January 2006 Mommies-to-be ~ 3rd Trimester - Invasion of the babies!!!

[elladee]

Thanks, Yoga. I will definately mention it to the doc - except my appt isn't until tomorrow. Now I'm wondering if I should call today or just wait it out.

Glad you had a good time at Disney! I think that sounds like a blast.

ETA: So I did call the doc - I have to go home and put my feet up for the rest of the day and go to my regular appt tomorrow.

[Jen309]

QOTD: Breastfeeding... yes I plan to do it. I am committed to doing everything I can to make it work, including taking the BF class. I have the Medela PIS on my registry, but we'll wait to buy it until after we have a clear need. At first, we will rent the Medela hospital version from the hospital (I think the LC said it was $1.25/day... they charge per day vs. per month) and all the attachments get charged to insurance. After my 6 wks 'vacation' is up, I'm taking the baby to work with me. We have a small office, and this was suggested by my boss. DH is a teacher and has summers off, so he'll take the baby over the summer. After that, he will be about 7 mos, and probably to active to take to work, so I don't know if we'll do day care or if I'll quit, who knows.

QOTD: Nursery... yes, It's almost finished. I don't know that we'll ever finish for sure. When we first planned to TTC, I found a cute classic pooh bedding set (a-z pooh) on Ebay and HAD to have it, great b/c it was 'only' $50. Well, as you may imagine, all the colors on it are light... light green, pink, blue, etc. The only thing this bedding goes with is the walls (already painted medium yellow). I had dark blue curtains, the futon cover is dark blue and yellow, you get the idea. So, in effort to make everything look good together, but not necessarily match, I had to essentially de-gender the room :( I replaced the curtains with white ones, the futon cover went off to the neutral regular covering, the boppy got a pastel stripe cover, and we ordered the glider in 'oatmeal'. Sigh. Now if I only had the really expensive Zanzibar bedding that I love (and DH loves) that I've found since I bought the Pooh, I'd have no problems at all. Oh well, right? I figure the Pooh won't last longer than a year anyway, since it's far too 'newborn' to match a little boy personality. I'd love to post pics, but right now, I'm not thrilled with our nursery :( :rolleyes:

[jules1025]

What a crazy, busy weekend. Good news is we completed everything we wanted to! The nursery/office is so much more organized and almost finished! We just need to organize the closet, hang the quilt, and lay down the rug! I need to start washing the baby's clothes and bedding, but I'll probably wait until after our two christmas parties to start that. We were running around non-stop on Friday and Saturday. I paid for it big time on Sunday - felt like crap that morning. I had to lay on the couch for several hours just to get enough energy to finish up a few things around the house that afternoon.

On Saturday, we had a tour with hospital #1. I was pretty pleased with the hospital. It looks nice and comfortable. The only down side is that they charge an extra $75/night for a private recovery room - that's not covered under insurance. So, we'd need to pay that extra expense. The tour guide mentioned that they have VIP private rooms in a separate building that cost an extra $1k/night!!! :eek: With those rooms, you get a separate living suite, your own butler, meals served on china, and tea service. Must be nice! :rolleyes: We tour hospital #2 on the 14th, and then I can finally send in my pre-registration info!

Met with the second pediatrician today, and I think we have a winner! I really like the practice and the doctor was nice. It's a little farther away from our house, but I think the extra 10 minutes to get there is worth it.

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

tsmom - Sorry to hear about the test results. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything will be ok! Sounds like your doctor is confident that you won't end up a worst case scenario.

Betsy - Great belly shot! Love your "going home" outfit! Too cute!

elladee - Take it easy today! I hope that losing your mucous plug isn't a sign of oncoming labor!

chefker - Sounds like our weekends were very similar! Keeping my fingers crossed that your placenta has moved!

yoganut - Awww... How fun to take your DS to Disneyland! I'd love to make a trip out there (or to Disneyworld) when our DD is about two years old.

QOTD - nursery - We're almost finished! It's not a full nursery - more like a nursery/office, since DH will be using it to do any side work he has coming in. (The baby will be sleeping in our room for the first few months anyway.) We just need to organize the closet, hang the quilt and lay down the rug! I'll post pics when we finish.

QOTD - breastfeeding - Definitely going to try my best to b/f for at least 6 months, hopefully longer. I've got a tube of Lanisoh ready to go! :p I also plan to have a LC come to our house after the baby's born to help me b/f correctly. As for pumps, I plan to rent an electronic pump at first; then I'll decide if I want to buy an electronic or manual pump for the long-term.

[jjohm]

jen: you are so lucky to have such a cool boss!? how can i get into your line of work? hehe...

i had a huge wonderful baby shower last weekend, hosted by my sister in law and 3 of my closest friends (although my best friend couldn't be there on account of her having a baby last week...i guess i could forgive her :) ) we got a ton of loot and we're so thankful that we don't actually have to spend too much of our own money to go out and get baby gear. i was overwhelmed by how generous people were. i felt so loved <3 ...

on a side note: be careful when you order from "www.babyage.com". my SIL purchased a peg perego stroller for us from there, but when it came, it had some wrong parts. i called peg perego and found out that lots of people called with problems from ordering from there, and they told me THEY ARE NOT EVEN AN AUTHORIZED DEALER... so now i have to go through the hassle of shipping it back and making sure they refund her.

of course on sunday, i went out to exchange and shop using gift cards. i think i actually overdid the shopping thing (i pretty much was out from open to close - good thing it was sunday and the stores close early!!! my feet are so swollen today.)
now we have the fun task of writing about 50 thank you cards. the good thing is, i will have all the addresses organized for sending out the baby announcement once our Ryan is born!

[yoganut]

Elladee - Since you are still a little early, it is probably best that you relax and make sure the contrax subside. Don't get too nervous about the mucus plug - I have heard of people losing theirs weeks before true labor. Hope things calm down for you.

jen - That is so great about being able to bring your baby to work, and then DH having the summer off. What a great boss.

jules - Sounds like you had a really productive weekend. Yeah for finding the ped, and for the good hospital tour. I have heard of hospitals charging extra for the private room. IMO, the private room is totally worth the $75. My mom had to share a room when she had my youngest brother (I was nearly 15), and I remember it was just a miserable experience because her roomie had lots of family in all the time. My hospital only has private rooms, which is part of my motivation for sticking with them - though there are others which are closer.

jjohm - That is great about your shower!

Breastfeeding mamas - I just wanted to pass on word about a great source for nursing bras. I actually heard about her on cc, and bought a couple bras from her on ebay last week. They are called Yes! nursing bras, and are similar to Bravado bras but half the price ($13.99). I have been wearing one for the past day, and they are really comfy (one key point being that the elastic band doesn't roll like my Bravado bras). She helped me with sizing, and I actually ordered one more bra yesterday in a larger size for the first couple weeks when I am engorged. Here is a link to her dutch auction if you care to check them out...
http://cgi.ebay.com/YES-SPORTS-style-Nursing-Bra-Bravado-fans-try-this_W0QQitemZ5450703317QQcategoryZ11517QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[chefker]

Busy day here at work, and all of a sudden, I'm getting what I *thought* were B-H contrax--except they HURT. Like, hurt to the point that if I'm walking, I have to stop and grab onto something. This just started out of NOWHERE after I ate lunch!

Are B-H contrax supposed to hurt? I've read that they can be uncomfortable, but that's about it!

I may leave just a little bit early today. I have a long commute, I'm tired, and NOW I'm having trouble walking--the drive home should be fun! :o

[Kate&Joey]

Chefker: We just took part I of our Prep. for Childbirth class yesterday. Not only did the nurse say that BH contrax really hurt, but they can hurt more than regular contrax. Who knew?

QOTD: Nursery
We don't have a true nursery, but we did make lots of progress this weekend on baby-related items. The crib is going in our room and it's almost finished. DH was a trooper and put together all other baby stuff while watching football (Pack 'n Play, swing, strollers, etc.) I went through all the stuff I got from my shower and organized it...separated the older clothes from the newborn stuff, put the blankets together, put the bath stuff together, etc.

Now we need to go to BRU and use the gift certificates to get stuff we did not receive from the shower. I also need to buy a dresser for baby clothes. Picked up the going-home outfit a week or so ago...very similar to what Betsy got. I went to the Gap today to try and get that hat, but they only had one left and it was the wrong size.

QOTD: Breastfeeding
Yes, I also want to breastfeed. We took a class and it definitely reinforced that decision.

We're supposed to have our Baby Basics class tonight, but it's supposed to snow here. I'm just about to call and make sure it's still on. Glad to hear everyone is doing well!

Kate

[jjohm]

DH was a trooper and put together all other baby stuff while watching football (Pack 'n Play, swing, strollers, etc.)

i left DH at home yesterday to do that while i went shopping! great minds think alike....

[jasonsgal]

Wow, I finally feel up for a post! My FIL is doing really well and has been released from the hospital. It ended up being a triple bypass and although he is really weak he sounds good! He has the hiccups which are annoying him to no end though. Thanks to everyone that posted well wishes!

DH ended up driving back to his parents which was kinda scary for me because we don't really know that many people here yet and I know that the chances are slim that I would go into labor but it's scary being this far along in a new city and your DH a 7 hour drive away. I was SOOO happy when he came home. Thank goodness for my dog Lily, she made me feel very protected!!

Since Jason had to drive back up North he was able to bring the rest of our baby shower gifts! They all wouldn't fit the first trip and we had one more car load left so they are all finally here now. While he was gone I worked on the nursery. I must have done 7 or 8 loads of laundry for the baby. All of his clothing, bibs, burp cloths, blankets, sheets, etc.. are ALL clean! I put everything away and it looks so awesome. I bought these really cool tags that separate the sizes (Newborn, 0-3 mos, 3-6 mos, etc..) for the closet, it really helps!

Jason was so excited when he came home and saw the nursery. The only thing I need to do is figure out how to install the breathable bumper (we both had a hard time with that), buy a trashcan, a nightlight and a hook to hang this thing (holds stuffed animals / toys) from the ceiling that we got at ikea. The carbon monoxide/ smoke detector is even installed!

Shower recap:
The shower was so much fun. It was like a big fun co-ed party which is what we wanted and everyone had a great time. There were so many people! Tons of amazing food and lots to drink -- 4 people had to spend the night because they hit the martinis a little too hard :p
It started at 1pm and most everyone left between 6 and 8pm.

Instead of shower games my MOH decided to have an area where people could decorate onesies and bibs! It was such a hit and it's so neat to see what people drew/created. She had stencils for those that aren't so artistic as well. There was also a book setup where you could write parenting advice to Jason and I OR messages to our baby. She bought a creative memories book (a baby scrapbook) and made those pages. There was also another thing you could fill out guesses on the birth stats. It was crazy to see what everyone thought regarding how big the baby will be or when I will deliver! MOH and my MIL were amazing and worked their butts off for the party. All of the guests that came were so generous and I couldn't of asked for a better day.

I will try and upload some photos for ya'll. I need to take photos of the nursery as well.

Because of FIL's emergency surgery we missed our 2nd childbirth class and hospital tour. Tomorrow is our 3rd class out of 4 -- hopefully we didn't miss too much.

Next week I have my breastfeeding class which I am so psyched about!! I am definitely planning on breastfeeding and am praying that it goes smoothly for me. I ordered my Bravado nursing bra this morning (of course BEFORE yoganut's post) and I also ordered a breastfeeding book last week.

How am I feeling?
I am doing okay. I was feeling nausea every day in the afternoons even if I wasn't hungry. I went out and bought LUNA bars and have eaten one each day and since then I have been feeling good. I never had any morning sickness so it was definitely strange to not feel so good in my 3rd trimester. I never got sick but just felt blah.
Definitely harder to get around being this huge. I feel like I have so much to do with Christmas being around the corner. Today I was laughing so hard at something DH said and the next minute I was bawling my eyes out for NO REASON! It was horrible! DH must think I am crazy but he just came over and gave me a huge hug and told me that I must have so many emotions going on inside me that they must need to come out sometimes. It was so weird to laugh that hard and the next second to be crying. :eek:

Questions:
Does anyone have any tips or can you provide photos of a breathable bumper installed on a sleigh style crib?

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

Karen

[jasonsgal]

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[catandmouse]

At our class & at my Dr appts they have always told me that BH shouldn't hurt & if they do to call......

[jasonsgal]

sorry for all the photos but i just got around to uploading them so hope ya'll don't mind!!! Thank you for letting me share.

[The walls in the nursery look yellow in photos but it's really a lime green]

this is his going home outfit. The sweater was a gift from his grandma and the little outfit to the right is a preemie outfit I picked up from babiesrus. I heard that a lot of babies don't even fit into newborn so I am packing a preemie and a newborn outfit. This sweater is so adorable, I couldn't believe it when I opened it up at the shower!
<Photos Removed>

[jasonsgal]

Almost done! Sorry...
<Photos Removed>

[Ole Miss Bride]

OMG, Karen, you're radiant! That top is great. Do you mind if I ask where you got it? Also, where did you get that adorable anchor wall hanging? We're doing a nautical theme in our nursery, and I think that's just adorable!

Had the first of my weekly OB appointments today, and all seems to be fine. OB did an internal, and damnation, that hurt! He couldn't reach my cervix because Baby is so low in my pelvis, and let me just tell you, it was not particularly comfortable while he was looking for it. Yeeowch. Baby seems to have dropped a little, as the wretched pain I was experiencing in my ribs has subsided quite a bit. Very grateful for that. I hope I'm not jinxing things, but I'm actually quite comfortable now! Funny how I'm way more comfortable at almost 37 weeks pregnant than I was at about 33 weeks. Ha.

As of today, I've gained 36 pounds. Yikes. I was so not expecting to gain this much, but go figure.

-Betsy

[jasonsgal]

Betsy,

You are too sweet! I feel so puffy in my face, so thanks for making me feel better!

I bought the shirt at www.nordstrom.com but there is a long story behind it. I saw it online and put it in my shopping cart. A couple hours later I went to buy it and it was no longer available. I was so upset that I called nordstrom but there was none available. A couple weeks before my shower I went back online to check and there it was again. I rushed to buy it and got to wear it to my shower. It's by pumpkin patch maternity -- the tag says PATCH maternity though. I haven't been able to find the shirt anywhere else, I looked everywhere after it disappeared the first time. It was around $44.00. I just checked Nordstrom for you but it isn't there anymore. Maybe it will become available again?

I found the blue anchor hook and the three ocean themed photos that are above the dresser all at Joanne Fabrics.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Karen

[Ole Miss Bride]

Thanks, Karen! I've been on the lookout for something to wear to my shower, but it's this Saturday, so it's probably too late to order anything new, anyway. I ordered a dress from the Gap that should be arriving tomorrow, so hopefully it will work out.

And OMG, you so do not have a puffy face. Not even one little bit.

-Betsy

[MrsTazlvr]

Here is a link to her dutch auction if you care to check them out...
http://cgi.ebay.com/YES-SPORTS-style-Nursing-Bra-Bravado-fans-try-this_W0QQitemZ5450703317QQcategoryZ11517QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks. I ordered one after you posted so I will let you know how I like it when it comes. :)


No time for shout outs or much of an update. I am only awake because DD and I are both sick with colds. I think she has an ear infection because she has woken up a few times tonight already. Of course tomorrow is my shower from my moms group. We are bringing the kids along like a playdate. I will have to take DD to the Dr. before the shower. Thank G-d my sister is coming to the shower to help me with DD. I will certainly need it since I don't think I will be getting much sleep tonight. If it wasn't my own shower I certainly wouldn't be going tomorrow. I feel bad going there sick, but what else can I do, it's just a cold.

QOTD~Nursery~ We have almost emptied the office to make it a nursery. I hired a painter and bought the paint. He is coming next week and then we are getting the carpet cleaned. We bought DD big girl furniture this weekend and it will be here the day after the carpet is cleaned. Once the furniture comes, we will be moving her crib into the nursery. I can't wait to set the crib, etc. up. Our theme is Rainbow Fish. I bought a beautiful crib set from my friend, comforter clips from eBay, Daniella's name in wooden letters from eBay, and I made some framed art to match. I will post it after the room is complete in a few weeks.

I bought the girls matching dresses from Hanna Andersson for Daniella's Baby Naming ceremony. :) http://www.hannaandersson.com/images/s7Style/30020_N50.jpg

[KRL626]

yoganut Well you are the superstar of the day! I've also gone and bid on some of those bras. They look great and I have yet to find any that I liked. Thanks!

[yoganut]

Cori and KRL - I hope you like them. I thought they were such an amazing deal, as I think the Bravados can cost $30+. Then after wearing one for a couple days there are a things I like more than Bravado
1) The band underneath is thicker. I think their claim that it doesn't roll is true.
2) I like the clips as opposed to the snaps on the Bravado. They seem like they will be easier to manuever one-handed and look flatter (and thus more discreet) under tops.
3) The material seems thicker and maybe more supportive than the Bravado.

Like I mentioned, I went back and got one in a larger size because I remember that my BB's got ginormos for a couple weeks after my milk came in, and didn't know if the original size I ordered would fit. :rolleyes:

Let me know what you think.

jasonsgal - You do look gorgeous and just glowing! Great job with the nursery. It is so cute.

Cori - I *heart* that dress! HA has such cute little girls clothes. I love the fact that I will have boys, but will always miss buying cute dresses like that. Great choice!

[chefker]

yoganut- Thanks for posting that link! The Dutch auction has ended, but it sounds like these bras are generally up for sale most of the time. I have been SO reluctant to buy a nursing bra--I'm hard to fit normally anyway--but it sounds like this lady knows her stuff and can help with sizing. They look so comfortable too!

jasonsgal--I have to agree, you look radiant! :D Looks like a great shower you had too. That will be one well-dressed little baby! You know, I was looking at some of the NB-sized outfits, thinking they looked TOO big for a just-born baby. Maybe I will buy a preemie outfit as backup, just in case.

Cori- I hope y'all start to feel better. I think DH and I are coming down with something too. Ugh. I love that little dress you got! So cute.

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

Yesterday was WEIRD. I was in the office yesterday, and very suddenly started getting what felt like B-H contrax, but PAINFUL--along with that, I felt very hot, dizzy, and quickly developed a headache. My workday was nearly done, so I put in for an hour off, and went home early, after packing up some work to do at home today.

The contrax continued when I got home--still very painful. Painful to the point where it took my breath away, and this alarmed me a little since my B-H contrax never were painful before!

So I called my doc when I got home yesterday. She said to monitor the contractions for an hour, see if they were regular, did they always hurt or vary when I changed position, that sort of thing. So I did that--crashed into my papa-san chair when I got home, and just took it easy reading, keeping track of these contractions. And guess what--the contractions became painless, just your regular B-H ones.

So, I feel like a bit of an idiot, but at least I didn't go to the HOSPITAL and waste my time there. I really didn't think it was true labor, but it really DID hurt for about 3 hours straight. I'm a little confused on the Braxton-hicks contractions--I keep hearing that they are not supposed to hurt--not as much as a 'true' contraction, but anyway. My doctor said if there's ever any doubt, to just call her office, that's what they are there for.

DH got home from work last night, complaining of a bad headache and chills--just like me. Ugh. Today he is feeling a little better, but I still have the headache and sinus pressure. I was hoping to get through the holidays without getting sick, too.

[Ole Miss Bride]

So is everyone buying a preemie outfit as a back-up for a home-from-the-hospital outfit? I wondered about doing the same thing, as the 0-3 months one-piece I got from the Gap looks awfully big. But the next smaller size was for babies up to 7 pounds, and I have a feeling he'll be bigger than that.

Hmmmm. Travis does not understand why I'm so obsessed with what the kid wears home from the hospital, but whatever. I am.

-Betsy

[Ole Miss Bride]

Meant to say, what a strange evening, chefker! Sorry you had a few hours of ickiness. I've heard BH get more painful as you get further along in pregnancy, but I haven't experienced any real uncomfortable BH, myself. Mine are all relatively painless (but I swear, they happen all the damn time now!).

-Betsy

[elladee]

Had my dr appt this morning. I got an internal because of my issues the past couple days. Luckily I'm closed up tight - if there was even the slightest sign of dilation, I'd have been put on bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy. That doesn't sound like much fun. The baby has dropped, though which could account for some of the weird feelings I've been having.

Chefker - my contrax over the weekend were slightly painful. But apparently they were really just BH and not accomplishing anything. Today my doc seemed more concerned with the frequency than the pain. Hope you're feeling better now.

[yoganut]

chefker & elladee - There must have been something in the water yesterday. Late in the afternoon and into the evening I started having some strong painful BH contrax that were pretty consistently 20 minutes apart. My low back was hurting too, so I started to get anxious and think we might end up going to the hospital. My doctor said to call if I had 5 in an hour, and it wasn't at that pace, so I decided to try and sleep. I assumed that if they increased in intensity, I wouldn't be able to. So, I slept and felt fine this morning (except my lower abdomen is really soar today). I have my weekly appt. today, so I will talk to the ob about it then.

Yes bras - I think she does run the auction ongoing, though you could email her and ask when she is going to post it again. She is really responsive.

Betsy - I brought DS #1 home in a Gap one piece that was 0-3 months. It was a little big, but fit OK (keep in mind that he was 9lb 3oz at birth). For this little guy I bought the Gap sweater pants (plan to fold the waist down so it doesn't hurt the cord), a onesie and hooded sweater (all in 0-3 mos). I have also packed a Christmas themed one-piece in case we are close to the holidays.

[Ole Miss Bride]

Crap, I didn't even think about the cord! Will he be able to wear a one-piece outfit?

-Betsy

[tsmom]

Thank you everone for the well wishes. I am still waiting for my dr. to call back with more information.

We had a really good weekend in Napa but poor DD is so sick. DH took to the IL's on Wed night and she was fine when he came to pick me up from the airport on Thur but Friday she started to get sick. She had been throwing up and had a fever, stuff head since Saturday am. We picked her up on Sunday and boy did she look bad. DH took her to the hospital yesterday and come to find out she has infections in both ears. Dr. gave her some antibiotics that are supposed to clear things up but boy it could not happen fast enough. She is so lethargic and has no energy. She still have not had anything to eat since Saturday am. All she wants to do is sit on your lap and sleep. I just feel so bad for her. There is nothing worse than a sick baby! ugh!

Elladee and Chefker - hope that your bh have calmed down and bit and you guys are getting some rest.

Yoga - you crazy girl!! How did Rowan like Disney? I would love to take T but I thought she was too young - maybe not!

Betsy - cute outfits... funny my cousin is really good friends with the girl who started pumpkin maternity. Why oh why did I not remember that earlier.

jasonsgal - you look fantastic and I love that the guest got to decorate onesies and bibs that is awesome!!!

CHEFKER - I sent you a pm :)

Hope you all have a great day!

[yoganut]

Sorry for so many posts today...I am obviously a liittle bored.

Betsy - Oh, I think a one piece outfit is idea for the cord - because nothing is pressing up against it. You will be fine with the adorable outfits you picked out. How did your maternity photo shoot go?

Tsmom - Awww, I am so sorry to hear about T being that sick. R has gotten many ear infections, and they can really hit hard. I hope the antibiotic kicks in soon. Also, I was worried 2 would be a little young for Disney, but knew we wouldn't be able to go for a while if we didn't go now. We pretty much did a 'classics' tour, and R loved most of the rides. He went on the carosel, Storyland boats, Its a Small World (which is re-done for Christmas) two times, Jungle cruise, Haunted Mansion (he didn't like this one, and was saying "Rowan all done" after the first part of the ride...we tried to keep telling him it was silly), and we rode the train around the park about 3 times. That was definitely his favorite...and mine because I could just sit in one place. He also loved the parade!

QOTD- Cameras- OK, this isn't exactly baby-related...but...Does anyone have a digital camera that they love?

We had an older Canon Powershot (3.2 MP) and it is really on the skids. The pictures aren't turning out very well, and the shutterspeed is too slow to keep up with a toddler. It was fast enough when he was little, but now he moves so fast I can't seem to capture those precious moments when they happen (I end up with lots of shots of the side of his head or him looking away). I am looking to upgrade as my Christmas gift (particularly with baby #2 coming), but don't want to spend $1000 on the Canon Rebel. I have found a few other SLR models (or close to SLR) in the $500 range that I am considering - but need to go to a store to find out about the shutter speed. Speed is key for us nowdays!

[tsmom]

"Rowan all done" So dang cute!!! Maybe we will take her around Christmas, I have not been in a while and I love it when they do it all up for Christmas. This is T's first ear infect and hopefully the last! I am interested to hear what you find out about the cameras I have a powershot and the ss is way to slow!

[KRL626]

Back from my OB appointment. Very boring. I got the Group B Strep test and some blood work :( and she doesn't want to see me for another 2 weeks. That seems like a long time considering how far along I am. I guess I was hoping for an internal or a check on the baby's position, but no I'm going to have to wait for that I guess...poo:(

Anyway we also had a pediatrician interview which I ended up having to reschedule after waiting in the office for 45 minutes (had to get to OB appt.) I even asked the receptionist if the wait was usually this long. She assured me that it wasn't but there were a lot of sick kids in there today. I guess that's what I get for having a winter baby! :o

[Nikkid]

OK, this isn't exactly baby-related...but...Does anyone have a digital camera that they love?

We just got ours on Mon and we are still testing it out. We bought the Kodak EasyShare with 5 MP. I'm not sure what it all has, my DH did all the research. I know it only cost $300 but so far I really like it. The pics on the camera have turned out nice but I haven't tried transferring them onto the compuer or printed any out so I don't know how well that feature is.

Going home outfit ~ I'm just bringing one outfit and it's size 0-3 mos. My smallest baby was 8lbs 3oz and my largest was 9lbs 7 ozs so I don't have small babies and the clothes may be a little large but it works. I'm actually going to use the same outfit DS#2 wore home, it's so cute! Now that I have a digital camera I'll have to post a pic. Once I figure out how to use it. :rolleyes:

QOTD: Slings ~ I've been considering buying a sling but not sure how much I would use it. For those of you 2nd or 3rd time moms that have used a sling before did you find it worth it? I know it would be nice for going on walks or to the store but I'm in So Dak where the temp is below zero right now so I don't plan on going for any walks any time soon. If I do go to the store or the mall I would just use the stroller or put his carseat in the cart. So the only time I would use it would be at home. I thought since I have two kids that are toddlers it would be nice to have so I can attend to them too while I'm holding him. But then I wondered if I used the sling a lot will he get used to me holding him all the time and then want to be held all the time. I know it's only $25 but I'm trying to justify the need for one. So has anyone used one and couldn't live without it? I think I may post this question in the parenting thread also.

