Winter Cycle Friends 2009/2010 - Everyone Welcome!

[gi]

Hey girls,

steph hope those bh are at bay and you dont need to go on bed rest, any sign of the dresser??

Hazel wow still golfing 18 holes at 36 wks i am tired just thinking about it!!! If i am walking around for more than an hour i get very tired heavy and sore and i am 10 wks behind you!!! It must be a relief to know that if your little one comes early they are still a very healthy weight.

Babyluv sorry to hear you are on modified bedrest but those little ones need to stay cooking for a bit longer!!!! Happy 30th Birthday though i am sure this time last yr you never in your wildest dreams would have thought you would be pg with twins, been waited on hand and foot by mom and dh on your birthday

Katie there is such a range for babies weights and 2 lbs was def. just a guess, my pg book says at 26 wk baby should weigh about 2 lbs and my little on weighed 1 lb at 21 wks i suppose only an u/s can only tell the weight, its great to hear you are having a "boring" pregnancy, i hope they give you an u/s next time as it is a long time to wait!

bei sorry to hear about the loss of one of the triplets i did wonder why your ticker had 2 babies on it. I hope the rest of your pregnancy is uneventful and the m/s eases off.

Claud it is overwhelming looking at all the baby stuff!! I have a lot of things got but they are mostly still in boxes cause honestly i still cant believe we are having a baby, i still tear up when she kicks as its like wow theres a baby in there!!!

AFM yippee my furnitur did arrive yesterday but will be in boxes for about 3 wks, my mam is painting most of our house, bless her, so when thats done we will put it together. We were given some good advice yesterday about how to introduce our 2 dogs to the baby, jason will take home the babys 1st clothes she has worn - bodysuit and babygrow and let the dogs sleep with them to get Kaylas scent, in Ire. a 1st time mum is usually in hosp for about 2-3 days so hopefully they will recogise her scent when she comes home. Oh has anyones belly button popped yet, i really thought mine wouldnt but in the last wk its starting to protrude and i think by next wk it will pop, yuk sounds awful glad i took my ring out now!!!!! Did i tell ye jason was so cute last wk he was practising pushing the buggy around the house and then reality hits him and he's like "oh god we are having a baby"!

[katie99]

Hi everyone -

Steph - Good luck at your Peri appt. I'm crossed for no bed rest for you, I know it would just drive you batty. I cant wait to hear how big those little babies are - you must be getting so excited by now. Yeah, I pretty much assumed all I'd get were generic answers from the OB, dont get me wrong, i'm happy to be considered a uneventful pg, but I'd like a little more info please, you know? I also disagree with Savannah only being 2 lbs - I see those pregnology tickers on other sites and anyone who is say 30 weeks, the ticker says about 3 lbs, ugh is it time for my u/s yet? lol. Grrr, who would buy their little girl hootchie shorts for school? Thats got to be super frustrating to have to send out a search paarty just to go back to school shopping. I see what I'll be in for someday - sigh. Ha ha I know what you mean, about southerners not being able to drive in the snow, when i lived in GA it did snow one year and thats rare there and people were freaking about driving, sliding all over and i was wondering why it didnt occur to them to just slow down a bit? i watched total idiots try to drive normal during an ice storm in Alanta once and couldnt believe how they thought they wouldnt wipe out - too funny. But I think this is also the same mentality that still go 75 in torrential rain, so like you've said - shock collars please. xoxo

Lou - how are you holding up during the most annoying - the dreaded 2ww? Hopefully you've just been keeping busy to help it pass faster. its not too much longer, you can do this! - xoxo

Babyluv - - Whew! i'm so glad that your mom (aka Wonder Woman!) has come to stay and keep the kids busy! And hooray for having less BH too. Oooh, i'm a little jealous of your prenantal massage - enjoy it honey - xoxo

Hazel - OMG woman, you were able to play 18 holes of golf at 36 weeks??? You're my hero. I wont even attempt to excersise Gracie unless I'm feeling really good that day and here you are out playing golf? I must say thats pretty darn impressive. Umm, yeah that one time ( thankfully) organ kick was so far the strangest feeling i've had, but it was in a creepy sort of way, so i hope it doesnt happen again actually. And I 'm right with you on one day thinking "are we done yet"? and the next thinking "eek, I'm so not ready yet" ah, I suppose thats just part of it also. The nursery is all put together, just not decorated- I hope to get Chris to help me with it this weekend, but I have a bunch of things on the chore list too, so we'll see. How about yours? Are you in there all the time too? How are Flynn & Joya? are they trying to hang out in the nursery like Gracie is? Every day I find dog toys in there, and drool too of course - lol - xoxo

