Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[Sdtryingagain]

Rio-- unfortunately my DH can also sleep through my lashings! LOL!!

on a more serious note, I'm sorry you are having to deal with the reaction to the sutures. I really don't know what they'll do at this point (and also honestly don't know if there is anything they can do in the future regarding your history of reacting to the sutures...?perhaps there is a different type they can try if ever needed again...but this is way outside of my area of practice so I really don't k now) Like you said, it would also go a long way if they validated what was going on rather than just dismiss things...so sorry about that, I would be frustrated too!

[Sdtryingagain]

Question for all you ladies who have had vaginal deliveries or planning on having one:

After my first, a good friend of mine made me these awesome pads that had these herbal solution for healing and were then frozen (essentially worked just like perineal ice packs). There were so awesome and I'm debating between making my own verses buying some perineal ice packs. I've looked on the internet and can't find any that look really great. Did any of you bought/use any? I know I can just use ice and a washcloth but I was hoping to do something a little less messy.

[blairwh58]

Rio- So sorry to hear about all the past issues with your body rejecting the stitches. I'm sure its beyond frustrating since you mentioned this to the OB and nothing was done. On the plus side- at least you know that could be the case now at 6 wks post op which may make it easier to prevent the keloid. Wishing you the best of luck with that incision!! I'm so glad to hear that the bfeeding is going better and you and Lizzy are getting the hang of things. Did you decide whether to take more time off from work?

Mamaboo- Congrats on 28 wks!!! Sorry that you have to continue bedrest but just know it will be worth it making sure that little one stays in as long as possible. I have a feeling I will be joining you soon which is fine with me. Glad baby is doing well and keep up the good work!

Anna- So glad to hear from you!! I cant believe Paul is already 4 wks old- we need some new pics of little man. Hope all is well with you all.

Ashley- So glad you found a doula!! I'm sure marking that off your list is reassuring that everything will come together nicely. Even though that Bradley Method Class is expensive I'm sure it will be worth it knowing how to handle situations during labor. Hopefully you can convince DH to start putting the nursery together since you will be meeting baby Athena too long. I don’t think its too early to wash her clothes. They definitely wont be getting dusty in the next few weeks so you should be fine.

Kjm-Stinks to hear that your furniture still hasn’t come in. The only reason we had ours already is because very early on we found the cribs for a steal. We had actually bought 3 at the time but ended up selling one on craigslist. They were originally $249.99 and we only paid $70 for each so it was worth the early investment. Then once I found dressers that matched I wanted to go ahead and get them before they weren’t available. Once I found those on sale I went ahead and ordered. As long as Ella and Hunter have a place to sleep I wouldn’t worry about the nursery coming together. Glad to hear those little ones are doing well!!

Lou- Love the pics of the nursery!! You all did a great job putting everything together. Chloe is going to love the space!! Its so crazy that youre already packing up that hospital bag!! You will get to meet that beautiful baby girl before you know it!

Bliss- Sorry to hear you were having some aches and pains but glad the MD reassured you that’s its normal. I had some weird sharp pains at some point around 12-14 wks and thought it was serious but I guess it was just normal stretching. So excited for your BIG apt this week!!! Sad we have to wait until the party to find out what you are having but couldn’t be more thrilled for you and DH!!

SD- Not sure about the herbal pads but if I were you I would try to make them myself too. Youll probably save money in the end not to mention Im sure its soothing!. Darius’ room is adorable!!! I love the mural and the shelving unit with the basket/totes! It looks great and I'm sure he will absolutely love it.

AFM- I feel like I got even bigger over the weekend. I said something to DH and he nicely replied that I get bigger every day. We did some work on the nursery…even though its early DH has a very busy schedule and wont have much time to do anything next month. I just like to be prepared and since my first shower is Sept 24 I'm all about getting things in line before that. Other than that things are going well. Feel like my lung capacity has greatly diminished and just sitting for long periods makes me feel like im squishing them. Go back to MFM tomorrow for another cervix check to see whether I will be doing limited activity and/or steroid injections for the girls.

[rypell1985]

SD...not sure if this is what you're looking for, but at my hospital they soaked and froze newborn size diapers and used those. They were pretty great!

[HopeIsAllIHave]

Rio - I am so sorry to hear about your stitches and keloids mess of a problem. I would be pretty frustrated too if it could have been prevented had the OB listened to you. Hoping things start looking up for you soon. I ordered this beautiful decal wall art from Amazon for the baby's nursery! It has 2 owls sitting on a tree, which is perfect for Athena's room since the Greek goddess Athena used to have an owl as a pet! Also, one of my good friends stitched a quilt with owls on it for the baby, too. I'm excited to get creative and start decorating her room! Thanks to you and SD for the great suggestions!

SD - The hospital where I did my OB rotations used to use the newborn diapers, pull them apart, and place ice in it and seal it up for the new mothers. The patients seemed to love that and would continue that at home as well. Something to consider?

