Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[lou71]

Chris -- I'm having weekly NST's and amniotic fluid measurements every week and then at 36 weeks I have twice weekly NST's. Fun, eh? My ticker is rolling along just fine, unless I'm on my phone in which case it's a day behind. Weird.

Blair -- Thanks hun! I'm sorry your rash came back, but great deal on the dresses!

Anton-- you are so sweet to stop by. How are you doing?

AFM -- OB appt went well today. NST passed with flying colors, amniotic fluid measured right on and placenta looked great. I have to repeat my 24 hr urine for protein this week... can you say fun? Sorry so short, I really have got to get back to work!

[Sdtryingagain]

Who has to do NST's? I was told my the midwife at my appointment on Friday that starting at 32 weeks, I'll have to do NST's 2 to 3 times a week. I can see once a week but isn't 2 to 3 times a week a lot? Guess that's what i get for being old, overweight with high blood pressure and insulin resistance. On a good note, i go to the Peri on Friday and get to see little Jacob again.

Sorry Gals that I don't keep up with personals. I do follow the posts for everyone and glad to see things are going good with everyone.

to have fun-- i'm sure it is annoying to do the NST that frequently, but I don't think (from the little I recall from my experience on my OB rotations years ago) they do a good job of predicting that baby is fine for longer than a few days. I would imagine that is why the frequency is high. With any high risk situation (ie your medical situation) they recommend them. hang in there!

blair- you are a doll, being called "small" is delightful since I've already well surpassed my recommended weight gain and was not skinny to start with (normal weight but not skinny), perhaps it is just the pictures that are small

Rio- I'll see what i can do to get them a little bigger, thanks for caring that's sweet.

[BlissfulCS]

I am a little overdue to post ladies...

SD- Beautiful pics! I think you have inspired me to do the maternity shoot. I was against it at first, but I know I will value having the photos someday. You look great. I agree with Blair...I think you look small. You have a small frame and appear skinny to me.

Blair- bummer on the rash...but YAY on the great deal on dresses. Thanks for asking about me a few posts ago. I will do an "AFM" update tonight.

Margi- rest up and take care of those babies. Its not wimpy...its one of the most important experiences in your life and there is no messing with it.

Lou- awesome on the daycare. We only have one like that here and it doesn't have a very good reputation. I wish it did because I would be all over that!

Ryann- hope you feel better and that everything turns out okay.

AFM- I spent the weekend away with my two sisters and their daughters working on shower plans. They are both recent Mom's and took me through the "must haves" and "never used" baby item list. I came home last night and immediately got to work on my registry. Its so much fun! I am feeling really good. Morning sickness only rears its ugly head in the mornings or with certain smells instead of all day and I have more energy now. I am really showing for only being 18 1/2 weeks and think I had a growth spurt over the weekend (had to go out and buy a new bra too). Its getting tough to bend at the waist! I am finally feeling little movements that started last week. At first it was tiny little flutters, but in the last 24 hours I have felt something that I would only describe as a "roll". Nothing on the outside yet, of course. Can't wait until that happens so I can share it with DH. Hope you are all doing well. Sorry to those I missed.

[Sweetpea614]

Blissful- That's awesome they helped you out with the must haves. It really helps to talk with people who've been through the registry process as it is over whelming. I got overwhelmed as the first time I had a baby I was 17 and my Mom and Mother-In-Law helped me with all that stuff and this time around I had to do it on my own.

Margi your not being wimpy at all. Please take care of yourself and don't over do it.

SD I love your photo shoot!! I want to do one now too!

Lou- you look amazing and I have the same denim skirt;) Love it. Glad your appointment went well and bummer on the 24 hour urine. I know when I go to docs on the 7th I will be be given the instructions to do mine.

To-Have-Fun- I never heard of NST 2-3 times a week. Maybe they meant every 2-3 weeks??

Blair so sorry about the rash comign back. Awesome deal on the dresses!! I got two really cute ones at Target. A brown and white one and this cute black one that is kind of sexy in the boob area;)

Ryann- I think someone mentioned anemia and that would be my first guess. Definitely give your doctor a call and get checked out though. So sorry about Dylan's rash and sores. I unfortuntely had the same problem when I was a baby that for the first 2 years of my life I was basically bare bottomed my Mom said. I was allergic to every lotion, diaper rash cream and baby soap. Hope his sores are clearing up. Poor thing.

Riogrl- your kids are gorgeous!!

