Feb 2009 Moms to Be

[Dakota]

Hi all!!!

Children- I hope your hanging in there with your back aches!!

FTG- We have a sleep number bed as well and right now I must have extra firm so my number has been at 85!!! Anything less causes my back and hips to hurt. I did read that if you dont have a firm mattress while pregnant they suggest to put some plywood under your mattress to firm it up. Pregnant women need a firm mattress. I hope its working out well for you!!
Wow you are measuring ahead girl!! I was only ahead by a few cm. At my 22w visit I was at 24.

Neffi- Glad to hear Jackson is moving all over the place!! Way to go on managing your weight. Mine went out the window along time ago!! I just had FOUR waffles for breakfast!! I have days where I eat all in sight then others where I am not so hungry. Today is a very hungry day.

Angram- Your little girl sounds like mine. Boy she loves to move and shake. I tell Dh all the time if this is a sign of what she will be like when she is born we are in trouble!!
We havent done anything with her room yet either. My dad is just about done with the crib and he'll bring it down to us at Thanksgiving, so we'll be able to start on things after that.

Jude- Congrats on the confirmation for the B/G!! How much fun!!!!

Well nothing new here. Getting ready for my showers next weekend. We've already started getting stuff from people out of state. That is SO exciting!!! When we got our first gift in the mail you would have thought I won the lottery Little Gracie Lynn is always in there moving all over the place, but she still has some quite days, but not very many. I cant wait until after Thanksgiving, my showers will be over and I'll have all the furniture and I can start working on things. I am so excited!!!
I ahd a women ask me eysterday if I was having a boy because I was carrying so low. I get that alot!!

Hope everyone else is doing well and those babies are growing up a storm!!

[children]

jude,

No, I did not do any CMV or amnio for both of my pgs. For our second pg, I did ultrascreen which is noninvasive involving only blood work and 2D ultrasound at the end of first trimester and the sole reason that we chose to do so was to have one more look at our baby before 20 weeks!

Anyways, I am strongly against amnio since it gives 1/200 of miscarry rate. I was 44 at that time and my egg was 43, but my ob did not even think I had any reason to worry!

As far as I remember, none of us over 40 ladies did any invasive procedure like amnio.

So, in short, your baby is normal.

Dakota and all other preggos here, continue enjoy your pg! I am huge this time around and I don't know where to find extra skin for the ever expanding belly!

[Gennessa]

Hi Ladies - It has been some time since I have said hello. I read the posts everyday but I guess I just dont have much to say. Things with DH and I are going really well. The baby boys are thriving and growing and MOVING all over the place. To think I am 25 wks today. We have our tour of the L&D today and tomorrow is our first baby class. Its a three day thing so three thursday in a row we go and learn all the baby basics. I am good with children as I have tons in the family but DH is neverous and wants to take the class to learn about everything. Oh and then on Sat. we have the breastfeeding class..... Its a busy week MOnth for us. I to have my shower next weekend and I am looking forward to it.

We still have not decided on names yet it keeps chaning. We have Joshua James for one but the other I have Noah Arnold - Landon Arnold - Bradyn Arnold - and Cooper Arnold. AHHHHH I love them all hahahah I guess well have to just wait and see.

One question for you working ladies out there. When are you going on leave. I was thinking I would try to stay till about 32 wks and then take the time off. Right now I am fine BIG but I am fine. But I am ready to stop as I am just tired alot its hard waking up taking the bus to work and stuff. OK speaking of wokr I better get back.

Gennessa

[Dakota]

Jude, I did forget to answer your question. We did not do any 1st tri screaning, I did do the 2nd tri blood work. I didnt want to do any amnio or Cvs. it scares me!!

Genn- Glad to hear all is well with your boys. I like all your boy names, how in the world are you going to choose??? I havent decided about work yet. I would like to work up to as long as I can since I am not coming back. I'll have 3 weeks vacation I can use, but still have not decided. I guess it all depends on how I feel. Right now I am suffering from swelling. My hands are swollen that it hurts to 10 key (I am an accountant, so not good!!).

Anyone's ribs starting to get sore?

[Neffi211]

Hello ladies...

