Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[blairwh58]

Leora- Hope all is well with you, David, and Asaf. You will have to post the link to your blog so we can all keep up. You all are constantly in all our thoughts! Stay strong.

Stephanie- How are those boys doing? Im sure they are getting bigger every day and I cannot believe they are already a month and 5 days old. Hope all is well with you.

Lou- You look gorgeous! Your little bump is getting bigger but you still look absolutely great. I always feel huge after looking at everyone pics. Its exciting that work is throwing you a shower- that should be fun even if it is a small get together.

Kjm- Im glad we finally got to see some pics of Hunter and Ella (love the names by the way). Looks like Hunter is taking up some of Ellas space in there so Im sure she will be like Ryanns little Bella and enjoy the space once she gets out.

Kat- You are so tiny!!! Your little bump is bigger than the last pic you pisted but you still look great! Big Ultrasound is the anatomy scan im guessing since you already know that it’s a little boy right? It sucks waiting for these…mine is Friday and Im already wishing I could fast forward.

Rio- Glad that Lizzy is doing well and her murmur will clear up on its own after a few months. Pics??? Hope you are in less pain today and can take that little one home.

Ryann- Those two are adorable. Bella looks like shes enjoying all the extra space she has now. Did you have to start out using premie or newborn outfits?

AFM- I picked out bedding for the girls room and we even went to Lowes last night to see if we could find some paint to match. I love the bedding because its not overly girly or too loud (DHs words). I did have a moment of chaos when I thought I would be unable to get 2 crib skirts though…but luckily I think I ordered them quick enough and should be getting the 2nd one any day now. Just anxiously awaiting Fridays apt now- the big Anatomy scan. Both girls seem to be doing well and are very active.

[leorira11]

Asaf is one week old today. What a crazy crazy crazy week. Mellow - you are such an amazingly strong woman for doing this NICU thing for 11 weeks already...

So far, things are going quite well. We had a scare yesterday, since he stopped urinating for more than 36 hours - but it seems that he has started to pee again today. Of course, we are never out of the woods -- just always waiting to see what will go wrong next.

He has put on weight -- he was born at 530gr, he went down to 500gr (normal weight loss after birth) and is now up to 570gr!

I asked when I can get to hold him (for now, I'm allowed to put a hand into the isolette to touch him, so long as he is stable and warm, for a few minutes at a time). I was told that once he weighs 1 kilo, I can start doing "kangaroo care" and hold him skin to skin. Hopefully in a few more weeks.

It's really adjusting to having one son, when we were expecting 2. Of course, I'm hoping and praying I get to bring Asaf home, but it's really hard to readjust from being a 'twin mom' to being a mom of one.

C-section recovery is fine. I still can't believe I've had a C-section! I guess the giant scar will help remind me.

Pumping is hard. So very hard. So tedious and time consuming. But it's so rewarding to watch them feed him my milk, so I'll keep doing it for now. I'm also hoping to one day breast feed - so I've got to keep my supply up.

As quite a few people on this board know (Mellow, Rio, Blair) - it's so hard to grieve for one baby, while trying to celebrate the lives of his/her sibling(s). I'm trying to compartmentalize, so that when I'm at the hospital, the complete focus is on Asaf. It's just so sad to see the empty isolette next to him....

[blairwh58]

Leora- I cannot believe little Asaf is already a week old...despite the struggles ahead I am so glad he is gaining weight and seems to be doing well. Hopefully he will start chunking up so you can do some kangaroo care soon. I am sure it is beyond hard not holding him but I am sure that evn your hand on him lets him know how much you love him already. Even though you do need to celebrate Asafs life, you also need to take time to mourn the loss of Micha. Glad that your c section recovery is going well, and that pumping (as hard as it is) is working out so far. Wishing you all the best in this difficult time.

[Sweetpea614]

Leora- Wow 1 week already. So glad he's putting on weight. I can not wait for you to Kangaroo hold him. I agree with you on the pumping. I had to do that with Angela for 4 days while she was in the NICU. It was really hard.

Kjm1824- The 4d ultraosunds are so cool. That must have been neat to see. It's amazing how things have changed since I had my daughter 13 years ago.

Blissful-Normally I carry all over. This pregnancy is very differant from my other 3. I'm sure I'll start getting bigger else where eventually. (hoping I don't though;)

Lou-You look great. That is so sweet of your work friends to throw you a shower.

