AUGUST 2008 ~ BUMP BUDDIES

[CT_Michele]

Hey Everyone-

I finally got a chance to check out your pics on photobucket. Very nice! I will try and take some pics of our nursery to post, and maybe a belly pic. My belly is still not very huge, but growing rapidly. My dh is always bugging me to take a pic, but I never let him.

Seltzer- Nate is adorable, such a cutie. Is he excited about the new arrival? Your baby's room also looks great. It looks like a pretty big room, and I love the white furniture. I wanted white furniture too, but our house is old with all original dark moldings, so we wanted to match it. Our baby room is also pretty tiny, so we had to work with what we've got.

Shari- Nice belly pic, and thanks for being brave. Maybe it will give me enough strength to post a pick. Sorry to hear about more discomfort, but it sounds like you are progressing, and your little bundle of joy is getting ready to make it's entrance.

Tina- When are you going to take leave from work? Ya know, at first I was really dissappointed abotu not finding a job for the summer, but now I am kinda glad I got this time off. Occassionally I am bored, but now that I am starting to get a little back pain and such, I could not imagine running after children during summer school!

Well, I am off to the mall today. Yesterday was my goddaughter's 6th birthday. I always take my goddaughters out for their birthday's. They get so many gifts that they really enjoy going out to eat or to a movie instead, and spending time with their cool, older cousin! She wants to walk around the mall and pick out a gift, and hopefully I can talk her into helping me pick out a dress for my baby shower next weekend, it would be fantastic if I could get that out of the way today! After the mall, I am going to swim at her house with her. I did that I wednesday too, and it felt great to be weightless for an hour, and it is going to be ridicuously hot and humid here for the next couple of days...so everyone try and stay cool!

I will talk to you all soon, and enjoy the weekend!

[itsgottawork]

You guys are so sweet and so funny.
We are holding out until November to find out if it is a boy or a girl. If I had to put money on it, I would say it is a boy though. I believe it so much that I have to stop myself from buying obviously boy items.
I am happy not to find out but it was so difficult not to ask at the ultrasound. DH doesn't want to know though and I am excited by the surprise.
MaryBeth is in my thoughts and prayers. I look forward to reading about the twins and all of your deliveries!
Good luck again to all of you!

[2ndtimer]

Hi Guys,
first of all, Shari what a cute picture! I love your peacock shirt. You don't look that big to me. It'sgottawork -thanks for the good wishes. I also followed the threads for the pregos ahead of me to kind of see what to expect.
I betcha anything Marybeth has got her hands full taking care of twins now.

I've had another exciting day. I had another MD appt this morning. The MD said she was going to send me to the hospital to induce labor but she wanted to check one more u/s 1st. I kinda freaked out on the inside, but I'm also really ready to have the baby. Well it turned out she like what she saw on the u/s so no baby today. Then I had to rush into the office for my office baby shower. Very hectic.

Hope everyone has a good weekend,
Rebecca

[tryw8]

Hi Everyone:

I had a patient yesterday that I hadn't seen in two years. His comment to me was, "I think women are at their most beautiful moment when they are pregnant." He was so sweet.

Anyways, I went to have yet another NST done. Baby kept moving around too much so the gal had a hard time finding the heart beat. He/she also had the hiccups during the entire session. Then I had another mini u/s. Amniotic fluid level dropped to 9.77%. Last week I was at 12%. Oh-oh ... Let's see what my OB/GYN says. The RN says that my particular OB/GYN likes the amniotic fluid to be at 12%, though.

My husband couldn't make it today but my mom decided to spend time with me so I brought her along to the NST and OB/GYN appointment. I got the lab report back from the vaginal culture. It turned up NEGATIVE. The RN told me to put it in baby's bag so that I won't be given any antibiotics after I deliver. What?!? I have to take my bottoms off?!? In front of my mom?!?

I'm only kidding. Dr. just wanted to check where the baby's head was. It's in position. I guess he felt the crown. It's just a matter of time. I'm not feeling any contractions at this point, either.

So my next appointment to have an NST is in three days and my OB/GYN wants to see me also. I remember taking a look at the report from the NST it was circled labor precautions.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. I know I'm in the final stretch like a few of you are.

