Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ February Third Trimester (27 weeks to delivery) Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

[sassycassie1984]

Happy Valentine's Day! Give those babies some love!

[Rubystar]

Mel- How are you feeling? I found this link for the sleep sheep. Everyone I know that has it absolutely LOVES it... and because I'm a huge fan of white noise- I love it too! The regular size has an option for "heartbeat"... so soothing. DH loves the "ocean" setting.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3813331


AFM- Had a check up today. Chatted about signs of pre-term labor. And now.. I'm getting nervous. I washed all of baby's clothes 2 weeks ago and now I'm missing the pants to my favorite newborn outfit. I've torn my house apart looking for these tiny little things and they've disappeared.

[Rubystar]

oh.. and my ticker is silly. I like that it says I'm going to be walking funny soon. Pretty sure that started over the weekend. My new favorite animal is a penguin, we have so much in common!

[AshS789]

Mel - I'm still here! :) So glad that the baby isn't sunnyside up. Good luck with your appointment this week. Crossing my fingers that you are progressing. Will they not induce you if you aren't progressing? Does that mean you will end up having a c-section?

Ruby - I haven't heard of the sleep sheep either. I will have to look into it! With DS, I was constantly "shshing" (no sure if that is word!) to get him to stop crying. I tried the vaccum and running water as well. No luck! Maybe I should have had something like that! Sorry you can't find your favorite pants. Hopefully you can find them! Oh, and love the picture on facebook! You look great!

Sarah - yea for making it this far!! I hope your appointment went well today and that LO is still growing and thriving!

Star - wow, you're just days away. Good luck!

Megs - how are you doing?

AFM - Nothing really to report here. Every once in a while I feel like I am having BH, but I honestly don't even know what that would feel like! I didn't have them with DH or I am just naive to it. Super excited for my appointment on Wednesday! Can't wait for the ultrasound! Hoping to get some answers as to what type of delivery my doctor is going to recommend, VBAC or C-section. I'm nervous for either one! And I hoping to settle on a last day for work. I wish it was tomorrow! I'm exhausted! :)

[esarah]

Quick update. After being at the hospital 5 hours, I am finally home. Luke is measuring right on this time! He's measuring 4 lbs 14 oz +/- 12 oz. Just perfect. His head is pretty big.
I was having tons of contractions while I was there. Luke heartrate was pretty good but not perfect so they decided to observe me. They were really obviousl contractions every 3 minutes.
I got to L&D and was having some more crazy contractions. The peri wanted me to have betamethazone shots again so they were going to do that. The OB decided if I was more than 3 cms they were just going to let me go and no point doing the steroids. I was dilated 2+ cms 80% effaced and his head (his head is down again!!!!) was 0 station so they went ahead and did the shot. I go back at 6 pm (if I don't end up back there again) tomorrow to get the second one.
I am super uncomfortable from pain and pressure. The doctor finally decided to let me go after having them give me morphine and phenergan. The hope is that the pain will go away and it will know me out. If I am in labor, we will know because morphine and phenergan won't knock me out enough or take away enough pain to make me unaware of labor. The hope is it will help me relax and sleep and that is what I need to get the contractions to settle down.

Luke is looking great though and if the ultrasound is anywhere near accurate he will be 5+ lbs even if he comes soon! I am really feeling like it will probably be this week though.

[melfab15]

Well it looks like esarah and my babies are racing to the finish line... I'm hoping that this baby settles down because I really don't want to go tonight. I'm laying down and if they don't stop soon I'll start seriosuly timing them

also, I know honey talked about loosing her mucus plug in "chunks". Has anybody else experienced loosing thier mucus plug? Twic today ive gone to wipe because my underwear were so wet and (tmi:) there was super dark yellow (the color of Dijon mustard) mucusy, sticky, stringy discharge. Was that part if my
mucus plug?????

[Rubystar]

Mel and Sarah- how are you feeling today? I've been thinking about you both this morning...

Sarah- 5+ pounds is great, yay!

Ash- glad you like the facebook pic- the sleep sheep is in the background! I started having BH- my doc said this is the "right time" for them and boy are they annoying! He said they are considered "no big deal" unless you have 6+ an hour. Drink lots of water and change positions and they should go away :)


AFM- I'm not due until March but I'm getting worried about pre-term labor. I'm afraid I will be home when it starts while DH is away at work. I am NOT driving myself to the hospital! Also, still can't find those pants, where are they?!

[megs&david]

Ruby- there is always something to worry about! I'm sure you will be fine though. Even if you do go early, you're baby will be fine at this point. I really worried about it with Abby and I was in all the time with BH 10+ an hour and she was only born 2 days before my due date! Hope you find those pants. Did they get tangled in a blanket or sheet or something? I want to get our baby stuff washed but I don't have a place to put them yet. I need to figure out what to do for dresser space. There isn't room in Abby's room to have a 2nd dresser and not really room for them to share a dresser unless I hang all of Abby's clothes. I'm thinking of getting a 2nd bookshelf for their room and using baskets in the shelf for baby's clothes for now. His crib will be in our room and there is room to have the shelf next to the crib. Then when he's older and they share we will have 2 bookshelves. Not sure yet. Dh claims we have tons of time left and won't do anything yet. Boo!! Are they going to keep checking your fluid levels?

Sarah- sorry you had a rough night! Hope you can get some rest today. You are so close to 34 weeks! It would be awesome if you could hold out to 35 weeks!

Ash- Are you hoping for VBAC? It would be awesome if you could! Hope you have fun at the u/s!

Mel- hope everything is okay. Haven't heard from you yet this morning. Makes me wonder if you are off having that baby!!!

Man, I'm so tired. I've been having crazy vivid dreams and it's making sleeping really hard. I'm up every couple hours to either pee or b/c I've had a bad dream. They seem so real that it takes me forever to convince myself that it was just a dream. Ugh!

I also feel like my belly looks smaller the last couple days. Anyone experience this? Baby is still moving around like crazy so I'm not too worried but it's just weird. I should take a picture today and compare it to last week's picture.

[melfab15]

Well I'm still here but not sure I will make it to my induction date and While i can't wait to meet this LO I really hope he doesn't come until our induction date because of the blood thinners that I am on. If I'm on them when I birth it could be really dangerous but if I'm off th too long, the blood could clot in the umbilical cord and the baby could die while we wait to go into labor. Frustrating!

Megs- Im with u. I feel like my belly is smaller the past couple days too. Soo weird.

PS a girl I know had her baby yesterday get this: he was 10lbs 14oz!!!!! Good thing it was a C section- ouch!!!

[Wellsv]

Mel, that sounds like losing your mucus plug. I have heard you can go without your mucus plug for a few days, but you might want to check with you Dr on a plan so you know what to do with those blood thinners. I lost my mucus plug on the day Sam was born, but I had streaks of blood in mine. If you see that, don't fool around and go in right away.

[melfab15]

Thanks wells for the heads up. I have had that same thing 2more times now so I am thinking that is what it is too. I have an appt Thursday at 930am so I willfor sure mention it. Thanks again for the advice :)

I'm really hoping baby stays till the holiday weekend/induction because we have so many people coming into town that don't want to miss it. Also the way the induction date falls- dh will take 9 days off work and really get 18 due to holidays and wknds :)
plus it will mess up my maternity leave if I go early and being a teacher- that would really suck

[esarah]

Luke is on his way. Right now they are not stopping or inducing labor but my membranes have ruptured and I am in the hospital waiting to have him. They won't induce tonight but if I go into active labor tonight, he will come. I really don't know what will happen. I am not in active labor right now but I am having some contractions. With Taylor I went into labor a few hours after my water broke and she came fast after that and with Mark I was able to hold off a couple of days with meds and they induced me due to GBS. I do not want to be induced! Send me labor vibes!
Luke has had two sets of betamethazone shots so we are in really good shape. He will be sent to the NICU for observation so they can really see how he is doing but they are very optimistic he won't have to stay long as long as there are no unknown issues.

[AshS789]

Good luck esarah. Thinking of you and Luke and hoping that everything goes well!! Keep us updated!

[melfab15]

sarah- congrats babe- you made it further than we originaly thought! i can not believe you will be holding your little one in your arms soon! Happy laboring and prayers for health and safety

REALLY hoping that my water doesnt break while i am teaching. Now I am nervous that i lost my mucus plug and still having contractions. I wonder if that means when I go to my appt tomorrow that I will be dialated something????

[Rubystar]

Sarah- getting excited for you- hope things go smoothly!!! KEEP US POSTED!

Mel- Are you having contractions while you teach?????? eek!

Meg- yup, they are still keeping an eye on my fluids although I finally made it to the "low end of average" range. yay! And baby is average too- I'm just blaming it on my long torso! The family I babsit for has the same set up in their kids rooms and it looks cute with the baskets all matching! I forget, will you have a complimenting bedding theme for the baby??


AFM- BH is so obnoxious. Sitting here at my computer is rough. My doctor said it's the "right time" for them but they can get quite uncomfortable! Also- baby always gets the hiccups! It's kinda cute :-)

[melfab15]

ruby yes I am. I keep thinking if I go home and they stop I will feel dumb for wasting a sick day. The thing is though, they are not stopping. ARGH

[Rubystar]

Mel- you poor thing! I totally understand not wanting to waste sick days though! Hope you can get some rest with your feet up soon! Are you timing?

[melfab15]

well the contractions are about 6-3 minutes apart now. I am REALLY thinking I should call the dr but I would feel SOOO dumb if I called and went in and it was nothing. Doesnt PG come with a little timer that goes off when you are ready? No? Well it should!

[melfab15]

called the dr and it looks like we are headed to the hospital to be checked and monitored. I'll keep you update

[melfab15]

Ok they just checked me: I'm at one cm and starting to thin out. They are giving me something to stop them and then I can go home and have to rest the remainder of the day

[pugmom74]

Yes, you certainly need to rest!!! Hang in there...

[AshS789]

Hi everyone!

Mel - wow, it sounds like it's your time, any day now! I'm so excited for you! I know you are hoping to hang in there a little bit longer, so I hope that baby stays put! Keep us updated!

Sarah - hope everything is going well! I just saw on the tv that a fugitive esaped from Utah Valley. That's where you are delivering right? Hopefully you aren't a part of that craziness!!

Ruby - Sorry about the BH. I am jealous though, I wish I was experiencing something! I love when the baby has the hiccups, it can be obnoxious sometimes, but it's comforting at the same time.

