Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[leorira11]

Anna - glad you got out of the house - even if it was 'cheating' on bed rest! Great news on your cervix holding steady!

Rio - I remember when I was little (maybe 6yo), my mom had appendicitis and went to the hospital. When we went to visit her, I spent the whole time asking where the baby was and if it was a boy or a girl! I'm the oldest of 4, and everything my mom had been in the hospital, she had brought home a baby brother or sister! btw - low 60s isn't so bad... we have high 90s here and it's HOT!

Karian - congrats on the healthy baby girl and reaching 30 weeks! You look great!

Sonya - sorry about the aches and pains - that must especially annoying when you are trying to reorganize the house. I hope the renovations turned out just how you wanted them!

SD - I'm pretty good at figuring out computer things -- but my husband, FIL, BIL and MIL are all computer engineers - so I'm considered the 'least' computer literate in the bunch!

Alisa - thanks. Also, I love the new u/s picture -- looks like a little fetus instead of a blob! Congrats!

Barbara -- sooooo exciting! Maybe little Brooke is here already! Being induced on your due date - cool! Happy 40 weeks!

Ryann - you are soooo close! Only one more day of June, then 31 days of July -- and then August 1! You look great, and that stroller looks awesome!

Amanda - just one more week for us (Granted, Maribel being born is a teeny bit more exciting than my anatomy scan.... but it's almost July!)

Chris -- good luck on Thursday! My anatomy scan is a week from Thursday. It's amazing how different you feel even when you are just starting to show lots of fun!

Kelley - sorry you failed your glucose tolerance test! I'm sure the most annoying part is having to do it again! Someone told me to bring cold Diet Sprite and mix that with the sugary drink - it makes it taste much better. I'm really trying to balance calling the doctor when there is a need, vs just calling becuase I'm nervous or feel a twinge. It's really hard to tell when something needs the attention of a doctor and when it's just normal pregnancy stuff

Kat - SOOO cute! I love how you can see his/her hand waving! Hello in there!

Blair - great news on a long, closed cervix - and at least one little girl! it's so weird to know what one is and not the other. This time, we found out they were both boys at the same time. Last time, we knew we had one boy and one "shy-one"... but somehow imagining 2 same sex babies seems so much different than boy/girl twins. You'll know for sure soon enough - probably at your next scan.

AFM - only freaking out a little bit.... last time, I technically made it to 22 weeks, but we knew at 21w6d that we were losing them... So this week is especially hard for me. Feeling them move is great fun and great reassurance. I just know that things can go wrong in a single moment - without any warning. I'm trying to focus on enjoying this pregnancy (heartburn, constipation and all!).

I have a friend who is having her first (a girl) in August. Both of us are overwhelmed with shopping for baby stuff -and really excited at all the cute little things in the store. So we go baby-shopping a lot together! We went again today - looking mostly at gliders/rocking chairs. I'd really like a big, leather Lazy-Boy type recliner, but those cost like $800+. A simple glider chair with ottoman costs about $200. We'll see....

I went to go see my opera company perform last night - without me in it! So weird to just sit and watch the show When I'm sitting down, one baby has his feet in my ribs. I think he liked the show, based on how active he was, kicking me in the guts!

[to_have_fun08]

a gal on one of my other IVF boards posted this so thought i would pass it on. Free Sling and Undercover

What to Expect when you're Expecting has teamed up with Seven Slings and today only, you can get a free Baby Sling (value $48) for free, just pay shipping and handling. www.sevenslings.com and the promo code: wte If you order the sling, you can also order a free Nursing Cover from www.uddercovers.com for free with the promo code: seven Again, you just pay shipping and handling.

[leorira11]

Chris - that "SevenSlings" promotion has been around forever. It's not exactly a scam - but it's not 100% 'clean' either. Some people never get their slings - and the people who do get them say that they are terrible quality and not very safe.

ditto on the nursing cover from "Udder Covers". Most people get them, but say they are really bad quality and not worth even what you paid shipping for. People say it's better to spend a little more and get a more reputable one.

