October Third Trimester (27 Weeks to Delivery)

[praises1139]

The final stretch!!! Have a wonderful 3rd trimester and a safe delivery!
Happy fall!!!!!!!!

[shan3401]

Yay October!! This is the month that I will get to meet my little girl!! 26 more days to go :) Hope everyone is doing well. I am soooo uncomfortable, but almost done baking :)

[MegzyAngel]

YAY for October....Under 6 weeks to go now :D
Thats if she comes on time.
Hope everyone else is going well.

[Tiffany1]

I am having an angry GD day. I don't get them very often. But seriously, I just want to f-ing eat and not worry, think, plan, whatever! I seriously want some pizza, but no, can't eat it. See, angry GD day, and I'm not even fully expressing myself! It doesn't help that my mother-in-law is visiting right now. She came yesterday. She like doesn't get that I'm way pregnant and don't really want to be walking all around DC right now. So yesterday, I walked all around DC for about 8 hours with her. I sure paid for it. Whole body was completely sore and I could barely move. I had braxton hicks for about 3 hours straight, I was incredibly concerned, ready to go to the hospital, but then she went to bed and I put my feet up and drank water and they started to subside. I talked to a nurse about it today, and she said it was likely just from being overused and dehydration. Today I stayed back. My husband was really really worried about me last night, and that is the last thing I want to do to him. So I was honest with her this morning and just told her that I can't do it. She knew coming out here that I'm 32 weeks, it is what it is. Also, I HATE entertaining. I HATE having company. I'm 32 weeks pregnant, my husband is deployed, I have GD, I'm being watched for pre-eclampsia, dammit, I just want to be alone! I want to be alone and relax. I am so incredibly irritable and my blood sugar isn't even low. I apologize everyone, I really need to vent. Maybe some people would love to hang out with their mother in law alone for 4 days, but I am not one of those people. Blah! Is it Tuesday yet? My readings have been higher because of the stress of her being here. I feel stressed. I just want my life back. The next 8 weeks couldn't go by fast enough.

[lmaguire]

Tiff- no worries about the venting. That's why we're here! Sorry your MIL is being a difficult houseguest. I'm glad you didn't go out today. You need to rest and recover. Hard as it is, try not to be stressed. That's how I got myself into my situation, or at least half of the reason.
How's your nursery coming along? I remember you posting pictures of it earlier, but I couldn't remember if you'd finished it.
Can't believe we only have 8 more weeks!!! ( I'm with you though, I'm thinking 37 weeks).

Shan- yay for your little one getting here soon! How are you doing these days?

Megzy- can't believe it's only 6 weeks for you! I'll bet you're getting very excited! I can't wait to see pictures of her!

afm- been a little more active this weekend than I should be. Had a couple contractions today, but nothing I'm too terribly concerned about. Had the same nightmare three times last night- the baby came this coming week!! While my body really wants him out, the truth of the matter is that he's just not ready. He needs to bake a little more. The nursery still isn't done (although we did FINALLY get the right bedding) and it stresses me out. I'm gonna go in there this week and sort the clothes people have given me. I have a shower net weekend in Melbourne, so I'm excited since it'll probably end up being my only one. Glad the doctor approved of me going. Ok, I've rambled enough. Hope everyone has a good week!!

[jth0205]

Shan - so happy the countdown is nearly over for you!

Megzy - Sounds like you are ready! I hope the next six weeks are smooth and uneventful for you!

Tiffany - so sorry you aren't enjoying your MIL's visit. It would really stress me out if my MIL came to see me and DH wasn't around. My SIL and her DH came last week and I begged my DH to not leave me alone with his sister. TWICE I was left alone with her for a couple of hours during the visit. It was awkward, but we survived - she's just not a people person and we don't have much in common. I can't imagine entertaining her all by myself for any longer than I did! Glad you are taking care of you - sorry you can't chow down on comfort foods to help get through the visit.

Lauren - I hope you get the nursery complete for your peace of mind. So glad you get to go to your shower!

afm - pretty sure I have a UTI. Have had spotting off and on for the last two weeks. Saturday, I had more cramping and abdominal pain. I called the on-call doc and she said that as long as I still felt the baby moving and I just continued to spot (no blood flow), then she thought I could wait to be seen by my doc tomorrow vs hitting the ER. I can't wait to get some relief from the abdominal pain. I have more house guests coming in on Wednesday and I need to get myself and my house together before they show up! Not to mention, I have a lot of deadlines at work right now and can't afford to take anymore time off.

[lmaguire]

jth- hope your appt goes well and they can give you something to kick the UTI quickly so you don't have anymore pain! Be careful to not overexert yourself getting ready for your guests. It's not worth having BH for hours on end. Feel better!

I signed up for the child birthing class last night. Better late than never I suppose. I'd been looking stuff up on YouTube but I just didn't feel like I was getting the same guidance I would get at a class. DH is oh so thrilled, but when I told him it would help my stress level, he agreed it was a good idea. It's Tuesday nights for 3 weeks, but I'm just hoping to make it through the whole class. Plus I'm hoping they will tell us everything the hospital will provide so I can more efficiently pack our hospital bag.

[jth0205]

Lauren - that reminds me! I've been trying to remember to sign up for childbirth classes for the last two weeks. I debated not doing it b/c it is not offered through my hospital and it costs $125. That would cover the cost of the co-sleeper I want to buy. However, we decided to do it. Like you, going to a class and getting feel for what will happen and how to deal with it will be a huge help to me I think. I hope you make it through the 3 weeks! I was given two options: once per week for 5 weeks or knock it out in one day on a Saturday or Sunday. We decided to knock it out in one day b/c I have a really long commute and would probably be late to every weeknight class.

Afm: the on-call doc over the weekend made it sound like my doc would want to see me first thing today. I called my doc's nurse this morning and told her about it and she said she didn't have anything open today and that I could either wait until next Monday (my next scheduled appt) or she could work me in tomorrow. I decided to wait as the spotting has stopped and the abdominal pain is minimal compared to what it was on Saturday. I'm just confused - either it's an issue or it's not. If I see anymore spotting or feel anymore intense abdominal pain, then I will call them and ask them to work me in. Otherwise, I guess I'll sit tight and drink cranberry juice and water until 10:10 on Monday! It's never simple, is it?!

[praises1139]

Hello, I guess I can post here now! (Although my OB says 28 wks is 3rd tri, I don't care, lol)
I hope I make it a couple more months!

Tiffany--my glucola is tomorrow, so I hope I pass. Nervous! I'm sorry that GD sucks :( Omg about the walking! Definitely sit on your butt.

Lmaguire--glad you get to go to your shower! I had so much fun at mine. Then yday I went to my friend's shower since its not even 10 mins from the house and I sat the whole time at that one too.

Jth--I hope u r ok. :( I would pick up some AZO strips at the store and test at home. Then if its positive, demand an appt

[shan3401]

Welcome to the third tri Praises!!

Jth--I would def make an appt if u have more pain/spotting.....listen to ur body.

Imaguire--Glad u got to make it to your shower :)

Tiffany--Hope u r feeling better today and getting enough rest.

AFM--had a couple contractions yesterday, maybe this baby will be different that my other two and decide to make an early appearance :) Kind of scary though since we are a scheduled c-section and this is my third......don't really want to go into any labor, because of the risks! But they weren't painful contractions or consistent, so I think we will be fine!

[Kate23]

hey everyone, and welcome praises!

tiffany-you definitely overdid it, hope you got enough rest and are feeling better today. i don't know if i could handle my MIL alone for that long, sounds so stressful!

lmaguire-we just finished our nursery, and it does feel so much better knowing it's ready. hope you can get yours done soon!

jth-i hope it's not a uti, i thought i had one and it turned out i didn't. it was just the baby pressing on my bladder! i would say if you have any more pain or bleeding, insist on being seen. even if it turns out to be nothing it's better to have it checked.

i signed up for a free birthing class and a childcare class 2 months ago through the military base, but they signed me up for classes during week 36. so i'm really hoping i make it long enough to take them! i've gotten some books on labor, and doing my own research just in case. i have been doing well though, i think. still having contractions but they have slowed. i have an appt tomorrow, so we'll see how that goes.

[Tiffany1]

I thought I'd update everyone. I decided to take a trip into labor and delivery today to be on the safe side. I originally called them, they told me to count the contractions and I ended up with 4 in an hour, though I know sometimes I have more than that. They told me to come in just to be safe. So I went in, they strapped me up. Yep, I was having contractions, they said they weren't big, but enough to want to internally check me. OMG! A dry speculum and exam is the worst! I had no idea. So they checked my cervix, closed and high, no leakage. They did an internal ultrasound, they are very happy with my cervix at a 3.64 and basically no change when I bear down for a bowel movement, so that is good. They did find that I have bacterial vaginosis or something like that and gave me Flagyl for that. They told me that they are not concerned that I will go into preterm labor and gave me no restrictions, so that's good, I can go down to DC tomorrow and see my husband's grandfather at the WWII memorial. I told the doctor I still plan on taking it easy, and he said that was completely up to me. I feel silly now for going in, but also very relieved. My husband was nice enough to be able to call me before I left for L&D and calmed me down, he is excellent at that. Oh, and the baby is still head down and the reason I feel a scratching sensation when he stretches is just the baby, nothing to worry about :) My mother in law leaves tomorrow! Yay! It seems she makes everything stressful, even when both me and my husband are visiting her, things can never just be, there is always something wrong or a mix up, blah!

I should take pictures of the nursery for everyone, I'm pretty much done. I still need to wash everything, but otherwise, completely done. There are only maybe 5 more things that I want to get before he gets here, so that is excellent. My mother in law wants to treat me to supper tonight, which sucks. First, she really is quite broke and shouldn't have even made the trip out here, I mean, like every month she is close to losing her house. Second, my husband wants us to pay for everything while she is out here, which is absolutely fine. I'm taking her to Potbelly. The sandwich is in my carb range and it is a little cheaper than other places around here. I was thinking about taking her to Burlington also to look at baby stuff, and there are about 3 things I need to get from there, but I don't want her to offer to pay for them or anything, totally unnecessary. Now I'm just waiting for her to call from the metro, which I'm sure she is paniked because I'm sure it is packed because it is rush hour. I hope she calls soon that she is there because I'm really hungry! I missed my decent lunch today because of L&D and skipped that glucose reading and just made a note. On the plus side, my blood pressure while at L&D was 120/77, which was shocking considering I was probably stressed. It must just be at appts I can't handle the stress! Thank goodness that preeclampsia isn't just high blood pressure, it has to be other things too. I'm kind of nervous to take the Flagyl, though I'm nervous not to take it because it sounds like it isn't a good idea to let a bacterial infection go when pregnant(or any time). I had no idea and no symptoms of it, so I wonder how long I've had it? Anyway, it's great to see everyone doing great! I got to listen to the baby's heartbeat for about 20 straight minutes today, it seriously was putting me to sleep, which for some reason I thought was really cute :)

[lmaguire]

Tiff - I'm sorry you had to deal with L&D, but glad that you went in, and that you & little one are OK. I can definitely sympathize about the cervical exam. NOT fun at all. Did they do a fetal fibronectin test on you? It kinda sounds like they did. That was so uncomfortable, and painful.
I would most certainly take it easy for a while. Apparently not stopping labor after 34 weeks is the norm. A tad early if you ask me, but not so to them. But have fun at the ceremony tomorrow! I'm sure the weather up there is awesome right now! I LOVE fall weather!

Kate - yay that your nursery is done! I'm really hoping to have ours done soon for my piece of mind. DH is putting together the changing tale tonight. My mom is going to buy us little baskets to put in the shelf area to use for the shower on Saturday and then give them to us afterwards. (She needs to know what size to get so we have to set it up tonight). I hope you make it to your childbirth class!! I'm hoping it reassures me and helps DH a bit.

shan - hope your contractions go away!!

jth - how are you feeling?

praises - YAY!!! SO happy you're here now! I remember when you got your BFP! You're doing an awesome job baking those boys!

*Has anyone felt a weird cracking or popping noise come from their bellies? I remember someone else posting about this a while ago, but I can't remember what she ended up saying it was. Googled it and didn't really come up with much. It happened twice this afternoon. Really weird and freaked me out. Didn't hurt, just loud and noticeable. *

[praises1139]

Tiffany, really glad it wasn't anything serious.

Man, I've felt so bored/down in the dumps/yucky today. Still having digestive issues and for some reason it really affects my mood. But I also went to bed late and then I didn't sleep well, so my head has felt achy. I usually sleep fine for the most part.
Contractions keep making me have to pee! I feel ginormous and everything hurts.
Hopefully tomorrow will be more positive. after my OB appt, I have my dentist appt, so at least I will get some fresh air!

[praises1139]

Lmaguire--wow, cracking/popping? No noises like that here, just stomach gurgle every once in a while. Ppl online said they've heard of it and it has happened to them, but there's no medical explanation for it and its not medically documented or something. A midwife said the babies seem healthy at birth.

Oh has anyone had a weird pain in their shoulder blade? Like its poking something in your back? Maybe its from being on my sides so much. It happens occasionally and if I change position, it goes away.

Thanks for the welcomes :)

[readytogo]

Hi ladies! I wanted to pop over and join you guys/introduce myself to the few of you I haven't "met" yet. Glad to see that everyone is busy preparing for babies.

Tiffany -- wow, major credit to you for handling your MIL! That is impressive for anyone, pregnant or not. My head would probably explode even though my MIL is awesome, she's still not my mom, and I still can't tell her to leave me alone when I need space. So, good job!

JTH -- any progress?

Praises -- regarding bathroom troubles, have you tried stool softeners? They work wonders for me. That and popcorn. I am being dead serious here, though TMI I realize.

Kate -- you mentioned reading some books about labor. I am having some major labor phobias and need to read up. Can you recommend any specific books I could read? I've got some time.

I'd love any advice from those of you further along/anyone who's already had a kid about calming my nerves regarding labor and delivery. At today's hospital tour I *almost* fainted and seemed really pathetic. So I need to mentally and physically start preparing myself for what's ahead. We are signed up for some basic child birth stuff through our doctor's office, but I'm wondering what else you all could recommend such as book titles, other resources, strategies you tried/plan to try, etc.

[Tink]

I'd love any advice from those of you further along/anyone who's already had a kid about calming my nerves regarding labor and delivery. At today's hospital tour I *almost* fainted and seemed really pathetic. So I need to mentally and physically start preparing myself for what's ahead. We are signed up for some basic child birth stuff through our doctor's office, but I'm wondering what else you all could recommend such as book titles, other resources, strategies you tried/plan to try, etc.

ready- I read your other post on 2nd tri and it seems like your fear is more of the hospital in general, not the actual act of labor/delivery? Or is it both? I would definitely let your ob know what happened on the tour. Don't be embarrassed about it or anything and it's better the ob knows ahead of time about any anxiety you're having. As far as labor & delivery...with my first I wasn't nervous at all until I was actually in labor and I came into the realization that my water had broke and "this was it". I told my dh that I didn't think I'd be able to do this and he said, "you really don't have a choice". I knew he was right. Once my contractions picked up, I focused on breathing through them and had a very strange sense of calmness about me. I don't know if it's the hormones that kick in or what, but all of a sudden I was very at peace and remained that way through the whole process.

[praises1139]

Ready--sorry you are so nervous! I hope you find some resources to help. You sound like you could really use the support of a doula, although if you are planning to use pain meds, I'm not sure if you can hire one? I'm starting to get nervous and I wish I knew if i'm having a c-section or vaginal, just have to prepare for both.
Yes I take a stool softener sometimes but I can only take one at a time or I get bad cramps and sometimes i can't take any because if I'm going to be at the Dr or someone is visiting, i dont want to get stuck on the toilet. But after my dentist appt I will go home and take one. And popcorn does work for me but I didn't want to eat a lot of carbs lately because of my glucose test today! Fun stuff

[lmaguire]

Ready - Sorry about the anxiety. As a fellow FTM, I have the same anxiety sometimes, but with all the PTL stuff I've had to deal with, it's made me come to the realization that women have been doing this for centuries, and if it was that bad, people would only have 1 child. I actually asked my mother, MIL, and any friends that have recently had a baby about their experiences, and since they were all different, it really goes back to that whole "everyone's different" thing. I've decided that I'm just going to go with the flow. Granted that may change after tonight's childbirth class.

Praises - sorry about being stopped up. I am too right now. I've tried stool softeners and they haven't really done anything for me. I just upped my fiber big time and that seems to have kinda helped. It makes me grumpy and tired too. All I want to do is exercise like I used to if I had this problem, which always seemed to work. ugh. bed rest sucks! I'm bored out of my mind! I don't know how you do it!?

Today we go to meet with a pediatrician and then we have childbirth class tonight so I get to leave the house!!! YAY!! I love days I get to leave the house, no matter what the reason is. I feel like a caged animal most of the time. Never thought I'd say this, but I miss work, and some of the obnoxious kids even. They are trying to find me a long term sub, and I hope they do by 34 weeks because if not, I may be tempted to go back and work for a bit. (pretty sure that would just send me straight into labor though). theme of the day - UGH!

[Tiffany1]

I am also terrified lately of the actual birth. I know in the end, my body can handle it, it is what our bodies are made to do. The problem, yesterday when they inserted the speculum and opened it, it was so so painful, which is nothing compared to a head coming out! That did not put me at ease.

Also, doulas will still take you if you plan on taking meds. My doula will tell me the options and then just supports me with what I choose to do. She will even be in the room if a c-section needs to happen or even for a scheduled one.

I made it! I went down to DC with my MIL and took plenty of pictures and all that good stuff. I am so glad I did, I feel great after seeing all those veterans! Some of them were crying when they got off the plane, and we're talking 80+ year old men! I was just so touched. It also doesn't help that my husband is currently over in a war zone, which just brings up all the emotions of him being gone, etc.

My husband told me something this morning that made me giggle. He said that yesterday was the first day he realized that our baby is already and actual human being and alive, and that he is really already a father, apparently it totally freaked him out. I thought it was so sweet of him to tell me that and I thought it was really cute. I came to that deep realization when I was diagnosed with GD and that it wasn't just me to think about, there was a live human in me counting on me to eat properly. I am so excited to see where parenthood is going to take the 2 of us :) Other than that, I'm ready for my own BMs to go back on schedule. They get completely thrown out of whack when I'm vacationing or someone is visiting and I think I'll finally get back on schedule, thank goodness :)

I already feel tons more relaxed here at home. The only thing left to do is meet my MIL at the metro station with her things, where she will take them and then leave. This sense of freedom is so awesome! I'm going to scour the internet tonight for all the last minute things I need and some new plastic to put on the windows.

I started the Flagyl today. I'm slightly nervous to take it even though the doctor and pharmacy assured me it was okay. But I was also nervous not to take it, as I've read that it can also be dangerous to the baby if I don't take care of the infection that I have. So I'm taking it. At least it is only for 7 days and I hope it doesn't come back! Of course I haven't had like any discharge leading up to the check yesterday and now today I'm starting to get some that looks like what the infection might cause. I wonder if the infection would have shown up sooner if my husband were here and we were still active? I haven't had sex in, hmm...about 4+ months now. I told my husband when we have sex again it will be like for the 1st time, haha! It will have been over a year, so that will definitely be different. Sure hope I'm not in pain or anything when he gets back permanently. Other than that, nothing too new to report. I am happy with life right now, because it is finally going back to my "normal."

[Kate23]

ready-i just went to the library and got the only two books on childbirth they had! i wouldn't really recommend either of them, they have some good info but are outdated. i'm gonna make a trip to the bookstore this weekend and find something better, i'll let you know if i find a good one. i would also like suggestions if anyone has read something good!

since my stay at the hospital two weeks ago i have been getting nervous about labor/delivery. up until then i have been just not thinking about it, but now that it's getting closer it's getting scary! i guess it's just because i don't know what to expect. i figure i will just go with the flow, like lmaguire said. lol i think it does help to be informed though, so i am trying to read up on it.

34 weeks today! had an appt this afternoon, everything seems good. didn't do a cervix check this time, but will at my next appt. also gotta do the group b strep test in 2 weeks. not looking forward to that

[lmaguire]

So exhausted. My husband who usually lightly snores from time to time decided that last night needed to be his worst snore session yet. We're talking vibrating the bed and not in a good way! All I wanted to do was sleep, and I couldn't. I also couldn't get him to wake up enough to stop snoring, or leave (he kind turns into a zombie at night - which isn't terribly reassuring for when LO gets here). So, I trekked downstairs to the couch and attempted to sleep there, but the cat cuddled (which is cute, but annoying because then you hate to move and wake him up because then he screams at you), and I just couldn't get comfortable. Thus, this morning, when my alarm went off at 6 (to take my thyroid medicine) I went back upstairs and he hadn't even realized I'd left! (Usually he realizes it at some point and comes and finds me). I hardly slept (maybe 2 decent hours), I ache everywhere today, and I've already had 4 contractions this morning. He asked me "why didn't you just wake me up?". I said I tried, but it was like trying to rouse a dead person!! ugh!
On a brighter note, today is my grandfather's 90th birthday!! He's such an amazing person - WWII vet, survived being shot down over France, was taken to a German POW camp for 2 years. It just goes on and on. I wanted to be up there to celebrate with him (in KY) but decided that since we are going there for Christmas, we would just bring him an even better gift then =)

I hope some of this makes sense. If I rambled, I apologize. I'm seriously beyond exhausted and will probably go back to sleep for a bit now. have a good day ladies!

[Tiffany1]

Sorry about the terrible night Lauren.

Yesterday, I found that the pizza at Ledo's around here is low enough in carbs that I can have it. What a bad decision! I'm still paying for eating it. Yesterday, at first, I was fine. Then I ate more for supper. I felt so sick! Diarrhea, nausea, just downright not good. I think it was because of the GD diet I don't eat such greasy things anymore and my stomach just couldn't deal with it. I also wonder if part of it is because I started the Flagyl yesterday and that could have contributed to the whole thing. Regardless, I will not be eating that pizza again during this pregnancy. I still feel yucky today.

I find it funny that now that I have all this free time, I can't think of what to do at all! It's driving me nuts! My husband suggested I finish purchasing everything I need for baby and packing my overnight bag. I have the baby blanket I started cross stitching months ago, I could work on that. I also have his memory book I could work on. I feel really hungry today and I hope my blood glucose is in a decent range after my breakfast, which it should be, but my fasting was a little higher than normal this morning, I think because of me not feeling well. I was talking to my husband on Skype and then he had to suddenly leave because he either had a patient coming in or someone higher rank, I think it was someone higher rank. He's been stressed lately and patient load has been picking up because they are hitting the 4 month mark, which is when people start needing help over there. Which left me wondering, where does the psychologist go when he hits that part? I suppose no where, so I just try to be as supportive as possible for him.

I still haven't found that outfit to bring the baby home in. I wonder if Buy Buy Baby has a better selection of clothes? I could do that and Micheal's today...anyway, sorry to ramble. I hate feeling hungry.

[jth0205]

Shan - I hope the contractions stay away for you!

Kate - I hope you make it to the classes! I'm so glad you mentioned about the pain you had when the baby was pressing on your bladder. For me, the pain was rough, but the spotting scared me. I'm so sick of seeing blood! I go a few weeks and then bam there it is again. So frustrating. Anyway, I ended up going to the doc yesterday and all is well. Can't explain the blood or the pain. The baby is great and spotting has stopped. So, I'm happy!

Tiffany - right there with you with feeling silly this week! I'm glad you got it checked out. And, you were right to go. You were having contractions. I try to live by the better safe than sorry rule these days. Good luck finding the right outfit. Hope you don't have too many issues with the meds you are on and that it knocks out the infection for you.

Lauren - hope you get some rest today. How did the pediatrician visit go? I hope you get your nursery done soon! After this batch of company leaves (coming in tonight, leaving next Wednesday), we are going to have to get our bums in gear and get Luke's room ready! I wanted to put those baskets on our registry, but I couldn't find them online. Guess I have to go to the store to do that.

Praises - hope your appts went well and you are feeling better today.

Ready - welcome to the third trimester!!! So sorry to hear about your anxiety with L/D. My fear is of the epidural. Generally, if things are going to go wrong, they do for me. So, Im hopeful I won't need one. If I do, I hope and pray I don't end up paralyzed - YIKES! My friends tell me breathing and finding a focal point are the keys to surviving labor.

afm - well, the pain came back fast and furious Monday night. I couldn't stand up and I could barely walk. I have a pretty high tolerance for pain (once went an entire weekend with a broken collar bone b/c I was raised with a wait and see philosophy: if something hurts, just wait and see and the pain might go away). Monday night scared me. And, honestly I think fear took over a bit, which I HATE! So, I called my doc's office Tuesday morning and they got me in for an afternoon appt. My baby moved around 3:30 Tuesday morning and I went all day long hoping and praying he would move. I couldn't feel him moving though. I was really worried by the time I got to the doc's office. They hooked me up to a monitor and almost immediately I started to feel movement. That kid put on a major show! He was moving all over the place and his heart rate was great! I even said out loud - "really kid?!" I was so relieved to know he was ok. Then I started to tear up! They left me alone in the room for a while and continued to monitor us. I just kept thinking about how excited I was to meet Luke - more tears! I am not an emotional person, but I think I was tired from not sleeping b/c of the pain and from worrying b/c of the blood that I just couldn't help the tears! No UTI. They can't explain the blood or the pain. The pain has eased again and the spotting has stopped again. Who knows?! I do feel a little silly for going in now. I just don't want my doc and his nurse to think of me as "that patient." Anyway, the good news is all is well!

[Kate23]

jth-glad everything is good. you shouldn't feel silly for going in, you did the right thing! and the way i see it, it doesn't matter if the doc thinks of you as "that patient". this is your child, this pregnancy is much more important to you than it is to them. so if you feel like something is not right, go in.

[shan3401]

Jth--you definately should not feel silly for going in. Pain and blood are scary anytime during pregnancy, and better to be on the safe side. You were just following your maternal instincts :) I hope all is well now for you.

[lmaguire]

jth - I agree with everyone else- you definitely did the right thing going in to get checked out. How frustrating that they can't offer any real reason why you're having these problems! I hope you're feeling better now though!

The pediatrician appt went well! We really liked both doctors and the staff. The office was awesome! They had play areas for kids and comfy couches in the waiting room. DH & I agreed that they're our son's doctors!

the childbirth class was a little eye opening for DH. Lol!! The nurse showed a birth video, and I thought he was going to fall out of his chair! (All the births she showed were unmedicated, so women screaming, grunting, crying, etc). He kept asking me - you're gonna take the drugs right? haha. It was kinda fun to watch him freak out a bit. But then it freaked me out a little too. Not sure why. Probably because I had a couple contractions while we were there. Been pushing it a tad with being up lately, but I've been pretty good today on account of being so tired.

the school found a long term sub for me so there's no rush for me to come back. very happy about that because it takes the pressure off to come back after I hit 34 weeks. we'll see how I'm doing at that point, but i think I'm planning on just staying home until January at this point.

Kate & shan - how are you doing with contractions? Have you had too many more lately?

[Tiffany1]

I got to thinking today about what I'll use for my focal point in the delivery room. At the childbirth class they told us it is incredibly important to have a focal point planned. I plan on bringing something, just not sure what it is yet. I'm also considering listening to music during laboring. I will admit something here. I am a HUGE fan of Marilyn Manson. When in college, I would put him on headphones just so I could get the 5+ hours of accounting homework done, for some reason it really helped me focus. I was thinking of bring my MP3 player for labor and doing the same, maybe it will help me focus? I'm just afraid people are going to think I'm super weird, and I definitely don't want to miss the moment when he comes out, so maybe I'll tell the doula to take out the headphones when his head is almost out. But then again, maybe sounds of anything will irritate the heck out of me, hard to say. Now that I have all this free time, I can't figure out what to do. I have plenty. Here's the list:
Cancel husband's phone line(I know, long overdue)
Write in baby book
Do baby laundry
Write weekly letter to husband
Get carseat base in car
Normal house cleaning
Finish thank yous
Work on baby blanket
Read
Pack overnight bag for hospital
Write down list of people and phone numbers for someone to bring me to the hospital
And probably much more that I can't think of right now

Maybe tomorrow I should actually try to knock out the simple things on that list. I got a super late start to the day, my husband talked to me online until 2pm, so I didn't shower and eat lunch until after that. That reminds me, I should get the chicken that I'm having for supper in the oven.