Gi - Yay for having your furniture delivered! And a bigger yay for your Mam painting the house! You owe her big for that amount of work! Thats a lot to take on, dont mind me I'm still traumitized from doing all the painting here last month! hee hee. Good thinking about introducing the dog's to Kayla's scent! Here I'm pretty sure as long as theres no complications, they'll send me home in 24 hrs - which doesnt sound like enough at all! i guess we'll have to bring a blanket to the hospital to wrap her in to get her scent, since I cant imagine the hospital agreeing to why we would need to borrow Savannah's clothes! oh, well for my dog , of course! Umm yeah i dont see that going over very well. Aw jason sounds adorable pushing the buggy around the house practicing! - xoxo

AFM - I finally had a little more energy today and I had to waste it on house cleaning, oh well. It does seem like I'm rationing what little bursts of energy I get these days. And oh, even more fun that that - in addition to waking up sooo many times during the night, now I have another thing to keep me up, never mind the not being able to get comfy, or the having to pee every 2 hrs, last night I was woken up by a killer cramp in my foot/ lower leg -
wheee! who needs to sleep anyway, right?

hugs & prayers to us all - xoxoxo

[katie99]

Lou - Aw crap! Sorry honey I forgot to answer your question from the other day
All I felt was slight twinges occasionally and some awful cramps all day long on 6dp5dt - so 11DPO but they were so strong that I was convinced it didnt work, I was sure that AF was coming. So, no implantion pinches for me, and considering we transfered a hatching blast, you would have thought those cramps would have been right away, but nada. Hope that helps, but please dont drive your self crazy - you know the drill, try to not even think about it - ugh not easy- xoxo

[angelaezra]

Katie – It sounds like you were on an adventure regarding your OB appointment. Your doc thought he was on a standup comedy stage … at least you finally were able to drag some useful information from him!

Stephanie – I hope your appointment with your doctor went well today. Were you able to get your questions answered?

Bei – I just read your post to Katie. Did you have any bleeding from the lost of the third baby or was everything absorbed?

Babyluv – Happy birthday!!!!!!!! I am so relieved that your mom is there to help you and DH! I am sure this isn’t how you planned your 30th b-day but wouldn’t you agree that you are getting the best present ever with the health of your babies? I will be experiencing the same thing; I am turning 35, which I planned to really party it up but I will have to do that in December for Christmas and New Years break … lol.

Hazel – I can’t believe you are 36 WEEKS ALREADY!!!!! How in the world were you able to play 18 holes of golf? I couldn’t play 9 holes right now and I am only 21 weeks … lol. I am happy that you aren’t too uncomfortable right now. I know that I will not be that lucky as I am already uncomfortable!

Gi – That is a relief that the furniture did arrive! That is wonderful that your mom is painting the house.

No, my belly button has popped out yet but I noticed last night that it is starting to protrude outwards. So I can imagine by the time that I am 30 weeks it will be all the way out.

Lou - I answered your previous question earlier but I wanted to add that after my first IVF, I felt one of the embryos implant. It felt like a pinch that really startled me. But, I didn't feel it with any other pregnancy. I hope your 2ww goes by quickly for you!

AFM – Well, it has been two days straight of a heat index of 115 degrees. So you ladies can imagine that I have been suffering so very much trying to stay cool.

On a good note, I have been feeling Gabriella move around so much lately and she is getting so much stronger. And, I bought my baby shower invites today and will send them out soon as I get an opportunity. I know I should let my planners do it all but I have such a problem letting go and letting someone else taking control. I think it is because my family always looks to me to plan and organize every event we have ever had. But, I have to send out the invites as my planners do not know who I would like to invite nor their addresses. I promise to let them do everything else … lol.

[Stephanieford78]

Angela - I felt the same way with my shower! lol I am glad I made my own invites and picked my own cake. My host is a horrible speller, and I mean BAD! So I know if she would have bought the invites that she would have gotten the ones you have to fill out and she would have had people asking, What does that say?? lol And the cake, she was going to bake one herself. Yeah, I didn't want a simple Betty Crocker cake that I could make myself. I wanted it to stand out and it did! Thy took pictures though I haven't gotten them from her yet. I really would love to show the cakes I got off!

