Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[to_have_fun08]

Lou - I did a 24 hr urine back in week 15/16 or around there. it was no fun. Thankfully I could do it on a Sunday when i wasn't going anywhere. I just put ice packs with it in a cooler and left it in the bathroom for ease of access. Then took it into the OB's office the first thing the next morning.

[baby_blu73]

Blair - Just wanted to throw out another idea for your stroller options... We have the Baby Jogger City Mini Double and it's a lifesaver with two babies! I loved all the great reviews and how it looked (we have the orange and grey one). I fell in love with it once we had it put together, even before the boys got here. Simple, simple, simple! Yet super sturdy. All you have to do is unsnap two straps on the sides and pull on the handles in the seats and VIOLA! The stroller is folded in half just like that. Pops open for use just as easily. Easy to get in and out of the truck of my car. It lays back for the newborns and sleeping babies. The 5 point harass keeps them secure but isn't complicated. We take it out to the softball diamonds every week and it is great on grass. Oh, and if you have to hold a crying baby, it's unbelievably easy to operate with one hand! Plus, it fits easily through every doorway we've gone through. My parents found the 2010 model for around $300 at Bed Bath and Beyond. It comes HIGHLY recommended by me for twin mamas.

[LYD10]

Hey guys - did any of you have cramping shortly after your 1st positive beta. i am cramping now. no bleeding ( at least not yet). but pretty bad cramps. is this normal?

[katieb1231]

Lou - You look amazing I am getting so excited for you little angel to arrive I can't believe it is so soon!! Anyways about the monitors...we have a long range voice/vibrate monitor only it works great we can sit by the pool or creek at our house while the little diva is soundly sleeping. My only comment about the digital monitor is for when the kiddos get older. I like being able to hear her but not that she is older and talking sometimes she calls out for us and we go barreling in there only to find out she is already back asleep the video would be nice so we could see that she is ok. For infants no video is fine but for future you may decide you want it. We are contemplating buying one for baby no 2 since the new baby room will not be next to ours like it is now or even on the same floor for that matter.

Blair - I really like the stroller you are looking at too and it is very compatible with a toddler & new born the only thing I wondered about it is does it fold up with both seats intact? I travel a bit (about once a month) so getting on and off a plane with ease is imperative. Do you know if it does? I know the baby trend sit & stand does but like you said I have learned a great stroller is important. We have a bob jogger and a peg perego for city & travel right now both of which we will get rid of once baby no 2 gets here.

Ryann - Ouchy on the bubbies glad you are getting it under control. I too have issues with BF it was very difficult for me to give up I felt like such a failure....for me I thought oh great I can't get pregnant and now I can't even breast feed! But after a while I decided stressed out & miserable mommy is helping no one out. I did try to BF in the morning & before she went to bed for a while so I did get a little longer but I found formula to be just fine. So just remember how lucky you are to have your sweet little peanuts and whatever you decide is the right decision for you & your family. BTW they are ADORABLE!

SD - I absolutely cannot believe you are 28 weeks!!!!! Feels like just yesterday we were traveling this crazy IVF road together! Congratulations Mama!

Margi - Take it easy girl.....as I tell my husband when we get in the car to help him to remember to drive carefully "precious cargo" it usually works! So take care of yourself & your precious cargo! xoxo

Rio - I love reading your "Lizzy" updates makes me keep the faith that I will be holding my own little bean soon!

I read every day and cheer for all of you everyday.....you are all strong remarkable women who overcame intense odds to achieve their dreams of having that precious little bundle look up at you and call you mummy

[BlissfulCS]

Hey guys - did any of you have cramping shortly after your 1st positive beta. i am cramping now. no bleeding ( at least not yet). but pretty bad cramps. is this normal?

Yes!!! Horrible cramping the night of my first beta. I was so worried. But everything I found said it was normal and of course it turned out to be fine. I felt like my uterus just grew overnight right after I found out the good news.

CONGRATS ON THE POSITIVE BETA!!!!

[LYD10]

Hey guys - did any of you have cramping shortly after your 1st positive beta. i am cramping now. no bleeding ( at least not yet). but pretty bad cramps. is this normal?

Yes!!! Horrible cramping the night of my first beta. I was so worried. But everything I found said it was normal and of course it turned out to be fine. I felt like my uterus just grew overnight right after I found out the good news.

