Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[MamaBoo]

Karenvancouver: the other cargo I lug around varies, but right now I have a pack n play, a small stroller and a large stroller. When we travel to visit family, we have a couple of suitcases, the pack n play, stroller, toys, lap top etc. You should have seen how packed the thing was for Christmas! We had all listed above plus tons of presents! We live far away from family so it's never an light trip.

[riogirl71]

Hope - While I am very sorry that you are moving away from family, my family is in Brazil! I think you and DH will be fine. When we had our son, I didn't have any help from family so it was pretty much DH and I and we did fine. THis time we will have MIL help and stay some with me in the hospital since DH needs to be with DS and our two dogs. You will be amazed at how much your instincts kick in and how not so scary it is when it is your own child! We had been talking to moving to Texas because it is more affordable but we can't right now because of a skid and the fact we would lose money in our house. So let me know how it goes, we might join you later!

[HopeIsAllIHave]

Rio - Thank you so much for the nice words of encouragement! I sure hope everything will work out in the end. I'll just miss my family dearly! It must be so difficult that your family lives all the way in Brazil! How often do you get to see them? That's one of the reasons why we're moving to TX as well.. the living expenses and the houses are much cheaper. And you get more for your money compared to the dinky houses you find here in the bay area. I will sure keep you in the loop!

[Waitingkay]

Hi everyone,

Funny enough we are also considering Mazda5 even though this is only going to be our first child and my little pom now lives with my mom.
We found out baby really is going to be a little boy!!! I guess I'll have to go shopping for some blue items, and I still think there is so much more choice in pink!

Sorry for not writing personally to everyone, it's hard to keep track!

Leora - so sorry to hear about DH grandpa. Hope you're doing better now.

Mellow - The video with Marlo is beautiful, DH and I watched it both and are so happy for you. So nice how she immediately responds to you.

[mellow4]

Hey gals, thanks for the words of encouragement and support, and of course all the prayers. This weekend marked a big milestone for us. Marlo turned 2 weeks old on Saturday, and as of last night had put on a few ounces. We are just an ounce off of the 2lb mark. They continue to raise her milk intake daily, and as of today she is at 8cc's every 3 hours. I have been able to hold her most days, which is wonderful and she does so well when I do. She is doing well for her age of gestation. They will repeat the heart echo in the morning, hopefully the PDA has closed. She did develop a pulmonary edema, which is some fluid build up in her lungs. As of yesterday it looked to be getting much better. One day at a time with a preemie...it seems like so much more than 2 weeks has gone by. I am exhausted, but so in love with my little but mighty Marlo.

I hope you are all doing well. I am reading all of your updates, and cheering you on. Some of you have got to be pretty close to having your sweet little ones, can't wait to hear the good news soon.

Love to you all!

[leorira11]

Stefanie - looking good! I hope I look as good when I'm that far along!

Kat - sorry you are puking! When I was working and newly pregnant, I would run to puke all day. People asked and I said I was dealing with some 'sensitive stomach' issues. I got winks and nudges... I assume people knew, but I wasn't ready to share. 8 week scan is really soon, no? Maybe you can pass off this one vomit and wait to tell them until next week.

Blair - I finally submitted all the paperwork I was told I needed... and then I got a phone call from the insurance company that there is still one thing I'm missing! UGH! In general, our system is fantastic. I got all of my IVF/FET cycles paid for completely with minimal paperwork and annoyance. Why is this so freaking complicated? Oh well... I'm so glad all 3 are still doing well!
as for the Barbara Luke book "When you are expecting twins, triplets and quads" - a lot of people think that her weight gain recommendations are ridiculous and unattainable. Don't worry if you can't gain 20 lbs this week! Lots of us lose weight, especially with multiples, and the babies are fine.

Kelley - 19 weeks! you are halfway through! (twins are almost all born by 38 weeks)

Karen (scorpio) - I can't believe you are almost 30 weeks! Time seems to fly by, especially when it's someone else's pregnancy!

Ryann - poor puppy! But she looks really sweet. Hardwood floors? Wow! Those are really nice! Sorry you are so uncomfortable. I'm sure it'll get worse before it gets better - but only a few weeks until they are here!

Rio - thanks for the advice on dogs in cars. Our is generally loose in the car (which I know isn't safe for him or us), but I've been putting of getting a restraint for him. What do you think of 'doggy seat belts'? He's never been in a crate/kennel and I'm afraid he'll freak out (or get car sick and vomit).

Ashley - first of all - show us your belly pics! My first pregnancy, I was really against the idea of maternity clothes. I kept wearing my regular clothes as long as possible - pants with a rubber band or belly band (or just unbuttoned!) and shirts that kept getting too short... finally at 18 weeks, my MIL bought me maternity jeans and a few shirts -- what a great difference! This time, I waited until 14 weeks, but I'm 100% in maternity clothes. Much better!
about moving away from your family... I live 6000 miles from mine, but I like it that way. At least you'll still be close enough to visit regularly and won't have to worry too much about time differences (just an hour or two, right? - I have 7-8 depending on daylights savings).
My butt also hurts from sitting too much! In fact, any one position is uncomfortable after a while. I'm bouncing around between standing, siting and lying down. DH says I'm spastic - the way I keep shifting around the house (couch, computer room, bedroom)

Kay - even with one kid (well, we have none now!) I would recommend the Mazda5 - I really love mine! We bought it when we started TTC over 3 years ago, since we assumed we'd be adding a kid... alas, I still drive around an empty family car - but I love the extra seats and cargo space!

