We Made It! Chat Thread - July 25 thru AUGUST 1!!

[Baby_Cakes]

This chat thread brings us to AUGUST 1st!!  We made it, ladies!!  

Old chat thread here.

[Lynann]

I can't believe how close we are to August.

[SynEpona]

I just got violently punched by baby girl! She doesn't like it when I sneeze apparently! OUCH!

[Imprint]

Amazing!  And my babies are still cooking!  

With family in and out and some computer problems, I've been very absent, but thinking of everyone, and hoping you are all doing well.  (Hopefully, I'll have time to catch up on a few threads in the next hour or two.)  

[mamamerle]

I have an appointment with my chiropractor tomorrow. She says she can do some adjustment to help get this ball rolling. Come on baby!

[PoetryLover]

Okay---I'm going to try to participate in this thread. Every weekly chat thread so far I get so far behind that jumping in seems overwhelming. So here I am. 

I posted in the complaint thread recently, but DH and I are trying so hard to arrange care for 17 month old DS when I go into labor and it seems nearly impossible. Nobody is able to commit. One member from our worship group offered, then retracted the offer to backup/if you can't find anyone else/yada/yada, and now plans to be away for a long weekend my 39th week. We approached another couple from our worship group, who said they are fairly committed until the day of my due date, the 15th of August, but they would be willing to be part of a group who could be on call, and then they recommended the first lady who kind of bailed on us. They said they feel good about someone being available when the  time comes, but I don't feel good about it.

I realized I have to ask for what I need, as was pointed out in the other thread, that people just don't magically know. So DH asked the above couple from our worship group. I also called 2 friends. One can't take time off work (which I knew), but is available weekends and would be honored. The other set of friends (they're roommates) are committed to their best friend who has the same due date as me (which I also figured). They said to put them on call, anyway, because they can't see us going into labor on the same day. Unless one of these friends backs out, I'm not even asking my family. My family is 2-6 hours away and my 2 sisters that would help each have 3 kids. I thought of having my mom come a week early, but she would have my 2 baby sisters (ages 12 & 13), and it's nearly impossible to get her to visit me for a couple days, much less a week.

So I'm trying to put all this together and am feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and a little depressed about it.

[Jbouck5]

Ladies I must share this link with you:

 http://jezebel.com/5822687/pregnant-and-pulling-a-deuce

I posted it in the old chat thread last night. It made me It might be better suited for the weight gain thread, buuut I don't think anyone's too interested in posting in there these days ;)

Now I'm off to see the dentist about my stupid tooth that decided to scare me to death at 39 weeks :(

[Baby_Cakes]

Originally Posted by PoetryLover 

Okay---I'm going to try to participate in this thread. Every weekly chat thread so far I get so far behind that jumping in seems overwhelming. So here I am. 

I posted in the complaint thread recently, but DH and I are trying so hard to arrange care for 17 month old DS when I go into labor and it seems nearly impossible. Nobody is able to commit. One member from our worship group offered, then retracted the offer to backup/if you can't find anyone else/yada/yada, and now plans to be away for a long weekend my 39th week. We approached another couple from our worship group, who said they are fairly committed until the day of my due date, the 15th of August, but they would be willing to be part of a group who could be on call, and then they recommended the first lady who kind of bailed on us. They said they feel good about someone being available when the  time comes, but I don't feel good about it.

I realized I have to ask for what I need, as was pointed out in the other thread, that people just don't magically know. So DH asked the above couple from our worship group. I also called 2 friends. One can't take time off work (which I knew), but is available weekends and would be honored. The other set of friends (they're roommates) are committed to their best friend who has the same due date as me (which I also figured). They said to put them on call, anyway, because they can't see us going into labor on the same day. Unless one of these friends backs out, I'm not even asking my family. My family is 2-6 hours away and my 2 sisters that would help each have 3 kids. I thought of having my mom come a week early, but she would have my 2 baby sisters (ages 12 & 13), and it's nearly impossible to get her to visit me for a couple days, much less a week.

So I'm trying to put all this together and am feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and a little depressed about it.

I'm really glad you asked people!!  At least now you have some options!!  I think it's going to all work out fine.  

Julie - Yay for keeping those babies cooking!!  How awesome!!

Janie - Still sending you labor vibes!! 

Jbouck - Good luck at the dentist!  And I said it before, but that link you posted is TOO FUNNY!  Go big or go home!!

