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[forestmushroom]

Name:

Weeks/Days along:

Appointments:

Symptoms:

Food:

Exercise:

Body changes and other milestones:

Thoughts:

[cristeen]

Name: Cris

Weeks/Days along: 36 on Monday

Appointments: MW visit Monday evening.  Our first evening visit, so DH can be here for it too.  Gonna go over all the supplies and where stuff is located.  Then we start weekly visits, and next week we meet with the backup MW. 

Symptoms: Pain, exhaustion, non-existent bladder control.  Pelvic pain at times. 

Food: Whatever appeals at the moment.  A lot of sweet stuff, and a lot of chocolate (which is weird for me). 

Exercise: HAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Body changes and other milestones:  Feels like baby is dropping some, and I can't fit behind the steering wheel any longer. 

Thoughts:  As few as possible. 

DH had his last pre-birth final today.  He has 2 more classes to do before Oct 1 (self-paced), and if he doesn't get them done it's not the end of the world.  We are having some issues with his work though, he's supposed to be able to WFH, and they haven't gotten it set up at this point.  They have 3 babies coming within the next month or so (first one is here already), and they've made no provisions for coverage or anything. 

My birth supplies haven't shown up yet - not sure how long they're going to take.  I wasn't thrilled with the list of supplies, because I hate paying for things I'm NOT going to use, yet at the same time to break it down and buy the things I really do need would have cost more than buying the package.  But I really don't like the fact that I HAD to pay for mesh panties, a peri bottle, baby hats and flexi-straws, amongst other things. 

I do need a recipe for sitz bath herbal blends if anyone has one.  I'm not going to pay $10 for a tiny pouch of them when I can get bulk herbs at the HFS and blend my own. 

DS has decided to PL this week.  And then last night had a cognitive growth spurt.  So it's been an interesting week.   It definitely helps cut back on the laundry though. 

And I'm at the nesting stage.  This week I cleaned out and inventoried all 3 freezers.  Today I did the pantry.  I did the grocery shopping yesterday, and I'm trying to make sure I have everything I need.  Now I just need to figure out the mattress for DS' big boy bed.  And I need to do it soon so I can get the crib mattress into the crib and the crib side-carred.  But I'm dragging my feet. 

[callieollie]

Name:  Katie

Weeks/Days along:  38 weeks

Appointments:  I have one Tuesday. The midwife and I were both hoping/thinking I wouldn't make it until then, but now I'm thinking I will.

Symptoms:  None, at least none that would indicate birth is impending!  I still have some heartburn, but that's actually improved a lot.  I am peeing constantly, probably every 1-2 hours.  Lots of pelvic pressure, although everyone keeps pointing out to me that I'm carrying "so high!"

Food:  Appetite is back. Not ravenous but not like it has been for awhile where I've been forgetting to eat because I had no appetite.  

Exercise:  Elliptical and lifting 2x/week.  

Body changes and other milestones:  Nothing other than the symptoms above.

Thoughts:  I think I have mentally done myself in.  Both my kiddos came at 38 weeks (the first at 38w1d and the second at 38w6d) so I am convinced this baby will be the same.  I have a feeling I'm setting myself up for disappointment. I REALLY wanted the baby to come this weekend.  First, I was hoping for an April baby. I feel like it would help set this baby's birthday apart from my dd's (which is May 5th) even though I realize they are still going to be close. My son also really wants an April birthday so that our whole family has birthday in March, April, May, and June.  Second, my midwife and MIL both commented on how easy it is for them when babies arrive on weekends so I was hoping it would make the logistics of MIL getting here and all of that easier.  Third, today is the feast day of St. Catherine of Siena.  If we have a girl, her middle name will be Catherine after St. Catherine because I spent the whole first trimester praying for her intercession to avoid another miscarriage so I thought that would be a cool time for baby to arrive.  Fourth, I worked my last day before maternity leave yesterday. I want to have the most time off with the baby rather than losing a week or two waiting for baby and not having as much time home with the baby when the baby finally arrives.  Plus, both my ds and dd arrived the day after my last day of work so I half expected the same thing. I keep telling myself that the baby will come at the best time for the baby, but I'm already feeling disappointed and I'm only 38 weeks!  

