Weekly Chat ~ Dec 10 - Dec 16 - Page 2 « Back to Group Discussions

[Quinalla]

For the anatomy scan my first pregnancy, it definitely did not take an hour, maybe 20 minutes or so? With twins, I imagine it will take longer for me this time, but for a singleton, an hour seems excessive! And I have heard some U/S techs want a full bladder, but so far I haven't run into one myself. My last U/S they actually asked me to empty my bladder as they didn't want me uncomfortable.

Originally Posted by eepeepee 

Wow!  Lots to talk about already this week.  I have a couple quick questions to submit to the collective mama wisdom:

What have you guys asked for for Christmas/Hanukkah/etc?  My family/husband keep asking me what I want and I really can't think of much.  I mean, all I really need these days is baby/maternity stuff, but that seems almost like a waste of a gift that's supposed to be for me, you know?  Plus, that's what the shower will be for.  Thoughts?

Also, today my boss not-so-subtly mentioned that I should really try to schedule my midwife appointments either "really early" or "really late" in the day (I had to leave around noon yesterday for one).  She tried to frame it as concern for my sick days being used up, but I don't know if I really buy that.  It made me feel weird and guilty for having to leave so often (I've had scheduling snafus and had to go every other week a few times).  Am I being paranoid?

I actually asked for stuff for the twins for the bulk. For me only , I did ask for a gift card for a prenatal massage, a couple books, jewelry, a few more maternity shirts as I've been wearing maternity clothes almost this entire pregnancy and I'm really bored of my same-old stuff, some new folding laundry baskets and a fold up laundry hanging thing, board game and some Eddie Bauer or Old Navy gift cards. I really like having some gift cards as I have a hard time spending money on myself even though I enjoy it unless I have a gift card in hand, so to me it is the gift of getting to shop for myself

I really don't like your boss making the comment, if you are using your vacation time and getting your work done, why should your boss care when your appointments are scheduled? If it were me, I'd write a follow up e-mail asking to clarify their concerns so you have it in writing. Maybe it really was about trying to give you friendly advice, but I doubt it too. Maybe there is some specific concern your boss has but won't come out and say, I think a followup e-mail should either get that out of her or get her to realize that she is crossing a line.

[BaileyB]

Originally Posted by eepeepee 

Wow!  Lots to talk about already this week.  I have a couple quick questions to submit to the collective mama wisdom:

What have you guys asked for for Christmas/Hanukkah/etc?  My family/husband keep asking me what I want and I really can't think of much.  I mean, all I really need these days is baby/maternity stuff, but that seems almost like a waste of a gift that's supposed to be for me, you know?  Plus, that's what the shower will be for.  Thoughts?

Also, today my boss not-so-subtly mentioned that I should really try to schedule my midwife appointments either "really early" or "really late" in the day (I had to leave around noon yesterday for one).  She tried to frame it as concern for my sick days being used up, but I don't know if I really buy that.  It made me feel weird and guilty for having to leave so often (I've had scheduling snafus and had to go every other week a few times).  Am I being paranoid?

MIL always starts asking what we want for Christmas in like Sept. I finally told her maybe a week ago that I wanted a juicer. She always feels the need to spoil us so I figured if she really wanted to know...

Other than that I have been shopping for myself and the baby and getting extra fun things for DD and I to do a lot the last few weeks so those will probably count towards my gifts, heehee. Also, DH and I don't exchange gifts.

I remember the anatomy scan being longer but I don't think it was ever an hour...unless you had the waiting room time.

Oh pregnancy brain, I feel like there were another 3 things I was going to say...

[MarieWalter]

You know, with all your comments, I'm thinking maybe I just misunderstood/misheard and it was "plan to be here for an hour" not "the scan will take an hour." That would make more sense!

[CoBabyMaker]

This year for Christmas I have asked for new baking sheets (mine are crusty even though I scrub them), a new glass pitcher because I broke mine and a big comfy cardigan because they can be warn pregnant or not- I am always cold.  The baking sheets and pitcher are functional and will get a lot of use but since I enjoy cooking people don't usually give me grief about kitchen stuff.  The cardigan I actually pinned several on pinterest I liked and then let DH choose which on to order.  It's pretty common for DH and I to pick out our own very specific gifts and just e-mail the other person a link of what to buy.  We also rarely wait until Christmas to exchange gifts.  It's usually more like, "Your gift came today!  It's not wrapped but open now!  I don't want you to wait!  Hurry up!" 