Gi - Yay for the furniture even though it will stay in boxes for a while. Not sure I have the patience for that. lol I don't think Andrew does either actually. I don't think my belly button will pop this time. I had the top pop before. It was kind of funny looking. Just the top of my button came out while the bottom was still in. Since then I have had a few surgeries so the scars from having two laperoscopies has made my belly button tighter and smaller than it use to be. This has made it so it doesn't come out, even if I push on it. It has flattened out a bit though.

Hazel - Not sure how you have the energy for golf at all. lol My belly and/or pelvic bone area gets sore if I am standing up for 5 minutes. It's crazy! I can't wait to sleep on my stomach either. It will be great to get better quality sleep, even with the lack of once the twins are here. Believe it or not, the dresser and 2nd crib are on their way! They should be here in a few days. I can't wait!

Babyluv - Happy Bratday! Sounds like a cute birthday even though you were on bed rest. I hope you can get the massage. Maybe not lay with your belly through the hole, but lay on your side and move from side to side as thy do one then the other. That is how my friend's business does it. She says it is safer since some argue that the belly hole can cause a placental abruption depending on the position of the placenta. I think my BH are calming down since I am trying not to do too much. I asked the peri what was too much, he said 5 an hour. Though I have had that many they calmed down after a while and he said that's fine, but I have to be careful because of twins and a previa. I have my OB appt tomorrow and I will ask him all the detailed questions and he is the one with the authority to bed rest me. Lets hope that isn't the case though.

AFM - Ok.. perinatal appt today was interesting. It was the first time I got called back right away but the sonographer didn't know how to work the DVD so I could record it on disk. Now I know the real reason she didn't want to do it last time, she just didn't know how. Well this time I made her do it. lol So she ran around for a while trying to figure it out and guess how simple it was... Dr came in, put the disk in and... yes, that's right... he hit record! Amazing huh? Anyway, so the babies are both perfect of course. Previa is still there and doesn't seem to want to go anywhere. Peri says that it still might move though the OB already said he is sure it won't. Both babies are breech and measuring a week ahead still. One measurement even said 30 weeks, most said end of 28 or mid 29 weeks though which is what we are use to seeing. They didn't give me many good pics of Angelina. Just one frontal shot of her face, though than was posing really well and I got three of his little face. Even one with his mouth open going for his little fist. She caught that one just in time and I have it to show you. This sonographer seems to like pointing out Ethan's private parts. She always takes a lot of pictures of that. I really don't need more than one of those. lol I know what they are and I am satisfied, no need to keep proving it. Then of course the doc came in and did his scan to go over everything. He reiterated pelvic rest of course. That's about it though. Nothing too exciting. I didn't get a weight prediction, i completely forgot to ask. I am guessing though based on their being a week ahead they are likely about 2.5 pounds now. I might find out tomorrow since they send my OB the information. So, here are my pictures. Have a great day mommies!!

Angelina


Ethan with his mouth open

[Stephanieford78]

Katie - Somehow I missed your post. I was typing while you and Angela posted and it seems the site showed me hers and not yours. Picky sometimes isn't it? lol Between that and eating posts who knows, this site might have a mind of it's own? Anyway, glad you had some evergy, but housework? How boring! lol I am sure it is the nesting instinct though. I keep wanting to mak sure things get done but no one seems to want to pull their part. Alex is always on her phone or upstairs watching tv if she isn't outside. Andrew is out in the heat all day long so he doesn't want to do anything when he gets home except nap. The weekends are always the side jobs so there is just not much help. Blah! Oh well... we have lots of stuff coming in soon to play with and put together so I am sure he will find the energy for that. He is so excited to be getting everything in. Almost done and almost there. Seems it is all falling into place. So how is Savannah treating you? I hope she is behaving. lol Any more lovely pg symptoms?

