Yep. Mine said 4 weeks.

One more question out of curiosity- at your 6 week postpartum appointment, what did they do? Did your OB do an internal exam? (holy *#&% i can't imagine having an internal at this point!)

Felt my uterus - and yes did an internal. I will be "forgetting" to make my follow up until about 8 weeks. I was still too sore for an internal at 6 weeks. I won't lie - it hurt.

CONGRATS SHIRTY!!

Lindzee - I do not have formula, and don't plan on buying any (unless I need it). But with DS#1 I used Enfamil, milk based. They should all have the age appr. instructions on them. I just ha dthe regular kind. No extra iron ro anything (since I wasn't sure how he would react to the extra ingrediants). I should also add... my son did not get formula until about 3 months. And that was VERY RARE. At 8 months he got it regularly.

[Hawaii2SJ]

CONGRATULATIONS SHIRSTY!!

Alanna-QOTD...I've got the same problem:o I even have the problem of my shirts riding up on my belly and I can't even feel it, so I'm always feeling and checking to make sure my belly isn't hanging out in public:p

Lindzee-thanks for the FYI, I bought some of the bedtime bath and didn't even check the instructions

Well Halloween is officially over in my neighborhood, we didn't have too many kiddo's this year. I've got 4 days till "D" day :eek: I'm getting anxious. This past saturday I went in to L&D @ 2am because I was having contrax for 2hrs and were 3mins apart...but I got sent home an hour later. Baby was doing great and I was STILL only 2cm and 50%effaced, no progress from thursday. So we'll see when this little guy decides to come into the world. I've been having some strong contrax lately, but I asked the DR on Sat if I should come back when I'm crying and in extreme pain and he laughed, smiled, nodded and said "yeah":rolleyes: or if my water breaks. I am just sooooooooo ready for this baby to be here and to "shut down the belly bakery":p My body is just aching these days.

Well, Happy Halloween ladies.....Good Night!!

[beevo12]

Congrats Shirsty!

[albuquerque]

Congratulations Shirsty, and Welcome Samuel Matthew! Pictures??? :)

QOTD Alanna, I totally have that can't-keep-my-pants-up problem. There is just no dignity left in anything!

Dr appt last night was OK. Doc says baby is lower, cervix is softer and somewhat effaced. No dilation yet, though. No sign of any mucus plug but she said that you don't always notice it, and sometimes it doesn't come out until labor. She thinks *possibly* I'll go on my own by Saturday. She wants to induce next Tuesday if nothing happens by then. I think we'll talk and negotiate next Monday, assuming we don't see each other before that. In the meantime, EPO, pineapple, walking, and lots of visualization of budding roses....

Good luck Hawaii, you're a day ahead of Alanna and me! Hopefully you'll go soon! LSU, I'm going to follow some of your advice, esp "forgetting" about that 6wk appt for a few weeks...Sem, I'm sure it will be boring to go into work if you're off all your accounts, but it means you're getting *really* close! Natasha, sorry about all the discomfort, but maybe it means that you'll be nowhere close to a December Momma and your little girl could be just around the corner! I'm actually jealous of other people's discomfort because it means progress, doesn't it? Second timers hope trick-or-treating with your little ones was a lot of fun last night! Alanna, tell tell tell what your m/w says about the EPO dosage. Since my doc didn't tell me to do this, I want to be conservative, but not wimpy! Lindzee, hope your foot is better today! Drink lots of fluids and try to keep it up! And I'll be interested to hear what your m/w says about the alternative form of EPO application!

[november2005mommies]

Updated to here

I started putting the weight and length of the babies on the front page. If you have had your baby already and would like those stats added... please let us know.

[Lindzee82]

LSUGirl - Thanks for the formula info! I am hoping to not have to use any, but I want to be prepared just in case. I will be all alone with the baby as DH will still be gone so its not like I can send him out to get what I need!

Hawaii2SJ - You are welcome for the info. I was very suprised to see that on the bottle. I can't believe you are due in 4 days! That is awesome!!! Sorry you got sent home from L&D on Saturday. Hopefully you will be back in there for good very soon!

albuquerque - Glad your appointment went well. Sorry you have made no real progress, but great that the doc thinks you will deliver on your own by Saturday! That is very exciting and I hope she is right!! I kept my foot up alll night last night before I went to bed and it was back to being only about 75% swollen. This morning it is starting to swell again. I am definitely going to ask about it again at my appointment this afternoon. I have a different doc and maybe she will be more proactive about it and help me out. My fingers are also starting to swell. I think my wedding rings are coming off today :( I will definitely let you know what she says about the EPO application! I am a little nervous for that!

[albuquerque]

Hawaii, could you describe "strong contrax"? You're talking about something painful, right? Like a painful menstrual cramp? I'm feeling things going on, much more than I was, but nothing I can call painful yet. Actually it's a stretch to even call it uncomfortable. I wish I could say I were having contractions, but unfortunately I don't think I'm there yet...

Lindzee, my doctor didn't say she thought I'd deliver on my own by Saturday, she said she thought it was possible that I might deliver on my own by Saturday. I think actually she would give it a pretty low probability, unfortunately, hence my keen interest in EPO and pineapple! As weird as it is to say this, I wish I were feeling more pain. It would make me more hopeful that this would happen without induction. I wish my doctor were more like yours, too bad we can't trade! You're begging for an induction and they're resisting, and my doctor is begging to induce me and *I'm* resisting!

[Sebski]

Congrats Shirtsty!!!!! Love your son's name and can't wait to see pictures!!!

Alb sounds like you had a pretty good appt... Hopefully things get started and you'll have your little one with you come Saturday - good luck!

Lindzee thanks for the heads up on the J&J bedtime bath products... I have the same set and will now have to put it away. Have to pick something else up...

I'm waiting for a call-back from my doctor now... I'm 37w now and completely done with work. I want her to "sign me out"... I'm hoping she doesn't give me any trouble with it. Between the carpal tunnel and baby getting lower, I just want to stay home and hibernate for the next 3w. :(

Had my level 2 u/s yesterday... baby is doing wonderfully. They recorded it on VHS for us too! :) Baby's weighing in at an estimated 7lbs 7oz. The doctor said that's a bit larger for where I'm at right now, but they aren't concerned. So, I'm not either. :)

[Lindzee82]

albuquerque - Oh sorry, I guess I read that wrong. My good friend was due on October 23rd and yesterday she went in to get induced because she is obviously overdue. Well, it didn't work and they sent her home at 6pm. She has to go back again tomorrow to try again. Can you even imagine?? I would be sooo mad. So, I don't think I am going to attempt the induction at all. I am not going through all that and then going home without my baby and having to go back again a few days later. I am not very impressed with my docs at all. They aren't going to talk c-section with her until they try at least two more times. I would not stand for that at all. It cannot be good for the baby to be under that stress that many times. So hopefully if you do have to be induced, they will find a way to get your baby girl out that day no matter what. I am freaking out now.

Sebski - I hope your doc lets you out of work!! That would be great!! Glad your ultrasound went well. Just remember that the weight can go a pound either way with the ultrasound, so maybe you will have a smaller baby. I hope you do, for delivery at least!!

***

I am going to wear a skirt to the docs office today. When I was shaving my legs this morning I realized that it is not just my right FOOT that is swollen, it is my whole freaking LEG!!!! It is huge!!!!! The doc last week didn't even look at it. Todays doc is going to see it whether she wants to or not. I am getting a little worried.

Taking my cat to the vet in an hour. This should be interesting!

[rochacha]

clzj -- I have a lump in my throat. Thinking about you and your family. So very sorry for your loss.

[sem426]

HOLY COW IT'S NOVEMBER!!!:eek:

I can't believe we've made it to November already.....all of our babies will be here before we know it!

CONGRATS SHIRSTY!! WELCOME SAMUEL!!

lindzee definitely have your foot/leg checked by the dr today and let us know what she says.

alb hopefully you will go on your own by this weekend...sending labor vibes over to Europe for you!!

seb you're done with work! lucky you! i'm still planning on working til next Fri. I basically have nothing to do here anymore....so i just sit and surf the internet all day!

it's supposed to hit 70 here today!:) I'm hoping the day we bring the baby home from the hospital it will be like this!!

[Lindzee82]

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf20b3127cce957529ed533c00000036108AbtGzhs3ZtT

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf20b3127cce957529f2d21300000036108AbtGzhs3ZtT

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf20b3127cce957529fad21b00000036108AbtGzhs3ZtT

And compared to last week:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce05b3127cce94a398a5a41700000036108AbtGzhs3ZtT

[amypooh]

Shirsty - CONGRATULATIONS!!! Welcome Baby Samuel!

[StClaire]

Avery Grace was 6 lb 5 oz and 20 in. long

Here's our princess:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce04b3127cce948feb7bfcd700000036108AYtGjJq1btY

[Hawaii2SJ]

Happy November 1st!!! Our month has officially arrived!

Alb my strong contrax are like a wave/gradual tightening then a *jab/jolt* of pain around my "under belly area" that stops me in my tracks. I only get them occasionally when I'm moving around too much. Last night I was getting them ALOT and DS was moving around so much that I hardly got any sleep. My DR said during the night contrax are very common while your sleeping and sure enough it's 9am here and not much is going on for me. I'm gonna go and walk around the mall today, but we'll see how long I last, but FIRST I need to find something to wear that won't allow my belly to peek out :)

StClaire Avery Grace is so cute!!

Ahhhh....3 more days!! I'm gonna have a good talk to this little guy baking in my belly. I know he's got no space in there so I keep telling him it's much more comfy out here where he can strecth and roll around all over the place, so come on out already :)

[albuquerque]

St. Claire, Avery is beautiful! Look at all that hair! You and your DH must be so proud.

