Weekly Chat: November 20-26th Happy Thanksgiving! « Back to Group Discussions

[forestmushroom]

Name:

Weeks/Days along:

Appointments:

Symptoms:

Food:

Exercise:

Body changes and other milestones:

Thoughts

[Astraia]

Eh, I already had Thanksgiving a month ago! You Americans and your crazy late Thanksgiving :P

Busy weekend- group piano lessons, hubby had a paper to write for school and was gone most of Saturday, co-birthday party for my MIL and 3 year old, then work all day Sunday followed by our work Christmas party. I've been eating terribly the last 3 days or so, definitely no where near enough vegetables, and I can really tell. I think I'm pretty constipated (TMI, sorry!) and am getting crampy stomach pain because of it. Took me a few minutes to roll over in bed this morning because moving made my stomach hurt. Boo. So my goal for today: eat LOTS and lots and lots of veggies. Might pick up some dried fruit, too... like prunes. I loooove prunes.

Name: Astraia

Weeks along: 16+1

Appointments: next week sometime

Symptoms: I feel great. Totally fine. Some belly "heaviness" and BH's if I haven't been careful to drink a LOT of water

Food: non-raw vegetables still don't seem that fabulous, but raw veggies seem too cold. I'm always feeling really cold these days, it's an issue. Eating way too much bread and cheese and not enough of anything else. I love fruit and would eat tons of it, but I keep giving it all to the kids without thinking to save any for myself.

Exercise: niente- walk the dog once a day, but that's about it.

Body changes: one stranger at work noticed the belly and commented. All my coworkers keep commenting on how I'm really showing (wearing a slim-fitting dress and leggings at the work party yesterday probably helped that along) and rubbing my belly. Luckily, it doesn't bother me, because EVERYONE does it.

Thoughts: can't believe my little girl is almost THREE! Cripes. Sometimes she seems so old, and other days she still such a baby. I go back and forth between thinking this is gonna be really easy with her being so grown up and helpful and thinking this is going to be a real struggle with all three of them still needing me so much.

Still not really feeling baby movement. I was SO sure at about 12-14 weeks, but now that I feel like I really should be feeling something totally obvious (16 weeks, come on already!!!) there still isn't anything definite. It could be gas or muscle spasms or cramps. Like right now I feel like something is sorta pushing at my belly...but I can't feel anything with my hand, and it doesn't come and go like a baby kicking would, just pushes for a bit (30 seconds maybe) and goes away again. Frustrating.

[mswmommy]

We're having a GIRL!!!

DH and I opened "the envelope" from our doctor while we were on vacation last week.  We are shocked and thrilled. :)  It's hard to wrap our brains around having a baby girl since we've only parented our little boy so far.  Our heads are still spinning! She also starting kicking while we were there, so it's been such a fun week!

Name: mswmommy

Weeks/Days along: 16weeks, 5days

Appointments: next OB appointment on 12/1, but starting to research which midwife I'd like to switch to.

Symptoms: I'm so huge!  No one believes I'm only 16 weeks.  DH took some great belly pictures at the beach, so once I get him to download them from the camera, I'll find one to post on the belly thread.

Food: the nausea is finally 100% gone.  I'm still having some mild aversions, but I'm almost back to eating like a normal person (if you don't count the ridiculously tiny portions I eat because there is already no room in there!). 

Exercise: not back on track with the exercise yet, but hoping to start scheduling treadmill time again soon.

Body changes and other milestones: As mentioned, I'm huge.  Luckily I've only gained one pound so far, but I'm in maternity clothes full time already.

Thoughts: Trying to decide when to tell DS about the baby.  He turned 2 a couple months ago so he's still really young.  I'm not sure how well he'll be able to process something that's not happening for another 5+ months.  On the other hand, I know my family will have gifts for the new baby at Christmas and he'll have questions.  Any advice is much appreciated!

[BubbleMa]

Congrats mswmommy!!  :D  As for telling DS, I think if you explain that the baby is growing inside your tummy and will come out in May he'll understand.  You can even get a calendar and help him mark the days off or something like that.  He'll probably still ask constantly, but at least he'll feel like he's part of the process.  I'm sure there are great books out there to help explain things too.