Blair - the doula and the class are pretty expensive, but I know in the longrun, it will all be worth it! I'm starting to get her closet together this week; I'm excited! Glad to hear you're already starting to put the nursery together. It seems so much more real once you see the furniture in their designated places with all the decorations up. I know how you feel about the diminished lung capacity. I've been suffering through that for the past couple weeks now and at times, it gets so bad that I start feeling very anxious. But hubby tries to help me through it by taking long deep breaths with me. He even got me a Yoga fitness game on Wii to help me with my anxiety and breathing. He's too cute at times



Btw, if anyone signs up for cord blood registry, please use me as a referral (if you already don't have anyone else). I'd get $50 visa card for referring. Just thought I'd throw that out there

[margi26]

Sorry I haven’t been doing such a great job of keeping up with everyone these days...

SD/Lou: Love the nurseries ladies!! Very nice! I am trying to crack the whip on DH to help me get things ready as my nesting is full swing, and as you pointed out, it doesn’t seem to be on the Y chromosome. He is a great helper, but seems to think we have tons of time....and since my back kills me if I am up too much or lift anything slightly heavy, I really need him to do most of the work. Sigh. It will get finished...we are setting up a crib and baby area in our room for starters.

Anna: So happy to hear from you....would love to see how big baby Paul is getting now!

Mamaboo: Congratulations on 28 weeks! I too was very happy to hit that milestone. Keep on baking and keep up the PMA!

Blair: You have no idea....I am growing by the day I swear! I feel completely huge and cannot even imagine how my body is going to continue at this advanced rate for the next 7-9 weeks!! EEK! Good luck tomorrow at MFM...hope that all is still long and closed!

Alisa: Sorry about the aches and pains, but glad you got in touch with OB to confirm that all is well.

Ashley: Glad that you have picked your doula and are starting your Bradley classes. Sounds like you have things under control! Now to get DH in gear.....if you find the solution, let me know?

Kim: Glad things are going well! Can’t wait to see pictures of Hunter and Ella. When do they anticipate they can come home? Or is Ella going to be coming home first?

Rio: I am so mad for you!!! It is terrible when you discuss something ahead of time in order to prevent a problem only to be brushed off. I am so sorry and hope that you get some relief and some treatment to address your issue with your sutures. Owee....you poor thing..... (((HUGS)))

AFM: Feeling huge....feeling tired (probably the anemia doesn’t help)...trying to take it easy, but starting to get stressed that things aren’t “ready” for our LO’s arrival.

We also have an unrelated issue--DH’s dad is very sick and refusing to see a doctor. We live about 3 hours away and aren't particularly "close" and see him maybe once a year. Those of the family that have seen him lately have sent DH and his sibs messages saying--you should see your dad “while you can” and his wife (DH’s stepmom) isn’t responding to calls. WTH!?! Is it just me?! I don’t understand the mentality--”he is stubborn there is nothing we can do about it.” If it were my dad I would be in my car, at his door and drag him to MD or ER. He is apparently “grey” toned, not eating well, not digesting, and has horrible edema and so he is restricting his fluid intake--of course the opposite of what he should do, and has some "problem" with his liver. The man is suspicious of doctors and tends to have some of his own “cures”--like high doses of liquid Vitamin C, but when things are this bad that people worry he might DIE, isn’t it time to act? It is hard because it isn’t my family, but his aunt, who sent me a message so that I could urge DH to visit to say goodbye, brushed off my idea that someone needs to take him to ER. Am I just nuts? I think DH should take the day off work, drive down there and beg, threaten, guilt, whatever it takes to make him go to ER at least for some blood tests, etc.

[HopeIsAllIHave]

Margi - I am not sure how to get DH in gear. I'm in the same boat; I need him to help me finish up everything because I can't do a whole lot of bending and twisting. We're not big "store shoppers" but rather Amazon shoppers, but I need his input on a lot of things that we have yet to buy (breast pump, co-sleeper, baby carrier, stroller, etc.). He seems to think we have a lot of time, but I just want to be prepared for everything already. Oh. And the car seat. So I finally purchased one 2 weeks ago and now it's just laying in my car (in a box) waiting to be put together. He's being so unrealistic thinking we have all this time in the world to get things in order. He's a great hubby, but definitely needs a kick in the behind to speed things along.

Oh dear, I also think it's time for someone to intervene and get DH's dad in the hospital! My dad is pretty stubborn about going to the doctor's, too, but if he was in the same condition as you're describing, I'd do whatever it takes and drag his behind to the hospital. Sorry to hear about such issue though. You, nor anyone else in the family needs this kind of stress at the time. Hopefully someone can talk some sense into him before it's too late. Good luck!

[Sdtryingagain]

SD...not sure if this is what you're looking for, but at my hospital they soaked and froze newborn size diapers and used those. They were pretty great!

wow that sounds ingenious! Thanks for the idea!

[rypell1985]

MARGI...I can relate to the feeling huge...but you're almost there momma! I'm so sorry about DH's father. I hope someone can make him get the doctor. I'll add him to my prayers.