Baby-Blu-73 Your boys are so adorable and I just love their names. I do have ideas in my head. I know when they do the early guess of sex there is a huge margin of error so waiting till next week to order anything. I want to do a sports theme but do it in an old fashion way. With the pictures from the old in day sports. It all started with this cool lamp I found at the x-mas tree shop with these antique looking baseballs. I found the perfect crib set at Pottery Barn for kids and it's on sale. Hoping it's still on sale next week and the lamp stil at the x-mas tree shop If ends up turning out to be a girl I'm of something glamorous maybe including a chandelier in the room;) But that coudl change as I really just have boy in my head. I kind of want to do the room and have it last for a while and not have to redo it for a long time.

Katieb1231-Thank you. I so don;t feel petite abd cute. lol but I'm sure that's how we all feel.

Blair- Yes it is the big one and where my risk came back slightly increased for downs I'm a little nervous. The first one did say boy but heard the margin error on the early us's is 50/50 that I'm waiting to go buy anything until after next Wednesday. That is so exciting you found your cribs and bedding. You will have to show pics. Good luck at your big scan you must be excited to see them again? Do you have any names picked out yet? I don't. It's so hard trying to think of a good boys name. Girls it's so easy. There are so many cool ones.

AFM:- Thank you all for the compliments. My belly feels heavier and heavier and there is no hiding it any more even in my loose dresses. I was informed of this by my assitant and my daughter;) Funny a few weeks ago when people would say you can't even tell my daughter would chime in she hides it very well. (As in trust me she's got a belly and she's chubby;) My daughter also informed me that at least I have one thing going for me and that is my boobs are getting bigger. Don't you love teenage kids?? lol I feel really tired lately though. Where's the second trimester second wind and sex drive? I dont have either

Kat

[leorira11]

also - I started a blog so that people can follow Asaf's progress (and my craziness!) without me clogging up all the message board chat

http://asafelman.blogspot.com/

[Sweetpea614]

Leora- I love your blog thanks for sharing it with us. I cried again reading it. DF and I have been praying for you and we will continue to do so too. It is very hard to mourn the loss of one while staying strong for another. I was a little differant as I had Ty who was 3 when we lost Brittnie but Ty helped me through my grief and kept me from totally losing it.


(Big Hugs))
Kat

[mellow4]

Leora, it's good to hear from you! It's surprising how overwhelming and exhausting each day is in the NICU. It' up and down everyday, sometimes just in a matter of seconds. Pumping is tough, but it's the one thing you can do that makes it feel like you are helping in some small way, that will change a little when you are able to hold him. I have a freezer full of milk to show for my efforts now.

Be sure to rest as much as you can allow yourself, it's hard on your milk supply if you aren't sleeping and staying hydrated...and the stress, well I know I can't tell you to not be stressed because that is just a given with this going on. You are right about grieving the loss of one and being strong for the life of the other. There really is nothing easy about it. I'm so glad you held your little sweet Micha, and were able to say goodbye to him. I'm so sorry you have had to go through this again, it's heart wrenching. Between all the things they are watching for, and the alarms going off throughout the day the hardest thing is knowing there is absolutely nothing you can do to make it better, and there is never anything that can prepare you for what is coming next. There is always something lurking around the corner with a micro preemie. I want you to know though, both my husband and I are praying so hard for you, and your family. We pray for your strength, and for your little one to grow stronger everyday so he can fight all the things he is up against these next several weeks. It's a rollercoaster, one that no mother would chose to get on, but one we strap ourselves in and prepare for the bumpy ride with the strength only a mother can have.

Ask questions, and be your sons advocate. The doctors and nurses will get caught up in the routine of it all...don't be afraid to question them, and if you don't understand or don't get an answer you like, ask someone else. Stay strong my friend, and if you need someone to vent to, I am here!

There was a little girl across from Marlo several weeks ago, that was born at 24 weeks. She was off the ventilator, and was eating from a bottle. She was getting stronger everyday, and there was talk of her going home. It will be a long haul, but it is possible. It won't be easy, and there will be setbacks, but there is always hope. Hold onto Hope!

I'm pulling for you! Will continue to pray, as long as it takes.

[lou71]

Leora -- Thanks for the update on Asaf. I'm encouraged to hear he is gaining weight!!! That's great news. I'm so sorry you have to adjust from having two babies to one. I know that can't be easy. I'll be continuing to pray for him to do well. I can't read your blog at work (it's blocked) but I will try to check in from home in the evenings.