Hawaii, I'm with you on these very serious talks with the little ears down in the belly region...I keep telling her, little girl, you're going to have to come out either way, and it will be much nicer if you choose when to come out on your own instead of having them force you out, so come on out now! Thanks for the contrax description. I wish I were getting them. Sounds like you have a good chance of going pretty soon!

[Kristen78]

Hi all. I'm still here and baby-less. Our phone has been down since SUnday morning and we only have a dial-up internet connection so I haven't been able to get online. But the Verizon guy came today to fix it for us. Thank God! It was sort of a blessing though because my aunt has been calling me like 5 times a day checking in. Its real annoying.

Anyways, I went for my NST yesterday and it was fine. Then I went to my OBs. My blood pressure had gone down slightly so she said it wasn't as urgent to induce so she didnt send me to the hospital yesterday. Instead she gave me an internal. She said if I was more than 1 cm dilated that she would strip my membranes. I was almost 2 so she did it. It was pretty uncomfortable and when she was done she said "Now you are 2 centimeters dilated." LOL. I was also about 50% effaced. She called Labor & Delivery to see if they had any time this week for an induction and it was decided that I will go tonight to get the gel put on my cervix to help it soften up and efface and then tomorrow (Wednesday) I will go for the induction. So I will hopefully have my baby tomorrow!!

Has anyone lost their mucous plug yet? I lost my mucous plugthis morning and have had a bit of spotting ever since. I read in my book that you usually go into labor within 3 days of losing your plug. But tomorrow I am supposed to get induced anyways.

Magnesium treatment - Has anyone heard of this? My doc said they use it to treat anyone with pre-eclampsia symptoms. She said it raises the threshold for seizures. I was WAY worried about this because she said it makes you feel tired like you have the flu. I already have a head cold so I am not into this AT ALL. She said I would need a catheter if I want an epidural, which makes sense but I am dreading that as well.

I have to call the hospital in 90 minutes to find out when I should come in for the cervical gel treatment. Now I am off to research this magenesium stuff. Ugh! I am super excited about having my baby tomorrow though. :)

[Natasha]

Kristen--YAY for having the baby tomorrow! I had a catheter with DS. Not so bad, but it's weird to not feel the urge to pee for, like, 24 hours!

Alb--I don't think my pain is progress...lol It's just being uncomfortable from being so freakin HUGE! I am confidant, however, that she will be a November baby. I really hope yours comes soon, so you can avoid an induction.

Lindzee--I hope the doctor takes a serious look at your leg. Hopefully, it's nothing, but they need to put your mind at ease!

Hawaii2SJ--I tell the baby the same thing. I know she's squished, and she has to be way more uncomfortable than I am!

StClaire--OH MY GOODNESS! Avery is absolutely adorable! Thank you for posting the picture!


Nothing new to report here. I did a ton of walking yesterday, and all I got was sore feet! :) Thatsok, I really don't want her to come till after the 7th. Of course, since thats what I want, I really worry she'll come this week!

[Sebski]

Just back from the doctor... mine couldn't fit me in so I saw one of the men. I've never gone to him before, so it was nice to meet him since he might end up being the one delivering me if he's on call. He had no problem with taking me out of work... my blood pressure was a little high (130/90) so I don't know if that had anything to do with it. At the end of the appt brought me to the person who handles the work leave thing. I left her with the # of my HR person rep and told her that my rep told me in our last meeting just to have the doctor's office call when they have to put me out. This leave is private leave/disability @ full pay paid for by my firm and I'm allowed 22w of it since I've been there as long as I have. The person at the doctor's office said that they will call me if they run into any trouble w/ HR. Then I called my rep after leaving the doc's and left her a msg. to please call me @ home to confirm everything is in place for me to go on full paid medical leave beginning tomorrow. It seems too easy of a process to me... I'm waiting for the call from HR saying that there's some loop hole/problem and I have to continue working. *keeping fingers crossed*

Sem yep, physically I'm done with the work thing... mentally I could have made it through next week probably. But, my body just isn't listening to my head. :p My hands have been so sore since the weekend from the carpal tunnel so sitting at a desk is the last thing I want to do right now. Cool that you'll have all the downtime now though at least! Next Friday will be here before you know it!

St. Claire Avery is just stunning! I love all the hair she has! Did DH and yourself have a lot of hair as newborns?

Kristen How exciting!!!!! Good luck tonight with the gel - hope you have a quick, easy and pain-free (;)) delivery!

Mucous Plug I've been on the lookout for this thing and haven't seen anything yet. I know that some people don't always notice when they lose it though...

[Bliss]

Hooray November!! I LOVED flipping the calendar over this morning (I am such a tool).

clzj There are no words. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and I send you my deepest condolences and sympathy for your loss.

St Claire Avery is beautiful! That is a great picture.

Kristen How exciting that you are getting induced tomorrow!!! That is wonderful, you will have your little one in your arms before you know it.

Sebski Congrats on getting the OK from your doc to take you out of work.

Lindzee Hope the swelling gets better! I have found that sometimes you really have to force these docs to sit down and take a look at stuff. I hate when you walk out of a doctors appointment feeling like they kind of blew through the exam.

We had our 36 week appointment today, all looked well thank God. My doc does not do internals until 38 weeks, so we did the standard measurements and HB today. They did give me a wrist brace for my right hand as the carpel tunnel is worse. I have a lot of numbness in my fingertips even during the day now. The doc said that is normal and should go away after the baby is born, thankfully.

I cannot believe its our month and babies are coming :) I have to admit having more than usual anxiety/moodiness/depression. I just do not feel "ready" and my hormones are going nuts. I finally feel better today, more like myself. I think DH is waiting for his wife to "come back" lol, but I find it harder some days than others for some reason. I think if it continues this week, I will mention it to the doc at next weeks appt. I think I honestly have too much time on my hands to sit an obsess over everything, so I have been getting out and walking every day to try and clear my mind. I am a total control freak so stupid things like not being able to have my bag packed and ready (due to lack of fitting clothes :)) are making me nuts. DH keeps reminding me that I cannot plan/control much at this point so to try and not let it bother me. I suppose the world will not end if DH has to go out and buy more diapers or baby clothes-I am realizing that I can only be so prepared!

ETA Congratulations Shirsty!!!

[sem426]

lindzee Great belly shots!

St Claire Your daughter is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing the pic!

Kristen good luck tomorrow!! Sending easy labor vibes your way...how exciting that you will get to meet your daughter so soon!!

seb great news that your dr is taking you out of work! I met w/HR yesterday and have all of the disability papers for my dr to fill out on Friday when i go for my next appt. I'm hoping they do it quickly and correctly too!

mucous plug i've also been looking out for this...and no sign of it yet.
I can't wait til my appt on friday to see if I have had any progress since last week.

furniture not sure where I last left off w/the furniture story....the new furniture from the 2nd store is being delivered next Tues...so I'm hoping for no baby before then! I'd like to get the crib and room set up more before she arrives.

[rochacha]

CONGRATULATIONS SHIRSTY!!

Sebski -- congrats on getting the OK for medical leave, and getting to see your little one on the U/S. Enjoy this time before the baby. I am planning to work until I can, consdidering I have no disability and would have to start my 12 short weeks of FMLA if I went out early. With my luck I'll be here until Thanksgiving.:rolleyes:

Natasha -- I did a ton of walking yesterday, and all I got was sore feet! Sorry you don;t feel like you are progressing at all.

Kristen78 -- you are being induced tomorrow??? Best wishes for a quick and easy labor/delivery, and for a healthy baby. I know nothing about magnesium.

Hawaii2SJ -- I hope those contrax are getting you somewhere. You are so close to your due date!

StClaire -- she is a princess indeed. Thanks for sharing.

Lindzee82 -- do you feel like you have dropped? Cause it looks like you have. Let us know what the Dr. says about the swelling. I too have noticed an increase in sweeling that doesn't seem to go away. My hands are even puffy today. I have a dr. appt thursday and will check with them. As for formula, I got a sample from the Dr. office of Simlac Advance. They said they usually suggest this kind for moms who "plan" on breast feeding. So I have that as my backup.

alb -- sounds like your Dr. really wants to get things moving for you. I hope you little girl decides to come out on her own, soon.


Mucous Plug -- I wish I had lost it. At least I don't think I have yet.

Regarding stuff you aren't suppose to use on newborns...can you use diaper wipes? Or are you suppose to use a damp wash cloth?

Regarding Post Partum mommy care...what should i have stocked up at home? Besides tucks and pads? ANything else that I should get now? I think I read somewhere are a numbing spray for that region??? Anyone have suggestions?

[amypooh]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/amypooh/skunkhalloween.jpg

We survived Halloween. Now I'm just ready to get this baby out. I am so uncomfortable I can barely walk. My doctor says stay off my feet but with work crazy and a one year old that isn't really practical right now. :/

[cartersmommy]

Kristen-- hi there, i'm an october mommy and was induced in september for the exact same reasons you are. i had the magnesium treatment after delivery, and it wasn't bad at all. made me feel sluggish, but other than that it was fine. good luck tomorrow and congrats!! :)

[Lindzee82]

StClaire - Oh...she is so beautiful!!! Congrats again!!

Kristen78 - Good luck tomorrow! I wish you all the best!!! Hope your labor is quick and easy!! My doc thinks I may be losing my plug now as I described to her that the last two days my discharge has really picked up and is "goopy." She didn't do an internal to confirm. But did say that not everyone loses their plug before delivery. Yay for loosing your plug. I wish I knew for sure if mine came out! I have never heard of magnesium treatment. Again, good luck!!

Natasha - She looked at my leg and said it wasn't bad at all. She has seen much worse and then begun to tell me some horror stories. I am starting to really like my circus freak leg!

Sebski - Yay for getting out of work!!!