[hjw]

katie - I can't wait to find out how much Savannah weighs at your u/s, when it finally gets here! Zorba weighed 4.5lbs at 31 weeks and I think the average is supposed to be a bit over 3lbs by then. Yep, our nursery is all finished and we got our buggy and car seat delivered last week. I even have my hospital bag half packed! I do keep going into the nursery to just look at things - it really hasn't sunk in though that in less than 4 weeks there will probably be a baby in the house. Eeeek! The dogs are good, thanks, although Flynn is increasingly anxious around me (the hormonal changes must seem very strong to him, and he seems to think that I'm vulnerable at the moment, so doesn't like to let me out of his sight!). We've put an extra tall dog gate (110cm high) on the door of the nursery to try and keep them out of there most of the time - we'll let them in there if they are with us, but I don't want them to be able to get in if the baby is on its own. p.s The UK is the same as the US in terms of time spent in hospital after the birth - if everything goes smoothly and you want to get home, they will even let you go after 6-7 hours sometimes, but more often it's a 12 hour stay after the birth, so you might go home in the evening or the following day depending on what time the baby is born.

gi - wow, I just noticed that your ticker is at 26 weeks already, time really does fly for other people's pregnancies (if not your own!). Yes, my belly button popped out ages and ages ago, probably around 27 weeks ish. My stomach is actually now so big though that the belly button is stretched to the limit and has now gone flat again, because there isn't any spare skin to stick out! Your Mum sounds like a little gem, painting the house for you, it'll be so exciting when you're able to unpack those boxes...

angela - hope you've been surviving in the heat today. It is pouring down with rain in the UK and not too warm at the moment so it seems strange to think of some of my thread friends overheating on the other side of the pond!

Steph - hurray for getting the remaining furniture, you must be so relieved! So happy that your appointment went well, and yay for the babies still measuring ahead. Do you find yourself counting down the weeks and days constantly now that you are getting close? I'm definitely doing that...

[Stephanieford78]

Hazel - Not sure there is such a thing as counting down anymore. lol I will explain...

Ok mommies, just got back from my OB appt and fun fun fun. He didn't have the results yet from yesterdays u/s but I did get a lot of information. I am now measuring at 35 weeks. So They are growing like mad weeds now since just a couple weeks ago I was at 30. Now is the scary time of the pregnancy because of the complete previa. My body will begin to think I am ready to have a baby in as soon as a week or two the way these kids are growing. This means I could bleed or hemorhage at any time. He helped me figure out the hospital situation. If I start to bleed, as long as it isn't a lot of gushing but more like a period then I can drive to the hospital. If I am gushing then drive to the off post hospital and they will either handle me there or medivac me to the hospital 30 minutes away. Either way, my doctor can go to either hospital and I don't have to go to the Army one. So that the emergency plan. lol He said I am doing great making it to 28 weeks with no bleeding and the babies look perfect. Ethan did another summersault and is head down again. He didn't put me on bed rest because he trusts that I have been doing well to listen to my body and rest and not do much to help the BH stay away and/or calm down. I finally know why he never checks my cervix. It's because of the previa he doesn't want to aggravate my cervix in fear it may cause bleeding. He can't see my cervix anymore on the u/s either so it's all about luck at this point and hoping that it will just stay tight for a while yet. I have been having some extra heartbeats here and there and doc said that can happen during pregnancy, but if it happens and doesn't stop to go to the ER. My GTT came back great, my iron is good and I don't have HIV. That's always good to know. What else... oh, I gained 2lbs so now I am up to 7lbs since transfer. He still doesn't se my weight as an issue since the babies are obviously very big and healthy. So from here on out we have to just hope for the best and see what my body decides to do. Lets hope my cervix and uterus behaves for at least another 7 weeks though.

[angelaezra]

Stephanie – I love the u/s pics! They are just growing, growing, growing! I just read your next post … wow you are already measuring 35 weeks!!! They are doing so well … I know that has to be reassuring!

Your doc sounds great … I like the emergency plan for when you go into labor. At least, it helps ease your mind so you can concentrate on getting those babies here healthy and safe!

Hazel – You are 36 weeks and counting, which means you are almost there!!!! It sounds like you have everything in place for when Zorba arrives! I can’t wait to see the pictures!

To my other pregnant mommies: I hope that you are all doing well and taking very good care of your precious babies!

AFM – Ok, this weather is getting ridiculous … my car was reading 99 to 102 degrees on the way home, which means it felt like 105 to 115 degrees with the heat index. So, yet another day of this extreme, extreme heat! When I was watching the news yesterday, they said this is the hottest summer in three years. I said to myself, don’t they know I am pregnant … lol. Oh well, only a few more weeks of this torture and it should start to cool off in the beginning of September!

