Winter Cycle Friends 2009/2010 - Everyone Welcome!

[claud662]

Hi Ladies! I only have a minute for a quick post since DH and I are going down the shore for our 3 year anniversary and with the Jewish holidays and my work starting back up again full time-life has been crazy! my 3d u/s went great! I have the cutest picture of Flick which I will post this weekend as well as an updated belly shot!!!

Good luck to Hazel and I will be checking in on you over the weekend on my blackberry.

Steph-my prayers are with you that they hold in the babies for a few more weeks!

Natasha-yah for team pink!!

xoxo

[babyluv]

Claudia - can't wait to see that pic of Flick! And happy anniversary!

AFM - FAIL AGAIN!!! Can you believe it?? I have decided these girls just do not want to cooperate. Juliette was once again facing my back, but THIS time she decided to stick her butt in Amelia's face making pics of her pretty impossible (which is sad, because she was in a decent position...but also had the chord in her face). So that's it, no more, not worth it!! Real estate is getting pretty crowded in there, and I don't see it being any better if we gave it one last shot. Oh well. I was glad my mom could go. She really enjoyed it, thought it was totally amazing (her first time seeing an u/s). We got some lunch afterwards and now we''re hanging out waiting for DH to come home with the kiddos.

[angelaezra]

Hello Ladies - Sorry I have been MIA but work has me stressed. The layoffs officially started and several managers were let go. Tuesday I will find out if I have a job. This is simply ridiculous that we have been strung along for all of these months.

Stephanie – I am glad that all is well and you are off of the Mag Sulfate. Yeah, that stuff does make you feel very funny. I hope everything works out for Andrew and his quarters.

Hazel – I was praying that when I logged back on that you would say that you finally got to meet Zorba but no such luck yet huh? She must be so comfortable in there … although I know mommy is becoming very uncomfortable.

Natasha – So how was your week in school? I hope everything isn’t too overwhelming for you being pregnant and all.

Claudia – have fun on your 3 day vacation. I look forward to seeing the 3d u/s pictures.

Babyluv – Sorry the u/s didn’t work out but at least you and your mom got some great quality time together.

Sara – it is great to hear from you and know everything is fine on your end. It sounds like you are pretty organized as well. But, it does seem like time is moving so fast at one point and so slow regarding everything else.

Katie – I am glad that you are doing well also. I just looking at your ticker and you are almost 34 weeks … wow! It won’t be too much longer for you and several others!

Gi – Yeah, you reached 30 weeks! How are you feeling?

AFM – Well, my baby shower is tomorrow and I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. My sister and my sister-in-law have been wonderful also. I am taking more of an active role w/ my shower to take my mind off of work. You guys wouldn’t believe the turmoil that this has caused so many people who I consider good friends. Oh well, I guess I will know either way by Tuesday. I guess I wouldn’t be that concerned if I weren’t 6 ½ months pregnant. I would just go somewhere else but since I can barely walk without getting out of breath, it is unlikely I can't do anything until she is delivered and several weeks later. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Angela

[katie99]

Hazel - Anything going on yet? Ok, so you'll have a 2nd sweep tomorrow and I pray that does the trick. I think Zorba may have some type of grand entrance planned, but it sure would be nice if it were soon, hint hint there, Zorba! hang in there honey - xoxoxo

Babyluv - ARRGGHHHH!!! OK, you sure did give it a good try, it just seems that Juliette & Amelia want NO papparazi around! No photos, please - lol
Just what we all need around here, these babies all have some sense of humor already, dont they? Oooh, you are so lucky to have your friend's FIL looking after you! It's hard to get better than one of the OBs on the hospital board! So you are in great hands. UGH for temps in the 90's, arent you tired of the hot & humid? Even the dog doesnt like the hot weather. I adore Fall, just a shame that its over so quick, then its time for freezing How are you feeling twin mama?

Steph - I hope that you're quiet because you've been keeping busy, and not because the twins decided earlier was better You've been on my mind all day and I'm pulling for you girl! Hope that Andrew is now on quarters, and able to keep the house all squared away. even though I'm sure Alex could do a fine job of it, if she had to You just rest up there twin mama, I know its boring to be on bed rest, but you get as much sleep as you can - while you still can - lol. thinking of you - xoxoxo

Angela - UGH! What a crappy way to treat hard working employees!! To just sneak in at the last minute and cut people? So not right. I'll stay crossed that you get good news on Tues, but now that I'm thinking of it, maybe being home for the last trimester wouldnt be such a bad idea after all - its just a thought, I know that if I had to be going, going,going all day - I'd be wiped out - jeez, running errands wears me out these days
You enjoy your shower tomorrow!

