Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[kjm1824]

Ryann - I hope you are starting to feel better and the babies have shifted so they are not causing you so much pain. You still look so tiny I cant believe you are 27 weeks. I'm 8 weeks behind you and just a little smaller. Huge is not a word to describe you. Love the floors and the nursery. Can't wait to see finished picture. Sorry about your puppy. Yeah a cast and a puppy wasn't going to last.

Rio - 30 weeks - congrats. You will have your baby in no time - but not too soon!!

Karen Vanc..- I can't imagine having a2 year old or younger. All you moms out there are amazing.

Hope - I love the belly bands. I still use it some but I have some maternity clothes now too - almost all my tops are. I recommend the below belly pants, so much more comfortable than the over the belly stretchy ones. I got some comfy cheap ones at burlington coat factory. The tailbone could just be from your ligaments loosening. Hopefully it will improve in a week or two as your body adjusts.

Klinger - Love how "green" you are. I am still thinking about cloth diapers but I just wish there was a service here. I am going to keep working and I don't think I could manage all that laundry. I could maybe do a mix - some is better than none.

Kay - Congrats on baby boy!!! I will get my confirmation tomorrow!!

Mellow - So glad to hear you and Marlo are well. Loved the video and how she responds to you. Mighty Marlo is a great name for her!

Leora - I know I am half way and can not believe it. I hope the 2nd half is a good as first - i know in my dreams but I can dream. glad you had fun in aqua class. You may just have to slow it down some and do more walking and marching. Love that the head of gym is a prenatal fitness expect. Good luck with US on Thursday.

Barbara - you look great. It is all belly. Only a month left!!

Blair - So glad all is well. Hopefully MS lightens up soon. Hope your appt is set up sooner than later. People just don't think about what they are saying. I just smile and shrug it off.

Kat - Glad your head is better and MS not to bad. Only a week till your US - cant wait to hear the news.

AFM - we bought a Acura MDX - close to size of the mazda 5. My husband loves the seats in the acuras. We were able to get a 2008 in great shape except a lot of miles for a great deal - actually made the car dealer lose money - that doesn't happen often. We love it so far. I have my OB/ultrasound tomorrow. Wish me luck. Hopefully he will confirm the boy girl twin from my 13 week scan and my gut!
Another question - I have tried to download a belly pic but it always says too big of a file - any ideas? (Hopefully they are talking about the picture and not my belly.)

Hope all had a great Monday!!

Rio -just saw your posts - I am no help but I would call OB and find out. I think I read somewhere about feeling your abdomin to see if it is contracting - then it is a true contraction. Hopefully the other more advanced ladies will have more help. I am so sorry - hope it settles down soon.

[Happy Bunny]

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!

I've been having a lot of BH. I've had more than 4/hour and upwards of 15-20/day when I over-do it. For me, my belly goes hard as a rock - sometimes it stays tight for a minute or so and sometimes just for a few seconds. They are tough to really count because the end isn't always clearly defined.

What should really help is staying hydrated. Water, water, water... Before pregnancy, I drank about a gallon of water per day and most days, I still do about the same. However, there are days when I feel too bloated to drink much and I end up all contracty. I'd never advise someone to start out drinking a gallon of water per day - that's just the amount that I've built up to over years and my diet is also modified to accommodate that much water. That being said, increasing your water intake by a sane amount should really help reduce your BH.

Rest also helps reduce BH. While you might be riding that 3rd trimester energy wave, it's important to remember how your day will end if you don't rest BEFORE you get tired and are contracting. Try paying attention to how many times you have gotten up or how long you've been on your feet... Making yourself aware should help you decide when to sit. While it feels like such a waste to sit and rest when you feel energetic and active, it's really an important investment.

Even with perfect behavior and rest, you're still likely to have some. To make things easier to report to your OB, try recording the time of ones that you are certain and also record the time of ones that you are uncertain but mark those with a ?

