Winter Cycle Friends 2009/2010 - Everyone Welcome!

[angelaezra]

Stephanie – I am glad that they figured out what was wrong with Ethan. So they think Angelina has reflux … I hope that the medication helps her. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences because we will probably experience the same thing soon when our little ones arrive. I absolutely love the pictures! They are just too cute for words!

Sara – Thank for sharing the size of your babies’ stomachs because it made me feel so much better. Especially, since both are doing well now.

I’m sorry that you developed a rash … that can be a little annoying for sure. Yeah for the twins gaining weight! I hope your BP comes down soon.

AFM – halfway through my day, I began to experience strong menstrual like cramps that seemed to get worse as the day progressed. I really don’t think it is going to be much longer … if so, I will be surprised.

Angela

[gi]

Hi girls,

Angela sounds like Gabriella just wants to get out and meet her mommy and daddy already!! Hope the cramps subside and she stays just bit longer (secretly dont want you to beat me to it ) I had cramps 2 wks ago and lower back ache but this week Nothing!!!

Sara ah sorry for hurting your tummy with jasons comments he can really be a dork sometimes do you know what he did today, he was in a clients house who has a 2 wk old baby boy so jason sent me a picture of him holding the baby and said " I got one"....hmmm Kayla will not be impressed!! Though it was great to see him hold a newborn as for the last 5 yrs he wouldnt hold a baby as it upset him too much and used to tell relations he was afraid of dropping them it used to break my heart to see his pain but fingers crossed very soon Kayla will be safely in his arms.

Steph ah poor Ethan it must be hard to see them upset and little Miss Angeline must be uncomfortable with the reflux, hopefully ye will get sorted soon.

AFM had another scan yesterday and baby looked great moving around the place, though they never give me a weight estimate just that she is "normal", OB spent longer than usual scanning her as he was teaching a medical student so it was great. Everything still looks perfect and he hopes he doesnt see me next wk but "worse" case scenario induction should be around 24th Nov. so as jason told Kayla she has 2 wks max to pack her bags and say goodbye to her compain (my heart) and leave....hmmm he does say the dorkiest things sometimes doesnt he!!!

gi xxx

[katie99]

Hi everyone

Gah! forgive me for being MIA. I got caught up yesterday and spent an hour writing personals and then somehow in my sleep deprived state hit some button and the whole thing disappeared and I lost it - I was livid, but there was no way to redo it. So know that I'm thinking of you all, but this will have to be a quicker post - I'm stumbling around on a total of 2 1/2 hrs of sleep. Its sort of like moving in slow motion, I cant function like this too much longer. For some reason the past 3 nights Ryan has decided that being up all night is a great idea! He was sooo wide awake that Chris & I were wandering around digging through the baby books to try to figure it out. He sleeps much better in the daytime in his swing and in the middle of the night I was so desperate for a nap that I ended up putting him in the swing and and it didnt work - he was wide AWAKE! And looking to scream at the top of his lungs for an hour straight. I remembered that the L&D floor in the hospital said we could call them anytime with questions - since you know they'll be up - lol. They said for the 1st month or so, there isnt a schedule and you just have to go with what the baby wants - sigh. We've had no choice but to try to sleep in shifts, but when he screams - boy, no one could sleep through that! What lungs he has! Even the dog looks like she has bags under her eyes, and she's named herself the official doggie babysitter as she is the first into the nursery every time he fusses - its too cute to watch. In the daytime Gracie sleeps in the doorway of the nursery like she's in charge of who can go in there. This morning it was so funny, Gracie stuck her face in Ryan's face and he tried to suck the dog's nose - I was dying laughing cause poor Gracie jumped backwards. - Claudia, I'll bet your Lincoln ends up acting the same way Steph, how in the world are you surving taking care of two babies by yourself? You really must be Supermom! each day is getting a little better after the c section, I had the staples removed on Tues and its looking nice & closed, but still sore. Honestly, i'm just happy to not be walking hunched over anymore.Though bending and getting out of bed still dont feel that great if I move too fast. We've had alot of friends and neighbors just popping over with no notice so its been really hard to keep up with them and the house too. But boy are we now well stocked on blankets and outfits! Ok so much for a quick post - I've had to stop 3 times for baby patrol and its now afternoon

Angela - I hope that you're not doing too much. When i was in labor, the nurse was telling me that those "menstrual type cramps" were actually contractions and I realized that I'd been having those for weeks beforehand. I just didnt think anything of them since they didnt hurt too much or seem like a contraction. I felt pretty clueless. You're so close now, but do try to take it slower please, every day Gabriella stays in there can only make it easier for you both. - xoxo

Babyluv - Oh I love those pictures! you must be so proud to have your family all together now and the looks on Alex & Scarlett's faces is just pure joy! Hope you are healing and feeling more like yourself each day. Our babies share a birthday!