Nwwhiz- Congrats on team blue!! How are you feeling?

Sorry if I missed anyone, it's so hard to catch up when I've been MIA for so long.

AFM: I have to wear this stupid heart monitor for 2 weeks. ARGH!! Of course they put it on me and I haven't had one episode of palpitations. I go for an echocardiogram on the 15th. Seriously why can't I have an uneventful pregnancy just once. Lucas is one very active baby. He's constantly moving and it's pretty cool watching my belly move when he really gets going. It freaks the DF out though when he feels him kick.

Kat

[gina55]

Hi Ladies! I feel like I've been MIA forever!! I caught up on all of my reading. All of your babies are gorgeous!!! As are all of your pregnant bellies Just wanted to give you a quick update.
We were on vacation at our beach house in Deleware but got evacuated last Friday night. Got everything put away quickly, packed up and left as we did not want to get stuck there with the twins. Our neighbor says everythings fine, thank god! I worked on Sunday from 7am-7pm during the height of the storm in NJ. We had sooo many 911 calls, it was just crazy!!! Can't wait to get the numbers to see how many calls we actually answered.
Anyway, they are 4 months already!! Will and Wyatt had their 4 month check ups today, along with immunizations. They are so not happy Will is now 12.11, Wyatt is having some complications internally from his hemangiomas and is 11.12 lbs. He looks so much smaller than Will. A month ago he was bigger. We're waiting for another abdominal u/s for him and then we will start medications to hopefully decrease his internal lesions.
They are both smiling and cooing up a storm It just melts my heart when we "talk to each other".
Here's a recent picture, taken yesterday while I was hard at work. DH wanted me to know that they were doing great Oh well back to my little unhappy men. Hugs to all of you!!!!
Enjoy the last of your summer!!

[rypell1985]

I just lost my WHOLE post and don't have time to retype right now....SORRY! I wanted to share a pic of the twins though.

[blairwh58]

ryann- OMG!!! Those babies are too cute!! I cant believe they are both getting so big. I love the outfits they both have on and cant wait to see more pics. Hope dylans little butt is doing better.

Gina- Those boys are looking so handsome!! They both look so happy and smiley!! It was great hearing from you and knowing that both boys are doing well. Hopefully wyatts hemangiomas start to improve.

Kat- I ended up getting a cute brown and white dress from target too- even though its not maternity it was too cute to pass up and fit well. Sorry you have to wear the heart monitor for 2 wks but hopefully the results come back normal and you dont have any issues.

Alisa- So good to hear from you. Glad things are going well and you got to start on your registry! Its so fun and exciting to get that stuff going. So glad you are starting to feel the LO rolling now!! Just wait until the rolls become drop kicks (or so it feels like). Its crazy watching as your stomach looks like aliens are trying to escape from it. Wanted to tell you I got some cute UK onesies the other day from Old Navy the other day!! DH was giving me grief because we went to get him some $15 jeans and ended up leaving with onesies for the girls and a shirt for me...oh well lol.

SD- You really do look great! I wouldnt let the weight gain throw you off. You looked to be glowing in those pics!

Lou- So glad the NST test went well and everything looked great with Chloe. Good luck with the 24 hr urine test...hopefully its the last one.

Rio- Thank you soooo much for posting the link to that coupon! I have been waiting to buy the baby ktan but just hadnt gotten around to it yet. I went to the website and instead fo $72 the price dropped to $49 (with shipping). I have heard good things about this wrap so im hoping it works out well.

AFM- Working from home today since i was having some bad leg aches yesterday- luckily my job is pretty laid back and I can work from home when I need to. I go back to MFM tomorrow for another cervical check and peek in on the girls. They seem to be doing fine and have been kicking like crazy lately. Yesterday it looked like an alien trying to escape because baby A was kicking so hard. Exciting news- my mother in law bought our car seats! So now we know we will at least have the seats to bring them home in. We are also starting to get the nursery put together which is exciting. The walls are painted and the curtains up. We are expecting guests on Sunday but after that we may start to work on the furniture.

[HopeIsAllIHave]

Sorry ladies, not much time to do personals. Running late for the gym. However, wanted to swing something by you. Has your OB/midwife put you on any supplements for Group B Strep prevention? I was given a list of 5 supplements to choose 2 from to have with breakfast and dinner everyday (Acidophilus, Echinacea, Garlic, Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, and Grapefruit seed extract). Just wanted to see if this was standard practice.