[Kate23]

lmaguire- last night i started having contractions 10 min apart and got worried but after 3 i realized it was probably because i was feeling stressed so i cleared my mind and did some breathing. they slowed down after that, so i'm not gonna worry. other than that they haven't been bad. glad you liked your pediatricians and the class went well. sounds like DH enjoyed it. lol i could see my DH being like that. don't overdo, get plenty of rest!

tiffany-that's such a long list! but that should be plenty to keep you busy, it'll make the time fly by

[MegzyAngel]

Tiffany - A list is a great idea...I should do that since i have things i should do that i forget about and by the time i remember to do them i just can't be bothered. Don't feel crazy about the mp3 player thing...I'm taking my Ipod with me and making a couple of playlists so I can have different types of music if needed. Another good thing too is scented candles or oil burners. if your into that type of thing a nice relaxing scent may help and give you something to focus on. I would check with yout hospital though as some hospitals don't allow them. Ours wont allow candles but allow those electric oil burner things.

Lauren - My DH was the same with the childbirth videos. Don't think he really knew what to expect when the baby actually comes out. I hope your LO stays in there a bit longer. Its also great that you don't have the pressure to return to work now. Take some time to relax and pamper yourself before bub gets here.

jth - Never feel silly for going in to get checked even if it turns out that there is nothing wrong. Its better to be on the safe side than to ignore it and there be something wrong.
I hate the look of the epidural also. Definately won't be having one unless i end up with a c-section. The thought of anything shoved into my spine scares me.

Sorry and hello to anyone else I have missed.

Had an appointment this morning. Good news, LO is now head down so no need to worry if shes going to turn or not...Think that explains the cramping i've been having the past few days. I have a student midwife that comes to my appointments with me and will be there for the birth as well (I think why not since they could be our midwife if theres a next time and they need all the experience they can get while in training), i think she was more excited that we were about LO being head down.
Been getting Acid Reflux/Heartburn really bad the past few nights....Always comes on at about 1:30-2am so then i'm awake for hours on end afterwards. Ended up on the couch last night because it got unbearable and only way could help it was to sit upright. Even antacids didn't help. Hoping its not an everynight thing from now on. I think I'll be a walking zombie by then.
Anyway i'm off to make some pasta for tonight....Making lasange. Yummy :)

[shan3401]

Imaguire--Haven't had anymore, just braxton hicks, especially at the grocery store waiting in line.....lol

Megzy--Have you tried otc meds for your heartburn? I take zantac sometimes and that helps with real bad heartburn. I know there is another that is safe during pregnancy too.

Tiffany--Wow, long list. I still have lots to do and three weeks left to do it in too. Procrastination.....lol :)

AFM--We have three weeks until the c-section date!! Oh this last month is dragging................and flying by at the same time..........Hope everyone is doing well :)

[praises1139]

lmaguire--believe me, when i first got on bedrest i thought i'd never survive! i'm working from home, writing thank you notes, reading, watching TV, shopping online for stuff we still need, having visitors over, getting out occasionally, and hopefully this weekend i will be packing the hospital bag!

tiffany--glad things are back to normal so you can relax :)

jth--that is scary...wonder why Luke waited so long to move!? at least he is doing fine. don't hesitate to go in--you never know!

kate--yikes about the contractions! last night i randomly had 4 in an hour and i was like what is going on?? i don't know why that happened but i too tried to relax mentally as much as possible and they subsided.

shan--wow you are close! i feel like i have so much to get done.


afm, a little sleepy. i have been feeling great the last couple days since i've been able to "go"! yay..lol. i think it was a decaf coffee that got things moving. tomorrow was going to be my last day of working from home but i decided to keep working--just taking it a week at a time though. can't believe it's been 6 weeks!!!!!!
sounds like a lot of us are getting nervous/scared! i heard when you go into labor that some women do suddenly get scared but some actually feel relief, like "ok let's get this done already!"
i think i passed my glucose test! because i didn't get a call Tues or Wed. i hope that is the case because i would hate to have to go on a special diet on top of being glued to the couch! sounds like torture.
OB said at 32 wks, we'll do weekly NSTs. she hasn't really said much about my weight so i guess she thinks it's fine. i want to gain another 10 or so, which will not be hard at all!!!! well, depending on when i deliver. although i noticed i can't eat as much at one time anymore because if i do, my chest feels full of food. the other night we ordered a thin crust white pizza for me with spinach, mushrooms and feta and a regular pizza for DH. i had no problems with mine (the last two times i had regular pizza and the acid made me have indigestion or something--pressure near my chestbone). DH regretted getting the pizza because he got heartburn from it (again). he had gone to the Dr recently for the heartburn from several foods and the Dr told him to lose weight (which he already knew), so he's been exercising more and watching his calories and lost 8lbs. it has helped with the heartburn, but so far he still has it with pizza.

we still don't have our diaper backpack yet so i'll either have DH wheel me around Target or send him by himself since he already knows which one it is--we picked it out together and put it on the registry. i think he'd prefer it if i went with him though so he doesn't have to think as much. lol we also have returns to make there and i need to see if they have any preemie outfits (probably not) just in case. if not, i can get them on Amazon.

[ellebelle]

Kate- It's nice to know that I am not the only one starting to freak out a little bit about L and D. I hope that everything goes smoothly for you in the coming weeks that are left.


ASM, I am a FTM and although I feel confident in getting through the process, I can tell I am starting to over plan for some stuff (which will probably come back to bite me :))

I plan to labor at home as long as possible before traveling to the hospital and I have a movie marathon planned as a way of trying to distract me from the pain...crazy i know.

someone may have already asked this but at what point did/will you pack your bag for the hospital. I don't want to delay too much (my DH says I will probably pack as we try to run out the door to the hospital) but I don't want to have a bag sitting there staring at me for 2 months either .....what to do....

[lmaguire]

Tiff - I'm glad you can relax a little now that your MIL is gone. What a list you've got! I've made a few lists, but they're more like "Honey-do" lists since I can't do most of what's on them - a little frustrating since without the bed rest, I could have had most of the things done by now. I don't think the iPod/music is a bad idea. Since I did prenatal yoga in the second trimester, I've been slowly trying to accumulate some of the music used in class since I found it calming.

Kate - glad you haven't had too many more. I have the same kind of contraction spells still, even with the Procardia and bed rest. (never as many as I had before though, thank God!)

Megzy - glad your LO turned for you!! That's a relief! Sorry about the heartburn! Tums? Zantac? I started taking Tums to counteract the leg cramps I was having and I haven't really had a heartburn problem since - granted mine were nothing like what you describe.

shan - I can't believe there are only 3 weeks until your c-section and you get to see your little one!! you must be so excited! what's the exact date?

praises - i'm sure you passed your gtt test. yay! also, Target has some preemie clothes. I saw some there Tuesday night. there aren't too many to choose from, but there are a few. Amazon might be the may to go.

elle - I don't blame you at all for wanting to stay at home as long as possible. Are you going to try for an unmedicated birth? As for the hospital bag, I think we talked about it in last month's thread, but there's a separate thread that praises made on the main pregnancy page for what to pack. I think we're all getting to the point that we are slowly starting to pack them now. Better to be safe than sorry in my mind. Mine's nowhere near ready, but I've started accumulating things to put in it.

afm - 33 weeks! I think LO is starting to move farther down. I've had some pelvic pain and pressure today. TMI alert - Also, the skin above my vagina has started to get dry/itchy. And I mean SUPER itchy! Has anyone else had this issue? I've just been putting lotion on like crazy, but it doesn't seem to be completely helping.
I also think I've figured out a birth plan. I'm going to talk to my OB about it next week, but I'm definitely going with the epidural. I know I don't handle pain well. I get stressed and hold my breath (which just makes it worse). I think it's the best way for me to go. Plus, I know my c-section risk is pretty good since my hips are so narrow. The epidural will make that much easier if a c-section ends up being necessary.
Oh, I wanted to see if everyone wanted to post pictures of their nursery? I love seeing how everyone else has decorated their baby's room.

[ellebelle]

Lauren - I actually am not going into labor expecting to be completely unmedicated :) I am a wuss for pain. But would like to stay home as long as possible just because I will be more comfortable there.

Once I arrive at the hospital, I think I will be happy to have an epi :) but we will see, I am open-minded about my own pain tolerance and will see how long I am able to go before screaming for meds :) - or my DH is!

I have put together a list of stuff to pack, I am trying to get myself to wait until about 34 weeks before I actually start physically packing, but having the list seems to put me a little more at ease knowing that if I had to, someone could back according to my list.

[shan3401]

Elle--we have not packed yet, just because I am a scheduled c-section, so I can pack the day before. But with my others I think I packed a few weeks before I was due.

Imaguire--I have also been itchy, I think it may just be from sweating more.....since I'm always hot! Our date is October 27th :D

Praises--Yay for the "go"ing lol :)

[praises1139]

Anyone hear from lilly08? It's been a couple wks...an eternity on these boards...lol.

[Tiffany1]

I bought a recliner, and I LOVE it! It certainly was a great decision and a hard one to make since I would normally never make a furniture decision without my husband, but while he is gone we have an understanding that everything is pretty much up to me.

I worry over some silly things. This morning I woke up and my fasting BG was 62, it's normally in the high 70s, mid-80s. I have no idea what would cause that since I ate my normal bedtime snack and slept the same amount of time. How on earth can I have GD and have such a big dip in my fasting? Thank goodness I can stop taking these readings sometime in the next 50ish days!

[lilly08]

Had my LO at 41 weeks ... had to be induced. although all i got was cytotek and i went from 1 to 4cm. was having terrible contractions (1-3min apart) for 2 weeks. My doc did not want to induce and wanted to wait till 42 weeks...Then I begged and the doc induced me. to make a long story short she was born at 0119 on 10/4 was 8.6lb, 21in...no complications. She is perfect! I never knew I could love one person this much!! We are both healthy and recovering. Will add details and pictures in the next day or so. :)

[praises1139]

lilly--41 wks, wow! so glad you and baby are ok. congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!


i hope blaine06 is ok too. she last posted/signed on in august.

[lmaguire]

lily - so glad to hear from you! yay that you and LO are ok! can't wait to read your story and see pictures!

shan - glad I'm not the only one! Lol. Only a couple more weeks for you!

elle - i don't blame you for wanting to try it out and see how it goes. that's kinda where I am. I know I'm a pain wuss too, so I have no doubts that I'll need an epidural, but my friend said make sure you tell them before it gets too bad because it can take up to an hour for you to get it. I want to stay at home for a bit too. It's more comfy and you can still eat/drink.

had my baby shower yesterday! the weather was HORRIBLE! a low pressure system moved onshore and it was a windy, rainy mess. A few people didn't make it due to the weather, but it was really nice. got a lot of the essential things (car seat, extra car seat base, diaper pail, bath tub, bath stuff, cute clothes, monitor, diapers, etc). feeling a lot better about if he decides to show up early that we would be ready. i can't wait until next weekend when my FIL is coming over to help DH with drywalling over the door frame.
had a few contractions yesterday and today. had 4 in an hour yesterday, but only three or four total so far today. i've had a TON of pelvic pressure though, so he must really be working his way down.
little nervous that i hit 34 weeks this week. i have enough procardia to make it another week, so hopefully it'll keep me from starting labor. little unnerving that my dr wont stop labor after this Thursday. just means i have to take it that much easier. =)
hope everyone has a great week!!

[ellebelle]

So I just needed to post.

Yesterday (my DH birthday btw...) my DH and I attended church with my family. My mom and I kinda got into it. I wasn't feeling well and felt that no matter what I said or did she was insulting or critizing me. Between that and hormones, I had to just walk away because I was crying. My DH and mom chased me down and Mom and I just kinda got into at church. She kept telling people at the church (including my family) that I was "ill as a hornet" and I really had it with her saying this as she doesn't have a clue what my behavior has really been through this pregnancy. Then she kept telling me that I was being rude because I wasn't speaking to people (WTF???) I got to church about 10 minutes before it started and this was only a few minutes after it ended!!!

Then I overheard one of the ladies at the church ask my mom if had been having BH and mom said no. SHE HAS NEVER ASKED ME. I have been having them on and off for a month!!! Then my mom pulled the (what i felt) was an ugly card and told me that I have more support than a lot of people (meaning my DH). I agree that I am very lucky to have him, but the other nasty part of me says just because you married an @$$hole more than 30 years ago and he didn't do crap when you were pregnant with me doesn't mean that I still don't have the right to get upset about things. I was hot, with extreme nausea, and hurting from sitting and I was expected to play nice to everyone while mom told everyone in front of my face that i was just being ill.

UGH!!!! I couldn't stop crying yesterday because of this and my DH felt caught in the middle. I am still really frustrated about it today.

[praises1139]

Elle--I am so sorry! What a horrible day. Do you usually go to church with them or can you avoid her? Your mom sounds resentful or jealous or something?? People who are mean to pregnant women are ridiculous! Hormones make everything worse and, no, sometimes we can't control it--getting upset or sad--so I don't think it's right for someone to mess with us. Her comments about you to other people are inexcusable. Was your mom like this before you got pregnant?

[ellebelle]

I think the think that upset me the most is my mom and I are VERY close. We are very much alike and rarely argue. I know my DH said that it probably wouldn't have bothered me at all (I would have just rolled me eyes and gone on) if I wasn't hormonal. Mom and I snipe at each other occasionally, but I can't remember the last time we actually truly argued about something. I do agree with my DH, but on the other hand, as much as I love her, sometimes she can be a know-it-all and it drives me CRAZY.

Before I left yesterday things did seem better. She bought me a pregnancy massage for my b-day (last week) and we hugged before I left. I think there is just lingering frustration. I know some of it is the typical, I'm tired, I'm uncomfortable, I have a little pain, and my hormones are completely wacky right now! But I was just so frustrated yesterday (I didn't want to be there to begin with and it just seemed that her actions justified my not wanting to be there).

[praises1139]

Elle--I kinda know what you mean about feeling frustrated...a couple wks ago my mom and aunt came to visit. I tried to hide the fact that my mom got on my nerves sometimes! She wasn't being mean, just annoying. She acts kinda ditzy sometimes, like distracted--my brother has noticed it too so I'm not imagining it. DH even said she is a worse driver than me, lol. I was a little short with her a few times. While they were driving back home, I apologized for being grumpy. I was frustrated that I was on bedrest so I can't do what I want to do and people keep asking "what should I do with (such and such)?" I was really grateful for their help though.
My best friend and I got in a fight earlier this summer that made me sooo upset. We too are very close and similar in many ways and we were talking to each other too much, so we took a step back and since then it has been stress free!

[shan3401]

Elle--sorry you had a bad day, that easily happens during pregnancy. We are of course more sensitive, but others should be considerate of that. I hate when someone says I am acting a certain way because I am "hormonal". It makes me feel patronized. Hope things are going better.

Imaguire--hope you can hold your lo in a little longer.

Lilly--congrats!!

AFM--feeling sooooo exhausted today. We put in new carpet this weekend, and though I didn't help too much, I did have the kids to myself all weekend. And my inlaws decided to cook out at our house(of course without asking what I thought of it). I've just been tired and really didn't feel like having guests. I have decided instead of working right up until my c-section date that I am going to take off the week of my c-section, so at least I will get some rest then.......hopefully :)

[BabyDreams]

Elle...Sorry you had such a frustrating time yesterday! I think we can all free your pain that things that may or may not upset us...REALLY get to us right now!

I had another check up today. Since I was in 3 weeks ago, I have not gained any weight. Which she is not concerned by since baby is continuing to measure ahead. She shocked me when she mentioned that she thinks I will have another ultrasound at 36 weeks to see where the baby is at...she said they want to keep their eye on how big she might get (3 weeks ago she was above average weight too!) My Dr made it sound as though she would rather induce me early than take a chance that the baby would get too big for me to deliver. I was really shocked to hear this as she is really low key and doesn't get to anxious about anything. I also had slight elevated Protein in my urine, but my blood pressure is nice and low so they are just going to monitor it for now.

My next appt had been scheduled for 10/31 (another 3 weeks) she decided today she is moving me up to every 2 weeks for now. I am getting nervous now! My DH has a job to finish out of town ..I called him as soon as I left and told him he better get what he needs to complete it. I want to him to go and finish it and be back this month! November he needs to be home...he agreed and I think was in a state of shock, as I was hearing what all my Dr was saying! i am nervous and excited all the same! We have lots to get finished and I am going to have to take Tiffany's idea of getting a to do list written down and start knocking off a few things every week. Not to mention this worries me how long I will be at work and getting someone up to speed on my job as I may not make it here as long as I had planned :)

Hope everyone else is doing well!!

[Tiffany1]

I cannot find an outfit to bring our son home in. It is so frustrating. I have looked everywhere. I found something I loved at Burlington, but I couldn't find it in newborn size at all. I don't know why this frustrates me so much, but it does.

In other news. My husband was messaging with me this afternoon and out of the blue he says "you better get your overnight bag packed." I was like what, it's way too early. Apparently he has a feeling it's not going to be too much longer and really wants me to finish getting everything together. He wants me to get my bag packed, everything washed, my phone list of people to call to bring me to the hospital, and anything else done by the end of the week. My husband is not a paranoid man, but this is kind of freaking me out. I still think he's going to come in 4 weeks, that is my gut feeling, so I guess time will tell. I told my husband last night that he will probably come on 11/11/11, or I'll at least go into labor that day and have him the next day. I tend to have the worst luck. That date in particular is Veteran's Day, which would mean the military hospital would have the bare minimum staffing, it would seriously be just my luck. My husband's side has told him that they think I'll have him before the 10th of November. I've been secretly wanting him to stay in for 41 weeks when they'd have to induce me. It is for selfish reasons. First, I would get induced and I could drive myself to the hospital(well, hopefully my husband would be home for the 2 weeks R&R during that time), and 2nd, well, the later he is born, the less my husband will miss. I mean, 3 weeks development outside the womb is 3 weeks he won't miss since he doesn't come back until summer 2012. I know that is terrible to wish the baby to stay in until 41 weeks, but I wouldn't mind it. I've got my diabetic diet under control and I think I could handle managing it up until that point.

Another concern of mine. I am terrified they will test me after I have the baby and find that I am still diabetic. I seriously mean I am terrified. Since I can control it well with diet alone and my numbers during the 3-hour GTT weren't all that high, it makes me worry that maybe this is a problem I always have and it isn't going to go away after he comes out. Does anyone else have this fear? I have been tested for insulin resistance right before I started taking Clomid, along with all those other blood sugar tests, and everything was fine then, but who knows what the numbers were. I never asked for the numbers so now I'm worried.

Well, I better start washing some baby stuff! Does anyone have any good websites they visit to find baby clothes? I don't need just any baby clothes, I want an outfit to bring him home in. What I'm imagining is a blue sleeper or 2 piece outfit with no puppies or sayings on it. It seems everything I see I think, "oh that's cute," but then I actually go look at it and there is some saying or puppies or footballs or something on it, I don't like that.

I hope everyone is doing well. Oh, I also need to get the base for the carseat in the car correctly. My doula tried helping me with it, but I think I need to put a towel underneath it, because it isn't installing quite at the right level the base is wanting. I'm going to try it on my own, but if I can't get it, I'm setting up an appt with the fire dept.

[lmaguire]

Elle - So sorry you had a rough time with your mom. It really irks me when people make comments about us being hormonal. We know it's true, but we don't need it pointed out to us all the time. Glad it all worked out and you & your mom made up.

babydreams - glad your appt went well. Crazy that your dr may induce you early, but if baby is ready, I wouldn't worry. It sounds like everything else is going well. Bummer your DH is away! That's no good, but don't over do it trying to do everything yourself.

shan - sorry you're so exhausted! I completely understand though. How annoying that the in-laws decided to have a cook out at your house with everything else going on. I'm sure they thought they were helping, but they just don't understand how tired we are and what small amount of activity wears us out. super frustrating!!

tiff - I don't think you're crazy for wanting him to come a tad late. DH could be there for more of the early time, and it would probably be easier for you. as for the newborn clothes, remember newborn size is 5-8 lbs, so if you have a bigger baby, he may not fit in newborn clothes. My plan is to bring 2 outfits - 1 newborn and 1 0-3 mo. that way I know he'll fit in one or the other. Check amazon for clothes, and if you haven't yet - sign up for Amazon Mom so you get free 2 day shipping.

afm - been crashing most of the day. still recovering from the weekend. wee got a lot of stuff to sort through, but his room still isn't ready (dry wall isn't done). In laws are coming over this weekend to help with that project, and I figure since MIL is one of those that just can't sit still, I'll have her wash all the clothes and help me organize them. His room should be pretty much ready after this weekend!
Little nervous for my appt this Thursday. Hoping everything is still going well. Lots of pelvic pain/pressure the last few days, and my L hip has really started bothering me. I think it's sciatic pain on only that side, but I'm not sure. All I know is it hurts. I'm kinda selfishly hoping he comes around 37/38 weeks. I want my body back. It's so uncomfortable. I'm never hungry anymore, when I do eat I get heartburn most of the time. Sleeping - what sleep? I toss and turn all night. UGH! Plus I'm hoping he comes on 11/11/11. I think that would be so cool. But we have minimal control over it so I'm not worrying about it.

[Kate23]

lilly-congrats!!! so happy for you!

lmaguire-sounds like you got a lot of useful stuff at your shower, that's a little less that you have to worry about! sorry that you have been feeling so uncomfortable, i have been having hip pain too, more than usual lol. for heartburn i have been drinking chocolate milk, it's the only thing that works for me.

elle-sorry about the bad day with your mom. everybody seems to be annoying me lately, so at the moment i'm glad i live so far from my parents and the in-laws!

shan, hope you are able to get your rest! babydreams, good luck getting everything ready for baby, i think i've finally gotten to the point where i feel like things are ready. tiffany, i would suggest amazon too. praises, how are you feeling?

i'm good, had a lazy weekend with DH, counted contractions. didn't have any more than usual, so i guess that's good. i did go friday with DH to get pics taken, i didn't want to do it at first but i'm glad i did now. they turned out nice.

[Tiffany1]

Alright, I'll admit it. I'm looking forward to no longer being swollen. My hands are always swollen, usually the most when I get up in the morning. I haven't been able to wear my wedding ring in months. Lately my feet have been more swollen, it is uncomfortable to wear anything but flip flops. I am going to focus on drinking tons of water today to see if it helps. I'm also considering going to the pool as I've been reading that can help temporarily.

Edit: I ended up getting this to bring him home in:
http://www.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=332107&PartnerID=EMAIL2&BannerID=240

If he does end up bigger I also have a 0-3 month outfit I really like that I'm bringing.

My project today is getting to the post office to mail some things and washing the rest of the baby stuff. Oh yeah, and keeping my feet up as much as possible and drinking plenty of water. I want milk so bad this morning, but I already had breakfast and don't have any carbs left until I test 2 hours from now. Mornings are the worst for having to wait 2 hours to eat again, luckily, the rest of the day isn't that bad.

[lmaguire]

tiff - cute outfit!

has anyone heard from Jamie?? or jth?

praises, how are you doing these days? say your bump picture - very cute!!

[praises1139]

lmaguire and kate--thanks! i'm ok, just annoyed because i'm getting BH every 15-20 mins and i'm not used to this. they are usually 1-2/hr. i'm contemplating calling my OB.

lmaguire--glad you got a lot of good stuff at your shower. my left hip has been hurting too. if it causes problems with your thigh, then it is a pinched nerve. i only have the problem on the left side.
11/11/11 would be very cool!!

tiffany--sorry about being swollen. fyi on that outfit--i was looking for preemie clothes to take to the hospital just in case and discovered that the Little Me brand runs big. so preemie is more like newborn and so on. so if that is the case, i don't think it will be too small for your LO.
i agree with your DH--it's never too early to pack the bag!!! plus it's one less thing to worry about. it would be great if he came later though.

babydreams--good luck! i hope everything goes well.

shan--that is a great idea to take off the last week!!


afm, well we did go to Target on Sat and i used the electric scooter thing. we were there for like 2hrs!!!!!!!!!!! all we did was return stuff, which was quick, and then bought like 5 or 6 things. it was annoying because the backpack we put on our registry was no longer available (i knew that would happen because Halloween stuff has replaced all the back-to-school stuff). they still had the backpack but in a different color (black instead of brown). well we don't like the black one. but i still really like the features--it has everything we need-and it's not too small or too big and it got good reviews. it's the one we agreed on back in July or whatever, but DH was being annoying about making a decision--definitely didn't seem excited about it, so i kept asking him "well what do you suggest?" He didn't really have an answer, so i made an executive decision. it felt like we were looking at the same 3 backpacks for an eternity. i had told him that they probably had something cooler at REI, but it would be twice the price and i can't be shopping around, so we can forget that.
i didn't find any preemie outfits there, so now i'm trying to find some online. they also only had ONE type of bathrobe in the women's dept and it was the shorter kind. i really want a longer one for the hospital. i know they will get some in soon because those things are always in stores for the holidays. we'll check after Halloween i guess.
i don't think i brought this up before but last week my SIL was over (she tries to come once a week to help out) and she mentioned that we might have Thanksgiving at her house (btw, no one wants it to be at her house for various reasons and they already do a dinner at their house around Christmas that everyone goes to). i was like, "really, why?" And she said with the babies coming and there being so many people, her parents' house is running out of room. I said, "well if the babies come before Thanksgiving, we're not going anyway." She was surprised. I said, "it's going to be hectic, we're just going to be feeding and changing diapers." She was like, "well you have to come for Thanksgiving! we can help with diapers and stuff, but I guess not feeding if you're going to nurse." (Yeah can you imagine me over at my in-laws with two newborns trying to nurse--it would be pointless because I'd be upstairs the whole time anyway!! Plus we'd have to bring over all our crap with us) So I said that they would be under 35 wks at that point and we could even be in the hospital. Anyway, so I told DH and my MIL that she was planning to bring this up to everyone and offer to have it at her house and they agreed that they don't want it at her house, so I'm gonna let them handle it. It just bothers me because it's our decision if we're going to go somewhere or not after the babies are here. I'm getting nervous about how supportive people are going to be about me breastfeeding and if they start getting on my nerves, I might go ballistic.

[Tink]

praises- not to mention it'll be rsv season and you may not want them out too much if there are going to be a lot of people there (especially if they are preemies). I hate to tell you, but this is just the start of it...for some reason a lot of people (usually the IL's :p ) become idiots once a baby enters the picture.

[praises1139]

Tink--u r right. I was excited about having holiday babies but now it just seems more complicated because that is when everyone gets together and when viruses are spreading around. My SIL had a 28wker, you'd think she would understand!

[Tiffany1]

Praises, this is one of the reasons I am happy to live so far from family. My husband should be home for his 2 week R&R for thanksgiving, we are going to order something we just need to heat up from the local grocery store like we did last year, it was really good. So it will just be the 3 of us because I'm requesting no visitors and will put a sign outside on our door those 2 weeks my husband is home. He should get as much time as possible with our son since he won't see him again until he is 6-7 months. For Christmas, I'm staying here by myself. I'm not going to travel to Minnesota during the snow season, too much risk, that and I just feel the baby is too small. I might(and I really mean might) go over to a friends for a christmas meal, but we will see how I feel about that when the time comes.

A question. I'm washing all the baby stuff today and I got to thinking. I have plenty of 3 month onesies, but they are for outfits, not just plain white. I'm wondering if I should go and buy some 3 month onesies. Do we need to layer them with a onesie and then a sleeper? I'm a little confused for some reason how that works.

[praises1139]

tiffany--i don't think a baby needs a onesie and a sleeper (like footsie pj's if that's what you mean). it's either one or the other. they can wear pants and socks with the onesie if needed. or a onesie and a sleepsack. they have long sleeved onesies too. i got several gowns because i heard those are easy for changing diapers at night. i'm unsure about how much clothing is too much and making sure they don't overheat.