Mellow - glad to hear Marlo is doing well. Hang in there!

AFM - since so many people asked - Aquacise was really fun! I usually like aerobics classes, so a lot of the steps and movements were things I recognized, which was fun. I was surprised that I got my heart rate up and actually felt quite tired afterwards. I met with the head of the gym after. Turns out, she is a childbirth educator, lamaze teacher and a prenatal fitness expert. She says that she would really like me to seriously discuss this with my doctor before I do any more classes, since it's twins and I'm high risk. I had some cramping afterwards - but lying down with some water helped stop that, but it made me nervous. I'm going to talk to my doctor when I see him on Thursday.

Amusement park was fun. We went on all the rides I could go on (Carousel, Ferris Wheel, the train ride) and sat and watched the entertainment shows. There were crazy amounts of junk food (popcorn, snowcones, cotton candy, etc), but I couldn't face any of it! Ick! I kept drinking TONS of ice water, since it was 95+ degrees F out side and we were walking around. Overall, I had a good time.

Next u/s is on Thursday. We had a really really quick hb check at my OB appt at 14 weeks, but we haven't really seen the babies since NT at 11w3d. That's a looooong 5 weeks ago! Technically, this is 'just' a cervical check, but I want to measure the babies, and hopefully get a quick peek between their legs!

Have a great day y'all - and stay cool! It's freaking hot here!

[rypell1985]

Leora...sounds like you had a nice day at the amusement park! I don't think I could handle going and not being able to ride the fun rides! Oh, and I wouldn't be able to pass up all the junk food either! I sure hope they can peek at the babies and confirm whether they are boys or not!!!

Mellow...Thanks for peeking in here. I am still praying for Marlo and your family!

Waitingkay...congrats on the baby boy!

AFM...puppy ate his cast right off, but the good thing he he doesn't seem to be limping anymore. We are tog ive him his pain meds and benadryl for the rest of the week to calm him down so he doesn't re-injure, but he think he will be just fine

Yesterday I had my BIL and future SIL's bridal shower and it was outside...ugh...80 degrees!!! It was a really nice shower, but I do have to laugh at how perfect strangers think it's okay to tell you that you're huge just because you're pregnant. No one, not even a pregnant woman, likes to hear that she is huge!

The wooden floors are all put down in the nursery and it looks amazing! DH still has to put the trim back up and the closet doors back on, but I just love it! I'm going to attach some pics, but I apologize, the only way I know how to do that it one per post, so please excuse my multiple posts!

For starters...here is my 27 weeks bump from this morning! 3rd trimester!!!!

[rypell1985]

Here is a picture of the nursery from the hallway looking into the door

[rypell1985]

and here is a picture of my little rocking chair corner, taken from standing in the closet

[klinger13]

Ryann - Love the pics!! Your bump is so adorable! You just look so petite and then see this cute belly popping out. And I love the hardwood floors. We live in an apartment complex so it's all carpets for us - Yuck! I really miss the hardwood floors we had in our last apartment. I'm not sure why people feel the need to tell pregnant women they look huge. Twice this weekend I got the "You look like you're ready to pop." If I look like I'm going to pop already, what will I look like in another 5-6 weeks??

Leora - I'm glad you got to enjoy the amusement park (though I would miss the fun rides too. I'm a huge roller coaster fan!) Can't wait to hear how your u/s goes on Thursday! I'm anxious to hear if the "2 boys" early u/s prediction was right.

Mellow - So glad to hear from you! YAY for Marlo putting on some weight and doing well with her kangaroo care time. Hopefully her lungs clear up quickly and she keeps progressing beautifully.

Waitingkay - Congrats on finding out you're having a little boy! You're right though, there's a lot more girl clothes out there to choose from. But baby clothes in general are fun to pick out. Just don't buy too many. We only bought a few outfits but our my inlaws bought enormous amounts of clothes...I honestly don't think Maribel will even get to wear them all before moving up in sizes so I bet I'll be donating a great deal of them when she's passed those sizes.

Rio - YAY for hitting 30 weeks! We went with a travel swing from Target (similar to the one you got but more girly LOL.) The seat goes into multiple positions so it ranges from them reclining back a lot to more of a sitting position. Then we also got a Bumbo chair for really sitting up in those early months.