[J&K2003]

Breastfeeding mamas - I just wanted to pass on word about a great source for nursing bras. I actually heard about her on cc, and bought a couple bras from her on ebay last week. They are called Yes! nursing bras, and are similar to Bravado bras but half the price ($13.99). I have been wearing one for the past day, and they are really comfy (one key point being that the elastic band doesn't roll like my Bravado bras). She helped me with sizing, and I actually ordered one more bra yesterday in a larger size for the first couple weeks when I am engorged. Here is a link to her dutch auction if you care to check them out...
http://cgi.ebay.com/YES-SPORTS-style-Nursing-Bra-Bravado-fans-try-this_W0QQitemZ5450703317QQcategoryZ11517QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks for this, yoga! I won one and can't wait to try it out. I have a Bravado maternity bra that I've been wearing throughout this pg and know what you mean about the rolling elastic-- bugs me!

BTW, it looks like she posts 1 auction per day, so the link above is expired as someone else found. I just did a search for the seller's username, breastfeedingisbest, to find the current link. Here's the link for today's auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/YES-SPORTS-style-Nursing-Bra-Bravado-fans-try-this_W0QQitemZ5451409728QQcategoryZ11517QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Re: digital cameras, we just upgraded to a new one as our Christmas gift to each other. We got the Canon PowerShot SD550 Digital Elph and have been using it for a couple weeks. We really like it! It has 7.1 megapixels and a 3x zoom (sorry, don't know about the shutter speed, but it seems OK to me!). We got a great price and good service buying from beachcamera.com

[meggers]

I finally got the painting done in the nursery this past weekend. It took me way longer than I thought it would. Now I just have to clean up all of the painting supplies to make room for baby things. DH talked to his mom the other night and she said that our crib is done. Woo hoo! I can't wait to have it in the room. DH and I will probably pick it up when we visit for early Christmas on the 17th (if it fits into my car).

Here are some pics of the painting I did:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc27b3127cce95a5ad2a8d5f00000016108AcNmLli1YuV

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc27b3127cce95a5ad190c5c00000016108AcNmLli1YuV

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc27b3127cce95a5ade28d9700000016108AcNmLli1YuV

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc27b3127cce95a5a25dcdb700000016108AcNmLli1YuV

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc27b3127cce95a5ad8d0cc800000016108AcNmLli1YuV

[yoganut]

Meggers - Your painting is wonderful! I love the castle, and can't wait to see the finished nursery!

Camera - I went to the Ritz camera shop close to our house on my way to the ob. He corrected me that my problem isn't shutter speed, but the camera delay. :rolleyes: He showed me the Sony Cybershot H-1, and it looks like a great camera - plus its not as much as I thought we were going to have to pay for a faster camera. The salesguy was really patient and showed me a lot of examples of pictures he had taken with the camera. There are also some great promotional deals through them right now (rebate on camera, rebate on addl memory, free printer, free classes, free prints, etc.), so I think if DH likes it we might get it. Does anyone have experience with Sony cameras or know of their reputation? I know that Canon and Nikon are good, but don't know much about Sony.

Nikkid - Sling QOTD - I am a huge fan of the sling! The baby Bjorn tended to give me backaches, so I used my sling from the get go with Rowan (I now have 3). I found it so convenient to have my hands free, and DS would nurse or sleep in it when he was little. When he got a little bigger, it was great for carrying him when we were out. I used the hip carry when he was a toddler up until I got pg. If you check out the baby wearing thread in parenting you will find a lot of information. I like the ring style slings best, as I find them easiest to use. There are some great sites that provide instruction on how to wear the baby or adjust the sling. Let me know if you want more info.

So, I had my ob appointment this afternoon. Another little monkey wrench - I apparently have protein in my urine now. :( My bp was a little higher than usual, but not in the 'high' range. So, I have to go back on Thursday for a bp and urine check to make sure things are normal. If not, and I am showing signs of preeclampsia, looks like I could be having this baby a lot sooner. I am not going to stress about it, especially since my bp was OK. I swear, sometimes I feel like this pg is jinxed. Hey, as long as Rhys is OK, I will put up with all these adventures.

[Jackie&Tom]

Hi everyone...wow, the board has really been moving lately...I love it!

You guys, I'm really nervous. After 8 months of being completely calm and rational about the pending birth...I'm now really nervous.

I'm all of a sudden really scared. The fact that our son could be born in a few days has me soo nervous.

I know I'll be a good mom, but I'm just feeling soo overwhelmed right now.

I was just crying to DH about this. He was really great saying that I was born ready for this!

Mom's...did you feel like this before your babies were born?
Anyone care to drag me back to reality?? Anyone else feeling the same way??

[terrys wifey]

Had my shower Saturday and it was sooo nice here are 2 pics that one of the guest took. I am the one in the middle with the hot pink on:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc26b3127cce959203fef5b100000016108AYsWblq1cND


Me again holding one of the guest little girl:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc26b3127cce9592004fb59900000016108AYsWblq1cND


I am 9 months this week!!!! I can't believe it! I am getting really uncomfortable and the m/s is back. This baby is stretching so much and is so busy!! I can't believe I am going to have my lil one in my arms this month!:D

[jjohm]

I'm 34 weeks today!!

Jackie...you'll do fine! I think everyone's anxieties come out in different ways, (I am going through mine by totally obsessing over baby "things" instead of being real and owning up to my fears...) Just remember that God does not give you anything that you can't handle! This is my first time too, but your hubby is right, we were made for this!!

Kim: you look beautiful in your shower pics!! i know what you mean about the baby going crazy in there...mine does not leave me alone either!

Betsy: thanks a lot! now you got me thinking about one more "just in case" item for baby!! hehe, that will be fun shopping for a premie outfit tho. but you're right, some of the clothes that are 0-3m seem really long...

here are some pix from our shower:

http://files.blog-city.com/files/J04/60871/p/f/shower4.jpg
http://files.blog-city.com/files/J04/60871/p/f/shower6.jpg

[KRL626]

Diapers What kind are you all using? I have no idea what size and how many I should have on hand. Any suggestions from what you guys are doing would be appreciated

Kim You look awesome. Umm how are you holding that big child? I can't carry my godson and he is much smaller than that little girl? It hurts. Maybe I'm just a big wimp.


I feel like I hit a wall today. I just don't want to be pg anymore. Working is killing me. I'm a teacher and having energy for the kids every day is just not happening anymore. I only have 2 1/2 weeks left of work which for some reason feels endless. But after that I'm worried that being at home will only drive me more crazy if this kiddo doesn't show up. Sorry to complain so much but I figure you guys all understand :o

[MrsTazlvr]

Diapers What kind are you all using? I have no idea what size and how many I should have on hand. Any suggestions from what you guys are doing would be appreciated


Whatever you buy, don't open them yet. DD #1 was 9 pounds at birth and never wore newborn size diapers. She went right into size 1s. The hospital sent us home with plenty to keep us going for several days after we got home. Also, every type of diaper fits babies differently. Some people love Huggies and some people love Pampers. A lot depends on the shape of your baby and what works for you. Kinda trial and error. I LOVED the Pampers Swaddlers when DD was size 1 and 2 but ended up liking the Huggies Baby Dry diapers when she was in size 3s. Now in size 4s I like the Huggies Supreme ones. Go figure. At least if you don't open any, you can always send DH to the store to exchange for what you like and what size you need. :)

Update~ I went to the perinatologist today. Daniella looks great. She is now about 6 pounds, 7 ounces.....the 90% percentile. Thank G-d for a repeat c-section. ;) The only thing that I am scared of is the fact that they have to do an amnio the day before the C-section to make sure her lungs are developed enough before they take her out. I AM TERRIFIED of an amnio. Heck, that's one of the reasons I am done having kids before 35. ;)

I wanted to do more shout outs, etc. but this cold is kicking my butt and having DD home sick with me for 2 days is taking it's toll on me. I am off to go get some rest now that DH is home and watching her. :)

[Nikkid]

Whatever you buy, don't open them yet. DD #1 was 9 pounds at birth and never wore newborn size diapers.

DITTO this! DD was 9lbs 7 ozs, wasn't expecting her to be that big, we used maybe three newborn diapers then had to start using 1's. So we pretty much wasted a whole pckge of diapers. It's hard to know how what size and how many to stock up on since you don't know how big your baby will be and how fast he/she will grow.

Like MrsTazlvr said as far as what brand of diaper it all depends on your baby. I used the Huggies Supreme in the beginning. A girl I work with had a bunch of extra Pampers swaddlers that she gave me so I will try those out and see how I like them. You just have to kind of test them out.

Terrys Wifey and jjohm ~ you both look so great! Sounds and looks like you guys got a lot of good stuff.

Meggers ~ the room looks great! You did such a great job, I wish I had some talent to do something like that. Can't wait to see it all finished.

Yoga ~ thanks for the input on the slings. I didn't know their were so many different styles to choose from. I'll have to do some research on them. I definately think I'm going to get one now.

Jackie ~ what you are feeling is perfectly normal. I remember feeling that way with my first child. Trust me, it all comes so naturally once the baby is home. You will do great!

[meggers]

diapers--We are registered for Pamper Swaddlers. I figured we would try those out first since it seemed a lot of people on CC like those kind.

yoganut & Nikkid--Thanks for the complements. Nikki, the mural didn't really take too much talent mostly just patience. I bought the pattern and transfer paper, traced it onto the wall, then it was simply a paint by number.

terrys wifey & jjohm--You two look great and look like you both had wonderful showers.

KRL626--Sorry you are uncomfortable right now, but 2 1/2 weeks of work will be over before you know it. Maybe when you are home you can find some little projects to keep you busy until your little one arrives.

MrsTazlvr--I hope you are feeling better after getting some rest.

My update: I had my appointment with the nurse pracitioner. I have gained 3lbs since my visit 2 weeks ago. I guess I am still measuring about 2 weeks ahead, so she said I should get another U/S to measure the size of the baby. :D My U/S is on 12/16 and my next OB appointment is on 12/21.

[elladee]

Everything seems to be back to normal for me. This kid started beating me up again. When she was hardly moving I'd have given anything to feel one of those painful kicks again. Now I kinda wish she'd stop again. :rolleyes: I have a feeling much of parenthood is going to be like that.

tsmom, I hope your DD is feeling better.

yoganut - Cameras, I have an Olympus C-720. It's a few years old. The delay is pretty bad with mine, too, but I think they've improved that on the newer models. It has a wonderful lense and takes gorgeous pictures. I don't know much about Sony's but if you do change your mind for some reason, you should look into Olympus cameras.

Sorry to hear about the protien. I hope things are better today!

meggers, your nursery walls are great! I can't wait to see the finished product!

terrys wifey and jjohm, you guys look great in your shower pictures!

MrsTazlvr, glad to hear everything looks good!

Diapers- I'm actually using the old fashioned cloth diapers...

[Ole Miss Bride]

Okay, y'all. Speaking of diapers. I've been planning to cloth diaper (not for environmental reasons or anything -- I'm really just interested in saving money), and when I mentioned it to my older brother, he was absolutely horrified. So the other day I came home from work to two HUGE boxes of diapers on my front porch. Each box has 200 newborn dipes in it. I'm assuming I'm not going to be using 400 newborn diapers, am I? But would I be able to exchange such gargantuan boxes? He ordered them from diapers.com.

-Betsy

[elladee]

I'm assuming I'm not going to be using 400 newborn diapers, am I?

Someone else could probably better answer, but at around 10 diapers/day you'd have less than 2 months worth. Not sure how long the baby would stay in diapers, though. FWIW, I got 2 dozen small sized cloth diapers with intention that I'd have to wash them every other day.

[elladee]

Oops double post.

[terrys wifey]

Thanks ladies for the compliments, here a few pics from my shower at work on 12/1/05:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc29b3127cce959fe6349a4300000016108CaNmbJu0aw

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc29b3127cce959fe4a79ad100000016108CaNmbJu0aw


http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc29b3127cce959fe4a59ad300000016108CaNmbJu0aw

[Lobeth]

Betsy- I never thougth about buying a preemie outfit. I commend you and eladee for cloth diapering. It is not my thing, but I'm impressed by those that do it.

Looks like you ladies had really nice showers, jasonsgal, jjohm and Kimberly!

Jasonsgal, your nursery is adorable. Everything goes so well together. It looks like you are ready for baby! Your bathroom is fun! Love the frogs on the wall!

jjohm, both my DH and I have cousins that graduated from Virginia Tech. I'll have to remember that jacket if any of them have kids.

Kim, your hat is too funny! You look so thrilled to wear it!

meggers, all I can say about your painting skills is WOW!

[yoganut]

Terrys wifey & jjohm - Cute shower pictures! You both look great.

Betsy - As some of the other pp mentioned, the size of diapers you will need really depends on the size of your little guy. That said, even if he fits Newborn at birth I can't imagine that you would be using the Newborn size for very long. A lot of people with average sized babies find that they start to feel wet up the back pretty quickly, which I think usually indicates that they are outgrowing the size diapers they are in. Can you exchange some of the Newborns for Size 1?

[jules1025]

Had my OB appt this morning. I'm measuring two weeks ahead, so I get an u/s at my next appt (12/22) to measure the size of the baby. :) I think I'm getting the Group B strep test next time, too.

We have our first christmas party at our house this weekend. So, I plan to clean, clean, clean for the rest of today and tomorrow. Fun! :rolleyes: I hope I don't wear myself out!

yoganut - Thanks for the rec on the nursing bras! I think I'm going to order a few of those once I get sized (in a few weeks). Sorry to hear about the protein in your urine. How did the check up go today?

jasonsgal - So glad to hear your FIL is doing well! I hope he has a fast recovery. I love that your shower guests decorated onesies and bibs! What a great idea! I'm going to steal that idea for future baby showers for my friends. :) You look great, btw! And, the nursery is looking really good!

MrsTazlvr - Hope you feel better soon! I love the matching dresses you picked out for your DDs!

Betsy - I plan to bring one 'newborn' size outfit and one 0-3 month outfit to the hospital for our DD to wear home.

elladee - Glad to hear everything's ok! The kicks can hurt sometimes, but boy do I miss them when she's been quiet for a long time!

tsmom - Sorry your DD is sick. Hope she feels better soon!

meggers - You did a great job painting the nursery!

Jackie&Tom - I feel the same way as you! I have to keep myself busy to keep my mind off of the birth and the idea of becoming a mother for the rest of my life. I mean - I know this is what I want and I feel ready, but it's still a huge change!!

terrys wifey & jjohm - You guys are looking great! Love the shower pics!

diapers - I was planning on buying two small packs of Pampers Swaddlers to have when we bring DD home - one in newborn size and one in size 1.

[Kate&Joey]

I ended up having a surprise shower at work today! My work situation is kind of strange. Although I work for a huge, multinational company and work in large office, I am basically my own group. I work with people in other offices mostly. Obviously I know people in my office, but not in an "obligated to throw me a shower" kind of way. So, to make a long story short, I totally did not expect a shower (and I work with all men). But, my manager's executive assistant planned this lovely surprise!

My work group from one office gave me cash (always appreciated :D ) and the group from another office gave me a BRU gift certificate. The folks in attendance from my actual office gave a big bag of great stuff from BRU, with a "cow jumped over the moon" theme (too cute!): blankets, onesies, hooded towel/washcloth, stuffed animal, and a bunting type thing. I was really touched.

Diapers: Two of my friends who have had babies in the last year recommended Pampers. I received a pack of newborn size and will probably buy a pack of size 1s...just in case Baby M is bigger than expected.

Going Home Outfit: I am cheap and decided to get a 0-3 month size that he/she can grow into instead of buying a newborn size that could only be worn once or twice. ;)

Anxiety: I am currently worried that I could have the baby really early and not be ready for it. We still have so much to do! I was having some different pains/cramps the other night and convinced myself that the baby had already dropped. Please, baby, wait until the new year!

[tsmom]

Kate - Yeah for your work shower ~ what a nice surprise!!

Meggers - LOVE the room - really you are talented, I could never do that even with tracing and following paint codes!

Terry's wife - ok that hat pix is just way too funny! Looks like you guys had a great time!

Jules - Try not to clean too much- no one will notice anyway :) - Have a great time at the party and thanks for the well wishes for T

MrsTzlvr - Hope you are feeling better and try not to worry about the amnio... I sware that dang Rhogam shot hurt worse than my amnio, plus you are so close the chance of complications has got to be far less.

Yoga - sorry to hear about the protein - hopefully it will be all cleared up at your next appt. just like Amies! Kick your feet up - looks like you must have done small world one too many times!

Keri - gonna pm you :)

Dipes - These things are getting expensive I must get T potty trained!! I will probably buy one small pack of newborn and then some size 1's. I like the swaddelers at first and then moved to huggies but now I am a big fan of the papers cruisers.

Elladee - Glad that baby is kicking again I know it can get rather annoying but not feeling it is just scary!

Update: - T-Thanks to everyone for the well wishes for T - I think we can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel as she ate some applesauce this am and a banana yesterday. Doesnt sound like a lot but considering she went 5 days without anything I will take it!! I swear she must have lost 5 pounds she looks all frail and weak now. Now DH is down for the count - ugh!!!

Rh - My Dr. called yesterday and he spoke the perintologist who said that we will just continue to monitor the baby via ultrasound. I have another appt on the 23rd and they will check again to make sure that there is not fluid buildup in the lungs or belly which indicates anemia. They will probably do a blood test again then to make sure that my ratio's are not increasing but till then it looks like I just wait. He did not seem too worried but of course I am!

Hope you all have a great day and sorry if I missed anyone - back to work for me!

[jjohm]

meggers: forgot to mention - your nursery looks great! can't wait to see more pics when you get some baby stuff in there!

[MrsTazlvr]

Well we had a little scare last night. I started having contractions around 11 pm. By 1:00 they were getting more regular and 5 minutes apart so we packed up Allie and headed to the hospital. They monitored me until 8:30 am and I continued to contract, but didn't dialate. They sent me home and I followed up with my OB. They want me to rest. Easier said than done with a 2 year old- her B-day is tomorrow!!! I am still contracting every 5-10 minutes, but since I am not in active labor they aren't worried yet. I just have to take it easy and hope the contractions stop. I go back to the OB on Monday and we will reevaluate then. I am hoping that resting will help because if not, then I will end up on bedrest which would be horrible. How can I be on bedrest with a toddler at home?!?! Sorry I can't do SO, but DH wants be to limit my computer time because I need to be laying down and not sitting up. I am sure you all understand. ;)

[Nikkid]

MrsTazlvr ~ So sorry to hear about your scare! :eek: I know how hard it is to take it easy when you have a toddler running around. Try and rest as much as possible and hopefully the contractions will go away.

tsmom ~ glad to hear that T is doing better. It's so hard taking care of a little one when you also need to care for yourself and the baby. Sorry to hear your DH is sick now, hopefully you don't catch what they have.

Kate&Joey ~ yay on the surprise shower! That's so cool that a bunch of men did this for you. I can't imagine any men at my work doing anything like that.

jules1025 ~ don't overwork yourself on cleaning your house. I should take my own advice because I'm sure I'll be doing the same in a few weeks when I get ready for my IL's. :rolleyes:

terrys wifey ~ love the hat, made me giggle. :D

Nothing new going on with me. I'm almost done Christmas shopping, I have to say this has been the earliest I've ever finished my shopping if I finish it this weekend. I'm starting to get frustragted though because I've been running around all over town trying to find a nice top to wear to my DH's Christmas party on Sat. I can't find anything that fits nice on me, I'm not a small girl but I'm not extremely large either. I can't believe that I'm still having problems finding clothes to fit me in the boob area when I just had a breast reduction a year ago. I can't imagine what they would look like now if I hadn't had them done. :eek: So my goal tomorrow is to go out shopping and not come home until I find a nice top.

I'm starting to get excited for my next appt on Tues when she will start chekcing me. I'm sure nothing has happened down there but it still exciting knowing there could be a possibility of some progress. I have mixed feelings about going into labor early. I'm so slow and bored at work that I wish I would just go into labor so I can be done with it for awhile. Yet I don't want to have this baby before Christmas because it will so much more hassle getting things done and going to the Christmas gatherings with three kids and a newborn. So I would really like him to stay put until after Christmas, then he can come out. :D

Enough of my ramblings.....

[chefker]

meggers- The nursery looks GREAT! I can't wait to see the room with everything in it. :)

yoganut- Sorry to hear you have protein in your urine. :( Fingers crossed that it is nothing serious and baby R is just fine.

Jackie&Tom- Me too...I'm having periods of being scared/freaking out. Every little thing I do lately...I keep thinking how differently I'll be doing things once the baby is here. Simple things like walking the dog after work, while trying to mind the baby....stuff like that. Life is going to change SO much, and I think that is sinking in for me!

terrys_wifey- Great shower pics! You look like you're GLOWING! Great hat, btw. :)

jjohn- You and your DH look so cute in those pics. :) Looks like you got some good baby loot!

KRL- I hear ya. There are days when I want this to be ALL over with. I am having so many aches & pains in my legs lately, some days all I can do is lay in my chair and wait for the pain to go away!

Cori- Sorry to hear about your scare! I can see how it'd be hard to take it easy with DD's birthday approaching too.

Jules - WOW, you're throwing more than ONE Christmas party? We ended up not even bothering having our usual huge shindig here this year. I just didn't know how I'd feel, so I didn't want to plan anything ahead. It's kind of disappointing, really. hope y'all have fun!

tsmom- Glad T is doing better. DH and I thought we were coming down with a bug last week, but thankfully it turned out to be nothing. This is the time of year EVERYONE gets sick though!

Nikkid- Yay for getting so much Christmas shopping done! I need to jump the gun on that, I am maybe halfway done.

**************************
Well today it is snowing like a banshee here in CT. Right now we have 4 inches on the ground and it's going to keep snowing until 2 p.m. (it's 8 a.m. as I type this). I called into work, since they were stupid enough to keep our office open apparently. :mad: No way will I risk driving in this crap while PG. It's irritating because I have to use a vacation day (and I'm banking ALL my time for the baby since we don't get maternity leave....we have to use our own sick leave/vacation time). Not to mention EVERYTHING in CT and MA is closed due to the weather. Except for DH's work of course, which never closes!

Anyway, I will hopefully make this a productive day off--lots of cleaning to do in the house (as always!), and maybe I will finally, FINALLY get baby's room ready! My baby shower that my mom is throwing me is this Sunday. Really looking forward to it! MIL is throwing me another shower next Saturday. Busy week to come!

We have another u/s coming up on Tuesday, as well as my next OB appointment. Feeling OK lately--lots of kicking from this little one. Had more B-H contrax again last night--not painful though. I've been having some *slight* dizzy spells lately due to low blood pressure (my mom has a BP machine, and I've checked it at her house...readings are lower than usual). I get dizzy a lot while simply lying in bed! I just get dizzy and it feels like the bed is spinning, lol. I'll bring this up to the doctor when I see her Tuesday, I doubt it's anything serious--I haven't passed out or anything like that!\

Happy Friday everyone!

[terrys wifey]

Ladies... I was home today b/c of the bad weather I woke up around 4:00am for a bathroom call and turned on the news when I saw the report and that schools were going to be closed I got back in the bed and under the covers. I did a few loads of laundry and slept the majority of the day.

I realize that I have not been getting enough sleep, I mean I was up maybe 2 hours today and have been sleep the rest. It felt soooo good, I know ya'll are probably like dang! this woman complains and whine all the time but let me tell ya'll.

Last night I could not sleep and I was extremely uncomfortable, Terry was at work then stopped by the store to buy Malik some games for his X-mas gift game advance SP. My body was achy it was so hard to move around after laying down for awhile. I kept thinking what if I go into labor, I don't have my bags packed (don't fuss I am going to do it tonight).

Terry finally got home and when he came upstairs and rubbed my back I jumped up and started hugging him and then the tears started rolling down my face he was looking at me like what is wrong with you are you in pain?

I was just so glad to see my husband, he told me to lay down and started rubbing me feet and legs. He massaged me until I fell asleep, after he took his shower he laid down and just held me.

I think right now I am the most vulnerable, usually I'm sleep or fussing at Terry for something or just being plain ole irritable but now I want my husband home holding me and just giving me that feeling of security.

I got up this morning and talked to God, I am so thankful that he allowed me to carry this baby this far not that I was forseeing any problems but you just never know. Just b/c I had a normal healthy pregnancy before doesn't mean it is destined to happen again.

Anyway, this pregnancy is TOTALLY different from the first. I was never this uncomfortable and it's getting worse, I am so thankful and feel so blessed and know that it won't be much longer.

Ladies, I have 3 more weeks until the 29th and I ask that you all keep me and my family in your prayers that I will have a success c-section and that our baby will be healthy and happy.

I thank you all in advance luv you all

[yoganut]

Hey everyone...its quiet again. Some people maybe off having babies? Hard to believe it, but we will start seeing posts in no time.

Well, I have had an interesting 24 hours...I am having lower back pain, (TMI alert) loose BM, and a number of contrax that are a lot stronger than what I have had ever before (more intense and lasting for well over a minute). For a couple hours they seemed to be coming every 10 min, so I went out for a walk to see if they would continue. No dice - the walk must have been like pressing the 'reset button.'

Anyways, I am really curious to know if this is the start of labor or not. My ob said that if I indeed go into labor they will just do the c/s then. So, even though I have an 'end date' for this pg, baby R could start things going and make it interesting.

Camera update - I ended up ordering the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H-1 from a site online (they were $100 less than the shop). I have only played around with it a little, but so far it is fantastic. Really fast, amazing zoom, great quality. We are going to a boat parade on the marina tonight (where people put Christmas lights on their boats and sail around) and hope to get some great pics.

Rowan just woke up, so I better run. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

[catandmouse]

It is crazy that we are going to start seeing baby postings soon!

I'm still feeling good physically, but getting a little more off my rocker emotionally everyday! The reality of how close all of this is is really starting to hit. I really like my due date & as long as I am feeling good, I really would like to last that long! I just feel like I still have so much to do. I'm supposed to be on vacation the week before my due date & I really would like to be selfish & have that time.

So for all of you who already have kids, what are some must haves for my hospital bag??

[Jackie&Tom]

I'm term today! Very exciting :)

I had my first internal yesterday - didn't enjoy that!! But, I am 1 cm dialated.

Feeling pretty good, except for nerves. Packed up the hospital bag, doing some cooking for the freezer, trying to get stuff wrapped up before the big day!

I've got to go get ready - were going to the in-laws for an early family christmas.

Enojoy the rest of your weekends!

[MrsTazlvr]

So for all of you who already have kids, what are some must haves for my hospital bag??

