Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[Sweetpea614]

Mamaboo- Please don't give up hope as my gf was told her baby had a fatal tumor caused from a gene and that there was probably other things wrong and baby would not surrive outside her womb. She had all these tests done and found out the baby didn't carry this supposive gene and low and behold when he came out there was NO TUMOR on his heart as they suspected. He's perfectly healthy. So please stay as calm as you can. I know it's tough. I'm so sorry you are going though this.

Leora- I don't blame you on the diapers I'm just like you nervous. My girlfriend gave me a never used diaper changing pad and I didn't want tot ake it but she needed to get rid of it ebcause she has no room. So I took it but I have it in the back hallway as I won't bring it into house. I think it's tougher for us who've lost babies in our second trimester. On another note love the names you picked. I love the name Micah and actually heard it for the first time on The Housewives of Orange County this past spring.

Alisa- Those are not my regular jeans. lol I can not fit into my regular jeans at all. (I have a short torso so even my low rise come to my belly button) Those are maternity jeans. I've actually gotten compliments on them and people are shocked ot find out they are not regular jeans. I got them at destination maternity. They were only $78.00. A lot of the jeans were over $100.00.

Blair you look great. I think your tiny as well. Glad the doppler worked well for you. I will use my again tonight so DF can hear the baby.

Kat

[riogirl71]

I found our favorite baby books on sale, our son loved these at 6 mos and by 15 mos could make all the animal sounds, they are called McMillan Publisher's, we have the first animals and of course trucks and a few others. http://www.zulily.com/invite/arenny748 we have been reading to him since he was one week old and now he LOVES books and we can 't ever have enough so I stock up on sales when I can find them!

Margi - where are you?

Leora - I love the neames and congrats on being just one week away from 24 weeks! I know we want them in longer but reaching that point makes you at least be able to breathe, at least I was quite relieved! I would stock up on diapers they are so expensive and with 2 you will be using plenty, have you heard of Elimination communication?

Blair - I can't wait I am dying to find out what you are having, I am betting one of each. YOu are going to share your names with us right?

Bliss - in laws living next door? You are a brave woman!!!!!!!!!!! I could not have my in laws next door! They live 5 min away and that is very close and convinient!
Kat - you look great!

[leorira11]

Rio - I have heard of "Elimination communication" and a friend has a whole set of books about it (she wanted to try it, but her husband was totally against it!). I don't think that will work for us. I'm seriously considering cloth diapering. Cost works out to be about the same (since water here is very scarce and quite expensive), but I hate the idea of dumping so many plastic diapers into landfills.... but then again - if both babies are asleep or calm for a few minutes, will I really want to do laundry to wash diapers? Maybe we'll do disposable for the newborn stage and switch to cloth when I get a bit more sleep!

Kat - last time around, I bought NOTHING. Not a single stitch of clothing, not a single diaper, nothing. "Just in case"... and you know what? We lost them. The "just in case" happened to us. I totally understand how devastating it would be to set up a whole nursery and then come home empty handed... but I also hate that I have nothing at all that belonged to my first set of twins. Nothing physical that was bought or made for them. I really regret that. So this time, I'm not setting up everything. I'm not buying everything. But I'm buying stuff as I see it (ie, not going shopping for specific things, but picking up 'special' things when I see them). We'll see. But I totally understand not buying anything.

Alisa - Next door? To your in-laws? wow! I know one friend who lives next door to her in-laws and it's quite intense. Her in-laws have no boundaries and her DH doesn't step in. But I guess if you have good boundaries and your husband is 100% on 'your' side in any disagreements with his parents - it could work. We live a 15-20min drive from my in-laws (and 6,000+miles from my parents!) and this is working great for us. We can see my in-laws whenever we want (my FIL is a great handyman and fixes stuff around our apt all the time) -- but no one can just 'drop by'. I guess next door will be great for baby-sitting!