AFM - I went this am for my last blood draw regarding my platelets.  Ugh, it all feels so final.  I'm a bit down about it, I can't even bring myself to clean up the house b/c I feel like, what's the point, I'm know I'm going to risk out of my homebirth.    Though, the woman who took my blood and I were chatting, and I told her I was planning a homebirth and the reason I was getting my blood taken was b/c of the platelet issue.  She called me a warrior for wanting to do it at home, and said she was amazed by me.  I thought that was really nice of her, and made me feel empowered.  

I can't think of anything I want to do today.  Sigh.   Nora's not helping matters by saying she just wants to hang out at home with me.  I even offered to take her out to lunch but she moaned and groaned and said no thanks.  Well, alright then.  Another day moping about!  LOL!

[Italiamom]

Yay for August and chiro appointments.  I desperately need one (or five), but it's SO not in the budget right now.  I'm absolutely miserable on the pelvis front, and terrified that I'm going to have 20 or 30 hours of back labor because things are all messed up.  Does anyone know of stretching you CAN do with SPD?  Any squatting or crossing legs is out, but the muscles in my hips are getting so stiff from always keeping my legs together.

Jbouk, I hope the dental appointment goes okay.  Can pregnant women have the happy gas?  I could use a few minutes of happy gas right about now!

PoetryLover, your situation sounds stressful.  I'm sorry you can't find someone to just commit!  It sounds like between all those people, that one of them would be able to watch DS, but that's still so...  I don't know.  If I were in labor and then had to call 10 different people to try and find child care, it would drive me bonkers!!  We still don't have someone to watch DS either.  The person we were going to have come had to back out (she and her partner split), so she wouldn't have anyone to leave HER two kids with.  And I don't want them at my birth.  I'm guessing DH is just going to have to watch DS, and I will have to labor alone with the midwives.  Not happy about it, but I guess that's how the cookie will crumble.  DS is a complete handful, so it's hard to find someone, let alone in the middle of the night.  Sigh.

I don't just want it to be August, I want it to be the day in August that I can get this all over with.  I'm ready to be able to roll over/walk/squat like a normal human being!

[kylaskye]

A chat thread less than a page long? Haven't seen that yet. 

I can't believe that it's almost August! I refuse to believe it. 

Still excited about all my diapers. Since they came from the diaper service I don't need to prep them, so I got 'em all folded and put away. I have wipes cut up and we're getting disposables, 'cause DH wants them (and I planned on having them for out of the house, anyways.) Finally getting everything in place, it feels like. 

I called the midwife to make up another appointment. Been putting that off for 3 weeks now, 'cause I'm not really happy with her. But DH needs her to fill out paperwork so he can be with me during the birth if it's during work time.

My shower is a bit less than 2 weeks away. (I've been forbidden to go into labor before the 6th because of that reason.) And my MIL is really excited. She rearranged furniture and steam cleaned the carpets for it. And I get to sit in a special chair that nobody ever uses. (It's always covered in a blanket she got for her wedding.)

And I cheated and checked my registry, and somebody bought the diaper bag I wanted! I almost cried when I saw that. I know I'm going to be getting a lot of clothes, since nobody's going to fighting over who buys me cloth diapers when they don't understand them. (But I took off the small prefolds and most of the flats from the registry in case anybody does want to buy them. They'll be more likely to get covers anyways, since those are cute and people like cute.)

So the thing that's kicking me is actually going to be a baby? I'm still having trouble believing that. Been feeling really good except for hip and back pain. And heartburn. Just trying to convince the babe that they should stay inside until after finals are done with. 

I should be able to get DH to take me to see Harry Potter today. He said if I could get him up in time he would. Here's to hoping. And we get to go to the zoo on Saturday. He has a company picnic, and I've been bugging him to take me all summer. I know it's a bit late, but it might be coolish outside, and my favorite places are all indoors.

[PoetryLover]

Originally Posted by Baby_Cakes 

I'm really glad you asked people!!  At least now you have some options!!  I think it's going to all work out fine.  

Julie - Yay for keeping those babies cooking!!  How awesome!!

Janie - Still sending you labor vibes!! 

Jbouck - Good luck at the dentist!  And I said it before, but that link you posted is TOO FUNNY!  Go big or go home!!

AFM - I went this am for my last blood draw regarding my platelets.  Ugh, it all feels so final.  I'm a bit down about it, I can't even bring myself to clean up the house b/c I feel like, what's the point, I'm know I'm going to risk out of my homebirth.    Though, the woman who took my blood and I were chatting, and I told her I was planning a homebirth and the reason I was getting my blood taken was b/c of the platelet issue.  She called me a warrior for wanting to do it at home, and said she was amazed by me.  I thought that was really nice of her, and made me feel empowered.  