Megs - I honestly don't really care either way. I think I am mostly just curious about having a baby vaginally, but I don't have my heart set on a VBAC. That's interesting about seeming to be smaller, did you take that picture? Sorry about the dreams, I have them too. I swear I dream all night. Usually I am going through work over and over and over again. It sucks!

AFM - So, I had my appointment today and it was crazy! I had an ultrasound because they were worried about my placenta being too close to my cervix. So, the placenta is still really low, but it's not laying across my cervix opening which is good. But, then the technician started taking measurements of the baby. The baby is measuring 6 lbs 7 oz!!! The baby's abdomen measurments are in the 99th percentile!! I also have a ton of fluid. So guess what that means...? Yep, my doctor thinks I have gestational diabetes. Those are all the telltale signs and the exact same reason why my doctor with DS thought I had GD when I was pregnant last time. I get to go in the morning to take the one hour test again, but I measured my blood sugar tonight after dinner and it was 285! So, they don't even need to bother. I definitely have it. Yikes!! Hopefully I can get it under control, otherwise this baby is going to be 10 lbs!! The craziest thing is that four weeks ago when I had my last appointment by stomach was measuring 28 weeks, this time I am measuring 37 weeks! Um, yeah, I'm only 33 weeks today. :(

[megs&david]

Ash, Ruby- We are moving up on the list!!! Eeeek!! I'm so not ready yet! But at the same time I'm hoping that the next several weeks fly by!

[melfab15]

megs with sarah and star just having thier little ones you guys are moving up faster and faster :)

sarah-- I am SOOOO excited for you! WOW what a great brith and what a blessed night! I am excited for you and your family beyond words! Cant wait for pics babe, take care of yourself and that little guy!

[Rubystar]

Mel- YOU'RE NEXT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How are you feeling today? Are you teaching or taking the day off to relax at home?

Megs- I know, I'm totally freaking out :-) Totally different thing for me to do, right!? HA!

Ash- What a crazy story! I hope that the GD gets under control so you don't have a 10 pounder living in you!


AFM- I've given up my search for those pants and have decided to just go buy some more. With my good fortune (sarcasm) the pants will show up and I will then have 2 pairs.... maybe that wouldn't be so bad?

Last night I couldn't sleep, again, and I am convinced that my baby boy has turned into an octopus. The other day the dr. told me that he is head down, which I kind of already figured based on his movements, but last night he was all over the place- I swear he has tentacles!!!!!

I'm so happy for Sarah- though our babes are close in age and it was so neat for me to see the pictures of little Luke.. that's what's inside of me!?

Forgive me for being so flakey... it's my first time at this!:D

[esarah]

Ash- There was a fugitive that escaped and at about the same time a huge trauma came in also, apparently. This was all right at the time they started my induction. Not to mention there were 30 babies born here yesterday. Luke was the last of them to be born.

Luke was born at 1150 last night. just 10 minutes shy of being 34 weeks. Little stinker! I literally did not have to push at all. Because I did not get the epidural and I was not numb my body just moved him down, just like with Mark and it was amazing! He was 4 lbs 9 oz (1 oz smaller than my 33 weeker) and her really is doing great! He just needs to eat and grow and that could happen in just a matter of days or could take a couple of weeks. We just have to see how he does.

I feel like I hit a brick wall now though. I am exhausted. The adrenaline is wearing off now. I was just up with him and they needed his warming bed so they put him in an isolette because he is so alert and awake and they really wanted him to get some sleep! He's in the isolette sleeping away now though.

[honey19]

ash, if you have any questions or concerns about VBACs feel free to PM me! Mine was a wonderful experience and i wouldn't have it any other way. If we have a third baby, as long as he/she is head down, we will be doing a VBAC again.

sarah, isn't it amazing that your body just works the baby down? I am convinced that is why I didn't have to push much.

more of you girls are getting soo close! I love coming back and checking to see who is having babies :)

[megs&david]

Sarah- that's amazing! Hope it's only a few days for you! Have you tried to bf yet? So excited for you. Try to get some rest! Have the kids been able to come see Luke or you yet?

Ash- so sorry about the GD! Will that effect a VBAC at all? I also know that the further along you get the more innacurate the u/s gets at guessing baby's size. Hoping that baby is smaller than they told you!!!

Ruby- I laughed when you said your baby has grown tentacles! LOL! I feel that way sometimes! I can't believe how close it's getting for you! What am I going to do over here when you and Ash have your babies!!! Also, I bet you are more ready than you think. Me on the other hand, not so much. I don't have anything washed and we don't have a dresser to even put his clothes in yet! I'm starting to want to get things done!!!

I'm having a hard time finding an Easter outfit for little boy! It seems like all the Easter outfits are for 0-3 month or 3-6 month at the smallest. i really want to find a newborn outfit. Easter is just a week after I'm due. I know I may be late and not have a baby to dress up then, but I want something just in case. Anyone else looked at anything? If so, where?

[pugmom74]

Sarah-- I'm so thrilled that Luke is doing so well. Amazing! And I can't believe he was the 30th baby born yesterday!

[AshS789]

Sarah - wow, it sounds like it was a crazy day at the hospital! Glad that you had such a great birth experience. Can't wait to hear more. Congrats Momma!!

Mel - Yep, it's your turn! Any more progress?

Ruby - Yeah, I am hoping that I am not going to have a ten pounder, but it is certainly looking like it is going that way!! Thats funny about the baby have tentacles. I feel the same way sometimes!! I can't believe how close we are!!

Megs - My doctor didn't want to say either way about the VBAC, but he did say that if the abdomen continues to be so large, we would worry about the abdomen getting stuck. So, now I am just picturing my baby being half out and half in and that freaks me out!! I'm still trying to keep an open mind, but I get nervous when they start talking about complications for the baby. I am hoping the u/s is off, but I have heard that can even be off in the opposite direction! Have you tried Janie and Jack for the Easter outfit? They always seem to have fancy outfits for little ones. I haven't even thought about it yet!

AFM - so, just waiting to hear from the doctor to confirm that I have GD. I tested my blood sugar after the drink yesterday and it was 270, so I know I have it. And of course, now that I know, I feel terrible. I just need to get in to see a nutritionist so I can start eating right. I remember a lot of what I needed to do, but I need to refresher course. I'm trying not to get down about it, but honestly, now I just want this pregnancy to be over already! I'm sure once I get it under control I will feel much better.

[melfab15]

Hey girls- still here. Dh and I DTD last night and now I feel like I'm walking funny today lol. Oh well, trying to dtd to get cervix to. A 2 before my next appt on Thursday but also trying to not to break my water- it's a very fine line haha. If I get too many contractions though I will just pop one of those pills the dr gave me. I told DH we are scheduling DTD (he hasn't been into it lately which sucks b/c PG sex is great for me). He just laughed at me and kissed me and said whatever I wanted LOL. It is like roro said the other day though, I ask him to keep it short and sweet ;)

Sarah- luke is such a cutie! I can't beleive that Is what is inside me right now. So weird!!!

Ruby- I feel like my baby had tenticles too haha!

Megs- have u checked childrens place? Ours had little people Easter outfits u might want to look there

[karen52909]

So I don't officially get to join you all over here until next Sunday, but I have a question.

How many of you waited until you 3rd trimester to buy anything? My mom is insisting that we wait and I really want to order the furniture this week with my tax return. The place said it could take up to 20 wks for it to come in and I only have 14 left. So I thought I would ask and see what you all think.

[Rubystar]

Karen- so excited to see you on this board!! We ordered our furniture around 20 weeks but didn't set it up until 30ish weeks. Using your tax return is a great idea!

Mel- I can't imagine DTD right now and finding a comfortable position! Is it tricky?


AFM- we did an all day birthing class today. Exhausting but super informative. Baby won't stop kicking me lately, wonder what he is up to in there...

[melfab15]

Ruby- super challenging and can get sort of boring (because ofthe limited positions) but if taking a couple for the team means that I am dialated and ready for my induction then so be it ;) it reminds me of when we were TTC for years- it got boring knowing u "had" to do it but it was worth the result haha

Karen- I would totally buy now! I didn't wait

[megs&david]

Karen- Nope we didn't wait either. I was such a planner with Abby. We started picking things out and ordering at around 20 weeks once we knew we were having a girl. We had the room completely ready by my shower at 32 weeks. I would do it now!!!

mel- LOL about taking one for the team. I think my dh is super anxious. I'm still scared to DTD! I've been off restriction for a good couple weeks but haven't wanted to DTD. The last time we did was 18w,4d and that's when I started bleeding the next day. Freaks me out! I can't even imagine finding a good position! LOL! My back hurts just thinking about laying on my back!!!

Ruby- So what did you think about the class? Anything that you are worried about? I felt like the birthing class was much more for dh than me! He wasn't into being pg or talking about birthing stuff until then. You should have seen him at our breastfeeding class!! That was definitely more for me and I'm so glad I took it but he was making fun of me the whole time. The teacher kept making us grab hold of our bb's and hold fake, ugly dolls up to us to practice all the holds. It really did help but was a bit weird at the time! Funny story from our birthing class. They were passing around the vacuum extractor and forceps and such. Well dh puts the vacuum suction on his face and starts to pump it up. It got stuck and made a HUGE circle mark on his face. It was there for like a week. Since then we had some friends take the class and they say they can't pass it around anymore b/c a curious dad hurt his face! LOL! Seriously, I was crying I was laughing so hard at him! I'll try to find the picture!

Ash- have you heard back from you dr yet? Hope you can get the GD under control so you can feel a bit better and more relaxed!!!

Okay so now I'm feeling bad about all the name stuff. I got a bit upset with dh today in the car. He was like why didn't you say you wanted to start getting stuff ready for the baby and talk about names! What!? I try to talk about it all the time. So then he tells me that the name really isn't a big deal and it doesn't matter b/c I have already decided his name (meaning Samuel David). He said whatever we name the baby will work out just fine. So now I feel a bit bad. I just can't win with this naming stuff!!!! Plus I had to apologize for freaking out on him. Seriously hate all these stupid hormones. Makes me so mean sometimes!!!

[praises1139]

megs--your stories about the birthing/breastfeeding classes are hilarious!