[Tiffany1]

I just received in the mail 2 packages from my father in law. All I have to say is wow. TONS of clothes, They seem to be used, but I don't care, they look new. I'm incredibly happy with them also because they are all 6, 9, or 12 months! I barely have anything in those sizes! Just wishing that I had saved to wash baby clothes until tomorrow now...oh well, I don't need them washed right this second anyway since they are bigger sizes. I just can't believe it! How nice of them!

Also, I've been craving a baked potato. I've figured out how to work it in. I'll be eating chicken breast, a baked potato, and some green beans for supper tonight, I can't wait!

[Kate23]

tiffany-it's so fun when that happens! my mom sent me a package, and it feels like christmas a little early

praises-BH every 15-20 min is normal for me, but if it's not for you then a call to your doctor would probably be good. sure couldn't hurt! and i won't be going anywhere for the holidays, i think you are totally right for not wanting to. hopefully if you explain that you don't want to expose them to so many germs that early in their lives, everyone would understand. i will miss being with my family for the holidays, but baby comes first now

[jth0205]

Shan - thanks for the pep talk about going to the doc when things didn't seem right - happy I went in. I'm so happy for you that you get to meet your LO soon!

Lauren - Thank you also for the encouragement. I'm so glad you found a pediatrician that you like! I hope you are done with school for this year. Glad you have a birth plan. For me, having a plan for anything and everything helps! Good deal on the baby shower - it's great you got many of the items you needed!

Tiffany - sounds like you are close to being ready! I love the outfit you picked out:) So adorable!

Kate - hope the contractions are staying under control for you and that you find peace regarding L&D.

Meagan - thanks also for the pep talk about my deal last week. So happy for you that LO is head down! I hope the heartburn/acid reflux has eased for you. I keep Tums stashed all over the place for that reason. I pretty much have heartburn all day long now and esp at night.

Praises - sorry about the backpack. Hope the holidays work out for you. Family makes things tough!

Ellebelle - Sorry about the incident with your mom. Family can be so stressful, self-absorbed and inconsiderate! About packing your bag, I plan to pack mine around 35 weeks. Not sure why... just when I decided to do it. I too have a list though.

Lilly - congrats!! Can't wait to see pictures!

Baby Dreams - The countdown is really on now! Good luck with getting everything ready!

Afm - I've had house guests for the last week. It has been rough. They came in last Wed and left this morning. I left early this morning to head to the office b/c I just have too much going on at work to take another day off. So, poor DH had to stay home and see them off. This visit was tough. I don't know why either. We normally get along so well. However, I am normally a much different hostess. This time, I couldn't wait on them hand and foot and make three huge meals per day. I actually think they resented that or something. I don't know. Something was off though - awkward.

I am glad they have left and we can get back to preparing for the baby. They had NO INTEREST in helping with any baby preparations either. We tried one day to see if they wanted to help, but they just acted like we were bothering them. I can't move furniture, so I had hoped they would help DH move some. They didn't seem to want to do that either. We will now have to hire someone to come and help DH move furniture. How crazy is that!?!? You'd think family would want to pitch in a little? I know I would if we were visiting them. We have A TON to do to get ready for this baby.

Had a doc appt on Monday. Passed my glucose test! Now, I wait to see if I'm anemic. I start going to to the doc every two weeks now! He commented on my swollen legs and feet at my Monday morning appt. I was trying to take it easy with the house guests, but I still did too much at times. DH was getting frustrated with me - he was so cute! He did so much while they were here. I am proud and honored to be married to him! I can't wait to get home tonight and put my feet up!!! Oh, and the sciatica is pretty much gone! I've been sleeping in my bed now for the last few nights. I'm not comfortable, but I'm not in pain and for that I am thankful.

[ellebelle]

Just an update. I spoke with my mom today and I think everything is fine. She appologized without appologizing (if that makes any sense). She asked genuinely how I was feeling, etc.


Tiff - how exciting about getting the stuff from your FIL! I would love to get a package like that, who cares if the stuff is new, it's new to you and LO :) and I ALWAYS like new to me stuff!


ASM, I have my next Dr. appointment tomorrow. For those of you further along or second time moms, at what point did they begin actually doing physical exams beyond the measuring your belly and asking you how you feel, etc. stuff that we've been having for the last couple of months?

I have my first baby shower next Tuesday too and I am so excited, it means that we can finally begin finishing the nursery and getting stuff together for baby Belle :) I know that I will be getting two of the biggest pieces of the puzzle the carseat and stroller next week (mom and grandma).

[chelseaf]

Elle, I didn't start getting my cervix checked until 36 weeks, when I started going in weekly.

[lmaguire]

praises - how are you today? did you end up calling your dr? did the contractions decrease?

tiff - awesome! that's so nice of your FIL! My friend who had a little boy in March is always sending me stuff. Some of it still has tags on it! Love new to me stuff! (We also pass maternity clothes back and forth since we're about the same size).

jth - glad to hear from you! I was getting worried! Bummer that your house guests were so selfish and didn't help you & your DH out. What's wrong with people these days? Be sure to take it easy the nest few days so you can recover - not worth having BH like crazy.

elle - I kinda expect my doctor to check me tomorrow because of my PTL stuff, but who knows. otherwise, I think it's 36/37 weeks depending on your dr.

afm - i kinda violated my bedrest today. went to Target to get the last Lansinoh Affinity Double Electric breast pump. It was on sale and since we have the Target debit card, it was 5% off on top of that. It was the last one and while I had my eye on the Ameda Purely Yours pump, it's the same as the Lansinoh one, and this one was on sale and in the store, whereas I would have had to order the other from Amazon. I also got nipple cream and nursing pads since they are also on sale this week. I highly recommend everyone check it out.
I have a dr appt tomorrow - and it's 34 weeks. I have a ton of questions for her this week since I'm still really worried about her not stopping labor as of tomorrow. Thank God I have enough Procardia to make it to 35w4d. But I really want to make it to 37 weeks. I want to ask about my c-section chances since every dr I've ever had has told me that I'll probably have to have one (I assume because of CPD). DH & I are interested in donating cord blood, so we want to see if she charges to harvest it (since some dr do). And among other things the increasingly water discharge I'm having, and the popping and cracking noises I've been hearing lately.
also, DH's office secretary called and they are throwing us a baby party next week. I was so surprised! And they want to surprise DH so they aren't telling him. =) I'm excited but it's going to be hard to keep it a secret since I tell him everything.

[lighthouse830]

Hi Everyone over here :) I have a question for anyone here who has had BP or protein in urine problems & what their experience is. I'm only 24 weeks, so it caught me out of the blue today at my appt.
I had my routine appt today and had protien in my urine and my blood pressure was up a little (138/78) vs last appt (100/70, no protein in urine) a week ago (because of spotting/braxton hicks).

[Tiffany1]

Lighthouse, the only experience I have is being on the watch list for preeclampsia. They haven't found any protein in my urine yet though and the last appt my BP was very much in the normal range. I do know that preeclampsia is very serious, so you definitely want to be monitored. When I got put on the "watch list," they started seeing me every 2 weeks. I would definitely talk to your doctor as much as possible about it. Don't read too much online because it will freak you out. Find out what the hospital's policy is on it and what to expect.

[MegzyAngel]

ellebelle - Im just one 36 weeks and havn't had any internals yet. my next appointment is next week so they will possibly start then...I'm not sure really. I think it all depends on how the pregnancy is going and also on the doctor. I know my cervix was at 30mm and closed at my last ultrasound (32ish weeks). My last appointment they were able to tell me which was she was laying by feel though.

lighthouse - Sorry not much help there....My BP has been in the low range the whole time. 100/60 is the usual lately. As far as I know there has been no protein either. I hope it sorts out for you and you dont get pre-eclampsia.

praises - Sorry about the issues with the inlaws. Some people just don't understand that going places with a newborn is more challenging than just jumping in the car and going...Having twins would make it harder. I hope it all sorts out for you. My nanna was getting grumpy with me about a month ago when she asked if we were going there for christmas and I said no. We are not travelling 12 hours in the car with a barely 6 week old newborn. she was like well your mother did it when we lived in another state, with your sister. Yes she was also 3 months old by then and mum also had 2 other kids. Needsless to say nothing else has been mentioned about it since then. Even if bub wasnt going to be here we would be staying here anyway or it would be DH's parents turn for christmas.
I hope those BH sort out for you.

Thanks to those about the suggestions for heartburn. I have some ant-acids that I got from the pharmacy that help with minor acid reflux but not the full blown painfull stuff that I was getting. My doctor prescribed me some other stuff to use if I need it. Also told me to cut caffeine at night. (I usually have a can of coke zero with dinner, so swapped it for lunch instead). It has helped a bit but do still wake up with a bit of reflux. Not much else can do but take the med's if needed.

Think i'm hitting nesting stage full on. I have been cooking like a maniac the past few days trying to get things in the freezer for when bub arrives and we don't feel like cooking. Is anybody else cooking and freezing meals for when LO arrives?
I have sausage rolls, spaghetti sauce, lasange, macaroni cheesey bake, and making an indian chicken curry today.
Also be writing down a list of things that needs sorting and cleaning out.
DH thinks its funny and keeps saying it doesnt have to be all done now..I'm like no we are not leaving it until the last minute because it wont get done then. Think he's going to kill me with the list of things i have written out for the yard. Needs to be done anyway since theres a green waste collection next week so we can tidy the yard right up and get it taken away for free.

Taking him to the speedway on saturday night though as a treat for being so good to me. Its their opening night and he's been wanting to go to it. We won't be getting there for a while afterwards so thought be a good opportunity to go while theres still time. Be interesting to see how LO reacts to the noise. She didn't like the loud thunder the other week, was jumping around and going crazy.

Anyway sorry about the ramble on, i need to post more often lol.

[praises1139]

Lmaguire--I'm doing good...contractions calmed down, so maybe I just needed more hydration. And I stopped taking the Colace, which I think keeps more water in your intestines instead of letting your body absorb as much, so I don't know if that was contributing to it or not. Colace gives me horrible gas (poor DH) so I hate it. Luckily I tried apple juice yday on top of all my other home remedies and it did the trick at finally getting me to go!
My friend just had her baby this AM at 34w1d. They took her off Procardia yday because they won't stop labor after 34wks. My OB said the same thing. Anyway so at least my friend was able to make it over two wks in the hospital with the meds but went into labor as soon as they stopped them. That doesn't happen to everyone but she was high risk for PTL from the start. He was 5lb1oz and went to the NICU although he's doing fine.

Jth--being this pregnant is not the time to play hostess..lol. I'm sure some women do it but definitely not me!! Don't feel bad. Who were they? They don't sound very friendly. I'm glad you are doing well physically and kudos to DH.

Lighthouse--rachelttc had protein in her urine I believe but it got resolved. She's on the 2nd tri thread. Well, she said ketones...don't know if that's the same thing?

Megzy--I was planning to cook and freeze meals but now I can't!! And DH isn't gonna do it..lol

Afm, kinda getting addicted to Amazon Mom. But I'm only buying stuff we need, I swear!! Lol. The UPS guy is probably like, this house again??? I bought a couple dvds for our niece's bday this wknd, a few baby items and stuff I will need like giant pads!! I got the thickest, biggest overnight ones I could find. Fun stuff.
I'm reading Mothering Multiples and it is very encouraging.

[readytogo]

JTH -- Sorry you had a frustrating experience with guests. Hosting is always challenging. We just hosted my family this weekend, and it was really pleasant, actually, but I would have been annoyed if people had not been willing to help out.

Elle -- Glad things are resolved with your mom, though I can definitely relate to being annoyed with mothers while pregnant. Intentions may be good at times but the delivery can be bad.

Lilly -- congrats on the arrival of LO!

Lmaguire -- I hope you can hold out on going into labor for as long as possible. I imagine this time could be making you quite anxious.

Some good news: I passed my one-hour glucose test with flying colors. I'm glad I took my midwife friend's advice and went back to the same gluten-free, mostly sugar-free diet I was on to get pregnant in the week leading up to my test because I think it at least made me feel like I was in some control.

I also got several books about labor and delivery. I'm working through Planning for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond by the American College of OBGYNS right now. I can't say it's teaching me anything new, but it's a good refresher and makes me feel like I'm doing something to mentally prepare myself.

I feel like today literally within a span of about five hours my stomach became way noticeably bigger. It's bizarre -- anyone have this happen? You actually feel yourself growing in the middle of the day? I hadn't experienced this up until this point, but man, it's like all of a sudden I can no longer bend over.

[Tiffany1]

I am getting so excited now. Tomorrow I reach 34 weeks. I now feel completely physically and mentally prepared for this baby. I no longer fear the labor and delivery. I did have a cry in the shower this morning about my husband not being able to be there with me, but I'm okay now. Our plan is this: try to Skype if we can get the connection to work during the labor and delivery, and if it doesn't, then we will just be on the phone the whole time.

In other news, for some reason this is really really ticking me off. My husband thinks it isn't a big deal, but I think it is. First off, I really don't like his mom, I don't know what it is, but I just plain don't like her, she irritates me. Anyway, while she was here for that 4-day visit, I took pictures, etc. and put them up on facebook. Last night, she started sharing them on her own facebook! Alright, so I have my facebook set up as tightly secure as I can and so only my friends can see the pictures I post. I know she doesn't really know how to use facebook, which is part of the problem. But I can't believe that even though I have my facebook set up so only friends can see my pictures, that any of my friends can "share" those pictures and then anyone can see them! And of course, when she shared them they are shared to the public now, not even just to her friends. I can understand why she would want to share them, as the ones she shared she is in, BUT, she is tagged in them and her friends would have already been able to see them. My concern now is that after I have this baby, any pictures I post might now be "shared" by her, which I DO NOT want! I want control over who sees the pictures I post. This bothers me so so much. I think if this happens in the future, I'll have to not include her in being able to see my pictures. Sure, I like to post pictures, but I like my privacy. I also can't believe that facebook doesn't have any way to disable this "share" feature. I looked high and low and researched it for about an hour last night and there is no way. I don't know if this is just the pregnancy making me so fired up about this, but I just don't like it at all.

Other than that, nothing else is going on over here. My blood glucose numbers during my testing 4 times a day are still great, so that is excellent. I am looking forward to being able to eat whatever and whenever I want again though. It's getting harder for me to get out of bed and I'm finding I have to be creative about it. I've been sleeping wonderfully. I feel pretty good, except for my fingers hurting all the time, but that will go away. I've been keeping my feet up as much as possible and the swelling is really going down :) Alright, I'm just excited now to meet this little guy, he's been a little bit quieter the past couple of days, but he's definitely still getting his 10 movements in an hour if I were to do a count.

[chelseaf]

Tiffany, I would just straight up ask her not to share them. Then you just don't have to worry about it! She probably doesn't realize that everyone can see them when she does it. And you can explain it all to her (or have DH) and tell her that you will tag her in the photos so her friends can see or even email them to her so she can have a copy.

[jth0205]

Ellebelle - glad things are good again with your mom. Hope your appt went well today.

Lauren - Way to score on the pump! I hope your doc appt goes well today. I think it is so sweet that DH's work is going to throw him a surprise baby party and include you! I hope you can keep it a secret.

Meagan - or should I say "susie homemaker"?! I too hope to make up some meals and even some breakfast breads and place in the freezer. We will have our family invading us just before my due date and then as soon as the baby arrives. All of our family is out of town. I hope you guys have lots of fun at the speedway and LO doesn't mind it too much:)

Praises - It was my cousin and her DH. They have chosen not to have children and she is an only child. I never noticed it before this most recent visit, but they are kind of selfish and immature. I will always love my cousin dearly and have fun with her and enjoy seeing her. However, I was disappointed by their behavior this visit. I think things stood out more this visit b/c we had previously talked with them about being Luke's Godparents. I wish we could unring that bell now! If Luke behaved the way they did during this recent visit, it would break my heart. Anyway, I'm just praying that DH and I don't get taken out together so we don't even have to go there. Amazon Mom rocks! 200 diapers for $23 - good stuff!

Ready - congrats on passing the glucose test! I know I was relieved when I passed mine on Monday. I've not noticed growth as you describe; however, in the course of about two days last week my belly really popped! I think I'm almost to the point where those who don't know me would be brave enough to ask about the baby! And, even though I'm using bio-oil, my belly is really itchy these days.

Tiffany - sorry about MIL and Facebook. My MIL tags me in all kinds of photos (any family photo posted by any family member, she tags me and herself). She tags herself in nearly every photo I post. So, I've limited what I post. I have two sides to my Facebook - a public and a private. I designated a handful of people on the "private" list. My MIL is included in that list, but she has to get my permission to tag herself in those photos. Thank God she doesn't know about the sharing option! I just ignore her requests when she asks to be tagged in any of my "private" photos. And, I throw her a bone and post one or two photos in the "public" side and let her tag to her heart's content! Glad you are ready to meet your LO!

[MegzyAngel]

Tiff - Sorry about the problems with facebook. I think they need to put in an option on there so people can't share them. Also block people right clicking and saving them to their computer as well. Facebook just annoys me in general lately with all their updates and changes...I'm glad my MIL doesn't use facebook. She thinks all that social stuff is a load of c**p lol.

jth - Lol at the susie homemaker comment...That made me laugh. I told DH last night that we need another bigger freezer because our chest freezer is full now. Both our families live out of town as well and will be coming up around my due date. My parents are coming up 2 days before and DH's parents are looking at arriving on my due date...Thank goodness they are all staying at a caravan park other wise we will be very cramped for space. Maybe tents in the backyard....With the dog. :D
200 diapers for $23 sounds awesome. Might have to check them out. Never thought of looking on Amazon for things like that...Usually just get books for my e-reader on there.

36 weeks today :D Only 4 weeks to go. Lets hope she's a 4% baby and arrives on her due date. 11/11/11 think that would be awesome. Think i'll be trying everything under the sun to induce labour around then.

[Tiffany1]

So pelvic pressure...I'm not sure if that is what I'm experiencing or not. I've had it off and on but not very often since around 20 weeks, but today it just takes the cake! I actually thought the sensation/pain was constipation, but I am obviously not constipated today, so it can't be that! I'm going to try wearing my maternity support belt in hopes that helps. Does this sound like pelvic pressure? It hurts and I walk kind of funny when I stand up and walk or last night I was sleeping and it would be kind of painful to change positions? I have also been peeing a lot today, or at least having the sensation of having to pee. I'm not overly concerned as my BH are just as often and frequency as any other day. But wow. The past couple of days my hips feel like they are separating, which I also assume is normal, but what a strange feeling!

[MegzyAngel]

Tiff - Sounds like he may be engaging. With first pregnancies often the baby engages early rather than right before or during labour.

Im getting a few more BH than normal today and a bit period like crampy and nauseous. Hope that isnt a sign of early labour. DH seems more concerned than I do. I told him i'm just going to monitor it for now and see what happens.

[lmaguire]

Tiff - sorry about the MIL facebook drama. My MIL doesn't use it - Thank GOD! It definitely sounds like he's moving down. I've had those exact same feelings for the past week, and sometimes it even feels like he's trying to push my pelvis apart! I can actually feel something pushing on both sides of my hip bones. Weird!

Megzy - you really are "susie homemaker" =) I plan on making some meals in the next couple weeks and freezing them. and stocking up on spaghetti and easy stuff to cook. yay for 36 weeks! I'm 34 weeks today, and I'm also hoping for 11/11/11. Such a cool date since there are only 12 of them every century.

jth - isn't amazon mom awesome! i've been obsesses with it since I signed up in May. I ordered a mattress pad (in case my water breaks in the middle of the night or something. We have an expensive mattress and I didn't want to try to clean amniotic fluid out of it).

afm - appt went well today. She told me to stop taking the Procardia. I asked if I could continue it anyway since I only have 1 week of it left, and she said no, which made me a little mad, but she's the MD, so I'll listen. She also told me I could stop bed rest, but to kinda take it easy for a little bit. Was super glad to hear this, but kinda terrified because now there's nothing to stop the contractions from coming. And, sure enough, I had 7 tonight while we were at dinner with DH's parents. Not quite as painful as the ones before, but definitely uncomfortable. She also did the group B strep test, and a cervical exam. I HATE cervical exams because they hurt and they make me bleed for days afterwards. Anyways, cervix is still long (~4cm), but very, very soft and thinning she said. So, I called my principal to tell her, and she said she still thinks it's better for me to take it easy at home, but we have to tell the HR people on Monday that I'm officially not on bed rest and see what they say. So we'll see how that goes.
Well, I'm cramping and contracting, so I'm heading to bed to try to avoid them. Good night!

[praises1139]

Lmaguire---your Dr can put you on work restriction without putting you on bedrest. I doubt she expects you to work if she said 'take it easy'...if HR says you have to work, I would ask the Dr.

[Tiffany1]

So I woke up this morning with brown discharge, which totally freaked me out. I called L&D right away, they didn't seem too concerned since it wasn't pink, no more BH than normal, no leakage otherwise, no cramping, baby is moving. They told me if it continues throughout the day or turns pink or changes in any other way just to come in though. So then that didn't make me feel a whole lot better, so I called my doula! I am so happy I have a doula. She explained to me what exactly is going on. She first told me it is completely normal at this stage to have brown discharge. She believes that pressure I was feeling last night was the baby pushing up against my cervix big time. She then told me the cervix has a ton of small vessels and capillaries in it which the baby probably burst a few in the process of all that pushing he did against it. Which then caused the brown discharge. She told me it is really good that it is brown and not pink. But she agrees, if it is pink at all or picks up, to go get checked out. I like that my doula actually gave me an explanation for what was going on.

Pelvic pressure isn't as bad today, so hopefully it does stop. I felt bad for not being able to go to jazzercise today. One of my friends that I haven't seen in a really long time was going to be there and was going to give me one of her pumps since she has 2 really good ones and she isn't having any more kids. Oh well. There was no way I am going to risk this baby coming early if I can help it! He has to make it at least 3 more weeks, and that is a mother's order to this little one! All I know now though is this, I am packing my overnight bags this weekend and making that phone list today!

[BabyDreams]

Okay...I am hoping I can vent and this will help get it off my chest and I can go back to sleep.

My father in law and my dh's step mom are in town for my baby shower (which is Saturday afternoon) I was really excited to have them come and now I realize that I am just irritated having a house full of people. Not to mention this has felt like the longest and most stressful week of my pregnancy...I only worked 1/2 a day today which was really hard to leave since I was so slammed at work. I will have to go in super early Monday am, before going to my Dr appt late Monday morning.

So I get home from work, after stopping at the grocery store and it was just me and step mil-which was fine. But I put my groceries away and showed her the baby's room and then started preping for dinner. My DH got home after running a couple errands for me. By the time my father in law came back to our house from visiting his brother...with his friend whom I have never met...I had been cooking dinner for an hour. With only a little help. Now part of this is my fault...because DH was trying to help...but I was so grumpy that it was better to do it myself. Well...then the men are sitting at the table chatting about this and that. I had to clean up from dinner, put left overs away do the dishes (I am nuts but my knives and pots and pans get washed by hand) then I put dessert in the oven. Oh, then I finally sat down for a few minutes. I wanted to scream from the kitchen..."HI. It's me...the one pregnant, doing everything who is swolen and needs to put my feet up!!" I will admit...felt like a martar...doing everything but really pissed about! Anyways...I had been looking forward to just having my in laws and then they bring this guy who is staying with him...who walked in my door and instantly starting rubbing my belly. (yeah, I have NEVER met him before) So, now he annoys me. He then decides to plop himself and his shoes all over my couch. Nevermind that I just spent $115.00 having it steamed cleaned 2 weeks ago before the baby comes. Since we have a 3 bedroom house, we don't have 2 guest rooms any more so he is sleeping on the couch. His DNA all over my clean couch. (can you tell I am not a fan of this person) My DH knows him and says he is really nice...maybe I am too grumpy to give him a chance. Anyways...my step mother in law mentioned that they want to come stay when the baby is born. I have told my DH no way ...he will have to find a way to tell his dad they are welcome to come over (they live 4 hours away) but they will have to stay some where else. I wait on them hand and foot and I can barely take it now..let alone when I have a new baby at home. I love his step mom, but I couldnt believe after knowing my leg was numb from standing on it...knowing what I have been through this week and being all swollen that she didn't offer to help me in any way.

My DH's mom is the total opposite. When my mom passed away (at my house) she rushed here, living 2500 miles away. She cooked, cleaned, helped me plan my mom's funeral and put my house back together and of course comforted me as much as possible. That is how my mom would be if the were DH's mom that we lost. So, it is so hard knowing that our moms would be trying so hard to make this time calm and enjoyable. I really do love his dad and step mom, but really bringing a friend with you and expecting me to cater to one more person right now...not really the best timing. I do know that my father in law is going to help DH finish some wood work in the baby's room, so that will be nice.

So sorry for the long rant. I have been unable to sleep and just getting more annoyed laying in bed thinking of how this night went and knowing I have another night of this and who knows how long on Sunday. DH and I are going to have a chat in the morning...I am not doing this again. I am supposed to be enjoying this weekend and it is starting off on the wrong foot! Good night all!

[jth0205]

BabyDreams - that is exactly how it was when my family visited for an entire week last week. My feet and ankles are still swollen from it. They were so disrespectful of us and our home - right down to my cousin putting her filthy feet WITH SHOES ON on my sofa! That made me sooooo mad! DH is still picking up cigarette butts in our yard - how rude?! Just put them in one spot at least people. I am sorry that you have been saddled with a knows-no-boundaries random house guest on top of it. I had to wait on my cousin and her DH hand and foot and they just made huge messes for me to clean up the entire week. DH really helped out a lot, but I still had to do way more than I ever expected. AND she downplayed the issues I've had throughout this pregnancy and told me that she's always heard that first time moms are paranoid. EXCUSE ME?!?! My doc has put me on bedrest a few times now - does that make him paranoid as well?! I hope you can survive the rest of the visit. That's all I could do -- go into survival mode. They are planning to come back for TWO WEEKS when the baby is due. I am going to have to call and tell them that that's just too long. I really hate to do it, but we just can't have a repeat of this last visit, esp if it is twice as long, when we will be trying to get adjusted to being new parents.

Hang in there! And, I'm sorry you have to go through this.

[selo1718]

Hi everyone. I thought I'd stop over since I'm now in the 3rd trimester. I will try and go back and catch up on everyone. It sounds like many of you are having family issues. I guess I can be grateful that most of our family lives locally and if the out of towners come to visit they stay with our parents! I am doing well but have to take the 3 hr GTT on Monday. I'm hoping I pass it, but if not I will do what I need to do to take care of me and my baby.

[jth0205]

Meagan - keeping my fingers crossed for 11/11/11!

Tiffany - hope you are feeling ok.

Lauren - hope it goes well with HR today. The last pelvic exam I had (about 4 weeks ago) was painful. I am not used to those exams being uncomfy/painful. I am not looking forward to when they are routine at my visits. Are they routine for you now?

BabyDreams - hope you survived your house guests this weekend.

Sarah - welcome to the third trimester! Good luck with the GTT today.

afm - finally got my feet/ankles to go back to semi-normal. The swelling was hideous! Luke is moving around a lot today! Glad of it because he was way too calm over the weekend.

[Tiffany1]

Baby must be getting big now. The past 2 nights I've been waking up to terrible acid reflux, acid feels like it is way up in my throat. I have my head propped up with 2 pillows at night and might have to use one more tonight. I have also been feeling a little nauseous these past 2 days, but I think it has something to do with the acid. I really do love being pregnant, but I could do without the acid and the feeling like I'm going to puke. I might just have to start taking the zantac twice a day instead of once a day like I have been. Other than that complaint, baby seems great. He still moves all the time, I'm certain he is still head down. I just need to pack my bags for the hospital and I'll be ready. I suppose I should write up some kind of birth plan also.

In other news, I've been trying to beat boredom. I know I should consider myself lucky that I even have the opportunity to feel bored as I know many of you and people I know don't. But seriously, this boredom is getting to me. I slept from 11pm to about 9:30am this morning just because there was no reason to get up, and I had to force myself to get up. I'm tired of shopping, I'm tired of looking at baby stuff. I need to think of something to do today. My husband says I should just go to the park, so I might try that. I just need something to get me out of this funk. I hope I never feel this way with a baby around! I want time to speed up, I want to meet him! I'm actually getting a little excited about the actual birth of him. I know I've said it before, but I'm not really fearing it anymore, I can't wait to experience it! Anyway, hoping to beat the boredom today, we shall see. I also hope to stop feeling sick soon, that would be excellent. I'm hoping this sick feeling isn't going to stick around until he is here. It sure makes GD more difficult when there is nothing that sounds good.