[klinger13]

Rio - I get a lot of them now too. It used to just be at night or after activity but now they're pretty much all day long. My peri said to call him if I have more than 6 an hour. In addition to having them while I'm just sitting around, I always have them during or after an activity - "activity" can be walking the dog or even walking to the bathroom. My whole stomach tightens really hard and it actually is difficult to walk during one. I found that like Barbara said, loading up on water and laying down on my side both help them subside. But if in doubt, call the doc.

kjm - Good luck at your u/s tomorrow!! Can't wait to see if the boy/girl early u/s prediction is right!

[miamibaby]

Rio: regarding the labor question, I was induced with #1 at 40 weeks + 1day so I never went into "natural labor". This time around I am having a lot of BH, I researched the following:
Signs Labor Will Begin Soon: There are two main indicators that you'll start labor within a day or two.
1. Rupture of membranes (amniotic sac). You may have also heard this called having your water break. This precursor to labor is a first symptom in fewer than 25 percent of women. There's a good chance that labor will start within 24 hours. If your water breaks, notify your doctor or midwife immediately. Note the time it breaks, the color and amount of fluid, and whether there is any foul odor.
2. Bloody show. A day or two before contractions begin, you may notice a pinkish or blood-streaked mucus discharge. This "bloody show" is actually the mucus plug that has sealed the cervix during pregnancy.

Beginning of Labor: Contractions: The big tip-off that you're in labor is the start of regular uterine contractions. At first, these early contractions feel like menstrual cramps or a low backache that comes and goes at 20- to 30-minute intervals. Gradually, the aching or cramping becomes stronger and lasts longer. The contractions also get more frequent, until they come every three to five minutes. To time your contractions, write down the exact time each one begins and how long it lasts.

Real Labor or False Labor?
TRUE LABOR: Contractions are regular and follow a predictable pattern (such as every eight minutes).
FALSE LABOR: Contractions are irregular and unpredictable, occurring, for example, in intervals of ten minutes, then six minutes, two minutes, eight minutes, etc.
TRUE LABOR: You experience three types of progression: Contractions become a) progressively closer, b) progressively longer, and c) progressively stronger.
FALSE LABOR: No progression is seen over time.
TRUE LABOR: Each contraction is felt starting in the low back and then radiating around to the front, low in the groin.
FALSE LABOR: Contractions are felt as a generalized abdominal tightening.
TRUE LABOR: A change in activity or position will not slow down or stop contractions.
FALSE LABOR: A change in activity or position may cause contractions to slow down or stop.
TRUE LABOR: There may be bloody show.
FALSE LABOR: There is usually no bloody show.
TRUE LABOR: Membranes may rupture.
FALSE LABOR: Membranes will not rupture.
TRUE LABOR: Your doctor or midwife will notice cervical changes, such as ripening (softening), effacement (thinning), or dilation.
FALSE LABOR: No cervical changes occur.

Making the Call:If this is your first baby, most physicians or midwives suggest you stay in the comfort of your home until the contractions have reached five-minute intervals.

And regarding the bouncer/swing for the office: we have the Fisher Price Laugh 'Learn and was great to take to the office.
Good luck
Maria

[riogirl71]

Maria - Miamibaby - thank you so much for that great article, it makes it a little more clear. I am just not used to this many and after any getting up and walking and so early at 30 weeks, I wonder if these come earlier with your second child? I will check out the swing you mentioned, thanks so much again!

Amanda Glad I am not the only one getting them all the time. Your peri said 6 my OB said 4 but I think he is conservative. Thanks!

Barbara I have been drinking more water just to make sure those contractions aren't from being dehydrated. Yes I agree they are not very clear to count sometimes, good point on resting before I get to that point. I am just having a hard time doing every day tasks right now but with the 2 dogs and DS it makes it hard to not do it since DH has a bit longer hours now at his new job. Good advice on recording the times and how often, thanks! Love your bump pic!

Kjm - good luck with US!

Leora I seem to remember your dog is pretty small right? I think a harness type of restraint that is secure with the seat belt should be fine. Our dogs are 65lb plus so it is safer in a kennel which they don't mind at all but they are used to it.

