May Third Trimester (27 Weeks to Delivery)

[r6bikerchick]

Hopefully April showers have brought some May flowers!

(P.S. - Not sure if I'm allowed to be the one starting this thread - I'm new to the third tri as of May 1 and I was so excited to start posting in the May Third Tri thread - my apologies to sassycassie if I wasn't supposed to!!)

[Carolinagirl]

Ej-Sorry baby boy keeps giving you scares. Your almost to weekly appts, 2 more biweekly then your there! I hope that means you'll have a very laid back baby boy on your hands once he makes his arrival. :) I notice with me this lo is very quiet during the day then he vamps up at night...I have to admit it makes me worry during the day though.

bethers-Sounds like you'll have lots of people to help you move! At the very least you'll have your dh and brother so they can do alot of the heavy lifting. And then the more friends that help the faster it'll go with the rest! :) Hopefully it won't be to bad and you won't go early!

r6-welcome to the 3rd trimester!!

afm-I've been organizing all the goodies I got from the shower, trying decide what to keep and what not to. I got alot of newborn sizes and I'm thinking I may need to return those for size 3 months. I think he'll be in size 3 months very quickly! I also need to buy some replacement tubing for my medela pump, I've been looking online on amazon but I'm not sure if what they are selling will work. I wish they sold it at BRU or Target. I hope everyone is having a good day!

[Pinkturtledove]

R6 - Welcome to the 3rd tri! :)

Carolina - Yay for a good appt! So happy you got lots of goodies at your baby shower! I don't think Christopher will be in NB size very long (if at all) either.

Bethers - I can't believe you are going to be moving so close to the end of your pregnancy! I would be stressing myself out if I had to move right now. I hope you can get Lane Bryant to ship to you! :)

Hi to everyone else! I am going to try my hardest to keep up with everyone!

AFM - Had an NST today and it was good. BP was good, I was down 4 lbs from last week - weird. But I'll take it because I am now up about 25lbs total so far! But I already know the baby is at least 6 lbs alone. (That's my crazy pregnant woman weight math. :p) I learned today that your amniotic fluid should be between 5 - 20 cm. My tech is awesome at explaining everything! She said they like to see it at least 10 cm and Friday I was 9.9 cm! But today I was just over 12. So they were happy. Baby fell asleep at the end of the NST but he had already "passed" at that point.

Life has been hectic around my house. My sinuses are giving me bad headaches and I sleep horrible at night, so I feel crappy all the time! Everyone else is exhausted all the time though right? Then we realized our fridge is dying so we had to go buy a new one this weekend and it should be delivered tomorrow. I can't wait because I haven't wanted to put any food in our old one so DH & I have been eating out a lot and I am so ready for a home cooked meal! Plus I cleaned it out. Anything dairy based we threw out and so we basically have a fridge full of condiments! Yum! :p

[r6bikerchick]

Thanks for the welcomes, ladies! I know I'm going to have to be on my toes to stay up with this forum - y'all have gained the "chatterboxes" from the second tri that I was used to! I'll see if I can figure out what's going on with whom from this point forward...

Carolina - I'm glad you had a good shower! I'm definitely looking forward to mine at the end of this month. I've had excellent restraint with shopping so far - not wanting to buy anything until I know what I need to fill in after the shower.

Pink - I'm just waiting for the dreaded third tri fatigue to hit me like a ton of bricks. But I'm glad you got a new fridge - funny how quickly eating out can get old when it seems like such a treat when it is only for special occasions.

AFM - I have appointments this week with both an ob-gyn and a maternal GP, since my family doctor (who has been doing my prenatal appointments so far) doesn't deliver babies. Here's hoping I find a care provider I'm happy with for the last few months! I'm actually excited to be moving to bi-weekly appointments instead of every four weeks so I can get more frequent updates on the baby. On the downside, I haven't had my GTT (one-hour) yet, so I know that is coming soon and I'm not looking forward to it.

[sassycassie1984]

R6 - We had a chatty second tri too, then we all got tired as our bellies grew lol.

It's okay. I'm getting ready to ask if anyone over on the 1st or 2nd tri wants to take over since I've only got a month or so left until Jude the Dude arrives.

Pink - Glad Christopher is behaving himself the past couple of NST's.

Carolina - We've got a lot of 0-3 months stuff too.

AFM - Called a pediatrician today and have a meeting with him on Friday to go over my wishes for the baby at the hospital. I can finally get my birth plan finished and handed in to my midwife next week! :)

[bethers]

carolina, have you tried ebay for the parts for your pump?

there was plenty on aussie ebay when i was looking, and it also showed a lot of US things (that would ship here) and so i'd guess you'd find what you need on there.

[Carolinagirl]

Pink-I'm so glad you had a good NST! Sounds like Christopher is doing great! Oh my gracious, exhausated?! Definitely girl!! Its like the 1st trimester all over again but even worse. I just don't feel like doing anything. I try not to complain but I don't hardly sleep at night from all the peeing and hip pain. But at least i do get a nap in when my ds goes down for nap during the day. Thank goodness for those or I don't know what I'd do!

r6-I hope you like your new dr.'s. The GTT really isn't that bad, it just tastes like super sugary orange soda. But its relatively easy. :) When is your shower?

sassy-I hope your meeting with the pedi goes well! Thats great that you already have your birth plan ready to go! :)

bethers-I haven't looked on ebay but I will defintely do that today. Thanks! :)

afm-I'm taking care of a sick little boy today. :( Yesterday ds was an absolute pistol, I truly was at the end of my rope. Then last night he woke up running a fever so then of course I felt really bad. No wonder he was so cranky, he wasn't feeling good. Luckily he is doing a bit better this morning. Lots of snuggling on the couch today!

[EJ1008]

r6 - Welcome to the third trimester! What's your due date? Hope your appointments go well and that you like the new doctor. I was worried about the GTT test, but got through it OK. I used a straw with the glucola because if I had to chug it, I thought I might gag. Made it more tolerable that way.

Carolina - DH and I are both fairly laid back, so Baby Boy is probably just taking after us. That's what the women at work say, too. It's still scary when the usual tricks to get him to move don't seem to work. Last night he was really active before dinner and then when I did my kick counts after dinner (like normal), nothing. I decided that dinner lulled him to sleep, and I fell asleep too. I hope DS feels better soon -- and I hope he doesn't get you sick.

Pink - Glad you had such a great appointment and even lost weight. Sinus issues are miserable, and I'm so sorry you're experiencing them. Get whatever rest you can. Enjoy your new fridge! I hate paying for new appliances, but I sure love using them.

sassy - We have an appointment on Monday to meet a pediatrician. If we like him and his practice, I too, can complete my hospital pre-registration/birth plan. Though I don't think my birth plan is going to be any more than "I just want my baby delivered safely."

AFM - Working from home today and not feeling motivated. I got dizzy in the shower again this morning and laid down for a half hour. Then I laid down for 40 minutes after lunch to do kick counts. Washing crib sheets and drying the curtain and crib skirt right now. Trying to get the baby's room ready by Sunday because we're hosting our families for Mother's Day. Feels good to feel able to celebrate Mother's Day this year!

[Pinkturtledove]

EJ - Sorry you are having dizzy spells. I kind of just do my kick counts when baby is being really active. I figure I have no idea what his "schedule" is so I better count when he moves.

Carolina - I don't feel like doing anything either! I have not had any "nesting mode" at all and there is so much that needs to be done around the house. I really just want to sleep a lot! Sorry DS is not feeling well today. I hope he gets better real soon!

Sassy - Your on top of it with the pediatrician. Me and DH need to sit down and look over all the ones our insurance covers. Unfortunately they are all on the other side of town. Ugh! We kind of live right outside of the city though.

R6 - Good luck with your appts. I am sure you'll do fine with the GTT. It is super sweet. I love sweets and even I was grossed out by how sweet it was. I was only 14 weeks along when I took it (and failed) and was still pretty nauseous from m/s though.

AFM - Christopher went crazy this morning. He moved so much I thought he might have turned himself around. But the way he is moving right now makes me think he is still head down. I have noticed when I stand up after sitting for a while I get really bad pressure right in the groin area. Anyone else have this pain? It's like I am super stiff right there. After I walk a few steps it gets better but man does it hurt at first!

Our fridge is here! I asked the guy how long before it is cold and he said 24 hours but after 6 -8 hours it would be really cold. I guess no grocery shopping until tomorrow. :(

Lastly, I really feel like my bump has really popped out again. I took a picture but only with my crappy cell phone camera. I feel/look huge! (Sorry I know my shirt is super baggy - but so comfy!) :)

[sassycassie1984]

Pink - I am having that groin pain issue too! I HATE getting out of bed in the morning because of it!

I have the nesting syndrome, BUT I am too tired to do anything about *sigh* I'm hoping for an energy boost soon because things not being in order around here is driving me batty!

[r6bikerchick]

sassy - Hope your meeting with the pediatrician goes well. Birth plan - right, I've got to get on that!

Carolina - My shower is Saturday, May 28th, just about 31 weeks. My goodness, I can't imagine what it's like to be pregnant and taking care of another child at the same time - my hands are full taking care of me and my husband!

EJ - My EDD is July 30 (I really hope it's a July baby and not August, simply because I'm sure I will have had enough of being pregnant by then! My mom's birthday is July 27th, so she wants me to start doing jumping jacks on that day. :)). Now that I am in the third tri, I am thinking about starting my kick counts, but go figure baby was way less active today (to the point where I was worried). I walked around and did some pelvic tilts and drank some orange juice, but I really can't figure out his schedule.

Pink - Let's hope gravity is keeping the little man upside down. I already feel huge - I'm in trouble for the next 13ish weeks!

[Jen0653]

Hey all! I've been lax in posting, just super busy. My little sister's wedding shower was Saturday. Turned out great, but now we have the wedding to look forward to (around 37 weeks for me) and tons of other things over the next few weekends - a wedding, litte brother's HS graduation, my shower and hopefully a camping trip for Memorial weekend. I'm a busy girl, but it's making time go by quickly!

Bethers - I couldn't imagine moving at 37 weeks, but then again, I'll be in a bridesmaid dress at 37 weeks and everyone tells me I'm crazy! We do what we have to!!! Hopefully that LO stays put and you get LOTS of help. Take it as easy as possible!

Carolina - Glad the shower went well! I keep wondering what sizes to buy. I want cute newborn things, but don't know how long she'll be in them either.

Pink - Glad the NST went well! Always good to hear good, boring reports!!! I love a new fridge. Something great about knowing you are the only one to use it and it being super clean.

r6 - Welcome to the 3rd tri! I'm not the newby anymore!!! LOL The one hour isn't so bad, drink is yucky, but tollerable.

Sassy - I need to start looking for a pediatrician! Hopefully things go well. Are you just meeting with them? I feel weird about doing that, but then again, I want someone that I'm comfortable with too, so I know I just have to get over it.

I attatched some of out 3d pictures. She's got huge, cubby cheeks! We also caught a few images of her sticking her tongue out!

[bethers]

girls i have a question!
i know our medical systems are different and i'm in australia.

but why do you need a paediatrician?

is that for the baby as he/she grows up that's where you go when they're sick? or what?

coz over here you never see a paed unless there is a particular reason! we just take the kid to our regular general practitioner/ family doctor. if you want to see a paed you have to get a referral because they are a specialist and it's quite expensive!

each baby sees a paed at the hospital though before they go home to get checked out, but that's about it!!!

[EJ1008]

bethers - It's fairly standard for children in the U.S. to see pediatrians. You can take your child to a family practitioner, but it's not common in my area to do so. I think my insurance covers well baby care visits at 100%, assuming that we stick to the regular intervals -- more frequently during the first year and then annually.

[bethers]

gotcha. that's what i thought but i wanted to check!

yeah here we just take them to the family doctor. i know in my doctor's office there's like 15 doctors or something and on their website they have a list of the things each doctor 'specialises' in. you can see them for anything, but some like to do womens health or kids, or geriatrics or worker compensation claims etc.
my doctor like to deal with asthma, internal medicine and worker compensation claims. but he's good with kids too.

over here the govt pays a certain amount each time you go see the doctor, and it's up to each individual place what they want to charge. some only charge the scheduled fee (it's like 35 bucks per general consult) but mine charges 68. so i am out of pocket the difference each time. but i don't think they charge extra for kids which is good. i know lots of people here that refuse to pay to see a doctor, but to be honest, i'd rather pay and know i'm getting good care, than go see some random who doesn't charge extra, who just wants you in and out in 2 seconds flat so they can make money. and usually those ones are like what's wrong, here's an rx, get going. and don't really care!

[esarah]

We bring our kids to our family practice doctor. He sees lots of kids and we just love him and have been seeing him for 8 years. He actually diagnosed me with PCOS and my blood clotting disorder and it why I have my kids. I trust him with my kids and he is great! He is better with the kids then the peds we have been referred to when my kids have had weight problems. If you have a family practice or general practitioner you like and they see kids then I think it's a great idea to bring your kids to them. We have had referrals to peds before, like I said but a lot of people I know around here bring their kids to family practice docs so I really think it just depends on the area. Our well baby/child checks are covered 100% by our insurance. For a sick visit we pay $25 (used to be $15) except we reached our insurance out of pocket max early this year so for the rest of the year we pay nothing for anything.

[Carolinagirl]

EJ-It sounds like your nursery is just about finished! Make sure you post some pics soon! :) I'd love to see it. Sorry little one isn't cooperating with you when you are doing kick counts. Sounds like he is a very sleepy baby. I hope he is up bouncing around this morning!

Pink-you get to go grocery shopping today! woo-hoo! I know you'll be excited to stock up and to eat a good home cooked meal today! You have really popped since your last picture! You look so cute! :) Oh my goodness I'm glad to know I'm not the only one with groin pain. Its awful. Mine doesn't seem to go away. It feels like I've tried to do a spilt but have gone to far. lol I've also noticed my lady parts have started swelling too. I asked the ob about it and she told me it was because he is so low and all the pressure he is putting on me. :(

sassy-I have the same problem, there is so much I want to do but absolutely no energy to do it.

r6-Your shower isn't to far off at all. :) Are you getting excited? Being pregnant the second time around is definitely different that the first, I just can't rest like I did with ds#1. So I'm way more exhausated and just don't have the energy to do what I would like with ds. I feel bad for him but it won't be too much longer. I'll still be exhausated but I can get down in the floor and run around and play again. :)

Jen-I think I'm going to keep a handful of newborn things then exchange the rest for 0-3 months. If my memory serves me right I think ds was in newborn for just 2-3 weeks if that. They grow sooo fast! I love your pics of Kelsey, she definitely has those cute little chubby cheeks.:) Shes gonna be your little gerber baby.

bethers- ditto what EJ said. Its pretty standard for children to see a pedi from birth to age 18. Our ins. covers well baby visits at 100% and sick visits we have to pay 20% which usually is around 20-30 dollars. It seems like we see specialists for everything over here.

afm-It seems like ds had a 24 hour bug, he is feeling alot better today. I'm so glad! My maternity pictures came in today so I'm going to go pick them up after naps this afternoon, I can't wait to see them!

[sassycassie1984]

bethers - Most hospitals require a pediatrician to check the baby out in the hospital after birth and before being released to go home. My GP doesn't do pediatrics, just adults so I have to search for a pediatrician. I would love my GP to do well-child care for Jude because she is AMAZING, but 1) she doesn't do pediatrics and 2) DH and I can barely get appointments with her let alone trying to get a sick kid in. That's why I'm searching for a pediatrician. Lots of people here use family practices or GP's, it just didn't work out for me.

Jen - It's just a short interview to get to know each other and go over my birth-plan/have him sign off on it. I asked to not give Hep B vaccine at birth, so it has to be signed by a pediatrician in order for the hospital to obey my wishes otherwise I could have just used any of the hospital peds on staff for the birth.

If any of you are breast-feeding www.uddercovers.com has a promo code for a free cover. You just pay $9.95 shipping and handling. The code is MOTHERSDAY. You will also get a link to their sister site and a promo code for a free sling (again you pay shipping and handling). GREAT DEALS!

[esarah]

My Family Practice Doctor delivered my babies and then was the one who saw them at the hospital and has cared for them ever since (except for when the last three were in the NICU). I actually love it that way. The dynamic is great and he knows and cars for our entire family history for the last 8 years.

[merl]

Carolina~I hope ur ds feels better. I'm sure ur pics turned out great.

Hi all it seems this fatigue is getting the better of me now, my feet are starting to swell and I just feel like a huge blimp. She seem to be just lousing around lately not much movement just what she needs. My stomach is so tight sometimes I fell it will burst. LOL...
Otherwise all is well.... had my doc apt which went horrible. The office I go to have numerous doctors and they rotate, saw this female doc who could only focus on the fact that i gained weight. Then when she was leaving the office, she left the room door open with me sitting on the table with my dress over my chest and just the little office paper blanket covering my lower half. I will be telling my doc next time I go there that I do not want to see her again and if she is the one to deliver my baby I will choose someone else and make a stink for my money back.

[jonquil01]

hey guys sorry I'm not doing personals..but I have spent the last 6 hrs crying and freaking out. My scan today showed that the baby is measuring 1wk and 5days behind and that I have lost more amniotic fluid. The Dr decided to go ahead and send me to the Peri b/c of this...but then he added that my Tri-Screen had came back 1 in 103 for Down's. He hadn't told me before b/c I had asked him not to tell me the results and he said that if he saw something he was concerned about that he legally had to tell me..however as long as it was something he wasn't concerned about I would be on a need to know basis. So he said the only reason he was telling me now is b/c the Peri would and he didn't want me to freak out..which I did anyway. My bp shot up to 154/104. It's coming back down now that I'm trying to calm down and tell myself that those stupid tests are wrong more than they are right and that still means that 102 people with that same result had normal babies.

but now I am eyeballing every u/s pic I have and looking at his head, nose, etc. I'm so nervous and my appt with the Peri is not until Monday. I know I should just leave it up to God, but it's so hard and just keep praying for strength.

[Pinkturtledove]

Jon - I am so sorry girl! I know its hard to hear news like that but I think it's better to be prepared than not. And like you said there is still a big chance he doesn't have it. There is no way to know if he does until he's born. I just want to give you a big hug!

Merl - Sorry your appt was frustrating. Some Dr's have no bed side manners what so ever. I can't believe she left the door open - how rude!

Carolina - Glad DS is feeling much better! Yay for your maternity pictures being ready!

Jen - Your girl is so cute! I am kind of regretting not doing the 3d u/s now! But I get a peek at him every week during my NST's. But your pictures are so cute!

R6 - I am hoping gravity and limited space is keeping him head down!

Sassy - So glad to know I am not alone in the groin pain. It is so annoying!

AFM - I took it really easy today and did as little as possible. I started a thread in the pregnancy forum about the pain I was having. It isn't hurting much at all anymore, so not sure what it was but will definitely be telling my Dr about it tomorrow. I can't believe that tomorrow I am one month from my due date! I have really enjoyed being pregnant and feel it has been very special but I am already super uncomfortable and not sleeping much at all any more so I am really looking forward to him being born soon!

[bethers]

hey girls
thanks for all your replies about the pediatrician. i find it interesting how things work differently in different countries. :)


jon - BIG HUGS GIRL!!!!! i hope you can keep calm and that things go ok. praying for ya!

well yesterday i was talking to some girls and since i have GD and they're all like you must do this and you must do that at the hosp and stuff, the girls were like you NEED a doula or something. and i agreed. plus dh is useless and he'll probably pass out when i'm in labour lol.
anyways so i have organised myself a student midwife. she is doing a bachelor of midwifery at one of the local universities. they have to attend 10 births each year of the course (it's 3yrs) and they have to come to as many appts as they can plus the birth if at all possible.
so i met this girl rachel online last night and she's meeting me at my growth scan today. you have to be less than 35 weeks when you tee up with them and i'm 34 today so it's perfect.
i hope she's nice!
it's all about continuity of care and stuff, and because i am going through the public system in australia, i see a different doctor and midwife every appointment! and who knows WHO will be rostered on when i deliver. (you only get an ob in the room if it's medically required. if i had a private ob then he'd be there etc).
so yeah this means i get the same girl with me for the rest of my appts that she can make it to, and she'll hopefully be there for the birth too. and it's good training for her. i think she has to write about me for assignments and stuff but that's ok.

so i'm meeting her this afternoon, i hope i like her!!!!! (oh and coz she's a student, it's FREEEE!!!)

[r6bikerchick]

Too tired to be chatty, yeah right! This is a busy board!

Jen - Wow, bridesmaid at 37 weeks! That's great! I thought I was doing well to stand in a wedding at 16.5 weeks. One of the bridesmaids at my wedding was ~32 weeks and you could barely tell because of the empire style of her dress. I hope you're comfortable for the day! P.S. - You also got me excited about my upcoming 3D u/s, scheduled for the day of my shower (May 28).

Bethers - I think everyone has answered your question. I'm in Canada, and I really like my family doctor and I think he will be seeing my baby as well. I wish he could deliver my baby! Similar to your experience, I've had a different med student do my prenatal check each time I go to the hospital, and whichever ob is on call when I am in active labour will deliver the baby, so it could be a complete stranger. I do have a doula, though. I think you will really like that model of care.

