Winter Cycle Friends 2009/2010 - Everyone Welcome!

[angelaezra]

Katie – So Savannah didn’t get the memo today huh? I laughed so hard when you said Chris just automatically thought she would come on her due date. Just read something today that said only about 10% of babies are born on their due date! I always knew it was low but I never imagined it was that low! So we are not going to think about Savannah coming the day that Chris has to work, ok but if she does it will all work out anyway.

Stephanie – I am glad that you were able to attend the baby shower and I am sure that she really appreciated it also! That is certainly encouraging about the weight lose after your delivery for the rest of us who are yet to deliver! Yes, you have to be completely exhausted trying to breast feed two babies. Most of the women who I have spoke with say the same thing but yours is times two … whew! I will give it a try also but it I know it can be overwhelming. I plan on actually breast feeding and supplementing with the formula. The only problem that I know might arise is that she might prefer one of the other and from what I understand feeding from the bottle requires fewer muscles compared to feeding from the bottle. So we shall see!

AFM – we made it back home around 3pm and towards the end our trip she didn’t like it at all. I started having contraction every 5 minutes and then it was every 2 minutes. I quickly drank a lot of water and put my seat back all the way until we reached our house. After lying down for awhile and taking some Tylenol, the contractions eased up but I am noticing that they are returning right now. So I think I will turn in for the night. Tomorrow will be exciting because I will have a full scan (u/s) and an OB appointment in the morning and then our 4D u/s in the afternoon. I can’t wait to see how big she has grown since only four weeks ago!

Angela

[babyluv3]

Katie - That is so funny about Chris thinking Savannah was coming today just because it was her EDD! I'm so sorry you are still waiting on her...that makes three of the singleton mommies on this board go past their EDD. Must be something in the water! Hopefully she comes soon (and before the 29th!)

Sara - How was your date day? Did it feel great to put on make up and do your hair?? I haven't done either since I went to the hospital on Thursday. As long as the babies are still in and I feel up to it, I am going with DH Wednesday night for a company dinner to Flemings (FABULOUS steak place). Hopefully I'll make it there! How are you feeling?

Steph - I bet you look fabulous!! You'll need to take some pics soon and post them. Look at you already cooking! I don't care if it's easy, that's awesome! Sorry the feedings are rough...I'm worried about that too. As far as the hospital visit, if I had progressed any further than 2cm, I would have gotten the mag sul. SOO glad I didn't! As far as the other, betamethazone, what is that used for? Also contractions or is it the steroid shot? If it's the latter, the hospital doesn't give that after 34 weeks. I was only given Vitroseal (or something like that), which I am taking as needed at home, though not sure it's helping a whole lot. I have an appt on Tuesday and I'm hoping they don't admit me then! Guess we'll see. I've been doing nothing but laying down since Thursday, so hopefully that will helps.

Angela - Hope you are having fun! *Oh, just saw you posted. Ugh, the same thing happened to me after our last family mini vacay to the beach. The drive was short, just over an hour, but I definitely starting having contractions and was uncomfortable. Hope you feel better in the morning...love the u/s appts!!

AFM - Everyday for the past week I wake up thinking, "Wow, I can't believe I made it another day!" These contractions, while irregular, are really starting to hurt, especially at night. The BH are still fine, but the real ones...WOW! I only get the painful ones maybe once an hour, but they seem to last forever. I have an OB appt and NST Tuesday, so I'll be interested to see if I am past 2cm, contracting more on the monitor, etc. I'm hoping it's just me being super uncomfortable like Steph was at the end. I DID start having mucous-y discharge today which is new, so I definitely think something is getting started. The girls have also been more active today than they have been in a long time, so maybe they are just having fun in there and moving things around

[angelaezra]

Babyluv – Oh, I love Flemings! We have one here too. As a matter of fact, my DH and I just ate there for dinner last Monday. Their food is great and we try to make it there as much as possible … lol. I wanted to post once more tonight because I have quick question for you. I will start my NST and AFI this Thursday and then twice a week thereafter but will they always check to see how dilated I am during this test? I would imagine it is vaginally right? Also, any tips for the tests would be much appreciated. They did tell me to eat at least 1 hour before hand and that they will strap some monitors around my waiste during the tests. Thanks!