Bliss - Thanks! I usually feel that exact way when I leave my appointments - that they are just blowing me off. Today was better, though. Even though she wasn't concerned about my HUGE leg and foot! Hugs to you. I hope you starting feeling better soon. I am sure the anxiety of having a new little baby is just making you react more to everything. You still have time to get everything done and packed. I would definitely talk to your doc though.

sem - Thanks!

rochacha - Oh my goodness, I totally feel that I have dropped. The biggest clue is that when I stand up, right underneath my belly it is really really sore. I have to almost hold my belly up and put pressure there so that it doesn't hurt so bad. It also feels like my hips are splitting when I walk. I definitely have a huge waddle now. I go through a roll of toilet paper a day. And Matthew's feet are no longer planted in my ribs! I am glad that you think I look like I have dropped because that means the pain is worth it! The doc says the swelling is fine and normal and that mine really isn't bad at all. She has seen much worse. I am not supposed to baby it, so I have to really start walking. I will look into the Similac. Thanks for the tip!

amypooh - Kailey is too cute!! Hope your baby comes soon, I am sorry you are so uncomfortable!

****
Pretty boring and uneventful appointment:

- 3lb weight gain. Up to 42 pound total. I brought up that the doc last week thought I had gained too much. The doc today wasn't bothered by my weight gain and couldn't offer any explanation why the other doc would have a problem.
- Blood pressure was 100/74
- I asked about the swelling. She didn't think it looked bad at all!! Apparently she has seen much worse. I should not be concerned at all and should not "baby" it. I should be trying to walk as much as I can.
- I did not receive an internal. They don't plan on doing any on me at all. They are not normal practice for them. They don't think they do any good and don't waste their time.
- There will be no scheduled early induction for me.
- I am to start inserting 1 1300mg Evening Primrose Oil pill in my vagina at night. No longer need to swallow the massive things by mouth! Don't know which I will prefer...but we will find out tonight.
- Got one last refill for Zofran.
- Got all my instructions of what to do when I think I may be in labor. I was assured again that I WILL know when I am in labor and that the baby will not fall out of me. I am not really impressed with the policies and procedures of my practice and wish now that I would have investigated more thoroughly at the beginning my pregnancy before choosing a doctor. But, I didn't know about any of this stuff so never would have thought to research it. Next time I will do things differently I think.
- Uterus measured 38.
- Heartbeat was good
- I go back next Tuesday for just a checkup.
- At 41 weeks we will talk induction.

So, pretty plain and simple. I guess that is good. I would have liked to have had an internal to see if any progress has been made, but I guess it wouldn't matter. I could be 6cm dilated and still not go into labor on my own. So, maybe it is better not knowing.

[ginadc]

Shirsty--congratulations! Can't wait to see pictures!

St. Claire--oh. my. goodness. Avery is just the most beautiful little girl! I can't believe all that gorgeous dark hair!

Kristen, good luck with the induction tomorrow! I'll be thinking of you.

Bliss, if you're a tool on the November thing, so am I. First thing I said to DH this morning was "Now we can say that our baby is going to be born this month!!"

No real news here. We will be doing another phone call with bmom tonight to see how things went with her doc's appointment today and generally see how she's doing. She's been officially on maternity leave since last Wednesday, and technically today is 37 weeks 2 days, so yay for full term!

[Alanna]

Hi everyone!

This has been a busy thread today. I have spent most of the day in bed.. i dont know what it is but i swear I am like 50 times more uncomfortable than i was before... thank goodness im done with work!

Lindzee sounds like a good appointment... you must be so happy to have your *last* refill of Zofran! What a long journey this has been for you!

Amypooh that pic is too cute!

Sebski Yay for the end of work!!!

St Claire Avery is gorgeous!

I still havent had any signs of labor at all. My sister called today and said.. "arent you excited that it could be *any* day now??" and i just dont feel like it will be since i havent felt anything yet. Ah well, no matter what - she is coming soon.. right??

alb I have my m/w appt on thursday afternoon.. i will definitely ask about the EPO and report back.

[Kristen78]

Well I'm still here. Not sure about the induction tomorrow. I was supposed to call L&D this afternoon to get a time to come in tonight for the cervical gel but everytime I call they say they are really busy and to call back. I called at 5pm and htey said to call back at 7pm. If they dont have room tonight she said to still call in the morning and they will decide if I should come in for the gel then, or if I should just come in and htey wil induce me without the gel. I kind of want the gel because I feel like every little bit will help and I hate to get induced and have it not work?

I guess mostly I am feeling pissed because I am anxious to get this show on the road and it keeps getting pushed back. I was originally supposed to get the gel yesterday, but then that ended up being today and now it might end up being tomorrow...

Also, my aunt is driving me crazy. This is my mom's sister. She doesn't have any kids and her DH died last year. I know she means well and is just excited and cares for me, but she has been calling me a couple times everyday and she is planning on driving up here with my mom tomorrow. I told her at 3:30 that I didnt have a time yet and I dont know when I will and she was like "Well I dont know if we should come up tomorrow" Well I dont know either! Good grief, I have enough stuff to think about without having to plan my delivery just in time for her. I can't tell when things will happen and I am in the dark about everything too. And the real pisser is that I never asked anyone to come up for the birth. I would rather have my baby in private and see people a week later. But my family is way too up in my business to let that happen. I thought my mom would be bad, but she has been fine and not bothersome, but my aunt doesn't work and just sits around all day and its like all she can do is think about me and when I have my baby.

I don't want to be a whiner but it felt good to get that off my chest!!! i hope I get to go in for the gel tonight so I can go into labour and put all this waiting behind me!

[Lindzee82]

ginadc - Yay for birth mom being full term! That means baby could really come anyday!! I hope your bags are packed!

Alanna - I can't believe your due date is sooo close! Sorry you are so uncomfortable today. Yay that you are done with work. That must make things easier for you. My appointment was good. I still have like 7 pills left from my last prescription so I wont refill until next week.....hoping that I wont need to pay another $25 copay if you catch my drift! ;)

Kristen78 - Ugh! How frustrating!! Sorry about the issues with your aunt. Maybe you can talk to your mom and have her tell your aunt that you don't want visitors for a week. Hugs!! Everything will work out for you and you will be holding your little girl so very soon!

[ginadc]

Yipes! Big news from bmom! The doctor reported that she's made significant progress since her appointment last week, when basically nothing was happening. She's now 1 cm dilated and pretty thinned, and the baby's head is low. He seems to think he will not see her for her 38-week appt. next Tuesday--that she will go into labor before then, likely by the weekend. :eek: :D :eek: :D

We are so excited and so scattered, trying to get everything organized. I'm hoping the baby holds out maybe another day or two before she goes into active labor, because I'm still behind on a zillion things! But it sounds like we could be heading for the airport anytime now. WOW!!!!

[Lindzee82]

ginadc - Yay!! How very exciting!! Wishing you luck!!!

[Natasha]

Whoa, I fell way behind! I'm trying to keep up! I just wanted to say

CONGRATS GINA! Let us know how everything goes!

[Kristen78]

Well it doesn't look like our baby will be making an appearance today either. I called the hospital twice yesterday and both times I was told to call back. When I called at 7pm they told me to call this morning at 7:15am. So i just called and spoke with the charge nurse who told me she was terribly sorry but that they couldn't do it today either, however she did not have any inductions scheduled for Thursday or Friday. But that means nothing because thats what they said when my doctor called up on Monday and scheduled me for Wednesday.

My DH is PISSED. I'm pretty ticked off too. I know things come up and all that but still. The nurse there is supposed to call my doctors office to tell them and they are supposed to (according to the hospital nurse) come up with a plan for me. But when my doctors office calls I'm going to tell them that I am tired of calling them and being told they dont have room. Why don't they call me when they are ready for me? SO now my DH has the day off and we arent even going to the hospital. But he is sick so he probably would have stayed home anyways. He's still mad though. It would be great if I just went into labor myself so I didnt have to wait to get accepted by the hospital! Then they would have no choice but to take me.

[Alanna]

Kristen what a PITA. how awful to be strung along at this point... id be going crazy. Fingers crossed that they take you soon.

Gina SO excited for you! Keep us updated as much as possible! It wont be long til you have your babe in your arms :)

Lindzee I cant believe im due in three days (THREE DAYS ALB!!!) I just wish i felt like i was going to go into labor.. i havent had a single contraction or any indication (other than my internal weeks ago when they said that i was somewhat effaced) that Im going to go into labor soon.

I am really hoping that i will get some good solid plans made at my m/w's appointment tomorrow. I wish it was today!

We were trying to treat my kitty at home with fluid therapy (you have to inject fluids under her skin from an IV bag every other day) and we were able to do it on monday morning.. but this monring she struggled and struggled and we werent able to do it... which means i have to take take her to the vet (60+ miles roundtrip). I love her and of course I will do it... but i really had hoped not to do anymore serious driving.. it makes me really nervous... the majority of it is on a major highway where there is some pretty aggressive driving that goes on. Its my old commute.. so its not llike im unfamiliar with it... but still i feel so vulnerable right now... Nothing is ever easy, is it?

i have a few projects lined up for the next few days... Im addressing all the announcement envelopes and Im trying really hard to get my holiday shopping done. im about 50% done...

[amypooh]

Kristen - That is soo annoying. I can understand being so frustrated. Hopefully, you will get some answers today.

[mrs_barkley]

Tomorrow (11/3) is my official due date. I wish I could have kept her in this long :( I'm glad to have her here and healthy but I want to experience a regular pregnancy.

[mrs_barkley]

Congrats to Shirsty and St Claire!

Emalee was 2 lbs 11.6 oz and 15 in. :)

[Lindzee82]

Kristen - I can't get over how frustrating this must be for you!! I am so very sorry!! Maybe all of this frustration will put you into labor yourself. Try going for a big power walk and maybe that will help!! Hope things work out for you soon!!