[anton]

Hi mamas! ....CRASHING from the Summer Board...

Lou- You look absolutely stunning mama!! From head to toe! Especially the bump part!!! Way you go girl! I am so happy for you! xxx

Rypell- OMG!!! Just saw the pics of Dylan and Isabella in their baskets!!! ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!!! Perfect miracle babies!! BEAUTIFULL family got there my friend!!!! Bravo!!! I am so happy for you!!! xxx

Kat- .....Indeed you look so tiny! I love that you just have your bump and nothing esle! Well done! Keep up the good work my friend!

Leora- I am SO glad to read the news that Asaf is good and stable and has gain on weight!! I have the three of you in my prayers! May you get to hold him in your arms SOON my friend!!! Patience!!!! I will definatelly follow your/Asaf's blog and you have my love and (((HUGS))) my friend xxx

Rio- So it’s Elizabeth... Lizzy!! Finally! I love the name! I can’t wait to see pics of your princess!!! I am so happy for you my friend!!! May you are off the pain SOON!!! ...have no idea what murmurs is but I hope is not something serious! ((hugs)) xxx

Margi- How are you my friend! Everything a-ok? Did you go back to work or you keep playing “free wily”? How are those California "papayas" doing? Xxx

...I hope you girls don’t mind me crashing?...I just wanted to jump and say hi there with all the news happening in your board!..and I hope I join you SOON!... to be more precise, in 7 days from now!

anton

[HopeIsAllIHave]

Leora - so glad to hear from you and to receive an encouraging update on Asaf. I hope he continues to thrive and grow strong for his loving mommy. Sending you continued positive thoughts, vibes, and prayers.

Anton - happy to see you crashing! This is going to be it for you - lucky #7! I can feel it!

Lou - you look absolutely amazing! You rock that belly oh-so-well! I haven't taken a belly pic for the past month now! Gotta get crackin'! I feel huge!

Kat - kids say the darndest things, don't they? You still look so tiny to me, but oh, so fabulous!

Blair - good luck with your anatomy scan! I know everything is going to check out perfect! I can't believe you're about 19 weeks already! I just remember you announcing your pregnancy not too long ago. Boy, time does fly!

Stephanie - your baby boys are just too cute! I can't believe they're over a month old already! How are you managing? How sleep deprived are you?

KJM - great 4D u/s pics! How nice it must've been for you to see your babies and make out their features while they're still snuggling up inside of you. I'm trying to make an appt to get a 3D u/s for our little Athena as well. Hopefully soon.

Rio - So glad to hear everything is well (and minor) with Elizabeth! Still looking forward to getting a glimpse of that darling face soon! Discharged yet?

Ryann - omg, you have the most precious babies in the world! I looked at the pictures of your cuties on my phone and could not stop staring at them! I even passed my phone on to DH to have them look at their perfect little faces! Ahh, too darn cute!! I love Bella's bow! Now that they are at home, how are you managing?

I may have missed a lot of you, and I apologize for that. It's so hard to keep up at times.

AFM - I tested negative for GD - hooray! My level was only at 94, so I'm grateful for that. But like a lot of you, I had low iron levels, so I just bought myself some Slow FE pills to add to my daily regimen. I've been feeling so tired and sluggish lately, so hopefully the iron will boost some energy back into me! Baby Athena started having hiccups as of the last couple days; such an odd feeling! And it lasts quite a while, too! I am trying to get a 3D/4D U/S scheduled to catch a closer glimpse of my munchkin, so hopefully I can get that appt sometime soon. I just scheduled myself for prepared childbirth and lamaze classes last night. They're both 12 hours long, divided into several days throughout the next 2 months, so we're going to be a bit busy with that. Still have to sign up for a CPR class. I was wondering.. has anyone had natural childbirth on here? Any tips or advice on that? I have a pretty low threshold for pain, but it's important for me to at least give natural childbirth a try. But boy, am I scared!

Also, the hospital that I'm registered with.. their policy is to induce women at 39 weeks. I found that a bit odd and prefer not to get induced if not medically necessary. I'll have to talk to my OB about that again during my appt next week. I'm down to seeing my OB every 2 weeks now.

[baby_blu73]

Jaxon's 4D...


His newborn pic, notice the hairline...


"Old Man" hairline photo coming soon...

[blairwh58]

Stephanie- I love how Jaxons 4D pic really does look exactly like him. Even his little hands are almost in the same place. I cant wait to see his “old man” picture!! The same exact thing happened to my nephew and when he wrinkled up his little forehead he really did look like an old man.

