how is everyone doing? - Page 2 « Back to Group Discussions

[ella'smommy]

Time IS flying by! I'm at 31 weeks, and 7 weeks from my scheduled c-section. I bought a car seat yesterday, and I'm looking for a co-sleeper. I've stocked up on all of the gender neutral baby clothes I can find in 3 month sizes, because I am convinced that this baby is never going to fit into newborn clothes at the rate he or she is growing. At 28 weeks baby was already measuring 3 lbs 6 ozs and I haven't gained a pound in the past 6 weeks (not for lack of calorie consumption!) because baby is taking everything I eat. I was just looking at DH's birth announcement his mom gave me last summer, he was 9 lbs 2 ozs and 22 inches, I have a feeling this one is on target for the same. Baby also has a small omphalocele that is probably going to require surgery shortly after birth to close it, so I've made my peace with not being able to nurse right away and keep him or her in the room with me during our hospital stay. DD was a preemie and spent 3 months in the NICU so I'm disappointed that this one will have to stay in the NICU too, but hopefully it's only for a few days.

In the meantime, DD seems to have developed an allergy to our dog and broke out in hives last weekend after laying on top of him on the couch. So I've been vacuuming like crazy and have added allergy testing to our list next week. Poor dog is 11 1/2 and DH and I have been preparing ourselves for a while now that he probably won't be around much longer. I'm hoping this is manageable enough that we can keep him with us for the rest of his days.

In the meantime, other than getting tired I can't really complain. Someone asked me last weekend if I was so uncomfortable I was just ready to have this baby out, and I had to say no thanks, after having a preemie I'm relishing the wonderfulness of the third trimester :)

[autumngrey]

I finally ordered a carseat and installed it to make sure it would fit in my tiny car. Unless I get another seat in the next month, though, it would be better to just leave it out or put it in DH's vehicle until I get a second seat since he will most likely be the one doing all the driving for our early days (due to my aforementioned tiny car). DH wants us to buy one of those infant carrier seats, though, so if I cave that's what will go in his vehicle--there's no way I'm going to drag an infant carrier in and out of my 2-door car.

My family is throwing a baby shower next weekend, and it seems like my hopes for getting things we'll need were in vain. Trying to prepare myself to act excited to get a million blankets and "cute clothes" that will barely, if ever, be worn. Maybe we'll get lucky and receipts will be attached so I can go through the work of returning things we won't use (ugh, during Christmas shopping season) to pool it toward something we actually need. I'm over feeling guilty for being "picky" about what people get us.  It feels wasteful to bother with something we plainly don't need and won't use.

Last week I had one person ask if I have 4 babies "in there" and another respond with surprise that I'm pregnant at all . What the heck?! I'm neither 4 babies huge nor "just pudgy." Some people.

I decided to schedule a pregnancy photo session in a couple weeks since I've been woefully neglectful of taking belly pictures during this pregnancy. Feeling a little guilty about (sortof purposefully) scheduling the photo session during the week when DSD won't be at our house because I want it to be all about me. 

[Clarasmama]

I would try not to cave on the infant bucket seat, they really aren't good for babies to be left in. They shouldn't sleep in the car seat, because the positioning in them is such that a baby's airway can be restricted enough to asfixiate. Car seats aren't supposed to sit on grocery carts, they aren't easier to carry than an infant at all, and they aren't safe for sleeping like I mentioned above. And giant strollers that fit infant seats are a pain in my opinion too, they take up so much space in the car and in whatever store you're going into! Popping a baby into a wrap/sling/carrier is so much easier!

DH wondered why we didn't get a bucket seat for our first daughter, and after seeing how easy it is to carry her instead he wouldn't ever ask to get one for another baby.

And your photo session should be all about you, don't feel bad!

[birthjunkiemom]

I am 31 weeks, and have virtually nothing for the baby yet, but I do have a baby shower next weekend, so hopefully will get some things we need then.  I did find some cloth diapers I had packed away from my last baby, but they were all mediums or larges, so it will be a while before this baby grows into them. 