Alanna - You are getting sooo close!! Sorry your kitty was giving you trouble this morning. I hope the trip to the vet goes okay. Just drive nice and slow and don't worry about the other drivers. One of the reasons I was glad to leave my job early was because the commute was very dangerous. I felt like I was taking mine and Matthew's lives in my hands each and every day to get to and from work. It was so scary. Hope you get your projects all done. I haven't done one single bit of holiday shopping. I really don't want to do gifts this year, but I still need to finalize that with Eric. It just seems like too much right now.



**Vent**

Oh my goodness, if I could have reached through the phone last night I swear to god I would have strangled Eric to death!!!! He had been in the field for a few days and get this....he had the nerve to complain to me that he only got 2 hours of sleep the night before and he had to carry around a pack that weighed 78 pounds. I told him to never complain to me about not getting sleep. I get less than 2 hours sleep each and every night. And I told him not to complain that he had to carry around 78 pounds. He then said to me that I was only carrying around an extra 42 pounds and I got to gain it gradually. He had to pick up and carry the 78 pounds all at once. Um, excuse me. I would say that carrying an additional 78 pounds on a 152 pound man would be quite equivalent to a 113 pound girl carrying an additional 42 pounds, but maybe I am wrong. And for another thing...yes, I did gain the weight gradually...but for at least another 12 days I will be carrying the 42+ pounds. He only carried the weight for 2 freaking days!!!! Can you tell this has made me just a little bit angry???? I could seriously kill him!!!!!!!!!!!

**End Vent**



Funny thing happened last night. I got up in the middle of the night to go pee. I noticed that my underwear had brown stuff in it. Then when I wiped, there was this huge glob of brown stuff. A big glob! I started freaking out!!!!! Then, I noticed the bottle of Evening Primrose Oil on the counter and realized that this was the pill. The pill is brown. So the oil was leaking out a little and that was causing the brown stain in my underwear and the big brown glob was the shell of the capsule! Can you imagine if I hadn't realized that and called the doc at 1am!!! I would have felt like such a doofus. It scared me so much at first though, that I am not sure I want to put it in there again. Maybe I will give it one more try and if it happens again I will make my decision. It was really scary though. And kind of a tease. I thought maybe it meant something was happening. No such luck.

[Sebski]

Amy you're daughter looked adorable in her halloween costume!

Gina sounds like you might be a momma by the weekend - good luck!!!

Kristen ugh - so sorry that the hospital's giving you the run around like that! Hopefully you'll get in and induced w/out much more frustration!

mrs_barkley sorry to hear that you're feeling blue!

Lindzee how funny about the pill!!! I would have freaked out too!!!

Nothing new on my end... just coasting along waiting for *something* to happen. Have to say, the waiting for something to happen is one of the hardest things! Everyone's been calling me asking how I'm feeling or if there's any news. This is going to be a loooooong couple of weeks!

[sem426]

Nothing new to report here...just sitting at my desk at work like I do everyday! This am when I got on the train...I heard on the radio that there was a big fire in Chelsea (the area of NYC where I work) and was thinking...oh that would be great if they had to close my office for the day and I could turn around and go home! (obviously w/no one getting hurt or anything!)
so i got here..and the subway stunk like burned rubber.....then i came out onto 8th ave and there was a huge cloud of smoke...the fire was across the st from my office....but our building is fine and open.....so here i am. oh well.

kristen that's so annoying that your hospital is not getting back to you. I know you had it in your head that you were going to have the baby today and now the plan is changed. Hopefully you'll get some concrete info soon and know what's going on.

alanna sorry about yoiur kitty. be careful driving to the vet.

lindzee sorry eric was irritating you! husbands need to know that they can't compain about anything while we are pregnant!

gina how exciting!!! you might have your baby in your arms soon!!


I'm starting to feel a bit more uncomfortable. last night i had this pressure downtown and just felt achy everywhere. no real signs of anything going on though. I'm hoping the dr can give me some news when i go on friday.

[Lindzee82]

Sebski - Nothing new on my end... just coasting along waiting for *something* to happen. Have to say, the waiting for something to happen is one of the hardest things! Everyone's been calling me asking how I'm feeling or if there's any news. This is going to be a loooooong couple of weeks! I could have written this word for word!
sem - Sorry you still had to work today. Hope your day goes by fast! Husbands definitely should not be allowed to complain about anything!!! I hope the pressure means that something is happening for you.

[albuquerque]

Alanna, sorry you're having trouble with the fluids with your kitty. The whole process does sound just really hard--not just hard physically but hard emotionally to have to do something that she obviously wants to resist. And the drive can't be fun. I hope you have family that can help if these trips to the vet are going to be necessary every so often--the drive can't be fun now and it will be a lot less fun after delivery! You sound so together with all your errands. I need to address announcement envelopes...that and a hundred other things! At least tonight there's a plan to do some shopping for hospital bag stuff like toiletries, granny undies (I'm a thong kinda girl), and cheap slippers and PJs that I won't mind getting blood on. I hate to admit that 3 days before EDD I still haven't begun to pack a bag!

Gina How exciting!! Your story has me on pins and needles. Maybe if BioMom doesn't go into labor by this weekend, you should fly down there anyway and feed her pieces of fresh pineapple! Will you take a laptop with you when you go? I guess you'll be there at least a few days, and already I'm dreading the suspense! We'll all be waiting for news! And pictures!

Kristen, OMG, I would seriously want to kill somebody if I were you. Way to rip the rug out from under you. This is only probably the most important event of your life so far, and they blow it off like an appointment for a haircut?! Oh, sorry, no time right now, try back in a few hours?! WTF is that?! And especially if your DH took time off work, time that he could otherwise have spent later on with his newborn child...Well, since you said you lost your mucus plug, maybe you really will go into labor on your own any minute, and actually that would be better than an induction anyway, right?

Lindzee, what is it with the DH's and the lack of sympathy? My DH is wonderful in many ways, but sympathetic he is not. He was scoffing at my worries about being induced, and I told him that I didn't understand how he could be so cavalier about me wanting to avoid getting pumped full of drugs when he's the type of person who refuses to take DayQuil or even aspirin when he's sick. So then he totally switched sides and said well, yes, he doesn't believe in unnecessary drugs, and in his opinion even the epidural is unnecessary. Because, women have been having babies without painkillers for thousands of years and all that. Um, OK. Very nice. So glad this is going to be the only person in the delivery room with me who speaks English for most of my labor. My "support system". Hah.

Mrs Barkley, it must be a little bittersweet to you to see your EDD arrive on the calendar. You certainly didn't have an easy ride with either of your pregnancies, did you? I think if *do* end up with an induction or Csection, I'll feel maybe a tiny bit of what you're feeling--a sense of missing the experience that we've all heard about, the "Honey, I think it's time" moment, the experience of the textbook birth. If I do end up with that feeling, I'll try to remember that I should be grateful to have had such an extremely easy pregnancy, all the way through my ninth month, when other Moms (like you) have had a so much rougher and more frightening experience!

Sebski, did everyone start calling yesterday? It's funny, nobody called or checked in with me before yesterday, but I guess as everyone turned their calendar to the November page, a little light went on--since yesterday, I've been inundated with calls and emails! I'm so overwhelmed I haven't even bothered to respond to most of them, they probably think I'm in the hospital!

Sem, bummer that the fire didn't get you out of work. That is always so annoying. I also remember years of deep cold winters, watching the snow fall in Manhattan and remembering the good ol' days of snow days in school. We'd be so excited when it snowed because if it snowed enough, there would be that unexpected day off, like a present falling out of the sky. But not at work--never once did I get a snow day from work, and even on the days when people with long commutes left early, I never could because I always was one of the ones who lived close to the office.

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

So, I'm happy to report that I have *finally* begun to feel some of the achy, uncomfortable stuff. I haven't had anything I could call pain, actually it's a stretch even to call it discomfort because it is so mild, but at least it is *something*. I consider it progress. Last night I had some tightening across my lower stomach, and the occassional accompanying twinge of cramp. Probably nothing I could call a contraction yet, but more than I have been feeling all these weeks. At this point I welcome the pain, bring it on! (I know I'll eat those words later.)

[LSUGirl]

Wow this thread moves fast.

wipes - we used wipes from day 1 on DS#1.

plug - I lost mine 3 weeks ago.. It means nothing in terms of the timing of labor beginning. (I lost it two weeks before DS#1 was born.)

Lindzee - yeah. I would have the formula just in case, in your situtaion. Youwill need everythign right there at a moments notice :)

Kristen - can your OB call and schedule the appt at the hospital? That is how my induction was handled with DS#1.

----

I am 39 weeks today. I go in tomorrow. I am sitting here at 4 cm with nothing. I had more contrax last week than I do now. I swear this child doesn't want to come out. We will discuss stripping membranes or breaking my water at my appt. tomorow. Not sure what we'll do. I am on the fence about it.

[Lindzee82]

alb - I think DH has a hard time being sympathetic to me because he isn't here. Before he left, he was sooo good with helping me deal with my morning sickness. He would make all the meals, do the shopping, do the housecleaning, and would just let me stay in bed. But now that he is not here to see how big and uncomfortable I am...he just doesn't get it. I can't believe your DH thinks the epidural is uneccessary. Sometimes they are just too clueless!! Yay for feeling a little uncomfortable! I hope it means that your baby girl will make an appearance soon all on her own!!

[Lindzee82]

LSUGirl - We were posting at the same time! Yay for 39 weeks!! Hope everything goes well at your appointment tomorrow!

[dziner]

Congratulations to Shirsty! Would love to see pictures when you have time to stop and do stuff like that. ;)

StClaire, beautiful baby!!

Sounds like we are all sitting around wondering when things are going to get started. I was told last Thursday that I'm 2.5 cm dilated, 90% effaced, and the baby is so low it was hard to examine me...but I haven't gone into labor yet. My girlfriend walked around 3cm dilated for several weeks and still had to be induced at 41 weeks so I don't take that exam to mean terribly much...other than it can't hurt to be ready just in case! I do have most of my bag packed, and a detailed printout of instructions for whomever is taking care of Ava.