Gina - what gorgeous boys!

Ryann - they're such cuties!! Love their little outfits! Way too adorable!

Rio - I haven't forgotten about your question. I'll give you my impression of TX soon enough. Gotta run!

[rypell1985]

Super quick post before the babies wake!

Ashley and Blair...Thanks! They are getting so flipping big!

Blair...Awesome that your MIL bought the carseats! Did you go with the McKenna? I wanted to tell you-we ended up getting the new snap n go and holy pain in the butt! I think I lucked out that the used one I bought was set up perfectly for our carseats and I couldn't remember where all the bars were attached. I played around for a long time and found a way that works really well, so if you end up getting one I'll send you pics of the configuration of the bars.

Gina...Your boys are TOOOOOO cute!

Kat...I wore a monitor for 2 weeks when I was about 20 weeks along. I also had an echo. My heart rate was really fast and I was having killer palpitations. My dad has a genetic heart condition so they don't mess around with my heart. It turned out to be fine and just the stress of the pregnancy. That's pretty much when I started bedrest. I hope it all turns out just fine!

Alisa...Awesome that you can feel movement!!!!!!!!!!

AFM...I started on my Iron pills just in case, but my blood pressure has been running alittle on the low side...90/67. I haven't called yet. I will if I feel really bad. Too busy!!! I don't want them to tell me to come in I know, probably not a good choice!

As for DYlan's little bottom...my aunt told me her old home remedy of browing flour on the stove and letting it cool-use that as a powder with every change. You can even put some vaseline first, then the powder. Would you believe his butt is clearing up? His bright red sores are now turning to a light pink and he doesn't scream with every change. After all the money I spent of different butt creams it was good old fashioned kitchen flour??? Crazy, but I am sooooo thrilled!!!!!!

I hope everyone else is well! Thinking of you girls always!

[anton]

Hola mamas

I am SO glad you are all either growing well or your babies are growing well! I LOVE that baby stuff you girls are talking about I hope I 'll be talking the same baby language as you SOON!

Lou- You look amazing girlfriend! Its just a matter of days that you will meet Chloe!

Rypell- Your babies are absolutelly addorable!!!! you did a good job and YAY for magic flour!!!

Rio- Lizzy and her brother are the best ever! you got a nice family there girl!

Margi- i am sorry you have to stay home again honey that must be very frustrating but hey!!! hang in there! those babies are worth every minute of it and you know that so hang in there! you are almost there!!!!

everyone else, I sent you my love!



anton

[Sweetpea614]

Gina- Wyatt and Will are so cute and looks like such happy babies. Are the internal hemangiomas common in pre-term babies? I have one on the outside of my liver that they found when I was like 19 but I've had no issues but they did warn me it could eventually hemorrhage. Hope they get him on meds so it helps them!

Ryann- That picture is just too cute. Wear did you get those outfits they are so adorable. So glad that you found a home remedy that has helped Dylan's poor bottom. Stinks you had to wear the heartmonitor to but I can see why they would be concerned with your Dad's medical history. They are more concerned about me getting blood clots and making sure it's not blood clots causing them palpitations. But of course since I've gotten it I haven't had any. Well I did yesterday but hadn't put it on yet. I take it off at night because I just can't sleeo with it.

Hopeisallihave-I've never heard of that kind of preventive care. They seem to do some odd things down in Texas.

Blair- Ya I think my brown and white is not a maternity dress either because I noticed after I bought it that the tag does not have maternity on it anywhere like my other dress. But it looks super cute and fits great. Actually I fit inot all my dresses still. I have a hard time finding maternity clothes that fit. Even the x-smalls don;t fit right and even some of the tops are big. I'm still wearing my size 2 dress pants and just not buttoning them and wearing. I need to get a few of those belly bands so I can just continue to wear my regular jeans and pants. All mmy tops that where long I'm still able to wear as well.

AFM: Going in for an ultrasound today! So excited to see Lucas. Have you guys heard of the new test that they can do to check to see if you are a high risk for preterm labor. I guess they swab your cervical fluid and they measure the amount of fetal fibronectin (fFN), a protein produced by the fetal membranes. Read it on one of the pregnancy sites. Has anyone had this done?