[shan3401]

Tiffany--I hear ya on the acid, horrible stuff!

Jth--glad to hear swelling is down!

Selo--welcome to the third tri, and good luck on the gtt!

Babydreams--Wow! I would definately freak to have a stranger in my house during such a life changing event, and then to have them touch me! I am a bubble person, so I can totally hear where your frustration is coming from. I am so sorry you have to deal with all that at this time.

Imaguire--how are the contractions going? Hope all is well!

Megzy--Did your contractions stop?

AFM--had a lot of contractions this weekend, and just feeling sooo tired. Everyone around me has been sick so I think maybe I am just catching some of that. So I did alot of resting this weekend and feel pretty good today :) Friday is my last day of work, so that I can rest and get all the little last minute things accomplished before baby arrives next Thursday! Ten more days to go! I cannot wait! :)

[Tiffany1]

Also, does anyone else constantly feel like they have to have a BM(and when I say feel, I mean I do) and always have loose stool? I've had this for 2 weeks now, which originally made me scared I was going to go into preterm labor. Now I'm wondering if it is just because my body is running out of space. My lower back was also killing me last night and I feared preterm labor again, but the back pain wasn't associated with my BH and I didn't wake up in the night with them or anything. I also haven't experienced it today. He needs to make it 2-1/2 more weeks, that's not long little one. Everyone I talk to and that sees me is determined I am going early, like 1st week of November early. I am going to miss feeling him roll in my stomach and even the sickness that comes with it, but I'm also looking forward to feeling well again(even if zombie tired) and holding my little baby and seeing him grow. I already tear up at the idea that he won't be tiny for long!

[selo1718]

jth- I'm glad your swelling has gone down. I'm glad Luke is moving lots for you today.

Tiffany- When I get really bad heart burn I prop myself up on 3 pillows and use a trow blanket rolled next to my head to keep my head from slouching to the side so my neck doesn't hurt in the morning. I hope you find something to relieve your boredom today. A walk in the park sounds like a nice idea.

shan- I hope this last week of work goes quickly for you!

AFM- I did the GTT this morning. It wasn't bad and I actually feel better after the 3 hr then I did after the 1 hr. After the 1 hr I had a massive head ache. Other then being very hungry it was ok. They told me I could leave between blood draws. I only left once and went to walk around big lots in the middle which broke up the time. I've had a nice lunch and have to go to work at 2. I am still trying to kick this cold and have a ton if sinus pressure. Thanks for the welcomes, I hope to get to know everyone better!

[readytogo]

Selo -- welcome and glad you feel ok after the test. Now I hope you get the positive news that you passed, too!

Shan -- Wow, you really are in the home stretch! Congrats on making it to this point.

BabyDreams -- sorry you had to deal with rude house guests. That is really annoyed. I am starting to get annoyed with some family members, too, but I have not dealt with the physical annoyances in nearly the way you had to deal with them.

Lmaguire -- Any more contraction news to report? Hope you don't have to go back to work -- staying home from teaching sounds much better :) I am getting annoyed with some of my students, so I would be happy to stay home toward the end.

Hope everyone else is doing well!

[praises1139]

tiffany--i'd say if your MIL doesn't respect the fact that you don't want your pictures shared, i'd use the "hide from" feature when posting pictures. not sure though if that means someone else could potentially share it and she'd see it (that would defeat the whole purpose, so i hope not!)

babydreams--that is horrible about the stranger houseguest! omg i totally would've said something, like "we just got this steam cleaned for the baby, so let me cover this with a sheet"...i don't think a guy would be offended by that.

jth--UGH to your cousin!!!!!!!!! so rude that she made that comment too about being paranoid. i would say hell no to their unwanted return!!!!!!!!!! that is the last thing you need.

selo--welcome!! hope you passed your 3hr.

lmaguire--u ok?


afm, i have my regular appt tomorrow except i'm supposed to have my first manual cervical check. so far i've just had ones by u/s. i think i will go ahead with the manual since it's been 3wks since i've been checked and i've been having a few more contractions than i was back then. not looking forward to the pain and i definitely don't want to hear about more thinning of my cervix, although i'd be really surprised if there was no change in 3wks.
my bellybutton is still trying to pop. it's part-way out.
it is getting so hard to turn over in bed with this belly. it is so heavy! i thought it was difficult before but now it's like an ordeal!
so glad i've made it this far but i feel i have a lot more to go. it's been 7wks of bedrest already and i have 7 to go.

[Tiffany1]

I hope everything checks out okay for you praises, those manual checks are painful.

I've been wondering about Lauren also, she is kind of my due date buddy and I'm worried about her. I can't remember if she said she was going to be away for a while or not.

About the pictures, I finally decided that it bothers me the most just because I don't like her that much. Like I've said before, I have no idea why I don't like her, but I have this terrible feeling toward her. When I look at pictures of her, it just irritates me, no idea why. I am sitting here trying to put it into words and I just can't.

Babydreams: That is really terrible about your guests, I think I would have snapped if I had guests like that. Luckily when my MIL visited, she washed her sheets and towels before she left. I can't stand when people don't help out, especially when there is a pregnant person!

I tried beating my boredom today by going to the park, it helped a little bit. I had 2 old ladies beat me while walking! I sure am looking forward to getting my speed and energy back! I'm looking more forward to the sleepless nights, feedings, and just loving having my little boy here. I keep having this daydream that I'm giving birth, my husband is on the webcam, the baby comes out, and they say "here's your daughter." I have no idea if they are giving me any more ultrasounds, I'm doubting it at this point, but I was really hoping for one more just so I could get them to confirm the sex of this child! Of course I am happy with either sex, but I have all of these boy clothes now, so it would just be strange.

Is anyone else actually getting excited and looking forward to the birth part? I think about the whole thing and I get teary eyed and cry. I'm actually really looking forward to the moment I start having real contractions, I can start timing them, the anxiety of trying to contact my husband to let him know I'm in labor. I don't know, I'm just getting so excited!

[lmaguire]

Ok - let me just start by saying that I had this nice, fairly long post done, hit submit, and the page reset itself, and I lost it. UGH!
Sorry for disappearing! Here I am! =) We had a busy end of the week and weekend. The in-laws were here Thursday night and all day Friday.(Thank God they stay in a hotel due to my FIL's cat allergies). My FIL spent all day Friday ripping out a door & frame, studding, and drywalling in an attempt to get the baby's room ready. My MIL and I washed, folded, and sorted baby clothes. (She then went shopping for 3 hours since she can't sit still). Saturday I slept most of the day because I was coming down with a sinus infections or something. DH was supposed to work on the baby's room again, but decided that his company's softball team was more important than finishing our son's room. (Don't get me started - lol - preggo hormones at their best!). Sunday was spent at church, arguing with DH about finishing the baby's room, and cleaning for tonight.
I had a few of the teachers from school over tonight for a Girl's Night In/Make-Up Baby Shower. It was SO nice to talk to people other than DH, my mom on the phone, the in-laws, or the cat!! Plus we got a lot of nice things for the baby - including burp cloths and hooded towels, which we needed. I also went this AM to get my blood work done (checking elevated liver enzymes from last time, thyroid, STDs because it's required, etc.). Afterwards, I went to return doubles of shower gifts we got from the family shower in Melbourne a couple weekends ago. Was on my feet a lot more than I should have been because I am EXHAUSTED, and my legs (thigh down) and hands are swollen now. I have no plans for tomorrow expect to take it easy since the weather is supposed to be pretty yucky here.
As for the contractions, definitely more since I've stopped the Procardia & bed rest, but they haven't increased in frequency, duration, or intensity, so I know they're false labor contractions. Tonight I've had 4-6 per hour the last 3 hours, but like I said they aren't changing, so I'm not worrying.

Tiff - I understand the wanting him to be here so I can hold him, feed him, etc. I'm kinda over the being pregnant thing. I want to see him already! That's so cool that DH is going to be able to watch via web cam!! I also understand the worry about the u/s techs being wrong and ending up with the opposite gender. I've heard several horror stories. I wouldn't care wither way, but it would really suck to have a little boys room with his name all over everything then end up with a sweet little girl who then has to wear boys stuff since I don't have anything else.

praises - I understand about the cervical exams. I won't lie - mine this last week was NOT fun. I hate them with a passion now. Sorry about the continued bed rest, but you're half way there!! yay!! As for the belly, I can't imagine. I feel like mine is huge and heavy and there's only one in there! My belly button is kinda popped too. It's not all the way out, but is out more than it was, and more than is comfortable. It doesn't help that little one likes to kick/play with it.

ready - I don't know how you're still teaching! With my hormones the way they are I think I might could strangle a child! We'll see what HR says. Haven't heard back yet.

selo - I'm sure you passed the GTT, and if not, it isn't the end of the world. Not too much longer to go.

shan - home stretch now! So exciting!

jth - I think I may have had to kill your cousin - lol (lovely pregnancy hormones). That's just SO rude! Wait til she has kids and then you can remind her of what she said to you.

Sorry if I missed anyone else! I promise not to disappear again! =)

[ellebelle]

glad to see that everyone seems to be doing well.

Tiffany - I am starting to get excited too. I'm not looking forward to the pain, but part of my has just reached the point of being ready to have it happen already.

Lauren - Here's to baking the baby a little longer :)

Praises - I'm thinking about you, I would be insane with bedrest so I think you are doing great! Just hang in there.

Babydreams - I think I might have just gone off on someone if they had done that to me. I love my family but thank goodness they aren't like that, love or not, I might just have flipped out on them!

AFM, I had a good report at the Dr. last week, everyone is looking good. My first baby shower is tonight and I am really excited!! I am having this one (church and family) which is the largest one, one at my husbands office (they are so good to us), and possibly one at my own job. I get a little teary when I think of how generous people can be.

I return to the Dr next Tuesday and I am hoping that I haven't gained anymore weight. The Dr. have told me that I shouldn't gain anymore (I did loose a pound last week) for this pregnancy. I've gained less than 20, but since I was already a bigger girl they don't want me putting any more weight than I have too.

[praises1139]

My OB did an fFN and checked my cervix manually..soft and closed. I told her I had 3 BH within 30 mins (before getting there) because I had been up for a while getting ready. She doesn't have an NST machine so she sent me to L&D and might put me on Procardia. Wish me luck

[lmaguire]

Good Luck! Procardia isn't the worst thing. Made me a bit loopy sometimes, but I would definitely recommend it. Let us know how things go. Praying for you & those little boys!

[shan3401]

Praises--good luck :)

Elle--glad to hear you had a good appt!

Imaguire--glad to hear you are doing well and got some help from the inlaws at least this weekend.

Tiffany--I have the same anxities about this baby not being a girl. I keep telling everyone if 'she' is a 'he', then I will have a little boy in a lot of pink!

Selo--hope you got good results from your gtt!

AFM--waiting.....waiting.....waiting, nine days to go :D

[Tiffany1]

It seems the swelling in my hands and feet have gone down quite a bit lately. My hands always seem to have fluid in the joints, I guess meaning my fingers. My fingers constantly hurt and it seems the pain is getting worse, but just in my fingers. Like I said, the swelling has gone down and they barely look visibly swollen any more. Does anyone have experience with hurting fingers(they've been hurting for at least a couple of months now)? Will the pain go away after my body drains all the excess fluid?

Good luck Praises! Hopefully it's nothing to worry about. I sometimes get 6 contractions an hour, but they've told me I'm fine.

[praises1139]

Ugh, I asked DH to wash my undies because I only have the one pack that fit me. Well he forgot so I had to bust out these see-thru sexy ones because they are stretchy and still fit! Embarrassing. At least its not a thong. Haha
Still having several contractions. Not good for 29wks. They are going to start me on Procardia and monitor a bit to see how it helps me.
Thanks ladies!

[jth0205]

Praises - good luck! At least you had on clean undies - even if they were sexy undies! Hoping and praying this helps stop the contractions for you.

[Tiffany1]

I need some honest opinions on the name of the baby or ideas if you have them.
Which do you like better?
Layton Gerald
Layton Charles
OR
any ideas on a middle name that isn't Samuel that starts with the letter S that goes with Layton? Preferably not a religious name? We can't decide on a middle name and my husband has pretty much left the middle name up to me. I know which one I like better out of the 2 choices and knowing me, I'll probably end up going with it, I just don't want our child to hate me for choosing it.

[jth0205]

Tiffany - here are some S names:
Sean/Shawn
Seth
Shane
Sloane

I like Layton Charles

[lmaguire]

praises - hope the contractions stop for you ASAP. They certainly aren't fun. The Procardia and bed rest helped me, so I hope they help you too.

Tiff - I LOVE the name Layton btw. (I think we already had the Professor Layton discussion). I like Layton Charles of the two you offered. What about Layton Scott, Layton Sawyer, or Layton Spencer?

elle - glad your appointment went well!! =)

Got childbirth class tonight. Not really looking forward to it. It's actually made me more nervous about everything. But, it's the last one, so that's good. Been relaxing today since I didn't sleep well last night (cramps, contractions, soreness - yuck!) The weather hasn't been as bad as they said it would be today. Was kinda looking forward to a rainy day.

[shan3401]

Tiffany--I like Layton Charles! Layton Scott sound good too!

[jth0205]

jth--UGH to your cousin!!!!!!!!! so rude that she made that comment too about being paranoid. i would say hell no to their unwanted return!!!!!!!!!! that is the last thing you need.

I hear ya! She's 35 and recently decided she is "too selfish" to have kids. I was kind of hoping she'd have a change of heart when she saw me pregnant, etc. I think seeing me pregnant just made it worse, unfortunately. At any rate, now I have the fun task of uninviting her to be in the room when I give birth. I'm still going through PR strategies for that one! I don't want to end my relationship with her, but I really don't think I want her in the room when I give birth anymore.

I hope you are doing ok and the contractions have stopped.

[praises1139]

Back home and just scarfed down some food b/c they didn't let me eat all day!!!!!!! Luckily I had eaten a Luna bar before my Dr appt, but that was 9am. They made me drink tons of water so my bladder kept filling up and contractions would pick up again. The Procardia helped so ill be on that from now on. My fFN was negative, yay! I have to say though, being in L&D was not fun--had to sit on my tailbone all day and I really wanted to lie on my side, no food, and hooked up to all this stuff--I wish I could say I'll have more freedom during labor, but not the case. Somehow the time went really fast though!!
So glad I'm on Procardia--makes me feel safer.
oh and the nurse asked me a ton of questions as if I were about to give birth! That reminds me, the lady at the front desk even pulled out birth certificates for me to take home, but forgot to give them to me.

Tiffany--I agree with Lmaguire's choices and I prefer Charles over Gerald.

Jth---Omg! In the room with you?!?!?! Yeah scratch that!! Just tell her you only want DH (and whoever you really want)

[Kate23]

shan-9 days! so exciting

tiffany-i like Layton Charles

praises-so glad the ffn was negative, and that they put you on procardia. hope the contractions get under control. your experience at l&d sounds similar to mine, so uncomfortable! and by the time they let me go i was starving!

hello to everyone else, i missed so much since last week! hope you are all well. i had a dr appt today, went very well. did the gbs test, guess i'll find out the result at my appt next week. really wasn't bad at all, he did a vaginal swab only. he also did an internal check, this one was not painful at all like the last one. i am dilated 2cm, no thinning at all, and apparently i lost my mucus plug at some point! 36 weeks today, i can't believe how quickly time has passed. after 4 years trying to get pregnant i have tried to enjoy every minute of pregnancy, and i have. but now i'm getting so excited to meet my baby, the reason for everything i went through these past years.

[praises1139]

Kate--wow u are getting closer! Gbs??

Guess what, one of the nurses said 'oh, you have your fancy underwear on today' lol. She saw that they have a few sequins and a flower on one side. DH laughed at me when I told him!! He is doing laundry now!!

Also realized I am nowhere near mentally ready to deliver yet.

[Kate23]

praises-group b strep test, and i agree with jth, better to have "fancy underwear" than dirty ones!

[Tiffany1]

I had written this long response and when I clicked submit I lost it all, argh. I'll try to sum up what I wrote.

When we first decided on the name Layton back 4 months or so ago, I wanted the middle name Gerald. Gerald was my husband's fraternal grandfather. He was also my favorite grandfather, even out of my own. He also passed away suddenly last month from a stroke, which is incredibly sad. Charles is my husband's maternal grandfather. I actually didn't know right away when I liked the name that his name was Charles, he had always gone by the name "Carl." I do agree that Charles sounds better as a middle name, but I also feel like since Gerald was the favorite grandfather and his recent passing, it seems most appropriate. I think it also has something to do with the fact that I don't like my MIL. I know, it's terrible. When my husband told her that we were considering "Charles" as a middle name, she went and told him and everyone else how great it was that we were naming our child after her father, which really irritated me, because my husband just told her we were thinking about it, not that we were. That is one of the reasons I don't want the middle name Charles, even though I agree that it does sound better. I also feel that if we were to go with Charles, that I would in a way feel hurt that we weren't honoring the grandfather that I held so dear to my heart. When my husband and I first started dating, he was the first one to take to me, making me feel comfortable and like I belong, while everyone else was incredibly cautious and weren't sure what to think of me. We always had a special connection of some sort. I don't have any connection with Carl "Charles." This is also the reason I was considering S names. My husband's initials are LSB. Since he was so determined to name his son with an "L" name, I think it would be kind of nice to maybe have the same initials. The problem is, I haven't been able to come up with any S names I or he likes. My husband's middle name is Scott, there is a Seth in the family, we can't go with Samuel because it is religious, can't go with Shawn because I have a cousin with that name. I'm just more confused than ever what to do with this middle name! I thought the first name would be the difficult one, not the middle name! Anyway, that's my explanation behind everything. I thank you all for your comments, it's nice to hear what the public thinks. I'm going to have to decide one way or another what to do. Maybe it will be one of those things when he comes out I'll just know?

[Tink]

Tiffany- definitely go with Gerald then! My daughter's name is Annalyn Wright. Not because I thought Wright sounded great with Annalyn, but because it was my G-ma's maiden name and I really wanted to honor her and her mom, who I was close to, my great g-ma). I also loved my G-ma's first name (Irene) as a middle name (so Annalyn Irene), but my dh didn't like that her initials would be AID. Alternately, did Gerald have a middle name or any other names that you like as well? I think Layton Gerald would be a nice name for your little guy ;)

[praises1139]

Tiffany--Seth is also religious. It is a very popular name with Jews since Adam and Eve had a son named Seth and the name has a spiritual meaning.

As for Charles and Gerald, if you are deciding between how it sounds and what it means to you, I'd choose meaning. Was trying to think of a way to create a name out of the two, but not sure if that's possible!

[Tiffany1]

:) Thanks everyone. Now I won't feel bad if I end up going with Gerald, which is now at a 99% probability. His middle name was Lyle, so that wouldn't work so well. I agree, maybe I should go with the meaning instead of how it sounds. I sure am glad I brought this up!

[lmaguire]

praises - glad you're out of L&D, and that your ffn test was negative. I completely understand - it sounds like it was almost identical to my two trips there. Did the ffn test hurt for you like it did for me? Glad they put you on the Procardia. Just as a warning, try to eat something before you take it in the AM because on mornings I didn't I felt jittery, my extremities tingled and felt weird, and sometimes my heart would race. If I ate first, that didn't happen.

tiff - I agree with everyone. Go with Layton Gerald if that name has more meaning for you. That's why we went with Michael Bryson. The two names don't really do that well together, but Michael is a family tradition from his family (this baby would be the 8th if they all had the same middle name), and Bryson is a family name from my family (my grandpa's middle name and my brother's first name). Do what makes you happy! =)

kate - glad to hear from you! was getting a tad worried. 2cm already? Sounds like things are progressing nicely for you! =)

Child birth class was interesting. I can't handle the weird breathing stuff. I just laugh. Plus the look on DH's face is hysterical. He just realized tonight that he'd been focusing on the labor portion and not the aftermath...we bring home a baby! LOL!!
Nursery is almost done. We have to paint and get baseboards tomorrow, and then I can spend Wed & Thurs moving the furniture around to get the layout the way I want it.
Oh, did everyone see the new study about not using crib bumpers? What does everyone think of that?

[praises1139]

lmaguire--yes that did happen to me when they gave me the Procardia...i was just lying there and all of a sudden i felt anxious and realized my pulse was faster and i felt jittery. it was weird, in the time i went from my OB's office to the hospital (drove across the street), my blood pressure when from 106/60-something to 137/(i don't remember), so when i took the Procardia, it lowered it to like 103/something. nurse said when it drops like that, the heart races to compensate for it. also, by that point i hadn't eaten anything in a few hrs. thanks for the tip!
the ffn did sting a bit and the cervical check made me feel sore for a little while. no spotting or anything yet though.
i haven't seen a study, but i've heard not to use the bumpers because of SIDS.

[MegzyAngel]

Hey all sorry been MIA. Have been crazy busy getting the yard tidied up.

My contractions havn't been as bad as they were. I found I get more at night than during the day. I think LO is dropping down though since i keep getting cramps and feeling heavy and pressure down there. We shall see...I have a weird feeling that shes going to make her appearance a bit earlier.....Please wait until at least the 1st of November. (We really want a November baby rather than an October one.) 2 more days until im classed as full term.

Tiffany - I personally like both Gerald and Charles as names..
Shane is a nice name for an S (Don't know the meaning of it but can be spelt Cheyne as well), I like Skylar as well.
I think really go with what you think is best and you know you wont regret later on. We had thought on using Either my mum or MIL's name as a middle name but decided since they are both still alive then it wouldn't be appropriate and be unfair if we chose one over the other. Went with my name as a middle name instead.

[Tiffany1]

Well ladies, I had another doctors appt this morning. Just to show you how different things can be depending on the doctor. This time my blood pressure was 130/77. The other 2 doctors I've seen would be concerned, this one, she was like "no, I'm not worried, you're fine." I'm measuring 36 weeks, 2 weeks ago I was measuring 33. She said it was perfect and nothing to be worried about. It seemed like a big jump to me, but then I remembered the measuring really has to do with the person performing the task, so those numbers aren't perfect. I only gained about a pound since my last appointment 2 weeks ago, which I was concerned about and she told me it was perfectly fine and normal, especially with a GD patient. She told me that GD patient's tend to gain less weight at the end. She also complimented me on how well I'm doing with my blood glucose readings, she was teasing me that I should give lessons to the other patients about it. She told me I must be very disciplined. I guess I try, but I'm not perfect and have been indulging in cookies along with peanuts for my bedtime snack for the past week. Which was another reason I was shocked to find I hadn't gained much weight. I set up my next 3 appointments. The next one is Oct 31, then Nov 7(which is my FIL predicted day I will have the baby), then Nov 14(which is 2 days after my predicted day I will have the baby). Other than that, I tossed and turned a lot last night, I think it was because my alarm was set and that always makes me toss and turn. I'm going to urge my parents to buy their flights out here for December tonight, ticket prices are only a little over $200 a person right now for when they want to come out, if it were me, I would have bought them last night! Call me crazy, but I'm putting up the x-mas tree on Halloween. My reasoning is because I want it up before the baby comes and I want it up before my husband comes home. Since I can't predict when the little one will come, I figured why not Halloween? I'm not doing anything that day and I do need something to do. I won't light the tree until at least around Thanksgiving though. I want some new lights for it this year though, so I need to choose a color. The past 3 years they have been blue and white. I hope everyone is having a great Wednesday! It's cloudy, windy, and kind of rainy here, a perfect day to sit back and relax in the recliner and play some Professor Layton!

[Tiffany1]

I am so relieved this morning/afternoon! I know this is a touchy subject, so I'm not going to say one way or another about it, just that my husband finally talked to me about circumcision. All this time he pretty much told me it was up to me, blah blah blah. This morning he surprised me and finally talked to me about it. Maybe it's silly, but it's nice to finally be able to talk about something that seems important. I just feel a wave of relief that I'm not alone!

[BabyDreams]

Tiffany-I have found also that it is amazing what concerns one dr and not another. Glad that you feel good about your conversation with your DH and making decisions together! He sounds like a very support and loving guy! I also think it is a heat idea to get your Christmas stuff done. I am the same wY...I want all this stuff done and planned before the baby gets here. I was planning to due my Christmas decorations thanksgiving weekend...but may have to move that up a couple weeks!

So update from last week and my horrible weekend of house guests. My father in law said as they were leaving when you have the baby we'll be back. Before their car was out of the driveway I told DH...sorry but they can't stay here when they come back. They stress me out, offer no help and I am not doing it with a new baby. We have other family in town they can stay with or I will offer a number to a local hotel :) So, Monday I went to the Dr's to drop off my 24 hour urine sample, do blood work and see my Dr. My blood pressure was back down and she was happy about that. She explained whatbtheybwere looking for in my urine and made mention that if the protien amount in urine was around 300-350 that's considered really high and cause for concern. Well today they called me and said results were in...the volume of protien in my urine as 410! I almost fell out of my chair! The nurse then said treatment was delivering the baby...but since my blood pressure was low, Dr wasn't going there yet. They were very blunt and said if my blood pressure goes up...baby is coming out. I panicked at first, called my DH, who just left town today and told him what was happening. My friend at work then reminded me I need to look at my to do list and deal with the top priorities...like packing our hospital bag. So, my plan is to get that done as well as do all my exchanges and returns and get the rest of the things we need for baby while he is gone. My next appt is Wed and while I know I cant push myself too much...I plan to get some things finished up while he is gone. Thankfully DH said he is not traveling anymore before my due date! It's nice I didn't have to demand that!

[Kate23]

tiffany-i have noticed too how different drs in the same practice will tell you different things. one dr was concerned about my weight gain, the next said it looked perfect! and about the christmas tree on halloween, my mom loves christmas so there were some years that we put up our tree on halloween. lol it might be a little early but that's one less thing you'll have to worry about later

lmaguire-i don't plan to use crib bumpers, because of the risk of SIDS. i had been wondering about the breathable bumpers though, and heard today that they aren't recommended either.

BabyDreams-yikes! hope your blood pressure stays low so that baby can stay in for a while, and you have time to get ready!

[lmaguire]

Baby Dreams - I'm glad your blood pressure has gone back down. Bummer about all the protein in your urine. Good that your doctor is on top of it though. I sure hope your bp stays lower so little one can bake a little longer. I'm so sorry DH is out of town too during all this! Does he get back soon?? Take it easy and try to knock one or two things off your list everyday - that's how I've been slowly getting things done. As for your rude family house guests - HECK NO they shouldn't be staying with you after the baby comes home! That's all you need is to be taking care of a newborn and watching them sit around not helping you. I hope DH is supportive of that decision.

Tiff - I completely agree about decorating and everything early. First of all, it really gets you in the holiday mood, and let's be serious, the chances of having time to do so after little one makes his appearance, not so good. I played Professor Layton yesterday too!! Still haven't finished "Unwound Future" yet. I really wish they'd come out with another one. I heard talk of a movie for a while, but haven't heard anything since then.

Megzy - I hope little one waits until November for you! Sounds like things are progressing though.

afm - had a baby shower at DH's work today that was a surprise for him. It was kinda fun to surprise him. They all made food, and got us our jogging stroller, the hamper, diapers, gift cards, etc. We're so lucky to both have such great coworkers at our jobs. One of his coworkers makes cakes and made an AWESOME cake. It was so cool I had to attach a picture.
feeling pretty good today, although I believe I lost some more of the mucus plug again. TMI alert - had the same greenish yellow thick discharge I had when my scares started when I was getting ready this morning and afternoon. Didn't smell so I assume mucus, but will monitor and may call the dr. tomorrow just to make sure I don't have an infection or something. Sciatica acts up every day, particularly on my left side since he prefers to lay on that side. My leg actually gave out last night and I had to catch myself on the couch. I also worked on the nursery this morning since DH got the drywall done and we painted last night. Still working on the furniture placement. I'll post picture once we figure it out. =)

[Supergal]

Babydreams- hope that BP stays nice and low so you can bake LO a bit longer. Take a couple of hours to relax (read, breathing exercises etc) and drink lots of water. 1tsp of lemon juice in water also lowers bp but don't overdo it! I agree on prioritizing some items and passing the rest onto DH or BFFs :) GL!