Try googling both promotions -- you'll see a lot of people complaining about them.

(sorry to burst your bubble of excitement for getting free things. I love free things as much as anyone - but I've seen these promotions before and been warned against them - so I just wanted to warn you)

[to_have_fun08]

Thanks for the heads up Leorira- wow can't believe this is still out there if so many complaints. good think i haven't bought anything.

[lou71]

Barbara -- Thinking of you!

Amanda -- How are you holding up?

Kelley -- I take my 1 hr GD test on 7/28... I'm nervous I won't pass either. What percent fail the 1 hr, do you know?

Sonya -- How are you feeling?

Rio -- Great bump pics! You look awesome.

Leora -- Deep breath... this time you WILL bring those babies home.

Chris -- I looked at the sevenslings but decided that type wasn't for me. Are you going to get one? I registered for the Baby Bjorn.

Karin -- Thanks for your reassurance on my shower. I think it will work out.

Freckles -- Good luck on your induction tomorrow!

KarenScorpio -- Congrats! I can't wait to see pics!!! She sounds amazing. Well done mama!!!

Anna -- Glad you got out for a bit. I'm sure bed rest is hard on the body. I can't imagine. You're doing awesome though at keeping little Paul in.

Karian -- Congrats on your girl! Glad you posted.

SD -- Lookin' great mama! Your son is adorable.

AFM -- Sorry if I missed anyone... I had a hard time catching up. Work has been killing me lately. Thank you everyone for your reassurance and understanding about my baby shower rant. I've calmed down now and think it will probably work out alright. I can't fret over that. I do appreciate the opportunity to vent my feelings to you ladies though! Many of you commented on my friend who actually called the banquet facility to see what other dates they had available and then called me with the "good news" that I can change it and she'd be able to come. I laugh my ass off at that one now. She actually considers me one of her closest friends but I take it all with a grain of salt. I wouldn't put myself in a position to count on her for anything much because she's so self-centered. She's 38 years old and still single but actively looking. My husband says he can't imagine any man putting up with her. Too funny really. Anyway... I had an OB appt today. My fundal height is measuring right at 25 weeks. Baby girl's heart sounded great too. Next appt is 7/28 and I will do my 1 hr GD test as well as have an u/s an bloodwork. Oh, and I forgot to mention... I scheduled a 3D/4D ultrasound at a private clinic for 7/21. I'm really excited! Other than that... I feel great. I'll upload new belly pics this weekend from my home computer.

[BlissfulCS]

Brooke will be beautiful Barbara! Sending positive vibes and prayers your way.

[riogirl71]

Happy Bunny - good luck and let us know how things go, we can't wait to hear!

Stephanie - you are probably way too busy to post but we miss you here and want to see those gorgeous boys!

Leora - You will have those boys driving you crazy through the terrible 2s, don't you worry. They are here to stay! Keep busy so you don't get too stressed out. Loved your hospital sotry, very cute! We have a Shermag Rocker that we LOVE!

Blissful - love the ticker US pic! Yeay for skipping the vaginal US!!!! Congrats on sharing the big news!

Lou - I am glad that all is going so well! Too bad about work cutting into your posting time the baby bjorn rocks!

Amanda - good idea on upping colace especially since you are so close now! Ask your OB or Pediatrician how fast they whisk your baby away for glucose testing so you are not caught by surprise!

Annas - thanks for the info! One at night is doing the trick but I am sure that I will need more soon, great news on the cervix check! Sorry you can't sleep and I think you look gorgeous and that you will be an awesome mom of 2! Awesome you got to see that he has hair! WOW! Do you have a pic?

Sweetpea - maternity clothes rock! Soooo comfy!!!!!!!!!!

Freckles - freaking out is normal, you will be a great mom and a great wife and your family will be a happy family, we are all scared and worried of the demands we will go through, you will be amazed at how motherhood changes you and gives your life a meaning you never knew before, you will love it! Can't wait to hear the good news and good luck tomorrow!