Baby shower update: I sent out the first 12 invites last night and I will continue to work on the list throughout the week. My manager also gave me a great idea to include some items for Gabriella as she continues to grow, which is a great idea. So I have to update it pretty soon.

Angela

[lou71]

Thank you all for your responses!

Today is 9dpo or 4dp5dt and I am feeling verrry crampy and extremely fatigued. I hope those are good signs. My beta is Tuesday 8/17. I am not going to POAS.

[Arabsrcool]

lou,

I am still waiting for your announcement of BFP. It seems like your 2ww has went fast, but of course, I'm not the one on the 2ww. I am praying for you.......I have a really good feeling about this cycle. Your bff may be right, TWINS . I am going to continue to hang around stalking you! You are so strong not to POAS!

Ronda

[angelaezra]

Lou - I can't believe it is almost time for your beta! I can't wait until Tuesday to hear your results because I know it is going to be good news! Your symptoms sound very good!

Ronda - It is great to hear from you again!

Angela

[claud662]

Hi Ladies!!

I had a few minutes and wanted to pop in and check on everyone

Hazel-I can't get over how big Zorba is already and how active you still are!!!! You have to post a recent belly pic of yourself!!! It must be exciting that the baby room is all done and you got your stroller and carseat. Now the fun is about to begin...

Steph-I'm in shock that you are measuring at 35 weeks and have only gained 7lbs!! I'm already up to 15 and I am measuring right at 24 weeks!! Please take it easy so that Evan and Angelina have some more quality time in mama's belly!!!

Katie-how are you feeling mama? I think this heat has affected all of our energy levels and I still have to clear out two rooms and paint!!! I am lucky my MIL is going to come over and help before she goes back to teaching in a few weeks! Once that is completed I will feel a little better!

Angela-a baby shower must be so much fun to plan!!! I'm so happy that you are feeling Gabriella move around a lot! Must be such a nice reassurance for you!

Lou-those are very good signs!! I really didn't have any signs in the 2ww except I got a nasty sinus infection and water had a funky taste to it!!! No cramping or anything!!! I can't wait till you join us again!

AFM...I am planning on registering this weekend! Steph-when I have completed everything I will send you the link to add to the registry! I feel a little less overwhelmed since I have been doing my research and bombarding all my friends with babies with tons of questions!!! Feeling Flick kick/punch a lot during the day and night so that has been wonderful!!!
xoxo

[lou71]

Sweep the floors preggos... I'm in need of some baby dust!

Claud -- Thanks hun. I hope those are good signs. Have fun registering for your baby shower!

Angela -- Gosh... I hope so. I want this so much. I think of my m/c and wonder... was that as close as it's going to get? I miscarried 4 days before Mother's Day... it was so hard. Is it Tuesday yet?

Ronda -- You are too sweet to keep stalking me. I love it!

Hazel -- I cannot believe your pregnancy is almost over and you'll have that baby in your arms soon! What is your maternal instinct tell you on the gender of your child?

Steph -- Take care of yourself twin mama! Don't overdo anything. You've done great so far.

Katie -- Hello my dear friend, thanks for your answer to my question. I guess there's really no way to gauge it until that beta result! Hatching blasts have excellent success rates. Mine were good... but not THAT good!

Babyluv -- Happy Birthday! Better late than never, right?

Gi -- Reality setting in? How exciting for you guys! Hooray for furniture arriving!

bei -- Congrats on your twins. I hope the rest of your pregnancy is wonderful and healthy.

AFM -- A bit of mild cramping this morning but it has seemed to stop. Now I just feel "normal". Gosh... is it Tuesday yet? I'm dying here!!! Going to the Jimmy Buffett show tomorrow with friends. Any ideas how I can explain my lack of drinking beer? It's soooo unlike me!

[katie99]

Hi everyone

Gi - My belly button still looks the same, just flatter is all, no popping out. Oooh, you all are so lucky to get to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days! I think 24hrs is too soon here, but what can you do? I forgot to ask you what colors did you & jason pick out? You must be dying to see the nursery all together and painted - poor Jason hope he doesnt stress too much putting it together.