Angela

[babyluv3]

Angela - I know, Flemings is the best isn't it?! We used to go a lot more often before kids...I'll miss the wine!

You won't be checked for dilation for the NST, unless your OB decides to do it in addition (I wasn't checked for dilation until 32 weeks. That's still early, but common for twins). I always have my NSTs at the hospital, not my OBs office. I just happen to do them on the same day since they are only 5 min away from each other. The NST is just having monitors strapped to you (one for your baby and one for contractions) to see how many times the baby's heart rate accelerates/decelerates in a 20 min time span. If everything looks good, you're done. If the baby isn't cooperating (either moving too much or not getting good read outs), then you'll be sent for an u/s. I've had them done since 28 weeks and every time it's been fine. Mine are always in the morning, so generally I've eaten and had some OJ. Even if the girls aren't moving a lot before the test starts, the monitors seem to get them going...and Juliette is usually more reactive than Amelia.

What is AFI? Is that checking your fluid? That would be done on an u/s.

[rayofsunshine]

Hola ladies!

Katie-You are a patient woman Chris cracks me up-if only babies realized there is a "date" to come out and followed it exactly! When you said you noticed the clock at those hours last night I think we were on the same schedule. I am even taking sleeping pills,zantac, and tums but I'm always up (peeing, backache, heartburn, AGH!) It definitely makes you beg for labor and a crying baby rather than just the misery of pregnancy nonsleep. Fingers crossed that Savannah wants to come out in the next few days I'm sure you've heard horror stories about being induced but my experience really wasn't so bad with my DD. I was induced at 7:00 am, didn't feel pain until I was dilated to a 7, got an epidural and felt immediately better, and I only pushed 3 pushes (about 30 minutes) and Madi was born at 5:21 pm. Hopefully if you have to be induced it will go smoothly for you. One way or the other, you will have a beautiful girl at the end!

Stephanie-I am dreading breastfeeding because I didn't have the easiest time with DD and your message brought back all those memories! I just love that rock hard boob feeling (haha) and leaking at the worst possible times! How fun I think my plan is to pump and use formula. Have you breastfed both at the same time? I am trying to imagine how to do that with only two hands?! Crazy-I just can't wrap my head around that yet. It's nice you are blazing the way for us twin moms so we can get great advice. Babyluv and I will join you soon so we can all swap stories!

Angela-It sounds like you had fun and made it through on your trip-yeah! Is today the day for NST and 4-D? I'm excited for you-it is always so fun to see growth/change. I bet the 4-D is going to be amazing! For my NST the perinatologist used u/s to watch the babies diaphrams to see breaths in a two minute period, heartbeats(watching the 4 chambers move), and recording the heartbeat speed as well.

Babyluv-How goes the bedrest? You are doing so well and it is exciting every day you make it! I have had some very painful contractions but they are so irregular that they haven't changed the cervix. Will your doc. check your cervix each visit? Hopefully the girls will stay put for a while longer-every day means more time to grow and stay out of the NICU.

PA-How did your shower go? Can't wait to hear all the details.

Joan-Thanks for checking in for Gi. We all worry if someone goes missing for too long. I bet you are excited to kiss and snuggle Kayla soon!

AFM-There is finally a light at the end of the tunnel! Thurs. I get the u/s to measure the babies and know finally about delivery plans. Dustin and I had a wonderful date night. We ate a great meal (not from the hospital, YEAH!!!) and snuggled to watch a movie. We ended the night by talking with the surgeon that will most likely do my c-section. That was overwhelming! She had to tell us all the risks which was too much for my brain to handle. I have to remind myself that they do these everday and it will be okay. We also toured the NICU-that was just so heartbreaking. All these tiny babies with tons of machines. They are well trained to help even the sickest babies so I know if they go there they will be in good hands. Hopefully we can skip that place all together! I am really getting excited that it will be a week or less that my beautiful babies will be here. Yippeee

I am thinking of you all! Take care
Sara

[katie99]

Hi everyone - -

I'm still here and still waiting for Savannah to decide to come on out. Last night she was like a bumblebee in there, my belly was going crazy for hours, she hasnt been that active in awhile - so I was thinking maybe? But nope, nothing going on but the all night dance party in there.