Claudia - Your maternity pictures are beautiful, but I wouldnt expect anything less from the woman who still looks so gorgeous at 9 months pregnant! you are going to be back to bikini ready - in an instant after meeting little Flick, I think. The look on your DH's face is indescribable (sp?) He is going to be the proud papa soon! And yes, I did just about freak when I realiized I could feel the OB ready to go with that scapel! Like something of your worst fears about to come true. Thank God, I've got a big mouth and didnt just freeze up. Ummm, so I'm not the only one crazy enough to be recovering from delivery and thinking of a sibling? i would like to wait until Ryan is at least 6-7 months old, but I will be 41 in March, so time is a big issue for me. When were you thinking of? haha, its not like you'll need any time to lose the baby weight, I cant get over how great you look! - xoxo

Lou, Ronda, Ester, Chris, Jamila, Tammy, Sonya - I am rooting you all on, and will check in on you guys, I hold you all in my heart and WILL be here when you get your long awaited news.We've all been around here for a long time and I wont ever forget how much you all mean to me. Thank you all for the kind words and please forgive my lame personals_ I'm just sooooo darn tired right now.

Hazel - Aw honey I know how rough these past few weeks must have been on you and your Mum. And trying to go through all of the paperwork and estate business with a new baby home cant be easy, I do hope that little George brings you a smile each time you se him and hopefully takes some of the pain away. Prayers for you and your Mum. Is he really 12 lbs already? Ryan certainly didnt fit into any of the newborn sizes we had picked up, and alot of the 0-3 sizes are too tight also, he's right now in a 3-6 footie pj but the feet are way too big and he keeps losing his leg in them - xoxo
How are Joya & Flynn loving life with George?

Gi - oh honey, you are so close now that when we dont hear from you we all expect that you'll left for the hospital. How are you feeling? I know the last 2 weeks werent easy for me and the anticpation was starting to get to me. Jason must be really jumping every time you call him, poor guy, it wont be long now until you have Kayla in your arms and Jason can be handling all the poopy diapers! haha.You have to post some pictures because I think that Jason is going to take 'proud papa" to a whole new level! i'm so happy for you both! I know exactly what you meant about all those years TTC, Jason couldnt bear to be around babies - Chris was the same way, and so was I actually, but now? its a whole different story, isnt it? I cant wait to hear that you've got little Kayla and how perfect she is2 Oh, and I can tell you if you're going to go right to formula? When the nurses tell you to put on a tight, restricting fitting bra right away? Do it. I waited almost 24 hrs because the pain meds made me loopy, and paid the price for that. They also told me to restrict my water & fluid intake and I didnt do that either, but wish I did. the engorgement snuck up on me and it isnt fun at all. my poor boobs still feel like someone replaced them with rocks - ugh! Good luck and dont be too nervous - you will do just fine! Hi to your Mam! - xoxo

Pa - eeek! yeah, winter in the NE is no joke. its a scary thought to be in labor and have it turn into a blizzard, is there any way your DH could switch schedules with someone? i mean since theres still lots of time? How far are you from your hospital? glad to hear that all your appts are normal and nothing out of place - xoxo