Carolina - I AM getting excited, but it seems so far away still (I have a lot to do at work for the next several weeks). I also drive myself crazy with worry - I know baby needs to sleep but I wish that he was moving ALL the time! I also hope your maternity pictures are awesome - I just booked a session with a photographer and I will have pics done sometime in Week 30. I know my belly will still get a lot bigger after that, but I want to feel good about how the rest of me looks when the pictures are taken!!

Merl - Sorry about your lousy appointment. I hope you get treated much better the next time.

Jon - Like you said, it really is in God's hands and I pray that He will give you strength, peace and comfort. Remember, 1 in 103 is still less than 1% chance! We're here for you - keep us updated.

Pink - Let's hope! The doctor told me this morning that my baby is currently breech (but not really a big deal because I am only 28 weeks and he is probably still doing somersaults in there - yesterday's appt with the ob-gyn, he was in a transverse position). I wish I could feel by pressing on my belly the way the doctors are able to. Maybe when he's a bit bigger I will know...

That's it from me - just counting down the weeks to my shower/3D ultrasound. I'm now on bi-weekly appointments. Any advice for me on fetal kick counts? When? How many times a day? How many kicks/timeframe? I've heard everything from keeping track of making sure there are at least 6 kicks every 2 hours (please, my baby is sleeping sometimes and I don't have TIME to stop and count 12 times a day!) to just being sure that there is good movement within a 24-hour period.

[Pinkturtledove]

R6 - My doctor wants 10 movements within an hour to 2 hours. He says just during his usually most active time of day. My baby is so active though that I usually only notice when he doesn't move a lot and take the time to lay down (they say after a meal) with no distractions and count then.

Bethers - Good luck with your midwife student! I hope you like her lots!

AFM - My appt with my OB this morning was great! He is very happy with how baby is looking! He did a mini-u/s and baby is still head down and my Dr and all the staff keep saying his heart looks beautiful and his breathing looks great too. I did my GBS test so we'll find out if I have it. We also discussed my birth plan. At next weeks appt we are going to pick an induction date for around 39 weeks! OMG Christopher is going to be here so soon! My Dr really wants me to deliver vaginally since baby is head down and looking so good! My NST was good too, of course baby fell asleep at the end of it again. So relieved that I have an idea of when he will be born (if he doesn't come sooner on his own!) :D

[Carolinagirl]

merl-I don't blame you for bringing a complaint against that doctor, that was very unprofessional of her to do that. I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience. :(

jon-I'm so sorry! I know that news can take you back, but you have the right attitude. Just remember 102 babies were completely normal. I had the same thing happen to me during our 1st tri screen...I ended getting really bad results. I can't remember the exact #, i believe it was 1:49. I drove myself crazy and got really depressed. I had to wait 6 weeks for my u/s with the peri...it was the worst 6 weeks of my life but in the end everything turned out fine. I have a healthy little boy growing in there. :) try to stay positive!! Hugs

Pink-Yay for a great appt!! Wow, I didn't realize you were going to be induced at 39 weeks. That means he is going to be here by the end of the month!! How exciting!

bethers-Getting a doula sounds like a great idea. It'll be nice having someone/the same person with you for the rest of your appts and delivery. :) I hope your appt goes well and you and her 'click'! :)

r6-I was the same way with my pics, I wanted the cute baby bump but didn't want to be so big where I was uncomfortable and swollen. I had mine taken just days shy of being 33 weeks. So week 30 should be great! I have to admit I haven't been great at doing my kick counts, I just forget sometimes. But I feel him kick pretty often so I haven't worried too much. I did have a mini panic attack last night because it had been 4-5 hours since I felt him kick....dh started talking to him, jiggling my belly, and just all out harrassing him, lol and he started moving so I felt alot better. And today he is just all over the place. :) I guess he was just going through a growth spurt yesterday...lil stinker!

afm-My pics turned out fantastic, even better printed than the proofs online. I'm so happy with them! Now I just need a ton of frames. I swear at the rate I'm going with pics my whole house is going to be a shrine to my boys. My dh alreay asks me where are we going to put new pics of the new baby. I guess I'll just have to rearrange....maybe start going up the stairway and hallway. I just can't help it...I've waited so long for these little guys! I want pics of everything! :)

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Happy Mothers Day and Mothers-to-be Day to each one of you ladies! :)

[Pinkturtledove]

Carolina - So glad your pictures came out so great! I think my house will be full of frames and pictures once this little guy is born too! I really didn't know what my OB's plan was for me since I am high risk. So I asked him today what happens if I get to my due date and he isn't here and that's when he started saying he wanted to induce by 39 weeks if he wasn't here on his own. So it was surprising but such a relief to know we have a plan. It has really helped lift my mood today, just so happy to know how much longer I have to be so tired and uncomfortable! :p

[bethers]

just popping in to quickly tell you.

my growth scan went great! she's still definitely a girl, weighs around 2.5kg and is quite tall. about 65th percentile size wise which is big but not huge so that's good. she was moving quite a bit towards the end, we woke her up haha. and now she's been bouncing around ALLLLLLLLLL day today.

my student midwife is lovely! i signed the paperwork to have her on board and it's all sorted. and i found out today that she isn't included in my support people (i can have 2 in labour) so i can still have dh and 1 other person if i want. which my best friend wants to be there but i'm just not sure about it. do i want her seeing me naked???

had antenatal class today, was a bit boring, i didn't really learn much as i knew it all already, but dh found it good. the chairs were horrid though and now i ahve a backache. :( early to bed for me tonight i'm exhausted.

[r6bikerchick]

Pink - Thanks for the advice on kick counts. I'd much rather just count once or twice a day, during the most active periods. After a quiet afternoon yesterday, go figure that my little guy (I've been calling him "Bubba" that most definitely will NOT be his name) kicked the TV remote off of my belly last night! I'm not familiar with your health history for this pregnancy - is there a medical reason why they want to induce at 39 weeks? I keep reading about how inductions can make the rate of other interventions (epidurals, c-sections, instrument deliveries, etc.) much higher so I really hope my little guy comes on his own.

Carolina - Now that I've been in touch with the photographer and thinking about the shots that I want, I'm getting excited! We'll start replacing some of our wedding photos on the walls with pregnancy and then newborn photos! I can't blame you! (P.S. - I'm glad to hear my DH isn't the only one who jiggles the talks to the belly! It's so funny and cute).

Bethers - I can't imagine who else I'd want at my labour besides my doula and my DH. My sister, maybe, but like you, I don't think I want her to see me in that state!

[sassycassie1984]

r6 - Most GD babies are induced because of the possibility that 1)baby will be too large at 40 wks or beyond 2) amniotic fluid can begin decreasing earlier in women with GD. A lot of doctors will induce at 38 weeks for GD. It depends on how the GD is controlled, how the baby is doing, how the baby is measuring, and how your doctor/midwife feels about it.

jon - Praying for a healthy baby and a safe delivery.

pink - Yay for more good appointments! Looks like you and Oreos are both going to beat me to the delivery line for June babies!

Sorry I don't have more time for personals. DH and I went to Cincinnati since is the last weekend I'm allowed to travel more than an hour from our hospital. Packed the hospital bag in the car just in case. I've had some major BH this weekend (really painful and lasting 30 seconds), and I've had a couple of real contractions, but nothing consistent. Jude is still hanging high - he hasn't "dropped it like it's hot" yet ;)

Oh! Love, love, LOVE the pediatrician! He answered my questions thorougly and you could tell he cares a lot about kids. The nursing and office staff were super nice and the patient and waiting rooms are SUPER cute too :)

P.S. Has anyone heard anything from our May Due Date Moms?

[bethers]

r6 - i have GD and i've been told i am NOT allowed to go overdue. i will be induced on my due date if i haven't had bub before then. having said that, if she's growing too big, then i may be induced earlier.
like you, i don't really like the idea of induction as it increases the chance of all the other interventions. but i've kinda come around to the fact that it's likely to happen. HOWEVER, i have a clinic appt next week and i'll be discussing it with them (i'll be 35+4 then) when they want her to come, and if it's soon i will book in for accupuncture as i heard that works really well for labour induction naturally.

[sassycassie1984]

On the flip side of GD, I'm allowed to go past term provided everything keeps looking good.

[bethers]

i guess it just depends on your Ob and his/her views and also the hospital policies. i don't have my own Ob. i just see whichever one is rostered for clinic on the days of my appointments. but the hospital has policies so they all adhere to them.

having said that i CAN go above them if i really wanted. one of my friends is really annoyed about some policy about something and she went over everyone's head to the boss Ob at the hospital. apparently if she signs off on your birth plan, then you get what you want. lol. nobody will argue with her.

[fe_bengan]

Hi ladies

I have been reading most days but not posting, just finishing last 3 weeks at work and last 2 assignments at uni so can not wait until they are finished!!!

Bethers - In NZ we do not have pediatricians either and just take baby to family doctor where it is free for children under 5. We have a strong midwife focus here and only get an ob if you are having a high risk pregnancy. I know what you mean about antenatal class, i think it is just for the boys as you do so much reading about stuff you start to feel like a mini expert.

Jen - your cutting it fine at your sis wedding hehe, hopfully you will have a great time. your wee girls scan pics are soooo cute. hopefully you are able to fing a pedi that you can trust.

Carolina - I am not getting maternity pics, gonna wait till bubba comes and get some family shots. post some up so we can see your preg glow. glad that they have turned out how you wanted them.

Merl - hopefully your ob gets sorted and you dont get that woman again.

Jonquil - how did your peri appt go? any update on little bubba? hopefully all is well.

Pink - I am glad pain has gone. not long now till your due date, you must be getting excited. Hopefully you will be able to deliver naturally.

sassie - Glad you like your peri. I agree I wonder about may due date ladies???

AFM - getting really excited now, went on hospital maternity ward tour on sat which made it very real. I am having my baby shower this weekend so I cant wait to get all the presents. except I hate being centre of attention so not so keen on that part. we are renovating out bathroom at the moment so just have a room with a bath in middle. haha i have been washing DH hair with a pot so hopefully shower goes back in by the end of the week.
other than that just getting big now and uncomfortable. I have been feeling quite teary to but know that is just the hormones. I just cant wait for my little girl to arrive so I can give her big cuddles and kisses!!!!!
have a great week ladies :cool:

[Carolinagirl]

Pink-thats exciting to know that you have an end date in sight!! I keep wondering if this little guy will come early or come late like his brother. :p

bethers-I'm so glad your appt went well! And that you like your doula! :) Thats wonderul! You still have some time to decide about your best friend, I totally understand why you wouldn't want her to see you like that. I only had my dh with me in the room and will this time as well. But I can say that when you are pushing you won't realize who or what is going on because you are so focused. I do remember that there was a whole team in there at the end, the rn, dr, and the pediatric team waiting on the baby. There definitely isn't any modesty to it. :p But just do whats best for you and what your most comfortable with.

r6-what type of shots are you thinking about doing? We did one with the u/s pic in front of my belly, mine and dh's hands in the shape of a heart, some of me looking at my baby belly and then some with dh, I also did a few where I wrapped tull around my chest and belly and attached a blue flower...it turned out super cute! Yea, my wedding pics become fewer and fewer as I collect more pics. Just replaced with family pics now. :)

sassy-glad you loved your pedi! Hope you had a nice trip with dh. :) I know ladybug had her baby in April, she posted on the moms board. And DM posts on the moms board as well but I'm not sure about sunflower or karen.

fe-aww, have fun at your shower! I hope you get lots of goodies! Oh my, I hope you get your bathroom back soon!

afm-my little guy had me so worried today, I couldn't get him to kick or move for the life of me. I tried drinking orange juice then pepsi but nothing. Then my dh got worried and just went crazy jiggling and bouncing my belly. I did feel him roll once but nothing else. Ugh! So I went out and bought me a mango icee and boom he started going bananas. I have never been so happy. I hate these last few weeks when the movements slow down.

[merl]

Hey everyone, just want to pop in and say that I trust everyone had a wonderful mother's day. It's so amazing to see that all the time we have been praying and going through treatment, just wanting to be a mom, and today we could say we are. For the past months we have been nurturing and protecting our little ones, anxiously awaiting his/her arrival. Today we can truly look back and say it was as worth it and we will absolutely do it again, without a doubt.

Jon~I am sorry you're going thru that. Hold on to hope that all will be alright, and like u said more times the babies are healthy. Focus on that and see where God lead you.

To everyone else, take care, soon we will all be holding our precious babies. Oh what a feeling.

[jonquil01]

hey ladies. keep us in your prayers. I have my peri appt tomor at 2:30.

[ldarolyn]

Jon- I will keep you in my prayers tomorrow. I hope everything goes ok.

Carolina- What a little stinker your little guy is. I've been worried a few times but usually right when I'm about to call my midwife, she suddenly dcides to start moving. I think our little ones are going to keep us on our toes.

fe- Going on the tour, definitely makes things seem more real. Yay for your shower coming up. I am the same way about being the center of attention.

Sassy- Glad you and DH got to get away for the weekend. Hopefully it was a trip for the two of you and not work related or something. having a pedi that you like and trust is soo important, that is good that you found one. Especially one that is willing to sit down and take the time to answer your questions.

AFM- I have my appt next week along with the GBS screen. Then I start going weekly after that. My legs are so freakin swollen. The swelling use to go down while I slept but there is still a significant amt ven after I've slept all night. I swear one of these days they are going to explode. I am still feeling really good besides my normal tiredness from working nights and not sleeping. We redid the letters for the nursery and put them on the wall finally. Then installed the carseat and started packing my bag.
My MIL called wanting to know what I am going to do if she doesnt come by her due date because she planned a trip to visit FIL (works out of state) for 2 days after my due date. She wanted to know if I would have them induce me. I kindly told her that I will not let them induce me for being 2 days late, only if there were health concerns for baby or me.
On a positive note since DH and her got into it about her not seeing or calling the kids, she has been calling and making plans for the summer. Hopefully this isnt just a phase and she actually sticks to it. Because it really saddens me that my kids dont have a better relationship with them.

[r6bikerchick]

Thanks for the info on GD, ladies. I just had my glucose challenge this morning (one-hour) and I hope I pass it.

Bethers - I've also heard of taking castor oil (1 tbsp at breakfast with orange juice or scrambled eggs) to induce labour naturally, as well as having sex and eating spicy foods to get the little one moving down and out! Good luck!

Fe - It must feel good to be so close! I loved handing in final assignments for university - such a feeling of accomplishment! And I'm looking forward to the hospital tour - I'm sure it helps when you have a picture in your mind of where you are actually going to be having the baby.

Carolina - Probably a lot of the "usual" maternity shots - holding the u/s pic in front of my belly, making a heart with my hands, having DH kneel in front of me and kiss/talk to the belly, etc. I'm sorry that your little guy is scaring you. Mine's not as active as I'd like either (and he should still have lots of room!), but I try to remember that my worrying is not good for him either. I might have to get some mango ice cream!

Merl - Thanks for the wishes! I was a little bit disappointed that I didn't even get a card for M-day, but I did get a few well wishes. Next year, I better be spoiled rotten!

Jon - Thinking of you and praying not only for the results but for your peace and comfort. Keep us posted.

Ida - Sorry to hear about the swelling! I'm nervous about how uncomfortable I'm going to get. But yay for all the progress in getting ready. I even practiced using the car seat this weekend, even though I hope I won't need it for another 10-12 weeks. I'm also glad that you didn't let your MIL push you on induction. Sheesh - it's two days, not two weeks! It's making me wonder what it will be like for my parents and inlaws to be grandparents.

AFM - Still just waiting for my 3D u/s and baby shower on the 28th! (It seems like I am always waiting for something, lol). I'm meeting a maternal GP this week so that I can decide whether to continue care with him or with my ob-gyn. My doctor was happy to continue providing prenatal checkups and he's going to alternate weeks with the other provider, so I'm onto weekly appointments. Even though I'm not high-risk, that makes me happy to have more checks on my minimally active bub.

[Carolinagirl]

jon-thinking of you. I pray everything went well at your peri appt.

Ida-I'm so sorry your having all the swelling. I hope you can get some relief. I'm glad your mother in law is calling and making plans to come spend time with your children. I hope she continues it!

r6-yay for weekly appts. It maybe more time consuming but it'll definitely give you peace of mind. I start going weekly after next week, I'm so glad!

Hi to everyone else!

[merl]

r6~I'm sorry to hear u did not even get an e-card. That sucks!!! Even before I got preggo for years I've been getting roses and at least breakfast or lunch/dinner, so now it's the real thing even if the baby is not here yet.

Ida~Hope all works out with ur mil.

Hi all!

[jonquil01]

Dr appt today went well. Everything looked normal PRAISE GOD!!! He didnt see any marker's for Down's, but said that they still could not say 100% with an u/s. Well..it was enough for me! LOL!! My bp was was not good..but I was a nervous wreck. He did say that Luke is still not growing like he should. He only gained an ounce since Thursday (should have gained 4). The Dr said it's from the bp. So I keep seeing the specialist once a week and my regular OB once a week and we are starting steroids to get his organs ready. Trying to make it as long as we can before we have to take him!!

I just keep thanking God for seeing us through yet another scare!!!

[bethers]

jon that is fantastic news. so glad everything's going well even if he's not growing enough. sometimes babies just need to get out a little early so they can grow better, so here's hoping maybe that's all that he needs. hopefully the steroids will help too. God is good huh!

[jonquil01]

bethers- YES!!!! I just keep thinking how awesome God is and unworthy I am!!

[bethers]

jon :D


well i have had braxton hicks for FIVE hours between 2-4 mins apart, i'm going mad!
hubby made me call the hospital. they said to try a shower, heat pack etc etc. done all that. she said if they start getting worse or my waters break or they don't fizzle out overnight (it's 11.30pm here) to call them back later, but she said they may just die off or it could be the real thing, who knows!!!

[debraanne6]

Hi Ladies,
I guess I'm allowed to start posting here? Today is 27 weeks! Just wanted to say hi!

[sassycassie1984]

Bethers - WOAH! Keep us posted!

Jon - So glad the Down's markers weren't there. Hoping Luke gets to hit a growth spurt and the steroids do the trick.

Debraanne- Welcome to the 3rd tri!

Hey everyone :)

[Carolinagirl]

debra-Welcome to the 3rd tri!! How are things going with your little one, have you had anymore u/s's since they found the cyst? You and your little one have been in my thoughts.

merl-how are you feeling? You are getting so close!! Have they started checking you for progress yet?

bethers-wow! Keep us posted! I hope it tapers off for you, that little one needs to bake for at least I couple more weeks. :)

jon-thats great news! So glad they didn't see any markers! God is definitely good!!! I'm glad they are going ahead and doing the steriod shots, but I hope he hits a growth spurt before they have to take him. When are they thinking about doing your c/s?

Hi to everyone else!!

afm-I ended up taking ds to the dr this morning. I was just at my wits end with him, he has been soooo cranky lately (way above the normal terrible 2's) and having an on and off fever so I thought maybe something was going on with him. But turns out he is 100% healthy. Which I'm happy about but I was kinda hoping for something, at least it would explain why he is so cranky and ill-acting. I guess its growing pains....lol....I just don't know and its wearing this momma out!!

[debraanne6]

Carolina - Thanks for asking! I have another u/s on the 26th. So far I have yet to hear anything about the bloodwork they did at the last appt. They said the 1st. appt. bloodwork was fine. Everyone I ask says that no news is good news so we will see! I hoping that the cyst will have just dissapeared on the next u/s.

I hope you little one feels better so you can get some relief!

Bethers - I hope you are feeling better and your braxton hicks have stopped. What do those feel like by the way? Just curious.

[sassycassie1984]

debraanne - They start high and work their way down low whereas a real contraction starts low and works its way up. It can feel like a menstrual cramp, a tightening of the stomach, or it can be VERY painful like you would imagine a real contraction feeling. Usually they aren't cause for alarm, but if they do occur with some regularity 4-5 mins apart for over an hour you should definitely call your doctor like bethers did.

[bethers]

yeah mine get very tight all across my belly around my belly button etc. they went on for about six hours last night. i timed them for 2 of those hours.

finally fizzled off just after midnight. but they've started again this morning, typically.

at least i'm 35 weeks on friday, so if it did go anywhere, it's not a HUGE deal, although another 2 weeks of baking would be good!

but on the bright side, my bag is now packed!!! haha dh was getting so worried!

[jonquil01]

sassy- WOW!! you are getting so close! Just saw your due date!! omigosh!!!

bethers- ugh the braxton hicks suck!!! I had them a few weeks ago for a few hours and they HURT! I did't think they were suppose to..but they do LOL.

carolina- probably two wks from this Friday!!


AFM..well we started the steroid shots yesterday and every 2hrs afterwards I was STARVING!!!! I asked the Dr if the steroids would help Luke gain weight (he's only 3lbs 1oz right now and he's suppose to be 4 1/2 lbs), but he said no unfortunately it doesn't work that way. Well...it's certainly going to make ME gain the weight!! LOL!!! But, whatever! As long as it's helping his lungs get ready, I dont care if I swell up like a float in the Macy's thanksgiving parade LOL!! Lil man has been really wiggly the past few days...which is good! My Dr said yesterday that we will probably taking him in the next two weeks (YIKES), but that we are on a day to day basis. So, I went ahead and finished packing both of our bags. It's getting so close now and I am getting a wee bit nervous..but excited too.

