Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[DandMe]

It's so amazing to read all your stories and see the new girls coming onto the board... and seeing some of our senior preggys getting so close to delivery!

I can't get over how busy life has been for me, and how difficult it's been to keep up with everyone's stories. I can't wait to start reading more birth stories and seeing photos of newborns.

We got some difficult news this week. DH's project on the pipeline has moved up and he has to leave..... on Sunday. He'll be 7 hours away. We thought we had three more weeks for him to start. The last two weeks of hose renos have fallen behind due to contractors being sick and the main floor is still not livable. We don't have the kitchen installed, the bathroom fixtures or flooring yet.

We have been living fairly comfortably in the basement den, divided and made into a living room/bedroom.... and it's all been a fun adventure with DH here.... and we were supposed to be closing up the renos next week. Now I'm freaked out because I'll be ALONE, managing the final touches of the house, still working full time, and 8 and a half months pregnant, just hoping he will make it home for the birth.

I refuse to feel sorry for myself.... so many women would love to have the relationship I have, or are widowed, and to have a good man to miss is a great thing. And to be so lucky as to have a home that will soon be both safe and beautiful... and such a busy business that is doing well.... and especially a gorgeous, expanding belly full of healthy baby... all these are amazing blessings and I am so very grateful.

Still. It is difficult to face so much of this alone. I honestly don't know how I am going to do this. I hope he'll be able to get home in time for the birth. I want the house finished but don't want to move back upstairs without him.

I'm not trying to be a downer... my pregnancy is healthy and I'm doing great. It's just that it seems all our dreams are an inch away from coming true and I have to be alone to witness it... and possibly even experience it!

[DandMe]

Dande- I'm so sorry that your husband has to apart from you and also that you're working so hard to keep everything going well so very-very pregnant. I have a very good feeling though that your husband will figure out a way to be there for the delivery. how fast were your other deliveries?

Thanks... I'm just overwhelmed.... I'm usually the one holding everything together when he leaves for his projects... but I am mentally and physically at a real disadvantage this time!

My other deliveries were over 20 years ago.. but I went overdue with both and the labours were about 8 to 9 hours. I hope I go overdue with this baby so we get a scheduled induction. DH has told the managers that he gets a full week off at a moment's notice and they agreed.

Thanks for the support.... I'm going to find a way through this!

[lou71]

Sonya -- I'm so sorry that your DH will be gone for a while. It's great that you're looking on the bright side at how blessed you are but still. I understand. You'll get through this.

Everyone -- Thank you all for helping to make our bedding decision. It was unanimous! We're going with the chocolate/mauve/cream set. You all also helped pick her name. Chloé Janice it is! Love you guys.

AFM -- Nothing new here. Just have a couple of pics to post. I'm kinda embarrassed about the swimsuit one, but what the heck! I wore it in public after all.

22 weeks!


Heading to the pool earlier in the week when it was 95 degrees out.

[DALLAS]

I think I will be posting between here and the "due in 2012" boards. I am conflicted about where I belong..... I am due Jan 18 with Twins, but the Dr. says she expects them early btwn Thxgiving and Christmas. Who knows at this point. I am almost 9wks now and I have been having terrible m/s since 5 wks. Which i know is a good sign. It has slowed some over the last week, where it comes and goes all day and night instead of being constant. Another huge obstacle is that I am sooooo TIRED!!! I cant hardly get off of the couch on days that I am off. I take 3hr naps and cant get anything done. Will this ever get better?????? I have got to find some energy! How long does the total loss of energy usually last?????

[riogirl71]

So frustrated! I have been having regular contractions every 15 min for 3 hrs now, finally called ob which I hate to bother on sat night. Sometimes they are not clear when one starts and other stops, he said wait another hr or so, please have them stop! We are only 33wks today. Arch! I am so frustrated cause the signs aren't clear cut! I am drinking water and laying down. She still needs to bake!

[klinger13]

Lou - You look great! And great pic rocking the bikini!

Rio - How are you this morning? I'm hoping the contractions stopped or you're currently being monitored to try to stop the contractions. And if you went in, hopefully they can give you the steroid injections to help mature her lungs in case she makes an early appearance. Let us know when you can.

