Winter Cycle Friends 2009/2010 - Everyone Welcome!

[angelaezra]

PA_FA – Oh, I just love the outfit. You are so right; it is just perfect for our babies!

Karen – 256 is amazing! I am so very excited for you … I can’t wait to follow your progress through the next nine months.

Natasha – Wow, you will now have a new dog and a new baby. Yes, you will have your hands full. It’s funny because we keep talking about getting a dog right before Gabriella is born but then I realized my DH works very long hours and I will have two babies to care for … lol. But, I definitely think I will get one next year or the year after because so many kids love to have them around. School is almost out for you!

Stephanie – I am curious to what they will say also. I surely hope she can come early but we will see.

Franca – I would mention the menstrual type cramps to your OB also. I started having those about three weeks ago and I was told that it comes from the irritation from her head and her dropping down a little further into my pelvis. Also, they said it can come from the stretching of the uterus also. I think you are just fine as long as your menstrual type cramps aren’t accompanied with contractions. I was also told when the menstrual cramps start to take some Tylenol and drink plenty of water and lie on my left side. And, it usually makes them go away, if not, definitely call your OB and let them know. Yes, I saw that Helena had her baby by C-section on Wednesday.

AFM – Ok ladies, I have been a bad mom today. I did a little cleaning this morning because I think the nesting is just out of control for me now. I have been following my modified bed rest instructions for the most part but there is just so much I want to do before Gabriella officially comes home from the hospital. I did get a lot accomplished and I am now lying down and I promise to continue to take it easy from here on out. They say that when the nesting starts for you that you delivery shouldn’t be too much longer. So now I will test that theory. Have a great Saturday everyone.

Angela

[babyluv3]

Katie- So glad ryan's cord came off! So funny he likes to be naked, because my girls hate it! But, Alex looooves to run around naked (something we do not encourage at his age!) and I'm pretty sure all boys love it. That convo with your OB about birth control was hysterical!! Yea, I think you are pretty set on that one.

Claudia- EDD is tomorrow!! I was thinking of you today. Hope everything is going well and that maybe Flick is here!

Angela- how are you feeling girl?

Gi- so happy for you and Jason!!! Can't wait for pics!!

AFM- well, we survived Thanksgiving! DH's sisters came into town, plus my parents and sister came over. I cooked for 14 people (that does not include the twins). They offered to help, but other than one if them making pies, I did everything. They did help a ton with the kids so that's good. It was nice, but I'm glad they are all gone. Too much going on. But, Alex and Scarlett had a great time with their cousins!

My emotions seem to have leveled out now that I've gotten some rest. Today i decided the twins will be on a three hour feeding schedule no matter how much they scream beforehand. I won't wake them overnight, but they are every three hours then anyway. It's been good. I don't mind them crying during the day...I used to let Scarlett cry it out and she caught on quickly. It has also helped my milk supply since I get more full when they need to eat. Thankfully they do well overnight. I can usually feed and change them in 30 min and then they almost always go right back to sleep. Can't wait for them to get bigger so I can start cutting out an overnight feed!

[babyluv3]

Claudia!! For some reason the posts were not refreshing so I didn't see you were in the hospital!! Good luck and YAY for not being late my EDD buddy!!

[babyluv3]

And Karen congrats on another amazing beta!!!!

[Stephanieford78]

Claudia - What an eventful Thanksgiving! The wait is finally over! I can't wait to see your post letting us know everything!

[Stephanieford78]

