AUGUST 2008 ~ BUMP BUDDIES

[sharishu]

Hi ladies,
I know I sounded like I wanted to just screw it all in my last post, but I do in fact agree with keeping check on my bp. My regular ob agreed with me that checking bp every day is excessive. I will have it checked once a week until I go into labor, though. I know some people have the cuff at home, but I don't (nor does my ob) see it as necessary for me since it hasn't been very high, just borderline, and sometimes normal. Actually, none of the doctors I've seen were overly concerned about it, until this jerk started in with his doom and gloom. Rebecca- thanks for the pre-eclampsia 'warning signal' tips. No headaches to report for now, and only minor swelling. Seltzer- yes, the labored breathing comment IS ridiculous. My ob last night looked at that doc's comments, and told me to forGET about all that nonsense, and just to call if I don't feel well, or if there are any changes to report. He calmed me down sooo much, which is THE most important thing for me now- remaining calm. He even reassured me that my 'big baby' is NOT off the charts, just on the high end of normal. The first time a doctor was reassuring about the weight! He did say that if the baby goes above 4500 grams, he would recommend a c-section. At last measurement, he was 3500 grams (about 7.2 pounds). I asked if I could see only him until the end of the pregnancy, and just go once a week for NST/BP/dietitian. He said absolutely, and I was relieved. No more big-bad-wolf-high-risk doctors for me!

Tina- glad to see you are feeling much better .
Seltzer- my mom told me about the thunderstorms they've also been experiencing in NY. Over here it's just hot hot hot with no relief in sight (it doesn't rain here from May until about November). Sorry about your burn-hope it feels better soon!

Hope everyone is well. Have a great weekend.
Shari

[tryw8]

Hi All,

Just got back from doing the bi-weekly NST and OB/GYN appointments. No movement today from baby. Again, he/she had the hiccups the entire session. Must have been sleeping. The RN had to wake him/her up with a vibrator placed against my tummy. No contractions @ today's appointment.

My OB/GYN had felt where the head was and then he gave me news that my husband will enjoy hearing. He told me to walk around like crazy and have as much sex as we want!

Dr. is hoping that I deliver next week!

When I was driving home from my appointment, I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I started to cry. "Oh, my goodness ... I'm going to be a mommy!"

My next appointment is on Monday. Have a great weekend.

Karen

[seltzer]

OK, I am officially freaking out. This panic set in last night and today. I am just scared to death. I cannot shake it. I am worried about EVERYTHING. I guess I am most worried about my son's care while I am having the baby. We are having his former nanny take him when I go into labor and then DP's mother is driving out to get him and take care of him (she lives about 1 hr away). I am so worried he won't be safe or he'll be scared or something. He has been having a hard time lately with his transition from his nanny to daycare...the kid has been a wreck. Aside from this I am so worried that something will not go right, whether it's forgetting something I need to bring with me to the hospital (cord blood kit is a good example) or the baby gets stuck coming out or worse. Is anyone else really scared about all this? Never mind the anxiety I feel about bringing the baby home...I won't even go there now. And never mind the anxiety I feel about the delivery itself...will I tear? Will something bad happen? Etc. I know I am a wreck, but I really just need to vent to all of you who understand. This is all becoming SO real. Any thoughts from anyone welcome...

[tinaO]

Seltzer - Everything you are feeling is so natural!!! I mean, this is a huge step and I think we are all feeling a mixture of emotions. To be honest, I am not too worried about the delivery, but part of my problem is that I think I am still not believing he is coming soon. It just doesn't seem reall! I keep waiting for it to really set in and it doesn't....which worries me a little! At dinner last night with our friends, we were talking about what it will be like when he arrives and I still can't fathom it! I don't know. Maybe because I am still going so strong at work and with everything else that I have not let it set in! And then that worries me!! I am not that worried about labor -think about it this way. Women give birth all the time. I am sure we will be fine! I do worry that he is going to tear me which does freak me out some. I worry that it will be much more painful than I think and I worry how tired I am now that the delivery will be really tough. But women do it all the time! My friends have all done it. Surely I can! So, surely you can, too! I mean, we will be fine!

Do I worry about bringing him home? Hell yeah! What if he screams all the time? What if I don't know what I am doing? What if I start to go crazy from lack of sleep? What if the breastfeeding doesn't go well - will I feel like an idiot and a failure?? But then again - my friends have all done it - we will figure it out! Did your DP feel the same way before she delivered? Have you discussed your fears with her? As for your son, don't forget how resilient kids are - we worry way more about them I am sure than they are truly ever worried about anything! I am sure your son will be ok. But it is so natural to worry about him and that is what will make you a great mom!!