[bethers]

ooh jon, not long to go! praying that all goes well and you can keep luke baking for those full 2 weeks.

[Carolinagirl]

debra-I agree, no news is good news. :) I hope that at your next u/s the cyst has disappeared altogether too. I'll continue to keep you and your little one in my prayers in the meantime!

bethers-how are you feeling today? Are the bh still going?

jon-wow, you don't have long at all. Sounds like you are packed and all set to go. Did you get any preemie clothes at any of your showers? It sounds like you are going to have a tiny little guy. :)

afm-ds is in a much better mood today! Yay! Its so nice to have my happy go lucky little boy back. :) And Baby boy is bouncing up a storm this morning, always nice! :)

I hope everyone has a great day!

[Pinkturtledove]

Hi girls - sorry no personals. I woke up this morning at 6 to contractions. I got up and walked and took a long warm shower and they have subsided. My back is still really achy and I am having a lot of pressure in my pelvis. We'll see where this goes!

[sassycassie1984]

jon - I know! I can hardly believe it! Praying for a 2 week growth spurt for Luke!

Pink - It must be a day for them. I had some after the kids in my class went home. I had started "breaking down" my room to get cleaned over the summer. They weren't awful, just period-like cramps and no real regularity for me. Keep us posted!

bethers - How's it going?

Carolina - glad DS is feeling better! Have you had any more contractions since the last round?

Anyone hear from Idarolyn in awhile?

AFM - Midwife appointment - Lost a pound (weight gain at 17 lbs now), BP good, sugar levels good, measuring a week ahead, and heart beat in 130s. I get my group B strep results back next week (because I'm on weekly appointments now, y'all!).

OH! My midwife made a guess on Jude's birth-weight. She thinks he'll weight in at 8 1/2 to 9 lbs. We'll see ;)

[Oreosmom]

Hey all,
Been reading and it seems like so many of us are coming close to the end. Is anyone else getting terrified? I'm starting to get a little freaked out about labor and many years of taking care of two babies/toddlers/kids. I keep thinking what did I get myself into!!! Ahhh!!!!

Excuse me if I ramble on a little, I just felt like typing. It's been a little crazy around here between babies, my mom and my sisters living here now. My mom finished her 4 chemo treatments and finally got a call yesterday about the results of her pancreas scan to see if the chemo worked. It took a little while to talk to her and find out what the doctor said since things were a little crazy yesterday (see below), but tonight I finally had a chance. My mom's only options are chemo forever if it works or no chemo only to succumb to the cancer. Apparently it didn't shrink the tumor at all. I think she's going to try one more round, but this news sucks to say the least. I'm not sure I've really absorbed the hopelessness of the situation yet.

Yesterday was crazy my brother had his tonsils out last week and yesterday it started bleeding and wouldn't stop. My mom, sister and brother spent from 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm trying to stop it and then they finally went to the ER and didn't get home until 5:30 this morning.

Luckily I have some good things going on too or I might totally lose it. DS leaves tomorrow morning for a trip to DC with his school. I'm so excited for him, so jealous (I've never been there) and I just feel blessed that we could afford to send him. It wasn't cheap, but I feel lucky that he is getting to go. It makes you feel good as a parent when you can give your child such an awesome experience. What could be more exciting as a 7th grader than to go on a trip with your friends and stay overnight in a hotel room with 3 friends---no adults in the room!!! I'd be worried if they didn't have security in the hall to monitor the situation.

Things seem to be progressing for me. I went to the doctor yesterday and I was %50 effaced and 2 cm dialated. My doctor said she was going to set up my enduction date shortly here, but that I probably wouldn't make it. Everyone thinks I'm going any minute, but I know that I could stay at 2 cm for quite a while.

Can't wait to hear everyone's news soon and for those of you that are new to the third tri just wait it's gonna fly by!

[bethers]

cassie and pink - definitely must be the week for contractions!!!

well i had them all tuesday evening for 6 hours. went away overnight. came back in the morning yesterday (remember i'm like half a day ahead, it's thursday lunchtime here!). all day i had them but they just wouldn't get more intense or anything so still BH. and i was at the mall and got sharp shooting pains down my belly which was agony! hurt so much! that eased off once i sat down.
still had contractions all afternoon and all evening, but when i went to bed they stopped.
so weird!
i slept in this morning since i didn't get up till 10.45am hehe. coz i dind't get to sleep till nearly 3am - blahh. so we'll see what happens today once i get myself up and moving around!

[EJ1008]

I'm so far behind on personals (again) -- sorry about that. I'll try to get caught up soon.

I am feeling a lot more tired these days. Last night I fell asleep on the couch. Today I worked from home and took a 30-minute nap at about 3 p.m. If only I could do that every day!

I get occasional cramping, which I'm not sure if they're BH or regular contractions. They don't happen with any regularity and always go away quickly. I'm guessing they're BH. When I mentioned them at my last appointment, it wasn't a worry. I'll ask again at my next appointment on Monday. Then, I have a growth scan on Tuesday. Didn't coordinate those appointments too well, but that's OK. I wanted an appointment with one of the two OBs in my practice who I haven't met yet, and she had availability on Monday.

[jonquil01]

bethers- thanks!

carolina- just a couple of outfits. Didnt want to go too crazy b/c they only go up to 5lbs so hopefully he wont be in them long! I did get some preemie diapers last night! They go up to 6lbs and omigosh they are TINY!

pink- HOW EXCITING!!!

sassy- thank you!!!


AFM..well I found out last night that my MIL is TICKED OFF at us b/c DH told her the other day that we didn't want anyone staying with us until we got Luke settled. (She had said earlier that the day we brought him home they would come down from Illinois and stay with us for a week. "they" being my MIL and his step-dad..both of whom I barely know and have only met a handful of times). DH and I had discussed how this would be hard b/c we need to get him on a schedule, we dont even know when he will get to come home and I'm not exactly comfortable b/fing in front of his family I barely know. So, I made him tell her LOL. Now she is mad and called his aunt crying..who then called him and let him have it. UGH. Are people really that clueless? Why on earth would they think it was OK to come stay with us the week we bring him home? I did that with my sister both times AFTER she asked me to..and that's my sister!! oh well..we have enough to worry about so DH told me not to think twice about it anymore..and i'm going to take his advice LOL

[r6bikerchick]

Jon - Glad to hear that you are feeling better about the DS scare now. And as much as you want to bake the little guy as long as possible, the fact that you are taking the steriod shots now means that you are doing all that you can do to give him the best start if he does make an appearance early.

I'm sorry your family is being stressful. I know some new parents WANT to have family members around immediately after the birth to help out, but others don't. Like you, I'm in the latter camp (although maybe I will change my tune after seeing what the first few weeks are really like). My dad and step-mom will likely be coming to visit/help when the baby is a few weeks old, but I'm not sure if they're going to be staying with us. If they are, I think I will ask them to cook and do their own laundry. My mom and her boyfriend are coming when the baby will be about a month old (based on my EDD, anyway) and they will be staying with us. I feel more comfortable asking my mom to do MY laundry!

Bethers - Sounds like you're ready to go if/when those BH get more serious and turn into true early labour. Good luck!!

Deb - Welcome! Hold onto your hat, this is a busy board! And I love that we are thisclose to meeting our babies - it's so neat to hear in advance about the experiences of pre/early labour! I hope your appt goes well.

Carolina - Glad DS is back to his usual self!

Pink - Keep us posted.

sassy - Wow, I've gained double what you have and I'm not as far along. Thank goodness mother's weight gain doesn't directly correlate to baby's weight, otherwise I'd have an 18-lb baby! You must be ALL baby! And yay for weekly appointments!

Oreo - Wow, that IS a lot to process. And I'm glad that I'm not the only one who sometimes gets anxiety about parenting "on the outside" (even though I've only got this one baby to worry about now). I hope the party gets started for you on your own.

EJ - Naps are great, aren't they? I found a recliner in a quiet spot in my office, but I'm reluctant to lie back with my feet up because I don't want the baby to settle into a "sunnyside up" position. I was shocked to sleep for 6 hours straight last night before getting up to pee - I keep wondering when it's going to hit me that I need to pee every few hours.

AFM - After expressing some concerns last week about baby's lack of movement, I'm pleased to report that I'm feeling some "wriggling" on a more constant basis. I can tell now when he's turned inward and kicking at my internal organs vs. turned outward and kicking at my belly - definitely different sensations. And he seems to be taking advantage of the room he's still got at this point, because he's in a different position at each appointment I've had recently (transverse, oblique, breech - everything but head-down - hopefully he's saving that one for a few weeks' time).

I had an appointment with my ob-gyn last week. Yet again, a random nurse and medical student (different every time I'm in there) performed my routine checks, and I saw the OB for maybe 30 secs, just long enough to get the requisition for the one-hour GTT. The next day I saw my regular gp and lamented that I wished he could just deliver the baby. But, I finally met with a maternal gp this week and he's AWESOME. I spent more time with him in one appointment than I have with the OB at all past appointments combined. He was the FIRST care provider to ask me about me (my job, my hobbies) and my husband's name. And the nurse was great - very sweet, and she was the first to actually explain what they were checking in my urine (I knew, but was never told) AND that the results were fine. The only problem is that he's starting a leave of absence from his practice right around my due date, so I will be meeting his replacement next month because she might be the one to deliver the baby. Hopefully she's as great as he is!

[bethers]

r6 - you're lucky, we have to check our own urine. when i get to appts i go pee in a cup, do the dip test and look at the results myself. i can't always tell if there is protein traces or it's fine so sometimes i take it in to the midwife or ob, but usually i work it out. they just ask how it is. i also weigh myself and tell them when they ask. (i could tell em anything!).

glad you had a nice doctor for once though, it makes a difference doesn't it.

i had an antenatal today. i thought i was seeing the ob, but i just saw a midwife. weird. anyways we mostly went through paperwork to make sure i'd signed off on the guthrie test, vitamin k and stuff like that.
i told her about all the contractions, she wasn't concerned, but i said i'd not felt much movement today and yesterday, so she sent me to the birth suite for CTG monitoring.
bub was fine, heartrate around 120-140 with movement, and then i had a few contractions and it went up to 160ish. so the ob (that i still never saw) was happy with that, so i went home after 45 mins there. so that was ok.

getting more contractions again tonight!!!

i'm seriously hoping this means that labour isn't far away!!!

[Pinkturtledove]

Sassy - That's funny, my NST RN said she thinks my little guy will be about 8 1/2 to 9 lbs too! I'm glad that your reporting everything looks good! I get my GBS results tomorrow.

Jon - I can't stand family that doesn't get that it you want privacy and space after having a baby. My DH keeps asking if I want my Mom to come stay with me after he goes back to work and I said I am not sure I want the pressure and that's my own Mom! I wouldn't worry about your MIL she'll get over it once she sees Luke anyways!

Bethers - Glad baby is moving more now. The monitoring is pretty relieving. I enjoy going twice a week, even if it is a hassle to get to the other side of town before 8 am!

R6 - I am sure baby will find his way to head down. You still have plenty of time! I'm glad you like your new Dr. It makes a big difference to have one you like and that seems to take interest in you and not just shove you out of the office as soon as possible.

EJ - Good luck at your appts. It sounds like BH to me. All the books say regular contractions will be very regular and be a lot more painful. Sounds like everyone is getting so close!

Oreos - Glad that everything is going along smoothly for you. I hope the 2nd round of chemo does something to your Mom's tumor. I hope DS enjoys his trip - it sounds like fun to me! I too keep thinking what am I going to do with a baby? :p

AFM - Well my BH's are inconsistent so I think I have some more time. The only thing I could think yesterday was that I didn't like the birth date 5/11/11! It just didn't sound like a good birthday to me. I was having some serious tightening in my midsection and now my back is sore pretty much all day. Still lots of pressure on my pelvis. It makes me feel like I have to pee even right after I've gone pee. I feel like he has definitely "dropped". I go to the Dr tomorrow. We will be picking my induction date but the Dr said last week he thinks I'll go before 39 weeks. I did get my suitcase all packed up and ready to go though. Last Friday in the paperwork they gave me they listed the things that I should bring and all it said was a nursing bra, nightgown/robe, slippers and toiletries. And for baby a going home outfit, 1 or 2 blankets and his car seat. I also bought DH a big bag of trail mix for him to snack on and plan on taking my boppy pillow, camera and laptop. What else are you girls packing?

[ldarolyn]

Real quick because I need to finish getting decorations up for DD birthday.

sassy- I'm here. I updated a few days ago. Between work, getting everything ready and cleaned and issues we've been having with DD I check daily but only post maybe once a week

Jon- I totally understand you wanting your house to yourself. We told MIL a few months ago she was welcome to come down, as long as she stayed with one of DH sisters. As usual, she doesn't care what we had to say, and will be staying at our house but only for a few days (hopefully). But after DHs recent argument about her not putting in any effort to come see our kids, we figured it best to shut our mouths and let her stay. If it was our first I wouldnt care. But we have 2 other kids and they need to adjust to having their sister around. My MIL is really bad about putting all the attention on the baby and I'm afraid of that upsetting my other kids. We are having A LOT of issues with DD (12) right now because of her already feeling left out from 4 yrs ago when our DS had a liver transplant and was in the hospital. All of this is just surfacing now, and we are having a very difficult time with her.
Praying your LO stay in and bakes a little longer.

[jonquil01]

well just back from the Dr and my bp is holding around 145/88. Dr said that as long as it stays there we will make it to the 34wk mark!! WHOOHOO!! So, I'm just going to stay calm. We did the NST today and Luke was hilarious!! He wiggled all around until they put the machine on there..then he refused to move!!! LOL!! So they had me try different things and FINALLY when I sang Don't Stop Believing to him he started moving ( he loves Journey LOL)!! The nurses were dying laughing!! I told them I have the Glee cd with all the Journey songs in my car and he has had to listen to it every day since conception...so he had no choice but to like it!! So, the results looked good! I go back to the Peri on Monday and we will know how much he has gained. My Dr went ahead and had me fill out the paperwork at the hospital. It's all getting VERY REAL now LOL. Two weeks from today I will be staring at my lil man...and my hubby will be a daddy in time for Father's Day!!


r6- I've just decided to say "ok God, you got me here..now get me through this' LOL

pink- that's what I"m thinking too. I'm trying to get packed too. there's so much to think of! Dont forget cell phone and charger. I feel lost without mine. Also, NIPPLE CREAM! My bff sent her hubby to walmart at 2am for some LOL.

IDA- oh no! I'm sorry. anyway you can explain to her to give extra attention to DD? I would have her love on DD before she even picked up the baby..but you know how MIL are..they have amind of their own

[Tink]

jon- lol! I highly recommend you get this for baby Luke! It plays in my Anna's room on repeat ALL NIGHT!

http://www.amazon.com/Rockabye-Baby-Lullaby-Renditions-Journey/dp/B002ZIAAWS

[jonquil01]

LOVE IT!!! I JUST BOUGHT IT!!! lol!!! yay!!!!

[bethers]

haha that's so cool!!!!



did anyone watch grey's anatomy tonight? i'm watching it now (yeah it won't be on in australia for a couple months but i downloaded it lol). baby in the intestines! wow!

[Carolinagirl]

sassy-glad to hear everything is going well! I hear that losing weight or leveling off is a sign of labor. :) You are getting so close! I haven't had any big contractions like I did that day but I've been having lots of bh today.

Oreo-I'm sorry to hear that the chemo didn't work, I pray this next round does. I know this has to be so hard for you. I hope your ds has a great time on his trip! DC is so much fun, alot to do! Wow, you don't have long now...your progressing right along. Its such a blessing that you have made it as far as you have, you should be so proud! :)

EJ-don't feel bad, I'm tired all the time too. I've been lucky this time, I've been able to take naps every afternoon. Its been so nice, it the only time I get solid uninterrupted sleep. I'm up waaaay to much at night. I have an appt on Monday too, hope everything goes well with yours too!

jon-sorry about the family drama but your dh is right, don't think another thing about it. She'll get over it, and should understand. Sorry girl. Aww, I bet the preemie diapers are tiny...I opened a newborn pack yesterday and they are soo small so I can't even imagine. :) Oh, I wanted to ask you where did you get your baby quilt hanger?

r6-glad baby boy is moving alot now for you. I'm so glad you found a dr you like, praying the replacement is just as good as he is! Try not to worry too much about the position yet, he's got plenty of time to get head down. :)

bethers-glad everything looked good with your little one yesterday!! How are you feeling today? Any contractions?

Pink-let us know how your appt goes today and when the BIG day is!! :) So excited for you!! Hmm, last time I packed a whole lot of stuff and never used my stuff. I ended up wearing the hospital gowns because I didn't want to get my clothes messy/ruined. And the hospital had some mesh undies I used that were great until I went home. Definitely the tolietries, camera, and labtop....oh don't forget the chargers! :) Some snacks and drinks for dh. Your own pillow. Oh, your baby book that way the nurses can put baby boys handprints and footprints in it. (which reminds me I need to get that asap!) If I think of anything else I'll let you know. :)

Ida-you are in my thoughts, I hope things calm down with dd soon. Hope all is well with you!

afm-I'm completely worn out, I took ds to Little Gym this morning and now I'm having lots of braxton hicks. :p I've been drinking lots of water and laying on the couch so hopefully they die down soon! I got my caseat all washed and cleaned yesterday, so thats ready to go! I'm going to wash some baby clothes today, I just need to run to the store and get some Tide free and clear and then I can get started. :) My plan is to get the bouncy seat and swing down this weekend and wash and clean it. I'm almost set! Feeling alot more prepared this week....just need to pack my bag and his bag now. I also found his going home outfit.... http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/Kids/Shop/Babies/Newborns/NewbornBoy/ChristeningGownsAccessories/PRD~41010435550/Petit+Ami+Sailor+Romper+++Newborn.jsp?cm_vc=cross_ sell_prod_page
what do you ladies think? I thought it matched his sailboat them perfect. :)

**oh my goodness, my ticker moved to the last box!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend! :)

[Pinkturtledove]

Well I had a nice response all ready to go then the cable guy came and lost our internet connection. Boo! Anyways here is the shorter version.

Carolina - Sounds like you are almost all ready for baby! I think that outfit is adorable! I almost forgot my baby book for hand/foot prints!

Jon - Glad everything was looking ok. I hope Luke stays baking as long as he can! Too funny about singing him Journey!

Hi to everyone else!

AFM - My Dr's appt was good. My Dr is very impressed with how well everything has been for me, seeing as I am "high risk". BP was good, blood sugars have been good and I was down a pound weight wise. I was negative for GBS! He decided to not pick an induction date yet since I told him I finally had some BH. He really thinks baby will come on his own before 39 weeks. So at next Friday's appt (I think he thinks I'll go before then) we will pick a date since I will be almost 38 weeks. They don't want me to go past 39 weeks, so he'll be here soon either way! NST was good baby feel asleep at the end and the RN was like I know your baby and he does this every time! lol He's already a stinker! :p

Enjoy your weekend girls!

[bethers]

carolina - feeling good today, only the occasional BH and a backache. which could be something or nothing lol.

off to the hospital AGAIN for a class about birthing positions. fun fun. here's hoping i can sit on a fit ball not a horrible chair today.

[merl]

Hello everyone, its been an eventful week, one I never thought would have happened so fast, so here's the shortest version I can give.

I stayed home from work on Mon and Tue as I was just too tired, decided I would go after my routine apt on Wed, also had a wic apt that morning. So woke up on Wed morning and saw a bit of pink, thought nothing of it. Since I ran out of liners, decided to put on one of my overnite and would pick up liners after my wic apt. Walked out of my wic apt and felt my water broke. Instead of going to my doc apt, went straight to the hospital. Imani was born on Wed nite @ 10:22pm weighing 7lbs 15oz and 20.5in. She has not been able to come home with me today due to her having a problem with her blood sugar levels. So I am now home and she is still in the nursery. Things are looking up however she should be home if not tomorrow, definitely on Sunday. It hurts so much to be home knowing she is at the hospital and I can't be with her all the time. Good news is we don't live too far and can make multiple trips. Im heading there now to go see her. Will give a progress report later. got to run.

[EJ1008]

merl - Congrats, mama! Can't wait to see pictures. I'm sorry she's still at the hospital and hope she'll be home very soon.

[Pinkturtledove]

Congrats Merl! I can't wait to see what Imani looks like! Hoping she comes home with you very soon!

[Carolinagirl]

merl-CONGRATULATIONS!!! So excited for you! I'm so sorry she is still at the hospital though, I hope she is able to come home really soon!

Pink-glad you had a good dr.'s appt. Sounds like your just a matter of days away! :) I've been looking online for baby books all day, I haven't found one I really like yet. I may try to get out tomorrow and go shopping for one. :)

bethers-thats me today, my back is killing me and I've been having on & off bh. Hoping its something for both of us. :) Hopefully your class isn't too boring.

afm-I found my replacement tubing for my medela pump! After going to several home medical places, I just called Medela directly and they are sending/shipping me the part for absolutely free! How awesome is that! I love anything thats free! :)

[sassycassie1984]

merl - CONGRATS!!