Angela - I'm glad that your trip went well, sorry to hear that the last part of the drive was ruined with those darn BHs! I'll be checkiing in to hear all about your big appt day! u/s +OB +4D scan? Oh thats a really good day! I'll stay crossed that Gabriella is feeling like taking photos today!

Babyluv - How are you feeling twin mama? I know how dificult bed rest can be, you end up stiff, sore, and soooo bored, but it sounds like its doing the babies good, so hang in there, it'll just be a bit longer now. I'm crossed for you to have good news at your OB + NST. We dont have a Fleming's here, but now I want steak sooooo badly! Yum!

Sara - Hang in there twin mama, you're so close now! Wow your description of Madi's delivery sounds like a dream delivery - exactly what I'm hoping for. So you only had like 30 minutes of hard labor? Thats the way to do it! UGH, so you're just cat napping all night too? Isnt it so much fun to wake up in the morning just as tired as wjhen you went to bed the night before? I'm just holding onto what Steph said that all this pg symptoms disappear right afterwards. Well one of us should be next. I wouldnt worry about your babies going to the NICU, they'll be full term by then and 37 weeks is wonderful for twins. You've realyy done a great job baking those little muffins. I'm crossed for you to get the news you want on Thurs!

Steph - Any word on his leave yet? I'm holding out hope that they let him actually use up his own leave that he earned = grr! I know they have their own way of going about things, but jeez, hello TWO new babies to care for over here! Crossed for the right answer this time - xoxoxo

I'm waiting to hear all the good news today with appts & u/s, until then I'll just go waddle around some more - haha - much love girls - xoxoxo

[hjw]

Hang in there Katie, it won't be much longer now, even if Savannah wants to be as stubborn as George was. I hope you don't have to be induced, but whatever it takes to meet your little angel, huh? My experience of induction wasn't as positive as Sara's, as you'll remember from my account of labour, but epidurals are wonderful things! And it's all worth it - a few hours of pain for all the joy that comes afterwards... And I agree with Steph, all those horrible niggles of pregnancy disappear really quickly, although I'm sorry to say that they are replaced temporarily by other fun things like swelling from fluid retention, poor bladder control, piles etc (for vaginal births, anyway). But you'll be happy to hear that all the things which stop you being able to sleep, like the heartburn and reflux, go immediately! Then it's just the baby which stops you sleeping, because you'll spend your time feeding, burping, cuddling, changing nappies or just gazing at her in wonder while she sleeps! If I don't get a chance to post again before she arrives, good luck sweetie and I'll be thinking of you. By the way, too funny that Chris expected labour to start on your due date, as if by magic! If only babies were that predictable!

Come on Savannah, it's time to come out to play with Mummy and she really wants to meet you...

H x

[angelaezra]

Babyluv – Thank you so much for the info about the test. An AFI is measuring the amniotic fluid. I hope that bed rest is going ok for you. I am sure your kids are keeping mommy busy!

Sara – Thank you also for your input regarding the NST! I am so glad that your “date day” went well and you enjoyed yourself! Yeah for Thursday approaching and a plan being in place! I agree with Katie; I don’t think your babies will have to go to the NICU at all and even if they do it will be for a very, very brief period of time. You have done a great job keeping them in there and developing so far! I can’t wait to see the pictures of your beautiful babies!

Katie – I was so hoping when I read your post you were telling us that you were on your way to the hospital to have Savannah but maybe tomorrow. At least tomorrow you will get to see the high risk OB that you like and he can give you a definite plan, right? Until then, we will continue to do a dance for Savannah to make her arrival.

