Weekly thread, Dec 6-13 - Page 3

[OneWithTwo]

i do kegals and I still pee..

off to an u/s to see if he has grown at all...

[shantiani]

Good luck Ericka. I hope Jennings has gone through a giant growth spurt this week!

[justamama]

Good luck Ericka!

[rolenta]

Keep us updated, Ericka!

[OneWithTwo]

He hasn't grown. He has a really strong heartbeat of 148 and is active. I go in Thursday for an amnio and to speak with a genetic counselor.
I also have u/s two times a week scheduled. She talked to me about putting me on bedrest, and as much guilt as I feel and I want to do what is best for my baby, but I also have rent and bills to pay and feed my daughter. She said that with the recent problems with the placenta, it could be restricting growth.
We talked a great deal...but a lot for me to absorb. I started a question list for Thursday. There is a high risk he could not make it.

[shantiani]

I'm sorry Ericka That is a super tough position to be in. At least you know he is strong and kicking right now. There is still time to figure it out.

A question list is a good idea. I can never gather my thoughts in the moment. I always get more information when I collect them ahead of time.

I'm glad your doc is giving you a lot of attention right now. I'll be thinking of your strong little boy and hoping he finds a way to push through. Hang in there. It will work out somehow.

[OneWithTwo]

well I am glad to meet with the genetic counselor. I can ask about the MTHFR and lots of other things. I have been reading about protein and eating more to boost size.
Interesting stuff on mothering about it. His heart and brain looked good(to me?) he has all parts. His head is measuring a bit bigger. They plan on doing a stress test. I guess my peri got her wishes to have her c/s. Poor bedside manner, very unemotional. It's still early the tech said and said things could pick up..but not to quote her because she isn't a specialist. She asked me questions and brought up that I don't know when I conceived, so we are only going by dating..so technically he could just be a week and a half or two behind and that it showed my daughter was measuring small. I wish the tech could be my peri..I liked the resident too. He is very active and it would make more sense to me that he would be smaller due to when I am unsure when I conceived...I have a page so far to discuss with genetics. I also meet with a dietitian and then they want to do monitoring on the weekend where I go in and do the whole belly belt thing listening to him to see how he is doing in there. He sure looks healthy though. The tech gave me more positive than negative.

[Riverbeauty]

Hugs Ericka!

[sehbub]

Ericka, I'm sorry the news is not good. Keep us posted.


I can't remember everything I wanted to comment on. Pregnancy brain attack!

Just got back from spending 4 days in Nashville visiting my sis. I took DD3 and DS with me. Oy. They've been fine in the past, but are at that weird age now where traveling without the whole family is upsetting. DD3 was pretty homesick and begging for Daddy starting one day in. Poor bug.

DS2 (that's so fun to say!!) seemed to enjoy the drive. I could feel him rocking and rolling like crazy the whole drive. All 650 miles.

Still not sure where we're moving. We're holding out hope that after the holidays the owners of the house we really want will be willing to accept a rent to own offer. If not I'm sure we'll find something. We'll likely downsize for about a year to a 3BR house. Not thrilled about the idea of moving again with a 6 month old or so, but whatever.

[MaterPrimaePuellae]

They accepted our offer on the house! I'm a little surprised-- there was a competing offer, and every other time that has happened to us, it's gone on and on and on.... but nope, they just accepted our offer! The house is at the very bottom of our price range, which is very exciting and reassuring, and it's 2 bedrooms (so Dh will have to cope with some amount of co-sleeping ). Now we just have to wait for their bank to approve (since it's a short sale)-- but even w/ the worst case timing scenario, I feel pretty confident that we'll be able to bring baby home to our own house, which is a great feeling....

Ericka-- I'm so sorry you're going through this. I'm glad the HCPs understand your situation and aren't pushing hospital bed rest at this point; maybe the inaccurate due date is a part of the equation-- that's the best case scenario at this point, right? I'm hoping the best for all of you.
How is Campbell? Does she understand at all what's going on?

Strollers: DD has never really loved the stroller. I have a Maclaran (the finger-amputating variety) which I have enjoyed (and it's salmon pink, since that's the color they had at the consignment store the day I needed one) so DS will be styling in his pink Britax and pink stroller More likely, he'll be in the sling/wrap/Beco and DD will either walk or be in the stroller.

