Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[karenvancouverisland]

that's awesome SD- 'outsourcing'.. yes- if i worked more, we would have to outsource, as my DH works a lot too, but he does have quieter times of year (quiet meaning just 40 hours a wk)... so i work 24 hours a wk (in 3 days).. so basically on my 4 days off- i'm cleaning up the mess that's accumulated during my work days, and preparing for the next work days by cooking meals ahead etc. and on my work days- we leave the house at 8am, get home between 5:30-6pm.. and he goes to bed at 7:15, so it's a GONG SHOW!! i'm beyond exhausted once i've eaten, but then there's chores to do.

i do have time on my days off to just enjoy our son, and do great activities with him, and then i save the grocery shopping and other chores etc for evenings, no joke- it's busy at times, and i have to admit, i'm a bit scared (but moreover- grateful) about having 2 little ones and balancing both their needs. right now, i can get a bit of time to myself, either my DH or my mom comes (she lives 1 hour away).. and i'd love to have more so that i could exercise or have a 'real' hobby, but usually i'll lunch it with a girlfriend, or jsut go to the mall and enjoy a starbucks and a little shopping.

i really , really did not know how my life would change sooo much after having a baby.. especially cause i had him later in life (37), i think i was a bit more set in my ways and used to being self- centered..

ok, so on the topic of not being self- centered- lol... my son is crying.. gotta run!!!!

[DandMe]

Morning from Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.... ; )

Leora - you are a google freak like me. I also needed to reassure myself with everything so I won't tell you to stop googling, but I will suggest googling 'good things' like "survival rate" and "Successful ultrasound measurements at X weeks", etc. It was super reassuring to find all the GOOD stories that coincided with my test results. Chin up kiddo.. you're doing great.

Lou; sorry about the little scare. I can understand you being hesitant. I know that the doctors told me there was no exercise that would cause a miscarriage but when I had my first (nine week - all others were CP) one I was working a long tournament (I used to be a professional sports photographer) and put in 3 - 14 hour days in the hot sun, running from field to field, standing/crouching for hours. The second night I began to feel ..... off. No matter how many times they say it didn't cause anything I totally refused to do anything close to that again when we had subsequent bfp's. To this day I feel I overdid it and have never forgiven myself! Just listen to your body more than anything and do what feels right. I think that scare is the reason I gained 20 lbs during the next three years of TTC.... I just refused to push myself anymore. UGH. Now when hte baby is born I will have one hell of a climb to get back into shape, and I wish I had been able to find better balance between my physical needs and my mental ones!!! Your fitness regime is a bit of an inspiration for sure! And those damn dopplers can be either a wonderful tool or a freaky scare - I was always amazed at how I could find it in one spot one day and a totally different spot the next.

Mellow; your tummy looks perfect! You are carrying pretty low which I personally think is uber-cute! How are you feeling? Getting lots of movement?

SD: I have no idea, to be honest. I own the business so it might be a bit easier for me. We are getting a housekeeper for SURE so my main house chores will be taken care of. I also am moving into a larger space (my business) in August and am already planning my office to include a small nursery area. I'm nervous about it as well!

Katie K - Huge big hugs and good vibes to you and your new family joys! I hope the names come easily - my youngest went five days as 'Baby Boy" LOL Congratulations!!!!

Gina; That's awesome that your boys are measuring big for twins. That's so cool!! I'm glad you got the go ahead to be done working even though you are going to miss it. What do you do for work that you love so much? LOL I'm sure your days will be filled with amazing new experiences and you will be very occupied..

DLK Sounds super exciting and that everything is going smoothly... Can't wait to hear the birth story and get some photos...

DrBoots: So happy you are facing this miracle with such a wonderful planning attitude! A friend online had three embies transferred and one split - she now has four beautiful babies!! LOL Her blog link is on mine if you ever want to stalk her journey. It was amazing to watch her go through the entire thing online.