Steph -Happy Veteran's Day to you and Andrew! Oh, twin mama - you are SO MY HERO! any time I feel like overwhelmed at the no sleep or the "why are you crying, and how can I make it better"? I think of you having two of them at the same time by yourself and think you have got to be Supermom! How are you doing honey? oooh, i just love the pics of Ethan & Angelina in their little matching outfits - they are so adorable! Aw, poor Angelina! Acid reflux sucks for us to have - I cant imagine how it nust feel to be a newborn and go through that pain. well i didnt know that babies could take zantac, nut it sounds like it will be a lifesaver for her. I was wondering the same when I read your post, Ryan gets hiccups alot, but has never spit up even once, we have him on a mattress wedge to elevate his head a bit just in case, but when you said that she was sleeping better in the bouncy chair / swing - umm, so does Ryan. He's in it right now actually. Ethan sure is gaining well and I think that Angelina will give him a run for his money now that her reflux has been taken care of. They really are precious. But how is it possible that they are 4 weeks old already? jeez, time sure does go quick sometimes. How are you feeling lately? They told me that healing from a c section took a total of 6 weeks and I couldnt believe it, I feel so much better than last week, but it isnt a quick recovery at all. Of course I'm doing more than I should, but we knew that was going to happen. After waiting this long to have a baby, theres just no way I can stay laying down and not want to be there every time he wakes up - even when he wants to party all night umm, how did Andrew's appt go? I dont get how men can be told to take meds and not ask what / why/ side effects, etc ? He must be pretty wiped out too, but those are important questions to ask. Good thing he has you to look out for him Have you taken both babies in the car by yourself yet? I was laughing at Chris when we went to get my staples out because he was driving like 40 MPH, and this is the man who's always speeding BTW, and I had to remind him that there are cars behind us hating us ( it was in a 55Mph) and he was completely oblivious to anyone but Ryan - it was very cute, but yesterday I had to tell him that he was "hogging" the baby! How is Ethan's circ looking now? Does it seem like there was swelling - I hope so. Once you have something like that on your mind - its impossible to wait til next month for a second opinion. Much love to you and all - xoxoxo

[angelaezra]

Gi – I don’t want to beat you either … lol . Because I want to make sure she stays in there a little longer so no NICU time! I am so glad that the baby looks great and yeah for the extra time during the u/s! I hope Kayla doesn’t keep you waiting too long!

Katie – I am so sorry that you are so sleep deprived these days! Hopefully, Ryan finally chooses to sleep at night instead of the daytime. That was really nice of L & D to offer any advice when you need it. Maybe, take them up on their offer would help. Thanks for the warning about the menstrual like cramps because I would have said the same thing. Yesterday, I was in terrible pain and it seemed to get worse as the day progressed but today was much better. Although, the shooting type cervical pain that I usually have at night is occurring throughout the day now. I am walking like an elderly woman at work now!

AFM – I called my high risk OB first thing this morning to tell them about my episode yesterday and they waited to see how my NST turned out, which was fine and uneventful. So they think it might be some round ligament pain but I don’t think so because this is something irritating my cervix and it is worse when I am up walking and it feels like someone is stabbing me with a knife. I definitely think it is from the gravity of her head on my cervix! I am just praying that she stays put for at least two more weeks! I have another doctor’s appointment on Monday so we will see how the weekend progresses.

Angela

[Stephanieford78]

Katie - Oh my, you poor sleep deprived mommy, you! I can relate. While Ethan was just the perfect, sleeping little angel... Angelina was up fussing for hours! Last night was so not a good night at all! Federal holiday so Andrew has a four day, but I kicked him out of the bedroom last night. His temper was getting the best of him and I didn't think it would be a good idea for him to even try to help with that kind of attitude. So I was at it all night by myself. No supermom to it though, the tears surely came as I tried so hard to calm her. I feel so bad for her and her little belly hurting. I wish I could do more than just give her a little medicine 3 times a day. They told me the signs of reflux are crying, congestion, arching their back and spitting up. Angelina has all of that. Sounds like Ryan might just be a little colicky? I had a friend who had a colicky baby and her doctor ended up giving her a sedative to help her sleep, the baby not the mom. lol Anyway, it is just a wonderful feeling to be looking at your baby and seeing their little face all the time, but so heartbreaking not to know how to make their pain go away. Chris sounds like such a great daddy! And Gracie with her protective nature. How cute is that? I love how big dogs do that with children! Rizzo is the same size as the babies and seems to be jealous of them. Not at all the protective mommy type. lol She wants to be the baby!! I'm glad your neighbors were all there to welcome you home with gifts and things, but I bet it's been hectic not getting much sleep, taking care of Ryan, trying to keep up on the house AND entertain. I hope you aren't pushing it too hard and are resting as much as you can. How is your incision? I hope they didn't cut you hip to hip like they did me. As my belly is shrinking it seems so in the incision though so that's a good thing. I don't think my belly will ever be the same though. lol The recovery is definately 6 weeks. I still feel the pain in my belly from everything still healing in there. We have been out with the babies in the car but them being there doesn't change Andrew's driving, but I wish it would. He gets road rage like no other! But there are a lot of idiots out there. I haven't driven yet since my license expired on my birthday, just a day before they were born and Andrew has been at work since I have been able to move around so there has been no way to renew it. I was thinking about just going through CO, but not sure if they will let me since I am not a resident anymore? As for Ethan's healing process... it doesn't look any different. I will have to wait to ask about it in December. UGH!