Here are some of the things on my list:
antibacterial hand gel
emory board to file baby's nails
cards, hand held games, etc. if you get bored
breast pads
going home outfit for you and one for baby
outfit for hospital picture
body wipes- in case you have a c-section and can't shower for a few days
journal and pens to take down memories
slippers, slip on shoes to go home in incase your feet swell
flip flops for the shower if you don't want to go in barefoot
a few gowns and a few onesies for baby
pj's and toiletries for you and DH if he is staying with you
undies you don't care about getting bloody :o
Boppy if you plan on breastfeeding might be helpful
camera, video camera, film, batteries, etc.
cell phone and charger

[J&K2003]

Thanks for the tips, MrsTazlvr! Some of those things I haven't seen mentioned on other lists so that is very helpful.

Had our professional belly shots taken today-- can't wait to see how they turn out!

Worked on the nursery all afternoon, sorting clothes into different sizes and arranging things in the dresser. The nesting continues. :)

[elladee]

My home computer bit the dust over the weekend. DH had been working to fix it, but it's not quite there yet. I had to go the whole weekend without the internet, especially CC, and it was killing me. :rolleyes:

Add me to the list of miserable pregnant ladies. No one ever mentioned that things would get painful once the baby dropped. Gosh, I feel like my pelvis is going to break apart. My exercise ball at home has become my new favorite posession.

[yoganut]

List of stuff for hospital - I think that Cori covered most of the stuff that I have packed. The only other things I am bringing are:
Nursing bras (a couple because they might get wet with milk)
Lansinoh lanolin cream (in case nips get soar)
Any perscription meds and extra contacts (for asthma in my case)
My own pillow (I am weird like that, but I need my own pillow)
Oh - and if you are having a second baby, I have heard that you should bring a gift for the older child to give 'from the baby' when the older child comes to visit. I got Rowan a little pop up book I thought he would like.

elladee - I am totally with ya sister! My contrax stopped, but I am so damn uncomfortable, and definitely to the point where I want this baby OUT! I have my appt today, so we shall see what the ob says.

Nursery - Ours is finished. We got the extra nightstand to hold more clothes, I got to upgrade my glider and everything is organized. I took some pictures, though this probably isn't too interesting to y'all as its a working nursery for 2 kids. We are 'space challenged' in a 2BR, so I had to be as strategic as possible about where to put everything. We continued with the moon/stars theme we started with Rowan:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc33b3127cce9644c229361e00000016108KZNmjdw0g

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc33b3127cce9644c211362600000016108KZNmjdw0g

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc33b3127cce9644c20d363a00000015108KZNmjdw0g

Here is Rowan's big boy bed (guard rail is folded down):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc33b3127cce9644c204b70300000016108KZNmjdw0g

The door next to Rowan's bed is a walk in closet, so you can't see the main doorway from these pictures. Oh, and the sign says 'star light, star bright first star I see tonight' :D

[jules1025]

Our first christmas party (for our friends) went well! I'm SO glad it's over b/c I feel like I can relax more now. I was pretty tired on Saturday night, but still managed to have a good time. :) This saturday, we're hosting christmas dinner for DH's family. We've decided to order a full holiday meal so I won't have to cook. So, I just need to worry about cleaning the house - which I'll do later in the week. Now, I'm focusing on relaxing. I have been so exhausted the past two days!

Wednesday we have our tour of hospital #2! Then we can make a decision and pre-register at the hospital of our choice - one of the last things on my to do list!

Kate&Joey - How fun to have a surprise shower! How very nice of your coworkers!

MrsTazlvr - Yikes about your scare! I hope you're feeling better now and your DD's b-day party went well.

NikkiD - Yay for being finished with christmas shopping! Hope you had a good time at your DH's christmas party!

chefker - Hope you had a nice productive weekend and got lots done with the baby's room.

yoganut - Crazy that you could be going into labor soon! The nursery looks great! I am with ya on being "space challenged". We just have a 2BR as well, and the baby's room is also DH's office unfortunately.

Jackie&Tom - Yay for being full-term! What a great idea to start freezing meals for after the baby's born. What are you making?? I need some ideas!

[KRL626]

elladee and yoganut Yes! I am dying over here and hobbling like a little old lady. Jeremiah was always low, but I think he has moved even further down into my pelvis. It happened this weekend and now I can barely walk.

Jules Yay on having a nice party! We have ours this weekend and I'm actually looking forward to it, even preparing stuff! Hopefully I can do that without getting too stressed out.


Well I had a pretty good weekend. I got a free 2 hr massage on Saturday at the Swedish massage institute in the city. It was great! Also I had my breastfeeding class on Sunday which was very informative, but now I feel a little bit overwhelmed about breastfeeding. I'm sure it will all be fine, but thinking about what goes into it made me feel a little stressed.

[tsmom]

elladee, yoga, terry'swife, krl626 - Add me to your list - I am just so dang uncomfortable!! I have no idea how I am going to get this christmas shopping done!!

Yoga - mmm sounds like a good start to active labor to me.. Think we might meet R before you know it. Did you get the protein in your urine resolved? R&R's room looks great - we still have not done one thing. Must work on getting T a big girl bed!

KRL626 - Nice!!! Gotta love a massage and free one at that is jsut the best. Try not to stress too much about the brestfeeding - you will figure it out as you go and find what works best for you.

Jules - Congrats on the party- I have to give it to you... We were suppose to have people over on Friday and cancelled because everyone was so sick. I have to say I was kinda happy I didnt have to deal with the whole thing.

Elladee - sorry to hear about your computer - Hope your dh can work some magic and get it fixed up for you!

Jackie - congrats on being term!!! - Good for you cooking some stuff this came in really handy after we had T... That and a big envelope of take out menu's.

MrsTazlvr - Hope DD's party went well and you didnt tire yourself out too much!

*** I guess all is wel here - still have not done a thing for the baby coming as T has kept us way too occupied. She is feeling better but her sleep is all screwed up right now! I really have to get on Christmas shopping as I have not really started and I am starting to stress about it.

We did get a tree this weekend and T loves it - had a great time putting lights up and running around. Hope you are all doing well and have a great day!

[yoganut]

jules and KRL - I am so impressed that you guys are throwing Christmas parties. I probably sound lazy, but I don't know if I even want to go to any at this rate and both of our work parties are scheduled for this week.

Cori - Speaking of parties...how did the b-day party go for Allie? I hope it wasn't too overwhelming for you.

Jackie&Tom - Yeah of being full term. I hit 37 weeks tomorrow. That's great that you are cooking ahead.

Tsmom - I am so happy to hear that T is feeling better. I know how frustrating it can be when their sleep cycles are thrown off by illness. I hope it gets straightened out soon.

Appointment update - Well, I know it is silly, but I am feeling a bit down after my appointment today. After all these damn contractions (and feeling pretty crampy and miserable since Saturday) not a whole lot has happened. She said I am definitely softer and the baby has come down, but no more dialated. They said I should go ahead to L&D for monitoring if the contrax go up to 6 in an hour or are more intense. Then, as I am leaving the receptionist tells me that there has been an OR conflict with scheduled surgeries, and they now have my c/s scheduled for the 27th rather than the 20th :eek: A whole week later! I know I probably sound like such a whiner, but its frustrating when you were focused on one end date and now it is going to be another. Plus, I can't imagine having these contrax for another 2 weeks. Wah! :(

ETA: On a happy note, the protein resolved itself and my urine test was back to normal. Happy for that!

[KRL626]

yoganut Don't worry, I would be upset too. That's one more week that you didn't think you would have to be pregnant. You'll make it though. It's only 2 weeks away!

[terrys wifey]

Had my doctor appointment today everything is good doctor did my measurement and said I was BIG there is no more room (that explains why I am soooo uncomfortable) the heartbeat is strong and good. Cervix is closed.

I was a little upset though b/c I got my paperwork back for my maternity leave and the manager of the office is the one who fills out the paperwork put me down for only 8 weeks post partum my short term
disability covers 12 weeks and I was going to take 16 weeks.

I'm like dang! they don't give you no time with your lil bundle, if vaginal post partum is 6 weeks with a c-section should at least be 12 weeks

Ya'll know a sista wanted to change that 2 (Feb) to a 3 (March) but just my luck I'll be under investigation.

Worst case is I'll only take 12 weeks for maternity leave. I'm just so happy that part of the paperwork is over now I can take it to work and get that over with.

Terry bought the crib mattress today so all that's left is curtain rods.

QOTD??? I think we may have discussed this before but can't remember... How much time are you taking off for Maternity Leave?

[chefker]

Quick post....

This weekend we were up at my parent's house--stayed over Sat. night as mom threw a nice brunch baby shower for me BRIGHT AND EARLY Sunday morning. :)

It was SO nice....I was really overwhelmed by how generous everyone was. And man, all the clothes this kid got! Many different sizes too, not just newborn stuff. We got a lot of things and not many duplicate gifts at all. For big items, we got a highchair; a Pack & play; a Combi bouncy chair; a Baby Einstein activity center; a feeding chair; a Leap Frog play center; and the bedding set for the crib.

I felt like a babbling idiot at the end of the shower, where I had to make my little 'thank you' speech. I'm so lousy with things like that...speaking off the cuff. I'm better if I plan my remarks ahead but of course I never do. :)

I swore I wouldn't take another nap over the weekend (dunno why, but I feel guilty needing naps nearly every day lately), but I was EXHAUSTED when we got home, so laid down for an hour. So did Mike...he was just as tired as me!

Hopefully Mike will get the rest of his junk out of the baby's room so I can get everything organized. I hope we can get everything organized this week. The house is insane at the moment with baby stuff everywhere, and me trying to wrap Christmas presents....it's SUCH a mess and I'm so tired I can't do my normal 'marathon' of cleaning the house. This isn't like me! But I need a nap almost every day. Saturday morning I did some 'light' Christmas shopping--was done in under 2 hours. I was so pooped afterward that I laid down and fell asleep for over an hour! I have never needed this much sleep in my life.

Been having stronger Braxton-hicks contractions, had several this evening. It didn't hurt, but my abdomen felt as hard as my skull. Makes it hard to walk when that happens!

Tomorrow's a busy day--I have an early OB appointment, then a u/s in the afternoon, and in the evening, our last childbirth class. I think I'll turn in early tonight, speaking of needing sleep! :p

[jjohm]

yoganut: great nursery!

so far, i haven't been too too uncomfortable yet. just some swelling in my hands/feet and little backaches at the end of the day. not bad considering i have gained 40+lbs. but we shall see, i am still not full term. currently at 35 weeks!

QOTD: i had my boss sign the papers to say i would be out for 12 weeks...lucky for me i've been at my job for 6 years, so i have tons of sick/annual leave. he still wants to negotiate about me coming back at least part time before that, but i said, we'll just have to wait and see!

i can't believe we'll have babies on this thread soon! so who's first in line? of course that probably won't be the same person who actually delivers first..i am due on the 18th of Jan, but i feel like you guys are all way ahead!!

gotta pack my bags for the hospital after this week...

[MrsTazlvr]

Yoganut~ Thanks for adding to the list. I have all those items on my list, too. Daniella is giving Allie a Dora Big Sister Doll. My mother will be taking Allie to the store to get something for Daniella once she comes. :) I don't blame you for being upset about the week delay in the c-section. I would have gone through the roof. I am VERY set on the date that we have chosen and I am not sure what I would do if they changed it. In my head that date is already Daniella's B-day. Is there any way they will give you a date in between even? I love the nursery, BTW. :)


Allie's Party~ Thank you all for asking about DD's B-dayh party. We had a great time and it went smoothly. I had to sit for most of it because I was still contracting, but we got the party on video and with digital pics. I just wish I could have played with Allie more since it was at a gym. I feel like I missed out on a lot, but since I am 9 months pregnant, there isn't much I could have done about it anyway. She had a great time and that's all that matters.

Nursery~ The painter is coming tomorrow to paint Daniella's room. It worked out well that we had some damage to the walls in her room and Allie's room from Hurricane Wilma so our insurance is covering to have the walls painted. :) I will post pics when we get it all set up. The carpet is being cleaned on Thursday and Allie is getting big girl furniture on Saturday. We'll be moving the crib, etc. into Daniella's room then. :)

[January2006Moms]

Updated to here!

[Jackie&Tom]

Quick question -
I've come down with a bad cold/sinus thing and I'm 37 weeks.
Do I need to call the doctor??
I'm thinking no since it appears to just be a cold, but I was looking for a reality check!!

Thanks ladies :)

[chefker]

QOTD: I was complaining about maternity leave in another thread, funny. ;)

Sad thing is, I don't GET maternity leave at my job. I can, of course, take unpaid leave under FMLA, but we can't afford for me to do that for an extended period of time. I have 3 weeks of banked sick time, and will have nearly 2 weeks vacation by the time the baby arrives. So I am covered for 5 weeks paid leave, at least. Nice considering I work for the federal gov't. :rolleyes: Most folks assume we get paid maternity leave here, but it's unfortunately not the case.

My other options are to apply for advance leave for and extra 3 weeks or so, making it 8 weeks total. But then I'd forever be in the hole paying that back...and unable to take any days off. I could probably swing it going with a week or two of unpaid leave...but any more than that, it'd be rough financially.

My boss talked to me the other day about letting me work at home during some of my maternity time. It's kind of *sneaky* him offering this to me, but I appreciate that he's being sympathetic to my situation. Basically there's a loophole in our contract that provides if someone is physically unable to come to the workplace, but is capable of doing the work, they can work at home during the 'period of incapacity.'

Now, my boss is REALLY stretching this loophole...but as it'd be in my favor, I'm all for it. :) So my boss said to take my month or so of paid leave that I have, then talk to him and see if I want to work at home for another few weeks to finish out my maternity leave. Hoping that it works out!

[elladee]

Maternity leave - I will be taking the full 12 weeks provided by the FMLA. I am able to use short term disability for part of my leave, 6 weeks for a vaginal birth, 8 for a c-section. The first week will be "sick time" at full pay, then I'll have 4 weeks at 95% pay and the remaining 1 (or 3) weeks will be at 55% pay. After that, I will be unpaid for the final 6 (or 4) weeks.

What happens after those 12 weeks is still up in the air. I may go back part time, DH may take a leave so I'd go back full time, or I may quit all together.

chefker, I hope you're able to work out something through the loophole with your boss! Glad you had such a great shower.

Yoga, oh man I'd be really upset about the rescheduling, too. Sure it's only one more week, but I can see how that would screw with you mentally.

yoga, terry'swife, krl626, tsmom, I'm so glad I'm not the only miserable one. I try not to whine too much, because really we are blessed to be where we are, but man, sometimes, I just don't have the energy to put on a happy face.

[Jackie&Tom]

I also don't get paid maternity leave, but can take 12 weeks unpaid.
We've been really saving since we started TTC in January, so we have about 2 months of my salerly. It's going to be rough - but we're hoping it will work out!

I'll be coming back full time after the 12 weeks.

[sophonisba9]

Sorry I've been absent for a while. I've been feeling terrible and sleeping worse. Then when I thought I'd get caught up over the weekend, I got food poisoning. Yup, food poisoning from a very nice resort in Scottsdale at DH's office holiday party. Since noon on saturday, I've manged to keep down a handful of crackers, some ginger ale and some water. Baby is moving plenty and I haven't had a single contraction so the dr's office told me to only go to the hospital if I can't keep anything down or if something else changes. Now I just need to reschedule the massage that I had to cancel sunday.

We had our last birthing class last night and finally practiced some breathing and relaxing techniques. The only problem was that all the open mouth breathing made me feel nauseated. Fortunately, I managed to wait until we got home before I threw up. My throat is so raw. The big thing I did get out of the classwas that I really need to go pick up an excercise ball. They look like they would be really helpful.

Hospital bag list:
rubber soled slippers (I went out and bought new ones because my other warm slippers had slick bottoms and I couldn't just slide them on.)
warm socks

[jasonsgal]

Betsy - How did your shower go? I meant to post earlier and tell you that I LOVE the GAP dress you posted. I bet you looked awesome!!! BTW: your brother is SO funny (diapers)!!

MrsTazlvr - I am so sorry to hear how sick you and DD have been. I hope you start feeling better soon. The nursery sounds fabulous, I can't wait to see pictures posted! BTW: I LOVE the dresses you bought. I can't believe that DD is already over 6 pounds!! WOW!! Thanks for the advice on not opening the diapers.
Wow, your hospital visit does sound scary!!!! How are you feeling??

Chefker - How exciting about your two showers!!! Your first shower sounds awesome! So happy that you received so many wonderful gifts. I hope your u/s goes well today! Make sure you update us.
Wow, those pains you had sound awful!! I am so sorry.
This makes me think of a QOTD though......

QOTD: Has anyone not had any BH? I don't think I have felt any BH pains. The only pains that have been really painful for me are round ligament pains. I realized that wearing under the belly jeans in my third trimester wasn't too bright so I bought full panel panels and vavoom! no more round ligament pain. I may have had BH and not realized it though.

elladee - I am so sorry that you have been put on bed rest! How are you doing???

tsmom - so glad that napa was fun but sorry to hear about DD being sick. :( Is she feeling better? Ear infections in both ears sound soo painful.

yoganut - So, as long as baby wears a one piece they should be okay with umbilical cord care?
I love the way your nursery looks!! You did a fantastic job!!

OMG - you definitely don't sound like a whiner -- I CANNOT believe they moved your c-section to the 27th - that sucks. I am so sorry. I am such a planner and if I had known that I was having the baby on the 20th and then it changed I would be pissed too. Can you call the office and complain at all? I am so so sorry.
so happy the protein is gone - that is great news!

QOTD : How is everyone going to care for the umbilical cord and/or circumcision area? I have heard different things -- use water / don't use alcohol / use alcohol / etc..

AOTD: CAMERA: We have a Sony Cybershot 5.1 megapixel - we thought it was on it's last legs but it turns out we just needed a new battery. I don't love this camera because we have had such problems with it - I may fall in love with it again now that we bought new rechargeable batteries for it. We kept recharging the batteries but it just wasn't working right. We finally went out and bought new rechargeables.

KRL626 - Sorry they are making you wait a whole two weeks for your next appt. Did you get the group b strep results right away or do you have to wait? I can't imagine being a teacher and being this preggo right now -- I feel for you. Especially with the holidays right around the corner I am sure all the kids are on their "best" behavior...NOT! :(

NikkiD - AOTD: SLINGS - We aren't using a sling but we were given a hand me down baby carrier -- the baby bjorn (is that considered a sling?) We also got a snugli carrier as a shower gift. But that is for an older baby.

meggers - the nursery LOOKS AWESOME!!!!!

Jackie&Tom : I can totally relate to feeling nervous. If I think about it I can really freak myself out. Hang in there == you are going to be a wonderful mom!!!!!!!!
Congrats on being FULL-TERM! Yahoo!!!!
In terms of your question - I think it wouldn't hurt to call your drs. and just let them know what is going on re: sinus infection. That is what they are there for! When is your next appt? If it's soon (like in the next couple days) perhaps you could wait.. but my suggestion would be to let them know.

Terrys wifey - what great shower photos!! It looks like you had a great time :) Sending lots of prayers to you and your family. Terry is so sweet - I am glad he was there for you when you needed him.

jjohm- love your shower photos!!!! It looks like you got lots of great things. BTW: you and DH look so very happy!!

AOTD: DIAPERS: We registered for Pampers swaddlers. I did some searching around CC and lots of ladies seem to love them. I bought two packages of Newborn (40 diapers in each package) and a package of SIZE 1 (100 diapers) -- I am keeping my receipts in case things don't work out though.

katey&Joey - how exciting about your surprise work shower - sounds like you got lots of thoughtful gifts :)

J&K2003 - That is great about your professional belly shots - Don't forget to share!! :)

THANK YOU - to everyone that posted what to bring to the hospital - It has helped immensely in my decision!

Jules1025 - That is great that your Christmas party went well! I can't believe you are hosting Christmas dinner as well. Make sure you get lots of rest and don't overdo it! Good luck with your hospital tour tomorrow night!

Sophonisba9 - Sorry to hear about your food poisoning :(

[sophonisba9]

QOTD: I have had exactly one B-H contraction, or at least only one that I could identify. I thought for sure that with the food poisoning and some dehydration I'd have a few more, but nothing happened. I have had some weird cervix sensations. A couple of times it has felt like baby was tap dancing directly on my cervix and more recently it has felt like he was pushing hard against it.

QOTD2: i'm planning on just wiping the cord stump with water unless they specifically tell me otherwise at the hospital or if it starts to get funky, then I'll pull out the alcohol. We're not going to circumsize, so that isn't an issue for us.

[elladee]

jasonsgal, Thanks for the concern. Happy to report that I haven't actually been put on bed rest, though. Just threatened with it so far...

[elladee]

Another maternity leave question: As I mentioned earlier, I'm going to be taking all 12 weeks provided by the FMLA. Does anyone know, though, if I go out of work early, will that affect the lenth of time I am allowed to stay out after the baby is born?

For example, if I go out of work 2 weeks before she's born, does that mean I only get 10 weeks afterwards? I know that it would affect the amount of short term disability pay I'd get per my company policy, but I have no idea if it'd affect my total time home...

[jjohm]

QOTD: I haven't had any BH contrax....is that weird? maybe i'm just not in tune with my body. sometimes my uterus is harder than other times, but i figure it's the baby's position.

QOTD2: cord/circ care - ??? i don't know anything about it... my plan was to do what the hospital instructs you to do. was there a QOTD about circumcision? or is that a private matter? i don't know much about it, but read that it's not medically necessary. DH says it's important that we do, so i may just let him call the shots on this one...

updated pic of the nursery..
http://files.blog-city.com/files/J04/60871/p/f/nursery8.jpg

[jasonsgal]

Hi! Boy, those SO's sure do take a long time! I think that is why I procrastinate writing and lurk more!

We had our last childbirth class last night! Jason and I just need to keep practicing so we don't forget anything in the next month. We are both really happy that we went to the classes because we learned so much.

My breastfeeding class is tomorrow and I am really excited to go to that. I need to make a mental reminder to ask the instructor about finding a good lactation consultant in case we have any problems. Our hospital has one on duty and will come to your room to help you but if your baby is born on the weekend you are out of luck - they don't work on weekends! how lame is that?

I started reading my breastfeeding book that was recommended in the CC breastfeeding thread. It's by William and Martha Sears. So far I really like the book. It's easy to read and very understandable.

I have been working on getting addresses together for birth announcements. We bought envelopes and photo paper. I also bought cute return address labels from colorful images that say "it's a boy". It works out well because 144 labels come in a package and that is about how many we have to send.

REMINDER For those preparing announcement envelopes ahead of time US postage increases on Jan 8th to 39 cents. :mad:

I also started working on Jason's call/email list that he will need after baby is born. I emailed my dad and told him who we would want him to call so that Jason won't have so many calls to make. I also sent both sets of parents the information on the hospital (phone numbers, address, etc..)

I also finished our birth plan! Here is a link to the shell of a birth plan that I used. I have had it bookmarked since I was in my first trimester! I am glad that I waited until after my childbirth classes to complete it because I was able to make more informed decisions.

http://pregnancyandbaby.com/read/articles/241.htm

I have my next drs. appt on Thursday morning and after that I start going once a week.

QOTD: I have had 4 or 5 u/s so far and each of them say the baby is measuring the same. IS it bad that he never measures ahead? the u/s always say the same date: Jan 14th. It never ever changes. For the ladies that are measuring ahead -- has your u/s due dates changed or were they always ahead?

Based on all the recommendations/research for what to carry in my hospital bag here is my list:

*I copied the front/back of my insurance card, rhogam card, pediatrician information, ob/gyn business card, how to reach my husband, estimated due date, and my date of birth all on one piece of paper. A copy of this is in my wallet as well as my hospital bag.
*Free diaper bag card
*Jason's list of who to call - at the top of this list is the telephone number to the hospital (maternity ward), ob/gyn number, pediatricians number, my best friends number.
*Birth plan
*admission paperwork for hospital (you can't give it to them ahead of time)
*childbirth classes paperwork
*breastfeeding book
*baby name book
*baby going home outfit + socks
*toothbrush / toothpaste
*deodorant
*shampoo/conditioner
*i-pod
*video camera
*camera
*camera chargers/phone chargers
*going home clothes for me /change of clothes for jason
*lotion
*hard candy
*luna bars
*skip-bo - my favorite card game :)
*breast pads
*lip balm
*slippers
*hair ties
*receiving blanket for baby
*nail file for baby
*onesie for baby
*pads
*lansinoh
*car seat manual
*nursing bra
*notebook/pen
*snacks for jason

QUESTIONS about this list: I bought a bunting thing for the baby - should i bring that? We are in Wilmington, NC but it can get cold here -- or maybe I am just used to living in the Virgin Islands :p
*What size clothes should I bring for myself? Maybe just a sweatsuit or something? Should I bring 2 nursing bras?

QOTD What items should I have on hand for when I come home from the hospital? Our childbirth instructor suggested a child's swim ring inflated half way because our bottoms will be sore.

QOTD Breastfeeding question: Are you purchasing a pump beforehand? I don't know if breastfeeding will be successful for me but I am going to try my best. I will be a SAHM but heard that it's best to have a pump on hand in the beginning in case you become engorged or the baby has latching on problems. Should I buy a manual pump? an electric pump? Also, I would like to pump eventually so that I can leave the house without baby once in a while. Can I pump into regular bottles or do they have to be specific bottles?

I hope everyone has a great week with good health and lots of happiness!

Karen

[jasonsgal]

if there was even the slightest sign of dilation, I'd have been put on bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy.

Elladee - I am so sorry! I completely read this wrong. :o Thank goodness you are not on bed rest!!!!

[jasonsgal]

was there a QOTD about circumcision? or is that a private matter? i don't know much about it, but read that it's not medically necessary. DH says it's important that we do, so i may just let him call the shots on this one...

jjohm - i am not directing my below comment to you but you make a great point!!!!!

I wasn't thinking when I asked about circumcision care - I guess it was rude of me to think that others were doing so. Sorry if I hurt anyones feeling.

[Ole Miss Bride]

Hey, ladies!

BH contractions? I have been having a ton. I had so many the other night, they were waking me up out of a deep sleep. They’re not painful at all – my tummy just gets really tight, and then it goes away. I seem to get more of them if I have a full bladder or if I’m really thirsty.

Slings. I just received a ring sling as a gift (from http://funkygiraffe.com), and I can’t wait to try it out. I’m also interested in getting a pouch, probably from Lucky Baby. I’ve heard great things about their pouches.

Maternity leave. I’m not taking maternity leave, really, as I’m not returning to work after the baby arrives. I’m going to work as long as I can – hopefully, right up until he’s born – and then I’ll be a full-time SAHM. Finances are going to be very, very tight, but we should be able to make it work.

jasonsgal, thanks so much on the compliments on the Gap dress, but I actually ended up not wearing it. A girlfriend of mine lent me a really cute Japanese Weekend top, which I paired with some super-soft black pants (also JW and borrowed). Since I had the borrowed outfit, I couldn’t justify the $68 Gap dress, so I’m returning it to the Gap this week.