Pink - So excited Christopher is probably going to be here soon and that your GBS was negative!

Carolina - I think I would have been worn out after a trip to a tot gym class too!

AFM - Today was the last day of school, so I'm off for the summer now :) Came home to find a package on my front stoop from my friend and her husband. All kinds of goodies! He's in the NAVY so we got all kinds of cute NAVY stuff (my fave was a NAVY sailor teddy bear and DH's fave was a NAVY small football). Also, our state income tax refund was in the mail too! It was a good Friday the 13th :)

Tomorrow is our last baby shower. It's being thrown by my family. Thus far NOTHING has been purchased from our registries. I am hoping it's simply because people didn't have the cashier scan the registry sheet at the register or we're getting gift cards... we have quite a few things we still need!

I have been trying to get our house clean. Slowly but surely it's getting done. Hoping for more help from DH.

[Oreosmom]

So excited for you Merl. Sounds like there was a little glitch in the bringing home baby plan, but I'm sure she'll come home soon and it will be a distant memory.

It's hard to believe how quickly things happen. I know I will be going in any day now, but it still hasn't really hit me yet. At this point I'm just feeling super excited that with each passing day it's more and more likely that I will have full term healthy babies.

Can't wait to see some pics and hear the full birth story version!!!!

[wendy_MBA]

Oreosmom-Good to see you on the boards!
sassycassie1984-I hear you about getting things ready (i.e., cleaning the house, etc.). I'm a few weeks behind you and already
Pinkturtledove-That's so cute about the NST.

AFM-My work shower was a AMAZING! I work with some wonderful people for sure! Today is my friends and family shower. I am really excited because my sister is throwing it and she has really put so much work into it. I can't wait! Baby is really growing. I went to Motherhood last night in hopes to find a new outfit to wear for the shower, but everything looks so HUGE! I decided to wear the only pants that really FIT me and give a little. I have gained about 25 lbs so far (went from 120lbs to 145lbs). I'm worried I gained a little too much, but hope it's okay.

Q: How intense is everyone getting on cleaning the house, etc.? I have been really cleaning and organizing lately! I even have my bag packed for the hospital. I've been noticing working full-time and being in the third trimester is a challenge. I get tired easily now and have little energy. I feel badly for complaining because I am so grateful to be pregnant with my little girl! Perhaps all this early nesting is my way of pacing myself:).

[bethers]

merl - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! can't wait to see pics. i'm sorry bub isn't allowed to come home with you yet, but glad it will be soon. nawww enjoy your baby gazing and cuddles.

carolina, blahh back still hurting! but the class was quite good, did breathing and positions and the physical therapist taught the guys how to give us good massage. :)

[sassycassie1984]

Wendy - I started to really WANT to clean and organize around 32 weeks but haven't had the energy to until just recently. I had my bag ready to go at 30 weeks just in case. The more you do before the "crazy" nesting part begins (I seriously have the urge to scrub tile with a toothbrush lol) the less you'll have to stress over!

[jonquil01]

merl- CONGRATS!!!!!!

carolina- I actually used a metal decorative curtain rod!!! You know the kind you use with tab top curtains and the ends of the rod are decorative balls. I had a friend sew tabs on the top of the blanket so it just slides on the rod like a curtain would! It looked nicer than the quilt hangers!

AFM...OMIGOSH OUCH OUCH OUCH!!!!!!!!! I was up ALLLL night Thursday with terrible pain in my arm. I finally caved in at about 4am and went to the ER. BAD IDEA. They were a bunch of IDOITS. The Dr tried to give me MORPHINE and he KNEW I was preg!!! Then, he wanted to xray my elbow to make sure it wasnt broken and I asked if it was ok for the baby and he said yes, he would make sure they used two lead blankets over my belly. Well, he doesnt even tell the xray tech I"m preg and she almost took them without ANY covering! Thank goodness even though I was in so much pain I still had my wits about me and spoke up!! Well, come to find out I have a "moderate strain" in my elbow. But, I'm terrified of taking anything so I have been in pain going on 4 days now! Dr said it would take 2-3 wks to heal. I said well, it had better be 2 b/c that is when I am having my baby and I'm going to have enough on my mind then!! DH said at least then I couldl take some pain meds though. LOL. It's starting to ease up a little now..which is why I can finally type! I couldnt even move my fingers the 1st two days!!!

[bethers]

oh jon, you're in the wars! hope that elbow heals up real quick!

i'm online now, it's midnight and i got out of bed a bit ago to grab some money out of dh's wallet coz he forgot to give me some that i needed. anyways i was trying to be quiet to not wake him but i coughed and peed everywhere! how embarrassing!!! of course i didn't have pjs on did i, so it went everywhere!!! lol. so i raced to the bathroom and jumped in the shower. and i'm wide awake again so i thought i'd check out what was going on online in the middle of the night (not a lot really).

[r6bikerchick]

Hi Bethers - When I saw you posting in the middle of the night, I thought you had either had your baby or you were on your way to have your baby! Note to self: wear underwear with liners for this trimester!

Pink - Your list sounds pretty good to me. I will also have a few printed copies of my birth plan as well as a portable MP3 player with some of my L&D relaxation music on it. Looking forward to hearing about your impending birth!

Ida - I hope that with your DD's age she will be able to be very involved with the baby (IF she wants to be). That might help her feel like she is part of all of the attention. If she would rather stay away from the baby, maybe you can get some special treats for her and her friends (special treat foods, like a "Big Sister x 2" cake, or a craft-making kit and/or a movie and they can have a sleepover at one of her friends' while you get settled with the new baby?).

Jon - I LOVE "Don't Stop Believin'!" I crank it up everytime it is on the radio. I'm glad your lo likes it - I hope that mine does, too. And so sorry to hear about your elbow - I guess those types of injuries can be common in pregnancy. A co-worker of mine had severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Thankfully it went away when her baby was born. You're going to need that arm/hand!

Carolina - You're getting SO close - and it sounds like you're ready! It's awesome that Medela was willing to ship those parts for free. I had a devil of a time finding a place that would ship an Avent Niplette to Canada, but I finally got it.

Merl - Congrats, and welcome to little Imani (such a regal name!).

Sassy - I hope your shower was great! I know it's great to be getting gifts, period, but I hear what you're saying about the registry - what's the point of doing one and pointing out what you really NEED if people aren't going to use it? I hope you get lots of items checked off, or even that you can return some of the less practical things you got and exchange for what you really do need.

Oreo - It is AWESOME that you have come so far with your twins! I can't wait to hear about the birth and "meet" them!

Wendy - I know what you mean, although in my case, I can't believe how SMALL my old clothes look. I've already gained more than thirty pounds and I started at a higher weight than you did. I think with your healthy background and starting weight, there would be nothing wrong with gaining closer to 35-40 lbs. Your body will do what it needs to do, both in gaining and in losing after the fact.

[sassycassie1984]

The shower was great yesterday. Once again we didn't really get stuff from our registry, however one of my aunts, her husband, and eldest son gave us money to buy a glider & ottoman and another of my aunts and her mother-in-law bought us a wet bag, 6 cloth diaper covers, and 10 diaper liners. We got A LOT of clothes again but this time in 6 mos and beyond sizes which we had very little of. We also got a Magic Baby Bullet which I'm excited about. It wasn't the processor we'd registered for, but it's really cute and I'm hoping it will do the job just as well! I've been spending time today doing laundry and putting everything away.

Anyhoo, I hope everyone is doing well and getting as much rest as they need. Here lately no matter how much or how little I sleep, once I'm up then I'm up for the day!

Also, Jude has dropped just a fraction. He's not super low, but I can tell (and so can my bladder ha ha!).

[Carolinagirl]

sassy-Glad you had a good shower! :) I'm sorry you didn't get much off your registry, that happened with me too with ds#1, i hardly got anything big. Dh and I had to buy everything...that was tough! Glad some of your family is helping you get some of the big items. Yay for Jude dropping....your getting closer!

r6-2 weeks till your shower! I know you must be getting excited! :) Have you already registered?

bethers-bless your heart! At least you were at home. I had a similar thing happen to me too, I was getting out of the car and I sneezed and there I went, I peed all over myself. Its definitely embrassing! Take some comfort in knowing your not alone. :p

jon-sorry your in so much pain. I hope you can get some relief soon! Thats a good idea! Thats kinda what i was thinking after looking at how expensive those hangers were; I was thinking of attaching some round hooks on the back and hanging them on hooks on the wall.

wendy-glad you had such a wonderful work shower! How was your family shower this weekend? Did you get alot of what you needed?

How is everyone else doing?

afm-I went shopping at Babies R Us this weekend, (they had a great sale) we got our double stroller, breathable bumpers, and a baby book! I feel all set now, just gotta wait for baby! :)

[fe_bengan]

congrats Merl - she will be home in no time!!!!!!

[EJ1008]

Pink - Your list sounds good. For toiletries, I am making sure to bring chapstick and unscented lotion. At my childbirth class, they rec'd unscented since scents might bother you during labor (ask DH to use the lotion when giving back rubs). Makes sense. I will be wearing the hospital gowns and mesh undies. If you ask for two gowns, you can use the 2nd one as a robe. I can't believe you'll be holding Christopher by the end of the month. :)

Idarolyn - Sorry you're having such a hard time with DD. Hopefully her recent birthday celebration made her feel special.

jonquil - Congrats on making it to the 32-week mark. 34 weeks is in sight, and I hope you'll be able to make it at least to then. Sorry about all of your problems, especially your elbow. Brillant idea to use a decorative curtain rod for the quilt. I haven't decided what to do with ours.

Carolina - I love your going-home outfit. How cute! Sounds like you're making great progress getting ready for baby.

merl - Hopefully you were able to bring Imani home this weekend.

sassy - Congrats on your last day of school. I wish I didn't have to keep going to work, but at least my big deadlines are done. I am just coasting right now. I'm glad you had your showers, but too bad about your registries. At least your aunt is helping with the glider. I've been stalking my registries, and people have been buying things from them. I have some of the big stuff purchased (e.g., stroller, highchair) but not the pack and play. The one I originally registered for has been "unavailable" so I had to register for a different one. I have a feeling, I'll be ordering it next week after my showers. No one's gotten the swing yet. If I don't get that, I'll check Craig's List. I looked the other day, and there were a lot for sale.

Oreo - You're doing such a great job keeping those babies cooking. They must really be comfortable. I'm so sorry about your mom, and hope the next round of chemo is more promising.

Wendy - Yay for a good work shower, and I hope your friends and family shower today was fabulous. I hear you about working in the third trimester. I get in late every day now. I just can't help it.

bethers - glad you had a great class. I'd love someone to give my DH massage lessons. He does a good job but usually stops too early. I already warned him that if he complains about his thumbs hurting while I'm in labor... I've been wearing a liner at work daily since I had a cold at 25 weeks. As I was walking into work, I coughed or sneezed and leaked a lot. Had to sit in wet underwear at work -- not fun!

r6 and fe - Hi!

AFM - I had a lazy weekend. The weather here is back to being horrible -- March-like temps (40s-50s) with lots or rain and wind. That along with changing hormones is not helping me. My face has been really clear for months now (my favorite pregnancy symptom) and now I have a giant pimple of my cheek. Ugh. My breasts have been a little sore, which I haven't experienced much at all. I think he's starting to drop a bit, too. I am peeing a LOT more than normal (and I was already going a lot). I'm also getting the pain I had at 14-16 weeks when he was parked on my bladder. Yesterday I had a great nap mid-day and then felt restless for the rest of the day.

This week will be a big week for me -- so at least I have good things to look forward to. OB check tomorrow. Final growth scan on Tuesday. My birthday on Thursday. My friends/family shower on Sunday. And then my work shower next Monday.

[ldarolyn]

EJ- Sounds like you are gonna be one busy momma this week. I hope your growth scan and appt go well. I hear you on the weather. It had been pretty crappy here for awhile but thankfully it was sunny and warmer today and is supposed to stay that way for a few days. Maybe I'll think aout sharing and sending some your way. ;)

Merl- Congrats!!! Can't wait to see pics.

Carolina- What kind of double stroller did you get? Is it a true double? I am debating on getting a sit n stand. DS will be 5 at the end of the summer but definitely is not a walker and I dont want to force him to walk once she is born and think it is because of her. I have also looked at the buggy board but dont think I will go that route. We have been leaving the stroller at home recently for shorter trips and he has been doing good but I am worried about all day excursions, if he will be able to hold up.

Sassy- Yay for Jude dropping, not so much for your bladder but hopefully that means he will be coming soon. I'm sorry about the shower but at least some of things are taken care of for you. What kind of cloth diapers are you going with? A lot of people at my work CD and I have recently thought about doing it. Not sure it's for me though, need to look into it further.

R6- Can't see back far enough for an update about you, just you responding to others. Hope everything is going well. As for DD, I don't think we will have an issue with her towards the baby. She is awesome and a little mother hen to DS (most of the time). I think we just need to make sure we each take her out for some 1 on 1 time every now and again. She is having issues with her attitude, disrespect and lacking in school work. As a way of trying to get attention.

Oreo- I'm glad to hear from you, and that the babies are doing well. Sounds like all your work you did early on paid off, so you could spend more time resting towards the end and cooking those babies. Even though now you have a lot going on, to say the least. I continue to pray for your family and your mom.

bethers- I couldnt help but laugh at your update. Sorry. At least you were at home and not out in public. But then again maybe everyone would have just thought your water broke, lol.

Jon- I'm sorry you had such a bad ER experience. Sounds like the dr wasnt on his game. I hope you start feeling better.

wendy- Nest away now because your energy might just be gone one day. I have lots on my to do list but dont usually have the energy to want to do it.

AFM- Go for my 37wk appt on tues with GBS screen. I'm going to talk to my midwife more in depth about what to expect with the waterbirth.
I got some more stuff crossed off my to do list finally. I cleaned all the kitchen cupboards, washed all the dishes and reorganized everything on friday, ended up taking me 5 or 6 hrs. Saturday I cleaned out some closets and gave the bathrooms a good cleaning. I had big plans to shampoo all the carpets today but the weather was so nice I just couldnt do it. I knew I should have done it yesterday when it was cloudy and drizzling all day. Need to get it done tomorrow before I start my long stretch at work. Then all the things on my to do list are small, less time consuming tasks. I just feel so bad doing this, knowing that we only have a few more weeks to spend time with just the 2 kids, and I want to make sure we spend as much time doing stuff as we can, before she arrives

[r6bikerchick]

Sassy - Sorry to hear that you didn't get more items off your registry, but I'm glad you got at least one big-ticket item taken care of. I'm interested in the Baby Bullet - you'll have to let me know how you find it.

Carolina - I'm definitely looking forward to my shower AND my 3D ultrasound. I did my registry awhile ago because the shower hosts wanted to send out invites awhile ago. I haven't checked to see if anything on it has been bought - DH admonished me not to, and it's not like I can change what people did/didn't buy. Or, they may have bought it but not gotten the cashier to mark it off. I've been really holding back on buying things until I can take stock of what I do/don't have. I'm really hoping a family member will have gotten us the crib, or at least some gift cards to put towards it.

EJ - Wow, big week! And you can put me in the "baby-on-bladder" club, too! I feel like I need to pee almost constantly, but there is nothing to come out. I don't think babe has dropped yet for me though, I'm feeling pretty breathless and my lungs could use more room.

Ida - Wow, I wish I could hire you to clean MY house! I need to do some light cleaning before my mother arrives for a visit before the shower. I am definitely saving carpets til the end - I plan to do some spot treatments on my hands and knees to hopefully get/keep baby in the best possible position.

AFM - I'm starting to get impatient to meet baby, even though I have a long way (11 weeks, give or take) to go! I'm definitely not ready, either, but I think that once the shower is behind me and the nursery is done it will be hurry up and wait. And I'm not even uncomfortable yet (and so far I LOVE the feeling of being pregnant and I know I'm going to miss the movement in my belly). I just can't wait to meet this little guy. Plus, I'm nervous about first-time parenting, but anytime I am nervous about something I think the best solution is to just do it and start learning. Maybe I should find a very young baby to babysit so that I can get some hands-on experience??

[sassycassie1984]

EJ - Make sure you get some rest this week, Momma! Sounds busy!

Ida - Right now I have 7 Rumparooz covers, 36 Indian prefolds, and 10 Rumparooz hemp diaper liners in case we need to use diaper cream (using diaper cream without a liner on CDs is a no-no because the ingredients in cream can wear down the absorbency of the cloth). Covers with prefolds are the cheapest way to CD. Then you have All-in-1 and All-in-2's which can become pricey but are more like disposables because you can only use them once before putting them in the wet bag. With covers/prefolds if it's just pee you can take the prefold out, wipe down the cover and put in a clean prefold. There's TONS of info on the net and definitely use the ladies at work for info. I'd be glad to answer any questions too! I haven't gotten to put them in use yet, but my brain is stuffed with CD info :) OH! And how exciting - a waterbirth! I couldn't get DH on board for that :(


r6 - Out of the box the Baby Bullet looks like it is going to be AWESOME. I want to use it now, but gotta wait until Jude starts showing interest in solids ;) As far as getting experience with wee ones before yours arrives - check with local daycares, college child development centers, and pre-schools to see if they accept volunteers. You will probably have to fill out a background check but other than that it's a great way to get some practice in (especially if you don't have any friends with small babies which you may or may not have!). Also, the thing I'm going to miss most is feeling/watching him move too!

jon - Hope you're feeling a little better!

Oreos - You're so close. Praying your mom's next round is going to TKO that cancer!

[Tink]

Ida & Sassy- a bunch of us on the mom's board CD...if you have any questions, let us know!!! Be warned...it's an addiction! ;)

[debraanne6]

Wow such a busy board! Sorry to not do personals, I'm just glad it sounds like everyone is doing well.

Merl- Congrats girl!!! Hopefully you will get to bring home baby soon!!!!

I have been doing pretty well. Starting to get a little uncomfy sometimes, but still can move around easily. Tomorrow I will be 7 months! I can't believe it!!!!! It is getting very exciting.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!!!!!

[Carolinagirl]

fe- how are you doing?

EJ-your in the final stretch now! All the symptoms seem to intensify in this last month, hang in there! I think the peeing is the most annoying, I feel like I live in the bathroom. :p Sounds like you have a very busy week but a fun one! Happy early birthday! Any special plans for your bday?

Ida-I got the Chicco double stroller, it was the only one I could find that would attach to our Chicco car seat. So far I really like it, I put the car seat in and then put ds in there to test it out, he still had alot of room I thought. It seems to be really manueverable and easy to use. Heres a link to it, http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4060896 The only drawback is its pretty expensive but when I bought it this weekend I got $60off so that helped alot. I looked at the sit n stand too but my dh liked the chicco better so we got that one. But I really liked the sit n stand too. Wow you are really on it with the cleaning, sounds like your almost finished! Good luck at your appt tomorrow!

r6-thats right, your 3d u/s is coming up too! Those are so much fun, can't wait to see the pictures! I think what your experiencing is completely normal, becoming a mom will definitely make you a little nervous. But I promise once he gets here it'll come so naturally! Although I feel completely done, I'll miss feeling him in my belly. I did with ds#1....I swear I had phantom kicks for weeks/months later. lol

debra-glad to hear your doing well! Yay for 7 months!!

Hi sassy, pink, bethers, wendy, jon, and oreo! If I missed anyone else I'm sorry, I hope your doing well!

afm-I had my 36 week appt today, everything looks great and baby boy is head down and ready to go!! I had my GBS test done today too, I guess I find out the results next week. I had it with ds#1 so I figure I'll proably have it again. But I start going weekly now, I'm finally in the homestretch! :D

[Oreosmom]

OMG....I just want to say I'm so can't wait to have these babies. I'm 37 weeks today and I'm so over this. I'm ready to pop! Luckily I'm being induced sometime around 38 weeks so I think the most I have left is like a week and a half.

I cut out my curtains today and I guess I'll sew them tonight or tomorrow. Then I'll just have my bedskirts to do. It was fun working out the plan with my mom. She was actually feeling pretty good. Now I can look at the curtains and be reminded of the time we had.

Can't remember who said it, but someone said they hoped the chemo knocked the cancer out. Sadly my mom's is inoperable since it's near an artery. Shrinking the tumor from the chemo will only help to prolong her time. Her two choices are chemo for the rest of her life or succomb to the cancer. Prolonging her time would at least be a little bit better.

[praises1139]

Oreo--so sorry about your mom. I can't imagine how she feels, wanting to be with you and her grandchildren. You sound so strong, but I guess being a mom yourself, you have to be!

[r6bikerchick]

Tink - I wanted to CD, but haven't been able to convince DH so far. We'll see - I'm going to be the one doing the majority of the diaper changes (and laundry), so I think I should get extra say in the matter. If not, we have compromised on using organic cotton disposables.

Deb - So funny how there are different methods of calculating months. According to my guide, I won't be seven months until 31 weeks (otherwise I would end up ten months pregnant on my EDD).

Carolina - So close! Enjoy this last little bit, peeing or not!

Oreo - Even closer!!

[sassycassie1984]

Oreo - That stinks that it's near an artery, but you're right - extra time with her will be nice and especially having the sewing projects to do with her to remember.

