Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[annashope]

Kay I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words...so very sorry its unimaginable. I cried reading your post. You and your family are in my prayers

Ryan your babies are adorable!!! so cute! thank you so much for posting pics. I am glad to hear you are doing well and are out of the hospital. So are the babies still coming home in 2 weeks?

Karen (scorpio) great hearing from you hope all is well with you and Gemma

[lou71]

Oh Ryann --- The pics you posted are soooo adorable of Bella and Dylan. Thanks for sharing! Where did you get the gorgeous hat's????

AFM -- Had a GREAT day today. Took my 86 year old grandmother out for lunch and some shopping. It's exhausting but I love being with her. We went to Buy Buy Baby and she gave me a check for $500 to spend towards anything on my registry from her!!!! Wowsa.... I wasn't expecting that! I didn't buy much today, just a few small things I had coupons for, but I will come back with those wonderful 20% off Bed Bath and Beyond coupons since they accept them there and get my grannies money worth. Grandpa also fell in LOVE with my new car. Now he wants one too. He's 86 also. My grandma would have a fit. His car is a Subaru Outback in very good condition with low miles and only about 5 years old. This evening DH and I had dinner with another couple. It's actually my childhood best friend and his fiancé. He and I met when he was 5 and I was 4 and we lived next door until we graduated high school. I love the girl he's marrying and we've become good friends too. They are both coming to my shower and I'm so happy. I'm still frustrated about the shower a bit. A lot of close people blowing me off. My aunt sent like 92 invites and I've got 40 Yes, 25 No, and the rest haven't responded yet.... all 27 of them. I would be fine assuming no but you know how people are and we'd be screwed if some of them just "showed up". When I asked the couple tonight if they were coming they said "yes, of course" and then I said "oh, well you didn't RSVP to my aunt" and they said "well, we assumed you knew we'd be there". I've gotten that response quite a bit. WTH is wrong with people who don't understand RSVP!!!!! Anyway.... I guess my aunt has to make some calls. There's my current shower rant.

Took a new pic today. I'm certainly getting "rounder" looking! Total weight gain is at 9 lbs at 27w2d. Is that OK?

[riogirl71]

Ryann - ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! CUTIE PIES!!!!!

Karen - so glad all is well with you and post a pic of Gemma when you can!

Lou - way to sport that bump! I hope your shower turns out awesome!

Annas- glad you are hanging in there and holding your place in line

Went to Costco today and oh my did I pay the price when I got home, ouch even the slow walking was too much. I feel like I have a bowling ball in between my legs and that she is just going to slip out! Some very strong contractions but far in between, some pain here and there but not too bad, I think I might move it to this week, I am not sure yet, my gut doesn't think she is waiting until next Tuesday!!!!

[leorira11]

just one more day until my 24 weeks milestone....

This was in the New York Times - it's about IVF in Israel (where I live). A very interesting read, I think. Apparently, Israel has the highest per capita number of IVF children - mostly because the procedure here is covered by the national health cares system. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/18/world ... ml?_r=1&hp

[rypell1985]

Thank you all for the congrats! I can't wait for 11am to be able
to go back and spend the day with them! They both had an episode of sleep apnea yesterday so that is a gauranteed 7days. They must go 7 days without an episode to be released. BUT, they must also be taking every feeding by mouth for 24 hours before they'll take the NG tube out and so far they are taking every other feeding by mouth, but sometimes can't finish and take the rest through the NG tube. They also must show steady weight gain and so far they're both still losing. It's only day 5, so I hope they make some big steps!

Lou...in her first pic she is actually wearing a crochet headband that I got on etsy.com, the seller is bowutifulhairbows. She has $1.00 hairbows, so you buy the headband for $1.00 and the bow for $1.00. Best price I've found anywhere. The second pic is a handmade hat from her nurse.

[blairwh58]

Ryann-What a great birth story. I was of course bawling as I read it. Sounds like you did a great job. I was laughing with you when you said you had to wash your hair before you left for the hospital- I would have done the exact same thing. Congrats again on Dylan and Bella!! They are sooooo beautiful!!! I loved seeing their little pics. I was going to ask where you got Bellas adorable hats but see your answer to Lou now- I will have to get some of those.

Lou- We have the 2 names picked out but aren’t telling anyone. Rio is trying to convince me to share on here but I just wont do it…at least not yet. Not sure why Ive just been keeping these names secret for 2+ years now and don’t want to leak them out yet. Congrats on the new car!! You look great in that pic and yes you are definitely getting rounder- but just in your little belly. Too cute!