Blair wow diapers times 3! Good point. At this baby shower I asked for diapers and Target gift certificates, it was wonderful because I got a ton of gift certificates. This way we can go buy the stuff we really need and save the rest for diapers. With DS I amde the mistake of not saying anything, we got 50 plus very cute boy outfits and he never wore 80% of them since they were onesies and it gets cold here a lot. So with his baby shower we never even got the stuff we needed this time was way better so don't be afraid to ask! Also if you need help registering there is a lot of stuff you end up not needing but the stores say they are a must have. If you are not afraid of used stuff Craigslist and moving sales can have barely used baby stuff cheap but I would only get the stuff you can really clean well. Also don't be afraid to ask friends or co-workers who had babies if they have anything left that you can borrow, you would be amazed, we got all of our outfits for baby girl from 0 to 9 mos this way - everything!

Mellow - so happy for you and Miss Marlo!

Ryann - love the floors and cute baby bump!

[karenthescorpio]

Rio- Count the "tightening" feeling. Whether it hurts or not, it is a contraction. If you get more than 4 in an hour call your doc. That is how my PTL started with my twins. I get tightenings already (just turned 30 weeks today) but nothing regular or concerning. BH is what I chalk it up to, but like you, it does make me question myself. I find that if I lay down on my left side, have some water and just relax it stops. Walking/standing brings mine on if I'm up too long. Or if I haven't had enough water. As the saying goes, if you are unsure, give your doc a call. Rest up momma!

Karen

[riogirl71]

Thanks Karen!

I went to my OB today and my cervix is long and closed super tight! So that is good news, I told him I can't even get up to use the restroom without a contraction he said it is normal to have them earlier and stronger with #2 baby. He said that I need to sit/rest/delegate. Yep, easier said then done. So somehow I need to figure out how to do that and let things go, but I still need to go home and let the dogs out, pick up/drop off DS and some things I can't delegate since DH is not around because of new job. Argh... I guess things are not going to get any easier from now on I am very grateful but I guess I have a hard time not being able to get things done and having limitations.... I just need to slow down!

[Sweetpea614]

Riogrl glad things are good with the cervix. I agree it's really hard to sit and relax and delegate when your husband works and you have a kid, dogs and house to run.

Kjm good luck on your ultraosund and congrats on the new vehicle.

Happy Bunny- You look great!!

Blair- Good luck with your MFM doctor. I meet with mine tomorrow morning!

Klinger- I can't believe how far cloth diapers have come. My ex sister-in-law did cloth with her twins so I had to change a few of them. I used disposables with my two. I may decide to use cloth as much as possible this time but won't completely go cloth.

AFM- I have my MFM doctors appoitnment tomorrow morning. Maybe I'll luck out and she'll want to do an ultrasound to have for her records. I would love to check on baby before next week so the weekend isn't quite so long;) Wishful thinking

Kat

[riogirl71]

Sweetpea - I hope you get a peak tomorrow too!

I forgot to add I am starting weekly non-stress tests next week, about an hour hooked up to measure contractions, fetal movement and her HB. Anyone else getting that done?

[nwquiz]

Ladies may i join your group? most of you know me since am no stranger to the board. I have cycled with most of you and i have been stalking you all to get updates.
I had my first ultrasound today and we saw a hb,. so i feel alittle confident to step over here from the april/may group.

[klinger13]

Ladies may i join your group? most of you know me since am no stranger to the board. I have cycled with most of you and i have been stalking you all to get updates.
I had my first ultrasound today and we saw a hb,. so i feel alittle confident to step over here from the april/may group.

Of course! We've been waiting for you to join us! I don't think you & I cycled together but I've followed your posts as I went on the threads to stalk others I cycled with. CONGRATULATIONS on your little one and I'm so glad you saw the hb today. That's definitely an amazing feeling!

[baby_blu73]

Rio - I just started my weekly NSTs today. They only monitor us for 20 min though. I have to have u/s every week at this point too.

nwquiz - CONGRATS and WELCOME!!! Yay for a hb!!!!