AFM - I got D to take some pictures when he got home. I'm feeling HUGE even though I've only gained 1 lb!

[annashope]

Leora I love the names especially since Asaf is my dad's name

Thank you girls for all of the compliments on the pictures I was a bit self conscious at first with the lace but I love the way the pics came out. So quick update cervix check today went perfect 2.2 cm woohoo Next week is our final cervix check and a weight check and then whenever we go into labor is whenever our precious baby will be born. I think we just might make 39 weeks but DH is betting on 37 weeks August 4th...anyways we will see

[Karian]

Annashope: The pictures are incredible. You look gorgeous!. Love the lace!... Actually I might just use it myself!. So happy cervix is measuring good.

Leorira: Congrats on picking the boys names! Looking great!... love the bump picture!

Riogirl: getting close!!!!.... you are almost there

Kat/Blair: I used my doppler every night until the baby started moving. Now she never stops moving and it's so reassuring I haven't used the doppler in a long time. Enjoy hearing your baby!

I loved the birth stories... thanks for sharing with us.

AFM: 32 weeks!!!... 8 more to go!. My next US is this thursday. Hopefully my little Victoria is not that little anymore and she is in a normal weight percentile.

[lou71]

I'm waaay behind again. Ugh!

Amanda -- Maribel is precious! Love that thick dark hair!!!

Leora -- Nice bump coming along there! Congrats on being close to viability. That's a big step, I know. Nice names you've picked out!

Mamaboo -- I'm so sorry to have read your post that your baby may have defects. If it wasn't a level II u/s, then what was it? I hope you get better news tomorrow.

blair -- Cute belly!

Ryann -- Your belly is so cute and small, I can't believe you've got 10+lbs of baby in there! Love, love, love the nursery too!

Stephanie -- Wow... the boys are just incredible! I'm glad all is going so well.

CJ -- Thanks hun! I'm glad you're happy. Miss you.

Karin1-- Congratulations on the birth of your boys!!!! Love their names!

chris -- the trip was for fun... visited a friend for the last time in a long while...lol.

Freckles DC -- Christian is adorable! Congrats!!!

Blissful --Did your doppler arrive yet? I looove my doppler. I used it daily weeks 9-24... now I feel the baby often enough I don't feel the need to do it. I still check a few times a week though.

Katieb-- What an opportunity!!! Sometimes I think opportunities find US. So happy for you.

sonya -- OK, your birth story totally made me cry. Brogan is amazing. I would be terrified in that first minute before you heard the glorious cry though. So glad all is well.

Annashope -- Your pictures are gorgeous. You look amazing!

KJM -- You look great! I'm only having one baby, but I sure hope I can work up until she decides to come on out!!!

Happy Bunny -- What a beautiful birth story! Thanks for sharing. Brooke is gorgeous. Enjoy her mama.

Rio -- You are getting REALLY close. That many contractions starting... I'm guessing you won't last another week!!!! Exciting for sure.

SweetPea -- You look great as well.

AFM -- I spent last Friday in San Fran sightseeing and we also went to Sausalito. Saturday was a day at the beach in Santa Cruz. Nice! I came home Sunday. It was short but fun. I have my 3D/4D US next week Thurs. I can't wait. Thank goodness she's been active lately! I do have a question for everyone.... is anyone considering or decided to do cord blood banking? Let me know your thoughts. If so, what company? My OB is a believer in it. DH thinks it's a lot of money for a "what if". I don't know what to think. I'd never forgive myself if I didn't do it and needed it.

[rypell1985]

I'm in labor! My water broke at 1:25 this morning and I'm in the hospital in labor! I'm so excited yet freaking out too. I didn't want them to come at 34 weeks, but I'm praying hard telling them to be strong for mommy and daddy when they come out. Any prayers would be greatly appreciated. Sorry Rio, I tried to let you beat me!!!