My MIL keeps asking what i want and I don't know what to tell her.  Last year they gave us 2/3 of a local lamb for our freezer and we LOVED that.

[Lynann]

A share of a lamb for the freezer sounds like a great gift.

We usually just get a check from my in-laws. DH's whole family are really not gift givers in any shape or form, while my family are BIG into gifts. Fortunately being 5000 miles and an ocean away helps to contain the excesses of my family, as everything has to be shipped between us.

DH & I don't do much for gift exchanges at Christmas, other than some stocking stuffers. We're the pragmatic, if we need it we get it, kind of people, so there isn't usually much to get for presents.

I have always done some of my gifts for others as handmade things. I love doing all kinds of crafts. Last year I completely hand sewed a patchwork lap quilt for MIL for her 70th birthday. When she unwrapped it I was promptly told to stop making her things for gifts, as I'm too busy. So this year she won't be getting anything homemade from us. (Not even the homemade skinny chocolate I've been working on.)

I am finding it harder to feel like Christmas is almost here this year. We don't have many decorations up, as our 2 year old just destroys it all, and the weather is still hot this far south. I think also knowing we won't actually get to be at home this year, as we're traveling for Christmas is putting a little damper on it for me, although it will be nice to have a few days of no chores, as we are staying at a hotel.

I had the 20 week scan last time, and if I remember correctly I took about 30 mins. I also had to go with a full bladder, but then had to pee about half way through so she could do some other measurements. It certainly wasn't fun to lay there for about 20 min feeling like my bladder would explode.

[Quinalla]

Yeah, DH and I don't exchange gifts mainly because he can't wait more than 2 minutes to get something he really wants We usually do something for ourselves for Christmas and call that our gift, I think all the house renovation stuff will count for that this year!

And yeah, planning to be there for an hour for a U/S appointment makes sense. A lot of OB appointments are pretty quick, but the one with the big U/S can easily take an hour for the entire thing sure.

[AmandaLynnH]

Ah ok an hour for entire appointment makes sense.  I thought you had to lay there with a full bladder for an hour while they pressed on it.  But my midwifes aren't always great about giving me details.  My first appointment I didn't know that they'd want a urine sample and peed beforehand so that was interesting.  Then the nurse mentioned that they'll want one from now on.  But I got no details on the anatomy scan when we scheduled it yesterday (Jan 10th since they were already booked on the 3rd - argh) so i may need to call or ask when I go in before I pee in a cup for them.  

Appointment went well yesterday, got to hear the heartbeat again.  150s.

Any recommendations for a belly cream to help prevent stretch marks.  I know the disclaimer: nothing can prevent them, it's genetics, but why not try something in case it does help?  And any recommendations for a face cream?  I have a $25 giftcard to Macys that I might use to splurge on a good face cream as I have not been feeling particularly attractive.  My pregnancy app tells me I should be glowing...uh, when will that happen?  

Now we just wait on the second trimester screen blood results.  Fingers crossed that the odds are one in 10,000 or whatever the best are.

[BaileyB]

I just used a half way decent cocoa butter. I used it all over and got none on my belly but some on my boobs.

[TwilightJoy]

I've been alternating with cocoa butter and coconut oil. I have the Burt's Bee's oil, but I don't like the smell.

--

Has anyone heard from timesway lately? I just realized she's suddenly quiet. Hope everything is okay with you, timesway!

[Ghislaine]

Originally Posted by cadybh 

Does anyone else still use a monitor for their older children/babies??  

HAHAHA, except not too funny at 2 AM or whatever time it was.  UGH I need more sleep and as it is I wake myself up 1-2 times to pee.

We never did use a monitor with our daughter.  Our old house had the kitchen, living, and dining rooms all on the same floor with the master bedroom (we coslept) so I never felt the need to get one.  This house is bigger but I think we can manage without it again.  I am jealous that you only need to get up 1-2 times to pee.  I have to get up 4-5 times!

Originally Posted by nstewart 

  Unfortuntetly the duck egg lady was out of eggs by the time I arrived so I'll have to try to go next week.  DS has a sensitivity to chicken eggs, but duck eggs are ok (and unfortunetely hard to come by!).  

We have ducks for the same reason but this time of year they pretty much stop laying!

Originally Posted by cadybh 

Ooh, N, I have never had duck eggs.  I am in LOVE with eggs this pregnancy.  How do they compare to chicken eggs (other than smaller size I'd guess)? Bummer you need them and couldn't find them.