Name: Sarah

Weeks/Days along: 16!

Appointments: Next Wednesday, unless I have to cancel because I have jury duty.  Boo!

Symptoms: I'm happy to report that the nausea/sour stomach/food aversions are gone!  I have most of my energy back too!  Libido is back too!  My boobs are still sensitive, although not as painfully sore as they were.  Oh, and my skin is clearing up (for the moment anyway).  In short...I feel human again! 

Food: Everything, but especially caesar salad.  I can't get enough caesar salad!

Exercise: Walking DD to the bus stop every day.  I'm going to have to walk somewhere else for the week or so that she's out of school.

Body changes and other milestones:  I *think* I'm feeling movement.  :)  Also, pregnancy brain is in full effect.  I've been very clumsy and forgetful lately.  Mostly clumsy though.  :\ 

Thoughts:  Excited!  Hopefully we'll get to find out the gender soon!

[janellody]

Congrats on the girl news mswmommy!!!  I hope to get the same news in a few weeks when I go to my doc :)

Name: Janelle

Weeks/Days along: 15!

Appointments: December 12.......... gender ultrasound......... I almost can't contain myself until then!!!!!!!!!

Symptoms: Same ol Same ol... I got some new medicine to help with my stomach ache.   See, I don't really feel nauseous anymore, it's more of a stomach ache... so my doctor gave me something to help with stomach acid, even though I am having no heartburn.  I think it helps a little!  Not compeltely gone but I went one day without it and wanted to kill myself, so hey if something helps I am using it!

Food: I don't want any of it.  Every meal is difficult.

Exercise: I keep saying when I feel better I will... it's not my fault I still feel like crap!

Body changes and other milestones:  Still looking fat!  Still hopeful for a nice belly sometime soon!

Thoughts:  Just can't contain myself until December 12........ come on December 12!!! I need to know if this is a girl or a boy hanging out in there making me feel like crap!!!

[LinnieThree]

Thank you Forestmushroom for always starting this weekly chat :)

Mswmommy- congratulations on the baby GIRL!!! That is wonderful :)

Name: Lindsay

Weeks/Days along: 15 weeks TODAY!

Appointments: tomorrow at 1:30

Symptoms: Back ache, still exhausted (I REALLY need to take my IRON),  still weepy but no longer irritable, still peeing a lot. I had a mild cold this week. Mainly I was coughing a lot and my lungs felt awful. I was lucky that it didn't get worse but I was feeling pretty yucky.

Food: I am craving Indian food- we had my parents over for tree trimming and butter chicken last night. I am still drinking a lot of ice water. I am loving pesto. I seem to want things with flavour! I am jealous of the american thanksgiving... we missed ours last month due to a sick kid. I am craving cups of tea but I am too lazy to make them for myself and if someone would cut up a grapefruit for me everyday, I would be in heaven. I am loving cold things like sorbet, gelato and ice cream. I had some amazing gelato the other night- half a cup of fresh coconut and the other half was hazelnut.

Exercise: Can you hear the sound of crickets....? I have no answer.

Body changes and other milestones: My belly is definitely getting bigger but I have only gained about 4-5 lbs so I am feeling ok about my body. The worst part is the cellulite on the top front of my thighs and my back fat- its AWFUL! We are going to Great Wolf Lodge on Monday the 28th for three days... I am dreading being in a bathing suit... especially beside my bff who birthed 4 large children is she is like 5"9 and 115 lbs. Oh well- I have to OWN this body!

Thoughts I am in a horrible headspace of thinking that something is wrong because I haven't had a check up since 11 weeks and I don't really know if I am feeling movement and I am wondering if everything is ok down there. I am nervous about hearing the heartbeat tomorrow. I hate that I am this worried. This is my third pregnancy and I seem to always get like this as I get into the second trimester. The better I physically feel makes me feel more and more worried. I am reminding myself about that saying- worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but it doesn't get you anywhere.

[shastalily]

Yay Mswmommy!  How fun to know already.  Girls are great!