Claudia - HAPPY 3rd ANNIVERSARY!!! Have fun this weekend! We cant wait to see pics when you get a chance. Have a good holiday too -xoxo

AFM - Wow, I think the crazy pregnancy hormones are finally getting to me! I ended up in tears in the car before over a carrie underwood song?! WTH?
I'm so not a crying type at all, I couldnt believe I was bawling over a dopey song! Then I was thinking "what is wrong with me?" and as soon as I realized its just hormones, I started laughing - this is fun, right? Umm, so I forgot the empty infant carrier to practice with in the parking lot In my defense though, we'ew finally getting the living room carpet replaced tomorrow and I'm so thrilled to be getting rid of the old one that I've been thinking of that all day!
When Cassie was still alive, by the end she was incontinent just about every day, and the steam cleaner can only do so much, so I cant wait to have this done
(plus the old one is this awful blue color, what can I say? Chris picked all this before we met) so I've been eager to see this gone for 3 years now! I think Savannah is running out of room in there, I've been feeling alot more squirmy movements than big kicks lately, and wow is underneath my belly tender! is anyone else's belly button itself sore? I know it sounds weird, but it hasnt popped out at all, just flattened out - but its really sore? isnt that odd?
Oooh, and what a shame, I'm 8 months pg, so sorry honey, poor Chris will have to move all the furniture by himself - xoxoxo

[hjw]

So I'm now FOUR days overdue, my second sweep was done today (another booked for Monday if Zorba is still being stubborn), I'm eating what feels like my bodyweight in pineapple, going for walks etc, but generally it's just more waiting...

Take care all,
H x

[angelaezra]

So I'm now FOUR days overdue, my second sweep was done today (another booked for Monday if Zorba is still being stubborn), I'm eating what feels like my bodyweight in pineapple, going for walks etc, but generally it's just more waiting...

Take care all,
H x

Oh Hazel - I was so hoping your post said she's here. So, this was your second sweep huh? I hope you aren't too terribly uncomfortable right now.

Angela

[Stephanieford78]

Hazel - Oh my, you are still corked huh? You poor over preggers mama you. I guess Zorba loves you so much that there is just no leaving without being forced out. Soon enough that will be the case if the sweeps don't work. No dialation? How about effacement? What is the midwife saying?

Katie - I did the same thing not too long ago with a Carrie Underwod song. lol It was Temporary Home. I never listened to the words really before but when I saw the video, boy did it just make me start leaking. I couldn't stop either. I am not a big cryer either so I knew it was the hormones. That has happened a few times actually, not just with songs but anything slightly emotional. Like when we were talking about Andrew's family, he got offended by something I didn't say (you know how men can twist words around.) I looked at him and told him that isn't what I said, thanks for not listening and all of a sudden... tears. Really? lol I couldn't stop either, they just kept coming. It was almost like I had gone too long without crying and someone had to squeeze the sponge. YAY for getting the carpet replaced, that will be best for Savannah anyway. Poor Cassie, I bet you still miss her tons and bunches. As far as the belly button, mine hasn't poked out either. I am bigger than I have ever been and it has poked out before but not this time. lol I really do think the laperoscopy scars is to blame for that. Not that I mind, I rather prefer the flattened look. No one can make "done turkey" jokes at me.

Angela - Good luck on Tuesday! I will keep my figers crossed that you don't have to lose your job. Though, if it does happen... maybe it can be looked at one of those blessings in disquise? What is meant to be will be right? So your shower is today! I can't wait to hear how it went.

Babyluv - Oh no, I really thought grandma would be good luck. Out of the three visits, please tell me you got at least one good picture of each of them. Right? I bet your mom was still pretty amazed at what she did see. I am sure it will be a funny story to tell them when they get older too. How Juliette had her toosh in Ameilia's face and such.

Claudia - Glad you could stop in! Happy holidays to you! I can't wait to see Flick and the big ole baby bump. Have a great weekend!

Gi - LOL I might not have decided to brush my teeth before going if Andrew were home when the bleeding started. Howver, he was still on his way so I decided to get it done. No reason to go in with nasty breath right? lol He came home just as I was finishing up. So how are things with you and Kayla? How big is that bump of yours looking now?

Much love to all you other mamas! Hope everyone is doing well!