Speaking of, question for ROs...are your kids acting differently with the new baby on the way? Ava totally knows what's going on, at least as much as she can understand at this age. When we get in the car she tells me the baby is going to "sit down" in the carseat next to her. She knows babies drink milk from mommy's boobies but don't get to eat snacks, pizza, etc. And she is ready to show the baby how all her old baby toys work and sing the ABC song to him. The flip side of all that is that she is sleeping for sh*t. She is crying and stalling every time we put her down...calling us in for the dumbest reasons...she wants another song, another book, her eye needs goop wiped out, she wants a different color pillowcase...you name it. Wakes us up during the night and again at 5am with the same crap. It's totally draining. I guess I'll be ready for those lovely 2-3 hour chunks of sleep again, but c'mon! Let me get a few more 8-hour nights in, potty wakeups not withstanding! I don't know if this is developmental or if she is desperate for our undivided attention b/c she knows what's going on. Any of you guys dealing with this??

[abbytfox]

Sorry to have been so absent from the thread. For whatever reason I just couldn't motivate myself to post. But now I am ready...

First...I had my first shower this past weekend. My best friend set it all up in my house and it looked gorgeous. She rented two little tables for my living room and had these yellow tablecloths on them. She baked about 6 types of desserts and they were put out on my dining room table. We played a couple games which were really silly but fun. In one of them, my friends had to guess how big around my tummy was and then we measured me! It turns out that at my biggest point around I am 42 inches!!!:eek: I told everyone that my guess was 805 inches around...at least that is how I feel! We got some items for the bath, like a tub that converts from an infant tub into a seat for an older baby, a baby papasan (my favorite!), a cute outfit and my friend who is an artist painted a gorgeous frog painting for the nursery! It was so much fun and I was so exhausted afterwards. Looking forward to all my family coming for the other shower this Saturday!

Second...went to the doc yesterday and found out that I have already gained 50 pounds!!!:eek: Oh My Goodness! Most of all I was shocked that I had supposedly gained 8 pounds in 2 weeks. Is that even possible? I mean, I have been a dieter forever and remember that it was HARD to gain that much in two weeks. I don't feel like I am retaining water, but I guess I could be. Oh, I was upset. Plus on top of that my doc came in and said "8 pounds in 2 weeks...yikes!" and then proceeded to tell me that women who gain 50 pounds increase their risk of a c-section by 50%. Ok, well what do you want me to do now? I can't lose anything or change the past, so what good does that do to make me feel like I am not going to be able to have a safe vaginal delivery. I am already nervous about labor and delivery and my ability to "do it" I don't need someone putting more doubt in my mind. Urgh.

The good part of the appointment was that he told me I can start to slowly introduce activity!!! YAY! I actually went to the grocery store yesterday! What an adventure. Last night I unloaded some of the dishwasher and this morning I made my own eggs and tea. I am going to take it easy but tomorrow Adam and I might go on a short walk! Yippee! I am so thrilled that I am going to be able to do some of the nesting things I didn't think I would get to do. Of course I have a while to do them because this baby is now nestled in its home and isn't showing any signs of coming anytime soon. I am so proud that I have kept the baby safe for this long after the bleeding. Can't wait to meet him/her!
****************************************
LSUGirlGood luck at your appointment! Hope that you find you are moving right along. At least you are at 4. Maybe that means once you go into labor it will be short and easy!

AlbYAY for progress! I hope that all the discomfort does mean that your baby is getting ready.

semI have been thinking about you on the train. I know I have been on bedrest, but even walking into the docs office yesterday was painful (just a lot of pressure and groin pain) I was thinking that had I not been put on disability that I would still be trekking into the city for work and sitting on the train for an hour each way. Is it getting so uncomfortable? Sorry you still had to work. Hopefully your day goes by quickly!

LindzeeSorry about Eric being so insensitive. He just wasn't thinking. You are so tiny, 42 pounds must feel like 178 on your frame. I can completely understand why you are so annoyed at him! Sorry.

ginaSO exciting! I bet your baby is here any day! Can't wait to find out what the gender is...

shirstyCongratulations! Welcome to your little one! It sounds like you are just so thrilled. Post pics when you can!

[Natasha]

WOW, this thread goes fast!

Kristen--I would be beyond pissed. My doctor just called and scheduled my induction, too. Hopefully your doctor can do that.

mrsbarkley--I was the opposite of you when I had my son. He was waaay late. But, I was induced and ended up with a c-section, so I can totally understand the feelings of having missed out on something. I am really hoping this time will be "normal".

Alanna--You and your poor kitty. I really feel for you guys. I hope it gets better soon. Just try to drive safe on your commute and YAY for getting so much holiday shopping done. We haven't even started yet!

Lindzee--Ugh, men! Bert has definetly had his moments during my pregnancy, too. They can be so clueless! Too funny about the EPO. I used it, but I didn't leave the caplets in, I just inserted the oil. Oy, the things we preggo's will do....

sem--Bummer about having to go to work. I hope you get some GOOD NEWS on Friday!

Alb--YAY for being uncomfortable! I keep saying thing like that that I know will sound so foolish to me in a few weeks. But, right now, all I want is some progress!

LSU--Hope you get some good news, too. 4 cm sounds like so much!

dziner--Hope you make some good progress soon. As far as Ethan goes, he kinda seems to know whats going on. He'll be 3 in Feb. He has been more whiny lately, with lots of imaginary ouches. We'll see what happens when the baby gets here.

abby--Hon, I gained 7 pounds in ONE WEEK! I have no idea how I did that, but I have gained a little over 50 pounds this time, and my doctor has not said anything about an increased c-sec rate, and I have HAD a c-section. Your doctor sucks for stressing you out!

Nothing new here. I had pineapple, used EPO and DTD (sorry if TMI) in the last 24 hours, and nothing. But, I don't expect immediate results. I just freak out because I haven't had ANY BH's or anything like that. I REALLY do not want to be induced or have a c-section. Ugh....I can't wait for December! lol

[Lindzee82]

abbytfox - Glad your shower went well! Sorry about the weight issue. I am not very far behind you as I have gained 42 pounds total. I definitely understand what you are saying with them telling you that your c-section risk may be higher. Like you said, it is too late now to do anything about it. I am sure you will be fine with a vaginal delivery. You will be great! Yay that you can introduce activity. I am sure part of your weight gain is that you haven't been doing any activity. You are obviously still eating, but not being able to burn off the calories. What does he expect! Now that you can get out and about, I am sure your weight gain will level off. Thanks for the sympathy with my insensitive husband! What am I going to do with him??

Natasha - How did you just insert the oil? That might be better for me.


***

Just went for a big long walk. Now I feel like crap. Blah! Time to veg out on the couch for the rest of the evening!

[Natasha]

Lindzee--My doc said I could try 3 different ways: (REALLY sorry if this is TMI) Using it as lubrication while DTD, using a low absorbency tampon with the oil squeezed on to it, or just "squeezing it out up there". I used method number 1 last night, but will probably be sticking to method number 2 from now on. (Wow, I think I am actually blushing...lol)

[Lindzee82]

Natasha - hmm...I think I will stick to just stuffing the whole capsule up there. I will be wearing pantiliners tonight!

[Natasha]

Lindzee-- lol...nothing about trying to get the ball rolling is easy, is it? Last night I was laughing at the things pregnant women will do...

[AirForceLove]

Hello everyone, I am just a lurker. I had my second baby 4 months ago. Reading about all of your experiences right now really makes me miss being pregnant and going through all of the things that you guys are going through. I don't miss being uncomfortable towards the end but I sure do miss knowing there is a little human growing inside of me. I never was able experience going into labor on my own with both of my children. I was induced with my first and had him natural and I had to have a c-section with my second. I will be reading with anticipation the arrivals of all of your little ones. GOOD LUCK!!!!
Jen

[LSUGirl]

dziner - Matthew is acting differently. A couple nights ago he started cuddling up to me, putting his head on my shoulder and fake-crying like a baby. My husband and I could not stop laughing. He also knows that this and that are "Baby Drew's room," "Baby Drew's seat," etc. He has started talking to thin air as well. I am assuming an imaginary friend type deal? Not sure. And he now wants me or Dh to sit in his playroom with him while he plays (he NEVER wanted us in there before). He come get me and say "Mama, come sit." And then he will pat the glider and remove all the dolls that sit in that chair.

I think they know a lot more than most of us give them credit for. I hope all of us RO's have a smooth transition with BOTH babies :)

[LSUGirl]

dziner - Matthew is acting differently. A couple nights ago he started cuddling up to me, putting his head on my shoulder and fake-crying like a baby. My husband and I could not stop laughing. He also knows that this and that are "Baby Drew's room," "Baby Drew's seat," etc. He has started talking to thin air as well. I am assuming an imaginary friend type deal? Not sure. And he now wants me or Dh to sit in his playroom with him while he plays (he NEVER wanted us in there before). He'll come get me and say "Mama, sit." And then he will pat the glider and remove all the dolls that sit in that chair.

I think they know a lot more than most of us give them credit for. I hope all of us RO's have a smooth transition with BOTH babies :)

[Sebski]

Natasha & Lindzee I'm sitting here laughing at the discussion you guys are having! :D I have to pick some EPO up!!!

AirForceLove thanks for stopping in and cheering us on! :)

Well I think I finally found our ped! I had an appt with her at 4:45pm tonight. I opened the door to the office and boy do they have a big waiting room! Tons of people with sick kiddos too.... but, they have a well baby room so I hung out in there. :p They didn't make me wait too long either - I was surprised! Anyhoo - they have great hours for working parents... 10-9 Mon-Thurs/10-6 Fri's/10-2 Sat's. Plus, they have a lab on-site and the doctor I met with talked to me about her own BF experiences with her 3 young kids and what I might expect etc. She told me not to get discouraged by the baby losing weight as I wait for my milk to come in etc. Very nice woman and I like that she has kids of her own and supports BF. The other 2 ped's we met with prior to this one were men and I think I just *click* better with women doc's for some reason. SOOOOOOO happy to have that last big thing crossed off my list!