Gi - So glad to hear everything is well with little Kayla! Of course I didn't expect anything less than perfect. Jason is the character isn't he? I can only imagine how fun it must be to be around someone who has such a healthy sense of humor. Andrew's humor is a bit childish. lol If it isn't childish, it is more vulgar or rude. No one seems to get his humor so I have to try and recover for him most times. I guess that is the price you pay when you grow up in the middle of nowhere around noone but a crazy bunch of people who claim they are your family. Anyway, so how are YOU feeling? Still feeling pretty good for being about ready to pop? I hope Kayla decided to come out on her own. Little George and little Ryan have started a singleton path that I am sure you don't want to go down, unless you have too of course. So two weeks tops and she will be here. The countdown is here! Come on Kayla, be a good girl for mommy! lol

Angela - More cramps huh? Oh girl, I wonder... ? lol Have you been checked at all yet for dialation? I can't seem to recall if you have or not. If not, maybe with all the cramps (could be contractions) you could be dialating?? I was almost sure that the twins weren't going to last much longer after I hit 30 weeks because that is when I measured full term. Of course I was wrong. lol They liked it way too much in there. That was so surprising for me since 11 years ago with Alex I was dialating early. You'd think with twins, more weight, more pressure that I would dialate, but not one bit. Even on delivery day I was long and tight. I hope Gabriella stays in there long enough to be full term though. You are doing so great mama! I am very proud of you!! You have come a long way and now you are almost there!

[babyluv3]

Katie - Oh no, I am so sorry Ryan was up screaming!! That is the WORST feeling! I hope he starts to sleep a little more during the day. It's so hard at this age. Juliette has been doing a good job staying awake at times, but Amelia sleeps allllll day. Thankfully they do OK at night, but from 12:30-2:30 it's sort of up in the air. Both girls were acting up last night.

Steph - Oh poor baby girl and reflux! I hope the meds kick in soon. It's just awful when tiny babies have to deal with stuff like that. Sorry about handling everything on your own. You are doing a great job, but I hope you can get a little break soon! Just think...they are a month old already, so hopefully just a little longer until they are sleeping more at night. And I hope Ethan's eye heals up quickly! Good mama instincts to get it checked.

Angela - I did have those same cramps and was able to go several more weeks, so hopefully you can make it two more! The good thing is that you are 34 weeks so baby girl will be fine but trust me, I understand wanting to keep her out of the NICU! Try to lay down as much as humanly possible. I am convinced that I would have had my girls several weeks earlier (based on my dilation and contractions) had I not been on modified rest. And tons of water!

PA - Wow, I'm not big on inducing early for a first baby unless there is a medical reason, but in your case it may be a good idea! You have to be open that it could turn into a c/s, but I would be terrified of a blizzard and/or DH being out of town. Good luck!

Sara - Sorry about Jack's eye! Hope it heals quickly! And oh my goodness, a clogged milk duct already?? Did pumping help, or did you have to nurse through it? I was always curious if pumping works on that.

Gi - I can't believe how soon Kayla will be here! I am so excited to hear your news!

Claudia - Your maternity photos look great! You must be sooooo ready to have your baby in your arms. Maybe yesterday? Did you get your 11/11 or still waiting? I was hoping one of us could have it and it obviously wasn't me!

Hazel - Thinking about you!

AFM - Things are going well over here. The girls are really good and pretty much just sleep. The hard time seems to be from 12:30 - 2:30am. They wake up about 1 1/2 hours after we put them down to eat (for some reason that's when they are the hungriest) and then generally at least one is awake for awhile after that. Not usually crying, but making lots of noise and then the occasional cry for the paci. They had a longer stretch between feedings last night (they usually eat twice between 11pm-7:30am), so hopefully that's a good sign! We're getting into a good routine and I definitely have to feed them together. If not, then one or the other is up every hour. They are so light it's pretty easy right now to just pick them both up. At their appt Monday they were 4.13 and 4.12...dr said they should have no trouble getting to their birthweight by their two week check. They are also latching better so tandem nursing (I try to nurse 2-3 times a day and pump throughout) is getting easier. They don't eat a ton because they are so tiny, so it's helping me figure things out. I just wish Amelia would be awake a little more during the day because she is usually the one waking up more at night (though last night it was both of them).