A REMINDER - I just wanted to remind everyone who is participating, that we still have the registry open. Hazel is about to pop out her little miracle any day now so if you can, send her some love in a form of a voucher/ gift card. It is different than how we do things in the US, but actually pretty simple to do. You buy the vouchers in £5 increments so £15 is almost $25. On the registry under her name is a GBP to US Dollar guide to help you too, just click on the link.

AFM - Still in the hospital of course, but everything is fine. No more bleeding, just some old suff coming out every now and again, but seems it is mostly gone now. BH are "feeling" stronger, but still just BH and nothing to worry about... yet. lol It seems I have a choice on staying or going home. It really hasn't been made that clear to me yet. Though if I do have a choice I choose to stay spite the inconvinience. It might be a pain in the arse to have Alex going back and forth between neighbors or not knowing what's going on with Andrew and work and not being able to see my little fur baby, but I think staying here is the only guarantee I have of being taken care of by the bes doctors. There are no other level 3 hospitals in the area and I am dealthy afraid of going to the Army hospital and of course, if I hemorrhage at home I will have no choice. Not to mention, there is no such thing as bedrest at home. Bedrest here has made me feel like I am less preggers. lol The pressure is off of my pelvic area and I can easily move the bed in different positions to be more comfortable instead of fussing with a ton of pillows or asking Andrew to push me so I can roll over. lol In the end, it's what's best in order to make sure that these babies cook as long as possible. I think by being here, I definately bought some more time for them. I think the sentinel bleed was a sign. Something to bring me here and make sure that we were all safe and stayed that way. They say that after the first bleed (that usually isn't that heavy) it is likely that if there is more bleeding that it can be substantial and dangerous. So good thing I am here.

Other than that, no word on Andrew's unit making any decisions or even trying to make one. It was all planned out before I got here in the plan of IF I ever was put on bedrest, but now that I am actually here they don't know what they are going to do. Figures! On a happy note, we finally got Alex's birth certificate with her new name on it! She was so excited to see it and with Andrew's name on it as father. So glad that is finally done.

I just want to say thank you to all of you who have had me in your thoughts and prayers. I really feel as though I have friends here in this forum and feel the love when I read your words! I hope you feel that love coming from me as well. If not for you ladies over the past 8 months, I am not sure where my sanity levels would be. lol

[babyluv]

Steph -I've been thinking about you today and I am SO glad to hear you and the twins are doing well!! I think your decision to stay in the hospital is the right one. It must be tough to be away from home, especially Alex and Andrew, but it will be such a short period in your life and could make a HUGE difference in the lives of your littlest ones. And you're right, bed rest at home is NOT the same, even with someone else there full time. It's too tempting to do things. Hopefully Andrew gets his quarters soon...this is ridiculous. BUT, I'm happy that Alex's new birth certificate came in! SOO exciting!! He's been her dad for so long, but I can only imagine how great it feels to see it on paper other than a court document. Oh, and I have a couple of pics of each girl, but really not great. Oh well, we tried!

Katie - Yes, definitely ready for fall to come! I'm a born and raised Florida girl so I'm used to it, but the the older I get, the worse it seems be. I think it's because I used to always lay out by the pool and not care, but once Alex came along and we were going to the park (and I stopped trying to get skin cancer everyday), the heat made itself quite apparent! Thankfully we only get cold temps (like, 30's) for about 3 weeks a year, but our summers draaaaaag. March, April and October are usually picture perfect.

Hazel - Thanks for checking in with us. You must be on the verge of miserable (ok, you probably passed that point awhile ago). Write everything down so you can bring it up later!!

Angela - Yes, those silly girls. Sad we didn't get pictures, but so great to go with my mom. She's 72 so there were no ultrasounds back in her day and she was totally amazed. It was a great bonding experience and probably the only one she will ever see. I have four brothers and one sister, and my sister doesn't have and doesn't want children (but she's a wonderful Aunt!). So glad she could come with me.

AFM - Nothing new, which is not a bad thing!

[hjw]

Ugh, this is so cruel. Just when you want to be conserving energy until labour starts, you find yourself totally wide awake in the middle of the night and unable to get back to sleep. So 90 minutes of lying in bed fidgeting, one glass of warm milk and a few cookies later, I thought I would catch up on a few personals...

So given that it's now 5am, I guess I'm now officially 5 days overdue and counting. Yesterday's sweep caused some spotting and cramping last night, but nothing which organized itself into any sort of regular contractions, and it all calmed down after we went to bed. Plans for today are a few holes of golf in the morning, out for a pub lunch with the neighbours and then possibly visiting other friends for coffee this afternoon before the usual evening walk. Basically, anything to keep busy and stop moping around at home getting frustrated that I'm still not in labour!! I can't believe I only have 5 more days to get this show on the road on my own before I go into hospital to be formally induced...