OMG! If you guys knew the kind of night AND day I had, you would probably yell at me for even attempting to post anything today. lol However, I am still addicted to you baby mamas! It's like the guilt you feel when you don't at least say hi to your mom or best friend. So last night sucked balls! The twins didn't want to sleep at all which of course means mommy gets no sleep. Andrew had to work a side job that's been lingering since hospital bed rest so that meant no sleep for me at all! He did attempt to help, but that didn't work out well. Alex was a heck of a trooper and after Andrew left this morning and the babies were both asleep, she watched over them while I went to the spare room to sleep in peace. No little noises to wake me up and she could watch her shows on tv in my room. Three hours later she texts my phone for me to come back in. I go in and she has two bottles made and both babies. lol She tried to juggle both of them so I could get as much sleep as I could. How sweet is it for her to try and tackle that?? I got a good 3 hours though thanks to my little sweetheart! Thanks everyone for your kind words about Alex's little verbal abuse issue with a neighbor boy. I think it is normal for kids to make fun of each other, do some picking and such, but to use such vulgarity... hell no! Do you know the statistics on how many young girls develop self esteem issues that lead to eating disorders, body image issues like body dismorphic disorder, cutting and some sadly... suicide. This is wear it starts and I think it is just as bad as hitting a girl. I think parents need to teach their boys that too! I know I will. Hell, I am already teaching Alex that. She asked how I was so popular in school, I told her because I was friends with everyone and talked to everyone. It truly pays off. I told her how when I was 22 and working for this one company, how an old school mate came up to me who happened to work there too. He said, Stephanie... I want to thank you, you were always nice to me in school when nobody else was and it meant a lot to me. Almost brought tears to my eyes. I can't imagine what it is like for a person to go through their whole school lives in ridicule and I want to try and teach my kids not to be a part of that. Unfortunately, it seems kids are getting so much worse over the years. If boys like you, they don't just pull your hair or stick their tongues out... they call you a fat ***** and and fucking ugly. NICE! As for the twins... I know I have been saying that the twins have been smiling but I still don't feel they are real smiles. How hard is it to know when and what to count so I can put it in the baby books. lol I keep telling myself I am going to wait until I know for sure that it isn't just a practice thing, not gas or anything else, but a true "I'm happy" smile. I just can't wait till that happens. Their little practice smiles are so adorable and light up their whole faces! I can imagine what a real smile and a giggle would look like.

Babyluv - Brave of you to tackle Thanksgiving so soon after having twins! I didn't have to cook thankfully, but I am sure I have to for Christmas since we are having it here. My dad and his wife bailed on me three years in a row now. I had to call them and find out that they weren't coming. Nice huh? They are spending 60K on remodeling the house and though I was promised that the money was set aside to come out here, somehow they went over budget on the house and can't come. Who starts a project like that right before Christmas anyway? I am just bitter I guess. They always have enough money for my brother. They went to his wedding and even spend 2 grand on a HUGE rehearsal dinner. Me... they couldn't even show up. Two years ago my brother got flown out to PA last minute (1500 ticket) because he was alone. I was alone too, Andrew was deployed! He was deployed the year before and before that too! Not to mention out anniversary is Christmas Eve and I was alone. I guess because I have Alex they don't see me as being alone. Oh gosh... sorry to vent. DIdn't mean to do that in your personal. lol Anyway... how are the girls? Hopefully the sleeping through the night starts happening soon. I am with you on the feedings. Though I stopped giving the boob. lol I really wish I could have stuck to it. I almost feel like a failure there.

Angela - You better behave mama! lol I know the nesting feeling must be overwhelming, but you must think of Gabriella. Keep her cooking for a little longer.

Karen - My gosh, I can't believe I skipped right over you before. I need smacked... Bad Steph! So your u/s is Thursday!! I can't wait. I will be stalking the thread like freaking crazy!! lol How are you feeling? Any symptoms rearing their ugly heads? I hope if morning sickness peeks that it will be fairly nice to you. You know... enough to make you feel confident about your pregnancy but not enough to make you feel too icky.

Pa - You are too sweet! That's a funny little story about the pilot picking on you and marrying him. He really picked on you over the intercom?? lol You will have to elaborate on that one. I would love to hear how he did that. How are you feeling? How are things with your mom now? I really wish she wouldn't be so stubborn and be honest when it comes to her health. This is so not the time for things to be more difficult for you! I wish there was something I could do to help you. Hopefully a solution will fall into place shortly for you.

Gi - How are you, Jason and Kayla settling in? I hope to see some pictures of little miss gorgeous!

Hazel - How are you, Andrew and George?? Haven't seen you post in quite a while. You must be overloaded!

Katie - Is Ryan behaving? I bet he just keeps getting cuter and cuter huh? You know, we switched our living room around and I thought of you because of you saying Ryan looks at your art. Now that's what the twins look at since the paintings and pictures are behind us instead of the window.

[angelaezra]

Hello ladies – I have a quick question to ask everyone who has already delivered. What did you pack for yourself and for the baby? I obviously know that I need the car seat put into the cars but what else was needed for your stay? I mean things like diapers, baby outfit, breast pump (so the lactation nurse can work w/ you), etc.