Linnie, it's normal to worry.  Ever since I felt baby movements I get worried if I go a day or two w/o feeling anything.  Good luck with your appointment tomororw.  It will be 5 weeks between appts for me this time and that feels so long!

Name:  Jenny

Weeks/Days along:  16 + 5

Appointments:  Dec 9 - Anatomy u/s plus midwife appt

Symptoms:  M/S is getting a lot better.  Occasional mild nausea and/or heartburn.  Today my sciatica is killing and going all the way down to my foot.  ugghhh  Feeling better overall though.

Food:  Eating pretty normally again but usually can't eat as much in one sitting as I used to.

Exercise:  Used our new treadmill for the first time last week, then things got crazy and now my sciatica is hurting too much.  :-(  Hopefully that will stop soon

Body changes and other milestones:  About the same...using maternity pants, mostly regular tops

Thought  Baby's movements have been getting stronger.  Still not feeling them regularly but probably every couple of days.  Love it!  Looking forward to a nice week with Thanksgiving, putting up Christmas lights, shopping, and painting dd's room

[poppyseed2012]

Name: Bonniejean

Weeks/Days along: 15w 5d

Appointments: Next appointment 12/9, gender appointment not until 12/30!

Symptoms: Tried going off my nausea medication for a day and it was bad, bad news. As long as I take it I'm feeling much better. Very tired. Also, a terrible taste in my mouth most times. And heartburn is starting to rear it's ugly head (and it's the first time I've ever experienced it!).

Food: No onions. Other than that I eat a lot. I've been loving salads and french dressing. Also pasta. Still get in my bagels and cream cheese most days.

Exercise: Nope. Trying to start yoga in the mornings, but I'm so, so tired!

Body changes and other milestones: Still breaking out like a teenager and loosing all my hair. So, I went to the mall, got a hair cut and spent way too much money at Bare Escentuals on makeup. My belly is very, very large and I got my first STRETCH MARK! Right on my left boob. I know, I'm grateful I don't have more, but boy, is it ugly.

Thoughts: I'm really looking forward to the gender ultrasound. Everyone is thinking girl, and I would love a girl, but I don't want to start daydreaming until I know for sure. Of course I'll love a boy or a girl! I'm coming to terms with the fact that I don't LOVE being pregnant. I thought I'd be one of those women who wear it like a smile on her wedding day, but it's more like a smile after major dental work. Rather than beating myself up about it, I'm meditating, letting go of expectations and preconceived notions and practicing acceptance. No matter how I feel about it, it's certainly a miracle!

[shastalily]

poppyseed -- You sound a lot like me.  I'm still taking m/s pills too (B6/unisom combo) and don't dare stop yet b/c a couple weeks ago I tried not taking it and got really sick the next day.  Maybe in another week or two I will try again b/c I'm feeling quite a bit better now.  I don't love being pregnant either.  It's hard work and often miserable.  But feeling the baby move does brighten my day during these difficult months.  Can't wait until May!

[forestmushroom]

Originally Posted by mswmommy 

We're having a GIRL!!!

\

Thoughts: Trying to decide when to tell DS about the baby.  He turned 2 a couple months ago so he's still really young.  I'm not sure how well he'll be able to process something that's not happening for another 5+ months.  On the other hand, I know my family will have gifts for the new baby at Christmas and he'll have questions.  Any advice is much appreciated!

Yeah for baby girls!  There are lots of books on having a new baby in the family. Our library has quite a few, and Amazon probably has a ton as well.  Books like "I'm a big brother" are simple and really helpful. I think it helps to get them now and read them over and over.  Also, if he has his own little baby doll, that seems to help to.  My almost 2 year-old loves his baby doll.  He has a small Corolle brand doll that he loves. 

Other then that, having a place in the fridge where he can get his own snacks/drinks,etc helps now. That way after baby is born and he needs a snack,etc he can help himself. That really helped my kids transition, because it wasn't like they were suddenly being neglected, because they were used to helping themselves. 

HTH! 

[Kamiro]

Name: Kamiro

Weeks/Days along: 16 weeks tuesday

Appointments: Diagnostic u/s with dr. monday 11/28, gender u/s (?) 11/30

Symptoms: omg constipation also. I feel you Grace!