Katie - so have you done Savannah's laundry yet? I have to say, I loved washing all of Zorba's bed stuff and newborn clothes, but it was a bit of a reality check and it made it all seem very real all of a sudden! Hoping the weather has stayed nice and cool for you this weekend and that you've had a little more energy. Oh yes, the random crying at songs! I was driving along in the car and suddenly got emotional at a Michael Buble song on the radio a few weeks ago and was thinking to myself, WTH? No, my belly button isn't sore (it popped out midway through the pregnancy but has now gone flat because my belly is so big) but what is really weird is that the front section of my stomach feels quite numb when I touch it, which I think is because the skin is so stretched that the nerve endings are few and far between. I also have a ring of ultra white skin around the belly button itself where the blood vessels don't seem to reach. All very weird, and not that pleasant to look at!

Gi - So have you had any weddings this weekend?

Babyluv - oh dear, sounds as if you've got two little girls who know their own minds even at this early stage and like messing with Mummy. That'll be fun when they get older and decide to play tricks on their parents!!! At least you got to see them (or parts of them, lol) in 3D and your Mum got to experience how amazing an ultrasound is. like you, my Mum is in her 70's and u/s didn't exist when she had me - we haven't found an opportunity for her to go to an appointment for an u/s for Zorba, but if DH and I are lucky enough to be able to do this again, I definitely plan to, because I know she would be blown away.

Angela - Hope you had a great baby shower yesterday! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that you get good news on Tuesday.

Claudia - happy anniversary, hope you are having a fantastic weekend! Can't wait to see the Flick and belly photos when you get home and have a chance to post them.

Steph - yep, still corked! Midwife said that my cervix is still fairly posterior, but that can change either before or during labour. Zorba's head is still sitting really low, which apparently bodes well for the pushing stage. She didn't mention effacement or dilation, but she was able to insert one finger and do a proper sweep round this time, so I think the position is that it's softening but not yet doing anything else. What is really weird is that while she was doing the sweep with her finger, she said she could feel the base of the baby's head - so surreal to think he/she is just there, lined up ready to come out! So, onto you... I'm so pleased that things have calmed down with the hospital bedrest and I agree with the others that if you can bear what I'm sure is the relative boredom of being in hospital rather than at home, that's the best place to be until those babies arrive. I'm just so thankful that it seems as if they've given up on racing with Zorba to be the first to arrive. Still keeping you in my thoughts, and yay for feeling the love from all of us, the simple reason for that just might be because we do love you, sweetie!

Take care all, keep doing that contraction dance for me!

Hazel x

[angelaezra]

Hazel – I think Zorba is going to have to be evicted … lol. She is just so darn comfortable in there and doesn’t want to leave. I am glad that you are doing some things to keep your mind off it though.

Stephanie – I think your decision to stay in the hospital is a smart one also. I like your reasoning; at least you will be where you can safely be monitored and won’t have to worry about getting to the hospital when your time is up.

Babyluv – Your mom is 3 years younger than my dad but 3 years older than my mom. I too enjoy spending so much time with them. They are always so supportive and fun to be around. How have you been feeling since your visit to the hospital?

AFM – Well, I had my baby shower in my DH’s hometown yesterday. It started off raining so I thought it would be a horrible day but after about an hour the sun came out and it became a beautiful day. We had about 30 people there including us but we invited over 50 so my DH was disappointed that some of his family didn’t show up; especially since it was right in his hometown. But, oh well we will get over it and move on. We were definitely grateful for those who did show up. There were 2 infants there and several other children so we got some really good practice in yesterday … lol. The food was great (I ordered from TGIF) and my mom and DH’s step-mother made a dish also. We got a lot of clothes, toys, gift cards, and cash. Oh, have you ladies seen those new diapers that look like blue jeans? My mom/dad bought a box of those also. I have to admit that I am so very happy that the shower is finally over because I did stress over it … well just the details to make sure everything turned out right. But, everything went very smoothly and now it is just a wait until Tuesday to see if I am still employed or not.

Angela

[natasha10]

angela- im a little overwhelmed right now but i hope it gets better and slows down. i think i took too many classes and its a heavy load plus learning new things. Im glad your shower turned out great.

im nervous too and probably will be stessed about it myself when it gets closer to the date. i've been looking and buying lots of stuff for it. i just dont want anything to go wrong or be missing. i think im going to sart looking for little gifts for prizes in the next few weeks just to be prepared. i have no idea about games or which are great one or what not. i have some looking to do. but otherwise everything is great with me.