[Rubystar]

Megs- oh my gosh that story is hilarious!!! Was your husband embarrassed!? I'm sorry your feeling anxious about a baby name. Do you have a few choices to pick from? I thought the class was helpful and I'm glad that the instructor continuously pointed out the much of the information was for the husbands/coaches. Usually DH tunes out but he was more committed than I was; after all I had to pee every 5 seconds! He was very interested in the epidural talk. Lol.

Mel- I feel like TTC killed our sex life. Thanks for your honesty, I can totally relate to feeling boredom! DH has been asking for it a lot lately and I have zero interest, I feel badly! I'm sure when we get closer to the due date I will be more willing... Not to mention I have no idea what position would work!!!

[megs&david]

Ruby- Nope, he doesn't ever seem to get embarrassed! Plus he had a giant circle, hicky on his cheek. Not like he could hide it! No one that we know was really shocked by it!! LOL! Still makes me laugh hard thinking about it! He keeps things exciting that's for sure! Here's a picture: http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=208781552/PictureID=4251544849/a=28546121_28546121/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

[Rubystar]

Megs- OH MY GOODNESS THAT PICTURE IS HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tink]

Megs- LOL!! I have Anna asleep on my chest and I just started laughing so hard I woke her up!!! David is a funny guy! lol!

[pjs3902]

megs- that story is great- love the pic!!! i too really enjoyed the bf'ing class! a lot of it didn't really make sense, but it did once baby was here and it was go time!

tink- so sorry you woke Anna up with your laughing! :p

[jessicaileen]

megs - HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He'll never live that picture down!!!

[melfab15]

It is official.... Well sort of haha! DO NOT POST ANYTHING ON FB.... We are not telling anybody not even family. This little guy will be named:


ZACHARY OWEN STONE :)
(unless we come across something else thatvwe both just fall in love with in the next 10 days- which isn't gonna happen) ;)

[Rubystar]

Mel- yay! I'm so happy for you! Zachary Owen is a perfect name :)
10 days left, really!? Holy cow that's soon!

[praises1139]

megs---yay for picking a name!

[esarah]

So glad you have a name now, Mel! I love it! 10 days will go by before you know it! Now remind me of that... Ten days will feel like an eternity with my baby in the hospital. I am hoping my baby will come home around the same time yours does.

Megs- Your dh is too funny!

Ruby- How are you doing? Almost 34 weeks now, right?

I can't wait until my 6 weeks is up. Dh is going in soon for a vasectomy and then when all is said and done in a few months we are really thrilled that we are done ttc (since we have either been ttc or pregnant for the last 11 years come May) and we can not worry about sex! If we want to we can if we don't we won't feel like we have to. We won't have to worry about BC anymore and we won't be trying.

I really didn't find my birth classes helpful at all and neither did DH but I had been letting him know how things were going to be for a long time and he has always been a great support to me in labor, mostly because he knows that I like to be left alone unless I ask for something specific and so he is just there to do what I ask and leave me alone otherwise. I wish I would have taken something geared more towards natural birth. Oh well, I figure it out pretty well and got it the way I wanted the last couple of times I did it. I never took a breastfeeding class. I don't know how I would have liked that.

[Rubystar]

Esarah- how are you feeling? How is little Luke doing? I'm doing great, thanks for asking! At my last appointment we were told that baby is head down so that makes me happy :). I'm just starting to get super exhausted all the time...

[melfab15]

ruby- I hear you. I am so exhausted. Sometimes i feel like just walking up my stairs is too great of a challenge. At night I wake up about once every hour to either pee or switch sides because my hips hurt so bad. I am soooo tired. Unfortunately, I don't see much hope of getting anymore sleep once this baby comes haha!

[megs&david]

Ruby- You are getting closer too!!! Sorry you are feeling so uncomfortable!!

mel- yay for 9 days and for picking a name!!! I'm so glad. Are you happy with it?

sarah- hope you and Luke are doing great. He is the cutest little guy!!!! enjoy cuddling him!!!

Tink- sorry I caused you to wake Anna!

I'm frustrated. I called today to see if I could reschedule my appt. It's not until next Tuesday, but I'm feeling a bit worried b/c my belly doesn't seem to have grown in the last few weeks. I know they said with baby's kidney dilated that it could effect amniotic fluid and growth but they weren't super concerned about it. At 26 weeks he was measuring large. So when I called to reschedule she said I would have to talk to a nurse first since I have a concern. So now I have to wait to talk to the nurse and they will probably make me come in! Well, dh has the car today and it's his busiest day of the entire year. He went in at 5am and won't be home until late. So I can't even come in today! Ugh. I tried to upload some pics but it won't let me!

[melfab15]

megs- hope you get some answers soon and that the Drs office is more helpful next time

AFM: today that sub is here and I am observing her. SHe came and watched me Friday and learned how I do things and so far she is doing great. Wed is my last day here teaching middle school and tonight is the last night i teach college classes (then they all become online classes that i can teach from home). I cant believe that i am getting so close. The bags are packed for me and LO, Ben's gift is bought, my thank you cards for the nurses and OB are packed and all my plans for Ben are laid out with my friend that will be watching him. AND we have a name. . . I am officially ready for this little guy to come :)

[esarah]

I am doing ok. I am completely exhausted and worn out. I left the hospital 15 hours after Luke was born and haven't stopped moving since. Even in the 15 hours I only slept about 5 hours and that was broken up by trips up to the NICU to be with Luke.
My hips and pelvis are still sore. I had a wonderful delivery, no tearing, really no swelling or anything. I didn't have to push, I was able to stand and move around until I laid on my side to deliver him and he just came right out. Gravity was a great tool! He came so fast the doctor wasn't really ready. He had the nurse put pressure down by Luke's head to slow him down while he made sure he was ready,that was about 30 seconds and as soon as she took her hand off Luke just slid right out. The problem is that my hips and pelvis separated so much from him being so low that they still hurt. As does my lower back. Not being able to rest doesn't help. Also being up so much after being down so much is hard. I am so glad I don't have any pain or swelling from the actual delivery. That would just make everything worse!
I hate waking up to an alarm to pump every night. I would much rather wake to a fussy baby. I am getting about 6 hours of sleep at night and I am hoping to get a nap sometime this afternoon.

Good luck to you all! So many of you are getting really close. I know the end is hard and painful for a lot of people but it is so worth it to get your baby to term and have a healthy little one to take home with you!

[Rubystar]

Hey! My ticker baby is upside down!

[esarah]

Yay for head down babes!

[melfab15]

esarah I hope that you get some relief soon. i am sorry that you are so sore and not sleeping well. Being woken up by an alarm to pump would be super annoying! Hope you get some rest soon

[megs&david]

Sarah- I'm so sorry about the news with Luke's head. A good friend of mine just had the same scare. It turns out his was just close to fusing and they just have been able to monitor him. I'm glad they will check things out and I'm praying that things will look okay! Keep us updated as soon as you know something. Sorry you are in pain. I'm sure it will take a bit for your body to adjust to being able to move again. And I totally hear you on the pumping thing! I would cry a lot of times when I had to pump b/c I just wanted to be with my baby bfing!!! So much easier to bf than to pump in the middle of the night. When will you start staying at the hospital for overnight feeds?

So my midwife said she thinks things will be fine. Especially since my last u/s baby was measuring large but my uterus was measing right on. She offered to meet me at the office just to measure me this afternoon- but I can't go b/c David has the car. So they got me an appt with one of my midwives for tomorrow morning. So that's good. I will feel much better just to be checked out! Since I can't seem to post pictures here, I posted them on FB. Here is the link to the album. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...6&l=602689c43c

[megs&david]

I did get some good news today though. My good friend called me up to tell me she is throwing me a baby shower! I totally wasn't expecting it at all since it's our second! She said that this baby boy needs to be spoiled as much as Abby was and deserves some new clothes and not just hand me downs! So now I get to think about registering and what I really need! So excited. The shower isn't until the last weekend of March though b/c that's the only weekend that worked with my 2 friends' schedules and mine! the last weekend of Feb is our anniversary, the first 2 weekends we are having Abby's birthday parties (1 for her little friends, and the other for our families!). I'm hoping that time will really fly since we have a lot going on! I NEED it to be spring!! Sick of cold weather and so excited to meet my baby boy! It's getting harder and harder to be patient as more girls have their babies on here!

[Rubystar]

megs- Im thinking about you this morning and I'm sending prayers your way. So happy that you get to see your little one this morning :-) Also, how cool is it that you get to have a baby shower when you lest expected it! Where do you think you might register? I had such fun with that gun...

Mel- how are you feeling? Thursday is the big appointment right? I hope you get the results you want!

Sarah- Did you remain relaxed during labor? How did it go so smoothly? My fear is tearing or needing an episiotomy... wouldnt it hurt to pee on the stitches afterwards?!

AFM- I feel happy but miserable at the same time. I feel like I'm being a wimp and I need to knock it off! My hips, ribs and now my pelvis are really starting to hurt. I pretty much start and end my day in tears. I fear that DH is starting to think I am not the tough chick I once was.. who is this wimp?!

[melfab15]

ruby- thanks babe. I hope that the Ob says I am at least a 2 when we go for my appt on thursday.

I am very nervous about it though because friday and saturday we tried to DTD and DH couldnt "perform" if you know what i mean. It was so frustrating and made me feel ugly and unloved so I told him I dont even want to try and DTD anymore. This is annoying because I feel like DTD would make me dialate like it did with my last PG.

Cant believe tomorrow is my last day working :)

[esarah]

I have had one episiotomy, I tore once, and I have had two where I didn't tear at all. It does hurt to pee on the stitches!!!! I know the reason I didn't tear or have an episiotomy with the last two is because I didn't have an epidural. I stood up during all of active labor (about 2 hours for me) and gravity helped the baby move down. Then when he was crowning I laid down on my side and he just slid out. I didn't push once. My body just did the work along with gravity. This was what happened with both of my boys. I could feel everything and work with my body. When you are laying flat on your back and can't feel as well when you are pushing (because when you have an epidural you pretty much have to do it that way) you are much more likely to tear because your pelvis doesn't open as much and you have to push hard and it's not as controlled if you feel everything.
It's not just size either. Luke weighed and measured almost identically to Taylor and I tore terribly with her (both were right about 4.5 lbs). You can tear with a small baby and not with a big baby depending on how you do it. Even if you do stand and work with gravity and push in positions other then flat on your back, you could tear but you are much less likely.