Duck eggs are generally larger then chicken eggs actually.  The egg whites are clearer and the yolks are much larger.  They don't really taste all that different and some people prefer them for cakes because they rise better with them.  I hear the whites take longer to whip but I have to admit I haven't tried it yet.

Originally Posted by eepeepee 

Wow!  Lots to talk about already this week.  I have a couple quick questions to submit to the collective mama wisdom:

What have you guys asked for for Christmas/Hanukkah/etc?  My family/husband keep asking me what I want and I really can't think of much.  I mean, all I really need these days is baby/maternity stuff, but that seems almost like a waste of a gift that's supposed to be for me, you know?  Plus, that's what the shower will be for.  Thoughts?

Also, today my boss not-so-subtly mentioned that I should really try to schedule my midwife appointments either "really early" or "really late" in the day (I had to leave around noon yesterday for one).  She tried to frame it as concern for my sick days being used up, but I don't know if I really buy that.  It made me feel weird and guilty for having to leave so often (I've had scheduling snafus and had to go every other week a few times).  Am I being paranoid?

I asked for a new laptop.  My old one's been pretty much given over to our daughter for "typing", using the Paint program, and some online videos and games.  That laptop saved my sanity while I was stuck on the couch nursing her so I know I have to have one this time around!

We had our second midwife appointment today.  We got to very briefly hear the heartbeat for the first time!  They are worried about gestational diabetes so I took the one hour test for them.  Thank goodness they use an organic lemonade instead of what I hear is a nasty orange drink!  They'll be scheduling the ultrasound soon to be sure the placenta location isn't going to be a problem for a VBAC.  Based on the rest of you ladies' experiences we're looking at January before we'll be fit in, huh?

[Quinalla]

AmandaLynnH, I mostly use sesame bath oil right after I finish my shower all over my skin and then air dry as much as possible, but that's my normal regimen. I occasionally will but on some Aveeno body lotion or Eucerin (from the tub), but that's more to help with dry skin or itching, I don't worry about the stretch marks as I already have plenty from my first pregnancy so what's a few more

Ghislaine, congrats on getting to hear the HB My U/S appointment got booked so far out, I dunno how far in advance they can book them. Probably depends how busy each particular office is!

I am so tired! I need to go buy a big pillow pronto, the past three nights I've been waking up constantly because I am so uncomfortable. I think we are just about done Christmas shopping, so that's something. I have a few things in my cart still that I need to order from Amazon, but I have a code for free one-day shipping that expired Friday, so I'm waiting to see if I want to add anything else!

[eepeepee]

Thank you to all for your gift ideas!  I managed to put together a pretty epic list; apparently I want more stuff than I thought...

And thanks for your thoughts on the boss situation.  Quinalla, I should probably write that e-mail; I'm just a little intimidated, I think.  We'll see.

...side note: are anyone else's fingers feeling like freaking sausages lately?

[adventuregirl]

TJ - I had been wondering about times too, hope all is well with her!

I have been so busy at work this week, its been difficult to keep up here. Had a mw appt this wk which was great, I like her more every visit, which totally rocks. Otherwise just trying to get holiday stuff done and take care of the normal business.

Still have some gifts to get, I ended up getting my brothers each a gift card and local homemade toffee. Now I am struggling with a teacher gift. I usually do gift cards, but DD's teacher is on exchange and moving back to Australia after this semester, so a gift card may not get used. Any good ideas out there?

[BaileyB]

Originally Posted by TwilightJoy 

I've been alternating with cocoa butter and coconut oil. I have the Burt's Bee's oil, but I don't like the smell.

--

Has anyone heard from timesway lately? I just realized she's suddenly quiet. Hope everything is okay with you, timesway!

I was wondering the same thing a few minutes ago actually. Also, Jacqueline, but I think she was moving from Japan back to Boston around now so she might just be busy or not have access.

Originally Posted by eepeepee 

Thank you to all for your gift ideas!  I managed to put together a pretty epic list; apparently I want more stuff than I thought...

And thanks for your thoughts on the boss situation.  Quinalla, I should probably write that e-mail; I'm just a little intimidated, I think.  We'll see.

...side note: are anyone else's fingers feeling like freaking sausages lately?

Yes, to the fingers although it was when I was walking on the treadmill and I think I was dehydrated that day. I think eating more salt in recommended for that.

[timesway]

thankyou everyone.. has been a bit of a crazy couple of weeks.. me n my ex are trying again (hes been sorting himself out and really turned a bit of a corner) so i've been stuck in honeymoon period mixed with being knackered... hope your all doing well :)
 

[Quinalla]

Originally Posted by eepeepee 

Thank you to all for your gift ideas!  I managed to put together a pretty epic list; apparently I want more stuff than I thought...
And thanks for your thoughts on the boss situation.  Quinalla, I should probably write that e-mail; I'm just a little intimidated, I think.  We'll see.