[blairwh58]

Ryann- OMG!!! Congrats. I know you are probably scared, excited, overwhelmed- just about everything right now but just know you are about to have 2 babies!! Luckily you know they are both big and hopefully they are healthy and strong. I cant wait to see pictures so keep us posted! Good luck!!

SD- DH is a doctor too but says that we don’t need to do cord blood, despite my attempts at swaying him. What made you all decide to do it? I guess I would just rather be safe than sorry but wish it was cheaper.

Lou- My DH agree with yours. Im not sure whether we will do the cord blood or not. SO exciting that your 3D/4D is coming up so soon. Glad you had a nice trip and got to relax a little.

Karian- Congrats on 32 wks!!!! I have used the Doppler every day since it came too. Its just nice hearing them and knowing they are doing ok in there. Luckily they are starting to move more which also makes me feel better- so like you I may use it less and less and they get more active. Hoping Victoria is chunking up and in the normal weight range tomorrow.

Anna- Yea I really thought you looked great so don’t be self-conscious. Glad your cervix check went great and woo hoo on only 1 more!! Fingers crossed that Paul stays in as long as he can…whether that be 37 or 39 wks.

Leora- You look so good!! You still look so little for twins at 23 wks. And only 1 lb!! Even though you feel huge (I do too) you really do look great.

Rio- I am really hoping you are right and its one of each but I am just so excited to find out. Hopefully they both cooperate and don’t move around too much before we can get a glimpse. As long as they are healthy I will be thrilled. As for the names- we aren’t sharing the names with anyone. I don’t know why but ive been weird about the names since we picked them out 3 years ago. Even though I know no one on here will tell anyone I don’t think you will get it out of me.

Kat- Did DH get to hear the little one last night?

AFM- Only a few more hours!!! And one of the girls I work with had her baby yday so Im leaving a little early to go hold her before my appointment. It will be sooo exciting to know what these little ones finally are, and to know that they are still ok and healthy in there.

[Sweetpea614]

Rypell- Congrats and goodlcuk and don't worry about the babies they will be just fine. Can not wait to see pictures of them

Blair- So exciting to find out what your having. I'll be anxiously waiting the news. I did get to hear the baby's heartbeat last night. It's so nice and calms me.

Lou-Sounds like a great trip. Is the 3d/4d US something the doctor orders or do you do that yourself? On the cord banking we actually thought about using one of the free programs where someone else can use it if they need it, and if yours is needed by you and it's been used you get to use someone else's if theirs a match.

Karian- Congrats on 32 weeks. By the way I LOVE the name Victoria!

Leora- You look great for carrying twins your so cute!!

Riogrl- Maybe you will go into labor too today. Have we had anyone ont he board have their babies ont he same day yet?

Kat

[BlissfulCS]

Yay Ryann! Praying hard for you and hoping that you had/are having a good labor and delivery. Can't wait to hear how it goes and see pics once you rest up and enjoy your time with your little ones.

Blair- good luck today! I know everything will be fine and I am excited to hear the results.

Leora- I agree with EOE, you look adorable! Congrats on the names. Love them!

Leora/Rio- As far as the inlaws, we have lived next to them for five years now. The first year was tough because FIL is particularly "outgoing". DH had to have a very difficult talk with him about dropping by and the frequency of his visits. I think it really hurt his feelings at first, but everything has been just peachy since then. I am thinking that after the baby comes it may be my MIL we have to talk to... But in all seriousness, they are fabulous neighbors. I grew up next door to my grandparents and just loved it so I almost consider it normal (almost). I definitely think its worth it, but you do have to work at it a little!

Lou- welcome back! Still waiting on the Doppler. Going to have DH pick it up from work for me this afternoon if it comes in today. Tonight is the night. A little nervous I will have trouble finding it and will freak out.