[honey19]

ruby, staying relaxed during labor and delivery can really help reduce tearing. If you don't lay on your back that can also help...for some reason laying on your back makes tearing more likely. I tore with ds even though I was relaxed because he came so fast, and likely because I have never had a vaginal delivery until him. I had a fairly small 2nd degree tear, so it wasn't much and I had a weird tear on the right side from something coming out and rupturing (I have no idea what that is or exactly what happened) I layed on my side for most of the involuntary pushing, but once the doc came I was adjusted to my back to make it easier for the doc. That probably helped me to tear as well. The stitches don't normally hurt when I pee...Most of the time the pee doesn't touch the stitches. Sometimes you tear upwards which is not as common as tearing between your vagina and bum, but that can make peeing more painful.

[esarah]

Honey- My little guys both came really fast but I wasn't flat on my back to deliver either so I think that helped a lot in not tearing. Laying on my side helped and also waiting until he was crowning to even lay down helped a lot. I wish the doctor would have just let me deliver standing up but it worked out ok anyway.

[megs&david]

Ruby- I only had to have one stitch with Abby. They actually made me lay down b/c her heart rate was dropping. (turns out that was just from her heart defect though). I was for sure not relaxed. She did come out really slow though- I pushed for 2 hours b/c her head was crooked. She came out looking at my left leg. We did perineal massage for several weeks before delivery. Look it up- I swear it really helped.

Okay so I really had nothing to worry about! My belly is actually measuring one week big! So I'm measuring at 31 weeks. BP was 102/60, baby's heart rate was 136, and he's head down. My midwife thinks he's a great size and that he's too big to move out of the head down position now. Crossing my fingers that she is right!! She didn't want to do an u/s today b/c everything looked great. She did say she will do one at 36 weeks though.

[melfab15]

megs glad to hear the good news. Hope things continue to go well for you!

AFM: last day of work today. . . 8 days and counting. I have an OB appt tomorrow morning for an NST and for him to check me. I am hoping for at least 2 cm. FINGERS CROSSED!!!!

[melfab15]

today has been weird (TMI AHEAD) I have had to go to the bathroom about 6 times today while at work (which is always embarressing to have to ask somebody to cover your class for you that many times to go to the bathroom) but whats weird is that I have had a BM at every bathroom break today and TONS of CM! So weird!!!!

[jessicaileen]

mel - You body is getting ready for labor! I had a BM every time I ate something for about a week before I delivered! Your sooooo close!

[melfab15]

Really???? I don't think I remember that with Ben. I'll have to go back and look at my Pg journal. I would love for him to come early because I'm ready and can't wait to meet him
but I must admit I would be sad because my BF is coming into town for the birth and if I go early she will miss it :)

[melfab15]

OH MY GOSH!!!!! My stomach is killing me and I'm having period like cramps. I'm gonna go stand in the hot shower. Is it bedtime yet?

[birdling]

Ruby, ditto to what Honey said (for pretty much all of it, lol -- our situations were so similar!). I was relaxed during labor (as relaxed as you can be riding in a car while dilating to an 8, lol) and on my hands and knees a lot while actually at the hospital. I made it to 9 1/2 but had a cervical lip so laid on my side during involuntary pushing until it went away. Doc came in while I was complete and I had to lie on my back to push him out -- they kept telling me to pull my knees to my chest to help me push. Worst position EVER to give birth (for me, anyway) -- gravity is not helping you at all! I'm pretty sure that's why I tore. I had a 2nd degree tear, and yes, it burned like heck every time I peed. It was pretty uncomfortable for a week, somewhat painful for another 3 days, and then I didn't notice it anymore after about 10 days. I just wanted my unmedicated VBAC, though, so I wasn't going to complain about birth positions or anything else. Having done it once, though? I totally want to do a birth center birth next time. :)

[melfab15]

Thanks girls for the well wishes! I really hope that all these contractions means making progress! :)

ok so my appt is in about 1.5 hours and I am VERY nervous. I went back and looked at my blog/journal I had when PG with Ben and at this appt I was 3 CM. I am really hoping that I get that same suprise at todays appt. I have to be at least 2cm for him to induce me next thursday (induction because of my clotting disorder) and inductions always go easier the more ready you are :) Prayers for 2+ cm today please girls!!!!!!! (PS still having major bathroom issues- hoping you girls are right and that this is a sign of labor)

[Rubystar]

Mel- I'm looking forward to your appointment too!! Keep us posted, hoping for a 2!!!
I have never heard about the BM thing but it makes total sense. And now I'm freaked out because the same thing just started happened to me, hope I just ate something weird.


Ladies, thanks for the input regarding tears/episiotomies. Helps to hear it from a real woman!!

[melfab15]

Ok I don't know if the tears are because I'm pissed or sad but I'm still barely at a 1. :(
at this time with Ben I was at a 3!!!! I'm freaking out! With all the crazy contractions I've been having, how is that even possible?????

On other news the baby is measuring 6lbs 14oz.

My next appt is Wednesday the 16th. If I'm not dialated to a 2 they will admit me and give me cervidel. If that doesn't dialate me to a 2 overnight- they send me home! Argh!!!! And we keep that pattern going every day till I'm ready :( (tears)

[Rubystar]

Awe Mel I'm sorry!

[esarah]

Hang in there Mel!! Things can happen really quickly and you might be surprised and go into labor before you go back! It will all work out though. I know it's hard while you are waiting and not knowing though.

[melfab15]

thanks girls for your support and cheering up!

AFM-I am thinking cleaning my house, maybe doing some gardening, and taking DS to a local museum (hands on sea touch tanks) with lots of walking might help get things moving along. Also, Dh and I are taking DS to the mall tonight to do some walking (it is way to windy to walk outside- wind gusts of 50mph) and tomorrow I am going to Santa barbara with a friend and that is tons of walking. Here's to hoping right???? If you pray, please join me in praying for progress :)

[melfab15]

Ok well it seems like I'm the only one in the 3rd the thread lately ;)

off to the zoo today with DS before the baby comes- he is beyond excited!!!!

[Rubystar]

Mel- you're not alone!! I haven't had much to report on lately I guess... Just sore and exhausted. Hope you have fun at the zoo... So jealous that your weather allows that!! It was negative 3 when I woke up yesterday!!!


Happy Valentines Day tomorrow! I have an OB check up at 4:20 and DH got us dinner reservations to my favorite restaurant at 6. Yay!!!

[AshS789]

Hey everyone!

Sorry, I haven't been posting. It's been a difficult week and I am finally starting to feel better about things.

First,

Mel - I am sorry that you weren't further dilated then you were hoping. I know everyone has been telling you this, but it can change so quickly! I hope that all the walking you have been doing is helping! Hope you had fun at the zoo!

Ruby - sounds like you are going to have fun valentines day! So fun that you get to have an appointment and a delicious dinner! I have been meaning to ask you, what kind of delivery are you wanting to have? Natural or epidural? I can't believe how close we are. Have you been feeling anything?

Megs - hope everything is going great!

That's as far as I can see!

AFM - So, I have been official diagnosed with gestational diabetes. :( It's been a tough week trying to adjust to the idea, especially since I was just starting to convince myself that I managed to avoid it this time around. It's especially annoying because my doctor needed to make me an appointment to see the perinatologist and the earliest they could see me was Feb 25th! I am going to be 36 1/2 weeks at that point! I was like, so what am I supposed to do until then? So, I have been trying to remember what my diet was like last time and I have been checking my blood sugars four times a day. Even with the diet, my morning numbers are high, just like last time, so I know I am going to need medication, but I don't see the doctor until the 25th! I tried calling to get in earlier and that didn't work out. So, I am just frustrated about everything. That good news is that I am actually feeling better physically. Now, looking back, it was so obvious that I had it. I wish I had paid better attention. And, it's almost over! If this one comes as soon as DS, I only have 3 1/2 weeks left! Yikes!

[Rubystar]

Question: is anyone else super easily irritated? DH is driving me up the wall.

[melfab15]

ruby- I am VERY short tempered with everybody right now. My best freind, DS, DH, family ,etc. I feel bad but its almost like i cant control it :(
Hope you have a great date with Dh and a good appt!

Ash, bummer! I am so sorry that you didnt sneak past this PG without GD. I hope that you get some answers soon and I really hope you are right about the walking helping :)

THe zoo was great today and then Dh and I headed to cheesecake factory for dinner and then we saw the movie Just Go With It (which by the way- you should all see, funny). Hoep you all have a great date night with your DHs tomorrow :)

[melfab15]

So I spent 6 hrs straight this morning cleaning my house from top to bottom! It feels to great to know everything I'd clean and ready for the baby to come. Tomorrow at 7am some men come to trim the trees from our neighbors yard that are coming way into our yard and annoying me!!!! After nap, I am hoping to mow the lawns then I will feel ready to go other than laundry and grocery store :)

I am hoping all this hard cleaning and work is making me dialated. One thing is for sure- I now have a lovely hemerroid... Awesome! :(

my OB appt is tomorrow at 830am CA time. I am beyond nervous!!! Hoping Dh will DTD tonight, he hasn't since the "incident" argh!!!

[AshS789]

Mel - Thanks! I'm dealing with it... :) Wow, it sounds like you were busy today! I wish I had the energy to clean the whole house. Maybe I will get that nesting instinct and get it done one of these days. Good luck with DH tonight, it's valentines day right? Light some candles, try to make it special. Crossing my fingers that you see some progress tomorrow at your appointment!

Ruby - yes, I am super irritated all the time! Especially at work! I can't get irritated at DH though, he does so much. It makes me feel guilty most of the time. :)

Hello to everyone else!

Not much to report here. Happy Valentines everyone! I am excited because I finally got to sign up for FMLA and my Short Term Disability which means I have an official last day of work, March 11! It seems so far away, but it's only four more weeks. I think I can make it that long. It's just so nice to have an end date, it makes everything so real.

[megs&david]

Ash- I can't believe you have to wait so long to get in with the peri! That's crazy. Hope you can get adjusted. Also yeah on having an end date!! It will be here before you know it!!

Ruby- YES! I'm mostly more irritable with dh and not really anyone else. But everything he does annoys me lately! Ugh. wish I wasn't like that right now but I am. I'm with Mel, i feel like I can't help it!

Mel- So glad you got some cleaning done today!!! Can't wait to hear about your appt tomorrow! I'm getting so excited for you!