It's very easy for me to say "Write it!" I absolutely understand it may be hard or impossible to actually do it, sometimes the best choice is to let stuff slide even when it sucks I was and am just very righteously angry for you if your boss was doing anything shady, hopefully not, but I like to prepare for the worst!

[Quinalla]

Anyone doing anything fun this weekend? We do have one more carpet guy out to give an estimate, then we'll make a call and run with one or the other. I'll probably wrap some presents and maybe make some cookies with DD.

Oh and I bought a $10 body pillow at Target yesterday (I actually looked a few places for a snoogle or equivalent, but no one had them in the store) and slept much better last night! I think I need to find a small pillow for my back, but otherwise I think I'm good for now. I also found some thermal PJ pants for $10 a piece there too, so that was nice as I need more PJ pants I can wear while pregnant and for when the babies are really little and the constant nursing at night.

[kimble]

Hooray for sleeping well with support!

We usually have 4 pillows in our bed - two we sleep on and two that stand up by the headboard and pretty much stay there. Well I've been taking my headboard pillow and using it to prop my belly or back up - after a couple sleepless nights it is a godsend! Still bulkier than I like but at least I can sleep. I asked for a prenatal wedge pillow for Christmas and have my fingers crossed. It's only ~$15 on Amazon and I figure good sleep is worth it, and even after babies it would be useful to prop my head up if I'm sick.

This weekend we are heading up to Maine to see DH"s family and dropping off our cats - they are kid enough to watch the "grandkittens" while we travel. We were planning to wrap all their presents last night to bring them up, but were out of tape! how silly. We'll just wrap them on Sunday and bring them up after Christmas.

This is likely the last year I will be spending Christmas at my parents' house in the midwest, which I am totally fine with. We leave on Monday night so we have plenty of time to help my parents get ready. They always do a lot of baking, and since my mom is disabled she can't really do it alone or go christmas shopping for my dad, so we get to pitch in. By the 25th I know we will have had more than our fill of my parents and be ready to leave!

Here in the Boston area it's gotten cold but we haven't had much snow yet. I'd find it easier to get into the holiday spirit with a little white cover.

what are everyone else's weekend plans?
 

[eepeepee]

Friends of ours are having a holiday party tomorrow, so I'll most likely be playing the role of Token Sober Chick.  We may also venture out to the big Target nearby to get our registry started, which is both exciting and overwhelming.  

Other than that, I'm just going to try not to read the news too much.

[CoBabyMaker]

Katie, sounds like a nice, low-key weekend! 

Someone up higher asked about belly lotions (i'm too lazy to  scroll up right now)  I used Burt's Bee's Tummy Balm for my first two pregnancies.  This time I made some by melting some shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax and vitamin E oil in a double boiler and pouring it into a jar.  I'm happy with it so far.  I've gotten a couple small stretch marks with each pregnancy but they aren't very noticeable and fade pretty well.  I did find that my skin lost some elasticity after my second pregnancy but I think that's just going to happen probably. 

We have the staff Christmas party tonight.  It's an ugly sweater party so that should be interesting.  I had DH ask MIL if I could borrow a Christmas sweater.  FIL is kind of funny and is always concerned that we don't have enough money (because they struggled a lot financially when they were younger) so he wanted to buy me a sweater if we couldn't afford one.  DH had to explain that we are ok on money but I just needed to borrow one for the party and didn't want one in my wardrobe.  Haha.  My MIL is really pretty stylish and she said she got rid of her really bad Christmas sweaters last year.  The one I am borrowing is not awful but certainly not something I would normally wear.  DH was joking that he was just going to shave his chest hair into a reindeer shape. 

Tomorrow we have friends coming for our small group get together.  So, kind of a busy weekend.  Then on Monday we will do our Christmas celebration with my brother's family.  I feel like I am becoming more and more introverted and I keep thinking that while I love all these people I just need to survive till Tuesday so I can be alone again.

DH has a meeting on Tuesday when our ultrasound is scheduled for.  We are so bummed!  He doesn't go to most appointments with me but he's always gone to that one.  We are finding out the gender and I was going to have the tech write it down and put it in an envelope anyway (so we can find out in a private moment)  but I know it's special for DH to see and hear the baby in person.  I called to see if they could change it but they don't have anything else available next week.