The shower was lovely, and we got a ton of stuff. Not a whole lot off our registry, but we have clothes coming out of our ears now! And I was able to exchange quite a few items for things we really need, so we now have our bouncy seat, swing, stroller, play gym and breast pump. Oh, and my mom and MIL chipped in together and bought me the most wonderful Dutalier glider. I am in love with it – it is so, so comfy. I have an office shower this Friday, and I think I’ll be getting my Pack ‘n Play then. I’m starting to feel a little more prepared for my little guy to make his arrival, but I’d be much more calm about it if we could actually live in our house! Our contractor is saying early to mid January for repairs to be completed. I can’t wait to move home. Katrina has made everything so hectic around here, so it will be nice to have a sense of normalcy again.

Anyway, here are a few shots from my shower:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/umbetsy/IMG_0668.jpg
Here I am, opening up the most darling Build-A-Bear. Seriously, the thing is so cute, it’s ridiculous.

And this is me with everyone who threw my shower (I’m the one in the white top in the middle – like you couldn’t tell!):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/umbetsy/IMG_0683.jpg

I had my 37 week OB appointment yesterday, and not a whole lot was going on. He confirmed what I already knew – Baby has dropped a lot. My rib pain has all but disappeared, and I’ve been going to the bathroom constantly, so I figured as much. Cervix is high and closed, and my OB said I should expect to be pregnant for another couple of weeks. Um, no kidding, buddy. I’d be absolutely shocked if this kid shows up before my due date. The really fun part of the appointment was when I found out I’d gained 5 pounds in the past week. Ugh. Which brings my grand total weight gain to 40 pounds. Holy crap, I am freaking about that. Here’s hoping breastfeeding helps me shed it.

Oh, and I tested positive for Group B Strep, so I’ll have an IV with antibiotics during labor. Fun times.

Jackie&Tom, I’ve been having a lot of problems with congestion and cold symptoms over the past week or two, and I’ve been taking Sudafed here and there to relieve my symptoms. My OB said it was fine and didn’t seem too concerned.

Guess that’s all from me. Sorry for dropping by so sporadically and being so crappy about SO’s. Things are just so busy around here with my job (work is crazy ever since Katrina) and trying to get my house fixed and all that….I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off.

-Betsy

[terrys wifey]

Okay MAJOR VENT AHEAD!!!!
Just when I become cool with only having 12 weeks which I'm grateful for b/c most women have to go back in 6 weeks. I get a letter from my Short Term Disability Company saying they have not received a payroll deduction from my employer since June!!!! WTH!!!

In my Whitney Houston voice "Oh Hell To the Naw" what do you mean you haven't been getting it? It's coming out of my check every pay.

I call them and I am PISSED OFF!! the customer service reps tell me they will take my concern and give it to the account rep who handles my account.

I called twice (cuz I need to confirm what the first 2-3 folks told me) so the last time I called I'm like well I need the ext of that person in case she doesn't get back to me b/c I am getting ready to submit my claim form and will be on maternity leave starting next Friday.

I waited a while and e-mail my Human Resource dept to let them know what;s going on. At this time I am not dealing with any reps I want the Manager, Director, President etc...

I get a response back from the Director of Benefits telling me they willlook into it and contact the Company.

Okay so in the meantime I call the company back and dial the ext (remember the cust servc rep told me they will pass my message along to the account rep) some woman answered the phone and I kknew she wasn't the one (different name) I asked for Kelly and she tells me Kelly is on Maternity Leave!!!! Okay those mofos didn't tell me that.

This is why I stay on top of everything and don't wait around for folks to call me back or fix stuff. You have to take care of your own business!!!!

Anyway, the woman looked at my account and said there was an error and everything was fine Yeah right ya'll know I got to call back to triple check.

Why is the devil trying to mess with me????? Guess what, it ain't happening!!!

Lord, just let me make it through all of this. I just want to be at peace and relax.

we are having our Holiday Party right now and they have some fresh fruit I am eating fresh pineapple and canteloupe, it is sooooo good my eyes are rolling back in my head!!!

I can't find good fruit in the store this season.

Okay gotta go

Elladee... if I'm not mistaken I was reading over my FMLA forms today (getting ready to turn them in) and it looks like it starts from whatever day you put down as your start date. Ex. My last day at work will be the 23rd but my c-section is secheuled for the 29th so on all of my forms I am putting my start date as the 29th. I will be using my own leave for the the other days.
Hope this makes sense, but double check with your HR dept. Good Luck:)

[yoganut]

Terrys Wifey - I am so sorry you are dealing with these leave issues! So frustrating. The people at the STD insurance company sound incompetant. Hang in there...I hope it gets resolved today.

Elladee - In terms of STD time, it might depend on the state that you live in? I am just guessing. I can tell you my situation though. When my ob took me out of work in November, I asked specifically if it would come out of my time after the baby. She said that because she was writing me out due to medical reasons, that it would not come out of my STD after the baby. So, I used a few personal days the week of Thanksgiving so that I could get the Thanksgiving holiday paid, and then had STD start on the 28th. I am on that STD until my c/s at which time it will move into the 8 week STD allotment that California provides post-c/s (6 weeks for vaginal birth).

Leave Time - It sounds like CA provides pretty well for its residents compared to what some of you are describing. Combined with what my company does, its not too bad (though not the best). Because of my tenure with my company (over 5 years) I get 6 weeks at full pay (they supplement the difference from what the state provides). That started when they took me off work at the end of November. Once I go through those 6 weeks, I get the remaining time paid at 60% - up through 8 weeks after my c/s. Then, I plan to use vacation time for a week. After that, CA has a new 'family bonding benefit' that pays I believe around 60% for up to an additional 6 weeks. This is all paid through our lovely taxes, but hey, I will take it. So, after the birth, my boss has approved through 15 weeks of leave (FMLA plus leave of absence)...adding that to the month I will be out before, and its a lot of time IMO.

Betsy - Your shower sounds great, and you look terrific. How nice about the glider! Looks like you have most of the big ticket items taken care of.

jasonsgal - Wow! I am impressed. You are so organized, with all of that information compiled and lists of who to call. Regarding what to have on hand, I am not the best person to answer the question about the ring (didn't have this issue with c/s) but I have heard of people buying one of those special doughnut pillows from the drug store or hospital supply store. I think I read that you can sit on a boppy as well. Oh, and I wouldn't worry about measuring on target. It is good that you are measuring right on target with your EDD!

Uh-oh...do you have the same camera that we just bought? I hope we don't have any issues with it. There are so many settings and tricks, I have just been playing around trying to figure it out.

Question about pump - I believe, and have read elsewhere, that you might want to hold off on investing a lot of money in a pump until you are sure bf'ing is going to work for you. You might want to rent one from the hospital, or just get a hand pump that isn't to expensive to start. I ended up borrowing a PIS from a friend (all the 'parts' were my own), until I knew I was going to bf. Then I ordered my own PIS online from ebay (NIB).

jjohm - Your nursery is great! Looks like you are all set!

sophonisba - I am so sorry that you are feeling so sick. I really hope you feel better soon.

Jackie&Tom - I hope your sinuses feel better soon. I have also used Sutafed with no problems, and it has provided great relief.

Another Labor & Delivery adventure - Well, after I posted yesterday I started having more and more contractions - many of which were pretty intense. My doctor told me to go to l&d if I had 6 or more in an hour because she didn't want me contracting too much on my c/s scar. I started timing them, and sure enough, they were over 6 in an hour and coming pretty regularly at 9 minutes apart. I kept thinking in the back of my mind that they would stop, but decided to call the on-call doctor to see what they though. I talked to her, and she said that she would want me to go in and have them checked out. So, we put DS to bed, had a friend come over to watch him and headed to the hospital. Of course, on the way over there the contrax felt like they were slowing down. DH said we should still check it out, so up we went and hooked up to the monitors. I was having some pretty big ones, but they were down to 12 min apart. The resident checked me and I hadn't dialated but she said I was 80% effaced. So, luckily I was there under an hour and got to go home.

The thing that was frustrating is the resident is telling me that I don't need to come back unless the contrax are 5 min apart for 2 or more hours. This is quite different from what my doctor has told me, so now I don't know who to listen to. I guess I will wait until I am writhing with pain and they are really intense? :rolleyes: I am still having them off and on but they aren't as bad as yesterday. I really wish they would just kick in full throttle or stop altogether.

[elladee]

Yoga, wow, the benefits in CA do sound nice. Here in NY, I bet we pay about the same in taxes, but most of it goes to bureaucracy garbage, and we don't see much from it. For my STD (a company benefit, not a state thing), I'd be covered for any time I need to take off before hand, plus 6 weeks after the baby is born. It's the remaining 6 weeks I want to take off under the FMLA after the STD runs out that I'm wondering about. Guess a call to HR is in order...

Glad you didn't have to stay in L&D for too long. My understanding is that the 6 contrax/hour is a preterm labor concern. Once you're ok to have the baby, then what the people in the hospital told you is correct. Since you're 37 weeks now, I guess I'd probably check with your doc to make see when the 6 contrax/hour is no longer a concern.

terrys wifey, aw geeze, what a headache! I'd probably have been a crying, babbling mess if I had to deal with that. :rolleyes: Glad that things are ok in the end. But I do think someone needs to be fired. :D

Betsy, wonderful shower pictures! You look radiant, and all that 40 pounds must be in your belly. You don't look bigger any where else.

Slings, I bought a microfleece pouch sling from Peanut Shell. Obviously I haven't gotten to try it out yet (excpet with a water bottle), but it feel so nice and soft and cozy. Plus, I really like that it has a loop on it for attaching pacifiers, keys or whatever.

jjohm, your nursery is adorable! I love dark cherry wood.

[Jen309]

Whew! I've got a lot to catch up on!!

MrsTazlvr: sorry to hear about the contrax and being sick! I don't know what I'd do if I came down w/ something now.

TerrysWifey: sorry you were feeling so low the other night. It's nice that your husband is really there for you thru this. I'm also disgusted with your disablility people. It's almost as bad as dealing with cell phone companies... nobody wants to take the responsibility. Good for you for being so on top of things!

Yoga: I'm frustrated with your hospital! Come on, they didn't notice the conflict before? on the upside, your nursery looks great!!

Jackie: Congrats on reaching full term! I thought it was 38 wks until about a week ago. I'm glad we're both finally there! I've been throwing stuff in the freezer too, but I'm almost too tired to cook now... wonder what it's going to be like in a month or two. Sorry you've got the sinus thing going on. One thing that they said in my BF class is to NOT take Sudafed pp if you're BF because it can dry up your supply overnight.

Elladee: yes, I sooooo feel your pain. I swear every inch of me hurts sometimes. DH just bought me an exercise ball thats longer and shorter (an exercise oval?) meant for back conditioning. It's ok for sitting, it's a little short for that, but feels sooo good to roll my back over.

Jules: where you are finding the energy to host these Christmas parties, I'll never know. Glad they're going over so well :)

Chefker: Glad your boss realizes the reality of your situation. I'd take the government loophole... I think there are certain government people who take advantage of much bigger loopholes. I'd do it and not even feel guilty. It doesn't mention what kind of problem lays you up at home... post-partum definately fits into their very broad definition :p

Jasonsgal: DH has just gotten his call list together too. We're already getting calls from distant family wondering how things are going. I tell them nothing yet, and we'll put you on the list.

I've measured ahead for the whole while they've done tummy measurements until last week when baby dropped a little. I'm now pretty much on target. My OB has always taken the meas. with a grain of salt, saying it can totally depend on how you're carrying.

I'll be back later with QOTDs!

[KRL626]

So many SO's to do. This thread is really hopping today!

Terry'swifey Uuck! As if you need that to worry about right now! I hate dealing with stuff like that. I hope I don't end up with any problems like that, but I work for NYC so chances are there will be some issue.

jasonsgal This is what they told me at my breastfeeding class on Sunday: They said a pump was not that beneficial the first few days and when you are engorged it's best to try and massage your breasts and then hand express milk (any actual BFing moms can comment on this as I really know nothing) After that if you want to pump occasionally I would go with a handheld or an inexpensive electric. The more expensive electric ones are good for if you have to pump every day at work. So in your case I might either hold off or buy a hand held pump. JMO
By the way you are sooo organized with your what to pack list!

yoganut Wow I would be so frusterated with all those contractions. Also I would probably listen to my doc. The residents don't know all of your medical history and your doctor does.

Betsy Adorable shower pics! I think it's better to hear that you are going to have to wait it out and then been unexpectadly surprised than to think you're almost there and be mistaken.

elladee I thought FMLA didn't start until after baby is born. I have to take all my sick days (ours acrue over the years) and then my FMLA kicks in. That will give me around 15 weeks off total.

QOTD I guess we are going to just take care of the cord however the hospital tells us when we leave. Also we are not going to circumcise so we don't have to worry about that.

QOTD2 I answered elladee above, but my job gives me no paid leave and I have to use all my sick days before FMLA. I think I'll end up being out about 15 weeks. 10 of those will be unpaid. Then I think DH is going to take off about 2 months and then I am on summer vacation from school. So that means Jeremiah won't have to be in daycare until he's about 8 months old. Pretty good for us!

[Jen309]

Q #1 Cameras- We have a Sony Cyber shot 5mp which we love. We've had it almost 2 years w/o problems. It takes great pictures, even in the dark with the flash (without flash they're blurry w/o a tripod, but I think that's true of any camera). Recovery time is a little slow, but it improves when you turn the LCD screen off and use the viewfinder. It does have a quick 3 shot in a row feature, but I've never found it useful.

Q#2 Maternity Leave - IL has no state mandated leave or any short term disability unless you have it thru work (to my knowledge). Since I work in a very small company (3 people), I don't have STD, nor do they have to provide me with FMLA. I'm taking 6 weeks for recovery, and I'll only be paid my remaining vacation time, which is about 40 hrs at this point. Should be much higher, but they've been screwing up my vac. time for over a year. I'll have a chat with them about it next week...:rolleyes: After that, I'll be coming back part time, working up to full time since I'll have the baby with me. We want to know how he'll react before I start seeing patients again.

Q #3 B-H contrax - I haven't had any that I know of. My OB isn't concerned, he says it's probably happening, I just can't feel it, and if I can't feel it then it's not making me sore, so it's a good thing. I had some menstral type feeling the other day, but I don't think they were contractions. Sorry to all of you who are suffering with them!

Q #4 Umbilical stump/circ - In my childbirth class they said soap and water is good enough, you don't need alcohol at all. Unless it gets poopy or something, just general keeping it clean is good. I'm for that, since alcohol hurts me, I'm sure it will hurt the baby if there's any raw skin. I also heard somewhere a LONG time ago that it's just as good to use saline solution on a grown-up cut as it is to use alcohol or peroxide. Same theory, I guess.

Q #5 Breast pump - my grand plan is to rent one from the hospital at first to use it if I need let-down help, etc. and then if I find a need to own one, I'll get a PIS. Like I said before, I'll have the baby at work until DH is off for the summer, I may need a pump then. No sense in wasting $ if I don't have to!

Q #6 Slings - my BF instructor highly recommended a ring sling, but I don't think I'll get/use one. DH has been super-geeked about putting the baby in "a backpack" (that's what he calls it) and taking him for hikes, etc. We got an infantino carrier from a friend, but it doesn't look too sturdy, don't know how much we'll actually use it.

***********************
My update: Had my weekly checkup yesterday and things are looking good. I am officially 1 cm dialated and my cervix is softening and thinning, though he didn't say how much. He was hopeful though, that I'd go before my due date, but not so much that he was making any promises. The baby has dropped some (which explains why I can't walk anymore), and I'm measuring more on target as a result. Hopefully baby won't be a heffer, even if I am :rolleyes: I would really like to go sometime before the end of Dec. since that is when so many of my family members will be able to come down to see the baby. If not then, they may not see him til we go to MI, probably in late spring. So, he said that he may try stripping my membranes at the next visit, since I'll be 38 wks. He said it's about a 50/50 shot, and that's also the impression I've gotten from other threads here. It's crazy we'll begin having our babies within the next two weeks. Unbelievable!

[Ole Miss Bride]

Jen309, so jealous of your progress! How exciting!

Breast pumps - I picked up an Avent Isis this weekend. Since I won't be returning to work, I figure a manual pump should be fine, and the Isis got great reviews in Baby Bargains. Here's hoping I like it.

I forgot to drop by a few of the professional pics I had taken last Thursday. I'm still waiting on the final product from my photographer, but these are a few teaser shots she sent my way. I'm not sure if I like them....am hoping they grow on me. They just don't really look like me, I'm thinking.

I was 37 weeks the day these were taken.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/umbetsy/DSC_0104revglow.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/umbetsy/DSC_0010glow.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/umbetsy/liedownglow.jpg

Okay, I've cluttered up this thread with quite enough photos for one day. ;)

-Betsy

[meggers]

Wow, it sure has been busy in hear today!

MrsTazlvr--That's so nice that insurance is paying to have the walls painted.

chefker--I hope that it works out for you to work at home during you maternity leave.

sophonisba9--Sorry you got food poisoning. I got food poisoning earlier in my pregnancy and I was just miserable.

jjohm--Your nursery looks so cute!

jasonsgal--You sound so prepared with getting addresses and phone numbers ready. Thanks for the link for making a birth plan. I need to do that sometime soon.

Ole Miss Bride--Your shower sounds like it was wonderful. You look great! I love your professional pictures. The third one is my favorite.

terrys wifey--Sorry you had to deal with all of that disabiliy stuff.

yoganut--Your nursery looks great. I would ask you doctor about the contractions thing again and go with whatever she says since she is the one who knows about your situation.

maternity leave--I will be only taking 6 weeks off for maternity leave. I would like to take off more, but I am the primary bread winner so I really should get back to work and earning money.

More leave questions:
How long are your DHs taking off after the baby is born?-- My DH only get 3 days off paid. He has mentioned taking off a few more days, but that would be unpaid.

Can you always get STD during maternity leave?--I believe I have STD through my job, but when I talked to my boss about my maternity leave he never mentioned STD at all.

care for the umbilical cord and/or circumcision area--I was just going to go with whatever my hospital says.

BH pains--I have gotten a few BH. They aren't really pains. I just feel my uterus tightening.

I got a tour of my hospital during my CB class on Saturday. It is pretty nice. The hospital seems pretty homey. All of the L&D rooms have whirlpool tubs, which I have heard are very nice during labor. The post-partum rooms seemed a little small, but that should only be an issue if DH's family comes to visit since his parents, his sister, and her two kids will probably all come together.

[jules1025]

tsmom, yoganut, Jen309 - Oh, I am completely exhausted! I'm thinking hosting these two christmas get-togethers was a BAD idea. I have been no good the past three days. Hoping I get some energy back later in the week!

yoganut - Sorry they moved your c-section date!! That totally sucks. :( Sounds like you may possibly go into labor before then anyway, though!

terrys wifey - Sorry you're having to deal with all that crap with the STD company. I hope it gets straightened out soon! Stay on them!

chefker - So glad your shower went well and you got lots of great stuff! That is great of your boss to let you work from home after your maternity leave is up.

sophonisba9 - Sorry you've been sufferring with food poisoning! You are having a really rough ride, huh? :(

jjohm - Your nursery looks great!

jasonsgal - Dang, girl! You are super organized! You just added several things to my to do list. :)

Betsy - Looks like your shower was a lot of fun! Great pics! Love the professional shots, too - esp. the third one! You really look great. I would never have known you've gained 40 pounds - must be all belly!

Jen309 - Yay on the progress!!

meggers - Glad your hospital tour went well and you like it!

QOTD - maternity leave - Since I'm not employed (I'm a FT grad student), I don't have to worry about maternity leave. I'm taking a few quarters off from school and hope to return in the summer (fall quarter at the latest).

QOTD - BH contrax - I think I started getting them this week, but I can't feel any pain - just feel my belly tightening for like 30-45 seconds. And, it's only part of my belly that tightens, too - either the top or bottom. Are these BH contrax??

QOTD - measuring ahead - I don't think it's bad at all if you are measuring right on target. I've been measuring two weeks ahead, but my due date has not changed. My OB says some women just carry differently, and that may account for why my belly is measuring ahead. I do have an u/s scheduled for my next appt to see how large the baby is.

QOTD - breast pump - I plan to rent an electric breast pump at first (but only if I'm having issues with BFing), and then possibly buy a manual breast pump later if I feel I need it.

[catandmouse]

ugh I can't keep up here!!

Maternity Leave - I have to use one week of sick time at 100% pay, 5 weeks STD at 60% pay, then 6 weeks FMLA at 0 pay. I have 1 week of vacation to use from this year so I am going to stop working one week before my due date to get that in.

Stump/circ. - I have a 2 week old nephew & they said no alcohol on the stump. I guess there are 2 types of circ. they can do now. I can't remember what the newer one that he had is called, but it's something with a plastic ring of some sort & they didn't have to do anything much to it. SIL said you used to have to keep vaseline on it so it didn't stick to the diaper, but not with this kind & then the plastic ring just falls off.

Breast Pump - I'm torn. I found one online for $137. I called about renting one & it's $40/mth, but you have to buy your own tubing & flanges which you can get at the hospital & they just stick it in your bill so I guess insurance would pick that up, but that's $50. So it will cost $90 all together to rent for one month (well actually $45 for me if insurance picks up) & then if I buy a pump it will come with flanges & tubes so I don't know what makes more sense. I was kind of thinking of getting one online & then it can be returned within 30 days, but I don't know.

[Nikkid]

Wow, this thread was really hopping today. I'm sorry I won't be able to keep up with SO's.

I had my appt today, did the Group B test and checked my cervix. Nothing happening yet. :( I guess that's good because I don't want to deliver before Christmas, things would just be too hectic with three kids and a newborn. I told DH that we are going to have to start DTD to get things rolling. I know we did that with DD and I think it actually worked. I went from being a fingertip dialted to 3 cm in a week! So we will see if it works this time. Sorry if TMI but this is the last thing I want to do so I just tell my DH to go as fast as he can and of course he has no problems with that! :p Everything else looked good, my b/p has been great which is odd for me since I've always had high b/p towards the end of my pgcies. I did have some protein in my urine but since my b/p looked good she wasn't worried about it. I'm now up 14 lbs, I was hoping to gain a total of 15 at the most but it doesn't look like that will happen. Now I'm shooting for 20 or less.

Maternity Leave ~ I will get 6 weeks off with a vaginal and 8 weeks with a C-section. I can take up to 12 weeks but the last 6 weeks would be unpaid and we just couldn't afford that. The six weeks I do get paid will be 100% pay since I've worked there over 4 years. DH only gets one day off paid, which is more than he ever got before. But then he will take the rest of the week off and use vacation time.

BH Contrax ~ I think I'm one of those who hasn't had any. Actually I don't know if I ever had them with any of my pgcies or it could be that I've had them and just not known. :confused: Sometimes I'm wondering if I had one or if it's just the baby changing positions and pushing hard up against me.

umbilical cord/circumcision care ~ I've always used alcohol swabs with my other DC and will do the same with this one unless they tell me otherwise. I always thought the alcohol might hurt them but all it really is is cold to the touch. And as far as circumcision we just put vaseline on the sore part so it wouldn't stick to the diaper, did this with every change for about three days. I'm curious to hear about the new way that catandmouse mentioned.

breast pump ~ I looked at some this past weekend and I think I'm going to purchase a cheap hand pump one from Gerber. We have a Kmart that's closing so right now they have them 25% off the lowest price which would make it $18 instead of $40. I think I'm going to wait a little bit to see when/if they will go to 30% off since they need to sell everything in the store. I figure this way if the nursing doesn't work out I didn't waste too much money on it and if it does work out then I will buy a nicer electric one.

I have my BF class tomorrow so we will see how I feel afterwards. A lady I worked with said she changed her mind after going to the class so hopefull I don't feel that way. I know it will be a bit overwhelming.

Sorry I'm not able to do SO's but I have been reading. I'm so exhausted from all the Christmas shopping I've been doing and then Sat night we had DH's Christmas party and I stayed up until 3:00 am!! :eek: It's now catching up with me.

This week my plan is to wash all the sheets and receiving blankets, the cover to the carseat and swing. Then all I need to do in the room is strip off the border on the one wall and hang the new one. After that I'll be pretty much set. I just want to get it all done now so I don't have to worry about him coming early and not having everything done. I have one Christmas present left to buy so I'm glad I'm done with that.

Speaking of......I have a ton of presents to wrap so I better get going. I can't believe we will be havnig babies soon! Everytime I come in here I wonder if their will be an anouncement from somebody!

[Nikkid]

I forgot to mention that we mailed out Christmas cards this week of the kids. Here is the photo we used, I hope it's not too large..

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc32b3127cce95b03a0e1ea600000016108Aas3Dly3aNJ

[yoganut]

Nikki - What a cute picture! Your younger 2 kiddos really bear a strong resemblance to one another. They are adorable! I can't wait to see what your baby looks like!

I didn't think I would do Christmas cards this year, and then got a pretty good shot of DS when I was playing around with the camera this evening. I put together a quick holiday card on Snapfish, and am going to pick up from our local Walgreens. Here's the picture I used:

http://images.snapfish.com/3457768723232%7Ffp337%3Enu%3D325%3B%3E999%3E687%3E WSNRCG%3D323338%3C94%3B643nu0mrj

[KRL626]

NikkiD and yoganut Wow your kids are so adorable!!

[jasonsgal]

NikkiD and yoganut Wow your kids are so adorable!!

I totally agree!!!!! :)

[jjohm]

Terry's Wife: did you get all your disability stuff sorted out??
Ole Miss Bride: great pics! you look lovely!
NikkiD and Yoganut: wow, your kids are all so adorable! great job on the pics.

NikkiD: you said
This week my plan is to wash all the sheets and receiving blankets, the cover to the carseat and swing.
do we have to wash the carseat covers and swing covers too? i didn't even think of that!! :o i am saving my washing for when labor starts, and if i don't finish, i was going to have my grandma come and help me out while i was in the hospital...i only thought of washing clothes, sheets, and blankets...what else?

i am so glad to have you guys to learn from!:D otherwise, i would be totally :confused: :confused: :confused:

QOTDs regarding Leave:
How long are your DHs taking off after the baby is born?-- DH has almost 2 weeks of leave saved up, so he will take at least one. hopefully he can work from home one or two days a week after that first week. We're still deciding if he should stay home two full weeks, or save that leave for another time.

Can you always get STD during maternity leave?-- My job used to have short term disability, but we no longer have it. I think it's up to the company/org whether they have that as a benefit??

[Nikkid]

do we have to wash the carseat covers and swing covers too? i didn't even think of that!!

No, I'm only washing them because I used them with my previous children and they have been sitting around in storage for awhile. I never washed them when I had them new.