Kjm - depending on your 3 hour test results ask your OB to consider you GD and monitor you anyway. I actually failed my 1 hr by 1 point and passed 2 out of 3 of the 3 hour and they considered me GD and I went on insulin. It is not worth the health risks to the baby to "pass" if you are borderline. A firend of mine barely passed and they did not monitor her. At over 10lbs her baby broke his collarbone at birth and tore her up, she thinks she had unmanaged GD. Add hard boiled eggs to the protein list, easy and quick. Yes the more fat and protein you add to a snack, the less the sugar high from fruit or carbs! Good luck on your 3 hour and don't beat yourself up at all!

AFM - still working and trying to get things done at home, I am pooped!

[HopeIsAllIHave]

Barbara - thinking of you! Can't wait to see baby Brooke's pictures and hear all about your birthing story!

Sorry, no time for personals. Moving to TX TOMORROW!! AAHH!! The movers are here and just took our king bed away *sniff sniff*. I have to sleep on an inflatable tonight and maybe for the rest of the week until our stuff arrives in TX. SO nervous about the drive and the move in the general, but hoping everything will be okay. My baby shower was a blast, although a bit emotional at the same time. I hated saying "goodbyes" :'( Anyway, hoping for the best!

Sending lots of love to all you lovely, supportive ladies!

[margi26]

Leora: Pinkie feeling better? Glad that you are able to have fun shopping with your friend for her little girl on the way. I think that you are doing awesome...and everything is looking great with your two little boys-to-be. I know this week is going to be difficult, but try to remind yourself that this pregnancy is different. Sending you lots of virtual ((HUGS)) And, as you said, do your best to enjoy the pregnancy and those feet in your ribs!

Anna: Yea! On nursery being done!! And glad you were able to sneak a few hours in at the beach...gosh that sounds so nice. Glad you got another peek at Paul..with all his chubby cheeks...love it! Keep on bakin’...32 weeks tomorrow!

Rio: Wonderful story about DS and the hospital...so sweet. What a great Big Brother he is going to be. Regarding the colace, I take 100 mg. I started out just every other day, but I am now taking every day. Is it ok to take more than that? Right now I am ok, but as time progresses....

Karian: Love your belly photo! 30 weeks down!!

Sonya: Sorry for this discomfort you are in. And especially with all the final renovations. But think how beautiful it will all be very soon...and your LO will soon be in your arms.

SD: Very sweet photo of you and DS!

Ryann: Very gorgeous buggy. Very old-fashioned looking, which I like And your drawing had me cracking up...I showed DH and he laughed too.

Blair: Glad your appt went well and cervix is good and long and closed. Babies growing well is what you want! Any good photos?

Amanda: So sorry that you are so uncomfortable...10 HOURS of painful contractions... oh, dear. But Maribel will be here soon...

Chris: Congratulations on your anatomy scan tomorrow..can’t wait to hear the news!

Kelley: So sorry about failing the glucose test. Good luck with the 3 hour test on Thursday.

Lou: Glad you have a good outlook on your shower--it will be great. And glad your appt went well and you have your 3D/4D all scheduled! Very exciting.

Kaylie: Good luck tomorrow! (((HUGS))) for all the stress.

Alisa: Congratulations on seeing your little bean wiggle, and for announcing the news! Was everyone excited for you?

Kat: Great u/s photo!!

Barbara: Can’t wait to hear your news...and photos of little Brooke....I am so excited for you!

Ashley: Glad your shower was a blast...good luck on the move...TAKE IT EASY!!

AFM: Not much new here. I seem to be tolerating increased activity around the house which is good, I think. (as in no new bleeding at least--can't say for sure what is happening inside me). I go to see OB next week 7/6 to get rechecked. I think I have been ballooning up the past two weeks...I will post a new belly shot soon.

[karenvancouverisland]

oh SD, i'm so sorry that's happening to you.. how scary.. i know for me, things that would normally scare me, scare me much more when i'm pregnant.. i'm jsut more 'protective' in this circumstance.. so i really feel for you.. be careful, be vigilant, and get that restraining order happening..

i always read everyon'es posts, but when it comes to responding, i have such a hard time remembering who said what to reply thoughtfully... i think most of my 'thoughtfulness' is spent on my DS and my job.. gosh, things were sure different last time i was PG i'm pretty blessed though- how 'normal' to have a toddler and be pg .. it's pretty cool. never thought i'd be here.

my best to everyone, sounds like everyone's plugging along and doing well.