As far as healing goes, I am off of the pain meds and doing well. I still have a lot left, but thankfully I don't need them anymore. I bought a post-partum belt at babies r us (it's like the belly bandit, but a lot cheaper) and that seems to work better than any of the meds! It's like a brace that just sucks everything in which helps a ton with the side cramps I was having. Every now and then I do get a sharp pain where my incision is, but for the most part it hasn't bothered me...it was just the cramps. The band has also sucked my tummy in so much that I am almost back to normal! Well, aside from the ridiculous amount stretch marks I got at the very end, but hey, the girls are worth it. I've lost 27 pounds and have 18 more to go!

[angelaezra]

Stephanie They didnt check this past Monday to see if I am dilating but last week on Monday I was closed and firm but of course that was before all of these symptoms started. So I am anxious to find out if I am dilating too. Although, I havent lost my mucous plug well not that I noticed. Thanks again for the words of encouragement I am trying my best to hang in there but I am not so sure she wants to stay put!

I surely hope Angelina starts to feel better soon. It is so hard to watch them cry and we cant soothe them. I have a feeling Gabriella will have acid reflux too because I have it sooo bad, my dad has it and when my nephew was born he had it so bad that he had projectile vomiting! So I will try to prepare myself thanks for the tips!

Babyluv I hope I can go another two weeks but I really doubt it. I am so uncomfortable right now that I am beside myself! When I called my OB yesterday, I asked if I should be on bed rest or even modified bed rest and they said to just take it easy. I will clarify it again on Monday because I cant keep going like this too much longer! Thank you sooooo much for the confidence that if Gabriella was born now that she would be alright. I just keep praying for another day that she stays put but we will see. I think if I werent still on the Progesterone IM shots that I probably would have gone into labor already.

AFM Well, today I am so tired that I cant even keep my eyes open. I decided to take it easy as much as possible because I keep finding myself throwing up. I think that is due to the acid reflux or my body getting ready for labor. So I am doing what Katie had to do that is to sit up in the rocker to try to get some relief. I hope everyone has a great weekend I am going to get off this computer now and pray I can make it through the night!

Angela

[PA_FA]

Angela- OH my honey. I'm sorry you feel so rotten. Don't worry if Gabriella wants to come now she is going to be just fine! I hope you can get some relief soon.

Babyluv- your babies are so beautiful! I can't believe how much hair they have! WOW! I would be all over some cute little bows.

Stephanie- I'm so sorry about Angelina having a rough go of it. Poor little girl. Reflux just sounds miserable. Sorry Andrew had a bad temper last night. That's no fun. I kick Chris out when he's being difficult too. Well, it's happened once, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. I can't believe they babies are 4w old already. It feels like just yesterday you were in the hospital making them hang in there.

Katie- Oh honey I think we are all some kind of supermoms. Even when we don't feel like it. Just the persistence of what we go through to have these babies makes us supermoms from the get go! I about peed myself when I pictured Ryan trying to eat Gracie's nose. How funny! I'm sure Gracie will be protective of Ryan for her whole life now. She has probably become his doggie automatically. Like love at first sight.

Natasha- You had asked about stretch mark cream? I use Palmer's cocoa butter too. The stuff in the tub. It smells so good I just want to eat it with a spoon! LOL I get mine at Buy Buy Baby but you can get it at Maternity clothing stores too.

AFM- Well yesterday was interesting. On Wednesday I was trying to move boxes and crap out of the nursery so that we could start painting. I think I overdid it because but 9pm that night my stomach and muscles were really hurting. I decided to see how I would feel in the AM before calling my OB. When I went to bed it hurt to even lay on my left side. Thursday when I woke up I was still feeling muscle cramping. DH and I were going to lunch with friends and on the car ride there I noticed that the cramps were every 5 mins or so for like 10-15 seconds. HMMMM....so I call the OB. OB says to drink lots of water and she will check on me in an hour or so. We had lunch and when the OB called I told her I was still feeling the cramps and if they hit when I was standing they make me double over. So it was off to Labor & delivery for me yesterday. EEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK! Yes DH and I were freaking out. So they get me hooked up to monitors and they see nothing. Just little bumps on the print out..not like waves. They monitored me for 2 hrs and checked my cervix and everything. Nada. Well that was a relief. So we spent all day hanging at the hospital. I'm glad it was just a pulled muscle. Better safe than sorry right? DH had to miss his trip last night because of it though. I feel really bad. When he called in the chief pilot (his boss) dropped him from his trip asap. All he had to do was say pregnant wife and hospital...BAM...off for 3 days. OOPS no pay though. Well, at least they are good about keeping him here with me.
So that was my yesterday. wow.....I can do without that excitement for the rest of my pregnancy. Today DH painted the primer in the nursery. We just have to get the walls painted and then we can install the closet system we got. I can't wait to see it all finished so I can start putting stuff away.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. XOXO

[jamila20]

Angela sorry about what you are going trought, please take it easy I know about vomiting, i hope you feel better. hopefully Gabriella will wait for a while take care.