Thanks for the compliments on my kiddos, I happen to think they are pretty adorable myself but I may be biased. :D


Yoganut ~ Rowan is so adorable too, how great you had a chance to take a quick pic. It turned out great!

[yoganut]

Awww, thanks guys! I think he is a cutie, but I also know I am biased! :D

I definitely needed DH's help to get the picture...he kept R distracted while I took the pictures. Oh, and they are so busy at this age, it took about 20 shots to get this one. I feel better sending out some sort of Christmas card this year...and since they are photo cards I won't feel like I have to write a message on each KWIM?

Washing - I washed the car seat cover, swing cover etc. this time just because they had all been sitting in storage getting dusty. First time around I definitely didn't, so I wouldn't drive yourself nuts with it IMO.

[elladee]

Awww, Yoga and Nikki, what adorable kids you have! Both of those pictures came out really well.

Betsy, I really like your pictures. Especially the second one. You look truely happy. Cute belly button, too. :D

Not sure if anyone else is an Amazing Race fan (I believe I saw chefker over in the AR thread), but the finale was last night. Afterwards, they showed previews for the next season which starts in Feb. When they said Feb, I got super excited (it's one of my favorite shows) and then it hit me like a ton of bricks - when the next season starts, I'll have a baby!

Anyone else get moments like that? It's happened a couple times at work, too as things are getting schuled for next year. It really puts it into perspective for me how close the end is and how soon I'll get to meet this little girl.

QOTD-How long are your DHs taking off after the baby is born? He doesn't get any time off for the baby. Whatever time he takes off will be vacation days. Our plan is for him to take off while we're in the hospital (obviously) and then for a week once we get home.

QOTD - Can you always get STD during maternity leave? STD is a benifit my company gives us. Not mandated by the government. It's their own policy that STD is what is used for maternity leave.

QOTD - Washing All I'm washing are clothes and bedding.

[chefker]

Not sure if anyone else is an Amazing Race fan (I believe I saw chefker over in the AR thread), but the finale was last night. Afterwards, they showed previews for the next season which starts in Feb. When they said Feb, I got super excited (it's one of my favorite shows) and then it hit me like a ton of bricks - when the next season starts, I'll have a baby!

Anyone else get moments like that? It's happened a couple times at work, too as things are getting schuled for next year. It really puts it into perspective for me how close the end is and how soon I'll get to meet this little girl.



YES!! I keep telling DH, 'watch, I'll go into labor during the season premiere of 24 or American Idol'. :) We are actually discussing getting Tivo (at last!), to keep on top of our favorite shows. I'm SURE with the new baby neither one of us would remember to set the VCR or even put a tape in!

Well, I had my ultrasound yesterday. It went fine, although my placenta is still 'low'. It has moved ever so slightly, but is still near the cervix. BUT the doctor came in and re-checked everything--she seems to think it will move a tad more before the baby comes, and as I've had no bleeding or anything like that, I SHOULD be able to avoid a C-section. Which is good. The baby weighs about 5 pounds 4 ounces right now, and has THE chubbiest cheeks. I got two new pics (will scan them later) and he's looking head on--looks like he might have my nose, and Mike's chin. As for the chubby cheeks, I don't know who he got THOSE from. :)

Then we had our last childbirth class last night. Some police officer came to talk about proper installation of carseats, which was pretty helpful. Then our instructor went into EXACTLY what happens during labor. I was somewhat skeeved, thinking about my body going through this. I almost feel like 'I can't do this', although I know rationally I CAN--women have given birth since the dawn of time; and I'll be doing this in a top-notch hospital. Just thinking about all the pushing and stretching, and possible episiotomy...eeesh. I have a pretty strong stomach too, but it's like if I think about it TOO much, I start to get nervous.

I'm sure it'll all be fine in the end. I am just thinking about it too much! I will return later for SO's, back to work for now! :)

[Nikkid]

I definitely needed DH's help to get the picture...he kept R distracted while I took the pictures]

I know EXACTLY what you mean! Just wait until next year when you have two to try and cooperate! ;) The picture we used was actually the very first one we took, after that it went down hill. I was so frustrated that after about 20 min of trying to get the two little ones to cooperate at the same time that I said forget it. As you can see in the picture Justin likes to stick his tongue out and I was trying to get one with him not sticking his tongue out but eventually gave up. :rolleyes: I don't know how we are going to do it next year! :eek:

Sorry, I guess I should have clarified in my post that the reason I was washing the covers to the swing and carseat were because I'm re-using them. I don't want anyone to do any extra work before baby gets here! :D

elladee ~ I know exactly what you mean. I hear about events or activities in Jan and think I should be home with my baby at that time. I'm really starting to get excited.

chefker ~ that's really great that you probably won't have to have a c-section!

Betsy ~ I really love your prof pics! My favorite is also the 3rd one!

[catandmouse]

A plastic bell with a groove at the back of it is slipped between the glans and the foreskin (an initial dorsal slit may be needed to allow the bell to be placed). The foreskin is pulled slightly forward and suture material is looped around in the groove and a surgical knot tied tightly. The thread cuts off the blood supply to the foreskin which withers and drops off, taking the Plasibell with it, in 7 to 10 days. It is usual, but not essential, to remove the excess foreskin after the knot is tied - this is mainly cosmetic so that the boy already looks circumcised when returned to his parents. It also reduces the volume of dead foreskin which will drop off and thus reduces parental anxiety a bit. The glans and frenulum are protected by the bell. The frenulum will never be cut when using the Plastibell. Tightness is moderate to slack. Because the bell remains on the penis for a week or so, the foreskin must not be pulled so tightly over it that it is caused to dig into the glans or obstruct the urethra. The groove is always forward of the corona of the glans and hence some inner foreskin must necessarily be retained. Only small size Plastibells are generally marketed and hence the method is only suitable for pre-pubescent boys (the makers say up to about 12 years of age only). No particular surgical skill is required beyond being able to tie a surgical knot. The Plastibell is thus very suitable for use by midwives and medical auxiliaries where doctors are not available.

here is that procedure I was talking about. I guess I don't actually know that it's new, but it's new to the hospital where nephew was born.

[Lobeth]

I'm still around! Had a doctor's appt yesterday which included the GBS test. Next appt is in 2 weeks on 12/27, which is 3 days before delivery. I guess since I'm having a c-section, there is no need to be seen every week? I dont get internals either (not that I want them). We are going on a major spending spree this weekend to get all the things we need for the baby.

Re: QOTD re Maternity Leave: I can't remember if I've already answered this. I can take up to 16 weeks of unpaid leave. Unfortunately I cant afford to do that, so I plan to take about 10 weeks. One week of leave before baby (using my own leave) Then our STD will pay 70% for 8 weeks (6 really, there is a 2 week waiting period before it kicks in). My company pays for two weeks to bridge the gap in STD, and I'll use my own leave to cover the remaining 30% so I'll receive full pay while I'm gone. My last day is Dec 23 and I'll be back on March 6. Would love to stay out longer, though! But I want to have at least 1 week of Sick leave and 1 week of annual leave when I return to work.

QOTD re DH's Leave: DH will be using his own leave as his Paternity leave is unpaid. He will be out from 12/22 to 1/17. So 1 week before baby and 2 weeks after.

QOTD re cord and circ care: I'll just do what the dr says. With dd, we used alcohol on her stump as per her NICU, but I've heard that was not necessary from others.

QOTD re Breast Pump: I have a Medela PIS (older model) from DD, who I fed for about a month through pumping. Never did breastfeed though. Will try with DS. But being able to pump was convenient because it gave DH a chance to take care of DD when I needed sleep!

QOTD re Washing: Will wash clothes, and bedding. If I have time, I may wash the carseat cover and swing cover, but I'm more likely to just wipe it down with soap and water. I hate haveing to put those things back together after they come from the wash!

Hope everyone is hanging in there! Cant wait to start seeing birth announcements (but not too soon!)!

[Jen309]

Yoga and Nikki - your kids are too cute! I was also worried at first about washing the car seat cover, etc., but was really hoping it was b/c they were used by your other kids... glad to see I was right!

At my last CB class we had a different instructor who didn't just glaze over the topics. At the end she took us back up to the labor suite to see all the fun positions the beds go in and try the exercise balls since instructor #1 just said "here's the room" and left it at that. After the class, a couple people stuck around for in-depth questions, one about circumcision... she actually went and got one of those plastic bell things out and showed us and told us exactly how it's done. In my case, the OB will be the one who does it. Our personal feeling is that we'll go for it and get him circ'ed. DH is, and it's a real pain to do it when they're older, should it be medically necessary. I would imagine it to be like having to have a breast removed (maybe not quite that traumatic, but you get the gist).

DH's leave: He doesn't have official paternitiy leave, but since he's a teacher he gets 2 personal days a year and LOTS of sick time... he will be eligible to use his sick time. I'm also hoping to have the baby before his Christmas break is over so we get a few 'free' days as well.

reality hitting: We were at Buffalo Wild Wings a couple months ago and happened to catch some football while we were there. I mentioned it would be a good place to go to watch the superbowl this year (even though our home theater is more than adequate:rolleyes: ). Then I remembered we'd have a newborn. Ok, new plan :p

[jasonsgal]

Betsy - Your belly shots are awesome!!! You look wonderful :D

I just got back from my doctors appointment and they performed the strep b test - I will receive the results at next weeks appt. I am 70% effaced and the dr. estimates that our baby boy is 6 pounds 8 ounces!!! He also let us feel where his head is.
I have not dropped yet. My appointments are now once a week.

DH and I are getting flu shots on Monday.

I have been up since 3:30am! Around 2-3x a week I wake up and can't fall back asleep. I am so exhausted though. The excitement from the appt. is the only thing keeping me up right now!

We went to our breastfeeding class last night and the instructor was really strange. I learned some things but I didn't walk out feeling very informed. She had students fill out a form rating her and I was filling it out being honest until I saw her looking at each form as the students brought them to her! :eek: I started erasing what I wrote because sometimes she works at the hospital as a lactation consultant and I don't want to get on her bad side. Anyways, she also provides consultation services at your home for a fee and I was thinking at the beginning of the class that it sounded like a great option until she started making fun of all the stupid questions people ask her and call her about. Even mimicking their voices! I did learn a lot from the video she played though! Anyways, I am going to buckle down and read my book and get some other recommendations for consultants.

I really am not that organized -- I have lists everywhere but in reality my bag hasn't been packed yet and Jason and I barely talk about baby names. We need to get on the ball!!! :o We are procrastinating on that one.
I would rather throw all my lists away and have a name for this child!

DH's LEAVE AOTD: Jason will probably have to use vacation time. Luckily he works out of the house and his company is big into "flex" time so that is going to be huge. We would like for him to take vacation though -- he could really use it.

Have a great day ladies.

Karen

[elladee]

I had a dream last night that when I checked this thread this morning there was a birth announcement (can't remember who it was, though)! :D We're so close now! (What does it say about me that I have CC in my dreams...)

[Nikkid]

Lobeth~ I'm surprised that your Dr doesn't want to see you every week. Even if your having a c-section I would think he would still want to check your b/p and urine. I know mine changed within a week with my DD. It's getting so close now!

Jen~ thanks for the compliments. Glad to hear your last CB class went well. Too bad you didn't have that instructor for the entire course.

Jasonsgal ~ sounds like you had a good appt and your making some progress! I also have a hard time staying asleep at night. I actually do not remember the last time I have slept a full night without waking up once. When I do wake up I have such a hard time falling back to sleep. I guess it's our bodies way of preparing us for what's to come! I also had my b/f class last night. I also left feeling not very informed. I did learn some things and had some questions answered but I still don't know how I feel about it.

elladee~ that's funny, I don't have those dreams but every time I do get on here I wonder if we will have our first announcement.

Well I am full term today, yay! I started washing the rest of the stuff tonight so now that's done. Now all I want to do before this baby gets here is hang the border and organize his/Kaitlyn's room a little better. That will be my goal for the weekend, then I can relax. I'm also done Christmas shopping and can't say I've ever been done this early. Although I'm excited for labor to start it would be more ideal for me to go the last week of Dec. I do not have any vacation left for the year and in order for my STD to kick in I have to use 5 days vacation first. So, if I deliver sometime in Dec, depending on when, I will have to take some dock pay.

I also had my b/f class last night. I went by myself while DH stayed home with the kids. Like Jasongal said I learned some things but I didn't feel really informed. We did get a folder full of information so I will have to read that stuff. I did ask her my chanced of b/f successfully since I did have a breast reduction (which was one year ago today!). I told her I have definately noticed changes in them so she thought that was a good sign. She did say that I will probably have to supplement in the beginning. I would like to try b/f but I don't want to have to really struggle with it. I FF my other three and they all turned out fine so I don't have a problem going with formula. I just thought since this is my last child I would try it once. The reason I didn't with my other three was because I was so large chested I seriously felt that I would suffocate my child. :eek: My plan is to try it and like the instructor said even if it works for just a couple of feedings it's better than nothing. So we shall see.

I'm excited to go back to the Dr on Tuesday. I hope their is some change but not a lot yet. I really don't want to deliver next week yet. I would like to see some progress so I will be ready for the following week. ;) I like how I'm trying to plan this like I can decide when he will come out. :rolleyes: But I remember with my DD I was dilated a fingertip one week and then DH and I DTD a couple times and the following week I was dialted 3 cm so I don't know if it was just coincidence or if DTD really did something. So we are going slow with it this time to see if it does anything.

[KRL626]

I had a bunch of pretty strong contractions last night, but no pattern. :o I will be interested to see at my appt. on Tues. if I've made any progress. We also had our Ped. interview and have decided to go with her to be Jeremiah's pediatrician. I'm really happy to have that taken care of. Other than that I have a cold, it's raining outside, and I do not, not want to go to work! But I only have 6 more days so I am going to slug it out! I'll come back later to do SO's. Have a great day ladies!

[jules1025]

I can't believe we're going to have babies in here soon!!! :eek: Just a little over a week until our first scheduled c-sections!! I am amazed at how fast this pregnancy went by. I felt like the first four months dragged, but now it's going way too fast. I love reading the newest pregnancy threads and reminiscing about those first few months - when everything was so exciting and scary. I think I'm going to miss being pregnant.

I am doing pretty good. I get tired pretty easily and I haven't been eating as much b/c I get so full so easily. But, I haven't hit that miserable, uncomfortable stage yet. (But, I'm only 35 weeks.) Baby girl is squirming a lot - I can tell she's running out of room in there!

We had our tour of hospital #2 on Wednesday. While it was a nice hospital and had only private rooms, I just like hospital #1 better. So, the decision has been made and the pre-registration forms have been mailed! So glad that's done. I've also washed all of the baby bedding, her 0-3 month clothes, burp clothes/bibs, and receiving blankets. Am I missing anything? We still need to finish up the nursery, buy the remaining items on our registry, and buy some diapers! We're waiting until after christmas to do all that though (DH will be on vacation that week). Oh - and I still have to buy nursing bras!!!

Nikki & Yoganut - Your kids are too cute! Great pictures!

Nikki - Yay on being full term! Sorry for no progress yet. But, it sounds like you progressed pretty fast last time so maybe that will happen again. Hoping he waits to make his debut until after Christmas!

chefker - Glad to hear your placenta has moved! I hope it keeps moving so you can avoid a c-section! That's nice that you had a police officer talk about proper car seat installation at your class. We didn't have that and I'm wondering if we need to go somewhere to get it checked or something. :confused:

jasonsgal - Congrats on some progress! :) Sorry your BFing class wasn't very informative. I think it's a good idea to get recs for good LCs.

KRL626 - Yay for picking out a ped! Hoping you made some progress this week!

QOTD - DH Leave - DH worked out a deal with his boss to take 1 week of vacation and work from home the second week. So he'll be home for 2 weeks.

[terrys wifey]

Everytime I come in here I have a big ole :D it's so good to see all of us come so far. It won't be long now (I have 2 weeks left)

QOTD (Maternity Leave)... I am taking 12 weeks.
DH is taking a week and my mom is staying the next week.

QOTD (Braxton Hicks)... YES!!! I get them often sometimes very uncomforable but at my last appointment my cervix was closed tight.

QOTD (Measuring Ahead)... my doctor saud my belly is HUGE! didn't give specifics. I can tell she is running out of room in there, at my visit before last she was weighing in at 5lbs and 6 oz that was Nov 28th so who knows how much she weighs now.

QOTD (Breast Pump).. I bougt the Avent Isis, I've read great reviews about it and I wanted to try the manual first before investing in an electric pump.


I have yet to pack my bag, I am going to do it this weekend here is my list:
Here is my list to pack in the bag:
Blessing oil (got from church)
Robe
Breastfeeding gown
Slippers
underwear
Nursing bra
pads
breast cream
camera
going home outfit (or just wear what I am wearing to the hosptial)
List of phone numbers
toothpaste
tooth brush
deorderant
comb (who am I kidding my hair is going to be up in a pony tail)
socks
Breast pump so nurse can assist me in pumping

For Ashley:
Going home outfit
snow suit
hat/gloves

Does anyone have a master list for things to pack in your bag maybe from babycenter or somewhere?

[tsmom]

Hey Guys - I am still here just reading along. Feeling achy and sore but ok I guess.

Maternity leave - I will take 8 weeks - I am paid 100% commission at work so it will all be unpaid - except for std (yoga I have to check out the new bonding time you were talking about)

Braxton Hicks -- Yep having some of these too - not really painful just uncomfortable - didnt have a one with T so now atleast I know what they feel like

Measuring ahead - I think I have been about a week ahead at each appt but I was the same way with T and I was a week late and then they had to induce me.

Brest Pump - I have a PIS traveller that I bought off Ebay (NIB) last time and I really liked it. (love the look you get at airport securtiy with it :))

Hospital Bag - Have not packed a thing and probably wont for a while. Last time DH and I were stuck there for 4 nights. The things that I really used were my sweats and zip up hoddie (so easy to bf with the zipper).. Really needed more snacks for dh as during labor they gave me some meds that made me pass out after each contraction so I he was too afraid to leave me and he didnt eat all day. i wore my flip flops the whole time ( it was 85 here in March last year). Basically that was it along with my regular travel bag that has brush, make-up etc. Oh dont forget the bb cream :).

Names I know most of you have picked out names but truthfully DH and I haven't really taked about it much... There were a couple of names left over since T was a girl.. Since we are not telling IRL I thought I would get your ladies opinion. So the 2 left over from T are Drake or Rowan and so far this pg DH has thrown Macrae (not sure about spellling - may call him Mac) or Reese into the mix. Middle names will be James Joesph. ~ Yoga and I think alike....

Will be back for SO's hope you all have a great weekend!

[yoganut]

Tsmom - Here is a link to a fact sheet that I found online. I plan to use my 8 weeks CA STD, then one week of vacation, followed by 6 weeks of the new Paid family leave. It says it is up to 55% of your salary, and they have a cap. Still, way better than using up vacation/sick days that I will inevitably need to use when one (or both) of the boys get sick and need mommy.
http://www.cwlc.org/pfl_facts.pdf

BTW - I like your name choices ;) With the middle names you have shared, I think I am most partial to a 2-syllable first name like Rowan or Macrae. Good luck deciding!

I can't believe we don't have any babies yet! I keep checking and expecting that there will be a birth annoncement. :D

So, this baby feels huge to me now. I am so darn uncomfortable. Wah! I go back to the ob on Monday, and am literally ready to beg that my c/s be before Christmas. That said, I think I caught a bug going around and now have a bit of a cough. I don't want to be coughing while I am trying to heal (can we say OWWW!) and don't want to expose the baby to germs right away. So, hopefully my body will kick this soon.

I went and saw Memoirs of a Geisha to pass time today. I really enjoyed it, despite the flack some are giving it for not being an 'accurate portrayal.' I read the book, and I thought it encapsulated it pretty well. It is beautifully shot, and the acting is great. Has anyone else seen it?

[MrsPuls]

Just a quick post. I was re-admitted on Sunday with labor, stoped it with Mag until Tuesday, and delivered 2 healthy babies Tuesday night by C-section at 33w 3days. Lucas was 4lbs 14oz and Aubrey was 4lbs 5oz. Both are in the NICU, but doing great. It was hard coming home without them today, but I know they are in the best spot possible right now. They are absolutely perfect in everyway.

[J&K2003]

Congratulations, MrsPuls! Welcome to Lucas and Aubrey! :D :D

It is great to hear that they are doing so well. Here's hoping they will be home with you very soon!

[jjohm]

ohmygoodness, Mrspuls!!! Congrats On Your Two Healthy Babes!!!

[MrsTazlvr]

Congrats, MrsPuls!!! Welcome to the world Lucas and Aubrey!!!

[yoganut]

Yeah! Congratulations MrsPuls and welcome Lucas and Aubrey!!

[Nikkid]

CONGRATS MrsPuls! Welcome Lucas And Aubrey!!!

[jules1025]

Yay! Our first mommy!! :)

Congrats MrsPuls! Welcome Lucas and Aubrey!!!

[sophonisba9]

Congrats to MrsPuls!!! Those babies will be home with you before you know it.

[KRL626]

Whoop whoop! Congrats MrsPuls!!!!

Oh my gosh our first babies are here! This is so exciting! Just think this is only the begining!

[elladee]

OMG BABIES!!!!!


Congratulations MrsPuls!!!!!! Welcome Aubrey and Lucas!!!

[chefker]

CONGRATS!!!!!

Babies!!!! I can't believe it. :) My friend who had twins had them at approx. 33-34 weeks, and they were home with her in no time. Glad to hear your little ones are doing well!

[January2006Moms]

Updated to here I know I may have missed some appts but they weren't updated in red so I'm having a hard time finding them. If I missed someone can you please re-post in red. Thanks!

[Jackie&Tom]

Congratulations MrsPuls!!!!

[Amie]

CONGRATULATIONS MRSPULS!!!!!

So exciting!!!!

[jasonsgal]

Congratulations MrsPuls!!!!

[KRL626]

Well I've had a great weekend so far. Friday my co-workers through me a surprise shower. I was so surprised! I got a lot of nice things and a ton of gift checks so we'll be able to get some of the last stuff we need. Yesterday we had our Christmas get together. It was so great and I really felt nostalgic, like it was the end of an era for us. We'll never again be able to easily have people over like that. I'm hoping two of the couples will start their families soon so we'll all be back on the same page again. :)

Now I'm just looking forward to my appt. Tues 12/20 I'm hoping at least to have confirmation that he is head down and maybe a little progress made, although I know this is not an indicator of anything! Oh, and for those of you that experience rib kicks by your little ones, Jeremiah has never gone up that high until now and boy oh boy that hurts!!!

Hope you all are having wonderful weekends. These are the last one's without our babies!

[catandmouse]

Congratulations on our first babies!!!

KRL Aren't those rib kicks fun?!?! Baby has been hanging out in the ribs for quite some time now.

[Ole Miss Bride]

Has anyone been experiencing painful contractions? Like, painful enough to where you have to breathe through them? I've been having them for the past few hours, and they're a little bit uncomfortable. They don't seem like "real" contractions, though, so I'm not getting excited or anything yet.

Anyway, just thought I'd pop in and ask. I have an OB appointment tomorrow, so it will be interesting to see if I've made any progress. Ha - I'm seriously doubting it. Last week, not a thing was going on.

And also....CONGRATULATIONS, MRS PULS, ON YOUR TWINS!!!! Can't wait to see pictures.

Wow, y'all, I can't believe we have BABIES!!!

-Betsy

[J&K2003]

We had a shower from my coworkers today. Everyone was so generous! I am seriously blown away. We bought a few last items from our registry on our way home (some necessities) and I think we're set for baby girl! Wow. Only a month left!

Has anyone been experiencing painful contractions? Like, painful enough to where you have to breathe through them? I've been having them for the past few hours, and they're a little bit uncomfortable. They don't seem like "real" contractions, though, so I'm not getting excited or anything yet.


Ooh, Betsy, no I haven't had anything like this. Sounds... interesting! Maybe you'll have your little one in your arms by Christmas after all? OK, I won't get too excited. But I'm very interested to hear how your appointment goes tomorrow! :)

[catandmouse]

Betsy
I have had some painful ones. DH & I were out for dinner last night & I was having them. He just kept talking & talking & I was thinking "you need to be quiet so I can concentrate on this!!" I think I had a slight glimpse at how it will be while I'm in labor. I already don't like being touched when I'm in pain & I really couldn't stand the sound of his voice either & real labor will be like times 10!! Poor guy :(

[yoganut]

Betsy - I have had some painful ones where I had to stop what I was doing and focus on them. I usually have a few a day that are like that now. Then again, I feel like I have been having contractions FOREVER...and they don't seem to be doing much. Are yours coming in any sort of pattern? Could be promising! Can't wait for an update this morning.

After being so ready to have this baby out, now I am praying he will stay in! My entire family has caught some nasty bug with soar throat, nasal congestion and cough! :( :( I have asthma, so whenever I get something with a cough it usually causes bronchitis and I need antibiotics to clear it up. I am so nervous about being sick (or the rest of the family being sick) when this baby arrives. The last thing I want is a sick newborn! Rowan got sick at 2 weeks old last time, and it was just miserable because they are so tiny and there is so little you can do for them. Plus, recovering from a c/s with a cough would be horrible.

I have an ob appt today, but think I am also going to have to get into my general practitioner - as well as take DS to the ped! Should be a fun day! :rolleyes:

[elladee]

Painful Contractions - I had what I believe were two painful contractions this morning when I was getting ready for work. Lots of the pain was in my lower back, too - not fun.

Yoga, oh no, sorry to hear that you're all sick. I hope you can get over it quickly.

[Lobeth]

Where have I been????

Congratulations, MrsPuls on the birth of Aubrey and Lucas

I have a co-worker who delivered in the same week range as you, but their weight was a little less than yours, and her kids were home in a week to two at the most. So you should have your cuties home in no time! I want to see pics!!!

Wow! It seems more real now MrsPauls babies are here. It wont be long for the rest of us!

Betsy, you are very close to your due date, so maybe you should check in with your doctor. Oops, I see you have an appointment already. Let us know how that goes. I've only had an occasional contraction here and there, nothing consistant, though. Only once was a contraction painful enough to have to concentrate on it. By the way, your pics are awesome!

Yoganut- hope you feel better quickly. You definitely dont want to be sick if you are having a c-section.

KRL626- congratulations on your shower! That was very nice of your co-worker. DH's new dept threw him and two of his co-workers a daddy's shower and gave a very generous giftcard to babies r us.