Sonya - Wow, that's a lot to handle on your own, especially when you're this far along. Hopefully DH will make it home for the labor and birth and the rest of the home renovations will go smoothing. But you have an amazing attitude and that will help get you through it.

Dallas - I didn't have m/s but I was definitely tired that 1st trimester and even a few weeks into the 2nd trimester. Then it got better. Now that I'm close to the end, it's terrible again only I can't sleep UGH! (Woke up at 3:18 Saturday a.m. and 4am today and most days I'm unsuccessful napping.)

kjm - YAY for feeling the babies move now! It's such a great feeling!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

[leorira11]

Rio - oy! I hope those contractions stop (or at least slow down) and your little girl keeps baking. If she comes now, she'll be okay, but hopefully she'll get a full-term bake! --- Twins make a C-section much more likely, but I'm not such a big fan of major surgery of any kind! I'm hoping that when (if) we have more kids (one at a time!), I can try a VBAC. Just a personal decision. --- the laundry pile is a big problem! When we got married, we had a tiny 1 bedroom apt in NYC. We moved in with a futon and 2 suitcases. We couldn't figure out how the hell we would fill the apartment with stuff. Then we moved from our (overstuffed!) 1brd to a 2 bedroom apartment here in Jerusalem. We put all our stuff in the living room, kitchen, bedroom - and had a whole empty 'guest' room. Well.... now we've had 4 years to fill it up! We are going to need to make some space for baby stuff! Laundry pile will start to have to live nicely folded and put away in the closet!

Amanda - looking great! It's also waaaaaay too hot here to fix my hair. Frizzy pony-tails it is!

Margi - I get weighed at the OB on Thursday. I hope I've gained some weight, but not too much! I know that I'll happily gain whatever it takes to make these babies healthy, but I also don't want to leave the hospital 60lbs heavier and have to lose it. I started off at about 200lbs (stress from the IVF... usually I'm around 185). I know that part of having babies is gaining weight, but a friend of mine just had her first and left the hospital 70lbs heavier than she started! AFTER the baby was born! GAH! I'm just aware that weight is very hard to lose (especially because I'm PCO) - so I'm trying to balance gaining enough, without gaining TOO much. It's hard! ---- also, I think this 'twinsie' mom is going to go with the Baby Jogger City MIni (although I'm also interested in the Combi Twin - which is half the price....)

SD - wow. that whole story is crazy! Are you in the mental health field in general, or is this an odd situation? Only that I would assume that a mental health clinic has security who is used to dealing with aggressive or violent patients. Feel better!

Lou - no baby showers for me! Jewish tradition is that you don't get anything for the baby until they are born (shhh.... don't tell my mother I've been shopping! She'd kill me!). Instead, we do baby celebrations (circumcision for boys, 'welcome home' for the girls) and people bring a ton of presents then. Hospitals here even lend out baby car seats, so you can take the baby home, because most people haven't bought anything at all yet! --- You look great! Rock that bikini! I would totally wear a bikini with a baby bump.... if I had the body to wear one before I got pregnant! I've been a 'one-piece' kinda gal since high school... so no bikini bump for me!

Kat - with 2 babies on the way, I think we will definitely get a cleaning lady. I'm pretty good at keeping up with the day to day stuff (dishes, laundry, sweeping), but there is always stuff I never get to. It's summer now - and all of our windows and screens are filthy, inside and out. I want to hire someone to come clean them - now Ihave to convince DH!

Bliss - I HATED my morning sickness, but on the off day when I didn't puke, I would freak out that something was wrong! It's nice to have the reminder, before you get the bump, but puking sucks. I'm sorry!

Kelley - hurray for movement! I'm still waiting on mine to move enough for me to feel them (2 anterior placentas also.... oh well)

Sonya - Home renovations + DH being away + 8.5 months pregnant? That's crazy hard! I'm sorry! Any of those things on their own are difficult.

Dallas - welcome to the wonderful world of growing 2 babies at once! I sleep all night and need at least one nap a day! Now I finally have some energy, but I still get tired REALLY easily.