I'm on modified activity for contractions that took 2 shots of terbutiline to stop a couple of weekends ago, so my kids are having to take over a big portion of the housework and cooking so that I can continue working.  Hoping the baby stays in there until at least 36 weeks, but hoping I go right at 38 weeks.  Not too likely, considering my history (41 weeks, 43 weeks, 40 weeks, 38 weeks), but one can hope, right?  School is supposed to start back after Christmas break right when I'm 38 weeks, and it will be pretty miserable to have to go back to school and start teaching again after 2 weeks off, being that pregnant.

[rebeccajm]

Sounds like everyone is doing pretty well!  I've been feeling well, too.  I do get tired some, but I'm surprised how FAST this pregnancy has gone!  That's probably because it's our last. :(

Yesterday was my birthday.  DH and I went to see a movie for, I think, the first time this year!  The kids all spent the night at my parents' house.  Very, very rare event!

I am on vacation this coming week and have sooooo much to do around the house.  I want to have everything clean and organized and for it to stay that way at least until she gets here in early January.   That's not too much to ask with 3- and 5-year-old boys, is it?  (Don't answer that, lol.)

We have almost everything we need for the baby, just have to wash the diapers a few more times, etc.  I just cannot wait to dress my baby girl every day!  This will also be my first time cloth diapering a newborn.  :)

[aruss]

I've been feeling so great this pregnancy, but now I'm starting to feel 'puffy'. My shoesand rings are tight, you know? Yucky feeling.

[Ms Rabbit]

Ugh, I hate the puffy feeling! I normally just leave my wedding rings off now and just squeeze them on when I leave the house :)

Has anyone ever experienced resltess leg syndrome while pregnant? I've been getting such restless legs at night, right when I want to sit down and relax it strikes! LOL

And, the end is definitely near for me - Pica has begun!! I get pica the first few weeks after conception and again the last few weeks of pregnancy. All 3 pregnancies have followed the same pattern, and I realized I was at 'that point' yesterday when I seriously considered chewing an SOS pad. I was able to satisfy most cravings the last few times with ice and popsicles (the crustier the ice the better), so hopefully I can again this time. I've never actually swallowed anything inedible, but I have on occasion chewed or bitten down on things like pumice stones, sandpaper, clay, etc. How embarrasing of an issue is this?! I want to eat concrete!! LOL

[Tbutton]

Ms. Rabbit- I have to chime in on the restless legs. I've never had it before, but I do with this pregnancy, and it totally drives me insane! I tried reading up on it, and I read that fatigue or sleep deprivation really exaggerate it, and that definitely seems to be the case for me. If I don't get enough sleep, as soon as I lay down the next night, it's just horrible. Or if I stay up too late, I notice it getting worse and worse. I've finally gotten to the point where I just go to bed if I feel it coming on. Trying to get more sleep has really helped. That and the puffiness are my biggest enemies at this point!!

[seaheroine]

Cal-Mag really helps with leg cramps...maybe it would help with the restless legs?  Almost 34 weeks here and I am TIRED.  Surprisingly, I haven't experienced the leg cramps this time around - had them with both my other kiddos, but this time, not yet.  You know what I have been having?  Bloody noses.  I've read it's normal, but it's still shocking to me to get one a week or so...I haven't had a bloody nose since I was a kid.  Odd!

MW came yesterday.  She was upset that I actually lost a pound and baby only "grew" another measured cm.  I had a huge jump last month to 29cm, putting me right on track, but yesterday only measured 30.  So, I need to eat more.  I feel like I'm eating, for the most part, but I'm really craving fruit which doesn't have too many calories.  So need to make more of an effort on that.  I'm feeling stressed, and that always causes me to eat less.  :(

Still need to get a pack n' play and install the carseat.  Other than that...washed baby's clothes and blankets...ordered a first pack of diapers.  Not a lot to do but wait!  I'm hoping the transition from two to three is as relatively painless as everyone is suggesting it will be.  The older two entertain one another all day, so that will hopefully be a plus.  Crossing fingers this one doesn't have a dairy allergy...#2 was miserable and colicky from day one until I realized, four weeks later, what was going on.  It would be hard to give up cheese again!