Kat- the jeans are awesome. I am going to check them out. Not to get too personal, but the reason I thought they were street jeans is you look tiny in the hips. You look terrific! I swear my hips/backside "popped" before my bump. Figures...all my life I have been fighting the "junk in my trunk." That's why running is my exercise of choice but now that i am not running its full speed ahead. Its worth it, its worth it , its worth it...

AFM- question on cord blood. I have been reading that it s better for the baby if you let the cord naturally stop pulsing prior to clamping and cutting it and as of right now that is what is in my birth plan. This feels like a silly question, but if you do that is there actually any cord blood left over to bank?

I actually stayed home from work today. I was supposed to leave the house at 6AM for a three hour drive to visit one of my branches. When I was tossing and turning with nausea and indigestion last night I knew that 6 hours of driving in one day for a full day meeting wasn't going to happen. It feels good to play hookey! I have been so tired the last couple of days and we were on the go all weekend so I needed the rest.

[to_have_fun08]

Ryann Ann - good luck.. can't wait to see pics.

Lou - are you paying out of pocket for the 3d/4D u/s. My Dr.'s office doesn't do the 3d/4d which i am really bumbed about. So I am going to have to pay out of pocket to have one done. It is expensive around $150 but i really want one. I'm just afraid that this little boy won't cooperate and we won't get good picks. Glad you had a good time on your trip.

Leoria - Wow you aren't that big for 23 weeks. I am so happy that this pregnancy is going so well for you.

Blair - Can't wait for your news.

I haven't checked into core blood. What are the positives and negatives and how much does it cost? Guess I will have to do some research.
Who has done cloth diapers? I am on the fence if i want to try them out. I know it would help save the environment but i hate doing laundry. Do you really think they are cost effective with the price of the cloth diapers/water/detergent and time? So much to think about.

[Sweetpea614]

Blissful- here is the link to the jeans I got. I did get a small because the x-small were to skinny in the thighs. ( I see why now they are called skinny) I'm normally I size 2/4 and I'm 5'3" and the jeans are too long to wear with flats but they are perfect in my heels. Oh and the ones I got a much darker in person then the picture online. Oh and I have not put on any weight except in my belly so far so your right I am tiny through the hips still. (I'm sure that will change though;)

http://www.destinationmaternity.com/Pro ... ory_Id=MC6

Kat

[Happy Bunny]

Ryann: OMG! I'm so excited for you! Best wishes for a happy and healthy birth.

[margi26]

Ryann: So excited for you...sending positive thoughts and prayers your way!!!

Leora: You look wonderful!!! And so totally "glowing". And, I love the names you have picked out.

Chris/Alisa/SD--regarding cord banking...my OB has recently "come on board" with deciding to recommend that parents do it if they can afford it. That said, with twins, it is double so he suggested we call and see if they will make us a twin deal. He also gave us a $350 off coupon which is no small bit of change for us! So, although we aren't 100% decided, we are leaning towards doing it if we can afford it. Y'all might want to check with your OB to see if they recommend somewhere in particular and if they have a coupon. He also warned us that some companies aren't very reputable in terms of their storage, etc. so I would really check out any place before you give them all that money and important investment.

AFM: Doing ok. Getting nervous as I approach viability, but am clearly not yet there. The pool was fabulous and I loved feeling weightless. I have appt with MFM next week and if all goes well I will return to work the following week. Yicks! I hate being on bed rest, but after 14 loooong weeks on it, I worry now about going to work--especially at 23 weeks which seems to me such a "scary" week. But more than anything I just hope that all is well with my LO's and that the SCH is gone and will leave us alone for the rest of the pregnancy so I can relax and enjoy...just in time for 3rd trimester to start, oh boy...LOL...so far I have gained 13 lbs and am feeling HUGE. Will post a photo soon--promise!

[HopeIsAllIHave]

Ryann - omg, I'm soo happy and excited for you! Sending prayers and thoughts your way for your little ones! I just know they will come out PERFECT! Can't wait to hear from you again and see pics of your precious ones! Good luck, hun!