Nothing new with me. Went to Babies R Us with previously mentioned giftcard and bought a crib and a few outfits. Then went to Walmart and got a bedding set, some boy sock, shoes, t-shirts and a crib mattress. I feel a little guilty that we are not spending the kind of money on this baby as we did on DD. Every similiar thing that we've bought, i.e. the crib, mattress, bed set, etc., has been way cheaper. Maybe I'm just coming to my senses! That and I can barely afford what we are buying. But I still feel guilty! I dont know!

Talk to you all later!

[terrys wifey]

First of all......
CONGRATUALTIONS!!! MrsPuls and WELCOME TO THE WORLD!!! Lucas & Aubrey :D


I have a 2:20 appointment today I'm not expecting to be there but for 15 mins with the same ole same ole.

Didn't do too much this weekend I was suppose to pack my bag and straighten up the nursery, but after church and going shopping for window treatment I was bushed not to mention my eyes were glued to the TV watching the Redskins spank the Cowboys booties!!!:eek:

We bought the curtain rods for both rooms, some white sheers for the nursery to go with her valance and some curtains for my son's room. Now DH just needs to hang them.:rolleyes:


I have an announcment....
Hello, My name is Kimberly and I am addicted to Burger King!!! I have been eating it every week. I love the taste of grilled food, I always order the Double Whopper with cheese, pickles and mustard and diet coke. B/c I have to watch my sugar I take the top bun off and eat it with the bottom bun or no bun at all.
With my son I was addicted to McDonalds Big Mac meal.

After my doctor's appointment I think I'll have Buger King for lunch! Yum!:D

Well this is my last week at work then I will be home resting waiting for this lil bundle to make her appearance. It seems so surreal, this pregnancy went by FAST!! Dh and I were talking last night and he kept saying can you believe our daughter is going to be here next week.


I think my son (10 yrs old) is now coming to reality that he won't be the only child anymore and is now seeking attention.Nothing bad he just wants to talk non stop, seek approval for "everything". It's almost like he wants to guarantee his spot once his sister gets here.

I make it a point to never ignore him and talk about the baby to him unless he brings her up.

[jjohm]

kimberly: go skins!! i'm ordering my papa john's with 10 (count em, 10) free toppings tonight! hehe...

as of today, i work from home. no more 1.5 hr commute each way for me! i feel bad for DH because now he has to drive all the way by himself, poor thing, but i am loving my 5 step commute into the office. i feel like a wimp for not going to the office till the last day, but those trips and my terrible office chair were seriously killing me.

only one more week till i hit the full term mark!

how are the rest of you holding up???

[meggers]

Congrats MrsPuls!!! I hope your babies get to come home soon.


I had my U/S on Friday. It was hard to see anything on the U/S though since the baby is big now. The baby is head down, which is nice to know. The baby is still measuring large. At 35 weeks, my baby is measuring 7 lbs and is in the 95th percentile. The doctor that came in at the end of the U/S said that if I don't deliver until 1/20 then the baby could weigh about 9.5 lbs. Also, I think I may be starting to loose my mucus plug. I'm not sure though. TMI.... Today, after I wipe, I have noticed a clear/yellow tinted snot/jello like substance on the tp. I am not sure if it is normal discharge or if I am starting to loose my mucas plug. I will have to ask my doctor on wed.

[sophonisba9]

QOTD: If you have or used a birth or excercise ball, what size do you have? How did you decide what was the proper size?

I picked up an excercise ball last night, but the boxes in the store didn't have any guidelines on which was the proper size. We ended up getting the 65 cm one. When Matt inflated it it looked so small that he stopped half way and deflated it so I could return it to the store. I did a bit of research today and it seems that 65 cm is the standard size. I'm 5'9" and DH is 6'1". I'd kinda like to give the ball some use after the baby is born too.

[catandmouse]

sophonisba I have an exercise ball, although I've never used it for birthing. Mine is the Thera Band brand & says that it's 75 cm. I'm 5'10". I 'm pretty sure it's the right size if when you sit on it your thighs & hips are pretty in line & thighs are parallel with the floor.

[Lobeth]

Kimberly and Jjohm, how 'bout them 'skins? And why can't they play like that consistantly? I was so happy that I sent DD to daycare in her Redskins cheerleader outfit! She was so cute!

[Ole Miss Bride]

Hey, ladies. Just stopping by quickly to update on my OB appointment today. Looks like things might be moving along for me. I don't want to jinx anything, but my doctor seems to think we could have a baby in the next few days. Weird!

Anyway, I hope y'all don't mind, but I'm cross-posting this from my LJ:
I'm dilated to 3 and a half. Now, I know plenty of women walk around for weeks like that, but with my contractions (they're fairly regular at 8 minutes apart), Dr. Plaisance seemed optimistic that things would move along. I think he stripped my membranes, but I'm not sure. Anyway, he sent me home and told me to head on up to the hospital based on my comfort level. "If they start coming every five minutes, you might want to head on over, but it's up to you," he said. "If you're not sure, call me." I'm thinking I'll wait for four minutes, but I don't know. My parents are about a 40-minute drive from the hospital, and I don't want to be totally miserable the whole ride there.

So I'm home. Dr. P warned me that things could totally stop, but he doubts that will happen. We'll see.

In the meantime....I'm kind of uncomfy, but it's not too bad. If I make myself go really, really limp and focus on relaxing as much as possible during each contraction, I can get through them without it being too horrible. The pain is mostly in my lower abdomen, but it's starting to radiate more and more into my hips and lower back.

I still don't believe this is really happening. He's not supposed to show up until after Christmas! Well, maybe he will yet. Who knows.

-Betsy

[Amie]

Bets, sooooooo excited for you!!!!!!!!:D

[yoganut]

Quick update....well, looks like there might be some excitement tonight on our end! Just got back from my ob apt and the fluid around the baby which has been decreasing each week is now considered low.

I am on my way to the hospital, and if they confirm that it is low...we will be meeting Baby Rhys tonight! I will have DH contact my labor buddy or update here in the coming days if I don't come back. So, I guess no news will be good news!

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers! :D

[Amie]

Yoga - So excited for you too!!!! Such excitement around here tonight!!!:D

[jules1025]

yoganut - OMG!! You could meet Rhys tonight! Wishing you the best!

Betsy - Sounds like you are probably in labor right now - at least early labor! I can't believe you could be on your way to meeting your boy soon! Good luck!!

KRL626 - How nice of your coworkers to throw you a surprise shower! Glad you got a lot of nice things. :) Hoping you hear some good news tomorrow at your appt!

terrys wifey - Yay for your last week at work! Hope it's not too busy.

meggers - Wow, you got a big baby in there! :) Hopefully you'll deliver sooner than 1/20! And, it does sound like you're possibly losing your mucous plug.

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

Nothing much going on in my world... no contractions, baby hasn't dropped, haven't lost my mucous plug. I'm still feeling pretty good, actually. Watch - I'll be the last Jan mommy to have her baby! I have an appt and u/s on Thursday (to measure how big baby girl is). I'll be shocked if I've made any progress.

I think the nesting instinct may be kicking in though... I had a huge urge to go to BRU yesterday and purchase the remaining items on our registry. Then I organized baby girl's room when we got home. Today I finished washing remaining clothes and bedding. And, I'm so eager to get that room finished, but I need DH's help and he won't have time until next week (when he's on vacation). I know the day after christmas I'm going to be itching to finish the room and get the house organized.

Here's my latest belly shot (35 weeks):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/juliebeth13/35weeks4.jpg

[tsmom]

Congrats to MrsPuls and welcome to the world Aubrey and Lucas - I am sure that those beautiful babies will be home in no time!!!!

Yoga - thanks so much for the link and I am saying some big prayers for you dh and R (#1) and (#2) tonight!! So exciting!

Bets - going to catch up on my LJ sometime!!! Sounds like early labor to me :)!!

Jules - You look great and dont worry - just like last time I am sure that I will be the last one to deliver!!! I was due 2/27 with T and had her on 3/6 (after they induced) I am due 1/30 so this will probably be a Feb baby :)

Meggers - have to agree - looks like you are losing your plug!!!

KRL626 - Nice of your co-workers to throw you a shower!!

I have an appt on Friday 12/23 and we plan on taking my niece who is 10 and my dd to see that baby. I am excited for DD to see him. She felt him kick for the first time last night and she was really curious about it. I think we are going to plan a little shower for the 15th of Jan for brother. Probably somethink low key - maybe a bbq or something - my bf really wants to do a big shin-dig but I am not too hip on that for #2. (a little party will be nice though) ~ We still have not done a thing - guess I better get on it just in case... I am feeling really crampy and icky.

Can't wait to hear from Ali :))

[terrys wifey]

WOW!! :eek: Is there a full moon out tonight?
Betsy and Ali.. praying all is well with you two.

Had my appointment today in and out as usual, had another pelvic exam cervix still closed received paperwork to take with me to the hospital. Ashley is doing good, she's really giving her mommy a fit with all the stretches on top of the contractions and Lawd! don't let me have a full bladder too.

My next appointment is Dec 28th, umm HELLO :rolleyes: I am schedule for my c-section on the 29th so what's the point? I doubt it if I will go.
My doctor told me to make sure we are in Labor and Delivery 2 hours before my sceduled c-section or they will cancel my appointment and I will have to wait until I actually go into labor.
:eek: Oh! no I can't let that happen we will be there 2 1/2 to 3 hours early, my husband has a habit of running late. I REFUSE!! to miss my appointment.

When I got home I watched Discovery Health (Babies: Special Delivery and Birthday) to see what some women and babies go through I was in tears.

I made dinner and took a shower, then it hit me I said I was going to pack today. So I went in her room to gather a t-shirt, sleeper, snowsuit and an outfit to take her first picture in. I got so overwelmed, I stood there looking at the mile long of pink in her closet. Just seeing little clothes get to me and I just started thanking God for this blessing. I kept saying she is going to be here next week.

It didn't seem like a long pregnancy and unlike my first pregnancy I experienced so much (with my 1st if it weren't for my belly growing and hearing the heartbeat you couldn't tell me I was expecting) in alot of ways I felt cheated b/c I wanted to experience something, anything! and this time I did.

I know I have whined and complained but let me tell you I wouldn't change one thing! I loved being pregnant even the aches and pains it reminded me everyday how blessed I am. I am so looking forward to lil momma coming but admit I will miss carrying her in my womb, a bond that only a baby and mother can ever have.

Okay now I am getting all mushy, but I am so emotional right now.
I keep telling myself and other pregnant women, embrace the moment, God chose you to be the life line for that lil person and that in itself is a reason to rejoice.

NOw I have to finish packing!

Good Night

[KRL626]

Aaahh!!! So much is going on today! This is really exciting! :)

Betsy and Yoga Thinking of you guys and hoping this is it! :)

Terry'swifey I hear ya. This is all so overwhelming and I have also been having a lot of reflective moments.

JulesLookin cute!


I too have been having tons of contractions. Some of them are painful and others just uncomfortable. Again, there is no pattern to them. I was having them consistently a few hours ago but now all is pretty quiet. We'll see what happens tomorrow. I just want to know that he's head down. Anything else would be bonus information. :p

[chefker]

WOW!! There is so much going on here! Thinking of you, yoganut and Betsy!!

Not a lot going on here---well, no baby here yet anyway! ;) My hands & feet are now swollen. Funny, a co-worker was asking me last week 'how are your hands and feet doing'? and at the time, all was well....then WHAM, over the weekend I've got fluid & puffiness! Almost NONE of my shoes fit, save for my sneakers and winter boots. Oh, and my garden clogs--I probably looked like an idiot, but I wore my rubber garden clogs in the office today. They were comfy, and they fit!

On Saturday my MIL threw a nice baby shower for me at her house. It was all relatives from Mike's side of the family. For the shower my mom threw last week, it fell on the same day as the christening for the newest baby on that side, so nobody from Mike's side could go to my mom's shower. It was a nice small shower and we got tons of nice things for the baby.

I actually have ONE picture of me from this shower (didn't get the ones back from my first shower yet!) Everyone says I am not showing much at all for being 35 weeks pregnant...I dunno, I certainly FEEL big, lol. Anyway here I am about to cut my cake--it was so cute, shaped like a baby carriage. :)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc38b3127cce965762c9ba0300000025138AZtWbNk0ctO

Sunday afternoon I crashed from 3 to 4:30. I can't believe how much sleep I require these days. I thought I was tired before, but that is nothing compared to how I feel now. I don't know if this is just because yesterday was really busy, or if pregnancy is kicking my butt even more than it was. Probably a little bit of both. All of a sudden it's like this switch was flipped, and I went from kind of sleepy to bone-crushing exhausted. I hope some energy will come back...if I continue to feel THIS tired I honestly don't know how I'll even take care of a baby, never mind myself.

So that's that! Still having some strong B-H contrax, but not too painful. Hard to believe how soon our little boy will be here!

[J&K2003]

Yoga and Betsy!!

Sending good labor vibes to you!!!

[jasonsgal]

YOGA and BETSY - Thinking about you both this evening!

Chefker - you look awesome and looking at that cake is making me HUNGRY! :D

Jules - Hey there haute momma!! You look fantastic and so does your tree!

---

Nothing much to report on my end. We spent over an hour going over names last night! We made great progress and we really narrowed things down. All we have to do is meet our little one before we choose.

My back has been killing me. Starting to feel more pelvic pain (baby dropping?) but no BH or contractions. I am definitely uncomfortable though. Lots of activity from the baby -- it feels like feet, arms, legs are popping out everywhere now.

We both had our flu shots today and Friday I have my next drs. appt. I am curious to see if things have progressed any.

I am keeping my eyes peeled to this thread and wishing everyone healthy deliveries and babies!!!! YAY!!!!!!!

[Nikkid]

Betsy and Yoga I'm so excited for you guys. I hope you will be holding your babies very soon if not already! :D

Jules and Chefker you guys look great! I have not taken one photo of myself during this pregnancy. I'm debating whether I want to do one now or not. I'm so huge!

KRL626 good luck at your appt tomorrow, hope for some progress. I'm also hoping for the same tomorrow too.

Sorry, too tired to do S/O's right now. I have also been extremely tired lately, I think it's due from me not being able to sleep at night though. I wake up and can't fall back to sleep for an hour or so.

Kind of excited for my appt tomorrow, hoping I've made some progress although I doubt I have. I seriously can't tell if I'm having a contraction or not. I do feel uncomfortable a lot but not sure if it's a contraction. You would think I would know by now. :rolleyes:

I can't wait to come back here tomrrow to see if their is any new news posted. It's only just begun! :D

[yoganut]

Hi all. Thanks for all the well-wishes...but looks like we had yet another false start. Let me tell ya, I am really sick and tired of that hospital!

Anyways, I went in with a fluid level of 5 (anything below 7 is considered low). The ob told me in the office before she sent me to the hospital that there is a chance that the baby was due to pee, and that when he did the fluid could go up. That seems to be what happened. L&D was a zoo, so we had to wait 2 hours before they could do the u/s. They checked him out for a while, and came up with a calculation of 8...so they think his bladder was full in the office and him urinating brought the fluid up just over the limit by the hospital's calculation.

My ob said she would prefer to keep him in a little longer if possible, but I have to go back to the office on Wednesday for her to check the fluid again. Until then, I am back on full bedrest and ordered to drink lots of water. I think she is really conservative, but oh well. I trust her. Also, hopefully the extra time will help the family get over our colds!!

Betsy - Sending easy labor vibes your way! I hope that you have that little guy in your arms very soon.

I will be back with s/o's tomorrow. Right now I am pretty drained. It has been a long day. :) Lots of exciting progress going on here though! I can't wait to read about more babies!!

[Amie]

Yoga - hang in there!

Betsy - I'm wondering where you are!! I keep checking LJ but I bet you are the hospital by now!! :D

Sorry I don't have time for other SO's but you ladies are looking AWESOME! I love all the pics!

Now, I have a QOTD: Who is leaking? I'd say at least every other day I look down and my shirt is soaked on my right side! It's crazy! (I'm on bed rest (will explain later) so I'm not really wearing a bra much, so it's just my boob on the shirt. It's very surreal!

[elladee]

Aw, Yoga, welcome back I guess... It won't be much longer now, hang in there!

Betsy, I hope all is well with you!!!!

Tired - Oh man, I don't think I was even this tired in the begining. It's awful. I never used to need an alarm, got up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. Last night I forgot to set the alarm and woke up almost 2 hours late. Ugh.

Nikki, crossing my fingers that you've made progress.

chefker and Jules - great pictures!!! chefker - I get the same thing about my size. When I tell people I have a month left, they look shocked and say I don't look anywhere near that. I'd like to reply back with that's because instead of sticking out she shoved in among all my internal organs causing horrible pain and threatening to break bones, but instead I just smile and nod. :rolleyes:

jasonsgal that's great that you guys got the name thing figured out! One less thing to hang over your head.

Amie, I've been leaking since the summer. It's nice to know they're working! Hope everything is ok with you!

[Lobeth]

Wow, it is getting really exciting around here!

Meggers- did your doctor say that you might be induced early since your baby is measuring big, or will you just wait and see what happens?

jules1025- Cute Pic! I'd say you are nesting. Wow, that's a lot of work! Take it easy and don't work too hard!

tsmom-I sure wish I could BBQ in Jan here! I have a taste for ribs!

terrys wifey/Kimberly- Dont you know pregnant women are not supposed to watch Babies: Special Delivery? That show shows the worst of everything! Even so, it is hard to turn your head away! I can't belive that you'd be made to wait unitl you are in labor if you are late. Are you in the metro area? Just wondering which hosp would do that. Hmm... I have to check my hospital's policy. I'm so not trying to go into labor!

KRL626- Did you find out the position of the baby?

chefker- looks like you had a nice shower! The cake is so cute! I can only wear 2 pairs of shoes as well, I have a pair of loafers that I wear to work and a pair of sneakers that I wear at other times.

jasonsgal-sometimes you have to see the baby to see which name is more suitable. Good that you've narrowed it down. After DD was born, we were in the hospital going through the baby book still trying to see what name would fit her. She was born on a Saturday and she was not named until Monday.

Nikkid- Hope your appt goes well. Keep us updated!

yoganut-This must be driving you crazy! Get some rest!

Amie/QOTD: No leaking here yet.

elladee-Whenever I'm tired like that, I think it is your body telling you that it really needs the rest. So take it easy and rest as much as possible.

[Jackie&Tom]

Hi Ladies!

Just dropping in quickly...
Wow, lots of activity on the board - very exciting!!

I think I'm loosing my mucus plug. Last night I noticed a rather large piece. Then some smaller bits today. I was very crampy last night, but it went away when I took a nap. Still no blood or contractions though??

As of last Saturday, I was almost 2 cm dilated. I have another appointment on Friday, so we'll see what kind of progress I've had!!

The baby is still measuring very big, but when I asked about induction, they said they would just keep an eye on things and hopefully not go past my due date. So we'll see!

Thursday will be my last day of work until April 3rd, so I'm trying to finish my work and get everything organized!

It's all coming soo fast now!!

[Amie]

Hey Guys, I have a smallish update on Betsy!

She was at the hospital as of 1:30 (central) this morning because the contractions were so strong/close...we still don't know if she has had him but Caryn (her BFF) is going to call me when she does and I will post!!!

:D :D :D

[Lobeth]

Oh my goodness! This is too exciting! Can't wait to hear Betsy's news!

Jackie&Tom- Sounds like you may be next!

[Amie]

I just talked to Caryn!!!! And this is what she posted in LJ...

I just talked to Travis. Scott was born at 9:47 central time. He is an even 8 pounds and 21 inches long. He has blue eyes and sandy blond hair. Betsy is doing okay and everyone is super excited. She'll be in the hospital for a few days, but I'll update you with anything new. I won't steal her thunder with all of the details. I'm sure she'll have plenty to add when she gets home again. I just can't believe it! I'm so excited for this sweet boy!! I want to hop a plane and be there right now.

:D :D :D

Betsy, your Christmas miracle is here!!!!!!!!!! Love you!!!!!

[elladee]

Yay, Betsy!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Welcome baby Scott!!! :D

[meggers]

Congrats Betsy and Welcome Scott!!

Lobeth-- The last time I talked with my doctor about the size issue she said that she probably won't let me go past my due date. She didn't seem to interested in inducing before my due date. I see my doctor tomorrow, so I'll see what she thinks about the size.

Amie-- I hope you are getting some good rest without getting too bored.

yoga-- If your family still has colds, it would probably be good to keep your little guy inside a bit longer.

jasonsgal-- I'm glad you've got your name choices narrowed down. We are waiting to finalize a name when we see our baby too.

[tsmom]

Wow so much fun -- Welcome Scott and Congrats to Betsy and Travis!!! I cannot wait to hear the details!!!

Amie - take it easy - :) and thanks for the update!

Keri - So happy that you had a great shower and you look fantastic in the pix..... Did amazon get everything straightened out?

Yoga - Put your feet up and watch some videos!! The same thing happend to me with T - had my ob appt he said my fluid was low and sent me to L&D - Saw the perintologist there and he sent me home for 2 more days! Hope the extra time gives you guys a chance to get over the ill's! Ugh -

Dead tired and sore here like most of you... I know we are spoiled here should be a nice 80 today :) (Yoga too bad you cannot got to the beach!)...

Jackie - Sounds like you are on your way :))

Qotd - No leaking here at all but I can tell the bb's are gearing up.

[jules1025]

Congratulations Betsy!! Welcome to the world, Scott! :D

[yoganut]

CONGRATULATIONS Betsy and Travis! Welcome to the world baby Scott!! That is just wonderful news!

Keri - That picture is great! Glad you had such as nice shower.

Jackie - Yeah for progress! Good luck getting the rest of your work taken care of.

Nikkid - Hope you have a good apt.

Tsmom - Its comforting to hear that I am not the only person these crazy things happen to. I am definitely resting today, and taking comfort in my sutafed and robitussin. Plus, drinking lots of H2O! My general practitioner put me on antibiotics today because the cold is in my chest and aggrevating my asthma (which is under control, as long as I am not sick). So, I am ultimately very thankful they didn't take him out last night.

(Yoga too bad you cannot got to the beach!)

You are too funny! I feel so huge at this point, they would end up calling the patrol to report a beached whale - j/k!! Did you hear they are predicting 80 degrees for Christmas? I wonder if that will hold true? Doesn't really feel like Christmas when it is hot and sunny, you think?

[torch76]

I hope you gals don't mind if I follow along with you. I am a December (hopefully) mommy but all the December babies excpet for a couple have already been born so it's really quiet in there. You guys already have babies arriving anyway!

I was all excited because I was already almost 4cm at my 38 week appointment and thought it was going to happen soon but now nothing is happening. Basically the problem is the baby hasn't dropped! Dr said that it's the babies head pressing on the cervix that starts the hormones going and starts contractions and such. So now I am thinking maybe this baby won't come out on time after all.

[jjohm]

Congratulations Betsy and baby Scott!!
also...welcome, torch76! this group is a friendly bunch...

[jules1025]

Welcome torch76! Glad to have you. Keeping my fingers crossed that your baby drops soon! I know how you feel... I feel like the only Jan mommy who's baby hasn't dropped at all. Although, I'm almost 36 weeks, so I've still got plenty of time. :)

[Lobeth]

CONGRATULATIONS Betsy and Travis!!! Hi Baby Scott!

Hello, torch76. 4cm? Wow! Hopefully it wont be long now!

[KRL626]

Congrats Betsy and Welcome Baby Scott!!!


I just got back from my OB appt. Baby J is head down, yay! She didn't do an internal :( because she said unless I'm having regular contractions it won't really give us much of an idea of when he's going to come. Honestly I was disappointed, but I actually really like her relaxed attitude towards me and it is helping me deal with my obsessive desire to know everything. I'm more relaxed myself and just putting the whole thing in God's hands. Only He knows what day my little guy will show up. So now it's just waiting. Next appt. next week Dec 27th

The other crazy thing is that there is a transit strike in NYC which means I have no way to get to work. I got a ride this morning, but had to walk from work to the doctor's office and then home (1 1/2 hrs of walking!!!) and I'll probably walk to work tomorrow. Everyone thinks I'm crazy, but I say "Hey maybe this will make him come sooner and at the very least I am going to be one in shape nine month pregnant lady!) Good thing we're only a 20 minute walk from the hospital! Who knows when this will end!

Big welcome to torch!! and if it makes you feel better I am so low my stomach is practically hitting the floor, but I have no reason to think this kid is showing up any time soon. So I guess you just never know :)

[yoganut]

Torch - Welcome ;) I hope you have that baby in your arms REALLY soon!!!

KRL - Wow, things sound really rough in NYC with the strike right now. Could you work from home if you didn't feel like walking?

[torch76]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. I thought 4cm wow! too but that was two weeks ago and no baby. So it is true that it doesn't really help to Know how dialated you are because it could still be weeks. It is actually more disappointing to know at this point.

[KRL626]

yoga Nope I'm a teacher. I think I'd be pretty sad to miss these last three days as I need them to bring closure for my kids and myself. Plus I'll be off after Friday for four months so I see no reason to start it early. Call me crazy! I love those kids!

[yoganut]

KRL - Ah, that makes sense. You have such a a great attitude. I hope my kids' teachers are that dedicated someday!

[sophonisba9]

Jules- I haven't dropped yet, but I'm not due until the end of January.

I had an appointment today and everything is looking good. Dr says baby is definitely head down, which is what I had been thinking for a while. I'm back to measuring a month ahead so probably first week in Jan I'll get another ultrasound to see what's going on. I'm now going every week, but next week they couldn't fit me in until friday. Dr will do an internal and the Group Beta Strep test next week. I'm not really expecting any sort of dialation. I think I've had only one B-H and I think baby is still pretty high. It's selfish of me, but I really want him to be born in January because I have my mind set on a lovely piece of garnet jewelry as a baby present. If he is born in Feb, then his birth stone is amythest and I just don't like purple very much. It's stupid isn't it? Oh and then there's the fact that I'm just tired of being pregnant. I'm actually more comfortable than I was 2 months ago, but I'm still ready for this to be done with.

Silly QOTD: Are you getting a "push" or baby present or are you expecting DH to give you something to commemorate the event?
I told DH a couple of months ago that I wanted a nice piece of jewelry to commemorate baby's birth. Then I went looking for ideas. I've decided on a simple gold bracelet with a charm made with baby's birth stone. For future kids I can add charms for them and for other special events. I had been wanting a nice charm bracelet for a while and this seems the perfect opportunity. I found a local jeweler who will custom make the charm to my specifications for about $50. Seems like a great deal to me. I'm so enamored with the idea that I'm going to get a charm made for MIL too. It will be different than mine, but hopefully it'll start a tradition where she gets a charm for each grandkid. One Christmas we'll get DH's sibs to chip in on a bracelet for her or she can just wear them on a necklace.

[jasonsgal]

CONGRATULATIONS BETSY & TRAVIS!! I am SO happy for you!!!

[MrsPuls]

Congrats to Betsy on your little boy.