How is everyone doing? I can't believe how fast the weeks are going by! Thanksgiving is in 3 weeks! And then it will be January before we know it! DH and I are trying to get everything done before Thanksgiving. We are painting the nursery this weekend. We are doing 3 beige walls and one blue wall. We do not have a theme, but I am leaning towards things that are blue and brown. The bedding that I got for a steal online for $59 is brown and blue also. My grandparents gave me a blue glider that is practially new! So that saved us a couple hundred dollars!
Jackson had been less jumpy this week....I still feel him all the time, but the gymnastics in my belly have decreased. And the normal schedule has changed....I used to always feel him mostly in the evening now its all day long and he's more quiet at night! So I thought I knew, but everything has changed. My belly is really growing and I sometimes feel like when people ask when I am due and I say Feb they are like wow you still have a while to go! I have gained about 8 lbs, but it is ALL belly!
I found out that my work shower is Nov.22nd so that is exciting. I dont think my big shower is until January 4th. It will be nice to get some stuff early. Hope everyone is doing well.
Oh TMI question.....anyone having hemroids???? Or a foul smell down there????

[AdsGirl]

Greetings!

Neffi - Glad everything is going well for you! Only 5 pounds? WOW! I am 21.5 weeks, and I have gained about ten pounds. I had lost about 15 from January - June, so seeing the scale climb back up has been frustrating...I just figure, if I hadn't lost that weight, I would be in way worse shape after the baby comes. Like you, I'm shooting to stay under 25. Also - in regards to the GPS - I highly recommend the Garmin.

Jude - A girl and boy?? That's fantastic! Congratulations! I don't know much about any of the testing, as we opted not to do any other than the anatomy scan...sounds like you've found some reassuring info about the heart spot, though...praying for you and the babe!

I have been feeling the baby move quite a bit - DH can't wait til he can feel it himself...he is so excited. I love it when he leans over and talks to my belly! I spent the weekend with my mom in Minnesota, and we did some shopping. Got some great new maternity clothes, and my mom picked up some baby clothes while I tried on my stuff. I also picked up some things from my brother and SIL. They gave us a swing, some toys, some books, a small pack-and-play, a Babybjorn carrier and a few other things. We're also getting a crib from them (once they get their two-year-old out of it...hopefully soon!!), and she said she has two rubbermaids full of infant girl clothes.

I also spent some time at a natural baby store in St. Paul that I have been to before but not since being prego. I got a lot of my questions about cloth diapers answered, which was really helpful. DH and I are going to a cloth-diapering class in Madison this weekend - it will be great for him, cause he hasn't been in on any of my research (he's bored when I try to tell him about it), and I want us to agree on whatever we decide. We also signed up for our Childbirth prep class and Bringing Home Baby classes. AND I started a prenatal exercise class (it's going on right now, actually, but I have been home sick for two days...).

One thing I wanted to share with you guys - I found this great podcast that I highly recommend. It is called pregtastic...you can listen to it online, or you can download it to your ipod on itunes. There are many different topics, and they all last about 45-75 minutes. Some of the topics that I've listened to and really liked so far were about cloth diapers, and pets/baby. There are like 100 of them or some ridiculous number, and since I spend a lot of time in the car, I've really enjoyed it. There are some other podcasts that I've found, too, but this one is the best, in my opinion...

Dakota - you've got showers happening already? Wow! I can't wait to hear about your haul!

My OB has not measured my belly at all - in fact, all she does when I'm there is listen to the heartbeat and ask me if everything's ok. Should I be expecting more? I know I'm doing the gestational diabetes test next time...Any thoughts?

Talk to you soon...

[Dakota]

Oh, I wish I could say what you ladies are about weight. I have gained SO much!!! Its horrible!!

Neffi- Thats great taht you are painting this weekend and getting everything together. I am in the same vote. Gracie has been changing her habbits a little lately. My Dr said they wont have their "routine" until about 27-28 weeks.
I have not had any of the issues you have described. I have actually been going to the bathroom 3 days a day without any issues. I thought I would be getting hemroids regardless because she sits so low and likes to kick my butt, but so far so good. Sorry to hear your getting them so early.

Adsgirl- Wow, you are getting lots of stuff. Thats great!! Dh wants to cloth diaper until solids, but we havent decided yet.
I didnt get "measured" until my 22 weeks apt. Before then they go by your belly button rule. By 20 weeks your fundus is at the bottom of your belly button and at 22 weeks its at the top of your belly button. They did "feel" for it before 22w, but she never measured it. They they feel your belly at all? When I was 18 weeks, as soon as I laid down on the table the Dr said you can just see where mine sits, she didnt have to feel.
I ahve my GD test at 26 weeks. I know I am going to fail with having PCOS, not looking forward to the 3 hour test afterwards.