Karen

P.S. - Yikes! My husband found my first ever stretch mark!

[tinaO]

Well, it sounds like everyone has been busy! I had a great day. I took off work early and went to get my hair highlighted and cut, picked up my best friend at the airport who has been out of town on business all week and then we went to have dinner with her parents. Then we drove back here so her mom could see the baby's room and then I drove them over to my friend's house. I just got home and am very tired, but I felt so good today that it was really nice. My cramps have subsided and my back wasn't even hurting much. Hope this continues!! We have the "Taking Care of Baby" class tomorrow for 3 hours. Hope it is not a waste of time!

I swear me and Noah are going to be the last ones to deliver. First of all, I don't get any ultrasounds, no one checks now to see how big he is...it is so bizarre! I am still only seeing my doc every 2 weeks and I don't have any tests done. I don't know when they are going to do another ultrasound, but probably not for at least a couple of weeks. It kind of scares me, but oh well! I guess no one is concerned about my amniotic fluid. I don't get it. But I still feel good and don't have any pain or swelling at night...so I don't know. I don't think Noah is coming very soon. I have not dropped at all.

Karen - why did your paperwork say "labor precautions"?

Rebecca - Wow - so, you are probably next to go, huh? It might be a race between you, Seltzer, and Karen!! Then again - Shari has got to be soon, too!! I am still not quite ready for Noah. Again, if he can hang on a few more weeks, I will be pleased. But if he comes now - I am ready for that, too! When do you see the doc again?? Why were they wanting to induce today? Because of his size or because of the fluid level?

I am worried about Marybeth. You guys better all post after you deliver. Don't leave me hanging!! I worry too much about everyone!

Shari - you look great, girl! It is like we have said, we are short so it is going to show in a way that taller women don't show. Enjoy it while you can! I put on a pair of my husband's pajama bottoms the other night and thought I was in HEAVEN!! So big and comfy - AAAAAHHHHH!!!

You all better take pics of your preggo bellies!! SO many of my friends say they regret now that they didn't. That is why we take so many! Remember - we won't always look like this! I posted another one on the site.

Ok, I had NO IDEA we could take stuff to help us sleep!! I have got to talk to my doctor about that!! I still sleep fairly well, but damn - I could certainly use some help!!! I need a HOOK UP!!!

Take care all of you!! Hang in there!!!

Tina

[tryw8]

Tina:

I'm not sure why my report had Labor Precautions circled. I asked my OB/GYN about it, he told my mom and I that I am coming very close ... baby's almost here. He said not to worry or stress and that he'll see me in three days.

Karen

[seltzer]

Hi all,

First off, Shari & Tina I love your pics! (Tina, that is the bassinet I am thinking of getting. First I am going to check out the co-sleeper we have already and see if I want to use it.) You both look great, very cute and ready to have your babies! Shari, like Tina said, be proud of your bump cuz you won't have it forever. Just think, it's a tiny human life in there, a miracle to be proud of.

Rebecca - Wow, you were almost induced. What a shocker that was when I read it! I guess that makes it more real, eh? Better that you didn't have to be, though...I am glad everything looks good and the baby can spend a little more time getting ready to meet the world.

Karen - Glad to hear things are going OK with you. When will you find out about the fluid levels? I don't know anything about that...will keep my fingers crossed.

Tina - I am glad you're feeling better. I find that my good and bad times come and go. I'll have a day where I am so uncomfortable and in pain, and I conclude that that's what the rest of the pregnancy is going to be like. And then, voila, the next day is good. Today & yesterday were pretty good days for me, too, probably because I ate very little and so was in less pain. Funny, though, I still feel as BIG AS A HOUSE!! You are not the only one whose OB has not mentioned anything about tests, fluid, size, etc. I had my u/s at 18 weeks and then nothing until I outright asked my OB for another one, just because I wanted to see the baby. He is such a nice guy so he gave me another u/s at around 34 weeks (and I am sure lied to insurance company, LOL). If it weren't for that I would have zilcho idea about the baby's size and all that. I think it's completely routine for no further testing to be done after the routine u/s at 18-22 weeks unless there is some specific reason for a certain test. My DP never had another u/s after her 20 week scan. My OB told me the other day that if I go past my due date they will do a NST and u/s to make sure the uterine environment is still OK. So bottom line, don't worry about it.