ASHLEY...I'm so glad you were able to get some wall art! It sounds adorable!

BLAIR...I hope the cervix check goes well!!!

RIO...How VERY frustrating. I would be livid with my doc. I hope you begin to get some relief soon!

MAMABOO...Congrats on 28 weeks!!!!!

LOU....I love the nursery! DH would never allow our boxers in the cribs, even for a pic! We FINALLY have the babies and the boxers in the same room! Our 1 year old boy is just super hyper. The 2 year old girl is very gentle with them. They are technically only 2 weeks past their due date, so once they are a little more sturdy we won't be so worried!

KJM....Glad to hear that Ella and Hunter are doing well. When Dylan and Bella were in the NICU I spent ALL day there and called every time I woke up in the middle of the night. THey are really great about that. I hope you are getting some rest...it all goes down the drain when they come home!!!!!!! Can't wait to see their pics!

SD...Darius' nursery is adorable!

Everyone else...Thinking of you all!

AFM...If you read my diaper cream post then you know that Dylan's butt is completely healed! I owe DH's coworker BIG time! I ordered a huge supply of that cream so I never run out!

Dylan's reflux seemed to be getting worse so the doctor upped his medicine and is now having me add rice cereal to his bottles. I guess it helps reduce the spit up. So far so good. The crazy thing is that now that I added the cereal and got a faster flow nipple, he is eating like a HOG! I wonder if he was really hunry before but the nipple flow was too slow? Maybe he just tired out around 3-4 ounces and gave up. Because now he is drinking 6-7 oz in record time. He seems pretty happy too. Still some spit up, but not as bad. Doc also had me add some cereal for Bella too, because even though she doesn't seem to be in as much pain as D, she spits up a TON. She's struggling more adjusting to the faster flow, but she's getting there. The added benefit? They both slept for more than 2 hours at a time last night!!!! I feel quite rested.

I;ve made the decision to return to work a week earlier than I had planned, so I return next Friday, the 16th. I have been out of work since April, and not only could we use my income, I really miss teaching. It's what I love to do, and the thought of a sub in my room has really been eating away at me. I love being with my babies, but I was made to teach. My MIL is all settled back in IL now and ready to watch the babies full time. I feel totally comforatble leaving them with her, so it makes it a little easier.

I'll add some pics in another post!

[rypell1985]

Bella


Dylan


Best Friends!

[blairwh58]

Ryann- I swear those babies are so adorable!! Glad dylans butt is finally healed and sounds like he may be chunking up very soon! They are both so cute and I keep looking at their pics because theyve already changed so much.

Margi- Sorry you are feeling tired and huge...but your getting much closer to meeting those beautiful babies! Im sure your body will adapt to all the stretching over the next 7-9 more than you would have thought was possible. As for DH dad I hope someone can convince him to see an MD or go to the ER. Keeping you all in my thoughts.

Ashley- Its so sweet of DH to help you relax and breathe easy when you feel like you are getting anxious. Hopefully the yoga game has helped. I agree that putting stuff in the nursery definitely makes things seem real. Just walking past and seeing a crib is a little crazy. Good luck getting DH to help get things moving and start decorating!

AFM- not too much longer until the MFM Cervix check. Question for twin moms- Did you start out putting the babies in the same crib or just separate them from the get go? Ive heard that when you put them together at the beginning they tend to sleep better...but I wasnt sure what we should try and do.

[rypell1985]

Blair..I fully intended on putting the babies in the same crib. Since they were in the NICU they were in seperate isolettes, so when we got home I think they were just accustomed to that. We put them in the same playpen downstairs for naps and they would just bop eachother in the face when they broke out of their swaddles. So, we keep them seperate. Now that I have the Miracle Blankets and they can't bust out of their swaddle I let them nap together downstairs sometimes, but they mostly sleep in their seperate cribs or Moses Baskets. Their sleep patterns have kind of sucked at night though, every 2 hours, so maybe they would have been better together? Maybe someone who has them together can chime in!

[Happy Bunny]

I'm glad to read that everyone is doing well and am sitting on the edge of my seat for the next birth story... Who's up next?

Brooke is doing fantastic! She had her two month vaccinations... I advise anyone going for shots to ask their doctor about infant Tylenol dosage; we had to use some as Brooke got a little fever.

Here she is at 10 weeks!

[rypell1985]

Barbara...she is gorgeous!!

[margi26]

Ryann: Beautiful peanuts!!! OMG.....I love the one of them together...priceless.

And Blair: (obviously I have no twin experience) but my plan is to put them in one crib to start. From the twin board I stalk, that seems to work well for most. Some even are able to stay together past the usual 3-4 months....I will play it by ear and see.

Barbara: How on earth did she get so big already? What a dollbaby Brooke is....love the photo....and I am getting closer to being "next" although there are still a few before me...makes me nervous....yicks....the "latest" OB will let me go is 11/9...