Hope all is well with everyone!!

[ftg]

Hello all-
I've gained 20 lbs (belly at 24 wks measuring 27=all in front), and am well on my way to the 30-35lbs expected when all is said and done. To know I have 14 wks if even to go is phenomenal because I thought this would take an eternity. It has gone fast! My stretches each week are REALLY big, and my whole abdomen hurts vs just a muscle or 2. I'm attaching our link again if anyone wants to look at the progression. We will only take about 3 more pics of me until he arrives, a before & after on the nursery, attach pics of my baby shower, etc:
http://picasaweb.google.com/shaunco/Pre ... 4mx1d8R7Uc#

We pick up our crib Sunday and will put it all together. Finally the nursery will start to take shape!

Dakota-we got our sleepnumber because I had bruises on my hips from our mattress being too firm, and we tried everything to soften it up. I sleep at 35, which has been perfect! I am also now seeing a chiropractor, and it has begun to help my mal-aligned pelvis. Have a great time at your shower. Mine is 12/7.

Genessa-so glad to hear your boys are movin' and a shakin'. I'll bet this is just the beginning! As each week goes by since about 19 wks the boy gets bigger, so the pushes, rolls and kicks have gotten stronger! I do know a woman who has a 15 mo old boy, and she actually had bruised ribs from his movements!

Adsgirl & Neffi-you have made great progress so keep us informed how it all goes. Adsgirl congrats on your girl! My problem was nosebleeds vs vericose veins or hemorroids. My OB said I was lucky I'm originally from MN too, and am happy to hear St. Paul has some nice baby stores.

Jude-congrats on the girl and boy! What a treat to have one of each! My writing class is literally entitled "writing for people with real lives" meaning you have to write in and out of your day job, profession, kids, etc. It teaches a lot of writing excercises, and I needed some structure for the basics since its been so long since I had any literary classes. I am writing a memoir.

children-so happy to hear how you are progressing, and that all is healthy and happy.

Keep up the great work ladies, and have a wonderful weekend!

[ftg]

I also take the blood glucose test next week. A lovely punch looking drink in a plastic bottle was given to me during my last visit. Yay...

[jude7702]

ftg, I just had to say I love the pics you put up!!!
That's awesome! Your bump is very neat and nice all in the front - definitely preggers now!!! Can't wait to see more pics! It's great to be able to put a face to the name! Are you planning on publishing the memoir or is it more for you and your family?

Adsgirl - holy smoke girl, you've been busy! Sounds like you are well on the way to being organised Each OB visit they do my BP, weight, iron and urine test, and then a mega quick scan to look for the heartbeat - Do they check ur BP and urine and iron too - I think they should be.
We have our gestational diabetes test next time too. You need to put up a ticker - are we the same number of days through? I will be 22 weeks on Wednesday. Thanks for the good thoughts for the bub.

Neffi - good luck with the nursery painting. I bet you will be spending a lot of time looking and dreaming in there once it's done! Er, as for the TMI, I have got a haemorrhoid, but it doesn't hurt at all, I pretty sure that's what it is though with some occasional bleeding and stuff - no stinky stuff though.....I read that if they hurt you can get pad shaped ice packs that are meant to really help.

Genn - wow, you are busy too! It's so exciting that all this is happening now with classes and showersl I hope you get a lot of great stuff for ur babies. I love all the names you have picked - I keep looking too, even though I thought we had it finalised....
I am hoping to keep working to 32 weeks also, and then take off if I can. We have good short term disability, and by then I don't honestly know if I could still work as it's a lot of driving - I"m a home health PT. What do you do?

Children thanks again. Very reassuring. I am now back to feeling pretty darn good about the whole thing, and will just take life as it comes.

Dakota - so this weekend is your shower then? Can't wait to hear what you get!! No sore ribs yet, but my back is definitely starting to get sore - especially driving. I have some killer heartburn though - anyone else?

The most exciting thing, I finally felt the babies kicking from the outside!!!! Now it seems like every day I can and it's awesome. I had DH feel it too the other day when one was kicking a whole lot - of course when he put his hand to feel the bub stopped kicking! Just before he took it off though, it kicked again and he felt it too! Soooo cool.

take care all and Grow Babies Grow!