Food: My zeal for food has waned again. Today I ate some chicken nuggets, grapes, and greek yogurt with banana and maple syrup. I am starving but I dont want to cook and nothing really sounds that great. Except thai food.  Guess how many thai food places are in this area haha:(

Exercise: Uh...

Body changes and other milestones: I woke up today and definitely feel like I have popped! My uterus just felt crazy bigger overnight!

Thoughts\

So my midwife offered since I was going in for a u/s just for gender that I may as well go in for a full diagnostic and have insurance pay for it. The doctors office that she is friendly with was super sweet and accomindating because they know my insurance ends at the end of this month. They got me in for an u/s next week. They told me it was diagnostic and definitely not be able to tell gender.

I am curious because the $50 fetal fotos place guarantees gender at 17 weeks and it only two days later...So, I figured I would go to the doctors office one and hopfully every thing is healthy and they can tell gender so we can save some money and time.  Do they just say that so we won't get our hopes up?

[MeredithA]

Name: Meredith

Weeks/Days along: 16 weeks today (going from how far along my ultrasounds say I am) 

Appointments: Monday!

Symptoms: sleepy, sore boobs again (they seem to hurt off and on) - boobs are also starting to look pregnant if that makes sense. heavier, bigger nipples, kind of puffy looking,...I'm actually kind of loving them right now because they look awesome in a bra. acne still but not *quite* as bad as it was, occasional sharp pain seemingly in my right ovary (??) and general hugeness

Food: fruit, fruit juice, popsicles, egg nog, breads/cakes, olives, and decaf coffee. I could live on these items right now. I am forcing myself to eat other things, but the past few days, banana bread and egg nog have been my main source of food. 

Exercise: No. I know I need to exercise, but I haven't been. 

Body changes and other milestones: I am H-U-G-E. In the past few days I've grown a lot. I can't even squeeze into my "fat pants" comfortably anymore and at night I look how I did at 30 weeks pregnant with my 1st!!! 100% maternity clothes these days. 

Thoughts Still not feeling any movement. Nothing at all. At the last ultrasound, baby had a strong heartbeat, but wasn't moving much. She only kicked once or twice the whole time and they were small movements so maybe she just isn't an active baby? I'm grateful that I have stopped bleeding. I guess the burst capillaries on my cervix have healed for now. 

Onemore: I'm pretty sure they'll be abe to tell the gender at your appointment on the 28th. They may not "guarantee" it that early, but they'll be able to see. When I had my last ultrasound at 15 weeks 3 days, the ultrasound tech could tell right away. 

msw: YAY for a GIRL!!!! How exciting! We think we're having a girl too! 

poppy: What is up with our hair?? Mine is falling out too! When I get my bloodwork done I'm going to ask them to check my thyroid. I mean, we are supposed to have nice thick hair now!
 

Linnie: I hear ya on the backfat. Maternity bands have a great way of smoothing it out. i have quite a bit of back pudge and this one pair of maternity pants holds it in and flattens it out - I love those jeans!

Sarah: yay for feeling human again!! 
 

[poppyseed2012]

Oh, also, I forgot to ask, any suggestions for heartburn?

Icky.

[KM84]

poppyseed - have you tried tums? It helps with heartburn, and some doctors even recommend it as a calcium supplement. 

[BubbleMa]

Originally Posted by poppyseed2012 

Oh, also, I forgot to ask, any suggestions for heartburn?

Icky.

A little glass of milk has helped me so far.  And I get it pretty bad.  I've also heard papaya enzyme helps.  You can buy it in chewable tablets.  I ate them by the fist full with DD, but they never helped my heartburn.  They taste good though. 

http://www.google.com/#q=papaya+enzyme&hl=en&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=JlTMTr-GGsK7tgfwivWYAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CG8QrQQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=d98391f7096812b4&biw=1280&bih=681

[lightheartedmom]