AFM: It was a long trip to Mexico with an entire 24 hour period of not being able to really lay down and sleep (took the red-eye across Canada) but baby boy was super energetic and I arrived a bit grouchy but fine. Some mild swelling in my feet but that's pretty normal for travelling and it seems to have gone down. Of course I feel like a whale walking around in my flowing sundresses but I am comfortable. LOL I think I look bigger than I should at this stage. We are officially done 25 weeks today - yay!

[klinger13]

Sonya - Glad to hear you made it to Mexico just fine, well, despite the LONG journey to get there. Enjoy that vacation!! You and DH have definitely earned some R&R time together. And I'm sure you're rocking those flowing sundresses!

SD - I work from home as a software trainer and I was hoping to return PT after the baby arrives. But my company is not "fond" of PT work so my last day will be 6/3 and I'll be a SAHM after that. I may pick up a little PT job a couple evenings a week after a few months (for that little extra spending $$ and adult conversation) but I'm really looking forward to getting to stay home with this little one for awhile. I missed soooo much with my first two when they were little and this will be our only baby together, so I want to take advantage of my time with this one.

[leorira11]

7 weeks today for me! Halfway through the first trimester!

I'm dying for my next u/s on Sunday. I really want to know if these babies are growing properly or not. If not, I'll be really concerned - that would be 3 babies in a row lost at the same time in the pregnancy (6-7 wks). I'm hoping so much that these babies are okay. Both D and I are in a huge fog, just trying to get through this week.

I'm really concerned about my morning sickness. With my first set of twins, I had HG (severe vomiting to the point where I lost 30 lbs and got IV fluids because I couldn't keep plain water down). With my next pregnancy, the morning sickness wasn't so bad (vomiting once or twice a day, general queasiness) but I chalked that up to a singleton vs twins and first vs second pregnancy. Now I'm pregnant with twins again - and just regular morning sickness (vomiting once or twice a day, general lack of appetite and queasiness). They say that only about 50% of people get HG in subsequent pregnancies, but now I'm really worried. Another thing to worry about...

I can't believe I've been pregnant a total of 39 weeks (22 + 10 + 7) and still no baby for me...

I'm really depressed and staying home in bed all day isn't helping. I have tickets to a musical tonight (that is starring some friends of mine). I really think I'm going to go. I'm on 'modified' bed rest, meaning that sitting on the couch or in front of the computer a few hours a day is fine. We will drive to the theater - I'll get dropped off in front - then we'll just sit and watch the show. I hope it'll be okay.

Basically - I was so confident a few weeks ago that this pregnancy was going to be fine. Now the nerves and the fears are really settling in. I thought I could keep a positive attitude - but I can't. It's going to be a looooooooong 6-7 months.....

[Reenie100]

I'm trying to post a picture of my twins, but I'm being told the file size is too big. What's the best to place a picture in a post?

[mellow4]

Hi Reenie~ I just used this to make my picture smaller to put on here yesterday. http://pixlr.com/editor/
After you make the dimensions smaller, you have to save it, and then it should work for you. I think I shrunk my top number to 300 and the lower one adjusts as you adjust the top.

Congratulations on your babies!! Can't wait to see them.

[karin1]

Reenie......I can't wait to see pics of those beautiful babies!

DLK......Wishing you an easy and safe delivery!

Sonya.....Enjoy your vacation! Sounds awesome!

Mellow.....Your bump looks the same size as mine. You look so cute! Although you are a little thinner than me. How much weight have you gained? I think I've gained about 12lbs now. I read in a book that I should have gained 25lbs by now. What do you think? My OB hasn't commented on my weight at all. I have an appt on Tuesday and will ask her then.

Leorira.....Go see the musical and enjoy it! You need a distraction. You have so much to be grateful for! Be positive!

Margi.....Welcome! Congrats on your beta numbers!