[abbytfox]

NatashaThanks for your support about the weight thing. I know it is going to be fine...one way or another I will get aq healthy baby out! It is just hard to remember when someone you trust is telling you things that are hard to hear. (I really like our doc, but sometimes he is just such a MAN!)

KristenI forgot to write to you in my last post...I actually hope that you are at the hospital having your baby RIGHT NOW! That is so sucky that they aren't taking you for your induction. Why can't they fit you in?! So rediculous. I am so sorry that you are having to deal with this at such a stressful and overwhelming time. Like you need something else to worry about! I am really hoping that the time comes as soon as possible! Good luck to you!

Lindzee Good job going on a long walk! Take it easy tonight. Maybe you need a treat for all the walking you did. (See how my mind works? No wonder I have gained so much weight!)

SebCongrats on finding your ped. Did you call to set up a time to interveiw? I am just starting the process right now and not really sure how to do it. I got a recommendation from our doctor and want to get started, but feel nervous about it for some reason. Any suggestions?
**************************************
My DH had a baby shower at his work today! Is that the cutest thing ever? His boss and I are both having babies at almost exactly the same time. She is having a planned c-sect. on December 2 and I am officially due on the 7th of December. He was so excited about it. Normally, I would have attended too, but due to the bedrest it wasn't going to happen. Even now that I can walk around, it would have been too much for me at this stage. Anyway, supposedly we got a lot of cute outfits, the grooming kit, our hamper, and ANOTHER tub! So that means we can return it and get something else we need (I don't think we need 3 tubs!) The cutest thing is that they played the game where they measured the preggo's tummy and then they measured Adam's waist too! That cracked me up! Too cute. What a good sport he is to go along with it. I will see if he will let me send along a picture of "his shower." I think you would get a kick out of it too!

[Lindzee82]

Sebski - Haha!! Yay for finding a pediatrician!

abbytfox - I ate 2 Resee cups. I am such a bad girl!! How sweet that your DH had a shower at work. That was thoughtful of his coworkers to do that for him.

[Sebski]

Abby I called the ped's office and told them that I was expecting and would like to meet with the doctor. I didn't realize how routine it is... at all 3 offices we visited we got a pamphlet on the practice, where they studied etc. I didn't really have any questions to ask because most of my questions were answered in the pamphlets... I just sat and listened to them tell me about the practice, how the immunization schedules work etc. Tonight's ped took me around the whole office and showed me the exam rooms and even the restrooms! I really thought that was nice. Don't be nervous - I was and there wasn't anything to be nervous about. I was afraid they would think - ugh, here comes another new mom with a gazillion questions for the doctor but it was so not like that! :) Good luck!

[abbytfox]

SebThanks! I am going to call tomorrow.

LindzeeYummy! I have totally been craving peanut butter cups. Glad you indulged.

[Natasha]

LSU--Ethan wants me to play with him a lot more, too. Especially in the tub, which used to be his "private time".

Seb--You should have seen how red I was typing that! lol Glad you had a good experince with the pediatrician!

abby--The shower sounds too cute! It was really nice of them to throw him one!

Lindzee--I am trying hard to NOT keep track of the candy i have eaten. Ethan got a lot TOTing, and I am having a problem with self control...

So, I went and got all the stuff I need for my hospital bag. I am pretty well set at this point. Now it's just hurry up and wait!

[Alanna]

Hmmm... no posts AT ALL since last night?!?

I guess I can only believe that everyone is off having their babies but me.

I KNEW this would happen!!! ;)

[Lindzee82]

Alanna - No such luck!!


Question for you all: For those of you who have already purchased breast pumps. Have you already sterilized them and cleaned them? I have not opened my breastpump yet because once you break the tag, it cannot be returned. I am afraid that if I open it and wash everything that for some reason I wont be able to breastfeed and then I have wasted all that money. However, I feel that if I don't open it and clean everything that I will be in trouble if I need to pump right away when I get out of the hospital. ...Now after writing this out I guess there are troubles with each option. Probably the smartest would be to open and wash everything and read the instructions now so that I am prepared. Just wondering what everyone else did... Thanks much, ladies!

[sem426]

no baby here either! still at work!

maybe some of the other mommies to be are in labor!!

[Alanna]

Lindzeei havent opened mine for the same reasons you were talking about... i guess I just want to make sure there isnt some huge reason that i wouldnt be able to breastfeed... im counting on someone else cleaning it and getting it ready if i need it in a jiffy... i totally have struggled with the whole thing though.. i might end up putting it together if i get really antsy...

[november2005mommies]

Updated to here

[Lindzee82]

Alanna - Thanks! I am glad I am not the only one with these fears. Maybe I will wait a little while longer before I clean it. I am just the type of person who likes to be prepared. It is just so hard, with so many "what ifs." I still haven't washed any blue clothes!!

[albuquerque]

I'm still here, baby still inside rather than outside. Alanna, you have your m/w appt today, right? Do you think you'll set an induction date, assuming Babe makes no appearance by Saturday? I remember you saying that since your baby was measuring so big, you didn't think they'd let you go much past your due date. My doctor wants to induce next Tuesday. I might end up letting her, we'll see. I'm still holding out some hope that something will happen in the next few days. I'm having a lot of those tightening sensations across my lower belly, and some *very* minor cramping here and there down low. We'll see. Do you have any of that going on? It is SO WEIRD that our EDD is in *2 days*.

Let's see....no word from Kristen yet today, maybe they *finally* fit her in? Also, we haven't heard anything from Hawaii lately, last we heard from her she was having some hard core but still inconsistent contractions, right? And, I wonder if Gina might be in Florida now?

[Lindzee82]

Such exciting stuff going on!!! We are all getting sooo close!!

[Sebski]

I'm here... no baby yet either.

Breastpump I bought the Harmony one but haven't opened it yet. I don't want to do so until I know that I have to in case I want to return it. I don't think you normally have to pump right away anway do you? I might be wrong though, but I think it's when your milk comes in that you sometimes get engorged and need the pump to work through it. If I remember from class, milk doesn't normally come in for a few days until after the birth so I don't see the need to rush and open the pump.

I've been off of work for 2 solid days and already I don't know what to do with myself. HA! My mother keeps telling me to enjoy this downtime but seriously... my house has never been cleaner and DH has never eaten so good! :p I still have to finish some shower thank you's... sooooooo don't feel like doing that though!

Hope everyone's having a great day!

[abbytfox]

Thank goodness my baby is still safe in its home for now...ask me how I feel about that in two weeks, though (I will be 37 weeks then!) I am starting to feel SO stretched and tight in my stomach. Also, it feels so heavy. I am seriously considering getting a maternity support. I have started to walk around holding my stomach from the bottom. This is new...maybe within the past two days. Very uncomfortable!

I called the first ped on our list. The woman who I spoke with was really nice and said that they usually have a time where 2-4 couples meet with the doctor every couple weeks. So next week, either Wednesday or Thursday we will meet him. I am also going to put a call in to the doctor that my friend takes her daughter to. Then we will probably make our decision. I am so glad that I have started that process. Thanks seb for your advice!

Breastpump I ordered my Ameda Purely Yours online and it can not be returned at all (even with the package still intact) so I made sure it was the one we wanted before we bought it. Even if I only use it for a little while with this baby, we know that we will have at least one more child so I was comfortable with the purchase. I haven't sterilized the parts yet, but plan on doing it soon!

[beevo12]

Abby I felt the same way around 35 weeks, the bottom of my belly hurt sooo bad. I bought a support belt from Motherhood, and it's INSTANT relief, at least for me. Here's a pic...

http://www.motherhood.com/Images/Products/7305.jpg

[ginadc]

Hey guys, nope, not yet in Florida. Some people have said "Oh, she could go for days yet!" at 1 cm dilated, partially effaced and head dropped. My MOH said that if it were just the dilation she'd agree--she had been dilated for quite awhile before going into labor with her son--but thought the effacement and head drop meant she's ready to go soon. I dunno...our social workers have said just to sit tight and not book any flights yet so we aren't left sitting down there for days before labor actually happens.

This is actually kinda fine with me; I was hoping to make it at least through the end of the day tomorrow, getting some last-minute work and a doctor's appointment done, before we had to head out. Anytime from Friday night on is fine with me. We've debated going ahead and flying down there on Sunday or Monday if nothing's happened yet, since her doc seemed so confident that she'd go into labor before her next appointment on Tuesday. I know the social workers would discourage that; but I'd rather spend a couple of extra days there and be sure to experience the delivery, as opposed to waiting too long and missing it. We'll see...I'm going to give her a call tomorrow morning and see how she's doing, which might help us with our debate.

Every time the phone rings, I jump!

[sem426]

random question are you guys sleeping with anything underneath you in case your water breaks while in bed? One of my friends had her water break in bed and it basically ruined her mattress.

we have a mattress pad on our bed...but it won't absorb that much i think. so i'm thinking about starting to sleep w/something under me....not sure what...a towel or maybe one of those absorbant pads they make for the crib!!??

[Hawaii2SJ]

Hi ladies! I'm still pregnant, DS is still baking in my belly:p I'm still having weird irregular contrax but they are getting gradually "painful" at times. But it's not enough to make me call L&D, my water hasn't broken but I've been having some bloody show today. I keep waiting for "something" to happen and the wait is killing me. I took a long walk this morning but all that did was tire me out. I have my 40wk appt tomorrow afternoon so we'll see what shes says, I'm already pre-scheduled for a 41wk appt as well but I think this baby is getting too big:eek: and I'm miserable but I don't think induction will be an option for me, we'll see.....