AFM - nothing new. I'm worried about my u/s on Thursday (as usual....) but SOMETHING is growing in there! I feel huge. (Until I went shopping with a friend who is due in August - I felt downright skinny in the maternity store!)

Huge craving for cereal and milk. Any kind of cereal. Is that weird? Hmm..... I'm eating nothing else - and finishing a box of cereal and a half-gallon of milk a day. DH thinks I'm crazy. But then again, what else is new?

[baby_blu73]

Rio - Praying for you! Please update us as soon as possible. I know we're all on pins and needles hoping and praying for good news!

Amanda - What a beautiful bump! Isn't it funny (or frustrating...) when even the largest T-shirts in the house don't completely cover the belly?

Lou - I love the pics! I didn't go to a public pool, but our backyard doesn't have a privacy fence, so the neighbors can definitely see and I was out in our pool in my pre-pregnancy bikini. I couldn't believe it fit! My MASSIVE twin bump was loud and proud! For being over 22 weeks, you are looking fabulous! Oh, and I don't know if it's because I'm just used to being in constant pain, but my back isn't bothering me as bad as I expected considering I'm carrying around a 41 lb belly. A belly band is a lifesaver. Have you tried one yet?

Leora - Yea for the appetite returning. Cereal and milk cravings don't sound bad at all, it's actually a healthy craving, IMO. I wanted to mention about your reflux/heartburn a couple of things I've learned during this pregnancy. I can't eat or drink anything at least 2 hours before I go to bed at night. That includes water. Otherwise that stuff you're burping up washes up into my throat while I'm sleeping and I wake up choking on it. It took me a long time and a lot of pain and suffering to realize the water was the culprit. This happens even though I take Prilosec OTC twice a day. I pray you don't experience the reflux issues that I have.

Kat - The moodiness will definitely increase throughout the course of your pregnancy! My poor DH and kids have had to suffer through everything from screaming and yelling to uncontrollable crying... I guess the best we can do is apologize, and mean it. Try to remember that our loved ones have no idea what we're going through and communication really is key. At the same time, don't beat yourself up when you break down. Hormones are a *****.

kjm - For the record, I don't think requesting gift cards is rude at all when you're completely surprised with a baby shower on a plane ride visit. If people want to buy actual gifts, they can have them shipped to you once you get home. I hope you have a wonderful time!

Sonya - Good to hear from you! Sorry to hear DH is going to be so far away, but it's great that his bosses are so understanding and have agreed with his paternity leave at a moments notice.

afm - Thursday at my 36 wk (and 2 day) appointment, OB checked my cervix and it's finally showing signs of life! She said it's definitely softening and I'm dilated to 1 cm. Oh! And that she could feel Brady's head down there!!! We discussed stripping the membranes at my next (and LAST appt.) this coming Wednesday. Then, if all else fails, a week from Tuesday is my induction! I've been nesting like crazy and, despite my insanely swollen feet, been up walking as much as I can to try to get gravity to work for me. I cannot believe that my sons will be here in 9 days at the most!!! I'm getting overwhelmed with all kinds of emotions just thinking about it!

Hope everyone's enjoying their Sunday!

[riogirl71]

Leora and Amanda - thank you! I had some come in 10 min apart. I decided to wait it out, they are much better this morning but I am still scared out of my pants that this baby will come early, I wish they would just do the steroid shot just in case. I am putting myself in some modified bed rest, as much as I can with a toddler and trying to stay hydrated. I have a US tomorrow that had been scheduled a long time ago so hopefully they can check my cervix and give me peace of mind. I know she would probably be ok but I really need her to bake longer, at least the 34 week mark, I was even googling Level II and III NICU around here. Does anyone know the general rule for level II or III depending on age? I know it depends on other issues too! thanks again and I will keep you posted!