[sassycassie1984]

r6 - The way my DH finally agreed to CD was by plopping down a set of numbers in front of him. It can cost up to $2,000 US to disposable diaper a baby per year (and that's not including the cost of the organic cotton ones) Compared to $200-$500 (possibly more if you get addicted to the cute fluff) US to CD a baby through toddler-hood. His jaw nearly hit the floor! We got disposables at our showers. I did inventory the other night and we have around 450 'sposies. That will roughly last only 45 days with a newborn if we were using them full-time!

[r6bikerchick]

Thanks, Sassy. But he's a stubbon guy, and it's not about the cost with us (otherwise we wouldn't be willing to do the extra $$$ for organic disposables). Plus, in Canada, the savings isn't as much, at least not in my city because cloth diapering is still pretty rare here and you end up paying more for them. He's just convinced that they are going to be a PITA (pain in the you-know-what). *I* know that cloth diapers really aren't more work than disposables (yes, more laundry, but I'm going to be doing tons of that anyway).

We've agreed to disagree, and organic cotton disposables are a good enough compromise for me because I am mainly concerned with the health impacts on the baby from the plastic & dyes. And like I say, if I am doing the diaper changes, there's nothing to stop me from going out and buying a few CD to test out!

[Oreosmom]

I envy you that are able to do the cloth diapering. I really like the idea of it I just know I'd never be up for the work and that is compounded by having two babies.

I just got back from my final growth u/s and the babies are estimated to be 6 lbs 8 oz and 6 lbs. That's 12 and 1/2 lbs of baby I'm packing. I can't even believe it!!! Looks like I might not get to use some of the cute preemie outfits I have, :( but I guess it's better for them to be big and healthy. On a bad note though I haven't made any progress since last week still 2 cm and %50 effaced. Since I'm now officially in the zone that I feel I'm ready to have these babies I'm officially quitting my modified bed rest today. I hope to shake these babies loose before they have to enduce me next week.

Can I tell you I'm so excited to go to Target today I haven't been in weeks!

Hope everyone has a good day.

[sassycassie1984]

Oreos - Wow! Great twin weights! And too right - enjoy that trip to Target :)

[jonquil01]

oreo- great weight on the babies!!! I bet you are getting so excited!!

AFM, well..my Peri appt was a useless waste of time!! The didnt even tell me if he had gained any weight!! The u/s tech wouldn't even talk to me..she was too busy talking to the student in the room. When I would ask a question she would interrupt me and get snippy. After being there for an hour the Dr pops in for 5min and doesnt even tell me anything either!! At least I had the sense enough to ask about the amniotic fluid (which has been low and getting lower). His response "it's low". REally??? wow..like i didn't know that already! I wanted to know exactly how much I had lost since last week! I also wanted to know if my lil boy had put on any weight since last week but they said they only do that every 3wks....well, he is probably going to be here NEXT week!!! UGH!!! I hate big Dr's offices!!!! I cant wait to go back to MY Dr on thurs and get some answers!!

[Carolinagirl]

jon-ugh! sounds very frustrating! Sorry they wouldn't tell you anything! At least you won't have to wait too long and you'll be able to find something out Thursday.

Oreo-those are great weights for twins!! You've done an awesome job baking those babies!! Enjoy your trip to Target, you have definitely deserved it!

sassy-wow, those are some impressive statistics! They say once you start CD its addictive, I know a few friends who cd and they love it. I hope you do as well. How are you feeling? you are getting soooo close!!

r6-hi! How are you doing today?

afm-I hosted a playdate this morning and now I'm wiped out! Been having some contractions this afternoon too but they don't seem to be intensfying so I guess its just some braxton hicks. Though I wish it was the real thing...I'm feeling so done today. :)

[jonquil01]

sassy- sorry got on a tangent earlier and forgot to ask about the CD. Are you attaching the sprayer thing to the toilet? I have a friend who did that and she loves it. She's more 'handy" than I am though lol. I had thought about the CD. But I could just see the eye rolls from the daycare ladies and babysitters when I would try to explain it..LOL. Plus I get sick and puke really easy! Seriously, when one of my students has an accident my Para-pro has to take care of it b/c I puke LOL

[bethers]

jon - i HATE ultrasound technicians who are rude! it's just not fair is it! hope you get the answers from your GP soon.

oreo - here's hoping that getting up will bring on those twins. glad to see they are a good weight. :)

as for cloth diapering - i'm planning on it! i have so freaking many! hahaha. i've been buying them for nearly 2 years and i went through them the other week to put them away (they've been boxed up) and OMG i have like 60 or something! hahahaa. whooooops!
they are quite expensive here too, but i buy online, and most of mine are from small work at home parent businesses in australia. but still works out way cheaper than disposables. and dh is totally into it coz i've taken so long to explain how great they'll be etc. so he is all for them.

afm - i had my ob appt on monday. did i tell you/ i don't think i did. anyways, it went well. he was happy, i lost half a kilo (1lb) so yay!
i am booked in for a growth scan at 37+3 and then depending on her size they'll decide an induction date from there.

yesterday my MIL came over and was AMAZING!!! i've whined about her before but she was such a help. we're moving next weekend and she came and packed up my pantry (we can still access stuff we'll need for a week) and most of the kitchen apart from the dinner set, 3 pans and my silverware and a few utensils. just kept out the basics. also she packed up my buffet with my good dinnersets and wine glasses and all my other dishes and bowls etc. she worked hard! i was so appreciative.
she didn't let me do a lot. mostly i just sat in the office chair and rolled myself around the house hahahaa. and directed her as we had piles of things to pack, leave out, throw away or keep for the yard sale. lol.
but my back is sooooooooooooo sore now. i had to go lie down in the afternoon and when i got up to pee i was crying because it hurt so much. it's still really painful and if it gets worse i might call the midwife and ask what they think.

[ldarolyn]

bethers- Good to hear your MIL is helping out. My MIl can be a pain in the a&^% sometimes but helpful when she wants. It's always much more pleasant when they are being good. I hope you don't have a UTI or something going on.

Jon- Sorry about the ultrasound tech and the peri. It can be so frustrating when you are worried and want to know answers, and nobody is giving them to you.

Carolina- I hope your play date went well. Hopefully your contractions pick up for you. :D

Oreo- You have done a great job growing those babies. I can't wait to see pics of your nursery when you are done.

Sassy- Maybe I should sit down with DH and go over numbers. i'm still not sure I am totally sold on CD but I think a huge part of my reasoning is that I know DH will not be interested. I saw some freakin cute CD online though, it is very tempting.

AFM- Had my appt today and talked to my midwife more about what to expect with the waterbirth. I am getting so excited. I was talking to a friend from work who wanted a waterbirth but during labor decided it wasnt working for her. I told her I have wanted one so bad, even if I hate the water, I am so stubborn, I will probably stay in the water just to get that experience.
Everything looked good. Only 50% effaced and a fingertip dilated, but I will take it.
Talked to my midwife about taking tylenol PM. I HATE taking any kind of medicine and have only taken tylenol maybe 3 times this pregnancy. But I have to get some sleep. I work nights and sleep ok during the days when i have to go back in the next night But on my stretches off I have tried going to bed early or late, and it doesnt matter what I do, I sleep for 1-2 hrs, then stay up til 4-6am and get another 2-3hrs before I have to be up. I am worried I'll end up going to labor on no sleep and wont have the will power to have the birth I want, just out of pure exhaustion.

[EJ1008]

Carolina - Thanks for the early b-day wishes. DH and I are going to dinner at an Italian restaurant near our house. I figure it's the last time we'll go someplace nice without needing a babysitter. Did you have the Chicco stroller for your DS? We have the Chicco Keyfit 30 and will be getting the Chicco Cortina. My SIL raved about the Chicco carseat.

Oreo - Congrats on 37 weeks and such big babies! Hope your Target trip was a blast. I'm glad you and your mom had a good time with your sewing projects. It's a blessing that she'll be here for the twins' birth.

Jonquil - Sorry you had such a horrible experience at the peri.

bethers - Hurray for your MIL helping with the packing. My back has been hurting since 21 weeks, so I feel for you on that. It's actually gotten a little better recently as baby has shifted somewhat.

Idarolyn - I hope you are able to have the birthing experience you want. Sleep is important, and if occassionally taking tylenol PM helps, then I think it's worth it.

debra - Enjoy moving around easily while you can. I have such a preggo walk sometimes, it's kinda funny. My coworkers like to point it out to me.

sassy - I just figured out what you got when you said you got a "wet bag." DH and I just can't bring ourselves to CD. We both have bad memories of our younger siblings wearing CDs (as we did ourselves). I know they've come a long way since the '70s (e.g., I don't think rubber pants are used with all of the covers that now available).

r6 - Do you at least get something out when you try to pee? Not being able to pee when you feel like you have to can be a sign of a UTI.

AFM - I'm tired and have no idea while I'm still awake. I had my first true sleepless night last night. Got 2 hours of sleep, up for 4, dozed for 2 more hours. Had to keep peeing and couldn't get comfortable, plus was nervous about movement. Thankfully, he's up late at night -- I usually don't notice when I'm asleep.

Good news with my OB check and growth scan yesterday/today. Baby is still head down (YAY) and estimated at 5.5 lbs (give or take a pound), measuring right on schedule. He is 51st percentile for growth. My fluid levels are right in the middle of the range. BP still good and no protein in my urine. Peri said to expect a normal, full-term birth. Next appointment is at 36 weeks when I'll get the strep test.

[r6bikerchick]

Oreo, that's fantastic! I hope to have a singleton at 6lb8oz (sounds like a reasonable size for a first-timer like me). My cousin had twin girls with a total combined weight of 13 lbs, so she must have been just about the same as you.

Jon - Sorry about your lousy appointment. Thank goodness Thursday is only a day away and we'll look forward to hearing more news then.

Carolina - Hi! All is well here - picking DH up at the airport in a few hours (he's been gone for 2 weeks). :)

Bethers - Wow, nothing like a last-minute move! But at least everything in your new place will be freshly put away and therefore hopefully easy to find. And it's great to hear that you have family around to help you out.

Ida - I hope the waterbirth turns out to be the experience that you want. As for sleeping, do you alternative sleeping during the day when you are working with trying to sleep during the night when you are not? Why not just continue sleeping during the day instead of trying to switch your body? You'll be up all hours with the baby anyway?

EJ - Now that baby has moved, the pressure on my bladder is gone and peeing is back to normal. But I'm glad you thought of it, because I didn't. "Normal, full-term birth" - what more could any of us ask for? That's great news!!

[sassycassie1984]

EJ - I've had to get used to CD lingo too, so I totally understand that ;) You're right about rubber pants, they've pretty much gone by the wayside. I hear you on the sleep thing too!

Ida - Congrats on the progress (even if it seems like just a little) and I'm hoping you get to have an awesome water birth! There are some totally adorable CD's out there. For vibrant colors I really like Rumparooz covers (they also have inner gussets good for not letting newborn poo leak out). For a good deal on pocket dipes (which are good for day-care, squeamish family, etc) I've got my list made at www.sunbabydiapers.com and can't wait until I've got the money put back to order some. They have some super cute designs!

bethers - So jealous of your CD stash! I have 3 pocket dipes, 36 prefolds, and 9 covers. I just bought 2 more pocket dipes (Flips) from a friend that are on the way in the mail, and I've got a list going of some more I want to buy as we go along. I'm hoping to get up to about half your stash when all's said and done! I'm so glad your MIL is being super helpful right now when you need it most! Hope your back feels better soon!

jon - We won't need a sprayer until he quits breastfeeding/starts solids, but we'll definitely be getting one then! Until then, breastfed poo is so liquidy you just put the dirty dipes in the wet bag/diaper pail and toss them in the washing machine. There is definitely a bit of an ick factor. I'm the same way when kiddos have accidents in my room, but I figure it's my kid I better get used to it lol. I'm on unemployment now, though and we really had to sit down and decide where to allocate our money which is why disposables went out the window for us. Oh, and what is up with the crabby u/s techs and doctors around this board lately? Bedside manner is definitely a part of the medical field that seems like it needs improving, especially the more specialized the person is!

Carolina - It's already addictive! The dipes are so cute and colorful :) I'm feeling pretty good. Getting anxious for Jude to get here! The whole pregnancy has FLOWN by and now that I'm in the homestretch it has decided to DRAG :rolleyes: Go figure, right? With your BH will you be getting checked at your next appointment to see if they're at least causing some progress?

Pink - Where are you? Hoping you're resting and getting ready for Christopher to arrive soon!

Oreo - How was your trip to Target?

[bethers]

cassie, well i've been collecting for 2yrs now haha. i have about 15 prefolds and a bunch of covers, about 15 fitted small/newborn sized ones, plus about 10 small AIOs.

then i have about 12-15 medium AIO or AI2s and a couple of pockets in that too i think.

THEN the rest is all OSFM which i have at least another dozen or 15 of those!!!

[merl]

Hi all, thank you for the congrats!!!! I have a quick moment so let me see how much I can remember

Oreo~I do hope that things turn around for your mom... u know the power of intervention by the Great One Himself. Keeping you in my prayer. Great weight on the babies. You obviously did all you could to make things healthy and it paid off. Wishing you a safe and healthy delivery when u get there.

Bethers~WOW 60 cloth diapers. That's really good. I wanted to do that but thought of it too late, then when I think of having to do laundry the disposable sounded much better. LOL.. Great that ur MIL was able to come and help you. It does make things so much easier with help.

Ej~Happy all is well with you growth report. It's always so comforting to know that things are in the right. Good to just relax and enjoy the journey,

Ida~a waterbirth?!! U go girl. I pray it is an amazing experience for you.

Ok don't think I can remember much more after this.... Just put Imani down for a nap and got to get some stuff done, and some rest. She is such a little bundle of personality, it amazes me. She came home late saturday night and we had a 48hr followup on monday, she is in the clear for her low blood sugar levels, which was higher after being home for 48hrs that even when she was in the hospital on the iv. Praises to God.

I want to wish everyone a quick and easy delivery as I've had or even better when the time comes.

[sassycassie1984]

merl - Yay for Imani being home and her sugar levels getting better! :)

[Pinkturtledove]

Hi girls - I am still here. I am being so bad at keeping up with everyone - I am sorry! I am just so tired and uncomfortable. I don't want to do anything anymore. I am so ready for Christopher to be born so I can feel somewhat normal again! BH's are coming in more often for me, so I am hoping they will start up real labor sometime soon! My NST yesterday was good, everything is the same. If anyone wants to add me to FB just send me a PM. I check FB more often at the moment. Hope you are all doing well! :)

[ldarolyn]

r6- I do switchback and forth between sleeping at night and during the day. Thats the way I have to do it though. We have 2 other kids and my DH and I do opposite schedules and dont do daycare. When I go into work I have been up since the kids got up that morning with no nap during the day. If I am back for a second day DH is home so I can sleep but if I am off the next day I have to stay up all day until the kids go to bed at night. On my stretches off there are some days that overlap where I could sleep but I would rather get to spend the time with the kids and actually see DH (other than in passing as we switch the kids off). It sucks sometimes, especially when I can't sleep but it works the best for our situation.

[bethers]

ida are you having much time off when bub is born? when do you finish up?
i couldn't imagine working still!!! i finished at 28 weeks!!! in australia legally a company has to hold a job for 12 months for maternity leave (as long as we've worked there for 12 months or longer before we start leave - i'd been at my job 14 months when i finished hehe). so i don't have to go back to work till next april unless financially i need to. which i'm planning on being a stay at home parent anyway and quitting my job in march. but i may go back just 1 day a week, maybe saturdays, so dh can have the baby as daycare just costs too much and i'm on a low income so it's not worth it. i think we'd be WORSE off if i had to put a child in daycare!

[ldarolyn]

bethers- I am working up until the day I go into labor. I plan on taking 10-12 wks off. If I wasn't the bread winner right now while DH was in school I would be taking off longer and maybe start my leave before she is born.

[Oreosmom]

Ahhh......they gave me an induction date yesterday finally. I'll be induced on Monday 5/23/11 at 5:00 am if I don't go before then. Now I'm frantically thinking of all the things I need to get done. Reality has hit. Guess I'm jumping the line a little on this baby thing.

Merl,
Can't wait to see a picture of that precious little girl. You didn't post one yet did you?

Hope everyone else is doing good. Pretty soon we'll all be holding our little bundles.

[r6bikerchick]

Sassy - You are DEFINITELY making me want to CD. My DH is having a diaper party thrown for him (I think he is - it's when "the guys" get together and have a party - the "admission" is at least one package of diapers - I've had friends get enough diapers this way to last almost a YEAR). Maybe when we have to start buying our own disposables, I will look at CD. I know we could probably have a cloth diaper party, where the guests have to buy one cloth diaper (all-in-one), but I think that would be harder to coordinate in terms of getting the right mix of sizes. I'm hoping it's going to be okay for me to tell the guests that we would prefer for them to buy a package of the organics. The good news is that with Huggies, they are the same price as regular diapers, there are just fewer in a box (so yes, it is more $ per diaper, but for someone buying a package for us, it is the same price).

Merl - Sign me up for the quick and easy delivery!! And so glad to hear that Imani is doing well. Goes to show that there is pretty much nothing better for baby's health than being at home, loved and cared for by family.

Pink - Sorry you are so uncomfortable! Looking forward to hearing your birth story soon!

Ida - Oh, I see - I didn't realize when I asked that you had other kids at home (although I'm sure you've mentioned them - I just can't keep everyone straight). Like you, I am planning to work right up until the end, unless there is some medical reason for me to stop working (high BP or something like that). Like you, I am the major breadwinner but DH and I are going to do as much as we can to keep me home as long as possible - I know that not everyone has the same flexibility.

Bethers - The cost of day care is just ridiculous, isn't it? Not sure what waiting times are like, but even though I haven't even had the baby yet, I am on the waitlist for a variety of centres - some don't have spaces opening up until 2013!! I may have to find home-based care, but I will definitely spend a lot of time interviewing people and asking other moms for their references.

Oreo - I hope you go on your own before then, but if not, we'll look forward to your update sometime next week!

AFM - I'm planning to go check out two day care centres tomorrow to make sure that they are facilities that I would actually want to have my child at. If so, I will sign up for the waiting list. It seems so strange to be making these arrangements for a child who isn't even born yet and won't need care until summer 2012!

[bethers]

yep r6 - it's the same here, some daycares have 2-3yr waiting lists, it's mad!!!

ida - omg!! i can't believe you are doing that! but i understand why you would work so long. i just couldn't imagine it.
i know here, you aren't allowed to work past 34 weeks unless you get a medical certificate from your ob saying you are fit to work. AND past 36 weeks you need a new certificate EACH WEEK to say you're ok to work! most people finish work by 34 weeks. :) i finished at 28.
but it would definitely be hard when you're the breadwinner that's for sure.
our govt just brought in paid parental leave too which is great. my job gave me 2 months full pay which i'm taking now. it will run out about when bub is due. then the govt will pay me 18 weeks at the federal minimum wage (about $550 a week). it's only available if you've had a job of more than 10hrs a week for the past 10 out of 13 months. ie stay at home parents aren't eligible unless they have a part time job too etc. i'll get it but it's unlikely that i'll get it for baby 2 since i'm planning to stay home.
it's to encourage those who would go straight back to work, to stay home a little longer. it only just started this year so we timed it perfectly. hehe.

[Carolinagirl]

bethers-that is awesome your MIL came over and helped pack your house up. I'm sure that was a nice surprise! My mil is hit and miss....so I never know what to expect. How is your back feeling? Wow, thats really great that australia really encourages moms to stay at home....wish america would take that lead.

Ida-I hope your birth experience is exactly how you want it! I'm jealous that you got checked....at my appt monday they said they would wait until 38 weeks. Booo!

EJ-Happy Birthday!!! I hope you have a fabulous day! I did, I had the Chicco with ds#1. I loooved it! Its the best carseat...so easy to use, and I loved the stroller too. You won't be disappointed, I promise! So glad everything is looking great with baby boy! Sounds like he is right on track!

r6-You must be so happy to have dh back home! I hate it when dh has overnight trips so I can't imagine 2 weeks. Wow I had no idea that day care centers have that long of a wait, thats just crazy! I mean, being that far out, babies haven't even been born much less conceived yet. How do that get that long?!

sassy-aww, I didn't know they had different colors and patterns. Shows how much I know. I can understand how it could get addictive now. :) They said unless I start having alot of contractions then they wouldn't start checking me until 38 weeks. booo!

Pink-glad everything is looking good with Christopher. Hopefully we'll be hearing your birth story soon!

Oreo-wow! 4 days to go!! How exciting...though I hope you go on your own before then! Can't wait to hear your birth story!

afm-I went to walmart yesterday and picked up all the stuff I'll need for my hospital bag and afterwards when I come home. I just got to pack everything now! I'm glad I went and got it....I spent most of last night from 10 to 2 awake with contractions. So I'm definitely feeling like everything has to be finished! :)

[sassycassie1984]

Back from the midwife. I am measuring WAY ahead now (42 weeks) but that's because he hasn't dropped yet. I gained back the pound I lost last week, sugar's great, BP's great, urine's great, Aaaaand: 1.5 cm dilated, 70% effaced, and -2 station so my hormones are getting us ready for the big dance! I know I could stay like this for a couple weeks, but it's nice to know that these contractions haven't been in vain!