Thanks for all the well wishes everyone. They are really appreciated.

Aubrey and Lucas are a week old now, and doing great. Both of they had the IV's removed this morning and Lucas is off his nasal canula. They've both been taking some part of their feedings with a bottle, so we're making good progress. They will both be moved from the isolette to cribs with in the next day or so. Aubrey is back to her birth weight and Lucas has 2 oz to go. I'm really hopeful they'll be home by New Year's Eve.

Recovery from the C-section has been very good. I'm moving around without a whole lot of pain, mainly the pain is just there in the morning. It's been a lot easier than I thought it would be. I've been pumping like a mad man since they were born, but unfortunatly my supply hasn't arrived yet, so I may be in that small percentage that just simply can't breastfeed. I'm pretty upset about the whole thing, and will just need to realize that it's not my fault.

Merry Christmas to you all, and god bless.

[Nikkid]

CONGRATULATIONS BETSY AND TRAVIS! WELCOME TO THE WORLD SCOTT!!

MrsPuls~ so happy to hear that your babes are doing so well. I'm sure they will be home with you in no time. Glad to hear your recovering from your C-section. Sorry that b/fing isn't going well, hang in there.

Yoga~ maybe this is a blessing in disguise so you and your family can get healthy when R #2 arrives!

KRL626~ I seriously don't know how you can walk that far! I have a hard time walking from my desk at work to the bathrooms! You must be in good shape! Sorry they didn't do an internal but it sounds like your OK with that. I'm one that just has to know, even though I was disapointed today.

Welcome Torch, I'm due in a little over two weeks and baby still hasn't dropped. Everyone keeps telling me I've dropped but according to m Dr I haven't. But I also hear with subsequent prgcies you don't drop until right before you deliver.

sophonisba9~ I totally know what you mean about the stone issue. I don't know what Decembers stone is (pretty pathetic when I have one child already born in Dec) but I know it's a pretty blue color and I told DH I wanted this baby born in Dec too because I like the stone better than Jan. :rolleyes:

I had my appt today and it wasn't very promising. I'm dialtated a fingertip and she didn't say I was effaced at all. She had me schedule an appt for next week and said she doesn't see me going into labor before then. I guess that's good because I don't want to have him until after Christmas but she is also on vacation next week so if I don't go into labor on my own next week we won't have this baby until after the New Year. :( My DH was pretty bummed since he really would like the tax break but I don't mind that much. She said she will be back right after the New Year so if I'm still pg by then we can talk about induction since it will only be a few days before my due date. So we still wait.

QOTD~ I don't plan on getting a gift from DH, he never gave me anything when the other two were born. My daycare lady got flowers from her DH one day and I made a comment to her about them. Then she said you will be getting some pretty soon too, referring to when I have the baby. I told her that I wouldn't get any, DH doesn't (didn't) realize that's something he should do. I told him the story and he said I didn't know I was suppose to get you anything. :rolleyes: I told him not to worry about it, we have enough expenses with having a new baby and it being Christmas time that I rather he save the money instead of spending them on flowers. So I don't plan on getting anything this time either.

[terrys wifey]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Betsy and WELCOME to he world Scott!!

[elladee]

MrsPuls, thanks for the update. I'm so glad to hear the twins are doing well. You'll have them home with you in no time!

torch, welcome! I hope your little one gets here soon! The most frustrating part of this pregnancy stuff for me is the random signs and not knowing when the babies will get here.

KRL, wow, I'm impressed with all the walking.

sophonisba9 - push present - I've hinted a bit to DH about something. I don't want something crazy, but a nice token I can hang on to, like a simple piece of jewelry. I think he's caugth on because he mentioned it when we talked about how much $ we'd spent on Christmas (which was a bit more than planned, oops). So I think I'm getting something, but DH isn't great at presents, so I'm not holding my breath.

Nikki, sorry to hear you didn't make much progress.

[Kate&Joey]

Congrats to the new mommies...I can't believe the "January" group already has babies being born. :D

I have made lots of baby-related progress in the last two weeks. We have the crib set up and I put the sheets and mobile on, with some stuffed animals...just to make it look cute. It's a nice sight to wake up to in the morning! I also washed all the clothes/blankets/towels/etc. and put them away. DH installed the carseat yesterday. Now I feel much more prepared.

Had my weekly appointment on Monday. Group B Strep is negative. Baby M is definitely head down (but has been for weeks now), but has not dropped.

Am I the only one who is in no hurry for their baby to be born? I am planning on going back to work for the first week in January since I'm not due until the following week. We have all of next week off (all of our U.S. offices are closed) so that will be a nice break. But just in case I go early, I'm trying to get all loose ends tied up this week.

Push Present: Don't expect anything...we aren't even doing Christmas presents this year. It would be nice, but I'm much too practical! A healthy baby is present enough for me. :)

[yoganut]

MrsPuls - Sounds like your babies are making great progress. That is wonderful! I can't wait to read that they are home...I am sure it will be soon!!

Nikkid - Sorry you are bummed after your appointment. I think we all put too much stock in how dialated/effaced we are though, because you could still have your water break or go into labor spontaneously...and DH could still get the tax break ;) (My DH is the same way about that!) But, it sounds like you would rather wait until after the holidays. I hope the timing is perfect for you, however it happens.

Kate - That's great that you feel more 'ready.' Hope you enjoy your week off!

Update - I am feeling a tiny bit better, though my asthma is still really aggrevated. I feel bad about using all these meds, but I guess it is more important that mama be able to breathe, right? I took some Tylenol cold last night, and that helped me get some good sleep. I go back to the ob at 2 today. Here is what I am thinking...if she sees the fluid as borderline again, I am going to ask if I can go home for a couple hours and come back to have her check again (because maybe the baby will have urinated like last time and increase the fluid) rather than go to the hospital ONCE AGAIN! Hopefully she will agree, if that is the case. I don't think I want to have the baby right now, because for one thing, I wouldn't get out of the hospital until Christmas day...and it breaks my heart to not be home for Christmas with Rowan.

Push present - DH went big last time and gave me gorgeous diamond stud earrings. I think he was influenced by a good friend who had done the same for his wife. This time, I don't expect anything...particularly with all the added expenses on the horizon (we need a new car to transport these kiddos, and are planning to buy property next year). Maybe he will give me flowers??

[jasonsgal]

Just a drive by post to show an updated belly shot! I haven't done one in forever.

36 weeks, 4 days
http://images.snapfish.com/34583%3B%3A323232%7Ffp336%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E259%3E%3 B5%3B%3EWSNRCG%3D32333%3A7945635nu0mrj

[KRL626]

jasons gal Cute belly shot!

NikkiD Well you never know what could happen. I bet that baby will drop and whammo off you'll go!

I made it to work today walking in about an hour. It honestly wasn't too bad. I'll likely do the same tomorrow. Thankfully I can get a ride home, so that's good. DH had the day off and walked with me and then all the way home!!! :eek: He's the best!

In labor news: I had two absolutely bad contractions last night. Each one lasted almost three minutes and started out like menstrual cramps and when they peaked pretty much felt like knives stabbing me in the abdomen :( The first one woke me from my sleep and the second came four hours later. I've continued to be kind of crampy all day. Who knows what's happening, but the thought of having contractions like those two consistently every 2 to 3 minutes sounds horrible. It will be an epidural for me!!

[jasonsgal]

Kate,

When is your next drs. appt? Have they done an internal on you yet? I wonder if all this walking is bringing things on a little quicker?

I am sorry the contractions were so painful and I hear you on the epidural!!!!

[elladee]

Karen, your belly looks great!

KRL, that's what my contractions were like, too. I had been thinking that I'd like to see how thing went without the epidural (because the thought of that needle creeps me out real bad), but I tell you, if what I had was a sign of things to come, I'll be opting for the drugs pretty darn quickly. I, too wonder if the walking brought them on (how sweet of your DH to walk with you today!).

yoga, glad you're feeling a bit better.

Kate&Joey, congrats on the baby progress!

[tsmom]

MrsPuls - congrats to you and the babies for getting off the IV that is awesome!!! Keep up the pumping - you will be amazed what happens when the '"real" babies latch on there.... I know it is painful and frustrating.. my mild didnt come in for a while, it did definitely get better once T was out of the nicu and home.

Yoga - Glad that you are feeling a bit better. Hope that R #2 stays a while so you can enjoy Christmas day at home with Rowan. I have to say I didnt think T would "get" it at all but now I am really excited. My brother is coming out from Denver with his daughter so the break in the weather will be nice for him but like you I wish it was a little cooler so we could have a fire and all.

QOTD - no push present last time and I could have cared less, I was too worried about T but this time I think it would be nice to get something.. .hmmm guess I should tell DH that b/c he is clueless about it.

Jasonsgal - Nice looking belly and very nice looking bathtub! I would love to lounge in there for a while!!

Kate - you are crazy!! I would die if I had to walk that much right now... You DH is so sweet to walk with you.. only a couple more days though.

Hope the rest of you are having a great day - I will be back soon!

[yoganut]

jasonsgal - Cute belly!

KRL - I still cannot believe that you are walking an hour to work...in the freezing cold! You are one tough cookie. Yeowch on your contraction description. I also wonder if the walking is helping to move things along.

appointment update - OK, so my second appointment of the week went alright. Fluid measured at 7, after about 20 straight minutes of her looking for pockets with the u/s. Since that is right at the cut-off, I don't have to go to the hospital. BUT, I do have to go back into the office tomorrow morning for her sister (who is also an ob in the practice) to check it. First they wanted me to come back on Friday, but no one is working in the office and she is in surgery. So, I go back tomorrow morning. I am not too sure what difference a day will make...but oh well. She was kind of sounding like she might want to do the c/s before the weekend - but like I mentioned earlier, I would rather wait at this point.

Tsmom - Rowan doesn't entirely 'get' the Christmas thing, but he sure is excited about all of the elements when I introduce them. We have an advent calendar which he loves to do every day, and he tells me to turn the Christmas tree lights on in the morning. I would kinda feel like both he and the family are jipped if he doesn't have a real 'Christmas.'

[catandmouse]

CONGRATULATIONS BETSY!!

YOGA- I hope you can hold out until after Christmas :)

Kate - I'm not really anxious for baby to come either. I'm supposed to work through Jan 6 & then have 1 week off before my due date. I would like to be selfish & get at least a few of those days to myself to regroup before all of this happens!

[meggers]

Well, I had my appointment yesterday. It went pretty well. My dr isn't concerned at all with the size of the baby. I also got an internal exam and got the GBS test. I am 70% effaced and about 1 cm dilated. It was kind of nice knowing that my body is getting something done. She also said that the baby is pressing down on my bladder a lot (Really? I couldn't tell ;)).

Kate--I am in no hurry for my baby to be born either.

jasonsgal--Great belly shot.

KRL626--I'm sure all of that walking you are doing will help move things along for you.

yoga--I really hope you can wait until after Christmas to have the baby.

[yoganut]

catandmouse - I hope things work out so you get that week off before baby. I think it is so important to have the time to 'shift gears' and relax.

meggers - That's exciting news about your progress! Glad to hear the doctor isn't concerned about size.

(TMI Warning) - OK, I had something really strange happen last night. I woke up at 2 am feeling like I had wet myself. In the late stages of this pg, I have had slight 'leaking' from time to time (especially when sneezing or coughing) but nothing like this. I had to get up and change and I noticed there was a big wet spot on my body pillow (ick!). Do you think it could have been fluid? I just think it is so strange because I always make it to the bathroom at night, and I know my fluid level is on the low side - so maybe I wouldn't have a huge gush?? I decided not to wake DH because I figured I would keep leaking or start having contrax if it was a concern. Neither happened. Plus, I have my appt this morning and would rather bring it up there than go BACK to the hospital for something questionable.

I have a couple belly shots that DH took last night. I think he was trying to get all artsy with this one...

http://images.snapfish.com/34584%3A598%7Ffp338%3Enu%3D325%3B%3E999%3E687%3EWS NRCG%3D32333%3A4498639nu0mrj

Belly meets Christmas tree :D (I'm glad its kind of dark, because my belly is so veiny now!)

http://images.snapfish.com/34584%3A598%7Ffp338%3Enu%3D325%3B%3E999%3E687%3EWS NRCG%3D32333%3A449863%3Cnu0mrj

[elladee]

yoga, wow, in my inexperienced opinion, that sounds like fluid! I hope things go well at your appointment. I know you wanted to wait until after Christmas, but FWIW, I recently found out that for the first couple years of my life, my parents preteneded Christmas was on a different day so we could do it at home before having to travel. I apparently had no idea. Maybe you could push it back a couple days for Rowan.

Cute pictures, too. I like the "artsy" one.

[terrys wifey]

Yoga... that's what happened to me with my son it started with a leak the gush didn't come until hours later but even then I didn't have contrax with it.
Hope all is well with you.

I absolutely love the artsy pic, DH has a good eye.

[jules1025]

Had my OB appt this morning and an u/s to measure the size of baby girl. I was in complete shock to hear that she is measuring 8 lbs!!! :eek: :eek: I'm a little freaked out that she is so big. My doctor is not concerned, though. So we're proceeding as normal. I'm just worried that my chance for a c-section has increased. :( I really wanted to avoid one.

I also had the Group B strep test and an internal exam. I am 1cm dialated and 50% effaced. She said the baby is "low", but I still don't think she's dropped.

MrsPuls - So glad to hear your babies are doing well!

KRL626 - I can't believe you are doing all that walking! That's some dedication!

meggers - Yay for some progress!

yoganut - Love the belly shots! Sounds to me like it may be fluid. Was it clear and odorless? How exciting that today may be the day you get to meet Rhys!! Hope everything goes well at your appt!

QOTD - push present - I've been hinting to DH that I'd like some diamond stud earrings to match my engagement ring. :) We'll see if he gets me anything.

[terrys wifey]

Last night was soooo bad you guys I had one of my crying fits. For one my throat is still giving me problems it's like at night it gets worse, then I got a Charlie horse in my thigh, I was congested, had heart burn and I couldn't get comfortable.

Terry was snoring in STERO!! I just burst into tears, he woke up grabbing me damn near knocking me out of the bed asking me was I in labor I told him I had a cramp in my thigh so he starts massaging my butt I just pushed him away then he went back to snoring in STERO!

I got out of bed and massage my own leg, put some vicks vapor rub under my nose and ate a few TUMS.

When I finally got comfortable it was 4:30 and I get up at 5:30 so I am running on an hour of sleep right now.

I'm trying to get things done today at work, can't have folks talking about me when I leave We get 2 hours of administrative leave tomorrow for the holiday so I am going to try and get in as early as possible.

Well let me get on back to my work

[tsmom]

Kimberly - sorry to hear about the rough night - I know those charlie horses can kill.

Yoga - hmmm have not heard from you so I would suppose that means they might have sent you to L&D this am after your appt. It sounds like fluid to me as well. Hope things are well and update us on Rhys and your progress when you have a chance! (like you pix)

Jules - 8lbs - Nice!! Lots and lots of women have babies that big - try not to worry about the c-sect.

I had a night like Kimberly's - uncormfortable. DD woke up screaming from and bad dream the whole thing - I really wish I could get some good sleep.

Krl - how was your walk this am?

My brother and niece are flying in tomorrow from Denver and right after I pick them up I have an appt so we are going to let my niece see the u/s (she is 8) ... She is so excited!!! Hope you all have a great holiday - I will try and check in but will have a house full of people!

[catandmouse]

HHMMM, no Yoga.....

I didn't have a good day or night yesterday, but feeling much better today. It's funny how you can just have everything wrong & then everything better the next day.

I had an appt today. GBS was done & cervical check. I am fingertip dilated, 70% effaced, baby is at -1 so low, but hasn't really "dropped" yet. She said baby is posteriorly positioned which is code for back labor from what I learned in class. Ugh....please turn for mommy!!

[elladee]

Yoga, hope all is going well with you...

Anyone heard from MrsTazLvr lately? I haven't "seen" her in a while. Wonder how she's doing... (I guess we've reached a point where I'm going to obsess about any absences, but please believe I'm not a crazy stalker lady).

catandmouse, I will keep my fingers crossed that you little one turns. Back labor sounds truely miserable.

terrys wifey, sorry to hear you had another bad night. I had an awful day on Tues at work, and then cried most of the night because I couldn't get comfortable and sleep. Then yesterday I was fine (aside from being tired). Crazy.

[elladee]

I haven't posted one of these in a while, so I thought I'd share my 35 week belly shot:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc03b3127cce964257872ece00000055108AaNXDNu1ZOT

[KRL626]

My walk today was okay. After three days of it though I am done! My hips are killing me! Thankfully the transit strike is over and tomorrow will be a regular commute on the subway :) and it's also my last day of work until April! My kid's parents are bringing in a lot of food for our holiday party and DH is coming with little presents for the kids. It should be a nice end to my time there (until I come back of course). My student's are very worried that I won't be coming back, but I keep reassuring them that I will.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas! I'll be around and checking in frequently. It's going to be a busy time in this group in the next few weeks! :)

[MrsTazlvr]

Anyone heard from MrsTazLvr lately? I haven't "seen" her in a while. Wonder how she's doing... (I guess we've reached a point where I'm going to obsess about any absences, but please believe I'm not a crazy stalker lady).



Awww, thanks for thinking of me. I have been lurking around, but too busy to keep up with the posts. DD has been a terrible twos handful the last few days and by the time I have computer time, I check the boards, check my e-mail, and try to rest. I was having contractions 2 minutes apart for a few hours last night but they amounted to nothing. I am still set to have my C-section next Thursday- 1 week to go!!! :D I can't wait to get Daniella out already. I am so uncomfortable. I am not sleeping well and I feel like my hips are going to break in two. I am sure you are all relating to that now. ;) Did I mention that I have to have an amnio to check lung Daniella's lung function the day before my c-section because of the GD. I am delivering at 38 weeks and GD babies can sometimes have slower lung development. I am not thrilled with having to have a amnio. The thought of a needle in my rock hard 9 month pg belly grosses me out, but ya gotta do what you gotta do. Sorry I have no time for shout outs, but I have a million things to do now that I finally got DD to bed. :)

I was hoping to hear some news from Yoga already. Where are you Yoga?!? ;)

[yoganut]

I'm back! Oh, yet another day visiting my friends at L&D. Geez, I feel like I should get an assigned bed with the amount of time I am spending there. Same scenario as Monday...they checked the fluid in the office, and it was low. My regular ob's sister checked me, and felt really bad about sending me back to L&D. Oh well, what are ya gonna do. I get to L&D, wait for a bed, get hooked up to monitors, they come in and do another u/s. My fluid was back up to 8 (one point above the threshold) so I get to go home.

As long as Rhys doesn't decide it is time to bust out via labor, I get to be home for Christmas :D :D I will be seeing my ob again Monday (doesn't make a whole lotta sense considering how close to my c/s that will be, but oh well.) I think she is concerned about me going for 3+ days without being checked with the low fluid.

Oh, and the fluid thing wasn't that kind of fluid. Apparently, the doctor shared that late in pg the baby can kick your bladder or put pressure on it and cause you to lose urine. Pleasant, huh?

Kim and Tsmom - I hope you both have better nights! Get some rest!

KRL - I thought of you when I heard that the strike was coming to a close. Any more contrax? Have a great last day with your kids tomorrow!

catandmouse - I think there is still a good chance that the babe could turn before active labor, no? I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

elladee - Cute belly!

MrsTazlvr - Yeah for the final countdown! I would feel a little apprehensive about an amnio, but I am sure it will be fine. Though mine was much earlier, I found the anticipation was much worse than the procedure itself.

Nighty night ladies! I keep thinking that we HAVE to have some more babies in here soon. Can't wait to see who is next!

[elladee]

KRL, I hope your last day of work is going well! Glad to hear that you get to ride the subway again.

MrsTazlvr, wow, less than a week to go! I hope everything goes well!

Yoga, welcome back, again. How frustrating for you. That's wonderful to hear about the fluid, too... can't they at least let us keep a little shred of dignity through this pregnancy stuff...

[KRL626]

Okay it's time to get our thread going again!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend/Christmas. I'm busy trying to clean up after the day yesterday. Friday was my last day of work and I had a party for the kids. I got so many gifts from them, mostly clothes for the baby. My boy has so many clothes I don't know what to do with all of them. :eek: I'm trying to get the stuff I got washed today. Yesterday DH really spoiled me with some wonderful gifts. He made me a photo album on mypublisher.com that had all of the special things that happened to me/us in 2005 along with a dedication page that he wrote that made me cry. Last xmas he did the same thing, but made our honeymoon album. My DH is the best! Sadly I have been sick the whole weekend with a nasty cold. Wow does it suck to have a cold and be 9 mos. pregnant! I'm hoping to kick it soon though because it would be no fun to go into labor now.

I know we have Yoganut's baby coming tomorrow! So exciting yoga! and a few more scheduled c/s coming after that. I wonder if anyone else will go into labor? Exciting times. I hope everyone checks back in soon. :)

[Nikkid]

Hope everyone had a nice holiday! We did, it was busy though. Had something going on every day. I'm glad it's over so now I can just wait for this baby to come, hoping it's this week. Been having some uncomfortable pains off and on the last few days so hopefully that means I'm making some progress down there. I guess we will see tomorrow.

I know we will be having 4 babys this week! How exciting, can't wait to see if we will have more or not. I'm pretty much ready to go, I did buy a few more sleepers and we did get a few things for the baby for Christmas so I just need to wash those up and then I need to sterilize the bottles, nipples, pacis and my breast pump that I'm going to try. One thing I almost forgot about getting is some big maxi pads, definately can't go without those for awhile! I haven't packed my bag yet I will also do that sometime today.

The waiting game begins, I need to find a website or a thread that gives ideas to induce labor. Sex seems to be out since we both are always too tired by that time I just say forget it. :rolleyes: I do NOT like spicy foods so I don't want to try that suggestion either. I guess I need to look for something new to try.

Hope everyone is having a nice holiday weekend!

[yoganut]

GRRRRRR - I am so bummed you guys. I got a call from my doctor's scheduler this morning....and they bumped my c/s. I started crying on the phone. I know that is ridiculous, and the scheduler made it sound like there is a really important gyn-related surgery that my doctor has to do now, but still. I feel this last month has been a damn rollercoaster (not to mention my earlier change to the 27th). So, they postponed my appointment with an ob until tomorrow at 2 (won't be seeing my regular one at that), and providing everything still looks good with fluid and the baby, I will be having my c/s on Thursday at 12:00. I know it is easier for them to deal with scheduled births and all, but I kind of feel like I am being taken advantage of. I put a call into my doctor - so we will see what she has to say.

Hey, on the positive side, baby Rhys gets to share a birthday with Daniella and Terry's wifey's baby. I am going to go get a mani/pedi to try and cheer up.

Did everyone have a nice Christmas? It was so fun celebrating with DS#1. All of you first time mommies have SO MUCH to look forward to. It is just awesome seeing the world through their eyes!!

Quiet around here, huh? I wonder if anyone is having babies? I also wonder how Betsy is doing with her new little guy!

My really good friend is in the hospital having #3 right now! Our last babies were only 3 weeks apart, and now it looks like we will have sons days apart. I can't wait to hear the news.

KRL - That book sounds so sweet! I hope you feel better. Yes, being sick at this stage is terrible - plus, I was stressed by the thought of 'what if the baby comes now...I don't want to get him sick too!' Hang in there and I hope you feel better.

Nikkid - Have fun getting organized. I hope your pains mean progress!

[elladee]

Hope everyone had a nice holiday weekend. We did. Glad to be home, though.

I can't believe all the babies we're having this week. Yoga, so sorry to hear that they pushed back your c/s again. That is horrible. At least it's still this week, though. Best wishes to everyone who is having their baby this week.

As for me, I still officially have a month to go. Well, it was a month from this past Saturday. I plan to spend my week off of work this week getting things ready for the baby. Then after that she can come at any time. I really, really hope she doesn't decide to take the full month to get here. I'm so anxious to have this baby. I have an ob appt on Wed. I'll be getting the gbs test, and I hope the doc checks to see if there's any progress, too.

[Nikkid]

Yoga I can't believe they moved back your C-section again! I would have started crying too! I know it's only two days but when you've been counting down for so long it just seems so much longer I'm sure.

elladee have fun getting things finalized this week! I wish I could have taken a week off to do that. I just have no more time off for this year, thank goodness it's almost over! Hopefully your girl will arrive soon after the week is over!

Back to laundry. I keep finding more things I need to do, it just never ends! Of course DD decided she doesn't want to take a nap today and she learned how to crawl out of her crib! What a good time, I hope she doesn't make this an every night occurence now that the baby is about here. :eek:

[catandmouse]

I had a good Christmas too. It was very relaxing & honestly a little boring. I think it didn't bother me so much though because I know it's going to be the last one like that.
Yoga sorry about the c/s bump. You have to be so ready for this to be over with!
I'm having a lot of bad rib & upper back pain on my right side. I can't seem to get comfortable no matter what I do & Tylenol doesn't touch it. I'm hoping this is just from laying around too much this weekend & things will be better once I"m back into my routine tomorrow.
Can't wait to meet everyone's new babies! Good luck girls!

[J&K2003]

yoganut-- So sorry to hear that the date of your c/s was moved. I would have cried too! Glad you will be able to enjoy a mani and pedi while you wait.

[jjohm]

wow...we're in the home stretch! i can't believe i still have 3 weeks to go when you guys are all ready to have your babies any day now. these last few days have been pretty uncomfortable, but i forced myself to walk a lot to try to stay somewhat in shape...last minute xmas shopping definitely helped, but i felt bad for my mom and grandma when i started snapping at them because i was hungry or tired.

today, i finished my last round of baby shopping to get things ready. i bought a nursing pillow, nursing bras (was holding off on those because bras are so damn expensive!) and some other random items like mirrors for the car, etc. i packed most of the hospital bag and finally got around to doing some laundry. also filled out all the hospital paperwork and earmarked some pages from my bradley books. i think the nesting instinct is definitely kicking in! i also find myself wanting to do random cleaning up, like cleaning the refrigerator !??

things that make me want to hurry up and have this baby:
constant stuffy nose
swelling feet and hands
really heavy tummy
having to pee every 2 minutes
staring at the baby clothes wondering what they will look like with our baby inside!!

hope you guys are doing as good as can be expected!
yoganut: sorry to hear about the rescheduling of your baby's bday...try to relax and pamper yourself!

[KRL626]

Yoga So sorry that just stinks. But on the bright side you have a couple more days just the 3 of you and it will never be the same again. That's my little mantra every time I feel like I can't take it anymore. It's our last days as a couple. I know the next two days will fly by for you!