Me My nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite is still around, I gave up hope to feel like myself anymore until the baby comes.

I wish well and take care.

[natasha10]

hi ladies!!
I really only got to read the last page of posts but I hope all of you are doing well. did i miss anyone having their baby after katie?

Angela- I hope you hold on a few more weeks. I think i know what mean by the cramps being so sharp and painful. i no Im only 28 weeks and I've been worried the last week myself. I had my appt last thursday and just from the dr pushing to feel for her position hurt me after i left i had the worst pain in my stomach i had to rest. I never thought of contractions though. I guess since i never felt it before. But im being watched. I hope you are too and take it easy now. Your almost there a few weeks to hang in yet.

All of your babies are so beautiful and precious. im so happy for you all!! i cant wait to meet nataliah soon. My shower is coming up quick, next sunday. Its funny that all the crap and drama my sister gave me. Yesterday she gave me a shower gift because she says she may not make it to my shower now that she's on bed rest and has an appt a few days before my shower next week. i think she thinks she maybe induced early.

I want to thank you all for telling me what creams you use for stretch marks. I use the palmers tummy butter. I think so far so good. I havent seen any marks yet. that cream is great i only put the cream on once in the morning and i can feel it still on when i go to bed. Do you use it more than once a day?

afm- Im just so busy but i only have a few classes left. im hanging in here til then. Im really starting to get tired and drained. My back is achey and now getting pains in my stomach which may be the round ligment pains or braxton hicks now. But it'll be over soon. I was asking my ob when i was having another u/s cuz i havent had one since we did the anatomy scan and found out we were having a girl. but that was about what 3 months ago. thats along time now that makes me wonder how right they are about having a girl. That suprises me that they wont be giving us another u/s unless they suspect something wrong. I want to have a 3d u/s too so now im going to have to did into it to see how we go about do it.i dont know about this office still. i know i should have changed dr's awhile back. =/

[angelaezra]

PA_FA – I don’t blame you one bit for calling your OB and reporting your symptoms. You are so correct, it is better to be safe than sorry! That is the thing about being pregnant … so many symptoms mimic so many others so it is hard to know what to report and what not to. So I just report it all! I am so glad that everything turned out ok for you at the hospital. I was so worried after I began reading your post. I think it is wonderful that your DH’s employer is so understanding because towards the end of your pregnancy you will definitely want him there when you need him.

Jamila – Oh, I am so sorry that you aren’t feeling any better by now! Hopefully, the nausea and vomiting do not occur every day and you can have a day or two with some relief! Just think that you are almost halfway done! It seems like just yesterday that you received your BFP. Are you going to have an anatomy scan to figure out if you are having boy or a girl soon?

Natasha – Oh yes, those pains following an examination at the OB can be so uncomfortable! Yeah for your classes ending pretty soon and then you can relax and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy. That is so exciting that your baby shower is fast approaching … just remember to sit back and enjoy it! So how far along is your sister right now? I saw that you posted that she might be induced early and that she is currently on bed rest. What symptoms did she have to be placed on bed rest?

AFM – After my DH arrives home from his meeting this morning, I hope to get started on cleaning this house. Normally, I do the majority of the work but I can barely walk straight these days so that is just impossible! I wish we would have started earlier but we always seem to be on the go constantly. I know we will have several visitors after she is born so I want to have the house prepared as the time is just ticking by. But, of course it is not ticking fast enough … lol. Have a great Saturday everyone!