 

[sapientia]

I'm a couple days shy of 35 weeks and Yep, struggle to gain weight here, too-but the baby feels a good size and I started out a little heavier this pregnancy. I just try to eat healthy and snack all day. 

I don't really have restless legs but I do get the 'I need to get up and move around, NOW' which I figure is similar.

[Clarasmama]

Closing in on 35 weeks over here, and my hips/tailbone have had minds of their own or something lately!  I've had to up my chiro visits to twice per week because my hips and tailbone will be fine for a few days and then get totally out of whack making it hard to walk like a normal person.  I've been keeping heartburn in check with raw almonds and apple cider vinegar, but last night I had another HORRIBLE reflux episode just after midnight, it felt like my back and chest were on fire from the inside :(  Luckily I was able to eat a few more almonds, take more ACV, drink water, and sit up for a while and then finally got back to sleep.

I haven't had terribly restless legs, but last night they were bugging me.  I haven't been out much lately (I work at home, so I'm here most of the day every day), so I chalked it up to not enough activity.  Could be not enough sleep though, I've been staying up later and also waking up feeling pretty "awake" in the middle of the night too.

Oh, and yesterday I had the startling realization that, technically, baby boy could show up in as little as 2 1/2 weeks if he decides to be born early....YIKES.  Even if I guess 42 weeks that's only 7 1/2 weeks away...single digits no matter what!  HOLY COW.  Still have lots of little things to finish around the house, but thankfully nothing big, and we have pretty much everything we could possibly need for a newborn already.

[rebeccajm]

Originally Posted by Clarasmama 

Closing in on 35 weeks over here, and my hips/tailbone have had minds of their own or something lately!  I've had to up my chiro visits to twice per week because my hips and tailbone will be fine for a few days and then get totally out of whack making it hard to walk like a normal person.  I've been keeping heartburn in check with raw almonds and apple cider vinegar, but last night I had another HORRIBLE reflux episode just after midnight, it felt like my back and chest were on fire from the inside :(  Luckily I was able to eat a few more almonds, take more ACV, drink water, and sit up for a while and then finally got back to sleep.

I haven't had terribly restless legs, but last night they were bugging me.  I haven't been out much lately (I work at home, so I'm here most of the day every day), so I chalked it up to not enough activity.  Could be not enough sleep though, I've been staying up later and also waking up feeling pretty "awake" in the middle of the night too.

Oh, and yesterday I had the startling realization that, technically, baby boy could show up in as little as 2 1/2 weeks if he decides to be born early....YIKES.  Even if I guess 42 weeks that's only 7 1/2 weeks away...single digits no matter what!  HOLY COW.  Still have lots of little things to finish around the house, but thankfully nothing big, and we have pretty much everything we could possibly need for a newborn already.

Oh, you're supposed to be able to walk like a normal person.  I guess I'm in trouble, LOL!!  Just kidding.  So sorry you are having issues with your hips/tailbone. :(  I remember during my first pregnancy, my hips hurt sooo badly.  I guess they are all stretched now. :(

No restless legs here so far, and I'm 34.5 weeks.  I do get heartburn 1-2 times a week.  Oddly enough, it's when I'm hungry, and it goes away after I eat.  Sometimes I do wake up with it at night.  I take homeopathic antacids, and it goes away.  I have definitely had nights of waking up at 2 or 3 am and not being able to go back to sleep for 1-2 hours. Soooo annoying!

Yep, we are in the single digit weeks left!  Crazy!  This pregnancy has flown by, which I guess is a good thing.  It does make me sad, though.  We aren't planning on having any more.