Hazel – It is great to hear from you and as always give a little support and encouragement. I hope little George is doing well!

AFM – Well ladies, I had my full scan this morning before my OB appointment. She was very stubborn and wouldn’t cooperate for the scan but eventually the tech got what she needed. So then I met another perinatologist today and guess what, she is 32 weeks pregnant also. So in that office the nurse practitioner and an OB are both pregnant and we are all around the same time frame for delivery … lol. How funny is that … and the nurse practitioner said that since her pregnancy, she has a new found sympathy for her patients. I quickly thought to myself … me too! But on a sad note, the OB is a little concerned because her stomach is measuring a little small and she wants me to repeat the full scan in two weeks instead of four weeks. She said if she isn’t growing properly by then, then they might decide to admit me and put me on bed rest! She said that she isn’t too concerned because all of her organs are formed and developed but the liver is where she would store her fat so that would be the first sign that her growth might slow down in the near future. Then later today, I had my 4D u/s and she still didn’t want to cooperate then either. The tech finally was able to get a picture of her face but it wasn’t too clear so he asked me to come back next Monday. So we will see what she does then!

Angela

[claud662]

Hey Ladies,

Only have a minute for a quick post....this past weekend was my last youth group event until after maternity leave so I will actually have a free moment the next few weekends to rest!!!! I have a DR apt on Wed morning which will do my u/s to see if Flick is in position!!!! We also got the crib and dresser today so we are going to arrange it later tonight....I will post pics once that is done!!! Here is my 33w4d picture!!!

[claud662]

I meant 34w4d picture!!!

Also-Katie I keep stalking the thread checking to see if Savannah wants to make an appearance!

[Stephanieford78]

Claudia - Beautiful bump as always. I am sure you will be bouncing right back into shape immediately after Flick arrives! My belly is all mush. lol Before the twins and cycling 3 times in a row, I was training and my trainer would not even let me do abs because they were so strong. I stopped and got so stretched out that I know there are things that aren't going back to normal. lol It's ok, it was all worth it! You on the other hand, girl, I only wish I could have looked that good preggers!

Angela - I am hoping that the next scan shows a good growing belly! I am sure she will be just fine, you are so well taken care of! As for the breastfeeding, you are right... I've heard the same thing as far as the muscles. The babies get spoiled with the bottle not having to work as hard to get the milk and they get it right away. I think that has been the issue with me and the twins. I can see them get frustrated with the nip, they will either play or try and tear it up and I admit, I give up and give them the bottle instead. I can't stand to hear and see them cry because of me... or at least that is what it feels like to me.

Katie - No word yet on his leave... he is suppose to get an appt because the commander is hardly ever there. We are not very hopeful though. We know it all too well how they like to kill all if any morale that is left in their soldiers. Why should this be any different. Sorry Savannah is being so stubborn. With all her dancing, did Chris get to see and feel her at least? As for your baby question... not sure I can really help you with that one. I never had one of those blankets before. I just swaddle them in a receiving blanket then use one to tuck them both together. They really like being next to each other.

Sara - I never had a good time breastfeeding before either. It wasn't going too bad until something other than my nipple was introduced to them. Once the hospital pacifier went in their mouth it got harder, then after the bottle, even harder. Pumping and formula is still a good solution. That is what has been slowly happening with me since Angelina just wants to play with the boob and Ethan wants to rip it apart. lol I couldn't even try both at a time... that is after they really get use to feeding and to start out you need four hands so DH has to help too. Hell, while I was in the hospital and had a little trouble, I had people's hands all over my boob trying to help. lol One lady took my boob and did what she wanted with it to get them to eat. A little weird, but it did work.