[maryamrose]

Name: maryam

Weeks/Days along: 39w 4d (EDD on thursday)

Appointments: midwives on wednesday

Symptoms: lots of BH contractions. some constipation. crampy. pressure on cervix. no mucus plug that I've seen.

Food: interest comes and goes, trying to eat more veggies and protein. I craved hot dogs today, which is new.

Exercise: I walk every day, usually less than 2 miles. today we went for a 3+ mile hike in the hills which was glorious. my feet hurt a little, but I'm very happy.

Body changes and other milestones: I'm just huge. random people frequently ask me when I'm due. I avoided significant edema for most of my pregnancy but I feel it coming on now.

Thoughts: honestly? I'm ready. I'm trying to relax as much as I can to encourage labor to start. as much as I've enjoyed pregnancy, I would like it to be over very soon.

my mom's coming on tuesday. I hoped that baby would be here before then, but it seems unlikely. there's always tomorrow, though, right?

[maryamrose]

Originally Posted by cristeen 

I do need a recipe for sitz bath herbal blends if anyone has one.  I'm not going to pay $10 for a tiny pouch of them when I can get bulk herbs at the HFS and blend my own. 

the one I bought has: uva ursi leaf, yarrow flower, plantain leaf, sage leaf, witch hazel leaf, comfrey leaf and root, and sea salt. 

my midwife recommends: comfrey leaf, witch hazel leaf, uva ursi, chamomile.

an herbalist I spoke to highly recommends adding calendula to the mix.

hope that helps :)

[Ruby2]

Name:  Ruby

Weeks/Days along:  I appear to have convinced myself that my early u/s date of 5/6 is correct, meaning I'm 39w1d...I know exactly when I ovulated though, and that date should put me at a 5/15 edd. I am not feeling the 5/15 date and am a little disappointed in myself. :-( I was 40+5 with dd and perfectly positive about it, but for some reason I am ready early this time!

Appointments: Midwife just called to push back our morning appointment to this afternoon because she needs sleep!

Symptoms: I got back and forth between feeling 39 weeks pregnant and only feeling 37 weeks pregnant...once in a while in the evenings I have lots of pelvic pressure and cervix pokes, then nothing for 2 days. I'm feeling pretty good most of the time. I switched to sitting on an exercise ball at work and that's made sitting at my desk all day a little more bearable...but only a little. It makes my whole lower body ache, but that pain is so much better than the pinching nerve pain from sitting in a desk chair.

Food: Sugar please! Plus lots of probiotics so i don't get another yeast infection!

Exercise:  Nada.

Body changes and other milestones: I noticed a little bit of puffiness down there yesterday. For some reason I also decided yesterday that it was time to DTD for the first time in probably at least 6 weeks (poor dh...) because we need to get things moving down there and OMG...this is TMI, but I literally felt like I had just given birth for HOURS after...it hurt so much to stand up! I kept trying to get up but would have to lay back down because of the throbbing pain from more swelling! Lovely! Gotta love pregnancy sex!

Thoughts: I am so excited to meet this baby! I'm excited for my water birth and to have new goals for this birth. I tore a lot and ended up with a hematoma from my first birth and am determined to work with my body more this time and not push so fast and furiously. Everyone I know rolls their eyes or gives me the "don't cross the crazy pregnant lady" look when I tell them I'm going to try to not push this time, but I know it can be done and I feel like I know more what to expect this time and am better prepared to stay relaxed. I can do it!!! :-)

Loving reading the birth announcements, but I want more pictures! I love newborn pictures...

[JynxGirl]

Name: Jen/Jynx

Weeks/Days along: 36 weeks and 4 days

Appointments: I have an ultrasound today at 1, a NST on Thursday and a doctor's appointment with my OB on Thursday.

Symptoms: Besides tons of pressure, pain and a backache that will not stop, none.

Food: Meh. Apart from eating to not die, I am really not interested in food.

Exercise: I have been doing a LOT of walking.

Body changes and other milestones: The baby seems a lot lower these days. I can breathe easier, but I'm peeing about 10 billion times a day. 