Oy, I'm EXHAUSTED today! Anyhoo, hope everyone's doing well :)

[debraanne6]

Hi girls!

I was just looking into maternity leave and disability. It's funny how diff parts of the world, and diff states can be so varying. I live in CA. So I plan on taking 12 weeks off after delivery. The thing I'm not sure yet is when to take off before the baby. It is my understanding that, with a Dr.s note, you are able to take off up to 4 weeks before and it doesn't effect the time after baby is born. Sooooo if I can get my Dr. to sign the disability forms, which I don't think should be a problem, I'm thinking of taking off 2 to 3 weeks before. My due date is August 9th, so i was think my last day would be July 15th or 22nd. Part of the problem is that I just have no idea how I will feel by that point. I'm fine now, but I know it's just going to get more and more uncomfy to sit at a desk job. Thank goodness I don't have to be on my feet! I don't know how that would be!!!!!!

[sassycassie1984]

debraanne - I was on my feet most of the day (I teach pre-k), and it wasn't horrible as long as I was moving. If I had to stand still I started to notice my feet hurting. I wasn't eligible for disability leave only FMLA, so I can't help there. Thankfully we are out for the summer as of last Friday, and I'm due at the beginning of June, so the timing for us turned out to be pretty perfect.

The things I'm noticing now that I'm near the end are: it's hard to get comfortable when you go to bed (or sit down), lady bits constantly feel sore, stomach feels tight and sometimes itchy, on and off real and BH contractions, feet swelling, easily exhausted...

[jonquil01]

well girls..we had a bit of a scare today!! Luke failed his NST and it looked like we were headed to labor & delivery!!! But, luckily he passed his biophysical profile so we didnt have to go there!!! I was about to FREAK OUT b/c he didn't pass it till the very end!! He was being a lazy butt!!! lol!!

THANK GOODNESS for my fabulous Dr b/c we got to find out how much Luke weighs now! He is 3lbs 6oz, which is not good. He's only gained 6 oz in two weeks and he was suppose to gain a lb. Now he's almost 2lbs behind and measuring over 2wks behind. If my Dr hadnt checked, we wouldn't have known!! So much for the so-called specialist that I had to see on Monday! grr!!! My Dr says he doesn't think I will go much longer since my bp today was 165/98, I'm still losing fluid and Luke is not growing. My next appt with my Dr is in one week and he told me it wouldn't be a bad idea to come with my bag packed. LOL.

[sassycassie1984]

jon - keeping you guys in my prayers. It's sounding like Luke will be here soon! I'm glad your doctor is so great with you. It really makes a difference!

[bethers]

jon def praying for you and little luke!

[sassycassie1984]

OMG these BH's are CRAZY today and super painful. I keep telling myself it just means progress is going on but whew... I've had some doozies!

[Carolinagirl]

sassy-sounds like you had a great appt! Yay for making some progress! Sounds like its going to be any day now! So excited for you!! :) Hopefully those BH kick up into something more! :D

debra-I totally agree with everything sassy said "it's hard to get comfortable when you go to bed (or sit down), lady bits constantly feel sore, stomach feels tight and sometimes itchy, on and off real and BH contractions, feet swelling, easily exhausted... " This is me to the T as well. I'd do what your most comfortable with but if your dr will write you a note and it won't take away from your 12 weeks afterwards I'd say by 36 or 37 weeks I'd be trying to go out. I hope everything works out for you!

jon-keeping your and little Luke in my prayers. Sounds like he'll be here by Memorial Day. :)

Ej-I hope you have a wonderful shower this weekend! Can't wait to hear about it!

Hi to everyone else!

afm-I've been doing baby laundry for the past couple of days....2 loads to go and I'll be finished. Looks like I'll make my personal deadline of Monday (when I'm 37 weeks) of having everything completed. Had my sons Little Gym class again today and boy does it wear me down...been having BH for the last couple of hours but they are finally starting to die down now. I think I may go nap now, lol. :) Hope everyone has a great weekend!

[debraanne6]

Thanks girls for the info!!! It sounds like I feel somewhat how you guys feel sometimes but on a much smaller scale. So I'm sure it will only get worse!

Jon- Hope everything is ok! It sounds like you Dr. is really on top of things!

As for me, I think I may have have my first braxton hicks last night??? My husband and I went for a 3 mile walk and during parts of it my stomach felt extremly tight like around my belly button area and out wards. I have felt some tightenting lower before while getting in and out of bed. But this was waves of tightness first, then it was tight for minutes. Then is finally subsided. Is this BH??? It didn't hurt it just made me slow down the walking, and made it a little harder to breathe I guess. What do you ladies think, it didn't come and go like I thought it would it was more of a constant tightness while I was walking.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!!!!!!

[sassycassie1984]

debraanne - sounds like BH to me. It's like your stomach paralyzes itself. The further along you get sometimes they can become quite painful and thus confused with real contractions. Mine have been really painful today, but they are still up high and not coming around from my back to the low abdomen like real contractions are supposed to.

[Pinkturtledove]

Sassy - OMG I woke up at 3 am to horrible BH's last night too. I thought for sure I was going to go into labor today. I feel for you girl - hopefully it means the end is in sight!

Debraanne - I agree with everything Sassy says about being uncomfortable. I am getting to the point where it is miserable to go to bed because I cannot find a decent position to lay in. And it is so annoying when DH starts snoring! :p Sounds like you are having BH's to me. My tummy gets super tight around the belly button and if I have to pee it's like 10 times worse. I keep getting woken up by BH's in the middle of the night and they hurt really bad.

Carolina - Yay for having everything ready for baby! I hope your BH's ease up on you soon too. They are really bad for me now when I get them. Do you think they are worse since it's baby #2 for you or are they the about the same? Just curious what they will feel like when I get to baby #2.

Jon - I keep thinking about you and Luke. So glad you have a great Dr who stays on top of things! I bet you are so anxious now that he could be here in one week!

Hi everyone else!

AFM - Dr's appt was good. I love my OB he is so funny. He takes it so personally when he can't find Christopher's HB with the doppler. He was like upset that he had to bring in the u/s machine. He said he should be able to find his HB super easy since I am so far along. He basically said my son is making him look bad! lol He's a crack up. He still hasn't set an induction date for me. He wants/thinks Christopher will be coming on his own before 39 weeks. My BP was a little higher than it had been before but still in a good range. My OB hasn't checked me though for any progress. I find it kind of strange but I have no leaking/bleeding and everything always looks so perfect I am assuming that is why? Anyway, NST went fabulous today too.

Hopefully these painful BH's are going to push me into labor one of these days! I woke up in so much pain last night at 3:20 am, my tummy was hard as a rock, my back was hurting too, I thought for sure the baby was coming then at 5 am they just kind of fizzled out and Christopher started kicking up a storm. Ugh! So close! :)

[sassycassie1984]

Pink - I totally thought yesterday was going to be the day! But after two hours of hardcore BH's same thing...pffffft and they were gone. I've been losing a lot of mucous plug everyday, but I know it regenerates and there hasn't been any bloody show soooo *still waiting*

As far as getting checked for progress goes... the nurse at the midwife's office gave me the option. I decided I would do it this week to see if these BH's were working. I don't know if I'll decide to get checked next week or not. I know it raises the risk of introducing bacteria into the cervix and uterus. Maybe your doc's just really super confident that you're going to go soon! :)

[EJ1008]

I made a trip to L&D last night to check on baby's movement. I did my normal after dinner kick counts, when he's usually very active, and got only three kicks and maybe a few others but I didn't count them because I wasn't sure. Tried my orange juice on ice trick, which usually wakes him up, and nothing. Spoke to the on-call doctor, and she told me to come right in. Had an NST and got to listen to his beautiful heartbeat for about an hour. He passed with flying colors. He apparently is very active, but I can't feel over half of his movements. The doctor said that the hospital machine picks up even the most subtle movements, so I'm not expected to feel everything. Also got an u/s -- and saw his cute little face again (he doesn't like being poked by the u/s wand). DH and I considered it a late-night dry run for the real thing. Didn't get back home until after 2 a.m. and was so tired!

DH's coworkers gave him a surprise shower on Thursday, and we got so many nice things. Looking forward to my family shower tomorrow. I've been stalking the registries, and thankfully people are buying from them.

r6 - Glad you're getting some relief from the peeing urges. I only thought of the UTI, because my OB quizzed me earlier this week to make sure what I was feeling wasn't an UTI. My pain has gone away, and she didn't think it was a UTI anyway. I haven't even looked at day cares yet -- I think because even though I'm officially undecided, I really just want to stay home with baby.

merl - So glad that Imani is home and hoping that your first week went well.

Oreo - I'm sure everything will go great on Monday! You get to meet Conor and Avery. Don't worry too much about all the things you need to do this weekend. If you weren't being induced, you wouldn't know when you'd be going to the hospital, so might have to leave things by default. The babies won't care -- they'll just want to be near you.

bethers - You've got quite the CD stash. How is the packing going? I hope you continue to get lots of help.

Carolina - Thanks -- I had a great birthday. DH and I ate the leftovers from our dinner for lunch today. Sounds like it's getting really close for you!

Cassie - I saw your picture on the "show your glow" thread, and you don't look like you're 42 weeks. You look wonderful. Hopefully the BH will turn into real contractions soon and you can meet little Jude.

debra - If you can take off prior to birth w/out it affecting your FLMA leave, you should. I'm going to work up unti the end, assuming that I still can. I have a desk job, too. I'm doing OK sitting at my desk. My back pain has shifted now that baby's shifted, and am feeling better sitting now that I did a month ago. However, I arrive really late every day, sometimes leave early and fear the 1-hour commute because I'm constantly needing to pee.

Jonquil - Hang in there! Am thinking of you and Luke.

Pink - Yay for a great doctor's appointment. LOL that Christopher always hides for your doctor. You're getting so close! We're going to have so many new babies on this thread by the end of the month.

[sassycassie1984]

EJ - Thanks! I couldn't believe it when she said I was measuring that big! She usually measures me 2-3 weeks bigger. I guess it depends on who's doing it. The other midwife in the practice was always measuring me a half to a week and a half ahead, so I don't take much stock in the numbers. If he is causing me to be that big I hope it's because he's long and not a super chunk! ;)

[merl]

HI everyone, just poping in quickly to post a pic. Hope all is well.

Attached is a pic of Imani on our way home from the hospital. Have not downloaded the rest to the computer yet.

[jonquil01]

MERL!!!! SHE IS JUST ADORABLE!!!!! Did you knit that outfit?? So sweet!!!!

[sassycassie1984]

merl - what a beautiful little girl! :)

[Oreosmom]

OMG Merl she is so adorable, it makes me that much more excited for my induction on Monday. She really fills out the car seat too. How big is she? I remember when I brought home DS he was 7 lbs 2 oz and he seemed like a tiny ball all crunched up in the bottom. I'm looking forward to lots more pics. I hope you and the baby are both doing well!!! Seriously pinch me I can't believe I'll have two of those in 2 days.

[EJ1008]

merl - She's so beautiful!

Sassy - When they measure me, they don't tell me how many weeks I'm measuring. Just that I'm good. I think I'm happy that they don't tell me the number.

[fe_bengan]

Merl - she is sooooo cute, I love her cosy outfit!!!!:D

[Carolinagirl]

debra-definitely sounds like BH to me!

Pink-On the BH, I didn't even know I was having them with my ds #1, lol, I didn't know what to expect. But this time I started having them earlier than when I was expecting to have them. They've been pretty painful at times but I would think they would be about the same intensity next time around though. Sorry I'm not much help. I'm glad you had a good appt! Hopefully Christopher will make his debut sometime this week!

EJ-So glad that everything was ok with baby boy. I know it can be scary when you can't feel them. I can't wait to hear about your baby shower today! Have fun!!

merl-she is just precious!! :) You should head over to the moms board when you can! The girls over there are awesome! :)

Oreo-make sure you post your last pics today if you get a chance. Good luck tomorrow! Thoughts and prayers are with you!

afm-I decided to take one last trip before baby comes; dh, ds, and I headed to the beach this weekend. I figured it would be my last chance for awhile. It has been so nice and relaxing! Definitely what I needed!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

[bethers]

hey girls! hope you had a lovely weekend.


merl, imani is GORGEOUS!!! what a cutie!!!

oreos, best wishes for your induction tomorrow, hope it goes well.

EJ, the packing is going well, MIL has been amazing and helping me so much, which is a miracle really.

everyone else, hello and yes i'm reading but i'm tired so will post again later.

afm we FINALLY set up the crib tonight. it hasn't got sheets or anything, but we put it together. i'll set up the room properly after we move on saturday of course. but at least it's out of the box and in one piece now. :)

[Oreosmom]

Just wanted to update everyone, before my big day and before I'm out of comission for a few.

I'll give the good news first tomorrow I go to be induced for my two precious babies and I've made it to 38 weeks!!!

My bad news my mother died today. Two days ago she was fine, in some pain from the cancer, but functioning well. Just a few days ago she was out digging up her garden and replanting some things like all was okay. Then yesterday she was in a lot of pain---we thought it was from the constipation she would get after a dose of chemo. A hospice nurse came out and gave some pain meds and put in a catheter. She was pretty much in bed all day, but awake here and there. Then bam I get a call at 7:00 this morning that my sisters can't wake her. We thought she would go to the hospital and get and IV for dehydration and maybe that her blood sugar was out of wack since she has diabetes and didn't eat or drink much yesterday. We arrived at the ER around 9:00 and she had passed by lunch time. It was truly shocking that she was getting along so well and then she just passed that quickly. I also never thought she would miss seeing the babies, I thought we'd have at least the summer since she was only diagnosed 2 months ago. Anyways thanks for listening everyone I wanted to tell someone, but I just couldn't stand to have anymore akward phone conversations today. I've had 2 of those and I'm just over it.

I hope to have good news for you all in a couple of days. These precious babies are all that's getting me through right now I can't wait to hold them and love on them. I hope they like me crying on them too because I'm sure that will happen.

[howdensl]

Denise- Sorry for butting in over here, but I just want to say I'm so sorry for your loss. It is hard to lose those that are closest to us. I hope you can be strong and when those babies come they will help you in more ways than you can even imagine. Stay strong and know we are all here for you whenever you need a friend.

[EJ1008]

Denise - I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. God must want a special angel to watch over your sweet babies. I pray that the new babies help ease the pain for your entire family. I know your mom will always be with you in spirit and in your heart. ~ In sympathy, Beth

[Pinkturtledove]

Oreos - I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the pain you're going through. And with all the joy from your little ones coming tomorrow, that must be an extreme of emotions. I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your delivery is fast and smooth. I can't wait to see those adorable babies! :)

Merl - Imani is so adorable! I am so anxious for my little guy to get here now!

Bethers - Yay for getting your crib together! I hope your all ready and packed for your move. :)

Carolina - Your trip sounds like it was fun. Glad you got to relax and enjoy yourself! I am hoping Christopher shows up this week too! Although I am 38 weeks tomorrow and I see the Dr on Friday so if he hasn't come on his own by then, I should be induced soon after!

EJ - Sorry baby gave you a scare but glad everything is going good! It was so nice of your DH's co-workers to give him a shower! How was your family shower? Hoping you got lots of things you needed!

Sassy - How are you doing? Still waiting?

Hi to anyone I missed!

AFM - Christopher feels so low right now, it seriously is painful in my groin area when I stand/walk. Plus he hasn't been quite as active today and I only have a little appetite and keep feeling like I need to throw up. I am really hoping this means we are close!

DH & I also toured L&D today - OMG what a nightmare! It isn't scheduled or anything and people just show up to take the tour so there was like 60 people on this tour! They had to break us up into 2 groups and all it was really was "here is one of our birthing suites, make sure you pay for parking, ok bye!" Not very informative at all and with so many people it was chaotic. But I saw the birthing suite and its a nice big room. If you deliver vaginally you stay in that room for everything (labor, delivery and stay put until you leave) so that is kind of nice. And it really annoyed me that people would bring small children (one in a stroller) and lots of people had their spouse and their parents. Really? Your parents need to be here with you? Ugh I was so annoyed! lol But almost everything annoys me these days. :p Hope you all had a nice weekend!

[jenngood]

OREO~I am so sorry to hear of your Mom. I know nothing I say will help ease the pain. I am praying for you and your family. I hope those babies bring some much needed happiness today. Can't wait to see pictures!! You will certainly have an angel waching over you. Hugs~Jenn

[bethers]

oh denise i am so sorry to hear about your mom. that would be devastating at any time, but must be just horrible right now. *big hugs*. will be praying for you and your family.

[JessLav83]

Oreo, I am so sorry for you loss :(
good luck with the delivery of your twins!

[Tink]

Denise, I am in tears for you. As the others have said, your 2 little miracles will have such an amazing angel watching out for them. Saying a prayer for you and hope your induction goes smoothly today. (((hugs)))

[sassycassie1984]

Oreos - So so very sorry for the loss of your mom. Wishing you peace and joy today as you get to cuddle those precious babies and pass your mom's love along to them for her.

Pink - I am still here. The BH's seemed to have died down and he still hasn't dropped yet. I'm thinking he's in it for the long haul! I keep losing HUGE gobs of mucus plug every day (no bloody show, though). I know it regenerates itself, but this much every day? Seriously?! I am getting impatient too... this waiting business is hard! The rest of it FLEW by! Now it's just piddling along, and I'm a basket case analyzing every little twinge! My house is clean, I go on walks... other than that I need things to do! A friend of mine suggested baking some casseroles and freezing them for when we come home with baby. I think that's a great idea, but I can't go grocery shopping until Wednesday (pay day). I think today I'll clean out the car and put the carseat in. Tomorrow I still need to think of something!

Hope Christopher arrives soon! Sounds like he's getting serious about it!

[Carolinagirl]

Oreo-I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I can't even imagine the range of emotions you are having today. I hope your two precious babies can bring you some comfort. They truly have a special angel watching over them today. You and your family are in my prayers.


Pink-your L&D tour sounded horrible. I hate it didn't go the way you expected. Our hospital limits the number of people on tours, at least they did 2 years ago, I'm so surprised they'd let that many people in at one time. Thats really good that they let you stay in the same room for your entire stay. Last time it felt as soon as I was done delivering they were moving me into the regular room....I hated it, I felt like I was being rushed. :(

sassy-sounds like your making progress though with all the BH. Hang in there, the end is the worst!

EJ-how was your family shower? Did you get most of what you needed?

How is everyone else?

afm-I had my 37 week appt today, everything looks good. I did test positive for the strep B culture...I figured I would. Oh well....just an extra round of IV's b4 I deliver.

[debraanne6]

Oreos- I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope all goes well today! I think it's a huge blessing that you get a "distraction" from the pain from your two precious little ones. I'm so sorry you mom never got to see them, but she is looking over you and them today! Thinking of you and your family today.


Hope everyone had a great weekend! It sounds like a couple of you are REALLY close to the big day!!!!!

[FLHopeful1]

Oreos - I just saw your post and wanted to say how very sorry I am. I wish I could give you a big hug. I'm so excited though that you'll be able to meet your babies very soon. Your mom might not be there physically, but I am sure she will be there in spirit when you deliver your sweet little ones. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

[Jen0653]

Denise, I can't even imagine the range of emotions right now. So sorry for the loss of your mother. Hopefully those beautiful babies are here right now as well to give you something to celebrate!

Merl, Imani is beautiful! Congrats Mama!!!

Just wanted to update quickly, I've been checking in but haven't been posting much. We had our shower over the weekend and got most of the things we registered for. I'm starting to wash everything and put things away finally! I have yet to tackle the clothes though! We went on Sunday and bought the rest of what we needed, but there's still things left I'm sure. We ended up getting 2 strollers and 2 carseats, so taking one of each back gave us money to use for the rest of the things. Have another appointment on Wednesday, along with our 2nd childbirth class. Then we're spending the weekend camping! I'm starting to think I may be crazy agreeing to sleep on an air mattress in a tent so far away from a bathroom, but we'll see I guess!

So many of you are so close now!!! Making me get my butt into gear to get things ready, and wanting my baby girl here so much more now! Can't wait!!! :)

[EJ1008]

Carolina - I love the beach and am jealous that you live nearby and that you got to go this weekend. Hope it was super relaxing and fun. Glad everything went well at your appointment today minus the strep result. At least it's an easy treatment.

bethers - Hurray for setting up the crib and continued help from your MIL.

Oreo - I've been thinking of you all day.

Pink - I'm sorry your L&D tour was a nightmare! We took the tour as part of our childbirth class. I will change rooms after giving birth, but the the mother & baby unit is part of the hospital's recent expansion and has been open for only a year -- so essentially brand new.

sassy - Hang in there. Surely losing parts of your mucous plug have to amount to something soon. If you lived near me, I'd invite you over to help me clean my house. Mine is a disaster, and either have no time or no energy to clean it.

debra - Hi! How are you doing?

Jen - Glad you had such a nice shower and were able to exchange some duplicates for necessary items. I'm not a camper, so an air mattress even when I'm not pregnant is not at all appealing to me.