Quick update - I had my 34 week appt today. I've officially gained 40 lbs! The babies looked great and super adorable at the u/s! Then, at the NST, I had a pretty strong BH that made the tech say, "No more of those, please!" LOL

We found out Brady (baby A) has his head down FINALLY which means I could possibly labor and deliver as opposed to a definite C/S He is weighing in at a whopping 5 lb 9 oz! Jaxon's a bit smaller at 5 lb 2 oz. Both are measuring big for a singleton at this stage! We could see that they both had some hair, not a lot, but you could see it. And both of them are practicing their breathing, we could see their little tummies going up and down.

I have ANOTHER 3 hour glucose tomorrow I failed the stupid one hour last week again. I'm not looking forward to sitting in those horribly uncomfortable waiting room seats in the lab again. Maybe I could talk them into letting me lay on one of the bed they have in the back for fainters...

I'm so happy to hear all is well with everyone! Look for personals later in the week after DH goes back to work.

[BakersBaby]

Once again the Chinese Gender Predictor Results... if you'd like to be added, post your results from the link at the bottom of this post.

GIRL
Klinger –Right!
Lou – RIGHT!
Anacris—Right!
KarenScorpio -- Right!
HopeisallIhave
Happy Bunny – Right!
Rio – Right!
KJM
Baby_blu – Wrong
WaitingKay


BOY
Mellow – Wrong
Karin1 – Right!
SD
Dlk – Wrong
Gina – Rightx2!
Leora – Right x 2?
Annashope -- Right!
diedraj -- Wrong
Sonya- Right!
Blair
to_have_fun (Chris)



The link again in case you didn't try this one.
http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/PredictSex.htm

Wrong....It's a Boy!

[leorira11]

Ryann - looking good! And I *love* the floors! I wish I had such nice floors (everyone here has tile floors - which are easy to clean, and nice and cool in the summer, but freeeeezing in the winter!) -- Puppy *ate* the cast! Wow!

Amanda - cloth diapering - kudos! I still haven't decided.... disposable seem much less messy, but also super expensive and super wasteful. I guess I'll just get used to cleaning up poop and pee really often and cloth diapers won't bother me! (When we first got the dog, I was grossed out by picking up his poop in a plastic bag - now it's totally normal). Take pictures when you finish the nursery - we'd all like to see!

Kat - so glad to hear the cold is better. I found that a head cold combined with morning sickness was absolute misery! I hope your MFM does a quickie u/s tomorrow!

Blair - The vomiting has gotten a lot better - now only once or twice a day (ALWAYS when I first wake up in the morning, and sometimes I vomit dinner too). But the food aversion is awful - I cannot think of a single thing I want to eat right now. This is super ironic, since I'm always on a perpetual diet - so the free rein to eat what ever I want should be great. David is buying all of my favorite foods (ice cream, chocolate, pretzels) that I usually don't let myself eat -- but I can't stand any of them! I have gained back a pound now - phew. Oddly enough, the only I've been eating are Twix bars.... D pointed out the irony of carrying twins and craving Twix bars! ------- also, people think I'm joking about 'twins again' -- I carry the recent u/s pictures with me!

Barbara - looking great! You look so happy in that picture too!

Rio - I hope those contractions slow down. At 30 weeks, she would be okay in the NICU, but it would be much better if she 'baked' longer! Keep us updated!

Kelley - congrats on the new car! Hurray for both of us finding out the sexes today/tomorrow (stupid time difference!)

nwquiz -- Hurrah! big huge congrats on seeing the baby's heartbeat! I'm sooooo happy for you!

Stephanie - 40lbs at 35 weeks with twins is totally fine! Congrats on 'head down' babies. Of course, we'd all like our babies born safely, either way, but recovery from a c-section is so much harder. Good luck on the glucose test. Maybe bring a pillow or something from home to sit on.

Kelly (Bakers Baby) - long time no see -- Congrats on the boy!