Angela

[katie99]

Angela - oh honey I feel so bad that having such a rough time right now. Please try to just rest and not worry too much. Leave the house cleaning for now, the more time off your feet the the less cramps / contractions you should have, and keep drinking loads of water too. If little Gabriella does want to come early, you are far along enough that there shouldnt be any problems, so please go put your feet up somewhere, ok? - xoxoxo

Steph - Gah! tell Andrew that you hear enough temper tantrums from the babies - and dont need to hear one from him too. What is stressing him out lately? I know its hard for him to be in a unit that makes him miserable and have to wait who knows how long to get his orders, but it sounds like you all have already done everything you can to get out of there and now its up to the waiting game If its the stress of being all sleep deprived, it wont be like this for too long, the babies are a month old already ( I dont see how that happened ) and will sleep through the night soon now.Aw poor Angelina, Its so hard to listen to them scream and feel so helpless to comfort her, I sure hope the zantac will help her sleep and eat better. Ryan seems to go from 0-60 as far as a meltdown (always in the middle of the night too) so I'm stressing when Chris goes back to work on wed and it wil be just me taking care of him. Chris seems to have the magic touch when it comes to soothing him, its kinda turning into a joke that "oh as soon as you go to daddy- all is great?" it must be that he has such a deep voice? I'm healing ok I guess, it still has its moments when I'm feeling shooting pains through my abdomen and I still cant sleep on my side, but what a difference from last week to this week, its so much better than it was. The incision looks clean and closed ( haha I took a pic of the staples too, after getting the idea from you) I dont know if I should post it? I wouldnt want to scare anyone. I counted 22 staples, so umm yeah, it does seem like I was cut hip to hip also, big fun, yes? Whats bugging me more than anything else is the fluid buildup, my belly feels like 'spongy" and mostly numb, but puffed up like I was still 4 months pg or something, at least thankfully my feet and ankles are slowly going back to normal. The OB said it was from pooling blood and not accumulated water, so he said it will go down faster if I wasnt up all day, but we know thats not gonna happen. its so funny to me how I hated this OB the first time I had him, and was dreading getting him to be the one on call for delivery and then the last few appts, i kept getting him, and now I love this guy. I mean he still tells bad jokes, but the way he was so in charge during labor & delivery made me feel very safe with him - so my next appt I booked with him too - go figure. Aw, poor Rizzo, have you made any extra efforts to get her over her jealousy? I made sure that gracie had new toys, bones for the day Ryan came home and let her have a few minutes to sniff, slobber, and act like the diaper inspector so she'd get the idea that just because we have a new famiy member that it doesnt affect her schedule, snacks, or playtimes. Even though it does - lol. Now she has to get nudged out of the way because she is always first to the nursery at every sound from him - too funny. I doubt you could go through CO to renew your licence because they'll want to mail it to your CO address
OK twin mama, i hope that you're getting some rest and that the babies , Alex and Andrew are all doing well. - much love to you all - xoxoxo

Babyluv - OMG, your Amelia & Juliette are too precious! I cant get over how much hair they have! I love the pictures and the purple backround. You have so many good pictures of all the kids, I have to get on that as well. I want to get some professional pictures done and I will, as soon as I get enough sleep to function lol. And you're doing tandem nursing? Wow thats impressive, girl! I'm glad that you're healing well, it definitely takes awhile doesnt it? i've been getting those sharp shooting pains as well, but onle every so often. Thats funny that you're off the pain meds already, but I understand you must have been concerned that it would pass through your breast milk, I only got 3 days worth to take home, and they barely did a thing for me. I'm down 24 lbs as of last week and dying to weigh myself and see how much I'm down now. Enjoy your cutie pies - and get as much rest as you can - xoxo

Gi - how are you feeling today, mama to be? I cant wait to hear that you have little Kayla in your arms - well that is if you can pry her away from Jason for a minute -lol. get some rest as much as you can in the last days of pregnancy, I know you're uncomfy, but get whatever sleep you can now - once they're here, its all about coffee - haha - much love to you Jason, and your Mam - xoxo

Pa - Ack, honey, I'm sorry you had a scary hospital visit, but at least it was just a visit, right? When I got sent up to L&D during a routine OB appt - I was sooo nervous! I ended up lucking out and met the nurse who ended up being with me during labor - and she was super helpful and comforting. Did you get a good look at where you'll be during L&D? Whew, that was nice of your DH's boss, I sure hope that he is as understanding when it comes to be your time, maybe he'll let your hubby work closer to home? Well we can only try, right? get some rest this weekend please and have fun supervising your DH getting the nursery together - stop lifting boxes, let him do that please - xoxoxo