Man, I feel like I woke up this mornign and baby suddenly feels huge and like he doesn't have any more space. Last night at my parents' house their smoke alarms went off at 2:30am (the batteries died on one of them and it made them all go off!) Anyway, when I finally got back to bed the baby started moving super crazy. It hurt really bad. It felt like he was trying to turn. I'm not sure if he is breech now or not. I'm feeling movements all over my belly. Just praying that he is still head down and that he doesn't hurt my belly like this everyday now! The next 9 weeks could be really long and uncomfortable!!

[Rubystar]

Hi Ladies! Its 2:15 am here- apparently this is when I crave a bowl of cereal every single night!!

Ash- so sorry about the GD- its so late to be diagnosed!! Hang in there, you are a pro, I'm sure you will know just what to do with your diet. Just a few weeks left...

Mel- are you exhausted or what girl!? How are you having all of this energy!?

Megs- eek! I know how you feel.. The bigger baby gets the more his kicks hurt!!! I've cried before they hurt so much...


AFM- my nesting is on a roll... Wow. I literally can't stop cleaning and reorganizing everything I see..its a total compulsion. DH says he "loves" it but hates that when he comes home from work I have new piles for him to put away. He wishes this nesting didn't involve him! Glad to hear I'm not the only one getting easily irritated, I feel like every morning I have to call people and apologIze for being a jerk the previous day. I always feel so "right" in the heat of things but the next day I realize that I'm just nuts... Ha!

Had my OB appointment. It was great! My dr thinks that baby has dropped, still head down! I will see my dr again next week for an internal and see if I'm dilated yet. Holy cow... I'm nervous... This is my first time doing this I don't know what to do! When I found out I was pregnant 9 months seemed so far away... But now its a few weeks away and I'm a bit overwhelmed with emotion!!

I had a list of questions for my dr and they made my DH and Dr laugh. I asked, seriously, about cord blood banking and received a very serious answer. Next question, "my cuticles are wrecked, can I get a manicure?". They thought my progression of serious questioning was entertaining.

Ok I'm tired of the weird infomercials on tv right now... What are pajama jeans!?

[melfab15]

Megs- I sorry baby Is getting cramped over there I hate that feeling. Ur getting close though :)

ruby- ur post cracked me up!!! pJ jeans??? What r u watching lol!! My nesting is full blown too so I hear ya on that one- my house us mega clean righ now! I'm also sorry but the progression of ur questions had me gigggling too :)

well gotta gslet ready for my OB appt this morning. Prayers for 2cm please :)

[Rubystar]

Mel- can't wait to hear about your appointment!! Praying it goes well!!
There are the weirdest infomercials on tv in the middle of the night. I was up from 2am- 4:30am. Still tired but unable to sleep!! God must be preparing me for baby's arrival!

[melfab15]

ok so here is the update . . .

the NSt was looking good, my HR was good, my weight was good

then he came in and checked me and this is when it all started to go bad- I was still at 1cm. No more effaced, no more thinned, no more dialted than I was last week. NO CHANGE!!!!

I lost it! Tears were flowing!

Then he said he wanted to check on the baby. He was measuring about 8-8.5 lbs (which is 1-1.5 more lbs than Ben was when he was born) The baby was pretty squished in there, head down, face down.
Then he checked the amniotic fluid- which was ok
Then he checked the placenta and noticed that it was starting to deteriorate. He said he doesnt want to wait until the planned induction on Thursday because he doesnt think that my body is going to do anything else on its own no matter how long we wait

So I am going in tonight to get Cervidel and will stay overnight by myself because Dh needs to stay home with Ben. In the morning, Ob will check me and if I am 2cm they will induce me in the morning. If am not, they will send me home and we will try the cervidel again wednesday night. If it doesnt work after that he said we will "address that when we get there" but I think that means C-section.

I am sooooooooooooooo supset right now. First off I am very type A and I hate that I can not control any of this. Second, and what I am MOST upset about is that I thought I had 2 more days and nights with Ben. I feel like I am TOTALLY not ready to give up my one on one time with him and I am not ready for this baby to come. I am not ready mentally or emotionally. Tears have not stopped flowing all day and I feel bad because Ben keeps saying "no sad mommy, happy". This is my last day with just him and I and I cant stop crying. I am so upset!.

I will update you all in the morning when the dr checks me

[Rubystar]

Mel- I think I checked this page 863 times today to check in on you. I am so sorry that your appointment didn't go the way you had hoped it would. I'm shocked that all of your recent activity didn't dilate you more!!

On a positive note, so happy that your little one is thriving. You will get to hold him soon :) you're remaining in my thoughts and prayers.

[AshS789]

Mel - I'm so sorry about your appointment! I know you were hoping for some better news, but hopefully the medication will work and you will still get to have the delivery you wanted. I hear you on being upset about worrying about DS. We have been the "three musketeers" for so long and I worry about how that is going to change. Hopefully, it will just make our families stronger and our bond even more strong. I will be anxiously awaiting your news in the morning. I know it's disappointing, but can you believe that either way, you will be having your baby in the next couple of days! Crazy!

Ruby - you and I were probably up at the same time last night. I can no longer sleep at night! I am going to have to look for that pajama jeans infomercial next time I am flipping through the tv at 3 am. Glad you had such a great appointment! Good luck with getting checked next week, I hated that part! My doctor did it once, it hurt so bad and I didn't have him do it again. I'm sure I'm exaggerating, but that's how I remember it! I'm not looking forward to that part! But it's crazy that we are already here!

Megs - I hope baby didn't turn breech for you! It's amazing how quickly we get uncomfortable. I felt like it was one day to the next!

AFM - not much to report here. I'm going to take some tylenol pm tonight to see if I can get any rest. I am not sure if I can take it any more. Also, one quick question, how can you tell the difference between if you are leaking amniotic fluid or pee? Sometimes, after I go to the bathroom, I just start leaking fluid. I have always just assumed it was pee, but now I am wondering if I need to ask the doctor? With DS, my water broke and it was a huge gush! Then the contractions started two hours later. I know that isn't always the case, but I would think that if I was leaking amniotic fluid, I would have other signs of labor. What do you guys think?

[megs&david]

Ash- hope you get some rest tonight! I'm not sure about the fluid. But I was worrying about that today. It just felt like I was leaking today but I'm sure it's just CM. I had a large gush with Abby too. Also went in twice with her thinking I was leaking and it was just CM. I would think you should just mention it to your dr just in case.

Ruby- hope you get some sleep tonight too! I'm with Ash, getting checked isn't the most comfortable. But I just thought it was uncomfortable until I was actually in labor. Then I wanted to kick them everytime they checked me. But at my appts it wasn't too bad.

Mel- hang in there girl!!! I'm praying for you. Hope your emotions calm down a bit and that you can get some good rest tonight. You are going to need a good nights sleep!

I feel like baby has been moving less the last couple days. I'm sure it's b/c he is running out of room. When I do kick counts he is fine. Last night he was hardly active at all compared to his normal. Also my belly hurts today- like stretching/round ligament pain. And I'm wondering if baby moved a bit lower today b/c I've been having some vaginal pains when I feel him wiggle. Ugh. I hate that I'm getting so uncomfortable already!

[melfab15]

well- I am checked in and settled for the night. The nurse said that my cervix was so far back she couldnt even reach it. GREAT . . . :(

[melfab15]

I'm at 3cm!!! It's baby delivering day :)

[Rubystar]

Mel- oh my goodness, yay!!!! So happy for you, 3cm is wonderful and its going to be a great baby day! Keep us posted!!

[megs&david]

Mel- praying for you today! Hope all goes well and you are holding that baby soon!! Here's to a fast and safe delivery!!! Can't wait to see pics!

[Rubystar]

Have you met my friend? First name Braxton. Last name Hicks. I'm willing to share his attention.

[megs&david]

Ruby- haha! I don't think you will be getting rid of that friend for a bit! You can have him! i don't want anymore! How are you feeling? Are you all ready for baby?

Mel- so excited for you! Can't wait to see pictures! I can't believe how fast you went- especially being induced!!! Hope you are both doing well!!

Ash- how are you feeling today?

Ruby, Ash- now that Mel has had her baby, we are moved up even more on the list! Plus I feel like things are going to slow down on this board since it seems to be just the 3 of us ever posting!!

So tired! Abby has been sick since Monday and not sleeping well! I took her to the dr today and she has a bit of bronchitis. The dr said she is over the worst of it and should start feeling better soon. I really hope so! I also hope I don't get it!!! (would be a miracle since she has been coughing and sneezing on me!) I can't imagine coughing all the time. I feel like I'm going to pee everytime I even sneeze!!

[Rubystar]

Megs- I fear you are right... This board better pick up! Shouldn't some of the 2nd tri girls be moving over here soon? Don't get sick... Everyone I know seems to be dropping like flies. Maybe flu season is a bit late this year!

I'm getting ready for baby the best I can! My bag is almost packed and the hospital paperwork is in, eek! I feel like my pelvis is about to split in half it hurts so much!

[Rubystar]

Megs- Wait, I am slow. Did Mel have her baby!?

Ash- did Tylenol PM help? Can we take that!? Did you see any good infomercials recently? I saw a dumb one last night for a salad chopper... confessions of animal hoarding was way more entertaining.

[Pinkturtledove]

Hi girls. I sneak over here and check out what you're all doing. I'll officially be over in a few more weeks and I know there are several girls in the 2nd tri also about ready to move up. So pretty soon you'll have a lot more company!

Ruby - Mel did have her baby it was posted over on the Moms board. :)

[AshS789]

Mel - so excited for you! I can't wait to hear all about it. It sounds like everything went pretty smoothly.

Megs - feeling pretty good today, although I think I starting to get sick. Yikes! I hope you don't get sick too! Your poor DD, I hate when it affects their sleeping. It just makes everyone miserable. I know, I can't believe it's just the three of us on here now! There must be more coming over from the second trimester board. We need some more action over here! It seemed like for a while there was a baby born every couple of days! I'm planning on hanging in here for a few more weeks so don't worry, we won't leave you!

Ruby - So, tell me about these Braxton Hicks contractions. Is it totally obvious? I feel so left out that I have never felt them! Or at least, I am not aware that I am having them. I know they are probably no fun, but it would be nice to feel like the end was coming! No, I haven't seen any good infomercials, I usually find myself watching old episodes of Law and Order or Cold Case, even though I don't watch those types of shows normally! Nothing like watching murder cases at 3:00 am in the dark! That's so great that you have your hospital bag packed! I am planning on getting that done this weekend. I was so unprepared when my water broke last time. I was running around my house trying to put things together with a towel between my legs! Not something I want to repeat!