AFM - I know I promised a belly picture, but I can't find my camera! SERIOUSLY! We wanted to take it to the amusement park on Sunday and ripped the house apart looking for it. Crap - I guess we'll want to buy a new one before the babies come! I'll be at my inlaws this evening, I'll borrow their camera to take a quick picture. (Yes, I have a camera on my cell phone, but it's broken)

Also - ended up in the urgent care section of my doctor's office last night. I was out at the mall with a friend and suddenly felt dizzy and weak - like I was going to pass out. D picked me up and we went to the clinic around 9pm. I was so worried about my blood pressure or something -- NOPE! Just severe dehydration. I didn't eat anything at all yesterday (oops) and obvsiouly didn't drink enough. Now that it's really hot here (about 95 every day), I need to do NOTHING but drink water all day! I got 2 liters of IV fluids and left around midnight.... oh well. Quickie u/s showed the babies are fine, but the doctor was in too much of a hurry to check sexes for us. I can wait until the routine scan tomorrow.

Just 24 hours until my next u/s and OB appt!

[blairwh58]

leora- I feel the exact same way. DH always asks what Im in the mood for every night for dinner....but theres usually nothing that I really want. I know there are things I dont want but its hard to say oh Im really in the mood for that. Its funny people dont believe- really do people joke about the number of kids they are carrying. No one believed us when we said triplets. In fact the first thing out of everyones mouth was "are you serious". Glad you are able to eat something, even if its twix for now. I did request some mini snickers on the grocery list...figured thats some extra calories I could throw in every now and then. Cant wait to see the pics of your little belly! And good luck at the appt.

bakersbaby- Congrats on finding out youre expecting a little boy!!!!

stephanie- So glad to hear that both boys are already looking great. Sounds like they are both going to be healthy little guys. I was in the delivery room with my cousin when she had twins and since one of the babies was down they let her try and push to see how things could progress (of course it was in the OR just in case anything happened). Anyway...she pushed the first one out after 3 pushes and then the other stayed breech. The doctor ended up reaching in and grabbing baby #2 and since she couldnt turn her she just pulled her out by the feet. So good new is that its very possible to deliver with/out CS. Hopefully your glucose test goes better today- good luck.

nwquiz- Congrats on seeing your little ones heartbeat- it makes it so much more real to finally see it on the screen!! Glad you could join us over here.

sweetpea- My fingers are crossed that the MFM wants an US for their files!!! Hoping you get to see the little one again today.

Rio- I think its a great idea to let people know what you need instead of having everyone get clothes that may not match up with the season and dont get worn. My sister will more than likely be in charge of my shower and has already mentioned that on the invites shes going to have everyone bring a thing of diapers. DH and I started a savings account earlier this year and were going to use it for christmas gifts but have decided to make it the diaper fund. Not sure how long the funds will last with 3 babies but its better than nothing. As for craigslist - though with 1 baby I may have been opposed to getting a bunch of used stuff...with 3 i think its inevitable. As soon as we told people started offering all kinds of stuff so Im hoping we dont need to buy too much. We did already purchase a stroller on Craigslist just because it retails for $1600 and they were selling for $475 (including 2 carseats and bases). So even though its early we do have that...and just need to purchase 1 more carseat and maybe some extra bases.

kjm- Cant wait for the US results!!! Keep us posted. As for people and their comments- Ive already gotten a fair share of dumb comments and Im sure they will keep coming for years on end. I love "are your triplets real or fake?"....well they are real babies so you may want to rephrase that.

AFM- As of now I have an appt with MFM Friday..even though she said she would call back today to verify the appt. After one nurse set up the appt on Monday the other called back Tuesday and said they wouldnt see me for 2 wks. I said well thats a little far off from my last appt so Id prefer not to wait so long. So she said she thinks itll work out with the friday appt and that Ill come in for my US and then consult and have an exam with the MFM md. And even better is then we get a long wknd...hopefully with a lot of laying around. I may have to start posting belly pics soon- Im already feeling pretty big. Im sure itll happen pretty fast but I never thought at 10 wks.