Christmas is coming up on me so fast!! I still have scarves to knit and gifts to wrap (and an embarassing number of gifts still to buy. I promise myself every year that I will be more proactive the next year, and all I had this year coming into Dec. 1 was a $5 sushi kit )

[OneWithTwo]

She doesn't...I am trying not to show anything(trying).
You know, my very first u/s showed a later due date..I mean he isn't growing, but what if I am not as far as they thought and maybe he was measuring big for awhile. If I am not eating enough protein, it could help eating more. I am just glad to have these resources. Searching here on MDC, I have found some posts relating to it...
I just am not going to be all negative yet...he is kicking and active...I would think, could be wrong, that if he was that unhealthy that he would show signs. I have read u/s can be wrong. I guess we will see after meeting with genetic counselor..and amnio's, has anyone here had one? She told me what to expect, but I am just wondering from someone who may have had one.
Amniotic fluid level is good, cervix measuring at 4.75, and the tech said that the placenta is away from the cervix opening and the portion connected to the baby looks better than the last time. I am still REALLY confused by why it is split..like I said, lots of question for thursday, hope they have the large time slot for me. The tech said she does see this.
My friend told me she had her son at 35 weeks and he was 3lbs 7oz. They diagnosed her earlier.

[GreenTeaGinger61]

(((Hugs))) Erika. Sending pvs your way!

[Amandamanda]

s thinking of you and jennings, ericka!

[OneWithTwo]

On a more positive note...the owner of the house has called a few #'s checking my references which means I am one step closer..I so want this house. It would be good for us. Fresh start. New beginnings. I guess I should get my boxes out and start packing?
No snow yet here, but sure feels like there should be. I am hoping it just holds out for me and we get no snow! I love snow, but snow=no driving=no work=no moving. not good. I am worried about this "ceiling heat", everyone I have talked to who has it says it's impossible to heat the house and the bill is HIGH...does anyone with older houses have ceiling heat? Does it heat your house? Normally in my apartment which is between two, gets hot. Although today it was freezing..first time I had to use the small heater in my room.
Has anyone seen "Away We Go"? I ppviewed it this weekend. HILARIOUS! If you haven't seen it yet I recommend it. It has Maya Rudolph in it from SNL(I am sure she has been in more but I know her from SNL) and Maggie Gyllenhaal and Maggie's character is SO FUNNY. I won't ruin it for anyone, but man...Here is the link to IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1176740/

My goal is to not be stressed out about this or sad...he is still there with a beating heart. I am not going to give up on him...I don't think stress/depression is going to help anything. I may seek out a second opinion..maybe a u/s from another facility.

[crazyeight]

erika~ certainly no reason to even go near thinking about giving up! i find it amazing that we have the potential for 2 miracle babies in one DDC! Claire and you both are surronded by many who are sending well wishes!

I am finally getting into my crafty mood. I think putting up the tree yesterday helped alot! My mom wants me to make a special hat so I've started searching the net for hat patterns. I've never sewed a hat before. It's actually kinda difficult! Although maybe that's cause I want perfection....you know no bumps and a very snug fit. Then I have to figure out the best way to put in the hole. So far 2 hats...both look fine but they aren't up to my standards. I have I swear 20 yds of bright purple fleece to experiment on though. Another chink i've thrown myself is that I want to put an extra layer that is more of a windbreak (and also do embroidery on) which doubles the difficulty factor. But its' fun! Also have scarves to sew, a scarf to finish knitting, 2 kids activity bags, and maybe even my own new bag!

[Carley]

Originally Posted by erickalynne

i do kegals and I still pee..

So sorry you're going through this!

Originally Posted by jenfl

I could use some good, healthy vibes. I don't want to go into details, but there's some weirdness with a patient my DH was exposed to, and there's going to be some waiting and watching for symptoms in our future.

Originally Posted by Oztok5

May I join you ladies in the weekly chat thread?

Honestly, I had been keeping myself somewhat distant from the pregnancy in the beginning. I was afraid of getting very attached and then having something terrible happen. Over the last two weeks or so, I've been starting to feel more comfortable (maybe it's my finally growing belly?), and I would really love to get to know you ladies better. We have our ultrasound tomorrow, and I absolutely can't wait to see our little bean for the first time.

I'm finally feeling more comfortable in this pregnancy - I don't know if it's because this is a pregnancy after a loss or just because I've been so preoccupied with DD, but man! It took 6 months for me to "feel" pregnant with my next child!