Ha - and worrying about forgetting stuff to take to the hospital??? I think about that all the time. But what the heck are we really going to forget that we truly need??? I mean, really??? I laugh when I think about how that concerns me. Is there really something we can't do without? What - shampoo? Hospital will have some. If not, gift shop does. Blanket for the baby? I am sure hospital can spare one. Nightgown? Again, we can just wear the one from the hospital. Pillows from home? Again, hospital has plenty. I mean, I check my bag all the time like some freak show. What am I so worried I am forgetting?? I did put a list on top of the bags that has the few items not packed that must be thrown in last minute. That helped relax me. Maybe you could do that?

Yes, these wonderful miracles are going to change our lives - boy, are they ever!! But we will be blessed in ways we can't even comprehend right now. And we have each other to talk to and friends and our partners. We will be fine! But yes....you are clearly not the only one worrying!!!

Karen - sounds like your delivery is also right around the corner - how exciting!!!

Shari - how are you hanging in there???
Rebecca - what about you???
Marybeth - Can't wait to see pics of the boys!!

Take care all.

[tryw8]

Tina:

You're too funny! I was reading your entry about packing the hospital bag. I began to think about my own. (Hey, I didn't know that I'll still be wearing maternity clothes after I deliver.) My DH had packed one for himself even though I'm probably going to tell him to go home for the night to get some rest. He may not get any sleep at the hospital.) He packed "snacks" in his bag.

I'm going to look at my things and see what else I need while I'm still of sound mind.

Karen

P.S. - Mental note: DH has to drive me to my subsequent Dr.'s appointments. I'm having a difficult time reversing especially into a stall. Baby belly gets in the way of the steering wheel and I can't turn it.

[sharishu]

Seltzer,
I really do know how you are feeling. I had my panic moment last Saturday. Everything just HIT me, and I had a brain attack of all the unknowns. I finally decided not to put too much pressure on myself to be perfect, since I am 100% sure that I won't be perfect no matter what anyway! As far as the delivery, I think that thinking about the pain is actually worse than going through it. When you are going through it, you'll have all this adrenaline pumping through you giving you energy to rise to the occasion, and you'll be in the zone. I am so NOT in the zone now, so it's hard to fathom what it will be like, but it will be fine. All the fears will pass, and it is COMPLETELY normal, as Tina said. I think it's good that you are having your panic moment now, sort of go through the feelings, and then tuck them away in the back burner of your mind. Your son will be fine. Think about it- all older siblings need to have someone babysit while the new baby is being born. He will be great. I remember when my sister gave birth to her second, we gave big sister a 'present' to give to the new baby to make her feel a part of the whole event. Not sure if it was really necessary, but you mentioned about his going through a rough adjustment time, so maybe that would help. Feel better, and we are always here to support eachother!

Tina,
You are so right about the hospital packing! Worse comes to worse, if I am there for a few more days than expected (e.g., because of c-section) my husband can always run home or to a store to pick up whatever I need or forgot. And there is a big baby store right in the hospital. It's like when I got married. I took much more stuff to the hall than I needed, and the whole shebang was over in a blur! Okay, maybe not exactly the same thing, but you get my point. As far as my 'hanging in'- I am doing just that. Sometimes I feel bad for my dh, because I have become really whiny with all my aches and pains. It's draining! But we got out tonight so I'm feeling a bit better. How are you feeling? It becomes a little wearing at this point, so just a bit longer is what I keep telling myself. Hope you are feeling well.

Rebecca,
How are you? Feeling any better than last time?

Marybeth,
In case you are checking in, just want to say that I hope you and your boys are doing great! Congrats to dh as well!

Have a great week!
Shari

[tinaO]

Hello! All is good here. I love the weekends. I can catch up on stuff around here and relax some. We have had a busy few days with friends in town. My roommate from graduate school is moving back to Texas - they have been living in Wisconsin for like the last 5+ years. I am so excited. She has a son about 6 months older than Noah will be and a daughter who is almost 3 years old. They are moving pretty close to us and have been down here the last few days trying to find a house. It will be wonderful to have her back in my life again in this way and esp since they have such young kids, too. Anyway, we had dinner with them the other night while they are here this weekend. Another good guy friend of mine is in town (he and I have been friends for 20 years) and so my other friend and I met him for drinks and lunch (although of course I can't drink - I had a yummy virgin daquiri!!) and then my husband came to meet us after he went to a little class on installing the baby seat - Noah officially has his seat installed now! They came back over to the house and we showed them Noah's room and we all laughed about how amazing it is that my husband and I will have a baby soon. I was pretty crazy back in my day and they just find it so funny that I am so preggo now and almost having a baby. It was such a great day. Of course, now I am tired and will probably rest a lot tonight. Right now, I just feel happy and blessed. It is funny how my mood swings so much some days. I am sure you can all relate!!