Thanks to all who commented on the pics of my son. The poor thing is so sick...he still has a temp. He's handling it well, though. He's just lethargic. I'm hoping it breaks tomorrow, since I worry about fevers spiking and convulsions and all that scary crap. BTW, Shari, I hope I can be of some help in terms of advice since I do have a son already. BUT...this is no guarantee, LOL. My DP has been more the primary caregiver for our son, since she had him and she breastfed, etc. So in some ways I feel like this is all brand new to me. I am nervous!!

Goodnight to all...I too am worried about Marybeth and hope she writes soon to let us know all is well. You all have my solemn word that I will let you all know ASAP when I deliver.

[seltzer]

One more thing: Karen, I was totally freaked when you said your DH found a stretch mark on you. I am so afraid of getting them, and my bump is getting bigger and bigger every damn day. Where is the stretch mark? Is it a bad one? Have you been using cocoa butter or anything?

[tryw8]

Hi Seltzer:

I've been using "Tummy Honey" and another cream to prevent/fade stretchmarks w/ cocoa butter since the ending of the first trimester. I've asked my co-workers, they've had the stretchmarks show during the last few weeks before they deliver also. "Gee, Karen, welcome to the club," is what they told me.

Oh, gee ... Thanks.

The stretchmark that DH found is near the area above my right hip bone. He said he still loves me, though. It comes with the pregnancy, as he puts it.

And yes, my bump is getting bigger everyday.

Karen

[sharishu]

Hello Ladies,

First of all, thanks to everyone for the positive comments on my photo, as I most definitely DO feel like my bump is larger than normal.

I don't mean to freak anyone ELSE out with this, but I started to freak out today. It was my first real 'oh-my-GOD-I'm-gonna-be-a-mommy-soon' episode. It just HIT me. It all started when I realized that my official moving date is in less than 2 weeks, and then I started thinking 'wow-and they are talking about inducing me even BEFORE that'. I am pretty much over it now (after crying on dh's shoulder). Guess I had to get that out of my system.

Tomorrow we meet with a pediatrician that comes very highly recommended by several people I spoke to in the city we're moving to (Modi'in). I have lots of questions for him. Wednesday I meet with the high risk doc who will give his recommendation re: L/D (c-section, inducing???) I spoke with DH about it all today, because it seems like the moment will be upon us very soon to make that final decision.

Rebecca- I can fully understand if your heart was pounding in your throat when the doc spoke of the possibility of inducing you today. It's all so exciting and unbelievable... and just the teensiest bit scary, no? I am also SO ready to be done with the pregnancy. I guess it's just a whole cocktail of emotions; the hormones play a role, too, I'm sure. I know we will all be fine, I guess it's normal to have that kind of ' ' moment near the end. But, it's all good .

Seltzer- No pressure whatsoever! Of course this is new for you too having never given birth. I am sure that whatever experience you have gained in caring for your son will only help you in the coming weeks. As I mentioned above, I relate to feeling nervous, too, at this time, and it makes me feel better to see that I'm not the only one. Like it's just a normal function of entering a whole new world. I told my husband that I have that 'starting high school tomorrow' feeling. New and unknown. But definitely exciting and wonderful.

Tina- You have such a pretty nursery! (The rest of your house is nice too, BTW). I was just thinking regarding your lack of u/s- perhaps they are waiting until you are officially in your 9th month?? Also, I gotta say that on the flipside, being in a high-risk clinic and going for an u/s about every other week is no picnic. It's nerve-wracking, and at times, downright upsetting. Sometimes, the less they analyze your unborn child, the better. I think as long as you are feeling well, that is the BEST indicator of all that everything's fine. If doc isn't worried, it's a very good sign. Of course, I'd say that whatever is concerning you, or whatever you're wondering about, definitely ask. Maybe the answer to your question will be that examination that you were hoping for. Hope that at your next appointment you get all your questions answered to your satisfaction .