I can't think of anything I want to do today.  Sigh.   Nora's not helping matters by saying she just wants to hang out at home with me.  I even offered to take her out to lunch but she moaned and groaned and said no thanks.  Well, alright then.  Another day moping about!  LOL!

I should clarify that the couple DH asked from our worship group have outside commitments until the day of our due date, so they would most likely not be available. I think I made it sound like they could be committed to us until that date. As for my other 2 friends, one wants to help, but I don't *feel* the other one truly does. And I'm not Christian enough for the 3rd friend (who has the same due date as me) and I'm afraid she's going to tell them she's not comfortable with it. She's always felt threatened by me for some reason. But I could totally see her saying to them something like, "But what if I go into labor and you're helping her?" Maybe that would be a valid concern, but although it's a possibility we may go into labor on the same date, it's not a probability. This friend of theirs has shot down including me in things in the past, and I suppose I'm a little bitter and guarded.

Anyway, one of the 2 friends should be here shortly to talk about things, and hopefully I will be able to feel better regarding the care of DS while I'm in labor.

Later this evening the doula will visit to meet DH for the first time. I"m a little nervous. I did a lot of cleaning yesterday, but there are still some things that need to be picked up and I still need to make a chocolate pumpkin pie with celestial cream. I'm rather looking forward to eating it, so any excuse will do. :-)

Carrie, good luck on your platelets. You've been working hard and I hope you get the results you need in order to keep your homebirth.

[Italiamom]

Originally Posted by Jbouck5 

Ladies I must share this link with you:

 http://jezebel.com/5822687/pregnant-and-pulling-a-deuce

Fantastic!!  I love the quote: "For me, the eating had felt so unimaginably good. It had felt like a warm blanket of comfort during 9 months of discomfort. It was what had kept me going as I deprived myself of every other vice that pregnancy refused me."  Which is pretty much how I feel every time I stuff my face with cookies.  My body is so darn miserable...  At least my mouth can be happy!

Kylaskye -- good luck on the Harry Potter front!!  I vote you go by yourself if you can't get him up in time.  Saves you from having to share candy

And Carrie, good luck mama!!  When do you get the results back?

[greencarnation]

I hope the tooth thing is nothing!  Why must things always go wrong at the last minute?

The heat wave finally broke, so maybe I can get some things done this week.  It's still hot, but that's summer in VA for you.  This week is pretty busy with appointments, and next week I have appointment AND some photo shoots.  It's probably good for me to get out of the house a bit, but all I want to do is stay home while Hubby reads me Game of Thrones.

[earth-mama]

Poetry Lover:  I have a feeling that things will work out for you.  I also just thought that if you have a list of potential caretakers maybe you could get a friend or family member to be the one to make the phone calls, so you and your DH would only have to make one phone call and that other person could call the several potential caretakers when you go into labor then call you and tell you who will be caring for you DS.  That might make it a little less stressful.  

Carrie:  I hope your platelets come back with the right numbers.  Here are some homebirth vibes 

AFM:  I am really hoping I don't actually make it to August!  I have been telling this baby that this week would be great!! However, in the back of my mind I figure that this one could stay snuggled inside as long as August 9 (this would be the timing of when DD decided to come on out!)

[SynEpona]

I'd forgotten since the 20wk U/S how much 'fun' it is to try & drink LOTS of water an hour before .... I hope I don't sneeze again in the next 90min ... sneezing + full bladder + baby who violently kicks at sneezes = bad combo.
 

Originally Posted by PoetryLover . And I'm not Christian enough for the 3rd friend (who has the same due date as me) and I'm afraid she's going to tell them she's not comfortable with it....

Anyway, one of the 2 friends should be here shortly to talk about things, and hopefully I will be able to feel better regarding the care of DS while I'm in labor....

That bugs me, who is she to decide who is 'Christian' enough ... there's a few verses about how it's not her judgement call to make! (but I know the type, and know there's no point in you trying to explain that to her!). Hopefully the other friends can see past her reasoning, and your visit with the one friend goes well today, leaving you feeling like things will be well taken care of!

[jillybeans]

Poetrylover: I hear you on finding someone to help. It's frustrating! We live in a tiny town with no relatives close. We have three litle girls that will need someone! I hope you find someone soon mama.

Carrie, when do you get your news?

oh ma lordy. 12 hours yesterday (3pm to 3am) of contractions 4-6min apart, lasting 50sec to a minute and a half. Dh kept wanting to go in because I was seriously struggling with them, but I could tell they weren't changing...not getting worse/stronger/longer/etc. And I didn't want them to just send me home! I'm sooooo tired today. And hopefully next time this happens it just freaking HAPPENS and doesn't mess with me. And that it doesn't happen again until AFTER August 4th! (term)


Is anyone else getting really sick of this false labor stuff? This is by far the worst I've had. I'm thinking that because I just finished my last progesterone shot last wed. that things will pick up after this wed. although I hope they don't!