14w and change right now.
Second appt is next Friday. Can't wait to hear that hb again!
Body changes? When i lay flat I can feel my uterus and I love that!! I love knowing my baby is laying here right under my hands...I can feel him/her flipping around in there now...just a bit, it gets more defined every day.
What else...I am loving aged cheddar right now. Yay cheese. My food cravings are pretty much limited to breakfast and salty foods. I like the idea of sugar but actually eating much makes me sick. That's good because I need to gain very little weight (10-15lbs would be ok...even then...yuck)
I'm taking walks for exercise, need to step it up though.
Thoughts-etc...happy thanksgiving! Glad to spend tomorrow andthursday in the kitchen cooking my favorite meal of the year. And glad to be having a quiet holiday with just us and a childhood friend of dh who is alone this yr.
We told the kids a few days ago and one relative right after that. And I mailed a thanksgiving card to my parents telling them...today. So they probably won't get it until after. I'm happy with not a lot of people knowing. Pg is long...less peanut gallery commentary the better. I already got some raised eyebrows from the guy in walgreens who didn't approve of me having a third child. Why do people ask if a pg was planned? What is the right answer there? Seriously. I don't really know what to say to peope who ask me that. I love kids. I happen to not frown on large families (except for a few famous ones on tv ;-))...where do peope get off thinking they're allowed an opinion on how many kids I have? [/rant]
I am having really bad round ligament pain. I sneezed the other day and thought my insides were being ripped out (lower pelvic/groin area). I have to get up very carefully otherwise I get really bad shooting pains in that region. I'm worried this is a bad sign for my pelvic strength...:-/ will talk to mw next week when I see her.

Oh! And mswmommy! Yay girls! Just wanted to second the recommendation for the I'm a big brother book. We got the I'm a big sister book for dd1 when dd2 was on the way and it was perfect for her age level (she was 2). I'm reading it to dd2 who is also 2 to prep her for impending arrival of the great interloper (Aka dc3).

[ozzy]

Name: Ozzy

Weeks/Days along: 13w 5d - I feel behind!

Appointments: diagnostic/gender u/s 12/23 :)  On the phone she said "you want to know before Christmas don't you?" I was like "you got me."

Symptoms: nothing really now besides sore boobs. Some stomach pains after I took my disgusting vitamin on an empty stomach this week - oops. 

Food: anything and everything 

Exercise: ...

Body changes and other milestones: Stomach is puffed out a little but nothing exciting yet. I guess that's good since I haven't told coworkers or clients yet. Laid in bed this morning to see if I could feel the baby move, but I know it's too early. 

Thoughts: 

Poppy - I was surprised to the extent that I did not like pregnancy too! Especially after having a miscarriage. But there is more good now and I think as things go along I will find more to like...until the baby gets too big. I am just over 5 ft tall and was 5 lbs at birth. My husband was 10 lbs and keeps joking about me falling over.

[Just1More]

I've not been on much because every time I've tried the last few days, mothering locks up my computer.  Anyone else having that problem?  It's like it's taking up all the memory, my computer is working and working and working, and the page gets stuck?  Sometimes it can't even bring up the page at all? 

So much fun news!  Girl babies everywhere!  No one has heard "boy" yet! 

mwsmommy-I agree with the pp about that book.  It's a good one...we have the big brother, and big sister versions.  I will say that it has pictures of some more mainstream parenting things (like bottles, etc), so just heads up if you care.  Also (was it forestmushroom?) is right about transitioning to being more independent, and knowing what to do with themselves for 10-20 minutes at a time.  It's good for them to be used to being given "jobs".  Takes up time, keeps them interested in something they value, and helps you out a bit.  He'll be 2.5, or closer to 3 when the baby comes?  He can be learning to dress himself, get snacks and drink (for you and him), and two year olds make great "gophers".  Haha. I have so many gophers around here, I keep having to remind myself to get my lazy self off the couch or I'm going to gain 100 pounds, lol. :)  Also, this might be the time to start moving toward a pretty regular routine, so he has something to expect when the baby comes.  If you keep your regular interactions with him in the 10 minute range, you should be able to eek out that time still after the baby comes.  I don't mean never do anything longer with him, just make the things he counts out a reasonable time limit.  For example, at bedtime, you could read him a story.  Then HE can go get his jammies, and brush his teeth (which gives you time to deal with the baby).  Then you can sing with him or play a game.  Then, HE can look at a book for a few minutes, before you come back in for bedtime cuddles.  That trade off gives a little flexibility without making him feel like the baby takes all your time.