[MrsTazlvr]

Yoga~ I am so sorry they rescheduled your C/S again. I would have cried, too. Let's hope that all of us scheduled for Thursday keep that date so we can all get the tax break. ;)

I can't believe Daniella will be here so soon. I only have 2 more days of the GD diet. :D We finally finished the nursery, made room in our bedroom for the basinette, and packed the hospital bag. Nothing like waiting until last minute. We only have a few minor things to do around the house before Daniella comes and none of them are really that important.

I ordered wooden letters that spell out Daniella and I am hoping to hang them before Thursday. The woman from eBay said she mailed them last week so hopefully they will come tomorrow or Wednesday.

I see my OB tomorrow for my final appointment before Daniella comes. I am hoping he doesn't do an internal because what's the point, but I am sure he will. Oh well. ;)

I am going to try to take some nursery pics since I can't sleep. Be back soon. :)

[jules1025]

Our christmas was really nice - and really busy. I was so exhausted today! Definitely starting to feel more uncomfortable now. I've also started to feel pressure in my pelvis area when I walk. Is that a symptom of the baby dropping?

DH is on vacation this week and we are going to spend this time getting everything ready for baby girl. With my low energy level, I'm going to need a lot of help!

KRL626 - What a sweet gift from your DH! Enjoy your time off before the baby gets here!

yoganut - Oh no! So sorry you got pushed back again!! I would have cried too. At least it's only two days, though.

Nikki - Hoping those pains mean progress! :)

jjohm - Sounds like your nesting instinct has definitely kicked in!

MrsTazlvr - I can't believe you have only two days left!!

[Ole Miss Bride]

Hi, ladies!

I'm so sorry I haven't been by to post yet. Things have been very busy around here. After 36 hours of labor, Scott Alexander was born Dec. 20 at 9:47 a.m. via c-section (I was 38w5d). He was 8 pounds even and 21.5". Tall and slender like his mom and dad. ;) The c/s was very disappointing to me, as I was hoping for a natural birth, but there's no use bemoaning it. The important thing is that my baby boy is here, he is healthy, and I couldn't be more thrilled.

I came home from the hospital on Christmas Eve, so we had a lovely Christmas with our little man. I could have left the hospital a few days earlier, but it was such a lovely place (seriously! I loved it!) that I didn't want to leave! The room was wonderful, the nurses were great, the lactation consultants were so helpful, and the food wasn't even half bad. I swear, y'all, it was like staying at a spa. Only with IV's. ;)

Breastfeeding is going very well. Scott has a wonderful latch, and he's taken to it quite easily. The first few days were kind of rough, as he wanted to nurse non-stop, but his feedings have become more normal since my milk came in. I think it took about three days...? He was born Tuesday morning, and I woke up Friday to full breasts. I was surprised by how quickly it happened, but I think nursing him a lot during those colostrum-only days when he was wanting to BF all the time helped things along.

I promise to write up my birth story soon. Although things didn't turn out as I wanted, it was still a beautiful day. I will never forget hearing his first cry - it was the most magical, amazing sound I've ever heard. And now, when I look at him - well, I'm just so overcome with love and emotion, I can't even describe it. I can't believe he's mine. I love him so much. Oh, it is just wonderful, and I can't wait for all of you ladies to experience it.

In the meantime, let me leave you with a few pictures:

My little, sleepy man - I love all that blond hair!
http://images.snapfish.com/3458895%3A%3B%7Ffp337%3Enu%3D3237%3E8%3B5%3E466%3E WSNRCG%3D32333%3B34668%3B5nu0mrj

About to head home from the hospital:
http://images.snapfish.com/3458895%3A%3B%7Ffp338%3Enu%3D3237%3E8%3B5%3E466%3E WSNRCG%3D32333%3B34668%3B%3Anu0mrj

Taking a nap in his bassinet:
http://images.snapfish.com/3458895%3A%3B%7Ffp336%3Enu%3D3233%3E2%3C2%3E3%3A%3 A%3E23242%3C249%3B%3B%3B6ot1lsi

He is my angel. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

-Betsy

[jules1025]

Betsy - He's an angel!! What a beautiful baby boy! Glad to hear BFing is going well. Can't wait to hear your birth story. :)

[MrsTazlvr]

Betsy~He's so adorable! Congrats again. I am glad to hear the BF is going so well for you. :)


Here are the pics of our nursery. The glider is covered with a hot pink fleece blanket because Allie had reflux and spit up quite a bit. I covered the glider with a waterproof dropcloth incase Daniella spits up a lot. The blanket is there to hide the dropcloth while we still need it. ;) Our theme is The Rainbow Fish.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc07b3127cce967d5c4ceda300000015108IYt2jls4ZK

(That's Allie kissing my belly in framed picture in the first picture.)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc07b3127cce967d5ccb6c1400000016108IYt2jls4ZK

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc07b3127cce967d5cc8ed2700000016108IYt2jls4ZK

(Shoot, I didn't take a picture of the top of the comforter. I bought matching comforter clips on eBay that are Rainbow Fish.)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc07b3127cce967d5cb0ed5f00000016108IYt2jls4ZK

We had the crib from Allie. The dresser and amoire came from my mother's house. She bought them a few years ago at Target. We bought the night table and desk turned changing table from Target last week. They are a little darker in color than my mother's stuff, but they look pretty good together.

[Jackie&Tom]

Betsy - He is GORGEOUS!!!!

Here I am at 39w2d...I really didn't think I'd make it this long.
No signs of anything happening either!
Last Monday I started loosing my mucus plug and I'm having TONS of pressure.

So, I have my next dr appointment (this Friday) 2 days before my edd. We'll see what they have to say :)

I'm done with work, so I was just hanging out at home today. I got pretty bored, so I'm hoping tomorrow is better. I'm going to try and get my eye brows waxed, rent a couple of movies, do a little grocery shopping. My brother and his fiance are coming over to cook me dinner, so that will be a nice visit (he's OOT).

I'm soo excited to see all the new babies this week and in the next month!!!

Best of luck everyone :D

[sophonisba9]

Betsy- Scott is just gorgeous! I'm so glad that he's here safe and sound.

I had a really rough night last night. I kept waking myself up moaning. I was so uncomfortable. I finally kicked DH out of bed around 4 am. He was snoring and after throwing up at 3 am, I couldn't get back to sleep with the noise. We had a nice low key christmas and dinner was at a friend's house so it was very relaxing. I didn't have to do a thing.

I can't believe I still have a month to go. I'm so ready for this to be over. It's not so much acute pain or discomfort. It's the contast nagging, something is always off. It's either my stomach or my hip or something just nagging at me keeping me from feeling 100%. It's putting me in such a foul mood too.

I still have some shopping to do and I need to think about packing a bag for the hospital. I have a dr's appt on Friday and she'll do the gbs test and an internal. I keep having these sensations in my cervix, like something is stretching, so hopefully baby won't make me wait a whole month.

[KRL626]

Betsy Oh my goodness he is the sweetest! I especially love the last picture, precious!

MrsTaz Everything looks good and ready!

Jackie&Tom Well you lost your plug, that's something! You never know!

Jules Yeah I think the pressure means the baby's head is down there.

sophonisba9 Oh so sorry you feel icky. You've had a really rough road. Hopefully your little guy will cut you some slack and show up early. :o

Well I was hoping to sleep in today, but had my first really bout with insomnia. Hence being up early and posting on here :) Last night after DH and I tried to get the ball rolling...;) I started having some good contractions. The same thing happened Friday. But alas, nothing came of them :( It's kind of funny though just thinking about the lengths we will go to try and move things along. :p I have my OB appt. today and I'm sure it will be uneventfully boring. I'll post about it later. Ciao!

[jjohm]

betsy: congrats!! scott is beautiful! seeing those pics made me cry. i hope you're well on your road to recovery, sounds like you're doing great so far!

[elladee]

Oh Betsy, he's so prescious. I'm so happy you both are happy and healthy. I had a bad night last night, and seeing those pictures made me cry, too. It really is all worth it, isn't it.

[chefker]

Congrats Betsy!!! :D He's so beautiful. Glad to hear from you.

Just a quick post--I am still around (lurking). My online time is a bit curtailed these days--I have to rest frequently w/feet elevated, as they have swollen to mammoth size. V. painful, and NONE of my shoes fit. My BP is nice and low, so we know it's not high BP causing the edema. So, that, then the busy-ness of the holiday, is why I haven't posted in a bit!

Today marks one month until my due date, but I don't know if I'll make it that long. I am having painful contractions sporadically throughout the day, so maybe my body is getting itself ready. And, my pelvis REALLY hurts a lot; everyone who's seen me lately thinks I the baby has dropped!

Yesterday I did more organizing of the baby's room, so I guess I'm nesting! We have to order a couple more pieces of baby furniture but we're basically all set for now with the crib and changing table. I want to get the matching dresser and bed rails, but we didn't want to buy everything at once.

My next appointment is on 12/29, and ultrasound on 1/11/06. The next ultrasound will hopefully determine for sure whether or not I can attempt a vaginal birth.

[shouldaeloped]

just stopping by to give a huge Congratulations to Betsy! I have been following your story since the WC and just wanted to tell you how very happy I am for you. Your son is absolutely beautiful!

[jasonsgal]

Betsy - He is an absolute angel! I am so happy for you and DH. Congratulations!

MrsTazlvr - The nursery looks great and I love the photo of DD kissing your belly!

yoga - sorry you c/s has been postponed. Enjoy your pampering, that is a great idea.

I wasn't supposed to go to the drs. till next week but over the holidays I developed a terrible itchy rash. IT started on the bottoms of my bb's and has spread over my entire stomach, my arms, the tops of my hands. It's SOO uncomfortable. I have never been so itchy in my life. I called the drs. office today and they just called back. They want to see me today to check it out.

Good luck to all the mommies having babies this week!

[yoganut]

Betsy - What a beautiful little man you have!! I am so happy for you, especially after all you guys have been through. He looks like the sweetest most cuddly baby! I am glad to hear BF is going well. How is your c/s recovery going? Sounds good.

chefker - Oh, I am sorry to hear about the swelling. That sounds miserable. Hang in there.

KRL - Good luck with your appointment today!

Jackie - Your EDD is so close now. Are you thinking about inducing if labor doesn't start soon?

Cori - The nursery looks great! Good job!

Thanks for the support on the date change. I thought about it more, and I know that if I had some dire medical situation, I would want the doctor to make my case a priority...so I am over it now. Let's just get to Thursday and have this baby!

My mom is arriving today to stay with us for the next week or so to take care of Rowan. I am glad she is coming a couple days before birthday, because DS has been in a bit of a challenging mood. He is off from daycare until 1/3, and I think he is starting to get bored (despite all the new toys he got for Christmas). Unfortunately, the weather isn't too great so we can't go to the park to let off steam.

[Nikkid]

Betsy your little boy is so precious! I love the pictures, it makes me so excited to meet my little one! Glad to hear b/f is going well with you. Can't wait to hear your birth story.

MrsTazlvr love the nursery pics! We have the same mobile as you. My DD is almost 18 mos now and she still loves it. When I lay her down she just waits for me to turn it on so she can see the stars move on the ceiling. Can't believe you only have two days left!

KRL626 we seem to be on the same schedule. I had my appt today too, hopefully yours is more exciting than mine was. Maybe those contractions dilated you more so you are closer to being ready to go. DH and I really need to get on that if we want this baby out before the new year! ;)

chefker so sorry to hear about the swollen feet! Sounds like my last pregnancy, I was really having a hard time walking.

jasonsgal so sorry to hear about the rash, that sounds awful. Hopefully your Dr can give you something to help.

Jackie&Tom enjoy your last days of relaxation! That's a good sign that your losing or lost your mucous plug. Hopefully it's not too much longer for you.

So I had my appt today with a different Dr since mine is on vacation this week. He does things a little different than her, he doesn't start checking your cervix until 39 weeks!!! :mad: I was so bummed when the nurse told me that, especially when I'll be 39 weeks on Thurs. So I don't know if I'm any more dialated than I was last week. Other than that minor thing I did like him, he seemed to be more thorough than my Dr. My b/p was up so he had my lay on my side for 10 min and re-checked it and it was fine. Even though it was fine later he still wants me to cut back on work and go 5 hour days! Woo Hoo! I know if it would have been my Dr she would have never done that, especially since this is the first time my b/p has been up this pg. I'm used to it getting high towards the end of my pgcies and usually I have to have quite a few appts where it is high before she will do anything about it. So the fact that it went high one time and he's cutting back my hours just amazes me. Oh well, I can't complain. I know I should be resting but I feel like I can get so much done now without having the kids here. I have to go back to him on Friday to have him re-check my b/p. If it's high again I don't know what the plan will be, I guess I should have asked him that. :rolleyes:

Hope everyone is having a good day. Boy this heartburn is really killing me today!!

[KRL626]

NikkiD read below and you will see that there wasn't much exciting about it! Oh well :o

Had my appt. I literally had the most painful contractions the whole way over there. I thought for sure something must be going on down there. The OB checked me and there has been 0 dilation :( She did say that his head is so low and right against my cervix. So that explains the stabbing feeling I get down there all the time. She said when I do go she thinks it will be very fast and to get myself to the hospital asap once my contractions get close for a consistent amount of time. So I guess that is some good news :)
DH and I then tried to go shopping but my contractions continued as well as Jeremiah ramming his head against my cervix. Ouch! I actually started crying and we had to go home. So I continue to wait...next appt. is Jan 3rd and my OB is predicting I will definitely still be PG by then.

I'm actually really surprised that we haven't had anyone else go into labor. All the other threads had mommies going really early. We have some stubborn babies over here!!

[beevo12]

Lurking.....

Jasonsgal I had that same rash you are talking about. The OB diagnosed me with PUPPS and gave me a prescription for a steroid cream, since I wanted to try something natural first, I tried washing with only Cetaphil soap and it helped tremendously. It actually went away!! I was itching so bad I was bleeding and had little scabs and red bumps everywhere. I hope you get some relief soon!

[catandmouse]

Betsy- Scott is beautiful. I love the blond hair!

MrsTazlvr - The nursery is really cute!

We all sound like a really uncomfortable bunch! I kept saying I wasn't in a hurry, but I think after Jan gets here, I will be. I'm SO uncomfortable since Saturday. It could be a long 3 weeks!

[tsmom]

Betsy Congrats again to you and Travis - Scott is just precious and oh boy what a fantastic Christmas gift.

Lobeth - How are you doing? You are my delivery buddy and I have not heard from you in a while just checking in...

Yoga - Tears would have been falling here too but glad that you are all right with Thursday now. Sure that R had a great time on Christmas morning - T LOVED it which was amazing to me because I really didnt think she would be so into it. My 9 year old niece was here and she was way into Santa and all - think that really helped T out. They were so darling ripping the gifts open! We braved the cold yesterday and hit the park for an hour, I just had to get her out of the house. Thursday will be here in no time!

Jasonsgal - Hope the Cetaphil that beevo12 suggested provides some relief!

KRL - Thank goodness all of the walking is over but too bad it didnt help with the dialation! So sorry to hear that you are so sore and having a hard time.

Chefker - UGH I had the whole swollen feet thing last time and I know how uncomfortable that can be. Keep on you butt as much as possible and drink lots and lots of water.

Cori - Love the nursery pix! We really need to get working on DS's!

*** Had my OB appt on Friday the 23rd- We took DD and my niece to see the baby on the u/s.. DD just basically wanted to play with the machine but my niece thought it was really cool. Dr. Y said that all looks good - the baby is not showing any signs of Anemia or fluid build-up in his lungs or belly so that was good.. (one of the signs for my rh disease). Brother is also measuring just about right and Dr. had kept my edd at 1-30. I am having a hell of a time with my back hurting. If I sit for too long it is really hard for me to walk. Sleep has been bad and I found myself taking more Tyleno this weekend than ever. I dont have another Dr. appt till 1-18 which is kinda weird but my ob is going on vacation and he said that I could just go to L&D if I thought something was up. I am OK with it as long as I am feeling the same. He said it is up to me if I want to fly to my bf house next weekend - think I will give it another week and see how I feel. Have not done a darn thing to get ready for the boy yet but now that Christmas is over and we have dropped all of our relatives off at the airport (yeah - it was nice but a whole lotta work) I think I will shift my focus to that.

Hope you guys have a great day and are starting to feel better.

[jasonsgal]

Beevo - Thank you so much for the suggestion of cetaphil! That is what I use to wash my face so I will definitely try that tomorrow.


I went to the drs. this afternoon and he didn't mention PUPPS.

However, he drew blood to test for this condition:

Severe itchiness in the second or, more commonly, in the third trimester can be a sign of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver problem that affects up to 2 percent of pregnant women and may spell trouble for your baby. It happens when bile doesn't flow normally in the small ducts of your liver, causing bile salts to accumulate in your skin and make you itch all over.

The itching can be quite intense. The condition itself doesn't cause a rash, but you may end up with red, irritated skin with little cuts in areas where you're scratching a lot. Call your doctor or midwife immediately if you think you have cholestasis. If you do, you'll need to have blood tests to check your liver and ultrasounds to check on your baby. Depending on your health and your baby's condition, you may be induced before your due date. This problem goes away after you have your baby, though you may get it again with your next pregnancy.

I'm sure it isn't anything this serious but I would rather be safe than sorry and have them check. They will have the results tomorrow and he recommended that I take benadryl pills and topical lotion to help with any discomfort. So, I guess we will see what he says tomorrow once my blood work comes in.

[tsmom]

Jasonsgal - Hoping that the results are neg and that the cetaphil will clear it up!

[January2006Moms]

Updated to here!

Since we are starting to post pics of our babies please post in red if you would like the pic of your baby posted on the 1st page and which pic you would like posted. I guess it would be the 2nd page but you know what I mean. ;)

[MrsTazlvr]

Just a quick fly-by post because my hip went out and I can't sit for very long.....and forget walking. I hope it feels better in the morning because I can't even take 2 steps right now which is fun when you have a 2 year old and a 2 story house.

Anyway, Jasonsgal, I hope it isn't PUPPS for your sake. I had a horrible case of it last time and a mild case this time. I didn't find much relief with much that I tried, but I did find that putting the lotions in the fridge did help. I also rubbed cold chamomile tea on my rash and it made it feel better. My skin got so bad that it took weeks for my rash to go away after Allie came. Hopefully your rash will go away fast not not be as bad as mine was. You'll be in my thoughts.

[Jen309]

Hey guys, just wanted to post quickly and say I'm still pg. Ugh. I'm soooo frustrated right now. I had my dr. appt today and everything looks good and he stripped my membranes properly (I bled quite a bit). Downside? I want this baby OUT and he won't induce me unless I'm 3cm. Guess what? I'm 2. He's also leaving on vacation from the 29-Jan 2. Grrrreat. I like the other doc in the practice, but I haven't seen her since 19 wks.

Betsy- your son is so adorable. He made me cry too.

Yoga- sorry to hear about all the troubles! I hope it's over soon!

MrsTazlvr- I hope all goes well with the c-section. It's great you'll be able to eat like a normal person again soon!!

Good luck to everyone else who is about to have a c/s or deliver!! I hope everyone had a great holiday!

[sophonisba9]

Wonderful, you guys are giving me something else to worry about. I've been feeling intensely itchy for weeks. I mentioned it to my doctor at the last appt and maybe the appt before that, but she didn't seem to think anything of it. I haven't scratched myself raw or anything.

I'm already working myself into a tizzy thinking about Raynoud's Phenomenon. It's basically a circulatory issue, spasms in the capillaries restict blood flow in the extremities. It's not dangerous so much as painful. A couple of my mom's cousins have it and it is made worse by the cold. What I didn't realize until recently, is that you can have it where it affects the nipples too. I think this is what's been going on with me for years. When I get cold I get intense pain in my breasts, particularly the nipples. While pregnant this has become a daily occurance, not fun let me tell you. I live in phoenix for gosh sake, I shouldn't get so cold, but I've been freezing since I got pregnant. Now I'm beginning to worry this might affect breast feeding, which I want to work so badly.

[jules1025]

We have been working non-stop since Monday to get everything ready for baby girl. We installed the car seat yesterday and started packing our hospital bags. We've also been organizing the nursery/office - which we'll continue to do for the rest of the week.

Today is our "fun day" though, so we're going to see King Kong and do some shopping. (DH will be a moody boy if he doesn't get to relax at least one day of his vacation.)

Tomorrow I have an OB appt, but she's not planning on doing an internal so I won't have any progress news. I think baby girl has dropped a bit, though. I'm feeling more pressure in my cervix and I'm peeing more frequently.

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

terrys wifey, MrsTazlvr, yoganut - Best of luck tomorrow!! I'm so excited for you to meet your babies! You will all be in my thoughts. :)

MrsTazlvr - The nursery looks great!

Jackie&Tom - Keeping my fingers crossed that your boy makes his debut soon! Best of luck to you!

sophonisba9 - Sorry you're feeling bad. I hope your little one gives his mommy a break and decides to come soon. I hope you don't have Raynoud's Phenomenon. Any way you can get checked for that?

jasonsgal - The first thing that came to my mind was PUPPS as well. Hope the cetaphil works and your rash goes away soon!

NikkiD - Sorry you didn't get checked this week. But, woohoo for cutting back to 5 hour days!

KRL626 - Sorry you haven't made any progress yet, but sounds like that might not be an issue if your OB thinks it'll be a fast labor.

tsmom - So glad to hear your boy is looking good!

Jen309 - Oh, that totally sucks that your OB is on vacation starting tomorrow!! Hang in there! Maybe you'll go into labor on your own this week.

[yoganut]

I can't believe that in less than 24 hours I will likely have my baby boy! It feels so sureal right now. My mom arrived yesterday to take care of Rowan for the week, and then will be staying most of next week to help me out. It is great to have her around, and I so appreciate her help. My appointment was uneventful yesterday. My ob's sister did the u/s again, and got a good measurement. They didn't even check me for dialation since I am so close to my c/s. She did say that if I started having any contraction pattern, even if it was 10 min apart, they would deliver at this point without question so I should just head over to the hospital. Uh, after all this, no thanks! We will just stick to the scheduled time.

I got to go to the movies last night with my mom, and saw Family Stone - cute flick! She also bought me a nightgown for the hospital, which was really sweet.

Starting to feel rather emotional about leaving DS#1 for so many days. I know I will see him when he visits, but its not the same. Also, its kind of like I am coming to terms with the fact that he isn't my 'baby' anymore. You would think I had dealt with feeling like that before now...huh? I am sure the seperation is going to be harder on me than him. He gets to have fun with Grandma.

I am kind of disappointed with the lack of time DH plans to take off now. He is obviously taking Thursday and Friday off, and then he gets Monday as a holiday. I will likely be going home on Monday the 2nd (according to the ob yesterday), and then DH is going back to work on Tuesday! Originally, he was talking about taking 3 weeks FMLA and filing for the parent bonding benefit in CA so he would get some pay. Now, he doesn't want to do that. :confused: I am not completely sure what is motivating this (he says he is concerned about the income loss, though we had already planned to dip into savings). I honestly think that it is more work for him to be home than at
'work'...and that might have something to do with it. Oh well. I am going to contact a couple postpartum doulas today, to find out what it would cost if I need the help (especially since I am not supposed to be running up and down stairs or driving for the first couple weeks).

jasonsgal- I really hope that the rash clears up for you!! I pray that the test result is negative as well. Please keep us posted.

jules - sounds like you got a lot done. Enjoy your 'fun' day!

Jen - Uh, you are so close! Hang in there!

catandmouse - I have your #, so will give you a call to leave a message with the stats. Likely won't be online until next week though.

I hope that when I come back we have LOTS of January babies! Good luck to everyone!

[catandmouse]

Good luck Yoga!! I will be waiting for your call....or at least my answering machine will be so I can update everyone tomorrow.

[terrys wifey]

Hey ladies,
Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, mine was excellent can't complain.
I just wanted to jump on here really quick before the BIG day tomorrow.

Friday was my last day at work and I am sooo loving it, I tell ya though being home can throw you off. Today we had to go to the hospital for blood work and stopped by Target on the way home and I saw all of these kids so I'm like "Isn't school in today?" Dh pointed to our son and said "Kim. it's still X-mas break for school, you don't like anyone kids but your own don't you?" LOL! Trust me it isn't that it's just that these last few weeks everyone and everything is plucking my nerves and I can't stand a lot of NOISE!!!


I am now washing some t-shirts and sleepers for Ashley, I need to make sure I have everything I need. The hospital gave me more paperwork to fill out and bring with me tomorrw.

I have to be there by 8:45am (my c-section is schedule for 10:45) and they are doing constuction on the B/W parkway so we'll be leaving out at 7:00am to give us enough time.

I am finally getting nervous!!!! Right now my fear is the epidural and the catheter (sp?). When I had a c-section with Malik there was nerve damage and I had no feeling on the side of my right leg for 8 months!! I could walk and everything but if I ran my fingernails on the side of my leg I couldn't feel it almost like when your leg falls asleep.

I have my digi cam ready as well as some disposables

I need to get something to eat no more food for me after 12 midnight so ya'll know I am going to be starving, b/c after the surgery I'll probaby just get soem broth and jello. I want some Chinese Food sooooo bad right now.

DH took our son over my mother's house so I am waiting on him to get back before I get in the shower (it's something about being in the shower and someone coming in the hosue or knocking on the bathroom door) even though I know it's him , it still freaks me out.


Well ladies, I'm getting ready to get off of this computer. Please say a prayer for me and my family that this surgery goes well and my lil girl is healthy and happy.

Thank you all in advance

[tsmom]

Just wanted to pop in and wish everyone luck tomorrow!!! We will be thinking and praying for you girls and I cannot wait to hear the stories and see those beautiful babies!

[jasonsgal]

yoga and terryswifey - GOOD LUCK TOMORROW! I will be thinking of you both and look forward to seeing photos of your beautiful babies!!!!

I am still an itchy mess! My skin feels so raw. Last night was really rough. I woke up scratching my belly so many times :(

I washed with cetaphil today and I think that helped some. When I get hot I start to swell and itch though. I called the drs. office today and the blood work didn't come back today. I have to call tomorrow morning. I don't understand why the dr. didn't say it was Pupps right away or if he just wants to rule out the liver problem before he diagnoses me with Pupps. HE said if the blood work comes back okay he wants to refer me to a dermatoligist?? :confused:
The last thing I want to do is go to another dr. and for them to run a bunch of tests on me and then say it will go away after I have the baby.

Not sure if I mentioned this but we went to the fire dept. and had them install the car seat last week.

I also met my neighbor who just had a babe on December 15th. He is absolutely adorable and we both agreed we should have play dates and get together after my son is born. I am so excited she is just a few houses away. Anyways, he is SOO teeny.. I can't wait to hold my sweet baby boy in my arms. :)

Thank you everyone for your well wishes on my rash, it really means a lot to me.