Natasha - aw, I'm glad that you & your sister are back in good graces, I hope your shower goes great and after the drama, that all goes smoothly. You sounnd like me, I had the anatomy scan at 18wks also, then nothing until 33-34 weeks and that was to determine if there was fetal ditress, and only for 5 minutes, so I guess no one thought to look between the legs I think if I wasnt past my EDD, I wouldnt have gotten another u/s and would have had a huge surprise come delivery time! yeah, more u/s would always be a good idea, but OBs dont seem to warrant them if nothing is wrong - sigh Take care mama to be - xoxo

Jamila - Ugh, some pregnancys just have way more nausea and vomiting than others, take it as a sign of high HCG levels. babies r us sells these things called preggo pops - they're ginger based lollypops and supposed to help alot. hang in there honey - xoxo

AFM - Ryan was kind and only woke us up twice last night! Whhoo hooo, so I actually got sleep for 5 hrs straight! I feel almost normal today for a change. Now if only I could remember to put a washcloth over him when I change him - I've gotten peed on several times and so has the wall! At least it wasnt me who got it in the face though - that was Chris! poor guy, hey at least he burst out laughing! Ryan seems to smile when he pees in the air too, hmmm, I wonder about him sometimes - lol. Did I forget to tell you guys that when we were still in the hospital that 3 different nurses told me how much he looks just like me? the first one said "oh, he has your exact eye color( and he does too) and the same cleft in your chin. I felt funny for about a second then just smiled and thanked them, then it happend twice more. its really amazing to me because I have to admit that certain times during the pregnancy, I was wondering what he would look like, would he have dark hair & eyes? Would people always be coming up to me and saying "who does he take after"? and instead he looks just like me. Poor Chris had a funny look on his when this happened, but I think Ryan's eye color will end up lighter blue than mine, like Chris's is. Either way it doesnt even matter - this child ismine and we're both way past being in love with him! i do wish he wasnt a night owl though - haha - much love to you all -xoxoxo

[karenthescorpio]

Katie- I love ya girl. You always have great stories! Little Ryan is dreamy and just precious. That was so sweet for the nurse to get some pics of him being born. I know it wasn't the ideal birth you had in mind. But hey. We are IVF women. Nothing goes like we think it should! My TAC (abdominal cerclage) surgery left me with a csection incision and similar pain. My God! I can't imagine what a real csection will be like! Hang in there and enjoy the percocet! Xoxoxo

Claude- you look fabulous mama! Sounds like the big day is very near. I remember when you first started calling your little one Flick. Can't wait to see baby Flick!!!!!

Sara-all your kids are gorgeous! I bet the older ones are just over the moon with happiness to have their sisters at home! Xo


Steph-sending you a big hug and hope the stress passes soon! A month already? Holy cow! Time flies!

I know I missed some folks and will come back later to do more personals. I got a new iPad for my 40th on Friday and I find it not as easy to use for doing personals. Hard to read older posts. But hey. I'm just not that savvy either with this thing. But I feel cool at 40 with an iPad. Kind of helped easy the sting!!!!!

AFM- tomorrow my little embies get their PGD and then it is transfer on Monday morn. I can't believe it. I can't wait to be preggers again. I have good vibes about this.

[PA_FA]

Karen- Happy birthday! I know just the perfect present! You'll get it Monday morning when you do your transfer.
I have not tried to use the ipad for this board. I'd have to pry it out of DH hands. LOL

Katie- Have you heard of the peepee tee peee? They are these cute little tents that go over the peepee so it does not get cold. I had to read your post to DH. He was frowning at the thought of having a little boy peeing on him. I think it's prefect payback for all the kicking we endure for months. Chris thinks it's hilarious when she kicks me so much it hurts. He tells her to do it again. ACK I hope she clobbers him right in the nuts at least once! I'm so bad.
As for the hospital, I had already done the hospital tour a few months ago so at least it was familiar to me. The super nice thing is that the wing where you go for L & D has valet parking. WOO HOO! Drop the car off and DH is with me the whole time.

AFM- DH got a good trip for tomorrow so I am going with him. I miss the airplane. I know I should do more here but I think I will just take a break for a few days. Much love and see you all on Wednesday. Last time I was gone for a few days there were babies galore! So Gi and Claudia....hmmm who knows. XOXO

[angelaezra]

Karen – you look great in your picture in your signature area! I am so excited for you … Monday is the big day huh? I have a good feeling about this too for you. Happy belated birthday … I think I read somewhere that it was Friday. I can’t wait to read about your progress. Please keep us posted!

Angela