So, I didn't end up taking a tylenol pm last night. I forgot that I was planning on doing that and took some regular tylenol for a headache. So, I think I am going to try it tonight. I was told that tylenol pm was ok, so hopefully thats true! I just want to get one good nights sleep every once in a while. I am tired of tossing and turning and waking up feeling like a zombie. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow so I am excited for that. I am mostly interested in what my belly is measuring now. I have been trying so hard to be good about the diet for GD the last two weeks and I hope it has paid off. I am going to die if I am measuring 40 weeks! I still have a whole week til I get to meet with the perinatologist. Hmm, sorry, I totally rambled on for this post! :)

[megs&david]

Ash- I need a picture!!! Hope you are measuring close to where you are now. So sorry you have to follow a GD diet. I would be so bad at that! I'm living on sweets in between meals and I love my potatoes! Also, not sure how you can watch those shows. My dreams are so crazy vivid that I have to be careful what I watch/read/talk about before bed or I will have nightmares! The BH feel like everything just tightens up. It's kinda like when baby pushes a butt out except it feels that hard on your whole belly. It really squeezes my bladder and is so uncomfortable. I've hardly had any this time, but had so many with Abby that I had to take meds and was in L&D all the time. I'm so glad I haven't had them too bad. Although it wouldn't be too bad to get them toward the end. I feel like it helped me to dilate fast with Abby. Also LOL about you packing with a towel between your legs. My water broke and I sat on the toilet while I yelled to dh what to pack for me! This time I will buy little sample bottles of my toiletries instead of just waiting to pack those things!

Ruby- Yep she had the baby this morning. She posted on FB. Are you FB friends withe her? It was around 937 am california time and baby weighed 7lb13oz. That's all we know. Sorry you are hurting!!!

Pink- Can't wait for more people over here!!! Especially as Ash and Ruby get closer! I don't want to be over her by myself!!!

[Rubystar]

As you know, I can't sleep at night. It's pretty ridiculous. A friend mailed me a link to this and I just HAD to share. ENJOY!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myIIkQYvnyI




:p

[megs&david]

I took Abby into the dr again today. She has bronchitis, ear infection, and strep. Now I'm feeling sick. I called my OB office and the nurse wants me to be seen. So I'm going in at 1250 pm. I feel like the worst part is the sore throat and body aches. Ugh! Tylenol has not made me feel any better!!! I hate being sick- especially while pregnant!!! At least I get to have my belly measured again.

[Rubystar]

Megs- how is abby feeling? How are YOU feeling?? How is your belly measuring?

[AshS789]

Megs - so sorry about Abby! I hate when they are sick, it is so hard to see them so miserable. Hopefully she will start to feel better soon. And, that you won't get sick too! Yes, I would have had DH pack, but he had just left for work and was a half hour away. I panicked and did the only thing I could think of. The towel between the legs seemed like a good plan at the time, I'm sure I looked hilarious! I will try to post a picture tonight if I can get around to taking one. I don't know why, but I haven't been taking many pictures this time around. What about you?

Ruby - loved the video! So funny! Have you managed to figure out why you aren't sleeping? How is everything else going?

AFM - I had my doctor's appointment yesterday and the doctor was really happy because I am measuring 38 1/2, which was a normal growth pattern for two weeks. I was happy because that means this diet is actually doing something and so I finally feeling better about things. He did put me on some medication because my morning glucose numbers have been too high so that means I am going to start doing weekly NSTs starting next Thursday. I love doing those so I am super excited! Next week is going to be a big week because I have my NST, then my perinatologist appointment on Friday, and my parents are coming to visit on Wednesday night. So excited! :)

[megs&david]

Well, I saw my midwife today. Nothing too exciting. She did a culture for strep but decided to just go ahead and give me antibiotics since Abby has been sick for so long! The culture came back negative (which I'm surprised about) but she told me to go ahead and keep taking the meds. She gave me z-pak so it's only 5 days and I feel like I may have an ear infection too. She didn't measure my belly but that's okay. Baby's heartrate was 156 and he was super active- he really enjoys kicking the doppler! Since I'm already considered GBS positive (I had it show up in my urine early on- so that's an automatic GBS positive label) she wants me to see an allergist. I've been told I'm allergic to penicillins and I guess penicillin is the best drug to treat GBS. So I go in on Monday for a skin test and then to see an allergy dr. Should be interesting! I'm still feeling horrible and I need to take some more tylenol b/c my fever and body aches are coming back. Abby is miserable too- she actually asked to go to bed in the middle of a cartoon. She hates going to bed so I can tell she's sick. Praying we both get some good sleep now that we are on meds!

Ruby- how are you doing/feeling?

Ash- glad the diet is working. Sorry about the meds, but at least it's only a few weeks! I've actually never had an NST so I have no clue what they are like. I love busy weeks b/c it makes the time go so much faster!!! Next weekend starts several weekends in a row of being busy- our anniversary, 2 birthday parties for Abby, and my baby shower!!! Makes me excited!!! LOL about the towel! My water broke when I got up at 530am to pee- so thankfully dh was still around! You should be taking pics! I haven't posted any in a while. I will post one on Monday though when I take my 32 week picture. I've actually been really good about it this time b/c I hardly took any with Abby and I really regret it. My sister (professional photographer) did some maternity pics of me this last weekend. I will post some of those when she gets them up. We did some where we let Abby finger paint on my belly. They turned out super cute!

[Rubystar]

Ash- oh my! I admit that the image of you running around with a towel between your legs is hilarious!!! Are you packing your bag this weekend? Mine is all set- I taped a not to my bathroom mirror with last minute toiletries listed and a note on my suitcase with other last minute items. I'm a bit of a nut but doing that helped me relax! Regarding Braxton Hicks. You've had them :) you're just in the group of lucky women who haven't felt them. They are described as "practice contractions". They usually just go away with a position change and drinking lots of water. My belly gets so hard and tight when I have them and my Dr said that they are just annoying to have but if they exceed 6 in an hour a call to the hospital needs to be made. Megs went to the hospital a bunch because of BH. Because you are measuring full term will you deliver early? I'm not sure what to do about this obnoxious sleeping pattern I've gotten into but its making me mad! I have an OB check up on Friday so I will ask what I can do then... Unless I call sooner! I've tried to anticipate my cereal craving and eat it before bed... But I still wake up! So.... Should we start a bet? Who will go first, you or me!?


Megs- I'm feeling/ doing alright. Just stinkin tired!! And baby's foot is parked in my ribs, ha! How are YOU???? You poor girls have been so ill!!! How is your belly measuring??

[megs&david]

Ruby- They didn't end up measuring my belly the other day. But that's okay, because I had just had it measured! I wonder how it will be measuring at my next appt in 2 weeks! sorry, but I think Ash will have her baby first! She has the GD and is measuring big. Maybe you guys will go on the same day! I have to say that I'm not looking forward to you both having your babies! I will be lonely!! So sorry about your sleep issues! I hope you get some good nights in here soon! I haven't been sleeping well either, but I'm hoping that it's just b/c I'm sick. When is your next appt? Are they still monitoring your belly and amniotic fluid? Any more u/s coming up?

Ash- How are you doing? Hope you have a great busy week!

AFM, still feeling so sick. My throat feels better (probably b/c of the antibiotics) but now I'm so stuffy that I can't taste anything and I'm coughing and have no voice. It's been a bit of a challenge already this morning b/c I'm having a hard time getting Abby to listen to me when all i can do is whisper! Ugh! I hate being sick. Praying this is it now for a long, long time!

One good thing though- I'm 32 weeks today!!! I will take a picture later after my shower and post! I haven't taken one in 2 weeks now. I'm hoping I notice a difference. I feel big, but not huge yet. I'm sure I'll get there. I remember at the end with Abby that I felt like a beached whale. Dh and I would walk the skyways downtown and I would get so mad at all the skinny girls. LOL! Don't feel like that at all this time- LOVING my preggo belly still!

[Rubystar]

Megs- I think you're right about Ash going first! Although up until recently I thought I'd go early... baby Bubba seems to be super comfortable I think he plans to hang tight for awhile. Hopefully more girls float on over to the third tri board so you aren't so lonely... there should be some more soon, right!? My next appointment is Friday, time for the internal cervix check! I'm excited and nervous. I had my cervix checked at 29 weeks and it was not comfortable! But I'm excited with the thought that maybe I'm making a bit of progress! I don't have my ultrasounds every week anymore.. the doctors seem to be satisfied but I sure enjoyed seeing Bubba! I'm still measuring small but they are OK with that because my belly is still progressing.. its just small. Feels weird to say this but... I think I'm done with ultrasounds?!


AFM- I had my third and final baby shower over the weekend. It was fun! Now... to finish thank you cards.

[melfab15]

Hi girls!!!

Ash, rubystar, megs- you guys are getting so close!

Ash- this visual of u with a towel between ur legs made me LOL :)

Hope you are all doing well! Miss ya guys

[AshS789]

I'm so glad that I made everyone smile with my visual of having a towel between my legs! :)

Mel - So good to hear from you! How is everything going? Are you adjusting to life with two? Any advice? I'm so concerned about DS and how he is going to handle things.

Megs - I hope you start feeling better soon! It sucks to be pregnant and sick. I'm sure your belly bump is beautiful! I am definitely at the beached whale stage, I don't want to be seen in public! Everytime someone smiles at me, I want to throw something at them. Yes, I know I am huge! I do hope some new blood comes over from the second trimester board, I don't want you to get lonely. But, I will still be checking in on you, so know you won't be alone!

Ruby - Sorry to say, but I do think I will go first! It's not really fair either, because if I end up having a C-Section, I will go at 39 weeks anyway. But, I don't even think I will make it that long. I know that things are different than the first time around, but I spontaneously went 10 days early with DS and I am just expecting the same. However, you never know! Can't wait to hear about your cervical check and whether or not you have made any progress! I have been thinking of you every night when I am up watching tv. I have been recording some shows to watch so I can avoid flipping through the channels and I think I am going to start updating my Netflix queue to include some good instant movies. If I am going to up for three or four hours, I might as well enjoy it!