Babyluv - I plan on taking pics of myself soon. Andrew's brother tagged me in a shitload of horrible swollen pictures on Facebook so now I HAVE to show people I don't look like that anymore. lol I know, I am so vain. I understand posting a couple, but he went and posted 14 of them and many of them were fresh out of surgery where not only was I swollen but my hair and makeup was a mess. His brother obviously knows nothing of women. Anyway, Yes the betamethazone was the steroid shot. The mag is no fun so it is better if you can avoid that one. lol Feels like you have a fever the whole time and you have to pee a lot... much more so than a normal pregnant chick. I am so proud of you for doing as well as you are. You seem to be holding up so much better than I was. Not much longer, can you believe it?

AFM - Not much to say. I got the twins' pictures taken by the neighbor who didn't do my belly shots. She was really excited to do newborn twins so this time we actually got it done. So far she has one done and on her FB so I stole it. lol I didn't want to wait for all of them to be done and put on disk. Of course I am posting it, so here it is! I am sure you can guess, but Ethan is on the left, Angelina on the right. I simply LOVE how it looks like they are holding hands!!

[PA_FA]

Good morning ladies!!!!!!!!! The last guest left my house last night so I can finally try to catch up.

Claudia- Your bump is so cute. I wish I was that tiny and cute. I look about like that and I am just turning 24w. LOL My neighbor asked me on Saturday when I was due. Well, she actually said...You are almost due??? Hmmm no. Due in Feb, thanks for letting me know you think I look huge!

Katie- HELLO SAVANNAH!!!!!!!! I know it's cozy in there but Halloween is sooooooooooo much fun. You get to come out and play during my 3 favorite holidays! I love fall. We want to meet you! I hope you are doing well Katie. Your DH sounds so cute just waiting for the little one to make an appearance.

Stephanie- OMG the babies are soooooooooo gorgeous. I showed the new pic taken by my neighbor to my DH last night. HE even cooed. He is really not a guy who coos either. LOL I think I would just plop my butt down in their nursery and watch them all day long. I can't believe you had the energy to help out with your friend's shower. You are such a great friend. As for Andrew's brother taggin you in bad fb pics...one word...UNTAG!

Gi and gi mam- Thanks for letting us know everything is ok! Big hugs!!!

Hazel- I hope you are doing well. We need some more pics of Georgie. Of course I guess we could just look at fb right???/

Angela- I am sure your daughter is going to be fine and beautiful. Too bad she wouldn't cooperate with the 4D. How does the 4D differ from the 3D?

Sara- Just a few more days until Thursday. Oh all of you are soooooooo close. I am so excited.

Sorry if I missed anyone. AFM the shower was great. I was high stress all day so my mother-in-law kept yelling at me in front of everyone. No shocker there. She likes to have things her way, I like to have things my way. I had to baby sit my mom all during the shower. No one paid much attention to her during our wedding 3 years ago and she STILL bitches about it. So I had to make sure she was taken care of. It's just constant drama which stresses me out. Then my BFF who threw me the shower, the one in Minnesota got upset with me because I was stressed and snappy to her. So now she want's some "Space" in our friendship of 20 years. UM...yeah I guess you could say it has been a long weekend. Still, outside of all of that "drama" I felt that everything went really well. The drama with my mom is a daily thing it was just much harder when you have other people trying to tell you how to handle her when they have NO CLUE.
Let's see...we went to Buy Buy Baby and ordered our rocker/glider last night. We had to do a special order so that the wood matched the crib so it should be here between Dec21 and Jan 18. EEEEKKK! I hope baby girl does not decide to come early! Our crib should be here by Jan 1. Now if I can just find a pediatrician.
What made you all chose your pediatricians? Are there any questions I should be asking? Any tips and pointers would be great.
Tomorrow is the 1 hour ECHO at the peri office. Yeah for another hour of staring at my baby! She's been kicking so hard that it really hurts lately. I'm anxious to see how far ahead she is now. Last time at 20w she was measuring 20w3d. I know that isn't much but she seems to be growing fast. My OB promised they would induce if she got to 10lbs. OUCH! Now everyone is making a pool for the delivery weight. UGH.
I hope everyone is doing great. XOXOXO

[babyluv3]

Katie- how was your appt today?? Hoping for great progress for you!!!