[karenvancouverisland]

hi all,

hi rio, so glad things are at a stand still for now. fingers crossed your girl will have more time to grow.. early babies are stressful !! (i had DS at 35 wks).. and thanks for sharing about all the room sharing in your house! i haven't done anything yet, and may not.. we'll see. and yes, your girl will have a stellar immune system if DS and doggies have anything to do with it!

lou, your bedding is beautiful! i got obsessed with bedding when PG with DS but couldn't afford what i really wanted, and it turned out to be a blessing, as no bumpers are the current anti-SIDS standard, and only a light, loose blanket, but we used a sleep sac mostly til 6 or 8 months. just warm jammies on a cute fitted sheet. but that being said- a lot of this is about us enjoying it too. and chloe can lie on the comforter for tummy time also.

it's amazing how some baby shopping can bring us true joy i ordered a wall decal that's a tree with cherry blossoms for Delaney's room. can't wait for it to arrive

SD. glad everythings settled down for you!

\Sonya, sorrry to hear things are a bit overwhelming but it sounds like you have such a great attitude.. i also feel so grateful lately to be where i am in life, that it's hard to really bring me down.. what a blessing to feel so blessed hey?!

well, sorry for no more personals, but DS is napping and i got stuff to do- including putting my feet up. baby's been sitting on my right sciatic nerve causing immense pain at times... so got a few chores, relax, then back off to the races with my very active almost 2 yr old- it's his birthday next week! i can't believe it still most days. i'm a very lucky lady.

my best to you all

[kjm1824]

Sonya - I wish you the best - facing all that alone must be daunting. Hopefully your husband gets home in time and the remodeling finishes. As far as worrying about moving upstairs - baby wont need much to start. DH can do it later. Relax and take care of yourself and that baby. My thought are with you.

Lou - looking good. The baby bump is starting to come along!!!

Dallas - Fatigue is normal 1st trimester. I tried to fight it by going for walks or anything to get blood flowing and activity up. Than helped must days. Others just needed rest. It got better right around the 12-13 week mark for me. Good luck, hope you get some more energy and MS is not too bad. By the way - welcome to the group.

Rio - You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you get more news at your appt tomorrow and they are able to do something to slow the contractions and get a shot to help baby's lungs. Try and stay resting as much as you can. Keep that little one baking!!!

Stephanie - I told both my mom and sister that if anyone asks to do gift cards or shop online and have the gifts shipped. I think most will have the common since to do so. I can't believe it - 9 more days at the most. YOu must be so excited. keep us updated. I will have to find a way to stay connected when in MN to track your progress. I am so excited for you.

AFM - while finishing baby registries my husband could not stop picking out clothes for the babies - we bought like 9 outfits in all different sizes (on sale). He is so funny - so excited. I'm afraid to let him go back to the stores. He is like - we have to go once a week and check out the sales. I'm in trouble.

[blairwh58]

Kjm- Sounds like by the time those babies are here you are going to have a whole wardrobe of clothes for them thanks to DH. Youll have to keep him under control so that everyone else still has some options for things to buy you.

Rio- Try to stay calm and know that even if she decides she cant wait in there any longer things will be ok. Hopefully she will realize its better in there for these last few weeks and the contractions will slow down some. Keeping you in my thoughts!

Stephanie- 9..i guess 8 more days now!!! Soooo excited for you. I cant believe you will be seeing your boys in no time. Try not to get too overwhelmed. I cant wait until we get to see their little pics on here!

Leora- I couldn’t imagine not shopping for babies at all until they get here- that would take some strong will power. I wish I was having your cravings for cereal and milk. I have never really liked milk much and usually just drink some every now and then- so I couldn’t imagine going through a half-gallon a day. Sounds like those boys are growing and doing great. Im sure the apt will go great on Thurs.

Dallas- Why are they expecting your twins to come so early? My actual due date is Dec 22 but the high risk specialist said we wouldn’t go past Dec 8. As for the energy levels…I still have none. Even when I lay around most of the day I feel exhausted and still want to be in bed by 9 or so. Hopefully we both get some energy back sooner than later.

Lou- Way to rock out that bump in your bikini!! Its sad but I feel like I look huge in comparison and Im only 12 ½ wks. I would try a bikini pic but since Im on Lovenox I have some pretty nasty bruises on my belly. I think you look great and I love the dress in your first pic! As for the bedding I would have to agree with everyone that the second is def cute and savings all that money is probably worth it. Since they really don’t use the bedding much anyway- my sister even hung my nephews comforter on the wall as a hanging.