AFM - So, I think I starting losing my mucous plug yesterday. Definite mucousy discharge (Sorry, TMI!). I'm trying not to read too much into it since I know it isn't really an indicator of labor, but still it's exciting to have something. That may even mean I have dilated a bit! I also think I am experiencing some contractions (thanks to your detailed description!). I have just be thinking it was the baby moving, but I am now recognizing it has pressure in the lower part of my belly. Nothing consistant, but it makes me anxious for my NST on Thursday. My favorite part was watching the contractions come and go (which I never felt!). I am hoping to have the same this time around. It is a busy, busy week this week. I have to go audit a testing facility my company uses tomorrow which means a three hour tour of the facility. I am dreading all of that standing! Oh well, that's life right? It will just be nice to be out of the office and doing something to make the day go by faster. Three weeks of work can't be over soon enough!

Hope you guys are doing great!!

[merl]

Hi everyone, just thought I'd stop in and say hello. I'm 27 weeks today so I guess as of next week I'll be a regular on this board. This is so exciting, hoping to learn so much from those of you ahead.

[megs&david]

merl- Congrats on the 3rd trimester! I'm so happy someone else is over here now! Ash and Ruby are getting close and I was worried that I would be all alone over here!!!

[Rubystar]

Mel- yay!! So glad to see you here! How is your little man doing?

Merl- welcome welcome! We've been hoping for some more women to jump over here soon!!
Hope you are feeling/doing well!

Ash- I was up there other night around 3am and when I turned on my TV every single channel that I was interested in was 'off'. It drove me batty so I put on a DVD- Remember Me. I'm going to start DVRing a few shows, this insomnia is too much!!!

Megs- saw your FB post- how was the Bachelor?

AFM- its only 12:30 but.. Its the middle of the night for me since I've been asleep since 9:30. The past 3 nights I've been waking up with a super sore left hand and it gets swollen. What the heck is this nonsense!?

[megs&david]

Ash& Ruby- so sorry about your sleeping problems. I've been having issues but I just wake up and pee/blow my nose a lot and then go back to sleep. I never get up for a while! Hope you both can get some good rest in!

Ruby- you can get tendonitis or carpal tunnel in pregnancy. I wonder if that's what's going on with your hand. You can get a wrist brace that's supposed to help. Talk to your dr about it at the next appt. Ruby, good luck getting checked! Just so you know that I lost my mucus plug right after that 36 week appt where they checked me. So don't be surprised if that happens- I've heard that is common. Also, I know what you mean about being done with u/s! I haven't had good experiences with my u/s this pg (except my last one was okay) so I feel like I'm done too! I will have one more at 36 weeks but it's just the crappy machine they bring into the room. So I'm okay with that.

Ash- I doubt you're that huge, lol! I posted a picture on the picture thread. I just feel so small! Hope you survived 3 hours on your feet today! I bet it was part of your mucus plug. I lost mine 3 weeks before Abby was born and it regrew a bit and so I was losing it for the last 3 weeks. Gross!

AFM, I think I may be starting to feel better. I looked at my antibiotics and it said that it usually takes about 5 days before you feel better. Well today is the 5th day. My ears, sinuses, and throat are feeling better and I haven't had any body aches today. I'm just still really stuffy and I can't smell or taste anything. eating is no fun when you can't taste. So I think on top of the infection I must have gotten a massive cold too. Hoping to be able to taste food today at some point! I've been craving Swiss Cake Rolls and I have one left in the box but I'm not eating it until I can taste it!!! Also, everytime I cough or blow my nose hard I feel like I'm leaking! I think it's just discharge though, b/c when I look at my underwear there are wet spots, just CM.

I forgot about my allergy appt yesterday so I need to call and reschedule it today. i feel so bad- I never just forget appointments like that!

[megs&david]

My sister took my maternity pics two weekends ago. She put together a video. It's awesome and of course made me cry. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdCNIZDGrSc
Abby had a ton of fun finger painting my belly.

[AshS789]

Meg - love the video! That is so awesome that your sister did that for you. The pictures are great, you look great! I'm glad that you are starting to feel better, it must be such a relief! Too funny about the Swiss Cake Rolls. I had never heard of them before and DH bought some at the store the other day. They looked yummy but I have to keep my hands off!

Ruby - yes, the DVR is my best friend! Even if I record some lame shows, it is much better than nothing at all. I am getting tired of not sleeping though, I am at my wits end. I think I am going to have to take some more tylenol pm tonight, I am starting to have a hard time functioning at work. That's weird about your wrist. Are you sleeping on it funny?

Merl - Welcome to the third trimester! How is everything going so far? I think I remember seeing that you are waiting to find out the sex at your baby shower. Is it coming soon? Has anyone spilled the beans? :)

AFM - nothing too exciting to report. It was a hard day walking around, I was so over it towards the end but I was trying so hard to not let it show. I am defintely going to bed early tonight, today was just so exhausting!

[Rubystar]

Megs- LOVE LOVE LOVE the video! Who is singing? Sounds so familiar but I can't put my finger on it. You look great, and not too small, just perfect!

Ash- I have no idea what is going on with my hand... but it bugs me out a bit. My pinky and ring finger haven't completely recovered from last night. I took a nap today and when I woke up my whole hand was funky again. I must be doing something to it? I read What to Expect When Youre Expecting and it said that it's common "sometimes" for your face and/or hands to swell up towards the end; I wonder if this counts? I kept waddleing over to the bathroom last night to check out my face for swelling, so far so good. I'm going to try to stay up late tonight in hopes that I can sleep longer...I will keep you posted if this works or not! My friend had sleeping problems towards the end as well and her OB perscribed Ambien, he said it was safe but I find it hard to believe? I've taken it before and it makes me completely out of my mind!

AFM- I had lunch today with a former student and her mother.. they gave baby some cute gifts. Then I wandered over to pottery barn kids and got a few cute things (that were soooooo not needed). I also had my hair cut and dyed for the last time before baby's arrival... I want to look my best while losing my cool :p

[KMCarpeDiem]

Hey Ruby...From an occupational therapist stand point if your ring finger and pinky are feeling funny (like numb...pins and needles etc) its mostly likely from your ulnar nerve which can be compressed by swelling in your wrist but more commonly your elbow!! (the ole funny bone feeling....) Try sleeping with your arm out straight (NOT BENT) or you can get a padded elbow brace for wearing. If it's the other fingers that are feeling funny then that would be carpal tunnel (in the wrist) and thats the median nerve. You can get a wrist brace that holds your wrist slightly pulled back (like the ones with metal bars in them) but there are some that attach to the top of the wrist and have the bottom open to prevent further compression on those nerves.

Hope that made sense and helps! :)

[megs&david]

Ruby- my sister said that it's So in Love by Jeremy Camp. (he's a Christian singer that she loves). I don't think that you could just be swelling. I'm still guessing tendonitis or carpal tunnel like Megan suggested. I would talk to your dr about it next time. I'm pretty sure that usually goes away after pregnancy! So at least you don't have that much longer to deal with it!! I think Ambien is supposed to be okay, but I'm so against taking anything while pregnant. I just feel like I can never be certain. I would try Unisom before you try Ambien. They suggest Unisom in the 1st trimester for m/s- so you know that's for sure safe.

Ash- how have you gone this long without having a Swiss Cake Roll? They are amazing! Also, I think if you have to eat good, your dh should too. It's only fair. So what's he doing buying such yummy treats when you can't have any!!! LOL! Hope you got some good rest and feel better this morning after all that walking and being on your feet!!!

AFM, got some amazing sleep last night and so did Abby! Makes such a huge difference. I can breath a bit better today but I still can't taste food- BOO! Hopefully by the end of the day? Also I think I'm going to have dh come home early afternoon to watch Abby. I still feel like I'm leaking and it's super watery. Also have lots of pains down there. So I don't know if it's just baby moving around and extra CM, but I want to go get it checked out for peace of mind. Also having some lower belly pain/cramps. (although I think that's my bowels- I think the antibiotics are messing with that area a bit!) I wish I would have gone in last night when dh was home and Abby was in bed, but I was just so tired and thought a good nights sleep would help. I feel a bit neurotic going in all the time but I just want to make sure. At 32 weeks, I don't really want to be leaking fluids yet or have a baby!

[Rubystar]

Thanks for the hand advice ladies! I plan on talking with my Dr about it during my appointment on Friday. I feel kinda silly.

Ash- how r you doing?? Feeling ok?

Megs- I knew the song sounded familiar, though I was leaning towards Third Day :)

AFM- I'm becoming addicted to doing laundry. I'm one step away from washing clean clothes just so I can fold them and put them away again. I think its fun.

My baby is being less aggressive. I still feel him a lot but its 'quiet'. I heard that happens in late pregnancy. What's your experience?

[AshS789]

Megs - I know, right! No treats in the house! Haha, he has actually been really great. Unfortunately, the GD diet is pretty bland, we have either chicken or steak every other night. But, he always makes dinner and has it ready for me when I get home from work! So, I guess I can let him have his treats every once in a while! :) I'm glad you were able to get a good nights rest, finally! Everything is better when you feel rested. Hopefully you were able to taste your dinner tonight! Were you able to go get checked out? Hopefully you aren't leaking fluid yet! That baby needs to cook for a little bit longer!

Ruby - Sorry about your hand, hopefully you can figure it out! That must drive you crazy! I understand what you mean about the baby being "quiet". I definitely don't feel this baby move as often, but when it does move, it moves a lot! Is it the same way with you? I'm super paranoid too now that I have GD because one of the risks is still births. I can usually give my belly a little shake to make the baby move and I can get a response. How is verything else going?

AFM - I am excited for my NST tomorrow. I have been feeling quite a few contractions, nothing regular and nothing painful, just uncomfortable. I hope that they can pick up on these contractions and I can see if there is any regularity to them. And, it will be fun to listen to the baby's heartbeat for a while. I am hopeful that everything is going the way it should and this is just going to be a nice time listening to the heart beat and then I will be sent on my way. Also, I finally got a good night sleep last night! Tylenol PM really helps me clear my mind so instead of tossing and turning all night because I can't stop thinking about work, I only get up to go to the bathroom. I felt really good today. I wish I could take one every night, but I hate taking medication, I feel like I am taking enough as it is, so not looking forward to tonights lack of sleep, but it's nice to at least get one good night sleep a week.