AFM - My family/friends and work showers were great. We got so many nice things; everyone was so generous. As for the must-haves, I think I only need to get a changing table pad, breast pump and matress pads. I didn't get the swing, and might look for one on Craig's List. I have an over-abundance of bibs, Swaddle Mes and Chicago Cubs clothes (we are big Cubs fans, which apparently everyone knows). At my family shower we decorated onsies, so I have a huge supply now. My in-laws made a diaper cake with all kinds of rattles, socks, etc. topped with a Cubs cap. Work gave me the Pack n Play, along with some little things.

Over the weekend, I found a solid wood changing table on Craig's List. DH picked it up tonight. He's going to stain it this weekend to match our crib and dresser. We were originally going to use the dresser for the changing table, but I didn't want him to pee all over the dresser that's supposed to last him throughout childhood.

Thankfully we have a three-day weekend so that I might have a chance to start to organize everything (along with some neglected housework).

[fe_bengan]

oreo - so sorry for the loss of your mum. Good luck with the induction tomorrow and their will definatly be an angel watching over you.

[ldarolyn]

Denise- I can't even begin to imagine the wide array of emotions you are going through right now. I am truly sorry to hear about your mom passing. I thought you would have more time to spend with her, and for her to get to meet your precious babies. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I pray for a smooth delivery for you.




I am too upset to do more personals right now, sorry. I just found out that one of my co-workers who was due on saturday just lost her baby the other night. Earlier in the week she hadn't been feeling him move much and had a NST, they noticed he had a decel during a contraction so they did a biophysical and he ended up scoring a 10 out of 10.
She had switched with me so I could be off saturday to go to DDs soccer tournament. She was at work sat night and wasn't feeling him move. We were busy and she felt bad for leaving, so she was hesitant to say something. She ended up leaving and going to the hospital but he was already gone. I feel so bad beause if she wouldn't have been working for me, she probably would have gotten checked out sooner, and maybe he would be in her arms right now.
Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers as they endure what no mother should have to endure.

[bethers]

EJ i just gotta say, i read your post about the mother and baby unit being new. it made me giggle coz my hospital, well it's THE maternity hospital in my state and we have a mother baby unit. it's the section where you go if you have mental health issues/depression/post natal depression etc. it's so that mothers and babies can room in together and they usually stay for quite a while.

[sarah_007]

Oreo, I'm thinking of you and excited to hear about the birth/see pictures of the babes. I'm very sorry about your Mom. At least she knew the twins were coming and could help you prepare a bit.

sending a big hug your way, and to all the rest of you third trimesterers!!
Sarah

[r6bikerchick]

I am hopelessly behind - I spent the weekend enjoying "catching up" with DH as he just returned from two weeks away.

Oreo - Wow, what a range of emotions to experience, from one extreme to the other. You are dealing with the whole circle of life and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ida - You just gave voice to my worst fear. I get anxious when I don't feel the baby moving for a bit (even though I know he is asleep sometimes, and other times he is likely moving and I can't feel him). So far, he always starts kicking before I decide to go in, but I feel like if I actually waited a few hours then it would be too late. So sorry for your co-worker. :( Don't blame yourself.

Sassy - Sounds like you are getting SO close! My time has been dragging all along, so I'm sure the end will be even worse. Even still, I'm having a hard time picturing myself working right up until the end, even though it gives me something to do. It is just getting harder and harder to concentrate and get things done. Do you do any knitting/sewing/crafts? I would be knitting up a storm if I was home.

Carolina - Glad things are looking good and that you were prepared for a positive GBS.

Jen - It's great that you got almost everything you were looking for. I was going to go camping this past weekend (Victoria Day long weekend in Canada) but the weather was miserable - rainy and only a few degrees above freezing.

EJ - Also glad that you had a good shower and that things are coming together. As for housework, hey it will get neglected after baby is here, so I figure now is the time to learn to live with more mess (the opposite of the nesting instinct is going on for me right now, I guess!).

AFM - Still counting down to various things - my pregnancy photoshoot on Wednesday, another routine prenatal appointment with my regular doctor on Friday, my mom is coming into town on Friday night to spend the weekend with us, 3D u/s on Saturday morning, and baby shower on Saturday afternoon. I can't wait to take stock of what we actually have so that I can start shopping to fill in the pieces. I did get a few board books and wooden toys at a yard sale on the weekend.

[sassycassie1984]

Ida - That is so sad and such a fear for a lot of us. Keeping your co-worker in my prayers.

EJ - Sounds like a great shower! We are Reds fans here and got some cute onesies. DH is already talking about taking Jude to a game at the end of the summer. He would be 3 mos old in September, and I'm thinking he's going to have to wait for his first baseball game, lol.

[debraanne6]

ida- oh my! I'm so sorry for your co-workers loss. How devastating. We are in the time where are fears should be less! I know it's hard to not play the what if game, but please don't stess over what you may or may not have done.

EJ - I'm doing very well! How are you?

[jonquil01]

oreo- OH NO!!! I AM SO SORRY!!! I wish I had some sage advice to give you, but I'm not good at these kind of things. All I can say is I will pray for you and your family. Focus on those lil ones and they will get you through this.

AFM, well.. I got to see another dr at the peri's office yesterday and he was sooo much nicer. He said he was proud I had made it this far and not to worry b/c most 34 wkers are just growers. they did another NST and Luke passed. I lost another inch of amniotic fluid..which puts me down to 7. I was 8 on Thursday (4 days before), so I am losing it pretty fast now. Apparently when it gets down to 5 is when baby is in trouble.

Well, I had my appt with my reg OB today and he did an NST and Luke was not passing. We tried everything..they just kept rolling me over like one of those hot dogs at the fair!! Well, all of the nurses were huddling and trying to figure out what to do (my dr was in with another patient) and as soon as he comes out, Luke's hearbeat starts to do what it is supp to! LOL! Lil booger. I go back tomor for another NST and if he fails it we head to L&D. If not, we check fluid and another NST on Thursday. My Dr doesnt think I will be pregnant anymore by the weekend just b/c of the fluid leaking and all of the NST results. Plus we talked today that it is getting to the point that Luke may gain more weight on the outside than he is on the inside now.

[sassycassie1984]

jon - I'm glad you had a better peri experience this time around. Also glad that you all have a plan in place that will keep Luke safe and healthy whether it be to continue monitoring/letting him bake or to deliver him and let him grow on the outside!

[Pinkturtledove]

Jon - Glad you had a better peri today. Is it inches or centimeters? I ask because my RN refers to my amniotic fluid in centimeters. Mine was 10.4 today it was 11.6 on Friday and 12.2 a week ago. Tracy - my RN - says 10-25 cm's is ideal but they don't act until it is under 5. I hope Luke passes his NST tomorrow!

R6 - Sounds like you have a busy week ahead of you! Enjoy your photoshoot and baby shower!

Ida - I am so sorry for your co-workers loss. What a horrible thing to have happen. Please don't beat yourself up there is no way to know if things would have turned out differently but it isn't your fault.

EJ - So glad you got things you needed at your baby showers! Sounds like the baby's room is coming along!

Carolina - You're getting so close too! How are you feeling?

Sassy - I can't believe you keep losing so much mucus plug and nothing comes from it. I haven't seen any of mine yet, keep thinking I am going to stand up one of these days and my water will just break! lol Maybe that's just wishful thinking!

Jen - Yay for a good baby shower! Glad you got lots of things you needed! I keep thinking about going camping, we had a lot of fun last year but I could not picture me going at this point. Enjoy yourself!

Oeros - Thinking about you. :)

Merl - I imagine you are enjoying Imani! Hope all is well with you!

Hi to anyone I missed!

AFM - My NST today went great. I am waiting so patiently for Christopher to get here. My DH is driving me nuts though! He keeps asking me when the baby is going to get here - like I have any control! Last night we went out to On The Border and I ate as much spicy stuff as I could handle hoping it would put me into labor - ha! Nothing came of it though. My FIL said there is a pizza place the next town over that supposedly will put you into labor maybe tomorrow night we will go there. I already have dinner in the crock pot for tonight though. (Dang it!) :p

[jonquil01]

pink...LOL!! yeah it's cm!!! I thought he said inches, but I was a lil out of it with nerves when he was discussing it!!! That's why my mom has been coming with me..so she can tell me when I am remembering things wrong LOL. My Dr had said 5 too...guess I was typing too fast and left that part off LOL!

[sassycassie1984]

Pink - I am convinced it hyper-regenerates itself as soon as I lose it! Congrats on another great NST!

[bethers]

jon i think it's cm too because my friend with twins has one with 9cm and one with 3cm - which went up to 4cm the other day. they are watching her carefully but as long as bub is moving and growing they won't induce her. she's 37 weeks today.

[jonquil01]

well girls..I am thinking today might be the day. I have been taking my bp and it is staying around 145-150/110!!!! I know he will NOT be happy with that bottom number!! Esp since that was with me laying on my left side!!! EESHH. but, they did up my meds yesterday..so maybe it will kick in soon. I'm taking 400mg four times a day now!! I guess it all depends on my bp there and whether or not Luke passes the NST this morning. I'm willing to bet that if they dont take him today they will FOR SURE tomor! I dont know if it's nerves or mother nature gettng me ready for baby..but I didn't sleep much at ALL last night!! I was up every 2hrs!!!

[sassycassie1984]

Keeping you and Luke in my prayers, jonquil!

AFM - the bank my work does its payroll through switched systems or something so my paycheck won't be deposited until tomorrow! That means another day of coming up with stuff to do to keep my mind off of "Is he coming soon?" I was going to go to the store today for groceries I needed for casseroles to freeze, but that has to wait until tomorrow now! Also had a haircut planned today and filling up the gas tank so that we can go to the midwife tomorrow. Oh, and the weather is supposed to get super severe overnight tonight... Probably means Jude will decide to get things going, right? :p I kid, I kid but you know how it is! If ever it were the most inconvenient time it would be tonight lol.

[r6bikerchick]

Jon - I'm glad that you had a better peri this time around. We'll look forward to meeting little Luke soon, and I'm sure he won't STAY "little" for long!

Pink - Thanks! I will be going OUT OF MY MIND at 38 weeks - are you trying all the "natural" induction methods now (1 tbps of castor oil with OJ at breakfast, bouncing on a birthing ball, DTD, etc.?).

Sassy - Can you make any of those purchases on credit and then pay them off tomorrow? I use my credit card for everything for the reward points, but I always pay off the full amount owing so that I never get charged any interest.

[Carolinagirl]

Jen-Sounds like you had a great shower. That was nice that you had duplicate stuff to return so you could get the rest of your stuff. Good luck at your appt today. Wow, I can't believe your going camping this far along, I definetly have to give it up to you! I couldn't do it, I'm just to uncomfortable. :p Hopefully i won't be to bad, I hope you have a wonderful time!

EJ-It sounds like you had some really nice showers as well, wow it doesn't sound like you have much left to get! Thats great! :) Hopefully you'll get a chance to organize everything this coming weekend! You are getting so close too! Have you packed your bag yet?

fe-Hi! How are you doing?

Ida-oh my gracious, I'm so sorry to hear about your co-worker. Thats all of us ladies worst fear. :(

bethers-how are you feeling? Are you ready for the big move?

r6-I hope you have fun today at your photoshoot! You'll have to post a belly shot once you get your proofs back. :)

debra-glad to hear your doing well. I think I remember you saying you have an u/s tomorrow? If so, I hope everything looks good. Praying for you!

Jon-good luck today! Praying and thinking of you and Luke!

Pink-I'm glad everything is looking great with Christopher! Me, I'm just hanging in there. I'm sooo ready for the little boy to come. I hate to complain but I'm honestly just miserable. I feel like I'm going to be pregnant forever. :(

sassy-I feel your pain, it feels like time has come to a stand still. Its just dragging!! I hope we can both find things to keep us busy.

afm-I'm just hanging in there, nothing new to report. I just soo uncomfortable and I hurt. :( I'm just ready for baby boy to make his debut. I've convinced myself he if proably going to be late like my ds. So I figure I still have about 3.5 weeks to go....and time is dragging!

[bethers]

hey girls

jon - goodness, best wishes for today/tomorrow!!! hopefully you'll get to meet your little man soon and he will be nice and healthy and fine. :)

cassie that is so sucky! my dh gets paid monthly, so when the first of the month falls on a saturday we have to wait till the end of monday to get his pay, which is a real pain. even worse if it happens to fall on a long weekend! so i understand your pain!!!

carolina i feel your pain. i'm so uncomfortable too. i'll be nice and happy on the couch, but get up and it's like she falls down and i just feel this pain and my bladder gets squashed and i'm like errggghhhh.
then i try to sleep and i wake up hourly and every time i roll over or move, i creak and groan and my joints all crack! :( looking forward to all that relaxin going away!!

i think i'm ready for the move. i hope! the new place is all cleaned apart from the carpets which we can't get done till monday. i probably COULD have got them done friday but i have a carpet cleaning man and he's good and he was booked out this week. so we'll be sleeping on a mattress on the floor all weekend as our bed is a wood frame and we don't have the master bedroom and so it takes up all the room and will make doing the carpets difficult. i'm wondering how i'll manage the getting up in the middle of the night off the floor! but it's 2 nights, i'll survive. as long as we can get the bed put together monday night, i'll be ok. might have to get a friend to help though, our mattress weighs a TON!!!
i think the packing is all done. MIL's coming tomorrow to finish off the packing, it's just the rest of the kitchen and the bathroom to go i THINK. here's hoping anyway!
and little things. but we'll manage, and i think it will be takeout for dinner tomorrow and friday!

[Pinkturtledove]

Bethers - I hope your move goes smoothly. I don't know about getting up off the floor I think it would be quite a sight to see if it were me! lol

Carolina - I feel like I've been pregnant for a year! I am so ready to have this baby already! I feel you on the being uncomfortable. When I stand up, the pressure on my hips/groin is so bad until I take a few steps. DH does not understand how miserable it is and acts like I am over-acting. I am about ready to smack him! :p

R6 - My Dr was against castor oil (and I can't have OJ because of my GD.). We jokingly brought it up because DH's grandma told me she took it when she was pregnant with one of her 5 children. Her Dr was going to be on vacation and she said and I quote: "I didn't want the other jerk doctor to deliver my baby." So she took the castor oil. lol But we've DTD, I've been trying to walk more, I have been eating spicy foods - nothing! My SIL said to eat Mountain Mike's pizza (I don't know if that is a national chain) because their pepperoni is spicier than any other pizza place. I go back to the Dr Friday and he'll have to pick an induction date for me then but hoping the baby comes on his own before Friday. (But it doesn't look like it will happen.)

Sassy - Sorry about your payroll mix up. I am there with you though, I am so bored. But I don't have the energy to clean or organize. Hoping these babies come soon!

Jon - How did your NST go? That is a crazy amount of BP pills to be taking. I didn't know you were taking 1600mg a day! I take 200mg a day. Thinking about you and Luke. :)

AFM - Well I really hope I am near the end. My hormones are out of whack! My cats are driving me nuts today. DH made me so mad last night and I have not really been talking to him. Also I had to wake him up at 7:30 this morning. His co-worker whom he carpools with usually gets to our house at 7:30 so I was super annoyed with him about that! He says he must have turned off his alarm instead of hitting snooze. I am so ready for my baby to get here!

[sassycassie1984]

It appears Jude is going to be a good boy tonight during the storms and not decide to put me into labor. We're expecting hurricane strength winds, possible long track tornadoes, hail...the apocalypse...until 5 am.

Kidding about the apocalypse, but it's going to get scary here soon. I HATE DH working night shift :(

I am gonna be a sleepy girl at my midwife appointment in the morning (8:40 am).

[debraanne6]

Hi Girls!!!

Jon - Sounds like any day now you will get to see your little one. Sounds like your Dr.s are very on top of things, sorry you have to go early, but youv'e done a great job so far keeping luke in!!!!! Good luck with the next few days with whatever happens!

Carolina - Yes I do have my ultrasound today! I'm excited to see baby. My last ultrasound he or she looked more like an alien than a baby! jk. I'm excited to be able to see the changes in the last 8 weeks. I also want to hear the little cyst they found last time has gone away! So I'm a little nervous over here at work today. I have tried to put any fears that there is something wrong with this baby (the Dr. said there is like a 1% chance of down syndrome) for the last 8 weeks, and I've done a really good job keeping cool and not worrying, but since I have the ultrasound today it's a little nerve wracking.
Sorry you are so uncomfortable. I was pretty uncomfy myself yesterday, my ribs hurts so bad! I can only imagine how much worse its gonna get!!!!!

Bethers - good luck with the move!

Pink- Any day now for you!!!!!! And I agree with no castor oil. My mom swears by it, but I've heard it will only give you the runs!

Hope everyone is doing well.
AFM- I get an unintended 4 day weekend so I'm happy. My boss told me we have to take flex days for Friday and Monday, so I will be lounging around for sure!! I'm starting to get little urges of nesting I think, but I really can't do much until my shower, so I know what I have, and still need to get. Maybe I will just clean and declutter stuff in the meantime.

[Pinkturtledove]

Sassy - Glad Jude decided to not want to come during last nights storm! Hoping your appt goes well!

Debra - Good luck at your u/s! Praying that baby's cyst is gone! Enjoy your 4 day weekend!

AFM - This might be too TMI but I am hoping it is a good sign. I've read that you poop a lot before you start labor. Well in the last 24 hours I've pooped 3 times! I know that might not seem like a lot, but I usually only go every 2 -3 days, so I am hoping that means something is going to happen soon! I feel like I am in the 2ww again, obsessing over every symptom! lol :p

[sassycassie1984]

Pink - That is an excellent way to explain it! It is JUST like the 2ww! I've been pooping a lot too the past couple days. I've read that your body tends to "evacuate" as much as it can from the bowels in preparation for labor. We are getting so close!

debraanne- Can't wait to hear about the ultrasound! :)

Oreos- Thinking of you and your family and your little ones during what I'm sure has been a very emotional week for you all.

I'm wondering if jonquil has been induced since we didn't get to hear about his NST! Hoping all is well.

AFM - Midwife went well. 3 cm dilated now, 70% effaced (I may have updated 80% last time but DH said I was a crazy person and it was 70% last time too. He has the better memory these days!), and cervix is VERY soft. Mucus plug is totally gone, she felt baby's head, and he's "nice and bouncy" (which I think means he's engaged in the birth canal?). She said, "Schedule an appointment for next week, but we might have a baby this weekend!" I know better than to get my hopes up, but I'm lying if I said they weren't just a LITTLE :p

I've had some back pain today. Also a little bit of brownish pinkish discharge (I think that was from the internal exam, though). Still nothing definite!

[Carolinagirl]

bethers-oh boy, getting up off the floor sounds like its going to be challenging! :p At least it would be for me....at least its only for 2 nights though! Having the bed reassembled would be at the top of the list once the carpets are cleaned! Hope the move goes smoothly this weekend!

Pink-I know how you feel, dh makes fun of me and how slow I move. He says I act like an old lady moving so slow and creaking all the time. Ooooh it makes me so mad somedays! :rolleyes: I'd love for him to carry this baby just one day! I've been super hormonal lately too, I cry and get upset over everything. I just can't help it....and sometimes I know its crazy but what can I do? Hmmm, it could mean something is about to happen. I really hope so for you! I know your ready!

debra-thinking of you and your little one today! I pray for good news at your u/s. Update us when you can.

sassy-glad Jude was a good boy last night! How did your appt go this morning?

afm-just staying out of the heat today, its 93 here today!! Took ds out this morning and played in the sprinkler. He took a good 2 hour nap afterwards so I got a nice nap in today too! :) With the heat my swelling is really starting to get worse.....hopefully not too much longer.

[Carolinagirl]

sassy-we were posting at the same time! Wow, you really are close!! I'm with your midwife....I believe you might have you a memorial day weekend baby!!! So excited for you! :D

[sassycassie1984]

Carolina - I hear you on the heat and swelling! My feet look so awful! Definitely wishing I could go swimming or play in our sprinkler today! Sadly we've had a bit more rain this afternoon. *sigh*

[Pinkturtledove]

Sassy - Yay for progress! Sounds like you might be having Jude very soon! I was wondering about jonquil too. Hoping everything is going well for her!

Carolina - I'd like for my DH to carry this baby for one week! I think he'd manage for a day but not so sure he could do a whole week! Sorry about the heat. It is unusually cool here in northern California. We are usually in the high 90's by now but it was only 70 here today! Yay for nice naps, I got a good one today too.

AFM - Well we go to the Dr tomorrow. Not sure what to expect from him but he said he didn't want me going past 39 weeks and tomorrow I'll be 38 weeks 5 days. So I am going to take everything with me just in case he sends us up to L&D!

Well I am off to watch So You Think You Can Dance. Do any of you girls watch? It's one of me & DH's favorite shows!

[jonquil01]

well girls...LUKE IS HERE!!!