Ashley- I do feel like some of the time has flown by over the past few wks…but with the all day sickness slowly leaving I am glad its that way. I am anxious for the scan Friday and hope we get lots of good pics. Congrats on testing negative for GD!! I have a bunch of friends who have delivered recently and they all suggested the epidural, but I feel the same way you do- like I should at least go as far as I can naturally. I know its scary but you can do it if you set your mind to it (sounded cheesy but hey). As for the early induction that does seem weird but I guess its just policy. Hopefully you can work something out with your OB.

Mellow- Hows little Marlo? Getting bigger Im sure. I need to find your blog link so I can see if you have recent posts on her updates.

Leora-I am sorry to hear about Asafs continued struggle with kidney issues. Hopefully they can get things figured out and get his little heart rate back up and his electrolytes balanced.As for the blog its nice to have everything written down so once he finally comes home with you all you can look back at everything hes already been through.

Kat- Don’t be nervous about your apt. I guess I didn’t realize that early gender prediction could be so far off. Its good that your holding out until after this apt to buy stuff though. People thought we were having a boy and girl so after we found out we ended up going back to the stors to return all the Blue. As for names we do have both names already picked out but aren’t going to tell anyone until their birth. Im sure once you find out you will eventually find names that you really like. I laughed out loud when you mentioned second trimester energy and sex drive. I still takes naps every day when I get home from work…and never feel like having sex. DH convinces me that we should to do it sometimes, but it just doesn’t feel the same. I feel bad because for some reason he thinks my pregnant belly is really attractive…but nope- not really feeling it.

[annashope]

Leora I am following your blog and praying so hard that your little Asaf who carries my daddy's name improves and that his kidneys start working well again.

Margi how are you sweety? are you getting any of your strength back? we definitely need an updated belly pic

Blair yay for getting the bedding and I can understand being tired all the time. With my previous pregnancy (11yrs ago) all I wanted to do was sleep all 9 months

Hope I had my older son via vaginal delivery and it was super easy. I did not have any pain with contractions and by the time I went to the hospital I was already 4-5cm I got the epidural and 6 hours later had Christopher without any issues. The recovery was very quick too so try not to worry. This time of course I will be having a c-section and I am really nervous I have to add that with my older son I walked 1-2 miles a night until I went into labor. btw yay for testing negative for GD

Ryan your babies are just perfect!!! How is the breastfeeding coming

Anton you are welcome to crash and we can't wait to see your bfp

Kat like everyone said yay look so great! you are so tiny and I am so jealous...lol You are really all belly

Lou same for you honey you look just stunning in your formal dress!!! and its quite a baby bump you got there

Rio I love the name Elizabeth!!! what a beautiful name. I am happy to hear that little Lizzy is gonna be ok and that her murmur will fix itself. Hope you are healing well

Mellow I am so happy to see little Marlo growing well through your updates on the blog. I check it all the time. She is just adorable. I am happy to hear she is eating out of a bottle all the time now and I am hoping she is able to go home sooner than what the doctors are saying.

AFM 36 weeks tomorrow I am so grateful for having made it this far Feeling tired and sore and honestly so sick of my house :oops:I wish I could walk my dogs again or just go for a walk...lol I feel HUGE and am now counting down to my c-section which is in 22 days and my waist is a whopping 46 inches (I was 23 inches before getting pregnant)

[riogirl71]

I have been following quickly in between baby / toddler duty! We came home yesterday!!! She stayed up all night feeding, she is very powerful and we are working on her latch since she grabs whatever she can get quickly. My nipples are bleeding and sore but we are slowly getting there. She nurses for a long time and very often so sleep deprivation is sure catching up! Thank God for chocolate!!! Yes bye bye GD!!!! The two dogs are being very good, curious but good. DH was changing her and she was crying and our male dog kept trying to get me to come to the bedroom to help DH!! DS has been wonderful too, she starts crying and my sweet boy says mommy she needs milk, get your bubus (boobies) out for her! So it has been a blast! He is getting lots of attention too and is reacting well so far. I am still happy with my friend percocet but in a lot of pain, I just want to feel human again so I can take care of my babes! DH has been fantastic help! I promise I will post a pic very soon of our little princess!

Much love!

Annas - you are next!!!

[LYD10]

Leora - i am reading your blog. oh my god - so hard. i am so sorry what you are going through. i hope Asaf's kidneys start working again soon!