Originally Posted by Riverbeauty

Had my first BirthWorks class yesterday! It was fantastic! Just what I need. And the instructor has agreed that much of the stuff would be review for me, so she is condensing the parts I DO need into a shorter class and is going to give me back part of the class fee! YEAH!

Originally Posted by Pepper44

As for me, I feel strange today. My belly has a lot of pressure and an achy/cramp feeling. I hope it's just muscles stretching or something. It's making me paranoid. Do you all ever get aches like that?

I'm still unable to do the dishes without setting off dry heaving, so that's up to my DH. My sink is so scary right now. Really, really scary.

Yep. This pregnancy at 6 months is my pregnancy with DD at 10! I wonder what weeks 30-40 will be like! Praying I get some sleep in there!

I am SO sorry you (and others!) are still getting sick!!! That's unbelievable!!! Boo on that! Boooo!

Originally Posted by nikirj

AFM - my 4yo has been angry with me for over a week now because I told her she can't catch the baby. She assures me she won't drop it, she just wants to be the first person to hug it, and she will be quiet and "all calm and like that." It's kind of ridiculous because I haven't even tried to talk to the kids about birth planning yet; they're just taking it on themselves (I don't want to think about it yet!!!). I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, since it was my now-8yo that decided I'd be having a waterbirth last time. I think they care more than I do at this point.

omg... that is the sweetest thing ever!!!!!

Originally Posted by nikirj

I detest moving. Why are half the pregnant women I know moving?!

I know!!! You ladies are HARD.CORE.

Originally Posted by Peace+Hope

but also, i can. not. imagine. having ANYONE extra at my own birth, and it's hard for me to identify with what she wants... i worry about her memory being, well, she wasn't helpful, she just WATCHED.

it's helpful to hear your perspectives and to keep remembering her needs can be as valid as mine, and as different as our personalities are.

Totally - and tough call! Everyone is so different & I think there's no telling how anyone will be during birth. I thought I'd want to be totally alone, but I ended up with my husband, 2 doulas, my midwife & her assistant & it was AWESOME! Like a party!

Some of my favourite things our labor support did were:

* someone handing me a nice hot rice sock for my belly
* someone discretely taking pictures
* someone always refilling my glass of Recharge & making tea & snacks for everyone else (I was in labor a REALLY long time.. this was really nice )
* never having to go through a contraction alone, without someone's hand to hold, even when I was in the bathroom or someone else was doing something else
* people filling up the birth tub - I didn't even know it was going on!
* people doing EVERYTHING else so my husband could be with me 100%
* someone cleaning up each room, lighting candles & keeping things nice
* being cooked breakfast in bed
* having food in the fridge postpartum
* someone cleaning up EVERYTHING afterwards so the place looked better than it had before I gave birth!

I don't know if any of that helps, but there's a lot "to do" that's "behind the scenes" that's totally helpful. I loved my birth party!

Originally Posted by justamama

Its snowing!!! I'm sitting in my longjohn's and wool socks getting ready to make some cocoa. This is my favorite time of year!

I'm so jealous!!!

Originally Posted by justamama

Speaking of strollers- what are those with a toddler and baby planning on doing?

I technically have a "preschooler," but I think I'm settled on a Joovy Caboose Ultralight Tandem ("Sit & Stand") (unless I win the lotto, in which case I'll also buy This and This for a well rounded stroller selection )

This is comming from a mom who refused a stroller with DD#1 My mom thinks my newfound stroller desire's pretty funny! We were given this Bob Sport Utility & I'm in love with it - I would LOVE a Revolution Duallie! Omgomgomg!

We have a MacClaren umbrella stroller (I got the hinge covers though, so ours shouldn't amputate anyone's finger ) which is handy for the Grandparents. It doesn't do us much good around our neighborhood, though, since we don't have sidewalks & our streets are all chewed up.

Originally Posted by sandcastle

On another note, my HBAC baby is one today! Unfortunately, he is sick and didn't sleep well last night. I told DH "Well, he kept us up all night last year (labor), he may as well this year as well". LOL May I never have another posterior labor and pushing stage again.

Well happy birthday HBAC baby

Originally Posted by smeisnotapirate

Chanukah starts on Friday here. We've been done with all of our shopping since before Thanksgiving, so I'm excited to get out the menorah and light some candles. [/B]

Originally Posted by justamama

I told my MW that this time I was a longer, calmer labor...and NOT POSTERIOR!