I got those Green Mountain diapers with their Black Friday sale, and they came in yesterday.  I immediately fully prepped them, washing once on cold, 3 times on hot and drying each cycle.  They are so fluffy now.  Can't wait to use them!!!  Thanks to Anilia for the recommendation!

[sapientia]

....oh yeah, I need to get to washing my cloth diapers again.

Quick question-anyone doing total cloth-like no disposable wipes, even?

[Pogo0685]

So good to see everyone is getting ready! I had the thought today that this baby is welcome to come in less than 2 weeks now if he or she wants to. I am almost ready.... all i have left to get is a pack of diapers for the first week. I am also having some swelling issues, my ankles swelled so bad with all the cleaning and cooking I had to do for thanksgiving. I can only imagine what Christmas is going to do to me. Our car broke down yesterday :-( I dont know what to do about it. Part of me wants to trade it in and get something with a bit bigger of a back seat, but I looked around online and there was not one car that got my approval. The way it looks we will be keeping it and just being squished for a few years. We have a 2001 jetta and everything about it is awesome except the back seat is small. We get such good gas milage that I just dont want to give it up. What do you guys drive?

I have not had the restless legs yet, but heartburn is killing me! It seems no matter what I eat I end up with it, and if I dont have it in the daytime I wake up with it in the middle of the night. I really am trying to enjoy this pregnancy because I am 100% positive hubby will be getting fixed soon after the birth because I told him that I wont.

What are everyone's plans for Christmas? Anyone completely ready yet? I have about 10 more gifts to get sewn up but I snapped the blades on my serger so I am on hold until the new ones get here. I am going to take DS to the zoo next week for the Electricritters display they do I am so excited! I am sure I am more excited than he is, I just love christmas lights!

[sapientia]

Our plans for Christmas are to stay home :) but I am getting my Christmas crafting pretty much done and, and have ordered online or sent DH out for the few things we are going to buy.

[rebeccajm]

Originally Posted by sapientia 

....oh yeah, I need to get to washing my cloth diapers again.

Quick question-anyone doing total cloth-like no disposable wipes, even?

I will be doing this at home after the first week or so!  We will keep sposies on hand for church, though.  This will be my first cloth-diapered newborn, and I'm really looking forward to not having to buy diapers and wipes all the time!  I really don't see us having to buy anything at all for her first 6 months at least.  Babies can be so inexpensive.  Too bad they have to grow up!  (KIDDING!)

[rebeccajm]

We won't be travelling this Christmas, either.  I already bought gifts for my nephews from their wish lists.  For my parents, in-laws, sisters, and brothers-in-law, I am making homemade foaming hand soap starter kits.  Each kit will make them like 10 bottles of hand soap, with lots of essential oils leftover.  We do have some more shopping to do for our kids, but I don't want to go too crazy this year.  I'm almost done with DSD, but the boys only have 2 gifts bought so far.

[Ms Rabbit]

Pogo, I hear you about not wanting to give up a good car! We drive a 2011 Grand Caravan, and the milage is terrible compared to the Sportage we had before it. We'll have 3 kiddos in carseats though, so a van is really the only thing that will work for us.

We will be staying home this Christmas. Normally we head to the inlaws for the Holidays but this year I just don't want to attempt it at 36 weeks pregnant. We stayed home for christmas 2010 as I was 35 weeks pregnant with DS2 and I actually *really* liked it; it was so relaxing! We still have quite a few presents left to buy and I haven't started wrapping yet. I need to get started this weekend with the wrapping though, as we are hiding them in our bedroom closet and I really need the space back for clothing, LOL.

[Ms Rabbit]

Oh, and I always use cloth wipes in the begining. DS1 prefered warm wet cloths over disposable wipes in the begining, so we just did the same for DS2.

[aruss]

I've been using lemon essential oil for heartburn and it works amazingly well. Just a few drops under the tongue and a couple swallows of water.
Haven't found a solution for the swelling though. My hands are so puffy!
I've got all the baby clothes and such clean and ready but haven't done the diapers or birth stuff yet. Still not ready to face birth I guess...