Breastpumps I bought my Ameda purely yours a while ago and I still haven't opened the box. I'm like Lindzee & Alanna I want to be prepared but at the same time I just want to be sure I'll be able to use it.

Sebski We are on the same boat, spotless house, cooked meals, no laundry to do, but I've been out of things to do for 2weeks. And I also still need to finish a few more shower thank yous, but that's not very exciting:rolleyes:

Sem I was thinking the same thing last nite while I tossed and turned with contractions just waiting for my water to break or "something":p I also have a mattress pad and I think it'll be safer with some extra absorbency, but I move so much that I might just get tangled in the towel.

Well I'm off to find something to pass the time. I'll let you all know how the 40wk appt goes tomorrow....if I make it:p

[Natasha]

I'm too lazy to do replies to everyone today. I feel very worn out and tired. Ethan has been very whiny today, and that has made me whiny. Poor Bert! I think I felt my first contraction last night, but there was only one. I had my 38 week check up today. Heard the baby's heartbeat, other than that, nothing too exciting. It wasn't my regular doctor. Anyway, he said she doesn't seem like a "big" baby, so a VBAC is still a totally viable option. Head is still down, I could go at any time, blah blah blah.... No internal, so i have no idea if I have dialted or effaced. I'll ask next week. I know it's good to have boring appointments, but they end up feeling like a waste of time! Good luck to those of you due in the next few days. Lets get the baby train rolling!

[rochacha]

mattress pad -- yes, we bought one. A waterproof mattress pad that fits the entire bed, and I am also going to start putting some towels underneath me.

breast pump -- I bought a Avebt Isis manual pump. I opened it up and cleaned it. I figured it wasn't too expensive and if I need to use it I'll have it ready. However, if I bought a more expensive one I might have waited.

I was suppose to have my 37 week appointment this afternoon, but they called to cancel. So, I go in next week for my regular 38. Thankfully it means one less internal exam, but of course...it also means I won't know what, if any, progress has been made. I can offically say that it is starting to get very uncomfortable down there. My lower belly is achy, and pelvis is sore. I think I am starting to drop...wishfully thinking.

Hopefully Kristen78 is at the hospital with her baby by now. We have a few of you that are "any day now"!!!! I have a feeling it will be an exciting weekend for some of you.

OK, back to work. Yes, like Sem I am still working. Working up until I can...what am I crazy? Seb and Hawaii want to come over and clean my house for me???

[albuquerque]

Is it a sign of impending labor if.....my *mother* is nesting? I sat on my butt in front of the computer all day waiting for emails from London, and when she wasn't taking my order, cooking me food, or serving it to me at my station in front of the computer, she was vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing bathrooms...

QOTD for the last two weeks I've been sleeping with a waterproof pad under me. It is actually designed for dogs & cats with continence problems, to protect furniture or pet beds or carpet or whatever. I had bought it for my dog before she died, but I hadn't opened it yet so it was brand new and perfectly clean. It has a nice soft cloth side and some padding, and then a waterproof layer on the bottom. It's probably at least a yard square so it's big enough that I don't move off of it even when I'm tossing and turning all night. It is a little weird to sleep on this dog pee pad, but my cousin's water broke in the night and like Sem's friend, it ruined her mattress. And mattresses aren't freaking cheap!

Natasha sorry you've had a rough day. Hopefully we're getting close to payday here.

eta: Now that it's 2 days before my EDD, actually since it's 11pm here it's almost officially the day before my EDD, I have *finally* packed most of my hospital bag. I'm not sure what I was waiting for....well, actually until last night I didn't have some of the things I needed--granny panties and cheap slippers that I won't mind if I get blood on and stuff like that...so maybe that's what I was waiting for. I guess I better get a call list together...

[Natasha]

I need a mattress pad!

alb--too funny about your mom nesting! My mom has had sympathy pregnancy pains with me through most of my pregnancy. The other day she was having cramps and I said "hey, maybe we're going into labor!". No such luck... I just finished packing my hospital bag, too...

Breast Pump--We bought ours used, so it's just the pump. We got the Medela PIS. I still need to get all the pieces for it...

Rochacha--I worked up until my due date with DS. It keeps your mind off waiting for the baby! Hopefully you'll ahve some good progress to report next week!

Hawaii--YAY for bloody show. Thats sounds gross, but, that's some good progress!

Gina--How very exciting. Your baby is right around the corner!

abby--My stomach feels like that sometimes, soon. But, I am so close to the end, that buying a support seems pretty pointless. But, with a few weeks left, it may be worth the investment. Of course, as soon as you buy it, you'll go into labor! heehee

Sebski--I wish I had the nesting thing going on! My house is a mess, and Bert does all the cooking! I want some energy! lol

[sem426]

Just had my work shower! Got alot of good stuff including my britax car seat, a bunch of baby clothes, blankets, paci's, first aid stuff, rattles and 2 really cute baskets to use on our changing table!

Also, just had some REALLY sugary cake! YUM! Baby liked the cake:D

[Natasha]

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, cake..............................

[LSUGirl]

39 week OB appt.

I'm a solid 4 now (up from a 3 1/2 - 4). Maybe 60% effaced (not a big change). Andrew has managed to wiggle up higher. He was very low last week.. not so much this week. Grrr! No contrax all week. I was having more cramping and contrax last week. Another Grr!! BP is getting insanely high for me. It was 130/84 today. No weight gain. She estimates him at 7 - 7 1/2 lbs now. Oh boy! She asked again to strip my membranes and I said no. Why? I don't know. I should have had her do it. I regret not having it done. I think I will be pg forever. I go back on Monday to check progress and my BP. We will discuss options then.

------

impending labor - unfortunately effacement and dilation aren't an indicator of when you will go into actual labor. Esp. at 1 cm - it could be weeks. I was at 1+ and 80% effaced with DS#1 for over two weeks before we had to induce. Here I am now, still at 4 cm and 60% effaced. No signs of labor (and I lost my plug, "bloody show," two weeks ago). It sucks that your body teases you - but it does.

[Alanna]

Just back from my m/w's appointment. I am so happy! The midwife did an internal and she said i must have been having contractions even though i havent officially felt any because i was effaced and somewhat dilalated!! she thought that i have a pretty good chance of going into labor on my own.. but in case that doesnt work out i have an inducement appointment for wednesday. I will go in at 7am for the cervadil and then if i dont go into labor that day I will leave around 7pm and they will have me come in the next morning for pitocin.

she was really optimistic and said that she thought i was really ready so that an induction should go very smoothly and furthermore she said the baby head is so low that she thought i had a really good chance of having a vaginal birth!


She stripped my membranes and it wasnt uncomfortable at all for me... i was really worried that it might hurt... totally didnt.

all in all a very happy visit :)

Alb i asked her about the EPO and she said that 500 milligrams orally was sufficient.

im off to eat pinapple fried rice!
:)

[abbytfox]

Another new preg symptom...anyone have peeling on their tummy? I don't have stretch marks there (yet) but all the lotion in the world isn't stopping the skin from peeling. Kind of like after you get a mild sunburn. Anyone???

BeevoThanks for the recommendation. I am going to look into it!

Matress PadI hadn't even thought of that! Good thing I have you guys!

AlannaSounds like baby could be here soon! Hooray!

LSUGirlSorry that Andrew seems to be headed in the wrong direction. Go to the light little one! I hope things happen for you soon.

rehobothHis first words to me at my appointment yesterday were, "You're still pregnant??"I am sure that this was exactly what you wanted to hear at this point! Good Luck!

semYay for getting such great stuff at your work shower! And YAY for cake! Mmmmmm...

[Bliss]

Alb How cute is your "mattress pad" :) Love that, its a great PG story to tell your daughter when she is older :)

Abby Hooray for being able to do small walking stuff! That is really great news, I bet making a sandwich never felt so good LOL.

Alanna Sounds like a great appt, maybe you will be the one to get the baby train rolling.

LSUgirl I was wondering if the baby can actually sneak back UP after being down. My babe was finally moving down (could actually see it in my belly pics and feel it) and now he/she feels like s/he has gotten higher again BOO.

Gina I am so excited for you!! If you do decide to make the early trip at least you will be in sunny Florida. Although we have been blessed w. good weather here in the NE, I took the dogs out today and it was beautiful :)

Sebski I feel you on being bored to pieces at home. I swear my house has never been this clean. I mean, I am no slob but if there is one dish in the sink now it annoys me. I really need a hobby or something. Today I actually went out and bought the new Oprah book club book for distraction :)

Today I had the carseat installed. Awww, it looks so cute back there. I cannot get over it, its like, WHO is that for?!? :D Everything seems so surreal, its hilarious. I also figured out how to open/close the stroller and insert the carseat. It took me a lot longer than I thought it would, and the whole time I was wondering who the hell designs baby stuff-its so hard to figure out! My Peg Perego has pictures on one page, and written instructions on how to put it together etc four pages later *grr*. We put our bassinett up last weekend and it took us over 2 hours!!!!! I need baby stuff that just slides out of the box and is ready to go :D

I was telling the nurse about how the baby was pressing SO hard on my belly last night and she said that it sounded like Braxton Hicks. Ah, so thats what those are! My belly is so hard now and I am still minorly crampy, have been so all day. I am wondering if this means anything or if I may be crampy for the next 3 weeks.

Dont remember who posted, but as soon as November hit everyone and their mother is calling me. Friends who disappeared for months are now ringing asking my answering machine where I am and to call as soon as I get back so they know what is happening LOL.

[Sebski]

Did somebody say cake? ;)

Glad you had a good shower at work Sem!

Natasha my DH has come home the past 2 nights asking who I am and what have I done with his wife. I told him not to get used to this because once the baby comes I'm going back to being my lazy self around the house again! HA!

Abby no belly peeling, but it's been very itchy for the last several days.