CONGRATS ON THE POSITIVE BETA!!!!

thank you, Bliss! its encouraging to know.

[baby_blu73]

Ryann - Dylan and Isabella are just beautiful! I love Bella's little dimples!!! Growing like weeds, too.

Lou - It sounds like you had a wonderful shower and got lots of much needed stuff for your little princess. It looks like you had such a great time! BTW... I totally understand feeling awkward being the center of attention. I remember feeling like I had to have a "just right" reaction to every gift, which got very tough after opening so many gifts, since all eyes are on you.

LYD - Yes for me also on the cramping. Just stay well hydrated since dehydration irritates the uterus. CONGRATS!!!

[annashope]

Hi girls we are finally home and settling in Thank you everyone for your warm words of congratulations we truly are blessed and baby Paul is absolutely amazing.

Long story short I woke up Sunday morning with menstrual type cramps and back pain as well as contractions every 5-7 minutes. I tried to ignore the whole thing however by mid-afternoon DH convinced me to take a ride to L & D and get checked out and that's when we found out we were 100% effaced and in labor. The doctor quickly explained that he did not feel comfortable waiting and wanted to get the baby out and before I knew it we were on our way to the OR.

The c section went well and quickly and within 5 minutes of starting the c-sec we heard the words " his head is out" I told DH to look over the cover and he jumped to his feet and watched our perfect son come into this world. Paul cried right away and in that moment with tears in our eyes we thanked God for just how gracious God had been to us.

We are home now and I have to admit the recovery is a bit rough. My stitch hurts, my feet are swollen like they have never been and of course we have not slept in days not to mention the beautiful 3-5 days it takes for breast milk to come in is pretty stressful (although as of this am we have breast milk But regardless of how painful the recovery is I would do it a thousand times over just to have my little miracle.

[HopeIsAllIHave]

Anna - Congratulations!! Baby Paul is just perfect!

Lou - Looks like you had a grand time at your baby shower! Love the pics! Also love the pics of your nursery! Just beautiful!

Will catch up with everyone else later. Getting late for dinner.

AFM - Just a quick note.. I'm really considering a birthing center to have our baby. After hearing all the horror stories of giving birth at the hospital, and the fact that my OB claims that she has only delivered 2 natural birth babies, which by the way, were second-born babies, makes me dubious of whether the hospital will actually comply with my birth plan. I've heard some scary stories about hospitals in TX and how they encourage inductions, c-sections, and medications. The fact that it's my hospital's "policy" to induce at 39 weeks and being given a non-FDA approved drug, Cytotec for induction, just does not sit well with me. I know it's late into my pregnancy since I'll be 30 weeks tomorrow, but I've contacted a great birthing center nearby (comes highly recommended in the Dallas area) for a tour/consultation appointment, so I'm really hoping I get to hear back from them soon and that they'll still accept me this late into my pregnancy since I have had no complications so far *knock on wood*.

[klinger13]

Annashope - Paul is amazing, what a little cutie! CONGRATULATIONS again on his birth!!!

[margi26]

Quick post...I am exhausted...

Annas: He is ADORABLE!!! Oh, my. You are so blessed indeed. I have tears of joy for you. What was his birthweight? He looks right on target. Sorry about your discomfort though--hope you have a speedy recovery.

Lou: Shower seems like it was fabulous. So happy for you!! Although sorry about the BP and the protein in the urine. Take it easy.

Blair: We were looking at the Contours Tandem, but when MIL offered to get us the Valco Ion we couldn't refuse! It weighs half as much as the Contours and although side/by/side it is small enough to get through doorways. Best of luck whatever you decide...there are so many great options out there.

Cherry: Sending prayers for you for Monday's u/s. Hope that you get reassuring news.

AFM: EXHAUSTED. And definitely more BH's. As long as they aren't "doing anything" I shouldn't worry...TGIF tomorrow....I think I will crash in bed this weekend...

[riogirl71]

Lyd - yes on cramps! congrats!

Annas - baby Paul is gorgeous and sorry the recovery is very hard and of course all worth it!