Kat

[blairwh58]

Kat- Im guessing we probably both ended up with the same brown and white dress. It does look really cute despite the fact its not maternity. Unlike you though I can definitely fit in maternity clothes...and theres no way in you know what that I could wear my regular size 4 pants. I think I had to give up buttoning them around 9 wks, and then left the belly bands for actual maternity pants around 11 weeks. I would recommend the belly bands if you can still wear the normal pants though. Good luck at the US today and hopefully you can post pics of baby Lucas!! I have heard of that test you mentioned but they have never mentioned anything to me about doing that test. I guess for me its just the cervical length checks every 2 wks (even though I read this morning that it really wasnt a good judge of PTL).

[Sunshine1576]

****CRASHING**** Rypell,Gina and Ryann,
Thank you for posting and sharing your baby pictures with all of us. I'm still flipping through to read updates but I cannot help but love the baby shots and you should hear me over here, just going "awe" over and over!
Congratulations to all you mamas, many more of us will be joining you soon.

[gina55]

Thank you ladies, the boys are usually happy and smiling.

Kat: I had a couple of FFN tests done while I was pregnant. If the test is positive it means you will deliver within 2 weeks.
I wa having contractions on a Saturday, went to L&D and had the test done and it was positive at 30 weeks. They admitted me and said I wasn't leaving until I delivered. Unfortunately that was only 3 days later.

[margi26]

Lou: Sorry to hear you have to repeat the urine test, ugh, but glad that all is good with little Chloe!! I forgot to ask my OB about the NST’s. I am assuming I will be getting them weekly starting soon? Not too sure...

Alisa: Glad that you are feeling good! Sounds like fun with your mom and sisters planning your shower. I laughed out loud when I read your comment about “getting tough bending at the waist” HA HA...waist?!?! What is that? Haven’t seen mine in months...so excited to hear you are feeling flutters...isn’t that just so magical?

Gina: The boys are ADORABLE....love their expressions...I even showed DH and he thought they were totally cute as well. (I love seeing him get excited over babies...especially twins.)

SD: Beautiful family photos!!!

Chris: I haven’t been told anything about NST’s yet...I actually meant to ask on Monday but forgot. Next appt at MFM is in a week and a half and I’ll ask then...I bet with my “old” self (you are still YOUNG) and my twins they will be doing them at some point? Good luck Friday...hope little Jacob puts on a good show for your appt. (PS Love that name).


Kat: I hear you on wishing for the uneventful, I guess for some of us, there is no such thing. But hang in there. It is important that they keep a good watch on your heart. Hope that all goes well with your appt today and that Lucas puts on a good show for you.

Blair: SO glad that you are able to work from home...I so wish my employer would be flexible like that. Hope you get a nice peek at the girls at today’s appt with MFM. And yeah! For carseats! We are still debating...I think I need to get on that right away! Oh, and congrats on reaching 24 weeks tomorrow!!!!


Ashley: I haven’t heard anything about those supplements for StrepB...sorry.


Ryann: They are adorable!! Love the coordinated outfits!! And that is awesome about that old fashioned cure....I am going to try to store that in the back of my brain somewhere in case I need it. And, please take good care of yourself....those adorable little ones need you in full swing. Go see doctor if you need to.

Rio: I think I already commented, but your DS and DD are so beautiful...really. And thanks so much for all of your advice and great links to deals!!! You are awesome!!

AFM: Today is a good day for me (despite aches & pains)....we are officially 28 weeks!!!! Yipppeee!!!! And, I passed my glucose test, phew! I am anemic, but I could have told them that before they took my blood, lol. I am supposed to take 2 slow Fe’s a day if I can tolerate it. Otherwise, I am totally exhausted, swollen, and sore, etc..blah, blah, but really happy to have made it to this milestone. My hematoma is either resolved, or hidden. I wish I knew which, but OB is feeling really comfortable since we have made it thus far, both LO’s are growing strong, and my cervix is still long and closed. Oh! And both kiddos are now heads down! I know things can change, but Baby Girl has been that way for most of the pregnancy, so now maybe her brother is following her direction and will stick that way as well. Regarding delivery timing--can’t seem to get much of a clear answer, but OB says I won’t go past the week of 11/9/11 and still be preggo....I can’t imagine making it that far, but the longer is better for them, so we shall see. OH! And DH and I are signed up for Childbirth Education classes at the hospital in a couple of weeks. Did you ladies find them helpful?

PS: Photos when DH gets home to help me upload them. Baby Boy wasn't very cooperative, but we got a good (2D) shot of Baby Girl. And I will show my enormous belly....I am measuring 38 weeks.....eek!