Mamaboo- Good luck at the procedure today. Hoping that it works wonders and gives Denver the 90-95% chance he needs and the rest he needs from pumping so much blood. Keep us posted!!

Rio- When we found out it was triplets at the beginning I knew that I could not physically take care of 3 newborns and 2 dogs so we had started making plans to find them new homes. Then once we lost one we decided to stick with it since 2 newborns and 2 dogs is still a little much. If DH weren’t gone all the time with work it wouldn’t be bad at all, but since hes on call every few nights we decided it would be the best for them. Congrats on passing 38 wks!!! You are definitely next in line to deliver- how exciting!!

Kay- I am soooo sorry for your loss. I was bawling when I read your post. I can only imagine what you are going through right now. I am sure it will take time to heal but stay strong.

Anna- Glad nothing too exciting is going on with you. You’ve made it past the 34 wk mark and hopefully Paul has settled back in for the next few weeks.

Alisa- So glad that finding the heartbeat is getting easier. When is your next apt? I cant wait to see a new pic of your little one. Had to tell you- my little brother went out and got the girls some UK gear. They both got little t-shirts that say my first Kentucky shirt, some socks, and hats. I cant wait to get them ready for their first game!!

Fun- Glad the OB apt went well and your belly is measuring on target. I guess I would understand the midwifes concern if the baby was too small and your belly wasn’t on track but seems like hes doing fine in there. Good luck at your US today and keep us posted- fingers crossed for some 3/4D.

Kjm- How did the shower go?? Cant wait to see pics of all the goodies. Hopefully the drive wasn’t bad.

Mellow- Marlo is really chunking up there. I feel like shes starting to gain weight a lot faster now…it feels like just yesterday she was hitting 3 lbs. Sorry to hear they are guessing she will be in the NICU a bit longer but hopefully she will prove them wrong and come home sooner than that. Im glad shes doing better and is breastfeeding nicely. Congrats again.

Stephanie- Loved reading your birth story too!! I love reading the twin birth stories and hearing how they can both come vaginally without many issues. Gives me hope for my girls. You did such a great job and ended up with 2 very healthy little boys. And since you only gained 42 lbs I am making that my goal. So far im up about 6 lbs but the MFM MD said that’s right on track so we will see.

Margi- How are you hanging in there? Still no belly pics??

AFM- I go back to the regular OB tomorrow for a check up. I haven’t been to see her in 5 wks, and even at that apt she said well look your little belly is poking out- so I can only imagine what she will say tomorrow lol. Started getting back pain which I had a feeling would be inevitable. Did anyone wear those Maternity Support belts? I tried one on but didn’t buy it, but it did feel a lot better when I had it on. Suggestions?

[Waitingkay]

Hi everyone, pregnant and moms,

I don't do personals but I read all your posts and look at all the amazing babies born after such a long process and find only encouragement in knowing it happens.

Thanks everybody for finding so many beautiful words to tell me, we read all of your replies together. We never felt more together than now - though uniting through such a painful experience may mean challenge in itself.

I don't assume I will completely vanish from this thread because all your stories and pictures are so important to me and we went a long road together (even if at times I only read your posts and didn't participate as much).

Karenthescorpio - I might PM you as I was recommended to do so, and of course Leora too - I was even thinking of your signature since before you wrote to me. Your success is my success and so goes for everyone here.

Prayers and blessings,
We will not become bitter.
K

[Lauren]

CRASHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ryann-THEY ARE SO PRECIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! absolutly BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!! So happy for you and your DH!!!!!!!!!!! Hope your feeling well too and dont give up on the breastmilk...takes a lot of patients! (I am a RN in labor & Delivery)

again.BIG CONGRATS!!! Love her hat so darn cute!!!

AS FAR AS ALL YOU OTHER LADIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best of luck in your pregnancies!

Rio-Soon....very soon so excited for you!

Amanda-Congrats Maribel is beautiful!!!!!!!!!

Lou-You look GREAT preggo! Hope this pregnancy is treating you well!!!

Sonya-Congrats as well as Karen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AFM-cycling again........Possible ER end of this week! Wish me luck

MISS you girls!

[annashope]

Blair

I wear the support belt if I know I will be standing for a prolonged period of time and they are sooooo helpful. I have some back issues due to scoliosis (mild) so the support belt really helped after 26 weeks. However I can't wear it all the time because it is very uncomfortable to sit in but if I am doing household chores then it is a huge help. I would recommend it.