Lou - glad you enjoyed your shower, I love my digital video monitor so I don't have to run and every sigh I can take a good look, as with all wires make sure baby cannot reach the cord for the monitor from crib. Ours pans and zooms it is great!

kjm - glad you had a great shower with your girlfriends! My c sec scar is closed up beautifully except for the one inch that still oozes clear yellowish and blood. I called my OB again and he said "normal" there is no bad odor or fever.

Still very frustrated with my slow recovery still in pain and completely off pain meds cause I don't want to make her sleepy to feed. At 3 weeks my scar is still 1 inch open and oozing and hurting, I thought my discharge was gone but now it came back bright red again, argh!!! I just want to feel like myself again so I can be productive and enjoy everything pain free... Sorry had to vent, so frustrated. Lizzy is a doll and is starting to be more alert and for longer periods of time. DS is still a doll with her but I do miss being able to snuggle him up and tickle him silly because I hurt and am afraid he will kick me in the scar by accident I have been avoiding it. DH is still on paternity leave and I would not be able to do this without him, he is so amazing and has changed 90% of her diapers!

[blairwh58]

Rio- So sorry to hear that the recovery is going so slow. I cant believe Lizzy is already 3 wks old!! Glad DH is able to take some time off with you to help out with Lizzy and DS. Keep posting pics when you can.

Margi- I had actually been set on the Contours Tandem but then was convinced that it was too heavy and big by another twin mom who had tried it out. I checked out the Valco ion and it looks great…and the fact that your MIL offered it is even better. I think we are set on the Baby Jogger City Select though- mainly because its so light, small, easily maneuvers, and converts back to a single stroller for future use. TGIF but try getting as much rest and relaxation this weekend- your getting close to breaking the 100 day mark!

Amanda- How is Maribel? Hope things are going well with you all.

Ashley- I really hope that the birthing center can accept you so you can continue with the birth plan you wanted. Sounds like the hospital/doctor in Texas may be pretty insistent on following their protocols which may be different from your plan. Going somewhere that supports your decisions will make for a less stressful delivery.

Anna- What a handsome little guy!!! I teared up just looking at his sweet little face. Sounds like things went pretty smoothly at the hospital which is great too. Sorry to hear the recovery is a bit rough, but I'm sure seeing his little face makes you forget about everything. Keep us posted on how Paul is adapting at home.

LYD- I agree with the others and think that the cramping is a good sign. I had slight cramping for the first week or so. Cant wait to hear what beta#2 says!!! Congrats over and over again!

Katieb- As for the stroller I am pretty sure it folds easily with 1 seat intact but you do have to remove the 2nd seat to fold up flat. I will say that removing the seat is very easy and quick though. Ive watched tons of instructional videos on youtube/manufacturers website and have seen it folded up in person and its very simple. The seats lay very flat once removed for easy storage as well. Good luck with your stroller shopping…I agree its worth the extra money if its truly a nice stroller that you are able to use all the time.

Stephanie- I did check out the Baby Jogger City Mini Double and it is great- especially the fact that you simply grab the handle in the seat for very quick and easy folding. I think since they are from the same manufacturer they have very similar steering/maneuverability/5 pt harness. I think the main reason we are set on the city select is because of its ability to convert back into a single stroller for future use.

AFM- Well 2 days ago I noticed that I was getting a very slight rash on my stomach after wearing a pair of maternity pants (w/full belly) that had been washed recently (but were not dried due to shrinking belly band). Last night when DH was rubbing baby oil on my belly I noticed that the rash is now all over my belly- where the belly band covered and where I put lotion on in the mornings. DH automatically assumed it could be PUPP, but everything Ive read said it starts in stretch marks and in the 3rd trimester…neither of which I would qualify for. I covered my stomach in Benadryl this morning instead of the regular Cocoa lotion but am not sure whether I should think about calling my OB- I see high risk on Wed and reg OB fri. The rash really isn’t too bad….almost looks like a heat rash with just little bumps that you probably wouldn’t notice unless you were rubbing all over or looking really close. Thoughts or suggestions?

[rypell1985]

Blair-I got a rash this summer on my arms and legs. Doc said heat rashand make sure I wear loose clothing. Maybe the band is makng your belly too hot??

[baby_blu73]

Anna - Paul is GORGEOUS!!! You must be such a proud Mama! Congratulations! You did it! Hope you get to feeling better soon, hon.