AFM......Nothing new as far as pregnancy goes. Feeling them move more a little each day...which is great. I feel fine. I do take a nap sometimes because I'm tired, but that's about it. I got a call from my FIL and my SIL today about me traveling to visit my family on the east coast next month. If I could go now, I would. The problem is DD can't really miss any more school. She missed 5 days when we went to Hawaii in January. She has missed a total of 7 days this year. She's in 6th grade, it's a new school and I'm afraid she'll get behind. Her spring break is the week before Easter. I will be 24wks. My MIL and FIL's next door neighbor was pregnant with twins. She's my age and did IVF. She's been in the hospital since she was about 26wks. She's had complications throughout the entire pregnancy. They delivered the babies c section last night. She was 32wks. The babies were 3 and 4lbs. The smaller one isn't doing well. He has some birth defects and is having problems breathing. They transferred him to another hospital. The other one is doing okay. Since this happened, everyone is worried about them and now me and my travel plans. All of it is scary and not all pregnancies are the same. I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize the health of my babies. I will be seeing my OB on Tuesday and then again the day that I would be leaving to go. If for ANY reason she said not to go....I wouldn't. What would you ladies do? I need advice.

[mellow4]

Hey Karin~ I have only gained 7lbs at this point...it has been a little bit of a concern for me. I am small, and my metabolism seems to be burning everything I put in for these babies. The girls have both grown, and are right on track, but I can't seem to eat enough to gain much weight. I have always gained 30lbs in each of my pregnancies, so hopefully I am on my way now...but we have 16 weeks to get to our goal of 36 weeks, which will likely be around the time I have them, I always go early and have never carried twins so I think it will be close to that. Anyway, that would be 23 more lbs I would need to gain in that 16 weeks. Eek! Since I am considered underweight, (which is just in my genetics) I am supposedly needing to gain more than 30...we will see. Next week when I go in for another ultrasound, it will be the most telling if it's enough, or if there is something more I have to do. At this point I am just 111lbs soaking wet. I feel like a big pig lately too...Oink!! I was advised not to travel after 24 weeks. We wanted to take a cruise when you are planning your trip back east, and I was told no, it's too iffy. I will be staying close to home, we may rent a beach house in SD or go to Big Bear instead. It's a little frustrating, but apparently the difference between carrying one and two is pretty significant at that point, I was told to add about 10 weeks to what you are at, and that is kinda where your body thinks you are with multiples. Who knows, this is uncharted territory for me too. See what your Doc says, and go with that. It's your best bet. We need a picture of your belly!

[DandMe]

7 weeks today for me! Halfway through the first trimester!

I'm dying for my next u/s on Sunday. I really want to know if these babies are growing properly or not. If not, I'll be really concerned - that would be 3 babies in a row lost at the same time in the pregnancy (6-7 wks). I'm hoping so much that these babies are okay. Both D and I are in a huge fog, just trying to get through this week.

I'm really concerned about my morning sickness. With my first set of twins, I had HG (severe vomiting to the point where I lost 30 lbs and got IV fluids because I couldn't keep plain water down). With my next pregnancy, the morning sickness wasn't so bad (vomiting once or twice a day, general queasiness) but I chalked that up to a singleton vs twins and first vs second pregnancy. Now I'm pregnant with twins again - and just regular morning sickness (vomiting once or twice a day, general lack of appetite and queasiness). They say that only about 50% of people get HG in subsequent pregnancies, but now I'm really worried. Another thing to worry about...

I can't believe I've been pregnant a total of 39 weeks (22 + 10 + 7) and still no baby for me...

I'm really depressed and staying home in bed all day isn't helping. I have tickets to a musical tonight (that is starring some friends of mine). I really think I'm going to go. I'm on 'modified' bed rest, meaning that sitting on the couch or in front of the computer a few hours a day is fine. We will drive to the theater - I'll get dropped off in front - then we'll just sit and watch the show. I hope it'll be okay.

Basically - I was so confident a few weeks ago that this pregnancy was going to be fine. Now the nerves and the fears are really settling in. I thought I could keep a positive attitude - but I can't. It's going to be a looooooooong 6-7 months.....

Leora.... I hope you really listen to everyone telling you that you can't determine the health of your babies by how sick you are. You're doing everything you can to keep those little ones healthy and happy... worry and being upset won't do any good and will just make time crawl. I really found that keeping myself occupied and distracted was the best for me - glad you are going to the theatre tonight with friends!!