[Tiffany1]

Lauren, I too have noticed a slightly green discharge every once in a while. I don't believe I have an infection as I just finished a round of antibiotics last week for an infection I didn't know I had. And Professor Layton, they did come out with a new one that was just released this past week, that is what I'm playing. The Last Specter is what it's called. The story starts out with how Layton met Luke.

Everyone keeps telling me that I'm going to have this boy the first week of November, but honestly, I'm to the point that I would not mind if he stayed until my husband could be home for the birth. My only real complaint with this pregnancy is my fingers, omg, they hurt like I have arthritis all day! The morning is the worst. I wake up and they are like locked in place and the joints just hurt! I sure hope this goes away after he comes out! I had some kind of nesting today. I decided to do a thorough vacuuming of the living room and bathroom, though when I got to the bedrooms I gave up, I just didn't feel like doing it any more. I do need to pack my bags yet, I should probably get to that.

My sister is having her anatomy scan tomorrow, I am so excited for her and I hope the baby looks healthy. I am also hoping her placenta moved. She told me today that they decided not to find out what the baby is, so that is fun. I can't help but be like 1% jealous because that is what I wanted, not to find out, but there's always next time!

My husband and I had great conversation today. Some days our conversation is quite lacking. Today's conversation made me realize how much our love has grown for each other. Yes, it sucks having to be apart for a year, but it has really done a great deal for our relationship. We appreciate each other more and I don't know, I feel like our love is back to being magical again :) November 7th is our dating anniversary and we will be starting our 8th year together. I am so happy that we found each other. I feel like a lovesick teenager again :)

Baby Dreams - I'm glad your blood pressure has gone back down. Bummer about all the protein in your urine. Good that your doctor is on top of it though. I sure hope your bp stays lower so little one can bake a little longer. I'm so sorry DH is out of town too during all this! Does he get back soon?? Take it easy and try to knock one or two things off your list everyday - that's how I've been slowly getting things done. As for your rude family house guests - HECK NO they shouldn't be staying with you after the baby comes home! That's all you need is to be taking care of a newborn and watching them sit around not helping you. I hope DH is supportive of that decision.

Tiff - I completely agree about decorating and everything early. First of all, it really gets you in the holiday mood, and let's be serious, the chances of having time to do so after little one makes his appearance, not so good. I played Professor Layton yesterday too!! Still haven't finished "Unwound Future" yet. I really wish they'd come out with another one. I heard talk of a movie for a while, but haven't heard anything since then.

Megzy - I hope little one waits until November for you! Sounds like things are progressing though.

afm - had a baby shower at DH's work today that was a surprise for him. It was kinda fun to surprise him. They all made food, and got us our jogging stroller, the hamper, diapers, gift cards, etc. We're so lucky to both have such great coworkers at our jobs. One of his coworkers makes cakes and made an AWESOME cake. It was so cool I had to attach a picture.
feeling pretty good today, although I believe I lost some more of the mucus plug again. TMI alert - had the same greenish yellow thick discharge I had when my scares started when I was getting ready this morning and afternoon. Didn't smell so I assume mucus, but will monitor and may call the dr. tomorrow just to make sure I don't have an infection or something. Sciatica acts up every day, particularly on my left side since he prefers to lay on that side. My leg actually gave out last night and I had to catch myself on the couch. I also worked on the nursery this morning since DH got the drywall done and we painted last night. Still working on the furniture placement. I'll post picture once we figure it out. =)

[MegzyAngel]

Tiffany - Looking at that BP you posted, to me it looks like its about normal. Normal is 120/80. So its not up that much really. If the lower number was a higher it would be more cause for concern.
I'm glad things are going well for DH and you. I always find when my DH goes away that it makes our love stronger and we appreciate time together even more..Even if he's only away for a week. Also fingers crossed that your sisters scan comes back with good news.

Babydreams - I hope that BP stays low and you can keep cooking that LO a bit longer. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Lauren - That cake is so cute. The person who made that cake is very talented.

R.E Crib/Cot bumpers. They arn't recommended because of the lack of air circulation or something, hence why they are tagged as high risk for SIDS.

Also R.E. Yellow/Greenish mucus. I have been losing clumps of greenish thick "snot" like mucus which my ob said is normal. Aparently thats my mucus plug that i'm losing bit by bit. He did also say that it can signify a bit of thrush if theres an odour and/or itching with it.

AFM - Been getting more contractions and period like cramps on and off. I'm pretty sure LO is engaging though since shes sitting lower and have been needing to pee more. Just gotta sit back and wait now. I'm full term today so really I can go at any time. Maybe my sister was right when she said that LO would come 2-3 weeks early.
Also might add. TMI but I been getting more BM past 3-4 days. Like twice a day rather than once every 2nd-3rd day. Don't know if that means anything lol.
And weighed myself this morning...I've lost 1.7kg since i weighed myself last week. Thought was strange lol.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Providing LO stays put for now we be doing our finishing touches of christmas shopping and a few other finishing touches to the nursery. Will post pics once thats done.

[Kate23]

lmaguire-i don't know about the green/yellow discharge. my dr said i lost my mucus plug already, but i didn't notice anything that color. the only change in discharge i have is some extra clear/white. and that cake is really cute!

MegzyAngel-we have very close due dates, i will be 37 weeks on tue. looking forward to being full term too! i've also been feeling kinda crampy, assumed it was due to baby being lower. i certainly haven't lost any weight, lol. i just keep gaining! but i have heard that many women start to lose weight in the last weeks of pregnancy, not sure of the reason though

[rachelttc]

Hi all!

I'm in my 27th week now, and although I think 3rd tri doesn't start until 28, my pregnancy planner says 3rd tri starts at 26, so I thought I might as well jump in here a bit early.

I am still feeling pretty great, apart from some inconveniences (carpel tunnel and swollen ankles) which I control with compression socks and braces I wear all night. I bike to work everyday, and walk a mile with my dogs when I get home from work.

But yesterday I found out that my fetus is a real bruiser (>95th percentile in abdominal circumference and femur length, so long AND fat!), and I am considering going on the gestational diabetes diet as maybe a way to keep it from getting TOO much bigger? Right now it's on track to be over 9 pounds, and I'd really like to discourage it if I can!

So do any of you have suggestions for how to convince a fetus to stop growing *quite* so fast? Do you think my idea of going on the GD diet is a good one? Or do you think it won't matter if I don't have GD?

Thanks!

[shan3401]

Babydreams--Hope your bp stays down!

Imaguire--What a cute cake!

Tiffany--They say time apart makes the heart grow fonder :)

Megzy--Sounds like baby is moving lower, this one did that about a week ago, and sometimes it really feels as though she may just fall out! LOL!

Rachel--Welcome to the third tri!!

AFM--6 days now!! Cannot wait, have everything in place, just need to install the carseat in the van and pack our bag and we are completely ready to go. Which I may not do until Tuesday or Wednesday! We have to be at the hospital at 6:00 in the morning on Thursday!

[Tiffany1]

Rachel, there is nothing wrong with going on the GD diet as it is a healthy diet to follow even if you don't have GD or are diabetic. Definitely do deprive yourself, but I don't think there would be anything wrong with eating a more carb conscious diet. Have they tested you for GD? It seems with big babies there is usually some kind of insulin problem. I've never been told an estimate on how big the baby is. All they do when I go to the doctor is measure my uterus and listen to his heart beat. I thought having GD would get me another ultrasound or something, but nope.

My husband encouraged me to splurge today and buy the 3DS, since my DS lite that I bought 6+ years ago was starting to not work so well. I felt bad splurging like that, but as he said, an early christmas present??? I thought it was also silly because the baby will be coming next month and when will I find a time to play? But then I got to thinking about it, and I'm sure after a few months pass and I get a routine down, I will have down time. Also, what if the baby wants to be held all the time, I'll need something to do. It also connects to the internet and will even play netflix! This could really come in handy at airports or appointments. Now I don't feel nearly as terrible.

Also, my parents bought their tickets to come out and visit me from December 10-18. If everything goes as planned, my husband will have left about 2 days before their arrival, which would be great! I just can't believe they are actually coming out, I thought I'd never see the day they fly. I worry about the silliest things, but I am a little concerned about weather, Minnesota is so unpredictable, so I'm hoping that the weather is good for them to fly out. Also, since they have never flown, that just worries me in general. Also, my father is obese and I really hope they don't say anything to him on the plane and I hope he fits fine in a seat. I never want my dad to feel bad and it makes me very generally upset if I even think about someone saying something or him having problems. I'm sure everything will turn out fine for the 2 of them. Though I'm sure my mom will freak out. She is terrified of everything and I honestly have no idea how she is going to handle a plane. She is scared when I fly!

Hi all!

I'm in my 27th week now, and although I think 3rd tri doesn't start until 28, my pregnancy planner says 3rd tri starts at 26, so I thought I might as well jump in here a bit early.

I am still feeling pretty great, apart from some inconveniences (carpel tunnel and swollen ankles) which I control with compression socks and braces I wear all night. I bike to work everyday, and walk a mile with my dogs when I get home from work.

But yesterday I found out that my fetus is a real bruiser (>95th percentile in abdominal circumference and femur length, so long AND fat!), and I am considering going on the gestational diabetes diet as maybe a way to keep it from getting TOO much bigger? Right now it's on track to be over 9 pounds, and I'd really like to discourage it if I can!

So do any of you have suggestions for how to convince a fetus to stop growing *quite* so fast? Do you think my idea of going on the GD diet is a good one? Or do you think it won't matter if I don't have GD?

Thanks!

[jth0205]

Lauren - did you call your doc about the discharge? Loved that cake - so adorable! Glad the party was a surprise and you enjoyed it! lol about my cousin - thanks for the validation and understanding! It took GREAT restraint to not let the pregnancy hormones take over a few times during the visit - though DH said I was a little hard to be around on one particular day - one out of seven days is pretty good in my book! Did you get the nursery situated? I can relate to frustration with DH and the nursery. Though, we do have a few weeks. I just want it done now.

Praises - how in the world did you survive so long without food all day?! I saw this article about bed rest today and thought of you - Bed Rest 19 Survival Supplies: http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-life/bed-rest/survival-supplies/?sssdmh=dm17.557534&esrc=nwdk_d215&email=3544088464

Tiffany - I'm with the others - you should go with meaning when it comes to the name. My DH's first name starts with an L, but I didn't want to use his first name. So, we decided to pick Luke and then DH and baby will share the same middle name - the same initials. If you want to go with Scott, it might be nice for baby to share you DH's initials. I like Layton Scott too.

BabyDreams - way to go with setting boundaries with your in-laws! I'm nearly there. What causes the protein in the urine? Good luck with the list!

Meagan - hope you get to finish your shopping this weekend!

Rachel - welcome to the third trimester!

Shane - 6 days - that's so exciting!

afm - ready for a weekend. Work keeps dumping projects on me to finish before maternity leave. I'm trying not to stress. Plus, now we are going to be conducting interviews in the next few weeks to try to replace my co-worker (who was supposed to be my back-up while I was on maternity leave. Instead he gave his two week notice recently). Also, I'm having a hard time drinking water these days. The first and second trimester I craved fruits and veggies and esp in the second trimester - water. Now, I'm starting to crave bad/junk foods! Anyone else?

[Tiffany1]

I've been really good with my GD diet up until like yesterday. I have been craving junk too! I allow myself to be a little more "free" with my carbs for my bedtime snack. Which has actually been helping my fastings numbers somehow, go figure. Today I bought ice cream, I know, terrible. I have such a bad craving for Cookies and Cream ice cream I had to buy some but I have to wait until 10ish to eat it tonight, but totally worth it!

I wouldn't mind Layton sharing the same middle name as his father, but both me and my husband agree not to do it. The reason: it is his mother's 2nd husband's name, who we dislike so much we don't even want him touching the baby or being near it! I won't go into why, but it's nothing pervy or anything.

I really got scared about 3 hours ago. I had waited a bit long to eat my lunch and I bent over to get my computer and sat back up. I started seeing flashing stars in both eyes. It only lasted like 10 seconds, but it was enough to freak me out. I know flashing lights can be a symptom of preeclampsia. If it happens again, I will definitely be going in to get checked out. I don't have any other symptoms right now, so I think the flashing lights may have been a mixture of leaning over and sitting back up, lack of food, and possibly the fact that I was playing with the 3D part of the DS today. It hasn't happened since. It also freaked me out because I realized that if I did need to go in, that is something I can't drive myself in for, so I was a little freaked on who I would call to take me to L&D to get checked out. I'm going to definitely get my bags packed by tomorrow night. I am also SUPER tired today. I must not have slept well or something. I'm not usually tired during the day. I get to test my BG in 15 minutes and then I can have a snack. I am so looking forward to a snack today, I'm hungry!

Lauren - did you call your doc about the discharge? Loved that cake - so adorable! Glad the party was a surprise and you enjoyed it! lol about my cousin - thanks for the validation and understanding! It took GREAT restraint to not let the pregnancy hormones take over a few times during the visit - though DH said I was a little hard to be around on one particular day - one out of seven days is pretty good in my book! Did you get the nursery situated? I can relate to frustration with DH and the nursery. Though, we do have a few weeks. I just want it done now.

Praises - how in the world did you survive so long without food all day?! I saw this article about bed rest today and thought of you - Bed Rest 19 Survival Supplies: http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-life/bed-rest/survival-supplies/?sssdmh=dm17.557534&esrc=nwdk_d215&email=3544088464

Tiffany - I'm with the others - you should go with meaning when it comes to the name. My DH's first name starts with an L, but I didn't want to use his first name. So, we decided to pick Luke and then DH and baby will share the same middle name - the same initials. If you want to go with Scott, it might be nice for baby to share you DH's initials. I like Layton Scott too.

BabyDreams - way to go with setting boundaries with your in-laws! I'm nearly there. What causes the protein in the urine? Good luck with the list!

Meagan - hope you get to finish your shopping this weekend!

Rachel - welcome to the third trimester!

Shane - 6 days - that's so exciting!

afm - ready for a weekend. Work keeps dumping projects on me to finish before maternity leave. I'm trying not to stress. Plus, now we are going to be conducting interviews in the next few weeks to try to replace my co-worker (who was supposed to be my back-up while I was on maternity leave. Instead he gave his two week notice recently). Also, I'm having a hard time drinking water these days. The first and second trimester I craved fruits and veggies and esp in the second trimester - water. Now, I'm starting to crave bad/junk foods! Anyone else?

[lmaguire]

Meagan – definitely sounds like little miss Sophie is getting closer to making her debut! Have fun shopping this weekend, but be careful not to over-do it!

Shan – Wow!! Less than a week until you get to see your little one!! I can’t wait to see pictures and hear all about it!

Rachel – welcome! Hope things are going a bit better for you. I’ve been following your story for a while. So glad you made it here! Little one sounds like he/she is going to be a big one! Are you going to find out the sex? i can’t remember from your 2nd tri posts.

jth – I decided not to call the doctor after doing some more online research. Since I have no itching or odor accompanying it, and it has since stopped, I’m almost certain it was the mucus plug, or what was left of it after all my scares last month. I’m having the same junk food issue! I had the same cravings too – fruits mainly in the first trimester (strawberries, pineapple, and watermelon in particular), water & more fruit in the second, and while fruit is still in there for the third, chocolate and sugar trump it. Today I made peanut putter chocolate chip cookies. Little one LOVED them! He’s still jumping around in there!

Tiff – I’m so happy there’s another Professor Layton!! May order it tomorrow since I’ve pretty much finished Unwound Future. Need something to occupy my time other than laundry and organizing. So have you decided on Layton’s middle name?

Praises & baby dreams – how are you guys doing?

afm – had the car seat inspected this morning. May get an infant/toddler seat for our truck since the one we have doesn’t really fit in there well. We can play with it this weekend though. Then went to BRU to return extra and unwanted shower gifts and picked up the matching changing pad cover, wall decals, and then two canvas bins with sailboats on them. So cute! Can’t wait to work on the nursery tomorrow!! Did some other shopping, then I met DH and his coworkers for lunch, came home, took a nap, and started some laundry. Apparently a bit too much since I’ve been super crampy this afternoon/evening. Hope everyone has a great weekend!! We’re sure enjoying our awesome weather down here!

[Tiffany1]

I haven't really completely decided on a middle name yet. I have a feeling I won't completely decide until I fill out the birth certificate.

Does anyone else have this problem? At the beginning of the pregnancy my nipples were really sore, probably the whole 1st trimester and some of the 2nd. Then the pain went completely away. Now this past week my nipples are really sore again and my boobs are starting to hurt also. My boobs haven't grown at all during this pregnancy(my husband says they have, don't ask how he knows ;)), but I know they haven't because of the bras I wear. I am a small 34A. Do you think the pain and tenderness is just the preparation for birth? My nipples are chaffed or anything, so it has to be hormonal. My nipples don't leak anything unless I squeeze them, which I haven't done in a long time because I didn't want to be touching them since I'm terrified of preterm labor. Just wondering if I'm alone out there or if there are some of you with the same problem.

[BabyDreams]

Welcome Rachel! It is exciting to hit the 3rd trimester!

Thanks everyone! I am doing well....maybe over did it a little yesterday. I went to a Holiday Gift show yesterday with my bff and my sister in law. I had to let them walk ahead a lot so I could sit and rest. One of my legs goes numb after being on it too long. Then, since my DH is out of town, my dad helped me go to BRU and Target to exchange/return some items and use our gift cards to get the rest of what we need. I got $400 worth of stuff and only spent $37! But, laying in bed last night....realized I over did it. My goal tomorrow is to get our hospital bag packed and clean the house. :) Thankfully, my DH flys home tomorrow and has told his family, who he works for his traveling is done. They already knew this was coming....but a couple earlier. He feels bad being gone right now. I was going to write thank you cards for my baby shower gifts tonight...but I am finding crashing on the couch to be so much better!

[Tiffany1]

This child of mine enjoys sticking his feet out my right side a bit too much, it is all day! I'm loving it though, I can't lie. I think I have self diagnosed myself with pregnancy carpal tunnel. The pain is the worst when I wake up in the night and when I get up in the morning. My middle finger this morning on my right hand was actually frozen. I had to manually move it with my other hand, how weird is that??? My fingers aren't super swollen, just a little. I don't know if anyone else looking at them would even notice, I can just see it because I know what my hands should look like. I'm sticking to this finger problem as really my only complaint this pregnancy. The pain only goes up to my wrists at least, so that's good. I find it hard to open jars and things like that though. Everything I've read it sounds like it should go away after the pregnancy swelling goes down. Hopefully it does, otherwise I'll be afraid of dropping my child! Oh also, I'm super hungry today, I'm wondering if the little one is having a growth spurt maybe?

[rachelttc]

Tiffany: I've had pregnancy carpal tunnel for about six weeks now, and I've almost completely solved it! Your symptoms sound pretty classic: Worst at night while sleep and in the morning, and mostly involving the first three fingers (not the pinky). The simplest fix is to wear wrist braces while you sleep. You can get them at walmart, I recommend the Mueller brand and make sure you get one that has actual solid "struts" in it, not just elasticky stuff.

If that doesn't work, then the other things that help are: eating less salt, wearing compression hand/wrist sleeves under the braces at night, and doing carpal tunnel stretches (you can find videos of them on youtube). I went to the physical therapist (which cost $260) and all she did was show me stretches I could have found on the internet, so save your money, buy the $15 wrist braces, and see if that works!

Also, your breasts are probably just gearing up to make milk. You might notice a little stuff on your nipples soon (either flaky dried stuff, or thicker creamy stuff in the creases of the center of your nipple). I've had flaky/creamy stuff for weeks now, and occasional pain. My midwife says it's normal.

Finally, that flashing stuff in your eyes sounds terrifying. I would call just to check. I have a blood pressure cuff at home that I use and it relieves anxiety for me, I don't know if it would for you.

BabyDreams: I love a bargain! I just found out yesterday that my work is throwing me a shower. I had hoped they would, but I was concerned that no one had said anything. I've actually only been to one baby shower in my whole life (and I was 15), so it will be weird that my second one will be mine!

Imaguire: No, we're not finding out. And the umbilical cord defect is more common in girls, and the giant giant fetus is more common in boys, so I honestly have no idea which I'm having. But I like it that way.

AFM: Well, I got a copy of GD diet recommondations (I'll get tested again in about two weeks for GD, but I was already tested and passed the 1 hour with flying colors), but it sounds so hard! What on EARTH can you eat for breakfast with only 15 g of carbs! This morning I had a bagel, but that's like SIXTY grams. Then I had a turkey sandwich for lunch, which was also too many carbs. So I don't think I'm going to be able to do this diet! But I can at least pay more attention to it, I guess.

Every time I eat something, I tell my fetus, "Don't turn all of this into more fetus!" And then my husband laughs. He thinks it's GREAT that it's so big. I'm definitely more worried, because I really don't want a c-section, and I know that really big babies have a much higher risk of diabetes and obesity later in life. But all I can do is my best, and the fetus turns out how it turns out! And I am still so grateful that it appears to be healthy, finally, after all the uncertainty with the umbilical artery.

[Tiffany1]

Thanks Rachel! Your input was really helpful. I suspected it had to be more than just water in my joints when my middle finger started locking up. I know I have at least 1 brace that I can give a try tonight. I'm sure the doctor would prescribe me some and I could pick them up at the pharmacy, but my next appointment isn't until the 31st and by then I'll only have 4 weeks left. But I might ask about it then anyway. I'd rather not have to pay for braces if I don't have to. I know I have to wait at the pharmacy anyway that day for more strips for my meter.

[Tiffany1]

Alright, sorry guys. A quick question for Rachel. I found 2 braces that I already own, they have the metal in them, they are very stable braces. Do you just wear them at night when sleeping? I hate wearing braces and it would be great if I could even feel 50% better just by wearing them when I'm sleeping. As the day progresses, my hands/fingers feel much better. They still hurt, but it's not bad. The only sucky thing, my right thumb often goes numb, go figure.

[praises1139]

Ok finally getting caught up on this thread! Once I get behind, it takes more effort to grab my laptop because it’s heavy. I’d rather use my phone but that’s harder when there are a lot of posts!

Megzy—I hope you get that November baby!!! More BMs, that could mean it’s almost time!

Babydreams—I hope you and LO are ok! Are you getting the protein checked again? Wow you got a lot of gift cards! Either that or returned a lot.

Lmaguire—such a cute cake!! My pinched nerve woke me up last night but luckily I was able to fall back asleep. I’ve been afraid of my leg giving out too, so I move really slowly at night.

Rachel—welcome!! Can’t believe we’re in the 3rd tri….seems like not long ago, we were on the TTC train. I hope baby slows down a little with that growth!

Shan—exciting!! Good luck!

Jth—well, when I say all day, I mean almost a work day…ate at 9am, then I didn’t get out of the hospital till like 3:30, but still, I usually eat often throughout the day!!!!!!!!! Omg, that sucks about your co-worker who is leaving on such short notice!!
I love Deer Park’s flavored seltzer water (no sugar or artificial sweeteners)—they were so refreshing in my 1st trimester and now I’m drinking them again every day. Yeah I do crave bad stuff but I’m just eating a little here and there, so hopefully it’s not bad of me.

Tiffany—I hope the flashing lights are not a bad sign of something. I haven’t had those, just the little stars floating around when I get up to go to the bathroom sometimes.


Afm, just got an email from our instructor that taught our multiples class at the hospital. She had encouraged us all to keep in contact with each other during our pregnancies and even later. Well there was one couple that we never heard from while we were going back and forth updating each other. Turns out that they had their twins one day shy of 27wks!! The scary thing is, she and I were due at the same time. So their babies are in the NICU, one just had surgery for a heart murmur and the other one had a brain bleed/stroke. :( I saw the photos of their babies when they were 13 mins old and they didn’t even look real! I just can’t imagine our babies being hooked up to so many tubes. I hope we can just keep chugging along.

Another couple in the group just had their twins at 35 wks—had to move the c-section up because of bleeding (they think a placenta detached).
So of course I am praying for no complications!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Procardia is continuing to keep my contractions under control—when I do feel them, they are not as strong. And one added benefit—ever since I started that stuff, I’ve been regular!!!

Just in the last week, I've started to feel weaker..like my arms and legs are sooo tired. I wonder if the bedrest is finally catching up with me or if it has anything to do with the Procardia. I really need to do some bedrest exercises. I've been trying to do kegels on bedrest, but I'm lazy about it even though I really believe they are useful.

I’ve been reading lots of women’s tips on things you need to know about having a c-section. Very helpful stuff that they don’t tell you about before hand or in books! So I feel a little more prepared for that if it comes down to that.

DH is off this week, trying to get some stuff done. If he can get some stuff done physically and I can mentally prepare myself, we’ll be good. I’m kinda nervous about our appt on Wed—scan of the babies and cervical check by u/s. I’m sure the babies are great, but not so sure about my cervix since I was having more contractions for about two weeks this month. When my cervix had finally stabilized back in Sep, I was only having the 1 or 2 contractions/hr. I don’t know if it was soft at that point, but I know it is now.

So because I had to be put on Procardia, my co-workers decided not to come visit me this week because I need to rest. They said they also realized that other people at work would want to participate in the shower too, so they asked if we can have it after the babies’ arrival—when they are 2 mos old. I agreed it was probably better that we not do it now (plus everything hinges on this appt on Wed), but I couldn’t guarantee we’d be ready to take the babies there at 2 mos. It will be flu/RSV season, middle of winter, and we don’t even know how early the babies will be born, so they could need more time to catch up. Over 200 people work in that building and it’s a public health laboratory, so hopefully they will understand! I'm not going to the baby shower at DH's work next week either--he said it will be awkward to open up the gifts without me, but oh well.

[selo1718]

Tiffany- I've had carpal tunnel since I was a teen. It's back with a vengeance the last few weeks. I've been sleeping in the same braces that Rachel has for a few weeks now. I also wear them when I'm grocery shopping because that seems to aggravate it too. I hope you get the flashing in your eyes checked out.

rachel- Good luck with the GD diet. Try less bread and cereals more protein. I hope baby slows down for you.

Megzy- It sounds like you might be getting close!

Imiguire- That is a wonderful looking cake! What a nice job she did.

Praises- I'm glad the procardia is working for you. I hope the babies keep baking. It's probably better that your coworkers let you rest. What about instead of a shower if they pool $ into a gift card fund to be used towards diapers or other needs instead of individual gifts? It wouldn't be the same really, but may be more practical at this point.

AFM- I can't believe I didn't make it here at all this week. My gtt went well and I passed. They said some of my numbers were higher then they would like but not over the line. I'm trying to cut my carbs and eat more protein. My sister had my shower invitations printed and they came in wrong. I ended up printing them here at home with my mom so they could go out because it's coming up quick. I will try to be around more this week :)

[lmaguire]

selo - glad you passed the GTT. Hope your shower goes well too!

praises - glad the Procardia is working for you! It worked pretty well for me. I really hope you're able to keep those boys baking longer. the delayed shower is probably a good idea, although I understand the disappointment. I also understand the weakness from bed rest. my legs especially are much weaker than they were. It's depressing. I've been trying to work them a little more, but it's pretty difficult this far along.

tiff - hope the carpal tunnel gets better for you.

afm - today has been a bit rough. met a friend from across the state about 40 minutes away for lunch, then went to IKEA to return the changing table top since it was too big for the room. Was feeling OK this morning, but contractions started after the car ride, continued through lunch, through the car ride home & IKEA. Got home, propped my swollen feet up, drank TONS of water, took a brief cat nap, and then started feeling nauseated. Ended up dry heaving for a bit (REALLY fun to do when you're almost 9 months pregnant - btw), and have now been sipping on some strawberry kiwi crystal light because water was actually making me feel sicker. Feeling a bit better now, but worried to eat anything. Gonna go to bed early tonight and hope for the best.