Well, we are all definitely feeling the crazy anticipation of our babies coming soon, huh?? I looked around Noah's room and I am definitely ready. That kid has everything! I am going to try not to stress about it all as truly what else can this kid need? Oh - a monitor! We don't have that yet - keep hoping someone will buy it for us! Other than that, we are surely good to go.

Karen - Love the comment about the belly getting in the way of the steering wheel! My friend was laughing his butt off when I went to get up from the booth we were sitting in today to go to the bathroom. First of all, I was all the way in the middle of the booth, so I had a long way to scoot. I am sure the look on my face based on the effort it took had to have been hilarious. Then my girl friend was laughing as I told her about the stretch mark on my butt. She has had two kids so feels no sympathy and started cracking up saying, "Honey, you didn't think you would have that sweet little a-- of your forever, did you???" I cracked up. Pregnancy surely does things to your body that are unfathomable until you go through it!!

Shari - You are right about the hospital bag and the fact that the husbands or partners can run home if we need them to! I don't know why the flippin hospital bag has caused me so much undue stress. I am a freak show, I am telling ya!!

Selzer - where the heck are ya? Not in labor, are ya? Do tell!

Ok, later all! Have a great day or evening depending on where you are!!

[seltzer]

Hi ladies,

Nope, not in labor yet, unfortunately! I just got a chance to sit and read through your posts. I have ZERO new symptoms, just more of the same agony, frankly. You guys are so sweet and so supportive. Thank you both of you, Tina and Shari, for all your understanding and empathic words. I think/hope I am riding out my freakout and coming down on the other side of it. Today I went crazy doing things around the house (not one shred of dirty laundry here) while DP took DS to her parents' house on Cape Cod for a giant cookout. I was so not up for that. When they got home DP set up the co-sleeper in the bedroom, and after DS went to bed we spent forever outside installing the car seat bases in our cars (which necessitated us reinstalling DS's carseat as well since it was in the middle of the backseat in both cars - total PITA). I now have several lovely mosquito bites to show for this. I ate some chicken for dinner and I am paying for it dearly now. Ugh. Gonna be a long night. How are you all doing with eating? Can you eat hardly anything? Sometimes if I even have something little to drink I become very uncomfortable. Tina, you TOTALLY made me laugh about being a "freak show" about your hospital bag. LMAO. I have posted my typed-up lists around the house: one is in our walk-in closet for packing, one is in the living room for odds and ends we have left to do, and one is in the kitchen for DP's mother regarding DS's routine while we're in the hospital. So many details!!

I would love to write more, but I am just beat. I will definitely check in tomorrow. Goodnight. Everyone hang in there.

[seltzer]

I forgot to mention one thing:

Today at the cookout at DP's parents' house, DP's father (aka my FIL - I am getting good w/these acronyms!) attempted to give DS (who, I will reiterate, is 19-months-old) a SIP OF BEER. WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?!?!?!?!? OMG, I am just blown away. Of course DP stopped him and subsequently ripped him a new one, LOL. Some people are simply NUTS.

[seltzer]

Hi everyone,

Where are you all? Anyone gone into labor? I am thinking maybe Rebecca has. If so, hope things are going well!

Things on this end are maddeningly the SAME. We went to a cookout today and it was so hot and humid. It was nice to get out, though, and just sit there and talk to people. Then we got thunderstorms (again) and headed home. Otherwise I've been doing more of the same: pacing, laundry, obsessing, worrying, you name it. AGH this birth cannot come soon enough. I have been noticing a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions, which are a lot stronger than they have been to this point. Hope this means something!

I am thinking of everyone...hope you all are hanging in there.

[tinaO]

Hello - still hanging in there down in old Texas. It is hot and my good days ran out today after I got the bright idea to get out and run some errands, which included trucking around Target for probably at least an hour. Big mistake! The back pain kicked in and I regretted spending so much time there. Oh well! I still have work to do tonight, so just wanted to touch base and say "hey" to everyone! I go to the doc tomorrow - am anxious to see what they are going to say/do.

Seltzer - at least the contractions are starting...think you will go into labor this week?? I do!! Our storms down here have ended and it is just plain hot and sunny.

Ok, where is everyone??? I just know I will be the last one to go into labor. Noah is going to drag this out until the bitter end!