Have a great week everyone!
Shari

[sharishu]

Karen-
Do not feel bad about your stretch mark. I have LOTS. Small, light ones on my lower belly, and (unfortunately), darker, more unsightly ones in my pubic region. I remember the stretching pain at about 20 weeks. It lasted about 2 excruciating days, and then after that when I looked in the mirror, there they were. Oh, well. Guess I'll just have to wear my stretch marks proudly, sort of as a badge of 'mommyhood' honor . So, if you escape with one lone mark, I'd say that's not bad. Main thing, hope you have a comfortable end to your pregnancy, and a safe and healthy delivery.

Shari

[baby2008]

Hi everyone ,

I hv been reading your thread but didnt get much time to reply. Ladies plzzzzzzz help me ..... i really cannot decide whether to go for a vaginal delivery or a C-section. I am 36 weeks pregnant with twin boys . Both are head down .My OB says I can try for a vaginal . But i have read so many stories about the stress on the twin B during vaginal or how the twin B might change his position . It is really getting hard for me to decide . Is anyone of you going to try vaginal . My OB never suggets anything . She just tells me all the pros and cons (which i already know since i got pregnant ) .

So ladies plzzzz help .

[2ndtimer]

Hi Baby2008,
I'm just carrying a singleton so I wouldn't presume to tell you what to do. I think we are all pretty much hoping for vaginal deliveries on this thread, but only one of us is carrying twin(and we haven't heard from her in a while -hope you & babies are well Marybeth!). Personally, I would be afraid to deliver twins vaginally & would probably ask for a Csec BUT you probably know more about it at this point than I do. I do want to wish you the best of luck whatever you're decision is!

I didn't really have time to go into it yesterday when I posted about the MD wanting to induce, but the reason is that my fluid is a little low and the baby is getting really big. For those of you who are still seeing the MD twice a month or once a week, I'm going more frequently now because of the gestational diabetes. I haven't really felt any contractions for the last 2 days, so who knows...I might even go past the due date. I guess you just never know. My anxiety level was pretty high yesterday because although I'm really, really ready to not be pregnant anymore & want to hold & meet my baby, all I could think about was that I left dirty dishes in the sink, I have clothes to wash, my bag isn't packed, I don't know how to install the car seat, Friday is a big deadline day at work & I had several cases to finish,etc.

Shari, I also am getting a little freaked out at times thinking about having a baby here so soon. It's been something I've wanted for so long and wanted so badly, it's just weird to think its finally coming true.

This past week I am so tired all the time, it takes a great effort to do the smallest things. I can't believe it was just a month ago or so that I was still able to go hiking.
Anyway, I need to get to bed. Is anyone else having problems with their pets? My dog is really misbehaving this past week -she's barking all the time, acting needy, getting into stuff. I wonder if she senses something is up.
Take care,
Rebecca

[tinaO]

Hello all! Well, we took our baby class yesterday and it was actually very helpful - everything from bathing and diapering to some basic health & safety stuff. Most of it was common sense, but still good to listen to since it was only 3 hours. Unfortunately afterwards, we took my mom to lunch and the poor thing got sick at the table and my husband and I had to rush her to the bathroom where she proceeded to throw up everywhere. It was a nightmare since she is still in a cast and a wheelchair. We got them to box up our lunch and got her home and cleaned up, but I was so exhausted afterwards that I felt like I just couldn't move. My cramping was starting again and I just felt so tired. I was so worn out last night and all I could think of was - what if I went into labor tonight??? I would not have the energy for it - truly I wouldn't!

The heat is oppressive here today and one of our air conditioning units decided to not work (yep, the side where our bedroom is located). I guess the air conditioning company is only dealing with the emergency cases right now and since one of ours is working, we have to wait for Mon for them to come out here. I slept in a spare bedroom on the other side of the house and my husband slept on the couch since the bed I was in is much smaller than our normal one which is a king. I couldn't sleep well without him in there and he slept poorly on the couch. Uggghhhh. My back is killing me this morning!!

Ok, so sounds like we are all going through a bit of the same kinds of fears. Deep down we are ready for the babies, but wow - so much is going to change and there are always so many last minute things to worry about...not to mention, once we are home with them!!