Thoughts:  I am done. Emotionally, physically, spiritually just done. I need him to be born now, because I can not handle an induction  (Which is being insisted upon by my doctor) and frankly, just need my body to do something right...For a person who speaks of nothing but trusting in a pregnant woman's intuition and body, I find it harder and harder to do this when my own body seems to betray me at every turn. I'm so miserable lately that I can't sleep, then I feel guilty for not sleeping, and then I'm miserable as sin because I'm feeling so guilty... It's not a pretty sight. :( 

[rozziemama]

Name: Rozziemama

Weeks/Days along: 38

Appointments: Wednesdays...

Symptoms: As Maryam said above - I actually have been surprised this pregnancy that I avoided really serious edema - until last week - when I gained 3 pounds of what I think was all water weight in one WEEK, wedding rings finally had to come off (after much challenge), and now I am just puffy everywhere. Blood pressure still normal/low, so I think it's just plain old fashioned water retention. Lovely.  Makes me kind of insecure honestly, like I don't really want to leave the house or see anyone.

oh well.

Acid reflux/heartburn still persists, I have eaten an entire container of extra strength Tums in the past month, sort of grosses me out - not really in line with the otherwise healthy food goals I have...

Braxton Hicks are picking up I think - but mostly pee related. I have to pee ALL THE TIME. Like, every 30 minutes.

Sleep has been awful. I wake up with serious hip pain throughout the night.

Pregnancy snoring persists, and sends poor DH who is a kind of neurotic light sleeper to the couch ... poor guy. Poor me though! My sleep is totally crap.

Food: Watermelon and red meat. Steak mostly, also burgers.

I think I may need more iron and more protein. So, the red meat should help with that?!

Exercise: some walking.

Body changes and other milestones: Swollen and puffy and huge. :(

Thoughts:  I am in for it. I went to exactly 40 weeks with DS. There is no reason I'd go early this time. I have been saying that out loud to everyone for the entire pregnancy. But... I really want to go early! Some time in the next week/week and a half would be perfect. Darnit I really didn't want to experience this crazed waiting game. Maybe it's impossible once you hit 38 weeks to avoid the waiting game, especially if you are so darn huge.

[Kamiro]

I feel like I could just sneeze her out. Tomorrow is the first 'due date' and you know - this is the first pregnancy where I honest to goodness have no hopes up that 'maybe tomorrow'. In fact the idea of going through labor this next week seems kind of unlikely.

The b/h are way more pressurized, I'm functioning on 3 hours broken sleep right now, and I am really uncomfortable. No doubt baby girl is atleast 10 pounds.

BUT -

I am pretty sure this will probably be our last one. Just a feeling, nothing we have decided. Pretty sure this babe is a miracle in itself :)and this is the first pregnancy I haven't hated.

So, I am trying to really enjoy the feeling of her moving around because I know life is a long time compared to how brief these moments are. I never understood women who savored pregnancy (or even liked it) but I think I do now.

Its really been a very beautiful, healing experience for me and I thank you all for playing a part in it for me <3

[callieollie]

Onemore, I know exactly what you mean.  I have always enjoyed pregnancy but this one has been a challenge. Somewhat due to physical discomforts but more so just the emotional struggle after having two miscarriages and two years of secondary infertility.  I had a horrible dream last night and just really need to see this baby and know that the baby is OK.  But at the same time, I dont' know if we'll have any more, if we'll be able to get pregnant again, so I am just savoring every last moment of this pregnancy too. I like how you put it - "life is a long time compared to how brief these moments are" - that is so true.  It's just such a miracle to me that there is a human being growing inside of me, kicking and moving, and that I have been given the privilege of taking part in that miracle is just such a blessing to me.  Thank you for reminding me of that as I woke up this morning discouraged that I wasn't having the April baby I hoped would come early and the impatience that was beginning to develop.  

[poppyseed2012]

Originally Posted by Onemoreontheway 

I feel like I could just sneeze her out. Tomorrow is the first 'due date' and you know - this is the first pregnancy where I honest to goodness have no hopes up that 'maybe tomorrow'. In fact the idea of going through labor this next week seems kind of unlikely.