[praises1139]

Selo--I hope your glucose stays under control. That is a bummer about the invitations.
I'd love to request gift cards instead of stuff--or maybe just diapers and wipes--but no one has mentioned anything in a way that I could hint towards that. They haven't asked where we are registered either. DH said at his work, they normally get people stuff from their registry or, if its their 2nd kid, they get them a gift card, so I'm kinda confused why no one has asked.

as for my work, I'm thinking it might be awkward to have a shower later. I might not even be an employee anymore. We've kinda been like family and they keep talking about how concerned they are for me and the babies, and I know my boss definitely doesn't want me to quit. But with how much leave I will have left after they babies get here and finding out whether or not we got into the daycare at DH's work, I may have no choice and I already gave them a heads up about that months ago. Wouldn't it be weird to visit your work after the fact so they can throw you a shower?

Lmaguire--you've been doing way too much lately!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tiffany1]

Lauren, I hope you start feeling better. I get a lot of BH that are really strong, but they are usually pretty painless. I probably have at least 4 of them an hour if sometimes not more, but the doctor says I'm to the point where they aren't worried unless I go past 6 an hour. I can't imagine dry heaving this far into the pregnancy. It is painful to lean over and not sit up straight for me.

I haven't had the flashing at all anymore in my eyes, which is great. I am going to bring it up to the doctor when I go on the 31st, they might want to test my urine again. I think the flashing had something to do with me bending over and having my head below my heart for more than 5 seconds, better safe than sorry though I think!

From everything I've read the carpal tunnel should go away after the baby is born when my body drains the fluids it has been collecting. I've never had problems with it before, so I assume it will go away. I do have swelling in my fingers every day and wake up with the most swelling and then it goes down some throughout the day, but never goes away.

My gut feeling that this baby is coming early changed today. I told my husband I think it is coming on the 24th or the 25th. I know they say most babies don't come on their due date, but that is just my feeling right now. If I get induced at 41 weeks, it would be Dec 3 I believe. Since that is really close to when my husband would be leaving back for AFG, if I make it to 40 weeks, I'm going to ask to be induced at 40 weeks when he is here so he can get more baby time. I'm not one to want to be induced and mess with nature, but this just seems like a special circumstance. I guess we will have to wait and see!

Praises and Lauren, I hope your little ones hold on a bit longer for you.

Does anyone elses baby or babies move pretty much all day? His movements haven't slowed down at all and whenever I'm sitting, he is moving. He sleeps when I sleep and then usually gets up when I eat breakfast.

[BabyDreams]

Tiffany- so glad your parents got their tickets. You remind me of me...my dad has gained a lot of weight since my mom passed and he recently took a flight and I was nervous for him about being comfortable in the seats and the seat belt fitting. He had to get an extender. I found a way to being it up before the flight...not to make him feel bad, but to help him be okay with taking the flight. Amazing, our parents worry about us and we worry about em ;)

it's been a rough weekend. Woke up yesterday am feeling great and motivated. Only to quickly discover our hot water had exploded....with my dh still out of town. My DH does heating/cooling for a living, but all of the wholesale houses we do business with are closed on the weekend. One of the employees came over to see if it was fixable...of course not, but water started spraying everywhere so I ran upstairs to get my phone and call DH to see how to shut the water off...I hit the hardwood floors and down I went. I feel hard, hurt my knee and back. I was scared to death, but baby was really active. I had contractions for about 90 minutes. I got really emotional. It was one of those days...I just wanted my mom. I lost my mom to cancer almost 6 years ago. My dh's oldest sister called me and let me cry and gave me comfort about the preclampsia and the fall. She is an ICU nurse and always able to explain things. She also gave me some good questions to ask my Dr. I did take it easy, but also got everything that I needed to buy ton pack our hospital bag. My DH got home last night and will not be traveling any more. Good thing...he found out he has a huge job in Virginia...he would have to be there 12/12. (his cousin that he works with actually thought he would go. Hello? We are due 12/8) my DH has no interest in going. He wants to be here to bond with his baby :) It will work out well...he can run things here and his cousin can run things in Virginia.

Also, I borrowed my dads blood pressure machine. I am sorta hoping it is not very accurate because my blood pressure has been high all day. I think I am going to take it to my appt on Wednesday and see how it compares after they take mine. Today we got a lot done in the baby room. I got everything organized and put away. DH got the trim work up in between the two colors we painted on the walls. All we have left to do is hang the wall art, hang her valance and put in the new baseboards. I am so excited it is almost done.

[BabyDreams]

Praises-sorry about the baby shower and registry :( Twins and being on bed rest..would be nice if people knew where you were registered so they can get what you really need. Are you nervous or frustrated that you don't have everything you need before the boys come?

[Tiffany1]

Babydreams, how did you bring up the belt extender to your dad? For some reason I have always been super sensitive about his weight. Then I worry that they will look at him and tell him he can't fly or something. I feel like I've heard that on the news or something before. I actually did a google search and searched Sun Country's website before they bought the tickets to make sure nothing was said about size or anything. I know it will be a tight squeeze for him, so hopefully it works out. Since neither of them has ever been on a plane, I don't even know if they understand how crowded a plane is. I don't know, I'm super excited they are coming out, but at the same time I kind of just want to cry, the thought of my dad feeling bad or something not going smoothly for him makes me so sad. I keep telling myself to stop thinking about it because it will work out, but I just can't help it. He isn't like super large, just obese, and probably on the larger side of obese. Maybe he'll fit fine though, he carries all his weight in his stomach and is in decent shape otherwise. Maybe I'm just being too sensitive to the whole situation? I just want this trip to go well so badly. My parents never visited me when I lived in Cincinnati, except to drop off my stuff and then left. We've had our cat for 6 years and they have never even seen it in person! I am hoping that I'll feel well enough to at least show them around DC a little bit. With their help, I should be able to bring a baby downtown to DC. There are plenty of benches and stuff for me to feed him when we are at the museums, so I don't think that would be an issue. I just want them to have a good time. They also told me not to worry about cleaning house before they come, they just want me to enjoy the baby. They told me they would clean for me when they come. Oh boy, my mother has bad OCD and likes things very sterilely clean. I am not the kind of person, especially right now. I don't like touching chemicals when I'm pregnant, so unfortunately, the counters don't get cleaned very often. It will be interesting to see how she does in someone else's house. Which reminds me I better buy some more hand soap, because she washes her hands a lot. Anyway, it's late and it is making me emotional, I should head to bed. I think the baby may have gone to bed without me for a change, I can't believe it, I must be up too late! All in all, I want their trip to be a success and I want them to feel comfortable enough to come back.

Tiffany- so glad your parents got their tickets. You remind me of me...my dad has gained a lot of weight since my mom passed and he recently took a flight and I was nervous for him about being comfortable in the seats and the seat belt fitting. He had to get an extender. I found a way to being it up before the flight...not to make him feel bad, but to help him be okay with taking the flight. Amazing, our parents worry about us and we worry about em ;)

it's been a rough weekend. Woke up yesterday am feeling great and motivated. Only to quickly discover our hot water had exploded....with my dh still out of town. My DH does heating/cooling for a living, but all of the wholesale houses we do business with are closed on the weekend. One of the employees came over to see if it was fixable...of course not, but water started spraying everywhere so I ran upstairs to get my phone and call DH to see how to shut the water off...I hit the hardwood floors and down I went. I feel hard, hurt my knee and back. I was scared to death, but baby was really active. I had contractions for about 90 minutes. I got really emotional. It was one of those days...I just wanted my mom. I lost my mom to cancer almost 6 years ago. My dh's oldest sister called me and let me cry and gave me comfort about the preclampsia and the fall. She is an ICU nurse and always able to explain things. She also gave me some good questions to ask my Dr. I did take it easy, but also got everything that I needed to buy ton pack our hospital bag. My DH got home last night and will not be traveling any more. Good thing...he found out he has a huge job in Virginia...he would have to be there 12/12. (his cousin that he works with actually thought he would go. Hello? We are due 12/8) my DH has no interest in going. He wants to be here to bond with his baby :) It will work out well...he can run things here and his cousin can run things in Virginia.

Also, I borrowed my dads blood pressure machine. I am sorta hoping it is not very accurate because my blood pressure has been high all day. I think I am going to take it to my appt on Wednesday and see how it compares after they take mine. Today we got a lot done in the baby room. I got everything organized and put away. DH got the trim work up in between the two colors we painted on the walls. All we have left to do is hang the wall art, hang her valance and put in the new baseboards. I am so excited it is almost done.

[praises1139]

Babydreams-- so sorry about your horrible wknd! Of course that would happen when DH happened to be gone. I think that is a great idea to bring your blood pressure machine with you. I'm going to suggest that to my friend because when she takes it at home, it's fine, but at the Dr's office, it is higher.
I hope you're getting some rest. I truly believe in it!
No, I'm not worried...we have almost everything we need. It's just at this point, if they don't go off the registry, we will most likely get duplicates of stuff we already have and we have lots of clothes that are newborn-3mos!!

Tiffany--that is great if he is sleeping when you are...mine haven't woken me up yet either. Mine don't move all day, just at different times.

[praises1139]

Tiffany--don't worry too much about your dad...maybe tell your mom about the extenders so she can quietly mention it to him if she sees that the safety belt doesn't fit. Then they could discreetly ask for one instead of a flight attendant coming by and pointing it out.
You can clean with some natural, homemade stuff. If I havent prepared raw meat in the kitchen, then I just spray the counters with a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water. Lemon and baking soda are helpful items too.

[Tiffany1]

I am having a terribly emotional day. I think 4 months of sadness and crying all came out today. I just let it all out and I hate getting like that. It turned into a terrible downward spiral which then made my husband get in an incredibly foul mood. When he gets in a really bad mood, he sometimes fires things off that I know he doesn't mean. The one thing that keeps coming back when he gets in these moods(which is maybe 4 times a year, maybe, I don't want you guys to think he is unstable or anything), is that he is the sole financial provider and that I am not working and have no desire to work. He ONLY brings this up when he's in these moods. The problem is, if he is bringing it up when he gets like that, that obviously means it really must bother him to some extent. After I told him that he should go spend some time for himself and focus on his own mental health, we said our goodnights and I love yous and he signed off. He, of course, came back online about an hour later, apologized, and we talked things out. So that was good. The thing is, I'm really hung up about what he said about me working. I agree, and I've told him, I don't want to work, but I am willing to, but obviously not right now for very obvious reasons. Even though I know this won't be discussed, as it is usually best to stay away from arguments while the other is deployed, and I also know that he will tell me he didn't mean it and that we don't need me to work. It still bothers me though. I feel hurt inside, confused, and wanting to do something about it. But I can't. That is life. I guess if me and my husband's biggest and only battle is that he wants me to work and help provide, then we are pretty well off. Anyway, after all that we had about 2 hours of wonderful conversation.

Also, I think we came up with a name for our son! Well, the full name. Who knew an argument of some sort would make us come up with the final name of our soon to be child, ha! I think we are going to go with "Layton Forrest B*." What I like most about it, is that the Forrest part was the grandfather "Gerald" father! So it still has the meaning I wanted behind it and also has a great story to go along with it. I hope the name isn't too unusual, but it really feels right. Like I look at my stomach and say, nice to meet you Layton Forrest and it's like that is who he is! What a great feeling!

All the stress of the day is causing quite a bit of BH though. They just don't seem to go away! If I focus on breathing and using relaxation techniques they do subside, but I really have to keep focusing on it. I promised myself I would pack my bags for the hospital tonight and I am determined to follow through on that.

I haven't been to jazzercise in a couple of weeks because my husband and I agreed I should lay off of that kind of working out for now. I just got an email from one of the ladies and she wants to go to lunch with me and another lady dropped of baby clothes for me! How sweet is that? I feel so touched. So I hope I can meet up with her next week.

I've had quite a day and I'm really trying to calm down. It's past 7 and I still need to eat supper too, argh. Is it strange that I'm terrified yet super excited to see my husband in a month? 2 weeks just isn't very long and I think it is just going to be hard on both of us. Thank goodness the baby will be small and he won't be affected. I also talked, well cried, to my dad today also on the phone. He really made me feel so much better. I brought up to my dad that the planes are really tight, and he told me he figured that, but he thinks he can easily make a 4 hour flight, so that made me feel a lot better. He says him and my mom are really excited about coming out, so that makes me even more excited. I talked to him about sightseeing and he agrees with me, with the help of the 2 of them, we should be able to easily sightsee. They can help me out and I'll just make sure I bring a big enough blanket for breastfeeding. That's right Smithsonian museums, I'm going to breastfeed at your museums! I am really looking forward to the next couple of months. Then, after December is over with, the real countdown begins for when my husband comes home! I find it impossible to count down from a year, but 6-7 months, that I can count down from!

Thanks to anyone that read my post. Sometimes I just need to get this all out.

[Zinnia06]

I am new to here. I know really late chiming in. I was just wondering if I could join in. I sure could use some support in this last trimester!! I was on another preg support website, but I guess with my PCOS stuff just was kind of hard to relate. I am 28.5 wks preg. Due Jan 11th. I would love to be a part if no one minds!

[lmaguire]

Teresa - Welcome!! Glad you found us! This is a great resource for information and support. How has your pregnancy been thus far?

Tiff - I'm sorry you had such a rough day, but I'm glad you talked to DH and got it kinda worked out. DH and I sometimes have little spats since I don't want to work next school year, and he wants me to. Then I feel guilty because the school has done so much for me throughout this pregnancy. I'll probably end up working next year even though I don't want to. Yay for Layton Forrest!! It's unique, but it has special meaning, which means it's perfect for your little guy! =)

Baby Dreams - I hope you've recovered from your bad weekend! Glad you and little one are OK, and that DH won't be leaving anymore. And yay for the nursery almost being done! I'm almost done with my little one's. Hoping to post pictures by the end of the week.

afm - OK, didn't feel well most of the night. Lots of pain and little one was moving a good amount. Then, this morning, my belly was contorted in a really weird way. I'm starting to think that my little guy either turned himself back to a breech position or at least tried to and that's what made me feel so crappy yesterday since he was pushing on my stomach, ribs, etc. Does that sound crazy? I'm also not happy that hurricane Rina is spinning out there and may affect the Bay area. The drop in barometric pressure has been known to induce labor, and DH & I really don't want him to get here until 37 weeks at the earliest.
Also, what is everyone planning on having their little one(s) wear home from the hospital? I've heard onesies are OK if they are loose enough, and then I've heard little pants and shirts are better. Anyone got any ideas?

[praises1139]

Zinnia--welcome! I hope you feel comfortable here.

Tiffany--men do feel lots of pressure as the sole provider, especially as the family gets bigger. This economy does not help. It also depends on the guy's personality. Some men are determined and not intimidated by the responsibility--they might have concerns but not really let them be known. My DH is nervous and not really wanting me to quit my job, which I might have to do by the end of the year. I wish he had more confidence that we can do it and make it work. He's heard lots of others' stories and how they are successful, but I think he has to see it for himself. If your DH knew when you got married that you would not be working, that is a decision he made too. He just might be regretting it now?
Great choice on the name!! Sounds like it worked out perfectly.
I hope you have a great time with your parents and DH during their visits.

Lmaguire--I heard one piece outfits that already have footies, like sleepers, are easiest for the trip home. I have to dress two, some that's what I'm doing! Then when you get home you will want t-shirts because of the umbilical cord.
I hope your LO gets head down and stays in there!!

[Tiffany1]

Thanks ladies, you are so helpful! When we got married I was working full time and the sole provider of the household. It wasn't until my husband became active in the military that he became the sole provider. He does have a good point, I've only worked full time 5 months out of the past 2 years, though I did have my side job of 6 hours a week for the past 2 years. Anyway, it will work out. I finished my program for medical transcription last month and I really do fully intend to put it to use. I'm hoping I can find an at home job.

Lauren, I hope your little one hasn't gone breech! Sometimes I worry about the same thing, but then he'll get the hiccups(which is like 3-4 times a day) and then I know he is still in the same position.

Am I the only one terrified of stillbirth? For some reason I am terrified of this and would prefer if he moved all the time. Like right now, he isn't moving, which totally freaks me out, silly, I know, since he has been moving all day. Do BH put stress on the baby? Maybe I need to set down the computer and just really focus on relaxing. The events of the day are still making the BH come. I'm also looking forward to when actual labor starts, I wonder what it feels like?

As far as outfits, I had posted the one I bought, but it is a sleeper and it came with a little hat. I had heard about onesie's also, which was a little disappointing since I have a few for newborns, oh well.

Again thank you for the support, it means a lot to me. Now lets hope my husband doesn't change his mind about liking the name I like!

[EJ1008]

We had DS in onsies before his umbilical cord fell out. If the onsies aren't tight, it should be OK. The cord should fall off about 2 weeks after baby is born, so not that long of a time if you're worried about it. Sleepers are also great for newborns, especially since you don't have to worry about socks fitting or falling off since the footies are built in. The Carter's newborn size has the mittens built into them (don't know about other brands, but I think the Carter's Just One You brand sold in Target does not...the extra $2-5 per sleeper for the actual Carter's must mean you get built-in mittens). Definitely bring multiple sizes of clothes to take home baby. I put 3-month pants on DS in the hospital and they fell off when I picked him up. Needless to say, he wore newborn pants home.

Tiffany - I love the name you chose for DS -- it has meaning to you, which makes it extra special.

Hope all of you third trimester ladies are doing well. The last weeks are so hard but definitely worth it when you meet your baby.

[praises1139]

tiffany--you might want to hydrate and lie on your left side till those BHs calm down. i don't think they put stress on the baby like birth does, but i have no clue.
i hate to think about stillbirth. my SIL had one at around 5mos or so. but she has some kind of problem with pregnancies (also had more than one m/c and had a 28wk birth). i've heard horror stories about women who have healthy normal pregnancies and then at the very end, the baby dies for some unknown reason. praying it does not happen to me.


EJ--Gerber also has the long-sleeve onesies that fold over the hands. can't wait to use them!!!!!! so tiny and cute.

[rachelttc]

Well, the good news is that stillbirths are rare, and a lot of the risk factors (like chromosomal defects and placental defects) have already been ruled out for many of us. My mom's friend had two full-term 40-week stillbirths. I can't even imagine going through labor knowing your baby is dead.

But you both are in the "kick-count" range, right? (28 weeks and later) How has that been working for you? Is it reassuring?

EJ: I'm going to bring newborn, 3 month, and 6 month sizes, since I might have a 12 pounder on my hands!

AFM: I am really hoping my bean slows down on the growing. I have been watching my carbs closer, I had hamburgers (no buns) and green beans for dinner. People at work have been joking that I should take up smoking. :) I'm not going to, but I might suggest it at my next doctor's appointment just to see the look on her face, and to let her know I can still crack a joke (she thinks I worry too much!).

A question: When can you start identifying body parts from the outside? You know how people get chunks poking out at some point? Lumps that people say, "Oh, that's the head there, that's a foot there." I'm excited for that!

[MegzyAngel]

Zinnia - Welcome. Of course your welcome to join :D I hope your pregnancy has been good to you so far.

Tiffany - Glad you settled on a name. I sometimes wonder whether my DH is happy that I don't work. I feel sorry for him sometimes having to get up early to go to work or work lates just to provide for us. I hope those BH settle down for you. Take it easy and rest up for a while until they settle down. I know contractions cut the blood supply off to the placenta during the contraction (Hence why they like to give that injection to help deliver the placenta as it increases contractions thus making haemorraging less likely). I'm not sure if its the same with BH though. I know if I get a few BH etc LO goes quiet but then goes crazy afterwards.

R.E clothes to bring clothes in...We are taking a few different outfits and will see what the temperature is. At the moment it could be either hot or it could be cold. I like the sound of the idea of loose fitting clothing for the umbilical cord...Never thought of that.

Hello to everyone else...Sorry if i missed anything kind of lost track where i'm up to.

AFM - Sunday night was quite eventful. Had a bunch of rather painful contractions that made me think maybe i'm in labour. So started timing them. Were regular then stopped as quick as they started. Have still been getting period cramps on and off (Those and other cramps have been getting the past week) Also LO seems to like headbutting or something into my cervix. I posted a photo in the photo thread. Looks like she has dropped even more since then. Really thinking shes not far off from arriving. Shes ready but my body aint co-operating.

[praises1139]

Rachel-- well I could attempt to count kicks but my peri told me he doesn't believe its possible to know which twin is where at any point in time. My u/s session being an example--the babies almost switched sides and were all tangled up. So I guess I have to wait till they are more in fixed positions. The good thing is that I do feel a lot of movement. I really haven't been worried as much about m/c or stillbirth as I have about my cervix holding up and making it to a safe gestation.
I think in the last few wks you can tell? Yday I was trying to figure out the parts that were poking up at the surface. All I can tell right now is that it's some kind of limb part (feels small and pokes out more) and a head (feels smoother and round). I was reading that when you can tell for sure, the head will be hard, the butt will be squishier, and hands and feet are obvious too, although I don't know how you tell those apart.
6mos clothes, wow! I don't think you will need that, lol. I'm just bringing NB size. Can't find any preemie clothes online that are a reasonable price. Found some on Amazon but reviews said they weren't true preemie size.
Lol at the smoking!

Megzy--yeah mine are quiet during BH too..then right after, I feel movement
So exciting that your big day is almost here!!

[Tiffany1]

I am happy to say I have now made all the purchases I can possibly think of before this little one arrives. The last thing I kept forgetting was a new SD card for the camera. I want to make sure it has plenty of space and this one is 8 GB, I should be good for labor, delivery, and all the pictures and videos I want of this great event! I also made a semi-splurge for myself and bought some new flannel sheets for the bed. It's a splurge because the ones from last year are still good. I rationalized it by telling myself they were on sale and that when my parents visit, they may want to use flannel sheets and then I'll have a set for them. I also bought some more baby hangers, as I don't know what kind of clothes or how many the woman from jazzercise is giving me, I'll have to wait until it sounds like Tuesday to find out!

I am so proud of my husband, he actually followed through today and took care of his needs first(with the exception of making some time for me, he's a good man). He had an excellent day as he received 2 packages from his dad(who sends about 4 packages a month and my husband ends up giving everything in them away to others), he received 2 letters from me, which he said were great and made him laugh :). He also received the Tim and Eric DVD set from Amazon that I ordered for him. In the future, I hope he talks about needs some personal time before he lets it get that far. So, there wasn't a lot of talking this morning, but that's okay. He ended the conversation telling me to do whatever my heart desires and that I really should cherish and enjoy this time before the baby comes as much as possible. I couldn't think of a whole lot that I wanted to do. Well, I really wanted to go down to DC and do my fun routine of eating at Potbelly in Chinatown, then walking to H&M and Forever 21. Problem with that, I can't walk long distances any more because I tire SUPER easily, and it is pointless to go clothes shopping at the moment, for obvious reasons :) I hope I have enough guts a few months after the baby is born to keep my fun little routine up, we'll see. Instead I went to Target, got those things, and went to Panera. I decided that sometimes I am happy just truly doing what I want and enjoying the fact that I have that freedom right now. Today I'm planning on putting up new plastic on the living room and dining room windows, but even though that sounds like a chore, I have the freedom of doing it on my own time without interruption :)

My baby does move enough where I don't have to do the kick count yet, which is nice. Does anyone else get period like cramping just every once in a while? It isn't connected to the BH at all, at least it doesn't seem like it. The cramping isn't bad or anything, just enough for me to notice it a little bit. I figure it's probably just a part of getting closer to being full term, which is only 1-1/2 weeks away, which is why I'm not so concerned.

I have a terrible confession to make. I have only been showering lately every other day. The reason for this, a lot of times I wasn't done talking to my husband until 2-3 in the afternoon, so I figured since I showered so late in the day, I was good the next day. It really isn't that bad, no one else would know that I hadn't showered, but I feel kind of grungy, and I got to thinking today. I might want to break that cycle and start showering every day, because I don't want to go into labor on the one day I didn't shower, I think I just wouldn't feel right!

I have another terrible confession to make, this one is actually pretty terrible. Almost every night I have been splurging on the carbs. I take care of myself and my numbers all day and am very dedicated, but then my bedtime snack hits, and I'm eating what I can assume is 70-80 carbs for my bedtime snack. Unfortunately I have rationalized it because my morning fasting numbers have gotten really good with this higher carbs before bed. Every morning I'm in the high 60s to very low 70s. So that isn't helping with me wanting to break this habit. I think about the baby's health and feel terrible that I'm doing something terrible to him. I am going to try harder tonight to try to break this habit. Does anyone know if this being good all day and then cheating 1 time at night for the past week is doing my baby harm? I have tested my numbers with this cheating 2 hours afterward out of curiosity, and I'm in the 120s, so at least I'm not off the charts or anything. I guess I shouldn't feel so guilty, it could be worse and I could not be taking care of myself at all. The doctors tell me that I'm like their best GD patient with my numbers and keeping track 4 times a day of my numbers, so that is a positive.

I hope everyone is well.

[Kate23]

tiffany-i like the name! hope DH doesn't change his mind. lol i was told by my Dr. that BH usually don't put stress on the baby, but you can know the baby isn't stressed if he is moving during them.

zinnia-welcome! hope your last tri goes smoothly

lmaguire-i wasn't sure about what to take baby home in, so i have a few different things. a couple onesies, and a couple shirt and pant sets, different sizes just to see what works best. i know i probably overpacked for him, but it's not like his clothes take up much room! lol

rachelttc-i am able to identify body parts now, though i'm not always completely sure. it helps knowing that his head is right on my cervix. i had a strange experience once when he stuck his foot out so far i could actually grab it and feel the shape!

MegzyAngel-i have been feeling baby hit my cervix too, sooo uncomfortable! hope your body starts cooperating soon!

37 weeks today! Ahhh! getting excited but so nervous too. feeling contractions, and i can tell he is low, but i just don't feel like i'm going into labor soon. but who knows! Dr. appt tomorrow, i'm thinking i will decline the internal check. it doesn't really tell you how close labor is, and i don't want to be disappointed if i haven't progressed at all. i am also trying to decide if i should get the flu shot, i've never gotten it before and i've heard such conflicting opinions on getting it. has everyone gotten it already?

[jth0205]

Tiffany - congrats on choosing a name! Not that it matters what anyone else thinks (only that you and DH like the name), I think it has a really nice flow to it! As for cheating on your diet at night... I'm not an expert; however, your doc seems happy with your numbers. If it makes you feel better, maybe you could mention it at your next appointment. If the doctor raises a concern, maybe that will be the motivation you need to break the habit?

Lauren - I could have eaten my weight in watermelon in the first and second trimester. We live in a rural area. The closest business is a fruit stand about 5 miles from our home. My DH would stop nearly ever day to get me a watermelon and peaches, etc! I hope you will take it easy from now on and that the storm stays away and has no impact on you whatsoever! When will you be able to know for certain whether the baby has turned on you? I hope he hasn't.

BabyDreams - so sorry about your rough weekend. I hope you are not in a lot of pain from the fall.

Rachel - so happy to hear all is well after the previous umbilical cord scare!

Praises - it really stinks that you can't do the work shower somehow before the babies arrive. I wish there was some sort of compromise besides waiting until after the babies arrive. I'm with you, it would be awkward to return to the office after the babies arrive if you are not planning to return to work. Could they do a virtual shower of some sort?

Sarah - glad the gtt went well and you passed!

Teresa - welcome! I hope you will join in and share your third trimester with us!

Kate - congrats on 37 weeks! I am allergic to raw eggs = no flu shot for me. Personally, I am not a fan of it regardless. However, I am not an expert. I have pregnant friends who got the flu shot and had no issues. And, I've had a few pregnant friends who decided against it and had no issues.

afm - had a doc appointment today. All seems well. Though, I am measuring 29 centimeters and I'm 31 weeks tomorrow. The doctor said they can be up to two centimeters off so he is not concerned. Why even tell me then?! :) I'm having issues with my feet and ankles swelling. Doc mentioned getting those compression stockings for circulation - anyone else using them? I rigged up a box under my desk at work and try to remember to put my feet up throughout the day. However, I have a long commute and there is no putting my feet up while driving to and from the office. DH's grandfather died last night. I was shocked when we got the news. Our family is about 7 hours away. We finally made the tough decision to not travel home for the funeral. I still feel torn, but DH has peace about it. Since it is his grandfather, I will not push. We were able to send him a sonogram picture that said "Hi Poppop" (what we called him) before he died. We are both very disappointed that Poppop won't be able to meet Luke.