As for me.  It's been a bad sleeping week again.  I can't believe I'm growing this baby on such little sleep.  And I don't feel too awful.  Strange.  Also, I have a bit of a belly now, and I'm starting to gain weight, even though I'm not eating more.  Harumph.  But, whatever.  Apparently that's what we need.  And, I usually gain quite a bit in the first tri, and didn't this time, so maybe that's compensation for starting out heavier?  Dunno.  But, come on Thanksgiving. :)

The baby is moving more.  Feels like frog legs.  My first felt like poking, my second like pushing, my third made me sick to my stomach from all the flipping, and my fourth I don't remember...just knew she moved a lot...  But, this one...feels like little skinny frog legs kicking in there.   Cute!

Sorry for those who are sick still.  Yuck.  Once the baby really starts moving more, it's so much fun.  I treasure the moments when I feel horrible and go to lay down, and put my hand on my belly, and just quietly lay there feeling the baby move.  It's a decent trade off. :)  (No, I can't feel this one with my hand yet).

And, yes, the comments.  So far so good, but I'm not huge yet.  I could still just pass for a lady who has had 4 kids and is still packing some extras around the middle.  But, I am so dreading it.  People were pretty rude with #4 ...I can only imagine with #5...

My favorite line?  "Well, people who think like me will soon outnumber people who think like you." :)

[forestmushroom]

Name: Forest mushroom

Weeks/Days along: 15 plus change

Appointments: had one twoday with new cmn group

Symptoms: feeling good!  not so hungry, but looking forward to yummy thanksgiving

Food: meh

Exercise: walking... yoga!

Body changes and other milestones: belly

Thoughts: I'm kind of wavering and now maybe wanting to find out the sex of baby.... I am exited!

[mlovesj]

Name: mlovesj

Weeks/Days along: 16w + 2d

Appointments: I had one on Monday and it was SO good!  After a month, I was more than ready to hear the reassuring sound of a strong heartbeat and the midwife's observations that everything is going along beautifully.  This is my 3rd pregnancy, but it's been 7.5 years and I feel like a first timer in some ways (this is also my first baby with my SO, so it is a new experience for the two of us together - and his previous child is 19 years old!).  We have an "anatomy" ultrasound scheduled for Dec 8th and I'm counting the days!!  I am so eager to know whether this is a boy or girl.  I have such an overwhelming feeling that it is a boy that I nearly cannot wrap my brain around the possibility that I'm wrong and it's a girl.  I would love either - I have zero preference - but I just feel so profoundly that it's a boy that I cannot shake the idea.  So it will be extra interesting to see if I am right.  With my previous pregnancies (which turned out to be b/g twins and then a g) I had no similar intuition...

Symptoms: Growing belly, occasional headaches (and I never get them when not preg), pimples (and I usually have totally clear skin) and restless leg syndrome (ug, so annoying!).  Otherwise, I feel great though!  No nausea, no odd food aversions, just the usual sleepiness of 3 kids and full-time work.

Food:  Pizza with crisp crust and baked potatoes seem to be the two things I daydream about - but I only eat them occasionally.  My man is an *amazing* cook and so he makes sure I eat a wide variety of foods and don't just subsist on what happens to sound good :)

Exercise: um....no.  I have a desk job, so it's especially bad that I have procrastinated on enrolling in prenatal yoga.  

Body changes and other milestones: I haven't felt the baby move yet....I can't WAIT for that!  I'm hoping it's any day now.  I agree with Just1More...feeling baby move is worth all the discomforts and annoyances of pregnancy (for me).

Thoughts: Trying to actively, consciously bond with this baby and I'm finding it a little challenging.  I am so so so thrilled to be having this baby, so it's not about conflicted feelings, it's actually more the opposite....it feels too good to be true in a sense.  I know feeling movement will help me feel connected, but I think the aforementioned yoga classes will also help me be more in tune.  I know it will happen, but I want to feel that we bonded from the beginning.  Can anyone else relate?