Has anyone heard from Angie lately?

[*Jessica*]

Originally Posted by jillybeans 

oh ma lordy. 12 hours yesterday (3pm to 3am) of contractions 4-6min apart, lasting 50sec to a minute and a half. Dh kept wanting to go in because I was seriously struggling with them, but I could tell they weren't changing...not getting worse/stronger/longer/etc. And I didn't want them to just send me home! I'm sooooo tired today. And hopefully next time this happens it just freaking HAPPENS and doesn't mess with me. And that it doesn't happen again until AFTER August 4th! (term)


Is anyone else getting really sick of this false labor stuff? This is by far the worst I've had. I'm thinking that because I just finished my last progesterone shot last wed. that things will pick up after this wed. although I hope they don't!
 

ME, ME, ME, ME, ME!  Three weeks of sporadic contractions leading up to last night's false labor ordeal and I am done, done, done!  I'm full term today, so any time this little one is ready to come is fine with me.  I keep telling myself that it could be weeks yet, but having had both boys early it's hard to keep believing it.  Mom and Marc aren't helping.  They see the bloody show from this morning as a sign that labor is imminent and expect to be holding a baby girl tomorrow.  *sigh*  My mom came over to help me out today and is taking the boys for a walk to the playground right now.  The silence is so blissful.  I wish I could just make everyone go away and leave me alone until I'm truly in labor and it's getting too hard to handle alone, then I could call Marc and have him come home. 

Any tips on how to get labor rolling?  I'm starting to dilate (1cm) and efface (70%), with baby at -2 station and a very, very soft cervix.  Let's get this show on the road!

[Birdie B.]

Wow, Jessica, it sounds like you are really really close! I don't know what I would do if I was having that much false labor for 3 weeks! Hopefully it will make your labor nice and short.

Imprint - congrats on your twins still cooking, that's fabulous!

PoetryLover- I know, it's been hard for us to find people to take care of our daughter too. None of our family is closer than 13 hours away, and all our local friends either have jobs or kids. It's hard to find anyone that could take off work, or juggle an extra kid, so we have asked a bunch of people and have 4 on our list to call.  One for nightime (she works during the day, but can help us out overnight), two people for weekend/evenings, and one friend with a daughter Meadow's age, who can take her to her house and keep her as long as we need.  So we have some options, but it all depends on how things work out.  Good luck!

AFM - I'm feeling really good, and I'm kind of excited by these warm-up contractions I'm having.  I hope that means something will be happening soon, since I'm 38 weeks. My daughter was born at 38+4, so I am sort of expecting another "early" baby.  My MIL is here, and it's actually not too bad. She's keeping Meadow occupied so I can get things done and rest. 

[Emerging butterfly]

My baby shower/blessingway is on Sunday! DH is excited to make cupcakes...lemon with lemon and lavender flavored frosting....mmmmm...He's making lavender lemonade, and planning on a Mediterranean spread of food. You know, I'm really glad he can cook so well! He is looking forward to two weeks of vacation when our buttercup comes as well. Although, his boss informs him that only one week will be a paid vacation!!! He had thought he got two weeks, but APPARENTLY, that was only for management. He's their top therapist, and he KNOWS they told him he got 2 weeks, but they conveniently did not even put ONE week in his contract. Funny, so many things are IN his contract for THEIR benefit....but....vacation? nope. Whatever. He's getting two, and that will be great.
Just got a package from Canada! Squeeeeeee! This is from my friend Karen....and SQUEEEEE! It's baby girl stuff! BE BACK SOON!

[Emerging butterfly]

Oh wow....

I am totally bowled over.

Giant box from Canada filled to the brim with girly beauty. Dresses that would rival a princesses attire with abundance from age birth to 2 years old. So many sweet bonnets, little cottony suits of pink and lavender bliss...flowers, frills, hearts, and promises of girly delight along with a beautifully carved bead for my necklace. A big package from my sweet friend in Maine, with an adorable pink outfit and cap and two lovely beads, and finally, a small package from sweet Dawn with a hand knit cap in softest white with an ecru knit flower for a tiny wee head...

I'm overcome...

I may not have a loving family....but I certainly have amazing friends. All these women are women who lost babies at the same time as me...and now...look at the love being showered...it's enough to make my heart burst.

I'm so grateful for my sisters in life...