I figured since I am next in line and will be turning 37 weeks next week that I better pack my hospital bag so that I am prepared.

Angela

[jamila20]

Angela I am glad that your NST went well and you are more positive, I did the same thing cleaning since yesterday and lot done I thank god for that, at the same i am getting so tired easely. From now if you can take it easy and relax so your body will get enough rest before princess Gabriella arrive.

May be this will be helpfull for you I got it from my pregnancy book:
For labor:your health insurance card, photo, and hospital registration forms.
Lotion or oil for massage
A bathrobe, slippers.
Glasses or contact lenses
Camera, hard candies to keep your mouth moist

For your hospital stay;

2 or 3 nursing bras, and a dozen or so nursing pads.
Sanitary pads, few pairs of panties and socks.
Deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste.
A note pad and pen, change for the vending machines.
Phone numbers of people you want to call after the birth.

For discharge from hospital:

A receiving blanket and clothes for your newborn to wear home.
Loose fitting clothes for you you to wear home.

hopefully this will help you take care.

[jamila20]

PA-FA

Thank you for posting the link for the baby clothe, it is beautiffull and meanfull I ordered one I like a lot.

[katie99]

Claudia - Wheeeee! it wont be long now honey! I wonder if you already have Flick in your arms or will you be the first one to actually make her EDD date? Either way I hope that it goes easily for you and as low pain as possible. We're all eagerly awaiting your big news! - xoxo

Sara - Ah, I wish I had your mom here too! lol. How cute is the nickname "Laneybug"? That is so sweet, a beautiful name for a beautiful girl! How is little Jake doing? better question, how are you holding up ? I was glad to hear that you're all settling in and that your family was smothering them with love & kisses. Hope that you're getting some kind of rest (ah, sleep. I remember that lol) Ryan gets kisses all day, but if you kiss him while he's upset it makes him scream even louder, usually right in my ear too- yow! xoxo

Angela - Umm, yes maam, you're next! But I dont remember that modified bed rest included housecleaning/ organinzing - so go get back on that couch please! I know its so hard to just sit when you're busy thinking of all the things you need to get done, but listen to Steph, you'll both be better off if you keep her in there as long as possible - so back to resting for now, ok?
To add to Jamila's list: some things I found helpful ( and was told to pack for a 3 day stay just in case, jeez he must have been thinking c section even beforehand - smart OB!)

cozy socks
robe / slippers
I used the hospital gown (why ruin your own as you will be umm, leaking after - alot)
I used the hospital disposable panties - In my opinion one of the greatest inventions ever - once again why ruin your own?
use the hospital sanitary pads - they're way bigger than what you can find in the stores - and umm, you will go through ALOT of them, but make sure you have a good supply at home (extra large & extra absorbant - you'll need them for a few weeks at least)
cell phone & charger
camera / video recorder & extra batteries
lip balm - if you end up NPO, the ice chips just dont cut it
gum / mints - same reason - hope that helps - xoxo

Jenice - hi honey! how are you? I cant believe that you're 26 weeks already! its amazing how fast the time goes after you get pregnant - as opposed to how it just seems to stop while you're trying, right? I'm sorry that you've had to go through so much family wise - I cant imagine what that must have been like for you. Keep your chin up and focus on your DD and that little one inside you - much love - xoxo

Karen - Oooh, great numbers! I cant wait to hear about your u/s!

Natasha - oh how fun a new puppy is! What did you name him/ her? Hoping that the new pup will pick up on housebreaking quickly so you wont have too much going on when your little Nataleah arrives! - xoxo

PA - LOVE that outfit! How fitting for all of us! How are things going with your Mom? - xoxo