Angela - Arghhh! today is the first day in a week of normal weather! The humidity finally broke late yesterday - hope that trend is on its way to you. Jeez we havent had rain in so long, the lawn is looking pretty much like hay! So glad to hear that you're enjoying planning your shower, but dont do too much
it will be more fun to have some things as a surprise, but I know, I'm very hands on too. So Gabriella is another one trying out for the kickboxing team? its pretty wild how strong some of these kicks, stretches, punches are isnt it? I'm always happy to feel them, but sometimes I'm thinking wow you're strong! take it easy will you? haha

Steph - Jeez your babies are in some big hurry to grow! I cant imagine how they are so ahead of themselves already, what are you eating, girl?
OK I'm making jokes to cover that I'm getting a little worried about you, i love that you have an emergency plan worked out, but I pray that you dont need it, and they hold on til 35 weeks anyway. How about 33? 32? are they willing to negotiate at all? OK, I'll stop with the bad jokes, just know that I'm thinking of you and pulling for a nice closed cervix for a while longer. but I cant promise that I wont nag you to take it easy every day though. How was your OB's demeanor? was he worried at all? Or is he more of the since they are measuring so far ahead that they are more mature than someone else at 28 weeks? Well all we can do at this point is hope that they stay in as long as they can now, but expect lots of nagging to take it easy from me, ok? go sit down - much love xoxoxo

Hazel - I know! Where the heck did the time go? I swear we were just waiting for pg confirmations recently - how did everyone's ticker get so far along?
Now its all starting to feel last minute or something. I am reading all the baby books I can, but I still seem to feel like when she's finally here that I'll have another hundred questions - guess we all will, huh? Aw Flynn being protective is so sweet, they were our first babies, I surely hope that they will adjust well.
I've been pleasantly surprised as far as Gracie maturing, since she's just 15 months old and considered a puppy until she turns 3. Chris has been able to let her off leash briefly and she did great, came right back with the toy, and came back when she saw he had the leash ready - I havent tried her alone, yet - cause I cant run after her, just in case, so now I'm the "no fun" one! How are you feeling lately? With Zorba that big and ready, I start to wonder where you might be if you dont post for a few days - eeek! its so close now!!!! I think I keep myself in denial of what labor will be like, so I dont stress it too much. Well we'll know soon enough, right? much love- xoxo

Lou - I'm thinking good thoughts for Tues! and I already know that I'll be wearing my fingertips out checking for your news then. Yep, I'm still stalking you over there but with Franny gone it seems like its quieted down a bit? But I read every day. Enjoy Jimmy Buffett, how could you not? if it were me, I'd have something in a cup that looks like a real drink, just to keep the questions away. cant be saying anything yet, right? And dont stress cramps versus no cramps
they were all random for me - is it tues yet??? hang in there honey you know the last few days are the hardest to get through. - xoxoxo

Ronda - How are you doing honey? we miss you around here - alot! Hope you've been feeling good and healing, soon you'll be on vacation and that will surely help you & DH reconnect. much love to you my friend - xoxo

Claudia - Wheeee,let the fun part begin! getting the rooms cleaned out and getting painted was hard work but soooooo worth it to see it done, now if I could only be done, done that would be great. I think I did mine around the same time frame, 24 weeks while I was still able to bend, squat, and paint without a problem, but please dont lift anything! Let your DH handle that part. What colors are you going to go with? Do you think Lincoln will want to be in there all the time? I was sure Gracie would get paint on her since she's one of those "velcro puppies" always has to right next to you, but it went well, she only got 1 little spot on her side. Have you figured out the furniture you'd like yet? Oooooh fun, fun, fun - enjoy every moment of it! xoxo

AFM - So I started off the day having gracie pull the leash out of my hands and ripping 2 fingernails to the quick & bleeding thanks to a wild rabbit in the yard that she had no hope of catching up to Then later I was ready to take her out again when my neighbor calls and says the bear is leaving his yard & heading to mine - ugh! I have been lucky enough to not have seen this damn bear since April - I must have jinxed it, because I said to Chris the other day thats its been a nice bear free summer, hasnt it? Now I love animals, thats why we live in the country, but a bear in my yard?? is pretty hard to not flip out over so I poke my head out the front door and now he's in my driveway - and dont you know he left a nice big poop to clean up too? Grrrrr! the problem now is everytime you see this rather large bear, I'm so paranoid about him being around everytime we go out - which is like all day long! So for the next few weeks I'm like scared to use my own yard - ugh - Last year we tried calling the local PD, who refered us to animal control, who said to call dept of fish & wildlife - who do nothing. So the fun never ends around here. On a high note - OMG tomorrow will be 30 weeks! Eeeek!!!!