The b/h are way more pressurized, I'm functioning on 3 hours broken sleep right now, and I am really uncomfortable. No doubt baby girl is atleast 10 pounds.

BUT -

I am pretty sure this will probably be our last one. Just a feeling, nothing we have decided. Pretty sure this babe is a miracle in itself :)and this is the first pregnancy I haven't hated.

So, I am trying to really enjoy the feeling of her moving around because I know life is a long time compared to how brief these moments are. I never understood women who savored pregnancy (or even liked it) but I think I do now.

Its really been a very beautiful, healing experience for me and I thank you all for playing a part in it for me <3

Oh Onemore! Your post made me laugh and cry at the same time! I too feel like I could sneeze this guy out. And I'm fairly certain he's at least 10 pounds. This is likely my first and last pregnancy. We've talked about adopting number two if that time ever comes. But like you said, no concrete decisions made yet.  In any case, your words helped put my frustrations into perspective. I should be enjoying this time... this itchy, swollen, sleepless time. :)

[rozziemama]

helpful, wise perspectives everyone! I am not going to pretend that it has reversed my thinking from this morning... but... always good to remember how fleeting this time is. and what a miracle it is.

[sosurreal09]

Name: Sosurreal

Weeks/Days along: 39+3!

Appointments: Friday (my EDD)

Symptoms: HUNGER

Food: ANYTHING

Exercise:

Body changes and other milestones: I'm huge and feeling pretty good.

Thoughts: BH all week but big ones. Can't wait until baby comes. It's waiting for daddy I'm sure! His last day of school is the 3rd. I think it's INSANE or I guess more like fate that this all worked out with dating! We didn't expect to get pregnant and then when I found out we were due May 4 I freaked b/c DH graduates the 17th. Turns out his last actual class is the 3rd though! Now we just need a job!

[cristeen]

Maryam - thanks!!

Jynx -

Originally Posted by Ruby2 

Thoughts: I am so excited to meet this baby! I'm excited for my water birth and to have new goals for this birth. I tore a lot and ended up with a hematoma from my first birth and am determined to work with my body more this time and not push so fast and furiously. Everyone I know rolls their eyes or gives me the "don't cross the crazy pregnant lady" look when I tell them I'm going to try to not push this time, but I know it can be done and I feel like I know more what to expect this time and am better prepared to stay relaxed. I can do it!!! :-)

I actually discussed this with a doula friend.  I pushed right through the ring of fire last time, luckily I didn't have a big tear, just a tiny little one (too small for stitches), but I'd really prefer to avoid that this time.  So I was telling her how impossible I had found it to NOT push because of the fetal ejection reflex, and she said the only way to prevent it when you're dealing with FER is to have someone in your face reminding you over and over and over and over again to just breath through the contraction.  In her experience, that's the only way to avoid pushing in that situation.  So I'm going to discuss that with DH, I already discussed it with my MW as something I would like to have happen this time. 

Originally Posted by Onemoreontheway 
I am pretty sure this will probably be our last one. Just a feeling, nothing we have decided. Pretty sure this babe is a miracle in itself :)and this is the first pregnancy I haven't hated.

So, I am trying to really enjoy the feeling of her moving around because I know life is a long time compared to how brief these moments are. I never understood women who savored pregnancy (or even liked it) but I think I do now.

I've actually really enjoyed pregnancy for the most part.  Sure, there are aspects I could do without, and I'm at the point right now where everything hurts, but I'm one of those women.  It doesn't hurt any that this one was a complete miracle, after years and years of fertility treatments we got pg with DS on a fluke.  Then we said no more ART, and we'll take whatever happens, and this is what happened.  But this is our last one, and that makes me kind of sad, because I do truly relish the experience.  DH and I were talking last night about the feeling of loss I had after DS was born, having to adjust to having him outside rather than inside, and I just remember having a really difficult time making that adjustment with him.  Not sure how it's going to go this time. 

Today is a day of important meetings - we're meeting the School District's transition coordinator this morning to discuss DS' transition to preschool.  And then we have the 36 week visit with the MW this evening.  I've already vacuumed the play room and the living room this morning, and swapped out the laundry.  Now I just have to finish loading the dishwasher, and my chores for the day are done.  And it's not even 8:30 yet. 