Hope everyone is feeling great! :)

[Rubystar]

Megs- did you register yet? Where are you registering?? How are you feeling?

Ash- I 'sort of' slept last night. Wow! I got up at my regular time and refused my craving, pet my dog, went to the bathroom and went back to sleep. It was amazing though my hand still hurts, grrr!! Have you spoken with your OB about the risks of having a still birth? I would be paranoid and worried too!!

AFM- I have my monthly "girls night out" tonight. DH thinks its funny because we are all moms and/or pregnant. He doubts we can make it passed 8:30 and I think he is right! Ha!

My appointment is tomorrow, Friday, at 11:30. Last night my nether regions were so sore I was wondering if I'd be in labor by morning, ha! Today I feel fine, just tired and pokey like a penguin! I think I might be disappointed if my OB tells me I'm still closed. 2 weeks ago he said I've dropped... Also- can you lose your mucus plug in pieces? The last few days I notice (TMI warning) little white strings in the toilet after I pee... What are your thoughts?

[megs&david]

Ruby- Yes you can lose your mucus plug in pieces. It's that or a lot of CM- which I felt like I had tons at the end with Abby. Hope you have fun tonight! I'm glad you refused your craving and went back to sleep! You should try to do that more!

Ash- I ended up not going in to be checked. I feel like it's getting better so I'm sure it just had to do with me coughing/blowing my nose. I'm pretty sure it's just normal CM. Glad you got a good night's sleep. How was your NST?

AFM, I think I may be getting better. I think I was able to taste a cookie I ate earlier and when I got out of the shower, I smelled my body wash a little! Yeah!! I'm so ready for a break from my crazy little girl! We NEED the snow to melt so she can get outside and run around. Sat is our anniversary and my IL's are taking Abby Sat morning and keeping her overnight. Dh and I arent' doing anything super exciting, but I'm looking forward to it. We are going to register at BRU and Target (hopefully pick out some bedding and a dresser) and while we are at those places we are shopping for Abby's birthday present. She will be 3 in like 2 weeks!! We are going out to Olive Garden for dinner. Not sure what else we will do, but I'm just excited to get out of the house and be away from my child for a bit. It will be the first time we've left her overnight though. But it's good practice for Abby and my IL's b/c they are the ones taking her when I go into labor.

[merl]

Thanks all for your welcome. It is just so amazing to be here. I guess I will just follow from here. I also have a question. My last u/s was at 18wks and I have not had one since, I would love to see my peanut, once u get to the 3rd tri, is it normal to do u/s.

I go back to the doc on may 8th for some kind of culture test (i think) but so far all is going smoothly. My peanut is kicking and flexing limbs like he/she is making up for the fact that there is only one in there. I'm loving every minute of it.

[Rubystar]

Merl- regarding 3rd tri u/s: they are not typical protocol but a lot of women will find themselves having one or two. My OB office explained it as "taking advantage of available technology". I had a bunch between 29 & 33 weeks because my amniotic fluids were measuring low. Baby doesn't even fit in the whole screen at that point, its neat! Later in the trimester some will have an u/s to check on baby's position in the uterus. So, although its not customary to have an u/s, many will find a reason to have one :) my best friend only has one u/s, at 17 weeks, her entire pregnancy while I've already had over 15; every woman is different.

Megs- I am convinced I have a piggy living in my brain. I can't stop thinking about cereal. So... I did not refuse my craving and thus I've been awake since 1am and its now 4:30am. I'm sooooo going to talk with my doc about this dilema!!! I'm going bonkers.

Ash- how are you feeling? Sleeping?? How was the NST?

AFM- yup, awake again. Grrrr. My hair smells like a campfire and I feel like I should go wash it. My girlfriend tried to make a fire in her fireplace tonight but all the smoke ended up in the living room. At least I made it til 9:00... I'm kind of impressed!! Looking forward to my appt... Yay! I'm wondering what I should wear- am I a dork or what!? I want to wear my knee high boots but they r a pain to put on and off... And I'm tired of sneakers and I have passed the high heel days. *sigh* if only it was flip flop season.

[Rubystar]

Megs- I love babies r us! Right now it looks like that store threw up in my living room. Have you picked things out yet?

AFM- most importantly, I decided to wear my knee high cute boots today. :). Had my appt and this is was dr said:

- Cervix is soft
- NOT DILATED YET, grrrr
- my fingers/joints are retaining water, thus the hand pain
- I can take benedryl to knock me out to sleep at night
- will have another appt on Thurs

I decided my hands resemble shrek. DH calls me fiona.

[AshS789]

Ruby - sorry that you are still closed!! I know you were hoping for some progress, but just remember how quickly things can progress! Or how slow things can go. I have heard of lots of women who are 1 cm dilated for weeks! Sorry about your hands. Did you take Benedryl last night to sleep? Did it help? Glad you had such a great time at your girls night, sounds like fun!

Megs - I hope that you and DH enjoy your day without Abby! And Happy Anniversary!

Merl - Is your next appointment not until May 8th? If so, wow, that is a long time between appointments! I think it is pretty standard to only have one ultrasound in a pregnancy if everything is going smoothly. Some doctors like to do one at the end to check the size and position of the baby, but if everything is measuring normally, I'm not sure if they would. It's fun getting an ultrasound at the end, but honestly, the baby is so big that you can't really see anything. As long as I hear the heartbeat with a doppler, I am a happy girl!

AFM - So, I have had quite the busy last couple of days. I had the NST on Thursday which went pretty good. It was great to hear the heartbeat being so steady and I am having some cramping, but the dr. didn't seem too concerned about it. He did decide that he wants me to come in twice a week now for an NST and to check my fluid levels because to my surprise I lost 5 pounds in one week!! I remember at my last appointment getting nervous because I didn't want to go over that 200 lb mark, but now I am nervous that I am losing weight fast! The doctor thinks it's because of the GD diet, but wants to make sure I'm not losing fluid. Then Friday, I had my appointment with the perinatologist, which was interesting. They did a long ultrasound to check the weight of the baby and they told me he was measuring about 8 lbs 4 ounces. I have a lot of fluid, borderline too much, so I am expecting a flood if my water breaks! The doctor told me that I am not a good candidate for a VBAC so it looks like I am going to have a C-Section. I'm totally ok with that decision because all I want is the baby to get here safely. Shoulder dystocia sounds awful! The only bad thing is that pretty much means C-Sections for the rest of my pregnancies, I guess I will never know what it's like to have a baby the natural way.

The best part of yesterday was my mom babysat Graham and DH and I went out by ourselves for the first time in more than a year! It has been such a crazy year with moving to a new state, me working full time, and not knowing too many people, that we haven't gone out together alone. We just went to dinner and saw I Am Number Four (great movie by the way). It was fantastic!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

[megs&david]

Ash- I would say that you were WAY overdue for a date alone!!! So glad you got to go out. It makes a huge difference. Glad the NST was good. Sorry about the c-section. I figured that's the way it would go with your baby being so big! Sorry about that. I just saw on that Lifetime show "One Born Every Minute" a baby that almost got stuck b/c of the shoulders. It looked super scary. Baby came out super unresponsive but ended up okay in the end. But it was scary and it gave me more to worry about! I bet your weight is from the GD diet. That happened to my sister too when she started. It took her a couple weeks to start gaining again. Glad they are going to keep an eye on things though. Hope you can just relax this weekend! So have you scheduled a c-section date yet?

Ruby- Sorry about not dilating yet! But you still have a couple weeks. Your BH will help you start dilating soon though. I walked around 3cm dilated for 2 weeks and 4cm for another 4 days before I actually went into labor. So you just never know. Although I know it feels good when you feel like there is progress!

Merl- Glad to have someone else over here now!!! Sunflower should be getting over here soon too I think!

AFM, this morning I went to a friend's baby shower. She is due 2 weeks before me. It was fun. Then my IL's picked up Abby and dh and I got so much done. We registered at BRU and Target and got Abby's birthday presents. Then we went to Kohl's. I had a $5 off coupon and 15% off coupon. I bought our first baby purchase!!! Yay! I got him the little carter's onsie that says "little brother." Abby has the carter's big sister shirt. I can't wait to get pictures of them in their shirts! Getting ready to go to Olive Garden for dinner (and maybe dessert :) ) and then we are going to that Adam Sandler/Jennifer Aniston movie. Should be so fun. Then we can sleep in tomorrow b/c we won't have a toddler waking us up. (Although I'm enjoying myself, the house is really quiet and I kinda miss my little girl!)

[melfab15]

megs- super jealous of a toddler/baby free night. I could totally go for one of those :) Hope that you have some great "you" time :)

[Rubystar]

Megs- Sounds like you had an awesome day! Did you register for everything you needed? The shirts sound adorable, can't wait to see pics of your cuties in them!

Ash- Do you have a C-Section date? So good that you are comfortable with the decision. I took a benedryl and I slept but it didn't feel like a "good" sleep. However, at this point, I can't be picky, I feel like I'm losing my mind from lack of sleep! I had no idea there was high salt in some pastas and being Italian this is a struggle for me! I woke up with my shrek hand again... must have had high salt in my pasta dinner :D Now that I know what causes the swelling it doesn't worry me as much, it's just annoying. My doctor said not to wear any rings, good thing I took my rings off 3 months ago!

Merl- How are you doing?

AFM- I have a dog (bichon-poo) and I love him to pieces. We picked him out specifically because his breed is recognized as being really great with children, and so far he has proven this to be correct. My baby niece has even taken his food from him, held him by his ears and gave him one kibble at a time. We've been "dog-sitting" another dog for the passed few weeks, a mixed chihuahua breed that has the tiniest legs on the planet! Yesterday she learned how to jump on the couch to get to my lap, which caused my dog to get jealous and bark at her which in turn caused my baby to kick me, HARD! This little scenerio went on for about 3 hours!! My ribs are paying the price today from their little jealousy game. :p

DH and I are taking the hospital tour today at 3pm. Should be fun.

[karen52909]

I have been such a bad support for you ladies lately. I am so sorry. There has been so much going on here. My husband had to have surgery my dad and his medical issues. My sister is now getting married and preparing for the baby with working the 2 jobs. It has just been insane. I am cutting my hours back at my 2nd job and I am promising to get better.

I am so far behind I don't think I can even catch up so I am going to start fresh. I hope you are all well and everything is going great for all of you. My appointments start going every other week starting this thursday (the main reason I am cutting my hous back).