Steph - first off - thanks for posting that twin mama clip! That was a riot! Umm, yeah I know some people really do feel the need to ask such dopey questions but I cant imagine what it must be like to actually have to stand there and listen to them as often as you you probably do - ugh, more shock collars, please! Aw how great is Alex for letting you get some well needed sleep? She's really a great kid and about tweens/ preteens/ teen girls? its sort of depressing how much they have to deal with these days, isnt it? They have it a lot harder than we did at that age, between the media making them feel that its all about looks and weight, the celebs making them feel that its all about sex and boys buying into all of that BS. I really feel for young girls today - I was stressing what to tell my own, when I thought I was having a girl. You're very lucky to have a little girl who is so sharp and who's head is on straight (wait i cant really call her a little girl , can I? forgive me, but it is 1am and my brain quit hours ago ) Ugh, please dont get me started on the subject of our president and the budget cuts! Grrr! Ryan doesnt let me be the news junkie that I usally am, but I was under the impression that he wanted to cut the military budget by 50% and that it was opposed, I sure hope that hasnt changed? I dont even want to think of what could happen to our country if it were to go through! Andrew being sent all over for a boatload of testing is nerve wracking, I hope that you all arent stressing nonstop over the "what ifs" yes, i know, its impossible not to, but jeez, who could even think of this now after just bringing home twins? You know I keep you all in my prayers, whether you agree with prayers or not - it makes me feel better, so dont lose what little sleep you can have over things you cannot control, ok? Just one more reason to wish it was 2012, right? OK, I wont go on about my political opinions anymore. ( hee hee, I'd be here all night!) Oh, no honey dont get me wrong, Ryan has slept through the night just twice - we're up at 2 or 3 every night, if I'm lucky after that he'll sleep til 7-8 am - the big nap, but now he's been up so much during the day alert and ready to play, or commence meltdown whichever mood he's in lol. I wonder the same about the 'true' smiles - but wouldnt you know that the little guy seems to smile when I've just said something like " you're never going to let mommy eat dinner are you"? and he'll smile. Or the ever famous, crying that begins exactly when we go to eat hot food. You remember hot food, dont you? I'd heard that once that have kids you'll never eat a hot meal again, but I didnt really believe it - well I do now , lol. Please try to get some kind of sleep with the twin cuties, ok? much love- xoxoxo

Gi - Hope that you're healing well and are you home yet? I cant wait to see spme pics of little Kayla! rest up & recover and of course - ENJOY!! - xoxo

Babyluv - You cooked for 14 people by yourself? You are Wonder Woman! I cooked just for us and was kind of resenting it a little. its not even a meal I like so much but sure like less when stuck with all kinds od leftovers Good thing Gracie likes turkey, i guess lol. Really, your girls dont care for naked time? thats interesting, it makes me wonder if it is a boy thing? Sometimes if he's having a crying fest, I'll put him on the changing table just because naked time is happy time for him - funny how they are, huh? How do the girls like bathtime? I'm with you, I'll be doing the happy dance when the middle of the night feeding is over, sometimes its just bottle, change, sleep, but other times? he thinks that 3am is party time - funny that he was that way inside too - sigh Get some rest mom of four - you must be so tired - hang in there honey - xoxoxo

Jamila - How are you feeling honey? you're moving right along - is your nursery all done yet? - xoxo

AFM - The small emperor is running me ragged, but makes me laugh all the time, I swear the faces he makes while sleeping just crack me up! between the faces and the throwing both arms in the air (while dead asleep) he makes my incision hurt sometimes. i give up on trying to go get a haircut, one of these days I'll remember to actually call for an appt instead of reminding myself (then forgetting to do it) and makeup? I'm not sure if I'll remember how to apply it byt the time I feel nermal instead of like the walking dead - lol. The other day? I think I feel asleep standing up again, just for a minute, but still, thats not right.
Ryan has a sense alright, his new game is 'the battle of the binky ( his pacifier) It goes like this, he cries when he loses it, and I come running to put it back in his mouth, but the game part is the second I put it back in his mouth and sit down - he spits it out again and then I have like 2 seconds to get it back in his mouth before the meltdown commences - umm, yeah, i dont find this one too funny for me either but he thinks its a riot! Ummm, and speaking of, guess whos ready for a meltdown right now? goota go - much love - to you all - xoxoxo

[jamila20]

Katie99 Thank you for asking I am doing much better now, I have a guy who work for my hubby who is doing a mirror painting for the room he started on Friday and he said that he will be done tomorrow so the room will be ready for the rest we ordered the bed and comode waiting for it to arrive, it's a lot of work, lots to go.

Ryan is so cute, and I cannot believe that he is controlling everything in the house already, you know they said every baby develop their own personality from the begining. Lack of sleep is a part of motherhood, every time i read your post i tell my husband and he allways says that he is not looking foward that part. Have you try to get some sleep every time he goes to sleep maybe that will help, take care yourself.