[casmer]

Sorry I'm not going to do personals right now.  I'm still recovering from a migraine (a very mild one, but still sucks).  We were on our way from a family baby shower and had to pull over because I was getting the migraine.  We were holed up on the interstate in a little motel until about 4:30 this morning.  I'm SO thankful it wasn't a terrible place, but not a nice one either because we could bring our dog in the room for only $10 extra. 

Name:" casmer"

Weeks/Days along: 36w4d

Appointments: Not until 38 weeks.  Had one last week...had my GBS swab and I'm hoping to hear back this week.

Symptoms: Fierce indigestion.  All of the driving (5 hours one way) caused my feet to start swelling really badly :(  They look weird.  BH are still hanging around and getting pretty intense.

Food: Nothing in particular.  Just having to remind myself to eat regularly. I got so hungry the other day I got nauseous.  I feel like I have to eat every 2-3 hours or I feel bad.

Exercise: Walking and that's it.  It helps with the swelling, but I think I'm going to start swimming to see if that will help with the cankles.

Body changes and other milestones: Just a growing belly :)

Thoughts: I really hope last night isn't any indication of what's to come the last few weeks.  I haven't had a migraine in almost 5 years, so I hope it was fluke.  I don't think that would be a fun way to end the pregnancy.  I still have a lot that needs to be taken care of, so I don't want to be sick!  DH would be more than willing help, but he works full-time and I can't imagine how stressful that would be on him.  He's been so great, the last thing I want to do is wear him out before we even go into labor. 

I'm looking forward to the upcoming birth stories.  I'm going to be green with envy.  I can't wait to meet this little girl.  I've been having dreams where I'm breast feeding her, so I'm either anxious about bf or really ready to bond with her.  I imagine it's a bit of both :)

[lightheartedmom]

Name: LHM

Weeks/Days along: 37w3d

Appointments: Friday is the next one...

Symptoms: Swollen feet (see below), very tired and aside from an uptick in painful BH/occasional contractions, ZERO signs of impending labor. I have no discharge, no signs of a mucus plug, the baby is up in my rib cage still (though I can feel him/her dropping slowly)...the rash from hell on my belly persists...and is getting worse. So that's fun.

Food: I'm obsessed with cold drinks right now. Especially iced tea (irish breakfast with raw sugar and lots of ice) and cold cold water...Cold fruits, salads and grilled meats...pretty much the same as last week. I actually pulled out our ice cube trays - which have never been used, and made ice cubes the other day because I want everything cold. I think my body knows there's a lot of inflammation at this point and is totally averse to heat of any kind.

Exercise: hah. yeah right. You moms who are still working out, I am sort of in awe of you because I can't abide the thought of a short walk. Even though I need to walk. And I'm planning on doing it today...seriously...I swear...but yeah. Haven't been exercising at all.

Body changes and other milestones: Nothing new to report really.

Thoughts: A lot...I feel sort of like I'm trying to find closure for this pregnancy, to make my peace with it's impending end and to embrace the next stage. For all my being tired and uncomfortable, I don't feel particularly "over" being pregnant or anxious to be done with it...I've probably said before, I'm even apprehensive about not being pregnant. For me this pregnancy has been totally unlike my previous pregnancies spiritually and emotionally - I feel vibrant and connected to the universe and all kinds of eye-roll-y earth mama cliches that I would have generally thought were totally asinine before this pregnancy. I'm afraid to be "normal" again.
On the other hand, I can feel a full grown baby moving inside of me and I am more than ready to meet and hold this little person and welcome them into our lives and I desperately want to see him or her face to face and finally know that they're really okay.
And I'm trying to get my head around going through labor again. I alternate between being terrified and feeling strong and ready to face it. And that is one place where I do feel like I need some more time to mentally prepare; it makes me glad I'm only 37 weeks. With DD2, I went 41w5d and by the time I went into labor, I was so ready, it felt easy to just slip into it and trust the process and I really want to feel my body and mind ready to embrace labor again without reservations.
and other than that there's about a zillion little and big tasks that need to be done between now and baby's arrival. I STILL haven't done my cooking, but that is going to happen in the next few days hopefully. I really need to buckle down this week and make the final items on our list happen.
It's gorgeous outside, everything around us is in full bloom and it feels like the perfect season to be anticipating the birth of a new baby.