LSU sounds like Andrew's lost - tell him to head SOUTH not NORTH... typical man - probably won't ask for directions either! ;)

Alb it must be so nice being pampered by your mom! :) I forgot to answer you yesterday but yes... once Nov 1st hit the calendar, my phone's been ringing non-stop. Add to that I'm now on leave from work and people equate it immediately with impending labor. My father asks my mother daily if I'm feeling "anything" and my mother in turn phones me twice daily to check. I keep telling her "don't call me - I'll call you" but, she's afraid we'll forget. As if we'd have the chance! :rolleyes: Believe it or not, this is grandkid #5 for them too!

rochacha I'd be more than happy to clean your house and enjoy the change of scenery! :D

Matress pad oh geez - I didn't even think of that... now watch my water go and break tonight because I don't have one on the bed! I'll have to lay out some towels until I get to target tomorrow!

Have a bit of a preggo rant now...

I want my figure back!!!!!

I'm attending a wedding tomorrow night and just went to the mall to pickup a top to go w/ a skirt that I already have. The top I originally bought to go with the skirt for a diff event back in the summer no longer fits. :mad: So I'm walking through the mall and see all the cute/hip clothes that are on display for the fall. I feel soooo frickin frumpy it's not even funny! And what gets me even more down is that I'm up about 40 pounds with preggo weight and have roughly 3w left... so, I know I won't be getting my figure back immediately post-pregnancy. UGH. I'm just looking forward to wearing cute outfits again!

2nd timers How long did it take you to lose the baby weight? (hope that's not too personal a question!)

[LSUGirl]

Seb- Wellll...... I was in size 4 jeans 6 weeks after Matthew was born. Now pre-pg I was a size 2.. but, with the wonderful spreading of the hips I will NEVER be that size again. No matter how much I actually weigh. Losing the weight came fast. The crappy part is all the loose belly you will have. It takes the belly a while to firm back up. Oh I am so not looking forward to the jelly belly the first week post part. LMAO!!!

[abbytfox]

SebI actually was just talking to my cousin about this the other day. She is preg with her 3rd right now and so she has had a lot of experience with gaining and losing pregnancy weight. I am especially concerned because I have gained 50 pounds already and was heavier than I like to be when I got pregnant. She said that some weight does come off right away with the fluid and actual baby weight, but that it really took her a full year to get "back to normal" and even then her body is different than before. I am going to do my best to really focus on long term and losing healthily. It is such a concern though! Especially when I can not imagine how my stomach will ever be flat again! How can it get SO big and then deflate and be a normal stomach again? Crazy! Have a great time at the wedding. I am sure you'll look great!

[Natasha]

LSU--You said no to stripping the membranes? Isn't it funny how we can be at the doctors? I still haven't asked for an internal, even though I am dying to know if theres anything going on down there. I kick myself every time...

Alanna--YAY for such a great appointment! We're gonna have some new babies in here real soon!

abby--No peeling for me. I hope I don't! Just one more "fun" thing to chalk up to pregnancy!

Bliss--We put our carset in today, too. Isn't it cool? I'm with you on baby stuff being hard to assemble. My mom and I cheated on the bassinet. We bought it already assembled before DS was born!

Sebski--I HATE going to the mall. The funny thing is, I will temporarily forget I am pregnant! I'll think something is cute, start to look at it, and then think "DUH! You're a little too big for that!". Have fun at the wedding!

baby weight--It took me about 6 months to get close to my pre preggo weight (still 10 pounds heavier than I was pre baby). But, I was never very diligent in trying. I was at my all time lowest post high school weight when I got pregnant this time, so I am hoping to work hard and get it off quick. FWIW, DS didn't breast feed, and thats supposed to speed along weight loss...

[Alanna]

Bah. I was really hoping to feel some contractions last night after the whole membrane stripping thing... no such luck.. im disappointed :(

I am feeling pretty good otherwise.. I am glad to have a plan but i really wish this baby would just make an appearance on her own without having to go to induction...

one things that bums me out is that the way the induction is currently set up it is very likely that the baby will be born on SIL's b'day. I had really hoped to avoid that.. but i guess its okay.

Im with you all wondering if Kristen is holding her beautiful baby in her arms right now! :)

Gina - you are going to have to check in daily... otherwise im consitantly going to think that you have gotten the call!

LSUGirl it sounds like we are going to have news from you any day now!

[Lindzee82]

Alanna - How very exciting!!! I really hope your baby girl decides to come on her own before Wednesday!!! But, at the very least you know you will have your baby by Thursday!!

Phone - I am having people call me all the time too. However, they keep getting mad at me because I will not answer my landline phone. Most of the day I am laying on the couch with my feet elevated and my cat on my lap. By the time I get the cat off, take my legs off the table, and slither off the couch the phone would have stopped ringing. If it is something important they will leave a message and I can call them back. So for those who don't know my cell, they call my mom so she gets the calls. The ones that do know my cell then call that in a panic. It is very annoying. Frustrating because those that are the ones calling are the ones that are on my immediate call list for when I go into labor!

Mattress - When Eric and I got our mattress we bought the special mattress pad that protects against stains. It isn't waterproof though. So I put a towel down last night between the mattress pad and my fitted sheet. Hopefully that will help. Although, only 15% of people's water actually breaks and the docs don't think I will go into labor on my own, so I guess it is just wishful thinking on my end!

[albuquerque]

Hopefully Hawaii's tease contractions have turned into the real deal and she's off having her baby today, too.

I'm still hanging out waiting, just like you, Alanna. How do you not go crazy waiting to go into labor? I really think I'd feel a lot less anxious about it if only I didn't feel that proposed Tuesday induction hanging over my head. My doctor didn't even want to schedule another appointment--she just said if there's nothing going on, then we'll talk on Monday and just meet at the hospital on Tuesday. It was left kind of up in the air, but DH went ahead and made another appt with her assistant as we were leaving. DH is sort of with me that we should wait at least a week after EDD for induction...but I know the doctor won't like that.

I think I'm feeling a lot of BH. Sometimes it's hard to distinguish baby movement/stretching from BH--but there are generally a lot of tightening sensations going on, as well as a bit more pressure in my hips and pelvis and some occassional crampy twinges. Nothing so far is painful and I can hardly call it even uncomfortable, but it *is* a lot *less* comfortable in general than even a week ago. Do you feel any of that, Alanna? I'm hoping that some of this means *some* kind of progress, but it might be wishful thinking. I know a lot of you ladies (many of you due weeks after me!) have been feeling all that for weeks.

Seb, I'm ready to feel like a "woman" again. I feel like ever since I've been pregnant, I'm this kind of assexual thing. Not like I really need men looking at me or anything, but I guess I do just sort of miss participating in the attraction thing. Kind of hard to express. Re clothes, I have trouble shopping here anyway, because in general I'm not that crazy about the styles that seem very popular here. I'll just go ahead and sound like a snob--a lot of the clothes here look pretty trashy to me, and I have trouble finding clothes that appeal to me. I tend to prefer more minimalist, muted looks--here everything seems to be bare-midriff flashy-design please-look-at-me styles. So in a way it has been nice to be pregnant because I also feel sort of like I can put that problem on hold, at least until I know what my body shape will be and what size to shop for again! Anyway, I hope you can find something to wear to the wedding that will make you feel happy about how you look. I do have one top from Motherhood that I haven't worn yet--I actually bought it with the postpartum period and especially Thanksgiving itself in mind, when I know my body will still be lumpy but I might want to look a bit more presentable. It's a muted dark red with some beading on the front, I'm picturing it with some black pants I have--it looks dressy and a little festive without being too please-pay-attention-to-me, you know? So I'm looking forward to wearing that.


LSU, I'm SO hoping that I'll be exempted from the hip-spread phenomenon. My hips were big to begin with! I *really* hope that these size 12 hips are freaking big enough, they ought to be good for at least *one* thing in life....I'll be so upset if I get penalized another size up with hip-spread!

[Alanna]

Hey Alb! I think we are having totally parallel pregnancies. I am still having lots of BH contractions.. and recently i have felt more twinges down there... i am definitely more uncomfortable (walking - doing stairs etc - the m//w said that is because the baby is really low... ) but i havent had anything that i would call uncomfortable in terms of contractions... and certainly nothing that i could ever come close to timing...

I am still holding out hope that maybe it will all just start at once.. it is depressing when there are so many people that have had signs already though...
Sometimes i feel like my body is broken or something.

one good thing is that my m/w said that i must have been having contractions that i wasnt feeling .. because i had some progress... so maybe the same is happening to you? I dont have a very high threshhold for pain so its pretty amazing to me that i wouldnt have felt them.. but hey... im not going to complain about that i guess...

i originally wanted to wait til 41 weeks to be induced. but i guess when the m/w was keen to schedule it this early i felt like i didnt want to argue... after all they have so much riding on their reputation as non-interventionists... if she thinks its the best thing... well... i dont think im going to second guess her on this one.

[first-time mom]

Hey everyone!! Sorry I have been missing in action for a while my computer has a nasty virus and it still has it so its very slow moving and doesnt work all the time. I have been reading along and its so exciting to read everyone's progress. I would do SO's but I would be here a week cause I have missed so much.

Congrats to everyone who has had their babies

Clzj-So sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Update on me: As Linds mentioned a while back I have a scheduled c-section on Nov. 10th and I am anxiously awaiting that date. I just want her to be here and safe. It may be a long six days....I hear you guys on the waiting game it is nerve racking. I went to the doc yesterday and all we did was sign papers and he said see ya next week. I wanted to know how big she was but the doc wouldnt do a ultrasound. Her movements are very light like she is squished. Is anyone else feeling this way? So that makes me think she is on the big side but I guess we will see soon. I mostly get a foot that sticks out on the left side and you can see her changing positions my belly looks like a cone in different spots but thats about it. No hard kicks. I always figured that babies that are head down would be straight up and down but it seems my baby is head down with its back on the left side and butt on the right side. That doesnt seem comfortable ha..

Good luck to everyone over the weekend maybe we will have some new babies....