[Stephanieford78]

Katie - So Ryan has you running around at this hour? I hope he sleeps well tonight! The twins on the other hand are not looking like they will give me much of a break tonight either. It's after 1am here and Angelina keeps waking up and crying periodically and Ethan is just up. Thanks for the prayers. I may not believe in a man upstairs, but I am all for that positive energy going out there for me. I think of it as the same thing. When someone says you are in my thoughts or you are in my prayers, same diff. lol Political views... well, lets just say there is no way you can offend me there unless I hear someone say the military makes too much money or gets too much already. Those people need to walk a few miles in my shoes or better yet, Andrew's shoes. lol Hell, I was even blinded by Obama during his run. I never thought it could get worse than Bush. Boy was I wrong. I guess I should have paid more attention over the years to politics. I am just now getting to know more since so much is being taken away from us. It's been a hell of a wake up call, that's for sure. Anyway... that's no fun to talk about. lol You mention the hot food thing. We have been eating a lot of take out lately. lol We have found a decent way to juggle when feeding and attention time runs into dinner time. Alex is also a big help so between the three of us, we tend to have things covered. If whatever task it is usually requires two hands, you learn quickly to get it done with one. The swings are definitely a wonderful invention! Back in the day I had a crank one for Alex, it would stop every 15 minutes. These electric ones are way better! I love technology! lol

Angela - I agree with Katie on the hospital bag! Don't waste panties or pads at the hospital, use theirs! They should also give you a bag to take home with stuff in it. Mine had some pads and disposable panties in it along with storage bottles and other items. If you don't get one of those, make sure you take what they have there for you. It's there for you and they should tell you the same thing unless they are a really low funded hospital. lol I took literally everything that was there for baby and me. All the receiving blankets, diapers, thermometers, formula, pads, etc. As for the breast pump, you shouldn't have to pump in the hospital unless she goes to the NICU. If she does, then they will provide you with a pump for free while she is in there. Even when you do first pump, you won't get anything or very little at first. The baby gets more (though still very little) by sucking herself. It's one of those things that is almost amazing. How the colostrum isn't much, but it is enough to satisfy them until your milk comes in which is about 3 days after birth. You might not feel like your milk is in at that point if you are nursing, but if you choose to stop, you will realize it fast when your boobs begin to fill up. lol Anyway.. you will not need your pump at all unless you have specific questions you would like to ask the lactation specialists. They all are pretty easy to use and all pretty much work the same though. Hopefully they aren't like mine and try to get me to buy a more expensive model. I had a bad experience with my First Years pump, but that was MY fault! lol I pumped too fast too hard. When you pump, keep it on the low setting, even if you don't get anything at first. It will take a few pumps to get it to come out. Because nothing was coming out, I thought it had to pull harder. NOPE! After I healed, it worked great on the lowest setting and I might have gone up to the 2nd setting but never any higher... not until your boobs can handle it anyway. Ok, so that's my advice. Hope you are resting!

Now I have a question about breast feeding if anyone might know the answer. I had some clumpy white stuff come out of my nipple. I know, sounds gross but not sure what that is. Is it a duct clogging up or going dry? I was milking a bit in the shower and noticed it. Everything else seemed to be flowing normal except one duct. I didn't hurt, but looked strange. Oh and this isn't a question but yet more of a vent again about Army doctors. lol I have noticed that my right breast doesn't produce as much as my left. I thought it was because it is just not a big producer. Then I realized when I was milking that none of the ducts on the right side of my right breast work. That is where I had my lumpectomy. I specifically asked the doctor if the surgery would effect my milk ducts and he said no. I am sure of it that they severed that whole side when they hacked into me. UGH! Ok, done venting. lol I think it's just been one of those days. Well, I am going to go and attempt sleep now. It might work this time?? Lets hope!

[claud662]

Just a quick post from the hospital bed that Madelyn Eve was born last night at 9;34PM and weighed 7lbs9ounces and was 19 inches! I will post pics and my whole birthing story when I get home from hospital because it would have been too nice for an IVF woman to have an easy delivery right?!?! She is beautiful and I am about to visit her in the NICU since I caught a fever during the labor:( ttyl

[Franca]

Claudia fantastic news xxxx

[Franca]

Hi steph


my husband said its very difficult without examining you but it all sounds normal xx


Angela my pain did go and my husband said it was round ligament pain...ty xx