SD- Glad to hear that things have calmed down some for you. Hopefully things stay that way.

Dandme- I can only imagine how stressful things can be with a house until construction and DH away but Im sure you will figure out how to juggle it all. Just remember how strong you are and how far you’ve come. Im sure DH will make it in time no matter what so don’t let it stress you out. Glad the pregnancy is going great though!!

Bliss- Looks like our US are the same day. What time do you get to go? Sorry that the morning sickness has kicked in, but like you said at times its somewhat reassuring to have it. I cant wait to see new pics of your little one!!!

Kat- I would try to make a list of everything that needs to be done…and then a tentative timeline of when it should be done by. Hopefully this will help him understand that your not kidding, and this stuff needs to be done for your sanity. Good luck with the headaches and moodswings.

AFM- well Im starting to feel bigger and bigger everyday. Aside from that Ive tried to refrain from taking Zofran to see if that was making things worse since it made me feel full up to my throat all the time. Bad idea I guess- I ended up throwing up in the trash can at work today because I couldn’t make it to the bathroom. Guess Ill go back to the Zofran for a little longer. So nervous and anxious for my apt wed. I would be ok but I felt fine last time and something was wrong so Im worried that the same thing happened and both the twins aren’t ok. I wish I could speed up time and move to wed afternoon.

[klinger13]

Rio - I just wanted to add, perhaps ask your doc about Procardia to help curb the contractions. I still contract while on it but perhaps it's kept them from getting stronger or even more frequent? Hard to say but as I've talked to other friends who had to take it, it helped them also. I'll find out for sure tomorrow but I think they just have you take it up to 36 weeks (which would be Thursday for me.) But just wanted to add that as something to ask your doctor about.

Stephanie - Wow, 8 days left for you!! Soooo exciting!!!

[Happy Bunny]

I've been reading along when I can but cannot do personals now. I'm contracting very frequently and little Brooke is sooo looow that I'm fairly uncomfortable most of the time.

[to_have_fun08]

Just wanted to drop in and say "Hi".. Nothing really interesting going on with me, I am always lurking but don't have much to post.

Happy Bunny - Sorry you are so uncomfortable. That baby will be here before you know it..

Lou - You look awesome in the swimsuit.. show that baby belly off.

Leoria - Wow not buy anything for the baby before its born. I would go crazy. I went on vacation and of course had to stuff for the baby that said Gaitlinburg and Smokey Mountains on it. They were the official first clothing I bought. Dh looked at me like i was crazy.

Blair - i don't think i posted before, but sorry for the loss of your little one. I know that must have been hard but it makes it so much easier for the other 2 to survive and for you to have a good pregnancy. Your 2 little babies will thrive now. Good luck at your appointment.

rio - FX for that baby to stay in there and bake a little longer. Can your OB give you any meds? I heard the HPC17 could help out on preterm labor.

babu-blu - Wow only 9 more days. Can't wait to see pics.

AFM - Nothing really to report. Since i am considered high risk due to insulin resistance and high blood pressure, i think i have had every test known to man kind done. I just had to do a 24 hr urine test. YeY pee in a cup for 24 hours and put it in a jug. Not so fun. later on i have to go in for more test to check liver enzymes and who knows what else. I am so tired of needles. I'm counting down the days till June 30 when we have the anatomy scan. Can't wait to see if its a boy or a girl. Would be nice if its a boy because we have several people that can donate boy stuff. My sister has 3 large tubs of boys clothes from 0 months to 18 mo. I haven't even started to shop at all for this little one. We are getting a lot of hammy downs so until i get all that stuff I can't even begin to think about what we will need. I think once we find out the gender and get the hammy downs, most come from my sister who i will see July 4th weekend, things will start rolling and bringing home this baby will start to feel real. Last night DH asked me if i was excited for November. Part of me is but part of me wants time to slow down. I want to see this baby but not looking forward to all the stuff I have to do before he/she gets here.