Try to enjoy the pregnancy... There's no sense in being sad or upset unless something happens. I know this from my own experience.... if it's not going to be a viable pregnancy there is NOTHING you can do to stop it... and if it is a viable pregnancy (which it is!!!) then NOTHING you can do will end it unless you are really super silly and you are anything but!

Just send those precious little bebes your best loving vibes, and know that they are in there growing and developing and getting stronger and stronger each and every day. Big huge hugs, kiddo... I feel for you!!

[margi26]

Quick post ladies...I am utterly exhausted. Sorry I am not catching up with many personals.

Mellow: Love your bump!

Sonya: Have a fabulous time in Mexico.

Leora: Hang in there...it is normal to worry, especially after all you have been through, but do your best to keep up the PMA and the positive visualization. I absolutely love the guided meditation mp3s I have specific for IVF...have you ever tried them? They totally relax you...usually put me to sleep.

3rd beta back today. 20dpo-5522. Doubling time of 38 hrs, so I think all is on track. Now it is wait for first u/s time. It is scheduled for next Tuesday. I will be 5w6d at that point (I think? I am so tired, my brain isn't functioning properly). Excited and nervous all wrapped in one.

[DandMe]

AFM......Nothing new as far as pregnancy goes. Feeling them move more a little each day...which is great. I feel fine. I do take a nap sometimes because I'm tired, but that's about it. I got a call from my FIL and my SIL today about me traveling to visit my family on the east coast next month. If I could go now, I would. The problem is DD can't really miss any more school. She missed 5 days when we went to Hawaii in January. She has missed a total of 7 days this year. She's in 6th grade, it's a new school and I'm afraid she'll get behind. Her spring break is the week before Easter. I will be 24wks. My MIL and FIL's next door neighbor was pregnant with twins. She's my age and did IVF. She's been in the hospital since she was about 26wks. She's had complications throughout the entire pregnancy. They delivered the babies c section last night. She was 32wks. The babies were 3 and 4lbs. The smaller one isn't doing well. He has some birth defects and is having problems breathing. They transferred him to another hospital. The other one is doing okay. Since this happened, everyone is worried about them and now me and my travel plans. All of it is scary and not all pregnancies are the same. I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize the health of my babies. I will be seeing my OB on Tuesday and then again the day that I would be leaving to go. If for ANY reason she said not to go....I wouldn't. What would you ladies do? I need advice.

I'm in Mexico (25 weeks) and feel totally comfortable with it. But I'm not having twins and my pregnancy has been 'ideal' as far as my doctor is concerned. He had no issues whatsoever with me travelling and I felt totally comfortable with it. However, if I were concerned or worried I would trust my gut because if I didn't, I would never, ever forgive myself should something have happened. You can't use other women's experiences as a mirror of your own..... she's had issues her entire pregnancy and this was most likely expected by her medical team. My nephew was born last July at 33 weeks and is the picture of health... the pregnancy was completely normal.... the mom just went into labour and delivered three hours later! Another lady I know lost three pregnancies in a row between 12 and 14 weeks and then just had two healthy babies 18 months apart. I know it's normal to worry - I think we all do our share (and more at times!!) but try to just focus on your own body and what your history has been and use that as your measuring stick. I hope you make the decision that's right for you. (((((hugs)))))

[DandMe]

3rd beta back today. 20dpo-5522. Doubling time of 38 hrs, so I think all is on track. Now it is wait for first u/s time. It is scheduled for next Tuesday. I will be 5w6d at that point (I think? I am so tired, my brain isn't functioning properly). Excited and nervous all wrapped in one.

I was EXHAUSTED for the first 12 weeks.... and yay for a great beta!! Love the note to Leora about the positive visualization! I do that quite a bit and it helped, especially for the first trimester.

[karenthescorpio]

Karin1- Since you brought it up, I'd say no way would I travel at almost 21 weeks with twins. Not worth the potential risks. I feel I can say this b/c I carried twins before this pregnancy, so I know the aches, pains, discomfort. Although I did have complications prior to their loss at 23 weeks, even non-eventful twin pregnancies have risks much much higher than a singleton pregnancy. Maybe they can come see you considering the circumstances...or just wait. Nothing more important that those two little ones in your belly...and of course your DD! Keep baking! xo
Karen

[klinger13]

Margi - YAY for another awesome beta!!! I can't wait for your u/s so we know how many Cali babies you've got in there. My guess is 2.