Rio it sounds like you may be going sooner than next week Thinking of you and sending you lots of positive energy

AFM Last growth scan tomorrow and I can't wait to see how big he has gotten. I have to admit it is getting hard to walk and my hip/groin bones hurt so bad but I am determined to make 37 weeks so I am trying to tough it out. DS is at Rock climbing camp this week (its indoor climbing) and next week he is at football camp nearby so I am hoping driving him back and forth will keep me busy and time will pass by to that beautiful 37 week mark. Only 17 day...lol but who is counting right Its interesting that now instead of seeing kicks and punches my whole belly moves like a wave DH was watching it last night and was just blown away by it. You can almost identify body parts sticking out plus baby Paul gets hick ups every night so then we just watch the belly jump up and down..lol Well have a great day everyone and I will check in after my u/s tomorrow which should be my last cervix check as well

[BlissfulCS]

Kay- beautiful message on not becoming bitter. Still thinking about you and praying for you daily.

Mamaboo- thinking about you today.

Ryann- they are both just absolutely gorgeous. Well done!

Blair- I love that the girls already have their Wildcat gear! I say hold strong on the names. It will be a wonderful suprise to hear them in your birth announcement! I understand that this site is low risk bc it is anonymous, but I also understand how it is when you make your mid up about something that is tough to follow-through on. One chink in the armor...

Lou- you look great and I agree with SD that you are probably fine. In fact, you just inspired me to hit the elliptical for 20 minutes! I have already gained about 10 pounds and need to slow down. But I used to be a exercise nut and my body is going through a major adjustment since I stopped running and training distance a couple of months prior to this last cycle.

AFM- does everything about pregnancy feel like a countdown. Waiting for the BFP, waiting for HCG, waiting for it to double, waiting for next ultrasound, waiting until its safe to announce...waiting, waiting, waiting! This week I am waiting for my NT scan which is Thursday. Time moves so slowly when you are waiting to see your baby!

On an unrelated note...I am in a bit of a funk today on something unrelated to pregnancy (but heck...I think I share everything with you ladies). I was up for half the night last night due to a BAD storm. Sad thing is that because we live and are a part of an extensive sailing community in northern Michigan, we were up worried about very close friends of ours aboard four different boats sailing the Chicago to Mac race. The race is the longest freshwater sailing race in the world and about 350 boats participate. It runs across Lake Michigan to Mackinac Island (which is about 30 minutes from my home). The race usually takes about 50 to 60 straight hours of sailing to complete for the fastest boats which means they sail through the night. My husband did not sail this year but he boat he sails on and its crew did and they finished fast and in good health. Still, with 50 mph winds at about 12 AM we were both up trying to get news about our friends. This morning we learned that they all finished safely but another boat who we have raced against in the past capsized and two sailors drowned.

My husband races in all kinds of weather every weekend beginning two weeks from now through Labor Day and I have dreaded getting that call or word from the Coast Guard for as long as I have known him. I am so sad today that one wife and one husband received that word about their loved one today. I am thinking of banning DH from sailing until after the baby is born. Or forever...so glad he was next to me last night and not on that boat. I don't know how military wives survive!

Interesting side note, I actually delivered the boat from Harbor Springs to Chicago for its first Chicago to Mac three summers ago with DH. We were caught in a similar storm in the wee hours of the morning and it was one of the most harrowing but exhilarating experiences I have had. So thankful today for the blessings in my life and the luck and love that I continue to receive.

[baby_blu73]

The boys at Daddy's softball game. Their first of many!

[riogirl71]

Hi girls, had a NST today and was there for 2.5 hours!!! I was having such strong contractions that they were off the plotted chart! That won be a cervix check from the nurse but she said it was closed. THe best part - the hospital was out of rooms so my NST and cervix check were in a gurney in the hallway, good thing no one walked by!!!! I am going to OB tomorrow morning because I seriously don't know how I can make it to the 26th, my contractions are now quite strong and painful at times. I just want reassurance that the baby will be fine, I can deal with my discomfort, I just don't want to risk our health by trying to wait for an unrealistic date. Every night I swear the baby is coming it gets so strong and now the lower pain... The girls that went through labor, do you mind telling me how the progression of contractions/pain was?

[katieb1231]

Crashing.....

Ryann - Your babies are absolutely precious! You must be thrilled to have two perfect little nuggets to make you a family! I am thrilled for you!

Rio - Sounds like you might have a baby soon!!!

Lou - You look so stinkin cute with your bump......you rock it girl!!!

Blair - Two girls (I am secretly praying for another girl!, but DH I know would love a boy) Congratulations!!!! Dress-up times 2!!!

Mamaboo - I am praying for a uneventful easy procedure for you.....I am sure everything will be perfectly fine....