[sharishu]

Hi,
I'm still hanging in, too. I had a bit of a rough night last night. I felt fine, but my blood sugar after dinner was high; I thought it might turn out that way, since I ate a store-bought sandwich which contained more than my share of carbs. Just some extra whole wheat bread, and my BS went to town! It got me down, since my levels have been so good so far. Then I looked around my chaotic pre-move, box-ridden apartment, and I got down in the dumps like crazy. Then at 11pm I checked my urine results online, and saw that protein was found in my urine . I was really nervous then, and I woke up my husband in my panic, crying my eyeballs out. My bp yesterday was borderline at first, and then totally normal on a second testing, but I kept thinking preeclampsia. DH managed to calm me down and I fell asleep exhausted at about 1am. I actually slept really well after that. Spoke to my doc this morning, and he said he is not worried about the amount of protein that was found. I am relieved, although I don't know how many more of these little 'surprises' I can take. I suppose I just need to take it one day at a time.

Tina,
Sorry about your continuing back pain! I hope you are feeling better today. Good luck at your ob appt. BTW, I actually also feel that my little guy is gonna take his sweet time. No contractions yet here. I am just concerned to go much longer, since protein was found in my urine, and I panic now each time they measure my bp. I just want to give birth to a healthy baby and not worry anymore. (sigh).

Seltzer,
The fact that the contractions are getting stronger is promising! I know you want to go already, so I hope it happens soon for you. I haven't had any contractions yet. I just get 'hard belly' which I've been getting for a while now, but it's not a contraction and then release. Also, they never found any contractions on my NST's. BTW, tell your DP that her comment on how giving birth is like popping the biggest zit of your life, is one of the only things keeping me going at this point. I cannot WAIT to feel that sense of relief. Sheeeeeeesh! Hope you are well.

Karen,
I can also relate to the steering wheel-belly conflict. I am trying not to drive too much at this point. It's getting uncomfortable.

Rebecca,
??? Don't want to jump to conclusions again, but where the heck are ya ? Hope you are feeling well today.

Have a great day, ladies!
Shari

[tryw8]

Hi,

I'm just getting ready for my appointments today, NST and OB/GYN. Thought I'd let you know that my DH and I did the maternity tour yesterday afternoon. Well, it was very informative. My DH is all ready but I'm a bit hesitant.

It's the unknown of when it is time.

The labor and delivery room is so huge! It was so funny. My DH had to ask the tour guide if he could also take a shower in the room. It has 8 massaging jets coming out of the shower stall wall. Hmmm ... That sounds really nice.

We were both touched with emotions when we saw the nursery.

The triage room is tiny and the post recovery room is smaller than the labor and delivery. It's nice to know that the labor and delivery room is sound-proof unless one is standing by the door.

Karen

[tinaO]

Hello all! Went to my appt today and was emotionally a mess. Work has me so stressed out and I ended up crying out of frustration this morning because I had not slept well and ended up starting work early today at 6 a.m. even though I had worked extensively all weekend. My boss was pissy because I had not filled out my mid-year self-review yet - who the hell cares??? My husband got pissed at me because I was stressed out after getting off the phone with my boss and then that just made it worse. I get the fact that I should not be stressing right now about work but easier said than done when I am the bread winner for the family right now, you know? Anyway, we saw the Nurse Practitioner instead of my doc and I LOVED HER! I have always gone to male docs and now I see the benefit of going to someone who actually knows what it is like to be 9 mos pregnant and give birth! She was so sweet an understanding. She did my Strep test and did a quick exam. Like I figured - Noah ain't going anywhere any time soon! I am about one finger dialated and 50% effaced, but she agrees that it doesn't look like I will be delivering early. He is head down and in position, but she definitely said I will for sure be another couple of weeks. He has not dropped at all. I feel like I have been blessed with a pretty textbook pregnancy so far, so I expect I will deliver close to my due date. Hopefully me strep test comes out ok! Of course, the exam caused a lot of pain afterwards and I had some contractions - uuuggghhh - painful! But all has subsided now and I feel better. Lord have mercy upon me - Labor is going to kick my a--!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am guessing Rebecca had her baby!!!

[tryw8]

Well, I just got back from my appointment. My OB/GYN noticed that I still have my nasty cold with me. I finished up the Duricef 500mg yesterday. Lo and behold, he told me that I need to get rid of it before I go into labor. He gave me yet another Rx another antibiotic.

Rx: AUGMENTIN 875 mg
Disp: 14 tablets
Sig: 1 tab BID for 7 days.

At the NST, I had two contractions. Amniotic fluid was @ 13%.

My OB/GYN said that I've dilated 2-3 cm. Oh, boy!

Karen