Karin - I too wouldn't travel. I'm pregnant with a singleton and I told my company no travel at all unless it's within a few hours and by car. Then again, I was worried about my cervix holding up prior to my TAC. But I just felt like we got this far, why risk it.

AFM, had my 24 week prenatal visit yesterday and all is going well. Just did the basics - b/p, weight (up to 16 pounds total now), temp, fundal height, h/b, etc. and go back in 4 weeks. I do my 1 hour glucose screening this afternoon so hopefully that will go well. I'm enjoying having a boring pregnancy ever since having my TAC placed and I'd like to keep it that way.

[lou71]

Didi -- Have you had your baby yet? We want pictures!!!!

Mellow -- Great bump! You are completely and utterly adorable.

Gina -- You are getting close as well with your twins! You must be getting very excited.

KatieG -- I hope your c-section went well yesterday. Can't wait for your update with baby pics!

Sonya -- Did you have any genetic testing done on the baby you lost when you m/c at 9 weeks? It might not have been your fault at all and you may have that guilt for no reason. I did have testing done when I m/c at 12 weeks. The baby died around 11 weeks and genetic testing showed it was non-viable. I guess I'm glad it happened that way now instead of having to make a decision to terminate (I shudder at the thought of that). I agree on the doppler as well. The baby can move around so much! Last night I found the hb right when I touched the probe to my belly, and then after about 10 seconds it was gone and I found it two inches away. Made me wonder if the baby can "feel" the doppler and doesn't like it and moves away. Now I feel bad! I hope you are having a wonderful time in Mexico!

Leora -- Hooray for 7 weeks! I hope you enjoyed your musical also. It's good to get out a bit and I think that is OK with modified bedrest. No more bleeding, right?

Karin -- I understand your worry about travel, esp with twins. I am already nervous and we planned a trip at 18 weeks. I'm only pregnant with one and my OB said it was OK for us to go. I would just follow your docs advice.

Margi -- Looooove seeing you here! Can't wait for your u/s on Tues to see how many you've got baking in there. I'm thinking 2 or even 3 possibly!

AFM -- I hope this morning isn't any indication how the rest of my day is going to go. It started with me dropping my cell phone in the toilet. Now it's completely dead and I have to go get a new one after work today. Don't even ask how I did that!!! Ha!. Other than that, I've been feeling good on an "every other day basis". So weird. I felt good on Sunday and had dinner with my grandparents and aunt/uncle, crappy on Monday with a severe headache, really good yesterday and had a nice workout, and so far today I'm just plain exhausted. Might also be because I got home at 9:30PM last night and got up at 5AM for an early work meeting. Aside from that, I told my aunt and grandfather that we were pregnant on Sunday and really didn't get good responses. My grandfather literally said "so what", so I left it at that. He was upset when I miscarried and probably doesn't believe this pregnancy will end up with a baby. My Aunt said "are you kidding me? At your age you actually tried again?" And then she rolled her eyes. She's my deceased mothers only sibling and really the only family I have besides my 85 year old grandparents. My grandmother seems happy but says she's very, very worried. She acts like "I can't handle it". My Aunt then went on a rant about how horrible this world is that we live in and why would I want to bring a child into it. Ugh!!!!! I just ignored it all. She has one child that she didn't even want when she got pregnant. He is now 23 and was born when she was 35. Previous to that, she had 2 very late and probable illegal abortions a few years apart because she was an alcoholic bar hopping tramp in her 20's before she married my uncle. I was young when all that happened, but my mother told me much later. My aunt still doesn't know that I know her past. I think her real concern is that my having a child might affect her inheritance. She thinks that since my mother is gone, that all is hers because she's the "oldest living heir". Yes, she has said that. But my grandparents Will includes me and her son. Now my grandparents *might* include their great grandchild too and that would really burn her ass. Gosh, I hate family drama!