[gi]

Hey girls,

Steph you have made the right decision to stay put in the hospital you and the twins are so much safer there esp. if you have another bleed, i would worry too much about you at home alone when Andrew is working and Alex in school. Ah Alex must be so thrilled to finally see her name offically on paper. Kayla is doing great, lots of movement, the bump is getting big, jason only said last night he cant believe how big my belly is we are together 14 yrs and i have always had a totally flat tummy...it actually makes him emotional thinking our little miracle is in there. Stay safe xxxx

Hazel now Zobra is just been stubborn i have already started having difficulty in going to sleep so i cant even imagine how you feel!!!! One more wedding left this Friday and thats it till next yr!!! I think i have 3 next yr and i will be able to drink at those

Katie oh i have a spot that has been so sore since about 20 wks, i asked the midwife at 20 wks what was it as it looked like my vein on the rhs of my lower belly was the cause she said its Kayla constantly kicking it and boy does she love doing it now it feels like an electric shock and the little fecker never leaves it alone i actually had to try move her foot away from it the other day and since she so loves been transverse thats her favourite spot!!

Angela i hope you still have your job but it sounds like could do with early maternity leave, i cant even imagine what it would be like working as i too can only walk for a certain length and then i get so sore. I am glad to hear the baby shower went well sounds like ye got lots of gifts and those diapers sound soooo cute!!

babyluv ah your little girls are so camera shy it must have been frustrating and funny at the same time!!

Claudia Happy 3rd anniversary!!

AFM Kayla is having a party in my tummy as i try to type and yes still kicking that vein!! Jason and I have been having so much fun with her the last few nights, we turned off all the lights and put his Iphone with some dance music right up to my belly and you should have seen her bop!!! Jason has never seen my belly move before and my goodness was she rocking!!! Seems like we will have a little party girl on our hands Also i have been trying to prepare my little doggie for her arrival so i put a little pink/white bed for him in the nursery (he follows me everywhere so i know he will have to be beside me when feeding her) and i have been sitting in the rocking chair for a few mins every day and he gets straight into his new bed, i just dont want him to feel to left out as he will always be my little baby and has always been there literally licking my tears when we had failed ivfs and the miscarriages.

gi xxx

[karenthescorpio]

Hi ladies. Just wanted to drop-in on my old cycle buddies! I'm happy to see you all are still cookin' and preparing for your little arrivals! I'm so happy for each and every one of you! Hang in there...you are almost at the finish line!

I'll be starting a fresh IVF cycle in late Oct/early Nov. I don't know if you all remember, but DH and I are self-pay for our IVF. If anyone has any Follistim or Gonal-F that you are willing to donate, I'd would appreciate it so much. Just send me a PM if you can help.

I look forward to hearing all of your birth announcements really soon! It truly is a miracle and a dream come true for us all!
xoxo
Karen

[hjw]

Hey ladies just reporting in. Now 6 days overdue and counting - today's sweep was really disappointing as she wasn't even able to reach the cervix as it is even more posterior and closed than last week (when it's supposed to be moving in the other direction!!) so she's coming back on Wednesday to try again. She thinks it's looking likely that I will end up being admitted for my formal induction at the hospital on Friday, and I'm fearing the same. On the plus side, I had a show yesterday, which is one step in the right direction, but according to books it doesn't necessarily mean anything for the timing of labour, which can follow hours, days or in some cases a week or two later.

I had a visit from my friend from the boards with her gorgeous twin boys today, and she quite rightly told me to remember that this time next week Zorba will be here one way or another, so I just have to remember that and not let today's sweep (or lack of sweep) get me down.

Steph - hope you're hanging in there sweetheart and not going too crazy on hospitals bedrest!

Gi - Yep, stubborn is a good word for this baby! Ouch for Kayla kicking the same vein over and over, let's hope she shifts positions soon and starts kicking somewhere else!

Katie - How are you doing this week, honey? Carolyn and I were saying today that we can't believe I'm about to give birth and you're so close as well. 12-18 months ago the situation was so wildly different for all three of us... The boys are simply gorgeous, btw!!

Angela - I'm so happy to hear that your shower went well. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for good news tomorrow.

Hazel x

[natasha10]

so i think i convinced andre to keep isabelle. but he said he wanted nataleah to be nataliah. little booger =) so i agreed lol. its ok just as pretty nataliah isabelle. i just have to get use to it still. it sounds funny to me a bit.

Happy monday mommas!!!

hazel have her baby yet?