[angram]

Hi ladies - well we finally registered today, wow that's a bit overwhelming. DH was great, but afterwards told me he's really trying to not let it freak him out but it did a bit. I went last weekend to scope things out, that way I was a little more prepared for today with him. We got all the basics, but I have to say the clothing part seemed to be the hardest for me. Anyhoo, still no progress on the baby room, but I think I'll start next week while DH is traveling. Other than that I'm feeling great. Lower back has been pretty sore this week and heartburn, but other than that all is well. I see the OB on tuesday, so guess I'll have to weigh again. I had gained 16lbs on my 20 week checkup, so I'm hoping it's not too much more right now. She said I'm on track, but damn I feel fat Our little girl is on the move all the time, still day and night. You can see the kicks when she kicks up high, but no alien looking stuff quite yet.

Jude - I'm so excited to hear you and DH can both feel the kicks, it's so amazing. Same thing for me, DH will put his hand on my belly and she decides it's time to take a nap

ftg - I love seeing your pics, keep them coming. We purchased a domain, but I haven't started puting together a page, guess I should get on that ASAP. You look absolutely wonderful!! I think I do my glucose test at my next appt, maybe the 26 week.

Dakota - I'm there with ya on the weight, but figure I'm just going to do the best I can and enjoy this pregnancy as much as I possibly can, this may be the only one. I'm sure you look great, so don't fret it.

AdsGirl - I'm shooting to stay under 35, but I think 25 is out of the question Awesome you're getting a bunch of stuff, that sounds like so much fun. Thanks for the podcast info, I'll have to check it out. I'm not sure what the routine should be, but my OB has been measuring my belly since my first visit. I was measuring 5 weeks ahead at my last appointment, so we'll see how things go on Tuesday.

Neffi - Time has been flying, hasn't it! I still can't decide on the whole painting the room bit, may just keep the beige walls and decorate all around. Sweet deal on your bedding, that's awesome! I love the name Jackson!!

Gennessa - I can't imagine how much movement there would be with 2, my little one is in constant karate training I can't wait to tour the L&D tour, how did yours go? We don't have ours until January, which will also be our birthing class. How'd your shower go, get lots of good stuff?

Hope everyone else is doing great, have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

[ftg]

Jude & angram - thanks for your support! I do feel like a full blown house now vs a small condo, but know I would not have it any other way either and its all worth it. We'll see how big he gets!

I would love to publish my memoir, however if its just for my family I will just be happy I took the time to write it

DH and I are having a nice dinner out just the two of us this Friday for "date night." Does anyone else try to do this once in a while? We know that our "quiet" eves will be on hold starting 3 mos from now, and we really enjoy our time together!

[ftg]

Dakota - anxious to hear how your shower went!

[Gennessa]

Good morning to all -

Well what can I fill you all in on. So Dh and I had our first baby basic class last week. It was fun we learned how to bathe the babies and changing and all that good stuff. Some of it was a bit much like the new thing is no lotion or soap for the first month. So you are supposed to to warm water baths and only use shampoo on the hair if they have any. And no lotion or creams at all. ????? I dont know about that. And thye said not to use wipes on the tushies either that you should most or dry cotton wipes but not wipes. DH and I think we might not do that as poopie's happen and I think they need to have a clean tush. BUT all in all is was great. Then over the weeekend we have our breast feeding class which was very cool. The nurse was wonderful and gave me so many resources and ideas for twins. My goal is to breast feed the boys so I am going try first and if then need more then well go to the bottel but I want to try.

Now this weekend is my family baby shower. I had one already up north for DH"s family up there and now this one is for all the so-cal folks. there will be about 52 people. I am bit nervous though and I hope I dont sound greedy but I have been looking on my registery and no one has really bought off if it. I mean some of the stuff I kinda need and no one has gotten it. I hope I dont just get a bunch of clothes.

OK enough about me. It seems that after reading the post everyone is doing great. FTG - your dinner dates sound nice. DH and I try to find time together to. Doesnt always work but thats ok.
angram - take your time on the nursery it will all come together in the end.
For everyone else I cant wait to hear more. Oh did I tell you that the c-section date is Jan 28th.

G

[crogers]

Gennessa how did you get your c-section scheduled already? I am going to try and have a vaginal delivery but will do what is best for the babies. Does one your boys move more than the other? My little boy moves so much more than my little girl. He is on the right and she on the left. Just wandering.

I love reading all the post and knowing how everyone is doing. I don't have much to say and so I just end up reading. I do have my first baby shower this weekend. DH and I are so excited and I can't wait to see what all we got from our registry. Wish everyone the best.