Originally Posted by Onemoreontheway 


So, I am trying to really enjoy the feeling of her moving around because I know life is a long time compared to how brief these moments are. I never understood women who savored pregnancy (or even liked it) but I think I do now.
Its really been a very beautiful, healing experience for me and I thank you all for playing a part in it for me <3

This is so lovely. I'm really glad you've had a healing pregnancy. I'm coming from a similar place this time around (though I cannot say it will be our last...especially if I could be sure to have another pg like this one :-) )

Originally Posted by cristeen 



I actually discussed this with a doula friend.  I pushed right through the ring of fire last time, luckily I didn't have a big tear, just a tiny little one (too small for stitches), but I'd really prefer to avoid that this time.  So I was telling her how impossible I had found it to NOT push because of the fetal ejection reflex, and she said the only way to prevent it when you're dealing with FER is to have someone in your face reminding you over and over and over and over again to just breath through the contraction.  In her experience, that's the only way to avoid pushing in that situation.  So I'm going to discuss that with DH, I already discussed it with my MW as something I would like to have happen this time. 

Lately I've been thinking about this same thing...with my first I really did want to blast her out (and I was on my back so that was awful) and I did tear - thankfully not too badly but still. With DD2, but the time she finally dropped in labor, I was desperate to make that feeling of a baby in my vagina go away (and definitely yelled "Get it out of me!" at one point) but my amazing MW did get in my face gently and made me breathe and grunt her out gently instead. It was excruciating mentally to feel the back and forth of her moving down and then back up again...but it was much more gentle on my body and I didn't even have a scratch from pushing her out. I also used the birthing stool and that helped a lot I think.
This time I'm hoping I will magically be able to just trust my body and let it naturally move the baby out...but we'll see. The problem with someone in your face at that stage of labor is...generally you want to punch them for telling you to do something that feels so completely counter-intuitive. ;-)

Originally Posted by rozziemama 



Symptoms: As Maryam said above - I actually have been surprised this pregnancy that I avoided really serious edema - until last week - when I gained 3 pounds of what I think was all water weight in one WEEK, wedding rings finally had to come off (after much challenge), and now I am just puffy everywhere. Blood pressure still normal/low, so I think it's just plain old fashioned water retention. Lovely.  Makes me kind of insecure honestly, like I don't really want to leave the house or see anyone.
oh well.

I feel your pain! My face isn't nearly as swollen and puffy this time as it was with my girls (of course, it's entirely possible that it is and I'm just oblivious...but right now I'll take it. Ignorance is bliss, right?) - but I was outside sitting in the backyard yesterday and happened to put my feet up...my toes look like lil' smokies cocktail sausages!!! They're HIDEOUS. And my feet (which were never my most attractive feature to begin with) look like hobbit feet...flat and puffy (thankfully no hair though). And I've been walking around in flip flops for weeks now so humanity at large has been subjected to the sight of these monstrosities for awhile and I had no idea how bad it was.
My BP is normal too...Does anyone know of any ways to help reduce the swelling besides "have the baby already!" - I have some arnica ointment...I was thinking of rubbing that on my feet (haha! if only I could reach them!).

[lightheartedmom]

Migraines! I've been getting them too! My midwife suggested it might be due to the drop in progesterone that happens at the tail end of pregnancy (I have a history of them and they're usually connected to hormonal changes). I hope you don't start getting them consistently!

Originally Posted by casmer 

Sorry I'm not going to do personals right now.  I'm still recovering from a migraine (a very mild one, but still sucks).  We were on our way from a family baby shower and had to pull over because I was getting the migraine.  We were holed up on the interstate in a little motel until about 4:30 this morning.  I'm SO thankful it wasn't a terrible place, but not a nice one either because we could bring our dog in the room for only $10 extra. 