AFM - I had a nice weekend. Didn't do too much but finished washing all of the baby's clothes, painted letters that we'll hang in her room (her name), and started cutting out squares of flannel that we'll be using for cloth baby wipes. I'll be going to visit my family this coming weekend so my mom & I will spend some time together on our sewing machines sewing edges around 80 or so squares of flannel. I am really looking forward to the visit though because I'll get to see my kids and granddaughters. And my DD has to work on Sunday so I get to watch my littlest granddaughter all day, yippee!!! So hopefully Friday will hurry up and get here!

[Sweetpea614]

I've missed so much. Finally over this head cold. Still dealing with the queesy's and but have only vomitted twice and that's because brushing your teeth and morning sickness do not mix. I really hope this week fly's by. I can't wait for my next ultrasound Tuesday.

Leora-Glad you had a good time at the amusement park. I love going on rides. Looks like we both have ultrasounds next week. Yay! Will you find out the sex's next week?

Rypell- The floors look great. I have the exact same ceiling in my house. Your belly is so cute and you are far from huge. I can't believe people would even dare say something like that to a pregnant woman.

Hopeisallihave- You will be ok. Do you have plans for a family memeber to come stay with you after the baby is born to help you out? You might have already said this but my memory has gone out the door;)

Mellow- Your baby is so beautiful. So glad you get to hold her.

Sorry if I missed anyone I'm so far behind it's hard to catch up. But hope everyone is doing well.

Kat

[blairwh58]

sweetpea- Glad to hear you are getting over that headcold. Hopefully the next week flies by so you can see your little one Tuesday.

klinger- Thats an interesting idea to use cloth wipes. Are you also using cloth diapers? We have thought about it but Im just not sure I can handle all those diapers at once.

ryann- You have such a cute little belly!!! And I absolutely love the floors. The color is great and I cannot wait to see more pictures as the room comes along.

leora- Glad you had a good time at the amusement park, just the thought of those rides and that food makes me wanna gag. Sucks that you are having to jump through so many hoops for the Zofran. Hopefully once you finally get some it really works for you. I can definitely tell a difference when I take it but still feel like being sick all day. As for that book I think it would be impossible for me to pack on that much in the next 10 wks. I am going to try my best to gain what I can but its so hard to do when I always feel sick. I guess the good thing is I havent lost any weight...im just hanging out where I started. Where are those belly pics??

mellow- So glad to hear Marlo is doing well and getting better. We will all continue cheering her on.

kay- Woo hoo for a little boy. Glad you get to start purchasing blue. Any names picked out for him yet?

Ashley- Im sure your family will be visiting so try not to let that stress you out. Even though car rides may be difficult maybe they would even be willing to meet you in the middle somewhere for a mini vacation. I do feel like time is flying and its hard to believe Im almost 10 wks already. I just cant wait to get to 12 wks when I know the chances of something happening to one of them decreases.

AFM- Waiting for the MFM MD to call back so we can get our next appt lined up. Im already anxious to see them again (im sure this is going to be a reoccuring issue). Hoping they can get me into the office in the next week or so. We ended up spreading the news to our families on friday, and I told the people I work with today. EVeryone keeps asking if we are serious....my question is- Do people joke about having triplets a lot? Yea Im serious there are 3 babies. Still fighting the nausea and hoping these days are numbered....only a few more wks Im hoping.

[klinger13]

klinger- Thats an interesting idea to use cloth wipes. Are you also using cloth diapers? We have thought about it but Im just not sure I can handle all those diapers at once.

Blair - yes, we'll be using cloth diapers too. I'm going to be a SAHM this time around so it was my job to find ways to cut spending (hence the cloth diapers, cloth wipes, and I make my own laundry detergent) and we like to be green as much as possible. When I had my first baby so many years ago, I cloth diapered but those were the flats with pins and rubber pants and can I just say YUCK!!! But these days the cloths are so cute and easy I couldn't resist. So we went with one-size pocket diapers that just snap right on like a disposable (some Bum Genius 4.0, some Sunbaby, and an Oh Katy) and they're good up until 35 pounds (the Sunbaby ones go up to 28 pounds.) I think my whole stash of 25 diapers was about $270 and with that many I should be able to do laundry every other day or so. Now, with 3 babies - you'd need a much larger stash and would be doing a load or two of diapers every day. But then again, the cost of sposies for 3 babies would make me want to faint too. So definitely something to think more about I'd say.

[Happy Bunny]

Photo update! I had absolutely no idea that I was this big until I looked at the picture. My belly just popped out over the last week... I'm stunned.

[riogirl71]

Quick question. I was having contractions usually starting at 9 pm. As of yesterday they are all throughout the day. I had a csec with DS so never really went into labor. I have googled but of course no one says there is a real difference between BH and real contractions. OB said as long as not more than 4 in one hour. I am going to sound like and idiot but I am not sure how to count or what I am feeling. Starts out with a real tightening and this overwhelming feeling (not painful) then like a rush that goes to my head and I feel it all over my body. I can't really tell if one ended or if it is another small one. Especially if I exhert myself right now (by exhert I even mean walking from the car home). Are the girls around 30 weeks experiencing the same? I cannot count 4 obvious ones in one hour but I say I went from having about 4 a night to 15 just today. Any insight would be great! Thanks!