They took him yesterday (thursday) morning around 8:00. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. When they pulled him out he was BLUE and he never took a breath on his own. There were 5 people working on him and I heard a nurse say "how long has it been?" and someone said 5 minutes...when I heard that I thought he was dead. My mom was with me and she thought the same thing. We held hands and prayed with all our might. I started gettting sick and the anethesiologist had to give me meds so I wouldnt puke as they were sewing me back up. I found out later that they were asking the time b/c of his apgar scores and that they had had him bagged the whole time so he never went without oxygen. The worst part was seeing him that color and not moving. He finally decided to move when they tried to intubate him and he kept turning his head from side to side!!! He was whisked out and I thought I was going to lose it. Even before they started my bp had gotten up to 215/130 and they called in a heart specialist to be on standby..I have no idea what it got up to while I was watching them work on him..there's no telling.

As soon as I was in recovery the head of the NICU came to see me and was so nice. She brought me a picture of him and was telling me how fiesty he was and how they actually had to give him something so he would quit fighting with them when they were trying to put his lines in!! I got to go see him about 4hrs later. I still couldn't feel my legs but I was DETERMINED to see my lil boy!! I had a wonderful nurse who understood and said we would get me in that chair to see him no matter what! By the time I made it down there he was already off the ventilator!!! It was wonderful to hear some good news that early!! He is stable now, just tiny. He was 3lbs 13oz and 17 inches long.

I found out later that it was a good thing we had gone ahead with the c-sect b/c once they got in there they found out I had hardly any amniotic fluid left and the cord was wrapped around his neck. I also found out that as my Dr went to pull him out, Luke decided to chomp down on his finger!!!! LOL!!!!

I've not gotten to hold him yet, but I have gotten to touch him!! He is wonderful. He has my nose and my husband's sandy/blonde curly hair!! It's been really tough on DH. he almost ran out of the NICU..seriously. He doesnt want to touch him yet and just keeps saying "he doesnt look good babe". But the nurses say he actually does look good! Just keep us in your prayers! I will post a pic soon!!

[bethers]

jon i posted in your other thread, but wow, so glad he's doing ok hun! :) hope you get your bubba cuddles super soon.

[sassycassie1984]

jonquil - I am so glad Luke is doing well after that scary start! Hoping DH warms up soon. Prolly just in shock from it all!

[Pinkturtledove]

Jon - Congrats on Luke's birth! What a scary story but I am so glad he is here and and safe and that you are doing well too! I am sure your DH was just scared by everything, I am sure he'll come around soon. I am just so happy for you! I can't wait to see a picture! I've been wondering how you've been doing! :)

AFM - Well my Dr appt this morning was good. Christopher still looks really good - passed his NST with flying colors. So we decided if I don't go into labor on my own over this Memorial Day weekend that I'll be induced Tuesday at 6:00 am! I asked my Dr how big he thought Christopher was and he thinks 7 1/2 - 8 1/2 lbs. I am up a total of 35 lbs. Ugh! Was so hoping to not gain so much weight but it is surely worth it! My Dr felt around and said Christopher has not "engaged" into my pelvis at all and that was kind of concerning to him he felt he should be down farther. I think my Dr still has hope that I'll go into labor on my own this weekend. But all in all I am so glad to have an end in sight!

[FLHopeful1]

Hey everyone, sorry to butt in over here but has anyone heard any updates from Oreosmom? I think she said she was being induced on the 23rd but she hasn't posted anything since the 22nd. Just wondering how momma and babies are doing.

Congrats Jonquil on little Luke!!!

[Carolinagirl]

FLhopeful-we haven't heard anything from her....I'm wondering about her myself. Hopefully she'll post soon...

Pink-So glad everything is looking good with Christopher! I hope he comes over the weekend for you but if not enjoy your last weekend as a family of 2!! He'll be here in 4 days!! How exciting! :D I dvr'd So You think you can dance, haven't had a chance to watch it yet but I love that show too!!

Jon-oh my, what a birth story. So glad little Luke is doing ok and you too! Congratulations!

afm-I've had such a good day, a lady in my playgroup hosted a pool party today so me and little man have been swimming all afternoon. It was so nice! And it was absolutely wonderful to be weightless in the pool....I forgot how relaxing it was being preggo. I definitely need to start going to the pool more often these last few weeks. :)

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

[fe_bengan]

Hi guys

Congrats Jon - I hope you get your cuddles soon.

Have been super busy so am so far behind on personals.

Wow what a bust board, I can remember back and being on the 2WW with some of you and to hear your little ones arrival makes me so emotional. how awesome they are all starting to arrive. We have all shared in their little lives in utero so you feel you allready kinda know them. Soooooo happy for the mums whos littlies have poped out and am so excited for all the next ones.

AFM - passed out at work last friday so work decided to pay me to take week off and finish last fri instead of this fri so have been off all week and it has felt amazing...but busy. handed in my last assignment at uni so am officially a free agent....well for the time being anyway. mucous plug came away and have been having stronger braxton hicks so who knows when it will be. I am 37 weeks now. DH is so excited and people have started wagers as to when she will come.
My bathroom has just about been completed so that will be nice to labour in when I first go into labour. I completed a hypnobirthing course so am really excited to put into practice what I have learnt.

anyway ladies have a great weekend and all the best for the last few weeks.

[sassycassie1984]

FL - I am thinking her mom's funeral may be this week as well which may be why she's been absent from the boards. I'm hoping all is well with the babes and that she is taking the week to be with her family mourning her mom and taking care of the twins.

[ldarolyn]

Oreo- Continuing to think about you, keeping you all in my prayers.

Jon- Congratulations again! DH will come around. I am a nurse in the NICU, it can be very overwhelming at first, and moms and dads cope very differently sometimes. He will be helping taking care of Luke befor eyou know it.

Pink- Good to hear your NST and dr appt went well. good luck this weekend and if not you know you will be having him very soon.

Carolina- Swimming sounds so awesome right now. I am so jealous. I would definitely keep it up if I were you, I can only imagine how great that felt.

Bethers- I hope you are able to get comfortable this weekend on your air mattress. I had to sleep on one a month ago at the in laws and I woke up so often. I think it was mostly due to sharing a full size one with DH and DS though.

Sassy- yay for progress! Fingers crossed for you this weekend.

AFM- My thighs, calves and feet are so huge. After my long stretch of work DH told me my feet look like a 500lb womans and that I had absolutely no ankles. Thanks dear! I had 2 days off and the swelling went down some, thank god. Had my appt on wed and I am 1cm and 60%. I hadnt really been having that many contractions but tonight at work I have been having them non stop and they are slighlty more intense than usual. I lost part of my mucous plug this morning. I dont feel like she is coming right now but who knows. I just want her to wait til I get off and get to nap for at least a couple hrs. I worked last night 12 hrs, got 4 hrs of sleep, and am now working 16.

[bethers]

hi, i'm MOVED!!!! we're all in the new house!

ida - fortunately it's my regular mattress not an air one which is great so here's hoping sleeping down there will be comfy hey.

we got all our stuff moved over in about 3 hours - we had nearly 20 people helping out all up but not everyone came at the same time.
my 2 best friends set up my entire kitchen (well what we could find, still missing my utensil drawer stuff!) and my pantry for me. the bookcases are in and full and the couches are in (ahh bliss).
the bedrooms aren't set up of course because of the carpet cleaning, but my best friend is coming monday night to help us set up our bed and the baby's room, yay!

i'm so exhausted. we went out for dinner and i waddled everywhere, i am so stiff and sore. i really didn't do a lot, but not much is a lot for me right now as i'm sure many of you can attest to. i spent a lot of the day sitting on the couch as i made sure they brought that over first.

my puddy tats are doing well, 2 of them are happy and 1 keeps meowing every time she forgets where i am, but they'll manage i'm sure. i'm betting we'll have a pile of fluff in bed tonight though!!!

i better go it's 10.30pm and i'm about ready to crash. dh is already asleep on the bed, he lay down silly boy, coz he hasn't had a shower yet and he's fully dressed plus there's poop in the litter box he needs to empty lol!

[megs&david]

Hey girls! Just thought I would pop in and say hi! i miss you all over here and I'm so excited to start seeing pics of all your little ones! so many of you are getting close!!! So excited for you all!

[sassycassie1984]

fe - Sorry you passed out the other day! How scary! Glad you got some paid leave!

Ida - I'm hoping she lets you get a nap in before starting to get down to business!

bethers - Yay for being moved in!! My dogs have been super cuddlebugs lately. Wonder if they know something's up?

AFM - I wake up with contractions and then they fade away (3 days in a row now). I have no clue when he's going to get down to business. I really hope it isn't today (May 28th) or June 1st because DH has cousins with those birthdays. I would feel awful! They are sisters and have always had to have joint birthday parties so I feel a little guilty if he comes on one of those days!

[praises1139]

Sassy--I hope you get the birthday you want...haha. what day should I start the new threads??

[Rubystar]

Sassy- I just had to comment on your dogs being cuddle bugs. I bet your going into labor soon! My dog has always been snuggley but one week before I had Tobey my dog became obsessed with my every move he couldn't get enough and wanted to cuddle on top of me 24/7. Dogs have a weird sense for this kind of thing!


I agree with Megs; its exciting to pop over here and read your birth stories! Your babies are so great and so close to coming its so unreal!! Seems like yesterday we all posted that we got a BFP!

[sassycassie1984]

Praises - any time between now and the 1st is usually a good time to start them!

Ruby - I'm hoping that's the case! Things are just so uncomfy these days!

[jonquil01]

thanks girls. I just went to see him again. He is doing well on his feedings. He was tolerating 4 (I think it's cc's), so they bumped him up to 8!! they haven't reduced his cpap any yet. I ant get over how tiny he is. You can count every one of his ribs :(

I have done so well holding it together..but today almost every time I have seen him I have cried! I dont want him to know I am upset though!! ugh.

I'm just now getting about 6 drops of colustrum after hand expressing for forever! The drops are only the size of a pin head too! But they told me to save it in a syringe.

DH is still not doing so well. He has only been back to see him the one time. He said he "might" go back there tonight, but he really wants to wait. ugh men!!

Just keep praying for us!

[sassycassie1984]

jonquil - I think it's a good sign that he's eating more :) I'm sorry that DH is still having a hard time with everything. Keeping you and your new little family in my prayers!

[megs&david]

jon- that's actually really great! I had the tiniest syringes for a while then all the sudden I noticed I was getting more and more colostrum. Keep up the great work! Pumping is a lot of work but it's totally worth it! I had to exclusively pump with Abby for almost 2 weeks. Once she started to bf it went great b/c she didn't have to work very hard as my milk was already established. Hope you breeze through bfing!!! Hang in there. Sorry about dh. You may just need to tell him that he needs to suck it up and be strong for you! Also, don't worry about the crying. A lot of it is hormones too! It's okay to cry- it doesn't mean you aren't being strong for Luke!

[EJ1008]

Idaroyln - I'm so sorry to hear about your co-worker's loss. I hope you can take it easy when you're not working.

r6 - I hope you had a nice shower and a great visit with your mom!

Sassy - So we're interleague rivals! I don't think we'll be taking our son to a Cubs game for a few years. Maybe we'll start with a minor league game or a college football game. Any more signs of labor this weekend?

Pink - I'm so glad to hear that Christopher is almost here. Tuesday can't come fast enough, I'm sure. Unless he decides that the weekend would be better. I'm up 35-36 lbs, and I still have 4 weeks to go.

Carolina - Sorry that time is dragging for you. Swimming sounds heavenly.

bethers - Congrats for the successful move. I'm so glad you had a lot of help.

debra - How was your u/s?

jonquil - I'm happy to hear about Luke's progress and that you've been able to express some colostrum. Luke is so adorable! Sorry about DH. Hopefully he'll come around soon.

fe - Sorry that you passed out, but glad that you are no longer working. Enjoy the last moments before she arrives.

AFM - Hanging in here. DH had a cold during the week, and I've had a sore throat since Friday. Trying to organize baby's things and pack my bag, but felt so big and lethargic yesterday. It's almost noon, and I still haven't gotten in the shower today. At least it's a three-day weekend!

[sassycassie1984]

EJ - Not much shaking here. Took a 2 mile walk with the dogs and hubby today hoping it would start something. I'm still getting contractions in the morning that quickly fizzle out. Hoping he comes soon! Even DH is getting impatient! I hear you on the big and lethargic thing. I've been taking naps around 1:30 pm every day!

[sassycassie1984]

Saw this video on youtube and it made me laugh! It's also making me consider shakin' my groove thing! Apparently her moves led to labor starting 8 hours later!

http://youtu.be/nS_zkvTMdUM

[jonquil01]

hey girls!! quick update on Luke!! He is doing so well!! They turned down his cpap again and he is still taking the 8ml of food and doing well with it! He did get jaundiced today..but we were expecting that. I got to change 3 of his diapers last night and take his temps!! He even had a poopie diaper for me this morning!! also..my milk is starting to come in!!! His last two feedings were completely breastmilk!! I was so excited!! gah I love that lil guy so much!!

[sassycassie1984]

jonquil - That is great news all around! :D

[r6bikerchick]

I'm behind AGAIN (oh the joys of the third tri), so I'm just starting with what I can remember/see:

Oreo - Thinking of you as you grieve the loss of your mother and welcome your two precious bundles of joy. I hope the first week has been as smooth as it could be and keeps getting better.

Pink - Looking forward to meeting Christopher later this week (or next, whenever you get a chance). I don't watch So You Think You Can Dance often, but I do enjoy it. I also like America's Next Best Dance Crew.

Jon - Welcome to little Luke and YAY for establishing enough milk to do exclusive breastmilk feedings! I hope he is able to get it straight from the source soon! I'm sure DH will come around soon - he is probably quite afraid and unsure how to process it all.

Carolina - Swimming is AWESOME! I made it to the pool only once last week, to find out that that day had been cancelled! I'm looking forward to making up for lost time this week because I noticed that without it last week, I felt heavier/draggier on the weekend because I didn't get my "weightless" time.

Fe - That is so great that work AND school are now behind you! I hope your LO comes soon!

Ida - Oh, DH's and their comments. Mine told me I walk "like a trucker" now. I can't believe that you are continuing to do all the work that you are doing. Hopefully you will get rested up before the grand entrance!

Bethers - Yay, you are moved! Sounds like the bedrooms will be put together very soon and then it will be time to have the baby!

Sassy - sounds like your dogs know the birth is imminent - regardless of what date you want! I will hope that you make it at least until June 2nd!

EJ - Thanks! And yes, three day weekends are for relaxing! We had a three day weekend in Canada last week. As it was, I didn't get out of my pyjamas until 2pm yesterday.

AFM - Wow, what a week! I had my maternity photoshoot on Wednesday and the photographer had the pictures ready for my shower on the weekend. There are a TON of great photos (even after I ignore all of the ones where I have a double-chin, sigh) and I am going to get prints done this week. When I am home I will try to remember to post some in the Show Your Glow thread.

Then, I had my 3D ultrasound on Saturday morning. We confirmed, in three-dimensions, that it is most definitely a BOY (no question about it now!). He was curled up head-down and really did not want to wake up for the technician. He kept putting his hands in front of his mouth and would scrunch up his face when she tried to jiggle him. So, the pictures don't really show him off but it was worth it just to watch him.

My friends did an amazing job with my shower - great activities and food. And I know it's totally the wrong attitude for me to have, but I was disappointed that I got very few items from the registry. On the other hand, I won't have to buy clothes for this kid until he's, like, three. I guess people really like buying cute outfits more than bottle sterilizers or diapers or nursery furniture, etc. Oh well. I have a few gift cards and I'll have to see how much they have on them to see if I can get a crib and a glider.

[sassycassie1984]

r6 - sounds like my shower experiences! We maybe got 5 things from our registry at THREE showers! It blew my mind, especially after people ask you for weeks, "Where are you registered?" You're definitely right about the clothing!

Pink - If you don't have him today, Christopher will be in your arms tomorrow! How exciting!

AFM - Still here. Had some good contractions around 3 am, but they (once again) fizzled out after an hour. I'm pretty sure I'll walk into my midwife appointment dilated to a 4 or 5 on Thursday. On the bright side maybe with all this early dilating hard labor won't last as long? It's like I'm getting most of the work out of the way now without really feeling much, so I suppose I'll take that! I really do wish he'd get down to business, though! I think I will do some dancing around later. Oh, and clean out the car!

[Pinkturtledove]

Hi girls I wanted to get in one good last post before my big day tomorrow! :D

Carolina - I am so jealous of your swim day! I would love to just float in a pool for an hour, that sounds so relaxing! It is barely 70 degrees here though, so I will take the cool weather over the swimming, for now!

Fe - How scary about passing out at work but glad you're home relaxing and done with school. Enjoy your last few weeks of being preggo!

Ida - Ugh, DH's think they are so funny sometimes! I don't know how you are still working this far into your pregnancy! Sounds like your body is getting ready for the big day though!

Bethers - Yay for getting all moved in! I hope you get to set up baby's room a little before your little one arrives!

Megs & Ruby - Hi girls, you were just about where I am now when I joined the 3rd tri boards! How are your little ones doing? :)

Jon - Luke is so adorable! It sounds like he is doing really well - so glad to hear his great progress! How is your DH dealing with everything? I am sure he'll be up there non-stop in no time!

R6 - Sounds like your maternity pictures turned out great! Baby's never seem to want to cooperate during 3d u/s for some reason! They are always hiding their cute little faces. Sorry about no one buying from your registry. That really sucks - especially when people ask you where you are registered! Hopefully, you'll be able to get the things you need before your little one arrives!

EJ - Hope your feeling better! I know how much worse it feels to be sick and pregnant! 3 day weekends are totally meant for relaxing and not showering and staying in your pj's all day especially when your not feeling well.

Sassy - Well it sounds like you are all ready to go into labor. If only these baby's would stop being so stubborn! I'm hoping Jude hurry up and decides he is ready!

I think that was everyone. Sorry if I missed anyone! :)

AFM - DH and I have had a pretty busy weekend. Saturday my FIL had 2 of his cars in a car show so we went over and walked around the show (hoping it might induce me). I walked around almost 300 cars until my hip hurt so bad I wanted to go home. We also DTD that day and I had spicy Chinese food. If that didn't work I knew Christopher wasn't coming until Tuesday! Then Sunday DH cleaned out our car really well and we went to a BBQ at his brother's house. Some family from Texas is here until June 6th, so we spent most of the afternoon with them. Today has been all about getting the house in order. I cleaned up the kitchen and DH is working on everything else! We have our co-sleeper all set up in our bedroom and our bags are all packed and ready to go. Today is also DH's birthday so I feel so bad we didn't do anything special. We went out to breakfast but it's all about getting ready for Christopher now! I hope you girls enjoy what's left of your weekend and I'll update as soon as I can about Christopher! :D

[EJ1008]

Pink - Happy baby day tomorrow! Your DH is a getting a baby one day after his birthday, so I'd say that's a huge present.

sassy - Hope you keep making progress. Did you dance? I watched the You Tube video you posted. I couldn't even do those moves when I wasn't pregnant.

r6 - Bummer about the lack of registry presents, but I'm glad you had a nice shower. Looking forward to seeing your maternity pics when you have them. Congrats on confirming your boy. My boy always puts his hands in front of his face for ultrasounds now, too.

jonquil - Hurray for Luke's progress!

AFM - Have my bag mostly packed now. Just need to wash a few things for baby and make a list of things to add before going to the hospital. We also got a glider today since my MIL said she'd get us one. I was going to reupolster my grandma's rocking chair, but never got around to it. I have been peeing like crazy today. I've also been losing weight this weekend, so wondering if I'm loosing some water weight. My ankles currently look human, but that will change as soon as I spend a day in the office tomorrow.

Is it weird to be more anxious about going into labor than the actual birth? That's what I'm feeling right now.

OB check tomorrow.

[sassycassie1984]

EJ - I DID bust a move! I kick it old school and teach my Head Start kiddos the sprinkler, running man, cabbage patch, shopping cart, etc so if it were going to work I guess it would have before the end of the year two weeks ago, right? I think it may have cause the good contractions this morning, but I'm guessing Jude's just not ready to get serious about things yet! I'm with you, I'm anxious about labor but not the birth. I think it's mostly because I don't know when it's going to happen. With birth you've already been in labor, so you know it's imminent! Let us know how your OB check goes!

[Rubystar]

Pink: sounds like you had a great weekend full of fun! You and DH seem so ready to meet Christopher. I hope everything goes smoothly for you and he has a super easy birth day!

Mommy-hood is the best!

[r6bikerchick]

Sassy - It would be GREAT if you easily made it to 4-5cm! But I've heard the amount of time it takes to get halfway (5cm) does not correlate at all with the amount of time it takes to get the rest of the way (10cm), so there's no knowing if it will make the rest of the active labour go quickly. Hoping it does!! C'mon, Jude the Dude!

Pink - I'll just say welcome to Christopher now! Looking forward to your birth story.

EJ - The end is near! It seems like we have a lot of third tri moms in the 37-40 week range, and then very few in the 32-36 week range, and then lots of us in the 27-32 week range.

AFM - I posted some of the maternity pics in the May Show Your Glow Thread. I'm really happy with them!

I'm such a spoiled brat...I checked the gift cards and they total $150 - it's so rude of me to say, but that's less than I thought it would be. I thought my dad and stepmom were giving more than $100. But $150 is much better than a kick in the pants, as they say!! So now I am considering trying to find a secondhand crib and/or glider, and just use the gift card for things I want to get new (like bottles, nipples, crib bedding).