[karenthescorpio]

Hi everyone. I've been MIA and I can't believe why! I delivered my baby girl, Gemma Grace, early Friday morning at 34w3d. She weighed 6 lbs and 19.5 inches long. She is in the NICU for respiratory help and is very strong. she is breathing on her own now, took her first bottle yesterday and finished it. We think by Mon/Tues she'll come home. She's just adorable and I can't believe I am finally a mommie! I feel so blessed. Will try to post a pic later. Xoxo

[klinger13]

SD - Wow, that's scary! Be careful and hopefully this guy will back off.

Karen - So glad to hear Gemma is breathing on her own now! She's strong just like her mama!

Barbara - I hope you're busy fawning all over Brooke.

Margi - YAY for tolerating increased activity! You've had to be sedentary for so long now it must feel great to have some activity.

Ashley - Hope moving week is going well! Make sure you don't do too much.

Lou - YAY for scheduling your 3D/4D u/s! We didn't get one done but our u/s tech would throw on 3D/4D to get better looks at thing and give us pictures. It's amazing to watch the 4D real-time so you enjoy that u/s!!

AFM - Thanks to a scheduling conflict at the hospital, my c-section got moved up 2 days. So now it will be Tuesday, 7/5 at 11am!!!! I know it's only 2 days earlier but I am soooooo excited that we'll get to meet Maribel in only 5 days instead of 7!! I'm doing a super happy dance today.

[Sweetpea614]

Argh just got bad news sort of. My NT scan came back fine and no markers for downs(trisemy) but my blood work came back at 1/281 chance. For my age group it's a 1/220 chance and she said that 1/300 is the cut off. So I'm just below the cutoff and above my age group risk. So she asked me if I wanted to do the amnio which is done at 16-17 weeks. She mentioned we could do another ultrasound which I have one scheduled for August 3rd which is at 17 weeks and if they see anything at all, than we can make the decision for amnio. I've decided to wait for the next ultrasound before making my decision because an amnio is so invasive and she said my odds of having a miscarriage with the amnio where higher than my odds of having a baby with downs.

It's a little nerve racking to say the least.

Kat

[margi26]

SD: So sorry for your scare! Ugh....hope you are able to get a restraining order. I know that some states are easier than others. Have you filed any police reports? I would make sure to, in order to document every single incident. Hope that you get some real assistance in keeping him away from you.

KarenV: So glad that everything is going so smoothly for you!

KarenS: Congratulations again!! And coming home on Monday or Tuesday sounds wonderful....so happy for you “Mommy!” and can’t wait for photos...

Amanda: 2 days sooner...woohoo...7/5 and Maribel will be here!

Kat: Hang in there. 1/300 is the cut off for what? For me, and perhaps it is only because it is because I am older, but my OB and DH and I agreed we would be happy with 1/200 for the first screening + "good" NT numbers. We got something close to your number, but then when we got the 2nd trimester blood work it reduced our risks to 1/2600. Plus there is the anatomy scan that provides further information. I understand your worry (believe me! at my age the starting risk was 1/40 and we rolled 2 genetic "dice" as my OB put it), but try to remember that 1/281 is still a 99.6% chance that all is well and the baby doesn't have Downs. Do your best not to worry. I am glad they moved your u/s to 17 weeks--I hope that gives you even more reassurance. And also, remind yourself the NT scan came back appropriate. ((HUGS))

[lou71]

Kat -- I agree with your decision to NOT do an amnio until you have more information. I think 1/281 is still very very low. Heck, it's only one third of one percent. If your NT was good, then that is VERY good news. I've heard of many people who've had results even 1/30 who had perfectly normal babies. With these non-invasive tests.... I don't think there's much difference between 1/281 and 1/300. They just had to put the cut off somewhere. Please try not to worry.