WaitingKay - I am not sure if we cycled together or not but I was in tears as I read your post....sometimes life is unfair....I am so so so sorry for your loss and nothing I could say would make you feel any better but know this I am praying that you will find some peace eventually and that you will allow those around you that love you to help you and comfort you when you need it.

Mellow - I think I read you brought Marlo home?? Congratulations!

Leorira - Congrats! You made it to 24 weeks so happy for you!

AFM - Heard baby's heartbeat last Monday and it was amazing....we made it to heartbeat a couple of times but then lost the babies shortly thereafter so to be at 12 weeks and still have a strong heartbeat brought a tear to my eye and made me wish it was me but it is my baby so I am happy about that....Birth Dad relinquished all rights last week and birth Mom signed adoption contract (which basically protects our money if she decides to back out which she won't but have to be protective). Next appointment is August 12th (16 weeks) which we should hopefully see the sex so we will know if we are having a little Olivia Kathryn or a Jakob Wolfe......I will keep stalking you ladies can't wait til you all have your babies!!! So jealous!!!

[lou71]

Lauren -- Thanks for Crashing! Great to hear from you.

Annashope -- Good luck on your last growth scan. It's almost time to meet baby Paul and you must be getting soooo excited.

Blissful-- I think the elliptical should be fine... I have one at home and use it 1-2x per week. I've never been a distance runner so that's awesome that you could do that!

Rio -- I'm so sorry you are having strong contractions and pain. It shouldn't be long now!

Katieb-- Thanks! I guess I couldn't had this bump if I wanted to so rockin' it is my only choice...lol. You will make it this time... congrats on that heart beat.

SD -- Thank you! And thanks for the reasurance on my weight. If I gain an average of 3/4 lb per week, then I shold finish up around 17-19 lbs total. I think I'm OK with that.

Blair-- We thought of keeping your name secret but instead are just keeping it secret from family and close friends. I told everyone on here and a few at work.

Kay -- You are in my thoughts and prayers. Nothing can replace your lost child but I believe you will find happiness and a baby to love. What helped me after our loss was DH being reassuring that we would be able to have another child again. I needed so much to believe that the future would be better. Karenthescorpio never gave up hope for that either, and look at her beautiful daughter now! The other thing that helped me is we decided to get away for a while. We took a 10 day trip about a month after our loss and it really helped bond us and showed us that there still is beauty in life and one of my favorite sayings is "where there's life, there's hope.".

Mamaboo -- Thinking of you and your baby. How did the procedure go? Are you OK?

AFM -- Ugh... suffered with a stomach bug last night and was up all night with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and intense stomach pain. I feel about 80% better now but exhausted. I wish I could have stayed home from work today.

[Waitingkay]

Hello ladies,

BlissfulCS - Thanks...I think somehow DH and I could more easily become bitter during treatment but precisely this experience, seeing our beloved angel, turned us both even more respectful of life. I hope I won't continue to feel guilt, now that's a tough one.

Katieb1231 - We didn't really cycle together, I joined in January and was mostly hiding in "Introduction". Even though I tried to stay in touch with most ladies there, our group sort of organically spread after a while and it's a real shame. Thank you for everything you say, just you ladies thinking of me and understanding the depth of our loss means so much to the both of us, and only you really can. Never have I been more in love.

SDtrying - I was gonna not look at the site for a while (you got me ) but got again curious to see the pics, to hear about all of you, all in all - you all give me hope. I'm not the only girl this has happened to (not even just the hassle of IVF) and I want to believe I'll reach the other side sooner than it took for us this time. Only this time I'm less afraid of the treatment itself and more so regarding the keeping of the pregnancy...it is SOOOO frightening we don't know what has caused it? I mean - we only had 1 LO, so how logical is it that I had IC so early when he still didn't weigh all that much? Also, it seems due to the order in which things collapsed like in dominoes that horrid horrid week, that the contractions where earlier on when the snowball was still small and they violently caused the cervix to open...This all seemed too cruel to be real!

Lou - You are so sweet, and I can't wait to see more of your smiling photos.Like you, I also take a lot of comfort when DH is telling me we WILL have children. It is somehow difficult to analyze when in this process I'm drowning him in my swamp of sorrow and he's promising in order to survive himself. I can say though that our bond is so strong now, I hope it will stay this way without us always looking at one another united over grief and not over joyful moments. We were 2 happy love birds before, I mean we would just laugh at each other all the time - I simply find myself HOPING we will soon find crying and hugging and cuddling all the time not to be enough and return to harass each other a bit too:) This will be a good sign, and I'll let you all know.

Love to you all, you heartwarming strong women.
Kay