[readytogo]

Hi guys, sorry I've been out of the loop for over a week! It's been busy here as ever between teaching, tutoring for extra income (I'll continue that while on my extended almost-two-years of maternity leave) and attempting to get things in order for baby. I'm doing really well physically despite the occasional bad night's sleep and a weird pain I've been getting sometimes in my upper hip (I'll check with my doctor on that one at Thursday's appointment). This baby is a serious mover and shaker...maybe she'll be a dancer :)

JTH -- so sorry about DH's grandpa. I am sure that must be a difficult time for you all.

Kate -- I got the flu shot a few weeks ago. It's the very first time I've ever gotten it. The nurse even looked at me funny when I said, "Yes" after she asked me if this was my first flu shot. I think it must be standard procedure to ask. I did it simply because it's recommended and because it supposedly protects the baby after it's born since babies can't have the shot. Seeing as I'm due Jan. 2 I thought it was the best option for me. DH is getting his in another week or so.

Megzy -- wow, you're close. I'm curious how you know when the baby has dropped versus the baby being breeched (as people were talking about earlier in this thread). You mentioned increased pressure, etc. Is it really obvious?

Praises -- hoping your appointment tomorrow goes well!

[praises1139]

Tiffany--I really don't know much about it, but I would be concerned about what your sugar is while you are sleeping? If you sleep 8hrs, that's 1/3 of the day that you don't know what it is, so it could be significant.

Kate--I had my flu shot last month. I am at risk not only because of pregnancy but also because I don't have a spleen. Health advocates will tell you that influenza during pregnancy is very serious--you could actually die from it. This is one of those things where, like medication, you have to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks. Also, having the shot protects your baby for its first 6mos of life, which is when they are most as risk because they can't get a shot.

Jth--they kinda made it clear that they want to see me in person--and DH and the babies--and there would be a lot of ppl.
So sorry about DH's grandfather!

Afm, going to see the peri in the AM...can't wait to see the babies! I don't want to see my cervix though...ugh. we are bringing all of our hospital stuff in the car just in case. Just gives me a little peace of mind.

[praises1139]

Woohoo!! These babies are big! They went from 2lb and 2lb 4oz to 3lb 4oz and 3lb 10oz! I was shocked. Peri said they are above average for twins and everything looks good.
Cervix not so great. 2.7 and 1.9 during contraction. Saw the cervix open up near baby As head--not cool!!! He said that's not surprising since I was having lots of contractions last wk, but at the rate it has been changing, we should definitely go another month at least. That was my last cervical check by u/s.
They're both head down now...wish I was further along so I knew they were locked in position!!
Oh btw, I told him about the other couple in our multiples class that had theirs really early and he asked how they were doing. He hates to see that happen. Then he said thats why he doesn't wish twins on anyone--lots of things can go wrong. :(

[lmaguire]

Praises - Glad you had a good appt *& yay that babies are measuring well!! Bummer about the cervical measurements, but at least the babies are doing great! Hopefully they'll stay put for at least another month for you. How are you doing on the Procardia?

Ready - glad to hear from you! Was starting to worry a bit. I have no idea how you've managed to stay teaching this long. I can't be on my feet for more than 30 min without wanting to fall over. As for the hip pain, I have that too. It's not pleasant, and sometimes takes my breath away.

jth - sorry about DH's grandfather :( I can't imagine how hard that would be right now. Probably best not to drive the 7 hrs though since you're already having swelling issues. When we drove to Tallahassee (4.5 hrs) almost 3 months ago, I swelled up terribly in my legs & feet. And I hadn't even had any trouble with swelling up to that point. Don't worry about the fundal measurement either. Mine is always one or two shorter or longer than what I am weeks-wise.

kate - I'm going to ask my doctor about the flu shot tomorrow. I know I need to get it since it benefits baby and we will be traveling for Christmas. Don't want him getting the flu being around people or on the plane. Hope your appt goes well today and there's some progress!

tiff - I DEFINITELY have the period-like cramping, and actually fairly often. It comes and goes sporadically and every now and then either is the prelude to or summation of contractions. NOT fun. The other day, I had ones that were really bad and almost called the dr, but they stopped. As for showering, I only do so when DH is here because the other day I had to sit down in the shower because my hip went out. I was able to catch myself - thank God- but then I couldn't get back up. (Talk about feeling like a beached whale!). So if I don't get up with him at 6 and take one I wait until he gets home at night.

rachel - I can kinda tell which body part is which, but not really. After my possible turning fiasco the other night, I can still feel kicks and feet on my left side and I feel his hiccups on my right fairly low next to my hip bone. I 'm thinking he's trying to go transverse on me! Little stinker! Especially because now all his kicks are on my left side and man do they hurt! He's been kicking the same place since Monday and it's so sore!

afm - appt & 36 weeks tomorrow. Hoping to see a little progression, but not too much. I'm really starting to get uncomfortable now, but I hate complaining because of all the work it took to get pregnant. His kicks aren't so cute anymore - they tend to hurt quite a bit. But then I'm grateful that he's moving and kicking so much so that I don't have to freak out about him not moving enough. Ok, I have to muster up the energy and will to go to the grocery. Hope everyone has a good day!

[Tiffany1]

Woke up this morning concerned that maybe my water was leaking. I stood up and I swore I was leaking something. It doesn't help that the cat kept blocking my way to the bathroom the whole way there. So I sat on the toilet and released my bladder. Turns out the baby was pushing on my bladder, I was in the middle of a BH, and my bladder was completely full. Thank goodness. Though I got all worked up and I should take that as a lesson on how to stay calm in the situation in the future. Here's the reason why I thought it could possibly be true this morning. The cat was acting all withdrawn all day yesterday. He ended up pooping on the floor in 2 different places, which is incredibly unusual for him, especially since it wasn't diarrhea. Then, I got up in the middle of the night, and the same thing in the doorway of the bedroom. Gross, I know, but highly unusual for my cat. It made me think something was up that maybe I wasn't aware of. Today he seems fine though, so who knows. Yesterday I had a one time stringy green/yellow discharge which I've read can be the mucus plug. And this morning I had more than usual clear/white discharge, so maybe my mucus plug is starting to break up, which I've read is completely normal at this stage and doesn't mean I am going into labor any time soon. I'm not having any other symptoms, so I'm hoping he waits until 37 weeks. But between the cat and the discharge, and my slight scare this morning, I will be packing my bags today. I can't imagine my mindset when I do go into labor, but I don't think I'll be thinking very clearly, so I don't really want to save that until the end.

[praises1139]

Lmaguire-- the Procardia seems to be working well and I don't feel any weird side effects or anything. Sorry you feel crappy. I used to think that we were not allowed to complain because we should be grateful, but I've realized that we don't owe anyone anything for getting pregnant and we have just as much right to complain. It's not like we're suffering any less than the fertile girls!!


Ok im confused...the peri said the babies would be a little small if they were singletons, but everything I've read so far said at 30wks, a baby should be about 3lbs, so how would they be small??

[esarah]

Praises- I had a 31 weeker and he was 3 lbs 13 oz. Everyone said he was pretty much right on for a healthy 31 weeker.

[Kate23]

jth-so sorry about DH's grandfather. it probably is best not to travel so far right now, though it must be hard not to be there. hope you are able to be at peace about it too

ready-good to hear everything is going well for you!

praises-glad babies are looking good, that weight sounds great.

lmaguire-good luck with your appt tomorrow, and you should complain all you want. you've earned it!

thanks for all the responses about the flu shot!
had my appt today, and got a little pissed at the nurse. usually i like her, but today i just did not like the way she treated me. she asked if i had been having contractions and i told her yes, but no more than usual. so she told me i should have an internal check, gave me a sheet so i could change and started to walk out. i told her i didn't want one, but she was so pushy and talked to me like i was stupid. she said the dr needed to find out if i was dilated, kept arguing with me about it! finally my husband said she's not gonna do it. she grabbed the sheet out of my hand and said well you'll have to have one next week. when the dr. came in he didn't even mention it! rest of the appt was great, he said everything is looking good

[JE1014]

sorry for butting in on the convo ladies, but Kate, why does the doctor NEED to know if you are dialated? Since you're 37 weeks, what does it matter? You could be dialated several cm and still not go into labor for a while yet. The answer doesn't change anything. If you don't want to be checked don't let a snippy nurses pressure you! It's your body and your baby! if you were seeing a midwife, chances are she would never do a cervical check unless there was cause for concern or you asked for one (and then she'd probably question why you wanted one at that!)

Argh! Pushy RNs and docs get me all riled up! Sorry!

[Kate23]

JE, that was my argument exactly! i couldn't believe how pushy she was being. especially since the dr. had no problem with me declining the check. took me a long time to calm down after that!

[Tiffany1]

I'll start off with I already called L&D, they don't think I'm leaking my water, but they have me wearing a pantiliner for the next 2 hours and I have to report back at 12:30.

With that said, I'm looking for some input. Yesterday morning I woke up and went to sit up and felt something leaking out of me. Whatever it was didn't reach my underwear, but I did have to pee really bad and had a full bladder, so I assumed it was just urine that was leaking a little. I did notice an increase in clear slippery discharge though. Alright, so last night I got up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, not unusual. I had that leaking feeling again when I sat up and went to the bathroom, and honestly, I don't remember if there was discharge or not. So I get up this morning and it happens again! This time the discharge did get on my underwear and it seemed clear/cloudy, and when I went to wipe, I had TONS of clear slippery discharge. There may have been a slight white tinge to it, I'm not sure. I looked super super close and noticed a streak of something red maybe 2 mm long in it. I wonder if I'm just starting to lose my mucus plug? This is my first pregnancy, so I have no idea what to expect. Like I said, the triage nurse in L&D doesn't think it's my waters and doesn't seem worried. I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced this? If it had just happened one day, I would think it was just an odd thing, but now 2 days in a row. Also, during the day, I don't have this kind of discharge, though I have noticed a slight increase in discharge during the day. But I'm wondering if I'm just not seeing much because I'm peeing at least every 15 minutes.

My husband had me call while I was on the webcam with him. I told him he had to put on his "husband" ears because he hates hearing about these physical things, ha! The baby is moving the same amount, so that is good, he actually just stretched into my cervix, what a wonderful boy :) My BH aren't any worse, though they do seem like they've picked up the past few days, but honestly, I haven't counted them at all or timed them. It's kind of hard being pregnant for the first time and not having any idea what is normal or what is going on. At least the triage nurse in L&d didn't think I have anything to worry about. I will be packing those bags today though, no more putting it off! As the nurse on the phone said, you could have it any time now. Eek! I'm so excited, I just wish I knew what was going on!

[BabyDreams]

Hoping everything is okay with Tiffany....

I have a lot to go back and check up on...but hope everyone is doing good.

I had my 34 week check up yesterday. My blood pressure was up for me...still normal by most standards. They did tell me that if my bp goes up to 140/90 before 37 weeks I will be put on bed rest...if after 37 weeks I will be induced. I feel a lot better knowing how things could go..although I hope my baby girl comes on her time and both of us in good health.

[Tiffany1]

Thanks Babydreams. I hope your blood pressure stays good and everything goes well for you.

I know depending on the doctor they worry about my blood pressure, so I just watch for any symptoms of preeclampsia. I'm pretty certain this "leaking" now is only discharge. I talked to L&D and they are fairly certain that is all it is. I believe my cervical mucus is starting to loosen and thin and that is what I'm losing. I haven't had really any discharge this pregnancy, and today I have been having a considerable amount more. It started as thin and slimy, almost like ewcm, and is starting to change to thicker much more abundant cm. I think I'm just in the very very beginnings of losing my mucus plug. I have started packing my bags though, because I don't want to be in labor trying to get that together. Everything I've read says when you lose your mucus plug you can go into labor anywhere from hours, days, to weeks, so I'm just trying to be prepared. My husband told me today he really doesn't want an October baby, but it beats me why. He's hoping for November 4th. All the men in my immediate family were born on 4th. My dad and brother on April 4, my little brother on July 4th, and my husband March 4th, so he thinks that would be pretty cool. Nothing else new around here otherwise. I'm ready for the baby though, with the exception of the bag being completely packed. I am going through way too much toilet paper. Thank goodness our house(even though I live by myself) has the rule of if it's yellow, let it mellow, otherwise our water bill would probably be outrageous! I'm going to the bathroom at least every 15 minutes!

[praises1139]

anyone heard from jamie? she hasn't signed on in a while. the baby must be here!

[lmaguire]

praises - I was just thinking the same thing this morning! I hope everything's OK, but I want some pictures! =)

tiff - sorry you had a scare. good that everything's ok though. probably best to get that bag packed asap. Mine's not done, but I'd only have to throw in the things I use everyday to be ready. Well, and I'm not sure I like what I have for him to come home in. May order something tomorrow from BRU.

baby dreams - hope your bp calms down! that's no fun.

afm - appt went well this morning and I'll have weekly appts from here on. Dilated a whopping 1cm, but at least that's progression! She wasn't even going to do an exam I don't think, but since I was having contractions throughout the Doppler and measurement parts, she decided to check. She told me that she would like to induce me before Thanksgiving, pending progression, since she will be out of town, and would like to deliver him herself. I personally don't mind that. I would prefer the doctor that I've been seeing deliver my baby than some random doctor.

Other good news, he did not manage to turn himself! Yay! She said his head is way down and his butt is 2" under my ribs on my right side, and his feet are on my left side (explains all the painful kicking only on that side).

She also told me that she was surprised I'd made it this far, and was very happy I had. She doesn't expect me to make it to Thanksgiving, but she said stranger things have happened. DH REALLY wants him to stay in until Nov 8th at the earliest since he has to take the last part of the CPA exam on the 7th. I'm sincerely hoping he comes around the 10th or 11th (week 38), but realize that I have no control over it whatsoever. I just really want to see and hold him already!!

[Tiffany1]

Lauren, I'm so jealous you get ultrasounds! All they do at my appointments is look at my recorded GD numbers, measure my stomach and ask if I have any questions. I haven't had an ultrasound since 21 weeks. I wouldn't mind an ultrasound for measurement. With GD, I'm a little terrified that he might be big, and if that is the case, I want to be induced early, because I really want a vaginal delivery. I don't think I'll be getting an ultrasound any time soon though, they haven't mentioned it. My appt on Monday I get to swab myself vaginally and rectally at the office for the strep B. I have no idea if they will check me or not. I am very excited that I have mucus though, it means at least, something is going on! I was just thinking, wouldn't it be funny if we had our sons on the same day or something, haha!

praises - I was just thinking the same thing this morning! I hope everything's OK, but I want some pictures! =)

tiff - sorry you had a scare. good that everything's ok though. probably best to get that bag packed asap. Mine's not done, but I'd only have to throw in the things I use everyday to be ready. Well, and I'm not sure I like what I have for him to come home in. May order something tomorrow from BRU.

baby dreams - hope your bp calms down! that's no fun.

afm - appt went well this morning and I'll have weekly appts from here on. Dilated a whopping 1cm, but at least that's progression! She wasn't even going to do an exam I don't think, but since I was having contractions throughout the Doppler and measurement parts, she decided to check. She told me that she would like to induce me before Thanksgiving, pending progression, since she will be out of town, and would like to deliver him herself. I personally don't mind that. I would prefer the doctor that I've been seeing deliver my baby than some random doctor.

Other good news, he did not manage to turn himself! Yay! She said his head is way down and his butt is 2" under my ribs on my right side, and his feet are on my left side (explains all the painful kicking only on that side).

She also told me that she was surprised I'd made it this far, and was very happy I had. She doesn't expect me to make it to Thanksgiving, but she said stranger things have happened. DH REALLY wants him to stay in until Nov 8th at the earliest since he has to take the last part of the CPA exam on the 7th. I'm sincerely hoping he comes around the 10th or 11th (week 38), but realize that I have no control over it whatsoever. I just really want to see and hold him already!!

[MegzyAngel]

tiffany - That discharge you have been having sounds like it may be part of your mucus plug. Especially if it had streaks of blood in it. (Mucus plug doesnt have to have blood in it but its quite often does). It does sound like things are starting to move along for you. I have been getting heaps of discharge lately as well. I havnt had blood but have been getting the thick globs (I call it thick snot) that looks like mucus plug. Sometimes it makes me feel wet down there and I have to check to make sure my waters havn't broke.

AFM - Appointment yesterday went well for the most part. Except that I was told last week that i could get a sweep at 39 weeks to increase my changes of her not going over (Bub needs to get here by the 18th of November since mum can't stay any longer than that and they won't induce me until after then) but now this week the stupid midwife said that I would not be getting once since SHE doesn't beleive in them. I hate the public health system here. Wish was private but we weren't covered earlier on with insurance so had to go public. Always get different opinions from different people. She also said that baby wont be here any time soon since shes not fully engaged. shes 3/5 according to here while she was 4/5 last week and im 100% sure shes dropped down more since then. What I have seen it doesnt matter how much they are engaged you can still go into labour. My sisters neighbour had her son on Monday night and wasn't engaged at all.
Anyway sorry about the rant. Just frustrated with peoples different ways of doing things at the hospital.
I have still been getting more braxton hicks and period cramps. Can't remember if I posted earlier in the week (I swear my memory has all but blown out the door)but Sudnay night I had an episode of heart burn which set off a heap of contractions which made us start timing. Anyway they ended up stopping after about an hour and a half so nothing came of it in the end. Damn false labour. lol.
My BP was still normal. 120/70. Fundal height is now at 37 weeks where is was 38 last week....Definately tell the baby has dropped just from that.

To the person who asked about how to tell the difference with baby dropping and being breech etc (Sorry can't remember who it was). Breech generally means the baby is feet down. They found out with mine at my 31 week ultrasound. They can also tell with the doppler when they check for the heart beat. They can actually feel her head is down now so turned at some stage.
As for dropping, I'm just going on my experience but i find i need to pee more and also quite often feel pressure down there and baby headbutting my cervix. Also my tummy is sitting lower.
Other ladies have reported the feeling of a bowling ball between their legs when baby gets right down and also more space to breathe etc. (I actually never found it hard to breathe unless i did anything strenuous.)
I hope that helped anyway.

[lmaguire]

Lauren, I'm so jealous you get ultrasounds! All they do at my appointments is look at my recorded GD numbers, measure my stomach and ask if I have any questions. I haven't had an ultrasound since 21 weeks. I wouldn't mind an ultrasound for measurement. With GD, I'm a little terrified that he might be big, and if that is the case, I want to be induced early, because I really want a vaginal delivery. I don't think I'll be getting an ultrasound any time soon though, they haven't mentioned it. My appt on Monday I get to swab myself vaginally and rectally at the office for the strep B. I have no idea if they will check me or not. I am very excited that I have mucus though, it means at least, something is going on! I was just thinking, wouldn't it be funny if we had our sons on the same day or something, haha!


That would be really cool if we ended up having them the same day!

Oh, I didn't have an u/s today - just checking his hb with the doppler and measuring fundal height with the tape measure. I wish! But I am lucky since I've had 2 past the 20 week mark. Most people don't, but with the placenta previa early on, and then the false labor issues, I got kinda lucky.

They may check you if you're doing the group B test. My dr did last week when I had mine.

Megzy- sorry the healthcare system is so annoying. I sure hope you're able to have her while your mom is still visiting! Hang in there! Hopefully it won't be much longer!

[Tink]

If it was jamiec you were asking about, she did have the baby...she posted on the moms board when she had her. She hasn't been on much since she gave birth, but all went well and everyone is healthy!

[praises1139]

Tink--awesome, thanks!!

[Tiffany1]

I just noticed today that my contractions are starting to have some pain associated with them in my lower abdomen area. If this persists, I'm going to start timing them. I'm really hoping this little guy holds out until at least next week. I'm going to put my feet up and drink water.

[praises1139]

Tiffany--any change with the rest/water?


Well I think my bellybutton popped a while ago...I kept waiting for it to pop all the way out but DH said there is nothing else to pop. Lol. He took a picture of it so I could see it straight on. It is not the cute button I was expecting. Looks more like a tiny pig's snout. Lol

[Tiffany1]

Praises, it seems water is helping, except now I have to pee all the time! There is still slight cramping, but the BH don't seem like they are coming as often. I wonder if my body is just starting to prepare. Between my fluid thinning out from the cervix and some pains today though, it was enough to almost finish packing my hospital bag. I just need to put a couple more things in there and then just the last minute stuff that I can't put in there until I'm ready to leave for the hospital. I'm also going to look at some lists online just to make sure there isn't anything I'm missing. I really want him to hold out 1 more week at least, 2 weeks would be ideal. The discharge hasn't picked up, which is great. No bloody show or anything. So maybe my cervix was just opening a little bit? It worried me enough to give the neighbors that volunteered to drive me to the hospital a heads up, but I'm not worried enough to call my doula or the hospital. I'm going to continue with preparations tonight though and just relax. If something is happening, then I just have to accept it and wait as I know they wouldn't stop the labor anymore at all. It seems I also feel more contraction pain when I'm sitting than if I'm standing, the pain lasts maybe 10-15 seconds and it's not much of pain, just enough that I know it's there and to know the contraction isn't painless. I can't wait for my appointment on Monday!

[lmaguire]

praises - lol at the pig snout!! Mine still hasn't popped all the way, I don't think, but it looks weird to me.

tiff - i hope the contractions calm down for you! i've been having a ton today too accompanied by the lovely cramping! what is that?! (I'm assuming mine's from my cervical exam yesterday, but who knows?) I've been trying to sleep and drink tons of water to get rid of them. They haven't gone away, but there doesn't seem to be any rhythm to them. How does yours respond to them? My little one HATES them! They must constrict his motion and once it ends he kicks me up a storm. Hope this isn't TMI, but have you had any increase in BMs? The last day or two mine have really picked up. Hoping it's just a practice run and he stays in there another week or two.

[Tiffany1]

I'm not sure how my little guy does with the contractions. Usually it seems like he moves along with them, but sometimes he's quiet. He's been a little quieter today, but he still moves plenty, so I'm not concerned. My BMs haven't picked up recently. I still go about 2 times a day. Today I had a major, ahem, blowout out of nowhere though, not sure what was up with that. It may have been all the peanuts I ate last night. The contractions seem like they have calmed down a little. I was reading the Mayo Clinic guide to a healthy pregnancy, and it seems from what I've read, the closet I can describe what is going on is false labor. I still haven't timed the contractions and I probably should. I just feel like it can't be the real thing because it isn't nearly painful enough. I am also having lower back pain. I'm wondering if the baby is just moving lower so I'm also just having more pain in general.

Does anyone completely tear up or cry when they think about when the baby comes out and you see it for the first time? I catch myself crying all the time about it! I really hope my husband can be on the webcam at that moment, but if not, I want my doula to catch that moment, I haven't decided if I want it on video or just pictures yet. I was thinking maybe a video because I should be able to somehow, if I can figure it out, get stills from the video. All in all, I really hope my husband can just see that moment when he comes out.

That reminds me. I had a terrible dream last night. It had to do with my husband's 2 weeks of R&R that he will be home. In the dream he was leaving to go back to finish up his time over there and we were both so heartbroken. I was crying and saying how it wasn't fair and my whole body hurt with him leaving. I didn't dare tell my husband about the dream. What I'm hoping is that our time together those 2 weeks we can just enjoy and that he can leave again without drama or any major sadness. Him coming home for 2 weeks is really a bunch of mixed feelings and I'm not really sure myself how I feel about it. I just wish this deployment was over with already! At least we will be nearly 1/2 over by the time he gets back over there and then we can really start counting down. Also, thank goodness my parents are coming for a week after he leaves, that should really help me emotionally. I don't want to get so caught up with him being gone though that I forget to enjoy those precious moments of the beginning of our sons life. I am going to try to make the best of it and just enjoy the fact that I have this adorable baby. We are both getting so anxious that now my husband is even saying "where is my baby, why isn't he here yet?" :D The day I go into labor will be the happiest day of my life.

[praises1139]

Tiffany--don't rely on pain to tell you if you are in labor or not. Frequency and length of contractions are what is important. Some women never have pain or they don't get painful until their water breaks. Lower back pain, if its new, can be a sign...could mean your labor pains will be in your back, not in front. Happened to my friend

[selo1718]

imaguire- It sounds like you are getting close! I hope the little one stays in for another week or 2.

Tiffany- It sounds like it's time to get your bags all ready. I hope he hangs in there a while longer for you.

Praises- LOL about your belly button. I keep feeling mine to see if it has poped yet. The babies are getting big! It sounds like you are having a hard time finding premie clothing. I'm lucky to have a Carters outlet near me that happens to have a good selection of premie things for the most part.

Megzy- I'm sorry you are having issues with the health care system. I hope she decides to come on her own in time for your Mums visit.

baby- I hope your BP doesn't get any higher.

AFM- My next appointment is Monday morning. I can't wait to hear the heart beat again. I wish I was going to have another u/s soon. It's been a long time since I've seen her. My carpel tunnel is really bugging me today. Anyone else feel like they need to move their legs all the time when sitting?

[praises1139]

selo--are you talking about restless legs? like you HAVE to move them? i don't have that but you can get that with pregnancy. i lie down most of the time and i need to be able to stretch my legs out or else they will feel kinda crampy. but it is not all the time. either that or i need to change position altogether because of hip/nerve pain.

[rachelttc]

Tiffany: I have been reading a LOT about bigger babies, since mine's measuring so far ahead, and I wanted to let you know that the research I have done has been conclusive that inducing early DOESN'T reduce the risk of c-section. Even if the fetus is 1/2 or a whole pound lighter, the fact that you are being induced before your body and fetus are ready to be born increases the risk of cesaerean. Of course there are still doctors who haven't read that research and just naively say "Smaller babies are less likely to get stuck, let's induce." But it really appears not to be true. Let me know if you want links to research articles about that.

AFM: End of another busy week. I was really worried that I wouldn't be able to go to work on Wednesday, because on Tuesday afternoon I was really late and ran like three blocks. That was so stupid! I totally messed up some kind of tendon or ligament deep in my hip and couldn't walk Tuesday night. Luckily it was better by Wednesday morning, so I didn't have to use a sick day. Since I don't have any paid maternity leave, I need all the sick days I can get. I normally rest a lot on the weekends to prepare for the week, but tomorrow I have an all-day childbirth class, so I'm afraid that won't work this week!

I started my kick counts on Wednesday, because that started my 28th week, and they have been going great so far! 5 minutes day 1, 37 minutes day 2, and 15 minutes day 3. Go bean go!

[praises1139]

Rachel--you are right about the induction/c-section thing. the more meds you have, the more likely you are to end up with surgery. my friend has high BP (under control with meds), so her baby has been on the smaller side (her weight is at least 6lbs though now, they are just worried about her BP) and they want to induce her at 39 wks...she is almost 38 now, so she's gonna go for a massage that is supposed to help induce labor. the Dr she saw the other day flat out said "none of those natural remedies actually work"....ugh. well, needless to say, that is not the Dr she wants to be on call when she does have her baby!
yay for kick counts! ran 3 blocks? omg, i would die. lol

[Tiffany1]

False labor or the real deal? That is the question of the night. I've been keeping track of the contractions since 8:58pm. This is how they are so far with the minutes apart, 7, 7, 11, 6, 7, 4, 6, 5, 4, 7. The lower back pain seems to have eased up. There is still some pain with the contractions, though it isn't getting worse. I talked to L&D and they told me that since I'm 36 weeks that they aren't concerned with how many contractions I'm having, but with how close together they are and told me I could come in if they are consistently 5 minutes apart. I then called my doula, she is having me call her back in an hour to report back. She told me it could be the real deal and it just might be false labor, only time will tell, but she does want to hear from me. So I'll keep timing for a little while longer. Then I'll eat my bedtime snack. Call the doula. Go to bed. And hopefully I don't wake up in pain!