Steph- oh that pic is fabulous!!! Love love love it!! Sounds like you are getting a grasp on feeding. I'm glad you had your twins first so I can learn some tips! I had to laugh at the woman grabbing your boobs at the hospital. It's funny how you get to the point where you just don't care anymore!

Sara- so excited for your u/s this week!! Praying they don't postpone your c/s and you can meet your babies on Friday!! Glad you and DH had a good date night.

Pa- wow, super mature on your friend's part. I love how people do this kind of stuff during a time that's supposed to be so special for you. Glad everything else went well.

Angela- sorry your u/s was a bit of a downer. I'll be keeping your little girl in my prayers that her next u/s shows more growth. I'm sure it will and that it is just a growth spurt she has yet to have.

AFM- my OB was so sweet this morning. He saw me as I was getting my BP and said, "Hey, you made it! I was thinking about you all weekend." I am still 1-2cm, but the babies have dropped more (shocker...I feel like they are going to fall out). Did my group b strep and I am measuring 39 weeks. I asked if he thought I would make it another two weeks, and he didn't look super convinced! He said I'm doing great and that rest and water are all I can do at this point.

The good news is that my horrible pain is gone!! Bad news is that insomnia has set in. My dad is up for the week, so he actually brought me to my appts today (he's currently waiting while I do my NST). I wasn't going to have him come, but I'm so tired I was afraid I'd crash. It's like really bad jet lag. I guess it really is my body preparing me for sleep deprivation. But, I will definitely take being tired over being in pain any day!

[babyluv3]

Oh and Claudia, you look fantastic!! Since I actually did my hair today, I'm going to see if DH will take a pic.

[gi]

Hey ladies,

I am back!!!!!!! Finally jason got another lap top and internet connection, i cant believe how much i missed you guys esp. when jason is at football training and i am alone tv is just not the same!!!!! But its all sorted and i am soooooo glad to see i didnt miss out on any arrivals. Forgive me for the very few personals that i can remember as i am soooo far behind.

Katie lucky for me Savannah is been stubborn i was really hoping i wouldnt miss the good news. Ah i would just love Kayla to arrive on Halloween as its one of my favourite times of the year imagine throwing a birthday\halloween party all in one..how fun. Sorry to hear you are so uncomfortable but nearly there.

Steph your babies are just too cute! Andrew sounds like he is just loving been a dad and its wonderful you have such great support how is Alex doing??

Angela glad to hear you are been monitored so well hopefully you will get signed off to work just half days, i love how your ticker is flying by.

Claud ah your bump is just so cute and i am glad to hear Flick was fine after your fall.

babyluv sounds like you could go at anytime now! Hopefully the pain stays away as for insomnia i hear you!!!!

PA i would say you are glad your shower is over i am sure you just dont need the stress of it all as for your friend needing "space" sounds like she just needs to grow up!!

Hi to everyone else i have missed i just cant remember anymore!!

AFM after been mia for ages my ticker feels like it skipped a week 19 days left but whos counting!!! I am feeling great, sleep like most of you isnt great but at least i am able to nap. Kayla is doing well (touch wood) some days she is busier than others and in the last wk she has found my rib cage what a weird sensation!!! Had a disasterous week last wk with my king charles lets just say he had blocked anal glands and my kichen floor represented "scutter city" and OMG the smell, tmi i know but the vet had to duck out of the way after he tried to unblock them and it hit his wall thankfully jason went as my stomach wouldnt be able to handle it!!! So i finally know how to work the baby sterlizer and bottle warmer and got j to try it too, i really didnt want us running around like headless chickens trying to figure it out with a baby screaming for food. Have OB appt tomorrow (yeah i still get queer nervous) dont think labour is any time soon though i am getting the odd period type pain???? nothing major just niggles my mam always delivered early and my sis was bang on due date so hopefully Kayla will decide to come soon.

Right will chat tomorrow,

gi xxxx