Name:" casmer"
Weeks/Days along: 36w4d
Appointments: Not until 38 weeks.  Had one last week...had my GBS swab and I'm hoping to hear back this week.
Symptoms: Fierce indigestion.  All of the driving (5 hours one way) caused my feet to start swelling really badly   They look weird.  BH are still hanging around and getting pretty intense.
Food: Nothing in particular.  Just having to remind myself to eat regularly. I got so hungry the other day I got nauseous.  I feel like I have to eat every 2-3 hours or I feel bad.
Exercise: Walking and that's it.  It helps with the swelling, but I think I'm going to start swimming to see if that will help with the cankles.
Body changes and other milestones: Just a growing belly
Thoughts: I really hope last night isn't any indication of what's to come the last few weeks.  I haven't had a migraine in almost 5 years, so I hope it was fluke.  I don't think that would be a fun way to end the pregnancy.  I still have a lot that needs to be taken care of, so I don't want to be sick!  DH would be more than willing help, but he works full-time and I can't imagine how stressful that would be on him.  He's been so great, the last thing I want to do is wear him out before we even go into labor. 

I'm looking forward to the upcoming birth stories.  I'm going to be green with envy.  I can't wait to meet this little girl.  I've been having dreams where I'm breast feeding her, so I'm either anxious about bf or really ready to bond with her.  I imagine it's a bit of both

[rozziemama]

LHM - this made me laugh.

I am dying for a pedicure. I feel like a real foot massage might do the trick here - at least move some of the swelling to elsewhere. Plus, I honestly can't reach my toes to even cut my darn toenails. OMG I am ridiculous. Please please no more than 2 more weeks at the most!!

Originally Posted by lightheartedmom 

I feel your pain! My face isn't nearly as swollen and puffy this time as it was with my girls (of course, it's entirely possible that it is and I'm just oblivious...but right now I'll take it. Ignorance is bliss, right?) - but I was outside sitting in the backyard yesterday and happened to put my feet up...my toes look like lil' smokies cocktail sausages!!! They're HIDEOUS. And my feet (which were never my most attractive feature to begin with) look like hobbit feet...flat and puffy (thankfully no hair though). And I've been walking around in flip flops for weeks now so humanity at large has been subjected to the sight of these monstrosities for awhile and I had no idea how bad it was.
My BP is normal too...Does anyone know of any ways to help reduce the swelling besides "have the baby already!" - I have some arnica ointment...I was thinking of rubbing that on my feet (haha! if only I could reach them!).

[casmer]

Originally Posted by lightheartedmom 

Migraines! I've been getting them too! My midwife suggested it might be due to the drop in progesterone that happens at the tail end of pregnancy (I have a history of them and they're usually connected to hormonal changes). I hope you don't start getting them consistently!

That's what I'm afraid of...at the peak of my migraines I was in Jr. High and they tapered off significantly after that so I always chalked them up to hormones.  Those were pretty much debilitating though, I would vomit and all sorts of things.  This time I got two auras, some mouth and hand numbness and just a bad headache, but not the kind of headaches I used to get.  I can deal with the headache part, but the auras and light and sound sensitivity just KILLS me.   Ugh.  I'm sorry you're getting them too!  I hope, hope, hope they stay away for both of us!!! 

I called my doctor and she said the only concern might be pre-eclampsia, but that since my blood pressures had been fine and since I was getting a "traditional" migraine (not sure what she meant by that?) that wasn't really a concern with her at this point.

[sosurreal09]

I've been all about iced tea too Light Heart! Except I just due the cold brew Lipton tea bags, no sugar, lots of lemon! I know it's not organic but It just brews cold!

I'm all worried about pediatrician appointments. We have a "holistic" ped who is against vax and what not but every time we go we wait and wait like legit an hour past our appointment then we see him for 10 mins and he doesn't even follow anything holistic as far as I can tell. He is always prescribing abx for DD and I just don't fill them...We have state insurance so it's not like we can get a new one...I can't imagine waiting there with a 2 week old and a 2 y/o for an hour for the guy to listen to the HB and lungs and say baby is fine but have to cover my a$$ to get any state help.

Now that DH lost his job we applied for welfare and they are harassing my butt about DDs vax status! She should be able to get medical exemption from her reactions but the new baby won't. I refuse to vax the new baby after the hell we went through and are still facing with DD. Hope it all works out.

Everyone else find a ped yet?