[lmaguire]

rachel - wow running 3 blocks!! that's crazy!! try to get some rest this weekend!

selo - good luck at your apt Monday! I sometimes have that restless leg thing, but not terribly often thank goodness.

tiff - keep us posted if you can! good that the back pain has let up. i'm super exited for you, but i know you hope he can wait just a little. good thing you got that bag packed!

[Tiffany1]

The contractions just seem too inconsistent to be real labor. They range from 4-11 minutes between them. I guess only time will tell. If this is real labor, it is not what I imagined. I hope to go to bed tonight and wake up with none of this. Just 1 more week is all I want.

Edit: After talking to the doula, she suggests I have my bedtime snack and just go to bed early tonight and see how it goes. She really believes it could go either way at this point. So that is what I will do. I'm eating my bedtime snack and then I'll go to bed.

[selo1718]

Praises- I've never had restless leg syndrome, but it's almost like my hips and legs hurt from sitting still. I can go lay in bed and typically be fine.

rachel- I can't even think about how it would feel to run. I'm glad you are feeling better. I hope you get to rest some.

Tiffany- How are you feeling today? Was it the real thing or just false labor? I hope all is well.

AFM- Totally nesting here today. I just want clutter gone and things clean! I went to Target this morning for my nephews bday gifts. I ended up buying an outfit I think she will wear home from the hospital. DH told me not to buy too much new born because we don't know how big she will be. I may go back and buy the same out fit in a different color in a 0-3 month size. It's not overly complicated. It's a little fleece jumper with leggings. My mom always brought my sisters and I home from the hospital in pretty frilly dresses but it's going to be too cold for that.

[praises1139]

Selo--that sounds normal. I can't sit up for very long...too painful, especially hips/lower back

[lmaguire]

Tiff - how are you doing today??

[BabyDreams]

Wondering if Tiffany went into labor?? Usually she would've posted something. Hoping all is good with her!!

[lmaguire]

I'm thinking she must have because she is always so active on here. Tiff, we're all thinking about you!

[BabyDreams]

Had a very productive day today! My DH had to do some work this morning...so I used the time to clean the whole house and catch up on laundry. When DH got home, he put together the pack n play with bassinet and diaper changing station in our room. It is so cute, my best friend got it for us. It is called Aly (which is daughter's name) and is pink and grey, which matches her room! It was like it was made for her! Then we went to work in her room. He got all the new trim molding up, I did a little touch up paint and we got almost all her wall decorations up. All we have left to do is hang a few shelfs, hook up her baby monitor, hang the valance and put in new closet doors! I am so excited, it is all coming together so cute. I am now exhausted relaxing on the couch and thinking my clean tub is calling my name...

Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their weekend.

[praises1139]

Tiffany--hope you're ok!

Babydreams--wow, you cleaned your tub?? DH scrubbed ours. Even if I weren't on bedrest, there's no way I could! Aly is whose name? DH hasn't set up our P&P yet. It is called Meadow Menagerie. So cute!

[BabyDreams]

Praises...this may be the last time I can get to the tub!! It was not easy, but it got done. If DH was home he would have done it. Poor man got blasted the minute he walked in the door this afternoon..made him do everything I couldn't..lol. We are naming our little girl Alyson (Aly for short) so thought it was funny that the p&p was also named Aly...and matched her room!

[selo1718]

Tiffany- I hope all is well.

Babydreams- It sounds like you had a very busy day! I haven't cleaned the tub in a while. My step son wants a cell phone and our agreement is that he has to earn $20 a month (it's a prepaid). Cleaning the bathroom is a high paying chore so he will usually do it when I ask.

Baby & praises- I have a P&P for our room too. Its an older one I've had for my nephews (not recalled, I check from time to time). I like it because it's actually the colors that are in our bedroom. My sister has the bassinet piece that I will hopefully pick up today.

AFM- My nephew's party is today. I have to make lots of pizza dip to take with me. We are going to carve pumpkins later tonight when we get home.

[jamiec0326]

I hope all is well with everyone! I have missed ya'll! I have Kailyn's birth story up now, so sorry it has taken so long!

[lmaguire]

Tiff - still thinking about you & little Layton! So much for us having them on the same day - lol!

praises & babydreams - we just changed which pack n play we wanted yesterday. Our friend has agreed to get it for us, which is really nice of her! originally we didn't want one with all the bells and whistles (i.e. changing table thing, mobile, or bassinet), but decided that we may want something like that for downstairs. I think the pattern we picked was Morgan, but I can't remember.

babydreams - i just cleaned our tub last week. It was really hard, but doable. DH & I just don't have the same cleanliness standards, so I know if he had tried, I would have had to do it over again anyways. I'm finding it harder to do laundry though since I can't bend over far enough to grab the stuff out of the dryer.

selo - I understand the dilemma about what size to get. I'm bringing a couple outfits just to make sure we have something that will fit him. I'm not in love with any of the outfits, but oh well.

afm - starting to freak out a little since Tiff seems to have already had her little one. She was due the day after me, and hadn't had any pre-term issues like we've had. I've been very sore down there the last couple days, and number of contractions are steadily increasing every day. Still no rhyme or reason to them, but it makes me a little nervous. DH is still studying for his last part of the CPA exam and has told me to do everything I can to keep him in until after 11/7. Well, the last 2 nights I've had dreams that I go into labor and I don't want to call him because it's before his test date. He understands there's really nothing I can do, but it's adding a little bit of extra, un-needed pressure on me.
Making a roast for dinner tonight, and had turkey burgers for lunch. I must say, I was impressed with the Jennie-O turkey burgers! Trying to start weaning myself slowly down off the carbs since I've splurged quite a bit while being pregnant.
Oh, I have to share this because it made me laugh so hard that I about cried the other night. We couldn't find our cat, and since he likes to hide in cabinets, we looked under the bathroom cabinet, and he wasn't in there. Well, I went in to use the bathroom at one point, and heard something in the guest/baby's bathroom, and pulled the shower curtain back, and the cat was in the baby's bathtub in the little hammock part!! haha!! he LOVES to sleep there! Now whenever we can't find him, that's where he is. I attached a picture since I couldn't resist. =)

[praises1139]

Lmaguire--that is so cute about your cat!!
I would say take it easy this week, at least until DH is done with his exam and you guys can breathe a sigh of relief! You can do it!!

I'm trying to at least make it another 3 wks so my babies won't have to be transferred to the main hospital for the NICU. (Although I'd be allowed to transfer with them). The one I'm delivering at has a Lvl III nursery, so its ok at 34 wks.

[lmaguire]

praises - You can definitely do it! You've been so good about the bed rest and everything that I don't think you'll have a problem getting to 34 weeks. =)

How's everyone's nurseries coming? I think we pretty much have our done. I'm planning on posting pictures later. =)

[praises1139]

Yes I want to see nursery pics too! We haven't done anything since the first pics I posted, except we put panda sheets on the cribs that are cute. I want so badly to organize the room! Still waiting on my SIL to finish painting the dresser and putting the hardware on so we can fill the drawers and set up the changing area. But I don't think ill be able to do anything major till I'm 36 wks.

My belly feels full term! At my u/s last week I couldn't even lie on my back because it was hard to breathe, so the peri had me lie on my side while he checked everything.

[lmaguire]

The chest was actually refinished by my great grandfather, and DH repainted it to match the room.

SO happy to have it done finally!

[Dan'sFran]

lmaguire- Your nursery is fantastic! It looks so calming & relaxing! Love the color & how the theme's cute but not overpowering. :)

[Kate23]

hello ladies!
love the nursery lauren, it's so cute!
i'm kinda anxious to hear from tiffany, hope everything is ok.
sorry i haven't been posting much lately, but i have been checking in to see how everyone is doing. afm-just waiting waiting waiting

[MegzyAngel]

Kate - The waiting part sucks i know. I don't post much either, but do come on and read things.

Tiffany - I hope all is ok and if LO has arrived I hope everything went smoothly.

Lauren - Cute cat. You nursery looks lovely. I have to take photo's of ours still. None of our furniture matches so certainly doesn't look as good.

Praises - Keep them little guys cooking. Hopefully the next few weeks go fast for you.

AFM - Still waiting. Not much is really happening at the moment. Still lose bits of plug every now and again and the odd contraction and period cramps. Been trying a few different things to try and start labour (Not that most of them will work anyway but meh gotta do something to fill in time). Nipple tweaking seems to just turn me on :o lol.

We wen't down to the speedway again on Saturday night thinking ok so if shes going to come she will come now since we are 2.5hours from home and the hospital. turned out to be an enjoyable night and nothing happened all.

DH called from work this morning saying that bub can't come yet since he finally got to do his tandem flight on a jet (He's been waiting 10 years to get the opportunity to go up for a joy ride). He's booked in to to that tomorrow, so really hoping at the moment that LO stays in until atleast tomorrow night. At this stage I think there will be no problem with that although I did make a joke to DH that she will come now just because we told her she has to wait.

[selo1718]

Imaguire- LOL at the cat. How cute. Our cat has taken to sleeping on the throw rug in front of the changing table. I love your nursery! It's very cute. I like the name over the closet.

Praises- Keep those babies cooking! I bet as long as you stick to the bed rest you will make it.

Kate- Your wait will be over soon. Try to relax.

Megzy- It sounds like your DH has a great opportunity! I hope she cooperates for him.

AFM- I think it's kinda cool my squash on my ticker looks a bit like a pumpkin. Very festive. I can't wait for my OB appointment in the morning. I'm hoping to get some more info on the glucose results.

[rachelttc]

selo: I missed your glucose results. What were they?

Megzy: At my childbirth class this weekend, they suggested that (if you are further than 37 weeks along), you can try bouncing on an exercise ball (those big ones) for up to an hour a day, and that will gently and rhythmically press your baby's head against your cervix, and it could potentially make things happen faster. I'm definitely going to try it, because I want mine out before it gets to 11 pounds!

praises: 3 weeks! You can do it, you still have cervix left. My hospital is the same as yours, as long as they are 34 weeks, they don't have to leave. The closest hospital for under 34 weeks is about four hours away, so that would be really rough for us!

Imaguire: I was just reading an article about how some women seem to have some control over when they go into labor! I hope that's you, and that you can wait!

AFM: I have no idea how I will wait another 12 weeks! I am so anxious to meet this kid! Any suggestions for how to get through this waiting waiting waiting?

This weekend I sewed myself a skirt to labor in out of some jersey material. I plan on laboring in a sports bra and a really stretchy skirt, so I can spend a lot of time squatting (they say that helps for getting the big ones out). I have zero interest in laboring with my a** hanging out of a hospital gown. Even when you're standing, everyone sees your whole butt. So I made the skirt. There's a panel at the top that can either go over my belly, or under to make room for the monitors. It's still a little big, but it stays up just fine, and I'm expecting my belly to get bigger before the big day.

Last bit of news, my DH FINALLY felt the kid kick from the outside! I've been feeling kicks for 12 weeks, but since he lives far away except on the weekends, it has taken way longer than I would like for him to feel the kicks!

Have a good week, everyone!

[jth0205]

Ready - it's wonderful you can take extended maternity leave!

Praises - glad the babies are doing so well! You can make it - you have come this far!

Lauren - love your nursery! We thought about going with sailboats early on, but then decided on a different theme. Now, I wish we had done sailboats! Sorry the kicks aren't so cute anymore. So glad you found out that he didn't turn himself!

Tiffany - hope all is will for you and not hearing from you means you are spending all your time holding Layton Forest in your arms and staring at him!

Kate sorry for the unpleasant exchange with your doc's nurse last week.

BabyDreams - hope your BP stays under control. Are you going to post pics of your nursery? It sounds adorable!

Meagan - hope your LO stays put while your DH is in the air!

Rachel - so glad DH got to feel your LO kick!

Selo - glad you found a take home outfit you like. I'm struggling with that. It will be cold where we are too - in fact, we had an ice storm Friday! That is early even for us! I keep hoping it's not a foreshadowing of the winter to come.

afm - caught a cold - it stinks! Our recent guests had one and DH caught it. I thought I was safe, but I picked it up from DH. It's hard enough to breathe these days without a cold! This weekend, Luke was way too mellow. I was prepared to stay home and call my doc's office this morning. however, last night he started moving around a little more. And, this morning he has been moving more. I feel like there is absolutely no room in my belly. It hurts to eat now. I can only nibble a little and can't sit up straight after eating. I'm curious what the next few weeks will bring in that dept! This week we have an infant CPR class and then I have a breast feeding class. Also, we meet with another pediatrician.

[jth0205]

Well, I started spotting again just now. I HATE seeing blood - hate it! I'm going to give it a few hours and if it continues, I'll call the doc. The baby is moving a little, so that comforts me. DTD has been off limits for us since week 16 - so that's not it. I relaxed most all weekend - so that's not it. I've been drinking lots of fluids b/c of this cold, so I don't think I'm dehydrated. So frustrating!

[jessicaileen]

jth - I had spotting off and on during my whole pregnancy too, it was very frustrating. I last spotted at 32 weeks and went in to L&D. They checked me and I was 1cm dilated and contracting - little did I know what they felt like. But, the blood wasn't from the contractions, it was from a hemorrhoid. The spotting I had in my second trimester was from a vaginal bacterial infection. I would call your OB and get checked for an infection.

[jth0205]

Jessica - I did call my OB. I spoke with the nurse (she's great). I told her that movement was slow this weekend and now I have spotting. I was getting to 5 kicks within an hour - it's just he's more active than that normally. Anyway, I've had spotting off and on throughout the pregnancy. She said she thought I was fine to wait until my Monday appt b/c they haven't been able to identify the spotting yet. And, since I have no other discharge (out of the norm) that she doesn't think it is an infection. So, I guess I will just deal with it. I still hate seeing it!

[ellebelle]

So I am having anxiety issues this week :)

Anyone else get totally paranoid if they don't feel their LO as much as the previous day. She's moving in there, I can feel it, but I just don't feel like she's moving as much and of course it makes me paranoid :)

I've decided to make sure my bag is packed tonight before I go to bed! I know I have a few more weeks, and have had no signs of early labor, but I just feel like this LO is going to be like her daddy and early or on time for everything. I am hoping she stays put for 2 more weeks, after that, bring it on.....I will be so ready!

[jth0205]

ellebelle - I totally feel your pain! Maybe it's something in the air b/c my LO hasn't been moving as much the last few days. It really makes me nervous. I try to not get paranoid about it, but it's hard to not worry b/c I'm used to him moving around a lot. I see you are 35 weeks - so you have less room in there than I do! I'm guessing I'm just running out of room. My belly isn't very big to nearly be 8 mos. People say I look more like 5 or 6 mos along. So, I'm thinking that has something to do with it - it's just more cramped in there. For me, eating is tough now. I can't eat a lot overall and I really can't eat a lot at one sitting b/c it just hurts. It feels like there is no place for it to go. Do you have that issue?

[ellebelle]

Oh yeah! Eating is so not fun right now.

Luckily baby belle seems to be slowly headed south :) so that I am able to eat a little more each week. I find that I can usually eat the most at Lunch time and then eat a small dinner and evening snack.

[praises1139]

So I was fine all day and then right before 5pm I started having more contractions and counted 9 in the last hr. So my OB said I could head to L&D now or keep counting for another hr to see if they fizzle out. I have no other symptoms. Told her I'd count for another 30 mins.

[lmaguire]

Thanks for the nursery feedback! I'm glad it turned out well (and that it's done FINALLY!)

praises - Oh goodness! Keep us posted please! Have they tried giving you terbutyline?

elle & jth - ya, eating is not as enjoyable these days. If I do overeat (meaning I eat what would be considered a normal amount to any other person) I pay for it severely with either nausea or heartburn that backs up into my throat. yuck!

jth - I really hope the spotting stops soon. I can't imagine having to deal with that.

afm - lots of contractions & cramps today as well as some pain down there. hoping I last another week. DH's test is a week from today. pretty much slept most of the day to try to ward them off.

Happy Halloween!!

[praises1139]

Lmaguire--no, I haven't had that yet, just the Procardia XL. Decided to head in because the contractions are not stopping. Ugh

[lmaguire]

Ok, keep us posted please! Thinking of you & the boys! Terbutyline worked for me, but I required more every time I went in. They will probably give it to you while you're in there. It makes you a bit tired and loopy so be prepared.

[Kate23]

praises-thoughts and prayers for you, hope everything is ok. keep us posted

lmaguire-hope baby stays in another week at least! i've been having contractions and cramps too, keep thinking maybe this is it. but they get to 10 min apart and just stop.

jth-sorry about the spotting, i know that is scary to see. hope the dr. can tell you what's going on

[selo1718]

rachel- I failed the 1 hr but passed the 3 hr gtt. I put more info below. Your skirt sounds cool. I'm glad DH finally felt kicks. My DH only does from time to time. She likes to stop moving when he tries to feel her move.

jth- I'm sorry you are spotting. I hope it goes away and stays away. I'm sorry about your cold. I had one for 2 weeks and used vicks vapor rub and slept with the cool mist humidifier on at night. One of the moms of one of my students said to get a neti pot and I would have but felt better the next day. Good luck meeting the pediatrician. It's took me a while to find an out fit that I liked and I still might change my mind lol.

elle- You are getting close and with all the action around here I say pack that bag! I read towards the end that they don't move as much because they are squished.

Praises- How is it going? Good luck! I hope they can get the contractions stopped so the boys can stay in a while longer.

AFM- My DR told me that if 2 of my numbers had been any higher that I would have failed the 3 hr GTT. It's a sign of insulin resistance which I know I have because of the PCOS. She told me to up my protein and eat less carbs which I will try to do. I ate the "PCOS diet" before I got pregnant and lost 20 lbs. I haven't been following the diet because at 1st the only thing that didn't make me want to throw up was carbs. Now snacks and things are easier if they are carbs (cereal bars, crackers ect) for me to grab at work between things. I will try and make the changes because it's better for her ultimately. When the took my BP it was up a bit for me. They took it after I put my sneakers back on and I told the nurse it would be up. They took it again before I left and it had gone down. DR said to watch for signs of preeclampsia in the mean time but that she wasn't concerned yet as I had no protein in my urine and it did go down.

[EJ1008]

Hope things go OK, Praises! Tell your boys, wrong holiday!

[lmaguire]

Ok, maybe it's sympathy pain for praises, but I'm having a lot of pain and pressure down there. Contractions are picking up too, but still no more than 5 in an hour yet. Little one, you MUST stay in there one more week please!

[Tiffany1]

I'm going to try to type this as fast as possible, as I had no idea how demanding and time consuming infants are :)

So those pains I was feeling was early labor. Saturday morning I woke up feeling fine, but when I went to the bathroom there was pink tinged mucus, which when I called my doula she said was fine and didn't mean anything. I got on the webcam with my husband a little before 10am and was having slightly more painful contractions and I thought maybe I was leaking fluid, so I put on a panty liner. The 3rd contraction I said to my husband "I'm pretty sure I didn't just pee my pants." My water had broken at 10 am, 4 weeks early. So I called my doula, told her. Called my driver and sat around talking to my husband in shock. All while trying to control my leaking, which was crazy! It was like I was a faucet all day! I used wash clothes, anything I could fine, nothing could contain it! So about 2 hours later I got to the L&D and was 4cm dilated. I managed the pain until I got 6cm, I was going about a cm an hour. I got the epidural placed at about 7cm. I am so glad I did! My husband wasn't able to be on the webcam as the internet didn't work in the hospital, but he was on the phone with me the entire time, it was so incredibly special and great. I will also say this, I found pushing to be incredibly exciting! I pushed for 2 1/2 hours and just couldn't get him that last 1/2 inch. His heart rate started to drop so they had to use forceps. I ended up with 3rd degree tears, which means that the tears went all the way to the rectum and tore inside of it also. It doesn't hurt nearly as bad as I thought. Layton Forrest arrive at 9:16pm :) He is beautiful and a wonderful baby. He was 6 pounds 7 ounces and 20 inches long. He has the most wonderful cry and is a great feeder and wants to be fed all the time! I'll update more later. Thanks everyone for the thoughts! Must attend to a crying child!

[EJ1008]

Tiffany - Congrats! Great birth weight for a 36 weeker. So glad your DH could experience Layton's birth even if so far away. When you're ready, come join us on the Moms board. The fun is just beginning!

[Kate23]

congrats tiffany!!! glad to hear you and Layton are ok. so happy for you!

[jth0205]

Praises - hoping and praying they can stop labor for you.

Tiffany - congratulations! Welcome to the world Layton Forrest!

[chelseaf]

Congrats Tiffany!!!! Come on over to the mommy threads if you have questions or anything, I know you're kinda going solo right now and it's a lot to take in! PM me any time!

[praises1139]

Thanks ladies!!!!! Turns out im having more contractions than I thought because I can't feel half of them. they are 2-4 mins apart...75% effaced, 1.5-2 cm dilated. The nurse is really nice and encouraging. She's calling my Dr now to see what meds to use.

Tiffany---oh congrats!!!!!

[Jillybn32]

Tiffany - Congrats!

Praises - Glad you went in. Hopefully they'll give you steroids, my doc says they are useful up to 32 weeks, and some magnesium. Keep us updated, and no matter what, you have done a SUPER job getting this far and your babies will have a great outcome :)

[rachelttc]

praises: good luck! I hope you get to wait a little while longer to meet your beans!

[selo1718]

Tiffany- Congratulations! I'm so glad that DH got to be on the phone with you! Welcome Layton Forest!

Praises-I hope they get things stopped for you. Good luck!

[MegzyAngel]

Congratulations Tiffany. Glad everything went well and little Layton is feeding well.

Praises - I hope they can stop those contractions for you and you keep baking those boys a bit longer. Will be thinking of you.

Lauren - Hopefully thats just baby dropping more. Only a couple more days until your full term.

Selo - Glad to hear you passed the GTT and that your BP went down. Lets hope it stays that way.

jth - I hope that spotting stops for you soon.

AFM - Well not much excitement here except some contractions and a few painful cramps during the night with fizzled out before i figured out what was going on and could time them. DH should be getting ready for his flight about now. I'm so glad he didn't miss that since who knows when he would get the next opportunity to it.
Well i'm off to the shed to find my gym ball and a pump. Lets see if it helps or not. LOL a few people have told me to use castor oil since they swear by it....No thanks I think I would rather avoid diarrhea.

[Supergal]

Praises- sending you and the boys lots of positive vibes. Know that we're all thinking about you.

Tiffany- CONGRATS! Can't wait to see pics of Layton :)

[BabyDreams]

Tiffany-Congrats!! Been worried about you all weekend! Glad you are home, safe and happy with Layton!

Praises-Wow...here's hoping they can slow you down a little but sounds like a very good thing you went in. Prayers that all goes well for you and your babies!

[lmaguire]

Tiff - YAY!! so happy to hear from you! Very glad you & Layton are OK! I'm so glad DH got to be part of the birth experience too. Bummer about the tears, I hope they heal up quickly for you. I can't wait to hear more and see pictures of little Layton! (Been playing the new Professor Layton all day thinking about you guys!)

praises - Oh my! I'm so glad you went in! Hopefully they can give you some magnesium and possibly terbutyline to stop the contractions and labor progression. I've been having sympathy pains/contractions for you all night! Keep us posted! We're all worried about you and the boys!

Megzy - I've heard the exercise ball can be good to help baby descend, etc, so I hope it works for you. I don't blame you at all about the cod liver oil. Yuck!

afm - kinda feels like he's trying to rip open my cervix. that's about the only way I can describe it. contractions have slowed to ~ every 12 min, so not worried about them anymore. it's like Dory says in Finding Nemo, "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming".

[praises1139]

They put me on a mag IV..slowed stuff down but still 5-7 mins apart. They don't use terbutaline with mag, so I dunno. Had my first steroid shot. Found out that even.if the babies did come soon, they would.not have to be transferred. Hopefully my uterus will.stop.

[lmaguire]

praises - I'm glad they were able to slow them down, if even a little bit. I'm glad the boys wouldn't have to transfer if they do come soon. I sure hope the magnesium slows things down more for you. good luck, and please continue to keep us posted if you can. =)

[MegzyAngel]

lauren - im glad your contractions have slowed down.

praises - glad yours have slowed down a bit also. Also great news that the LO's wont have to be transfered. In the mean time just try to relax. Hoiping they stop for you.

Decided DH needs to clean out the shed. Couldn't find my ball anywhere....Well where I could fit anyway lol. So no bouncing at least until DH gets home and finds it for me.
I think we have a storm brewing here. Its gotten really humid.

[praises1139]

Doing ok, yay! They had to increase my mag, but I'm tolerating it a lot better than I thought. No nausea, thank God. Worst thing is the cervical checks. But I have mastered peeing in a bedpan. :) Omg so weird because your brain does not want to pee in bed. My OB came by to see me after she delivered a baby, and she was very reassuring. For now the plan is to send me home tomorrow, if all is well, although I'm nervous about that. Oh and they had an NP from the special care nursery come talk to us just in case and that was good too.

[lmaguire]

Yay praises!! SO happy you and the little ones are OK! I was worried last night! I can see why you'd be nervous going home, but just take it one day at at time and whatever happens happens. You've done such a tremendous job baking those boys!! =)

[Supergal]

Meg- hope the contractions have calmed down for you. That’s funny re castor oil. I keep imagining the baby slipping out covered in oil lol! I heard going for a “run” can trigger labour.

LMA- hope you are doing well today!

Praises- yey! Glad the boys are baking a bit longer. Seems like you are in great hands and trusting your instincts. I can’t imagine peeing in bed either. A friend of mine was describing her birthing experience and I was a bit surprised that she had to pee in a bag. I’d much rather get up and go to the bathroom it seems so weird and embarrassing! Trust your instincts and just go back if you feel something is off.

[lighthouse830]

I think I get to come on over here officially :) I'll have to catch up on everyone in here!

[lighthouse830]

congrats tiffany! That is a great weight for 36 weeks :)

praises- glad to hear they stopped the contractions for you- that happened to me around 28 weeks with the twins too.

[lmaguire]

Welcome lighthouse!

How are you doing now, praises? Still doing OK?

I think I'm becoming nocturnal. It's starting to get ridiculous actually. I can't sleep well at all at night, but during the day I can sleep no problem. I guess it's to prepare me for the impending late nights, but it's very disconcerting for my husband. I'm just ready for him to be here. Everything has been annoying me today. Like the fact that DH has had 3 months to take this CPA exam, and waited until the month our baby is due to take it. Considering all the pre-term labor concerns we've had, I just don't see why he would wait this long. It makes me nervous to even tell him when I have contractions because he starts freaking out telling me to "keep him in there". Really?! UGH! Just having one of those days today. Perhaps it's lack of proper sleep.

[Zinnia06]

I know I am really late jumping in here, but can I join. Being 30 wks and no one to really talk with about it gets kinda lonely! I haven't been on here in a long time. I sure hope no one minds! :)

[Kate23]

praises-glad you are doing ok! i always thought it would be weird to pee in a bedpan. lol

lighthouse-welcome to third tri!

lmaguire-hope your day starts to get better, i totally understand about being annoyed at everything.

zinnia-how have you been feeling?

last night i started having quite a few contractions, and they were feeling more painful. they were lasting about a minute, but one actually didn't let up for 12 min! so uncomfortable. they didn't get closer together and eventually stopped, but today it feels like baby is really low. i'm feeling a lot more pressure and (tmi) i've had 3 BM in one day. usually i'm pretty constipated, lucky if there is one a day!

[MaryFaith]

praises, glad you are doing ok. Praying for your boys to continue to bake longer. The betamethosone will help with the lung maturity & the magnesium sulfate will help protect their neuro system. All the suffering you are going through will pay off with 2 healthy babies.

[praises1139]

Zinnia-- of course! Anything you want to share about your TTC or pregnancy experience? Welcome!

I really hope you are all doing well..will get caught up on your news when I get home

Been.fine today...rarely feel.any contractions. Finally got some sleep this afternoon but had a horrible dream that was apparently caused by the sun coming through the blinds right into my eyes! Woke me up and I was so confused. I thought the.nurse did it on purpose..lol
Oh I have been wearing my glasses today so I can nap without contacts and my eyes kinda burn from.the magnesium sulfate. Thank God for cold wet washcloths.

There is a.Nov thread, so we can hop.over