Rebecca - Your post is very similar to what I am feeling. I know we need to wipe the slate clean of other things like work and dishes and all - but it is so hard. I just keep thinking if Noah gives us a few more weeks then I will be in much better shape with my mom, work, everything. Once my husband graduates, he can start working again and our finances will get much easier! We took out a home improvement loan to build this pool (which hopefully will be done in the next 3-4 weeks because it is chaos having these guys here every day when we have 3 dogs who we have to keep inside while they are here and then usher them in and out to go to the bathroom - what happens if Noah comes next week? Who takes care of the dogs while the crew is here???) and the monthly payment is not bad at all, but again we are living on my income and have been for over a year. I only get 2 weeks at 100% on my maternity leave and then after that, it goes to 60% of my salary. We cannot live off of that!! I have 4+ weeks of vacation, but I wanted to save some for the holidays so I could take some more time off to spend with Noah. Every time I try to put something in savings, we get hit with something else - like a $400 electric bill last month! It just sucks. But again, if Noah hangs in there until let's say at least Aug 14th - then my husband graduates, the pool should be done, my mom is out of her cast....and most importantly some of my big cases might have already sold...if they sell while I am out on mat leave, then I have to probably split commissions with someone WHICH REALLY SUCKS!!! Most business is written for January 1st dates and that means most of the big ones are sold between July-early October. The longer I hang in there, the better my chances. In my position, the commission you make during these busy months is the money you live off of throughout the year, since the rest of the year is much slower. So, that is why I stress so much about work right now. And how long will it take my husband to find a job? We just don't know. Everything feels so up in the air! If he can get a job a couple of weeks after Noah is born, only getting 60% of my base salary will be manageable. If he doesn't, then what? I want to take at least 8 weeks off. AAAHHHHH - this is the stuff that makes me crazy. SO much out of my control! Oh well - I am laughing now because you know what?? It is out of OUR control! So, we just need to relax and let it all run its course. We will be fine I am sure. Just seems so crazy right now. Oh - and my dogs have been fine so far. They are probably just so wigged out by all the commotion around here lately.

Baby2008 - I am hoping for a vaginal delivery, but again I am also only carrying one. I am not sure what to tell you. I would say that if you go the c-sec route, then every woman I know has said that it isn't bad at all. You don't have to go through all the strain of pushing (which with twins I guess would be pretty hard) and as long as you have some help afterwards, then you hopefully would heal quickly. But if they are both head down and in good positions, I would probably go for it vaginally. Sorry - I am not much help. I am sure it is a tough decision!

Karen - I wouldn't worry about a stretch mark at this point! I have some on my hips that I got when I was like 16 years old and I already have an ugly appendectomy scar from when I was around the same age. I went through a growth spurt (ha - not much of one since I never even made it to 5'3!!) and that is when they occured. I don't want any on my belly - but geez - I am carrying a baby! I agree with Shari - if it happens, well - I will wear them as a badge of mommyhood and remind Noah later what I went through for him! I am sure you still look great!

Shari - Hang in there!! You just have so much going on with the upcoming move that I am sure your emotions are running wild!! I cannot imagine moving in the middle of everything!! You are quite the trooper!!! How did the pediatrician appt go?? I think we are all feeling the craziness of the upcoming births of our babies!! I am going to make a list of all the crap I need to do still and what else I need to remember. I think maybe that will help me right now!! I like your comparison to starting high school!!

Seltzer - how is your son?? Thanks for your comments on my lack of scans, tests, etc. I am sure you are right - if all is good, then I guess they just don't do much. Besides - I have to keep reminding myself that I am also at least a week or so behind all of you. As my due date gets a little closer, maybe they will step up their game!!

Ok, I am going to tidy up around here, do some work, come up with my list, and maybe go look for a baby monitor later. My best to all of you!!!

Tina

[jennifer8055]

Hi,

I used to have pretty bad stretch marks and red scars around my belly region ever since I gave birth to my three kids.I had tried Vitamin E oil and cocoa butter which a number of people had recommended but unfortunately it didn't seem to work too well. My Doctor had even suggested that I go for a Tummy Tuck. I then recently read an article about a lady who supposedly got rid of her stretch marks using a particular cream. I tried it and it worked really well. It took a number of weeks but my stretch marks soon faded away. You can read the lady's article at the link below.

http://stretchmarkszapped.wordpress.com