I'll take the NOT POSTERIOR part too... but not longer, please

Originally Posted by ivymae

Whew, this week has been crazy, so I am trying to catch up. We had the girls' birthday party yesterday, so hopefully life will slow down a little. Oh, except for 3 more birthdays (that I am making gifts for) in the next two weeks, then Christmas, then moving, then being alone with a toddler and a preschooler for two months while in the third trimester. Hmm. I think I need more coffee...

...I said "That's it, you woke up the baby, both of you go back to your room!" and then had to roll my eyes at myself, because i really thought I would have a few more months before yelling "You woke up the baby!".

Wowzas mama!!! This next 3 months is going to FLY by! What a *darling* story - your girls are so sweet!!

Originally Posted by sehbub

Just got back from spending 4 days in Nashville visiting my sis. I took DD3 and DS with me. Oy. They've been fine in the past, but are at that weird age now where traveling without the whole family is upsetting. DD3 was pretty homesick and begging for Daddy starting one day in. Poor bug.

DS2 (that's so fun to say!!) seemed to enjoy the drive. I could feel him rocking and rolling like crazy the whole drive. All 650 miles.

it's so sweet your kiddos missed the whole fam!!!! What a sweet family!!!

Originally Posted by MaterPrimaePuellae

They accepted our offer on the house!

AFM: time is FLYING by y'all. I am just not ready to be heading into my 3rd trimester... my next midwife appointment is at 28 weeks on December 23rd

As of today I am TOTALLY done with Christmas presents I did Visa gift cards for all the "kids" (neices/nephews/brother), digital photo frame for MIL/FIL, my mom's Amazon wishlist for her which left me with DD & DH.

I found DD A FurReal Friends Pony at the consignment store (she asked Santa for a horse... this is as close as she'll get to owning one while she's in this house! ) & bought DH (really the whole family, since it's a blueray player) a PS3 package with the extra controller & Madden 2010. He is going to FREAK OUT. I'm SO excited!

I'm so happy - and the best part is I did Christmas UNDER budget for cash! Well - there are some purchases on the cc since I purchased them online, but I have the cash to pay them off... so still no interest! YAY!

Sending everyone

[Peace+Hope]

carley,

thanks, that DOES help! you are so right that there is always something to be done behind the scenes. i'd love to cook, but don't want that to bother her. i'll definitely take knitting, and maybe work on a newborn hat if there's time they don't need me. my sister has mentioned i may need to rest, but i'd hate for her to be worrying about me...

i'm not worried about being in tune to her needs once i'm there, i'm just such a planner, it's hard to let go of thinking about it NOW... and then, if she doesn't "need" me, doing the "right" thing. haha, what?

so mpp, the house is in VA? does that mean you'll be with your husband and not have to worry about him travelling for the birth????? i hope so! keep us posted!!!

[sehbub]

MPP, where in VA? We're in WV.

Carley - well done! We haven't started shopping yet. Whoops.

[MaterPrimaePuellae]

Originally Posted by Peace+Hope

so mpp, the house is in VA? does that mean you'll be with your husband and not have to worry about him travelling for the birth????? i hope so! keep us posted!!!

Originally Posted by sehbub

MPP, where in VA? We're in WV.

Yes, the house is in VA! It's in Ruther Glen, about 25 minutes south of Fredericksburg. I'll post pictures if/when I can get my camera card working. It needs some work, but it's all work within ability range, and I think Dh is even going to do most of it himself (I did almost everything last time, and I do NOT want to repeat that experience!). It's his turn

There is a hospital birth center comparable to ours within 45 minutes of the house. If we end up in the house soon enough, we might look into switching providers to someone up in VA. However, there is a possibility that we might not be in the house at all until March, and then there will be so much construction/paint/dust/fumes that I really don't want for my pregnant self or DD to be inhaling it much.... so in that case, we'd still be in the same sort of scenario.

There's still a chance I'll make it to the top of the list at Birthcare (which would be QUITE a drive!), but if that happens, at least Dh and I will be making the drive together

[smeisnotapirate]

Originally Posted by sehbub

MPP, where in VA? We're in WV.

Carley - well done! We haven't started shopping yet. Whoops.

Where in WV? North?

We'll be driving through Wheeling on the way to my parents' house sometime around New Years.