Chat thread for last week of July... or longer? - Page 5

[banana girl]

hopefully not working...

We are planning on having me stay home for a couple of years and depending on how quickly baby # 2 shows up... longer.
I do intend to find some way to earn income while working at home. I have a few ideas about how to do that and don't feel any great pressure to earn alot, just enough to bolster Jerome's income.
Moving to the farm will decrease our monthly expenses dramatically, but if we buy the farm and begin remodeling.... then up goes the expenses again!

I can hardly wait to be HOME!!!

[JenInMpls]

Hooray for a full night's sleep! I tell you, it was the ice cream.

I am not going back to work for at least a year. If it were up to me I wouldn't go back to work at all - at least that's what I think now. I don't know if that sentiment will be true a year or more down the road. Because I work in a school and the child will be nursery-aged in 3 years, there is the potential that I could take the child to school with me, but I don't know if a 3-year-old is ready for a full day of nursery. I could see a mature 4-year-old doing ok in a full-day program. The only drawback to the enrollment in school thing is that both nursery and mixed-age Kindergarten start at around 8:30, and subject classes (language, handwork, etc) start around 11. If I change schools I teach at and am at the school 2 miles away, it would be a different story, but if I'm out at my current school that is 25 miles away from home, I feel like those morning hours might be a waste of time... sorry, I'm thinking out loud here.

Jo is dreadfully worried about finances, I think we'll manage ok if we sit down, create a real budget and stick to it. We need to trim a lot of the unnecessary spending - our going out to eat habit, for instance. And that Jo frequently goes to lunch with her co-workers and treats them.

I am considering working at the RollerDome this winter (the local sports stadium concourses are used for inline skating on free nights... I skated a lot last year, but the jobs are super easy... checking peoples' coats and bags, checking out equipment, skating on the concourses to make sure people are being safe), it would get me some easy evening work and some exercise to boot. we'll see if it works out. I actually have a lot of sideline teaching options - tutoring, Saturday classes, etc - but have never been excited about those, somehow.

I'm supposed to be going grocery shopping and buying food for the anti-shower. Not moving so fast there am I!

xo, j.

[banana girl]

bye, bye for now!

Hey ladies!
I hope you all have a great weekend! Sleep lots and spend quality time with all your dear ones! I'm signing off for the weekend, looking forward to catching up on Monday!

Hugs and kisses

[JenInMpls]

Well, I finally got so gripy about the stinging belly this afternoon that I called the nurses who work with the CNMs at my clinic and asked for suggestions. The nurse was stumped and so called the CNM on call today who asked that I come in. So, 1/2 hour later I was in the clinic. The only idea that the CNM had was:

shingles?!!

But I don't have a rash, and I have had this stinging and irritation for 2 weeks now, which is COMPLETELY inconsistent with shingles, usually you have 3-4 days of sensitivity and then get a rash with blisters which go away eventually. And she inspected my belly for a rash!! Very thoroughly!! Beyond that she said that it could simply be a nerve getting irritated from the uterus pushing on it, which is exactly what my chiropractor said. The CNM suggested a cream, if I wanted to use it; I think I'll just keep putting up with it. If it's a nerve, there is little that can be done for it topically except for a lidocaine ointment, which seems a little extreme to me.

In other spontaneous check-up news, my uterus was measuring a very little bit ahead, my bp was 104/76, the kid's hr was good (and I got to hear it cos she used a doptone), and sprout is vertex and LOA although far from engaged. Stay there baby!! (Well, vertex and left-side, anyway!)

j

(shingles?!!)

[greenbeing]

Speaking of work,

I just came back from having lunch with my new teammates for this year. Yes, I have to go BACK to work before the baby even comes : But, at least it's only for a month or so, then I'll be home until right before Christmas break. I'll go back, then have a couple of more weeks off for Christmas. Then, of course I'll finish out the rest of the school year, and baby will stay home with dad during the day. That's the plan. Dh will be finished with school next summer, hopefully get a job, and then I'll be able to stay with the little one.

[msrog]

We don't plan to have me go back to work, finally! If anything I'll do home day care again here. That was fun, though this time around I would just stick with 2 or 3 kids. When I had 5, I burnt myself out in one winter!

I am at the point where I just want to have babies according to God's wishes for me, until I just can't have any more, haha! I figure I have 10 good childbearing years left (I'm 32)?? So maybe we'll have like 5 more? Anyway, we'll just let things play out. I'm very thrilled about my new career as a homemaker/domestic engineer, though. And do I ever have a LOT to learn! (Still not very organized, not great with cleaning or cooking, no clue about sewing, etc...) But I have desire and determination, a good attitude, and no outside job. I CAN DO THIS! =O)

Danielle and Jen, I'm sorry about your sore bellies. I wonder, Danielle, if your round ligament was spasming or something? Weird. I've never experienced that nor heard of it.

Hey, am I the only schmuck on here who doesn't have a subscription to Mothering magazine? How did you all find this great web site?

Happy, productive weekend to you all!

[sistermama]

Jen - Glad your appt went well!!

Sheryl- How's camp going? Hope you're not overdoing it!

I am in such a foul mood today!! Worrying about money is the worst - been crabby to dh because of it too. Its frustrating though, cause I'm sure he doesn't even know what bills I'm trying to pay, or how much is in our accounts, etc. etc.

At least I got about 150 more books listed at half.com today, plus 5 of them have already sold, so I've sold about 20 books since last week. Now just to package and mail them tomorrow. Has anyone else sold books? I can't come up with a cheap way to package them that I am pleased with. Right now I am just bubble wrapping them and then wrapping them in brown shipping paper, but that doens't seem really sturdy.

My best friend, who is throwing my shower, has been so grumpy and complainy about EVERYTHING lately and has even started complaining to ME about stuff she is doing for my shower. It is really ridiculous because it is being held at my mom's house and my mom is paying for everything, so I kind of feel like, "so shut up and just let my mom do it!" It is making me feel sh***y listening to her complain about it. On the good side I did finish my registery tonight and finally found a little newborn wool soaker (the aristocrats are so huge!)

Guess I should go to sleep, since its midnight! Anyone else been starving lately??? I can eat a huge meal and be ravenous two hours later.

[MamaAcorn]

32 weeks and 4 days

Sarah - I can so relate to you on the money front and dh being clueless. I went through the money stiuation again with dh yesterday and now he finally is starting to get it. Things are always so tight at the end of the semesters with the students loans gone and waiting for the next batch to arrive while the bills for stating a new semester biuld up. Not to mention that we're moving, which will save us money the rest of the year, is adding a lot of extra expenses to this month. On a positive light, it seems to be these tougher times that really bond dh and me with the two of us leaning on each other more.

On the pregnancy front, another night of little sleep. After getting up early yesterday and working hard all day, I went to bed around 11:30 only to wake up an hour later to go to the bathroom, climb into bed, snuggle up next to ds, and find a huge wet spot on the bed. Ds fell asleep right after drinking a huge cup of water and hadn't gone to the bathroom since dinner. Ooops! So, I took off his wet clothes and put him in the toddler bed next to ours (all without him waking up, lucky duck!) and changed all of our linens. Then I was beyond exhausted and couldn't go to sleep. My back ached and my calves were cramping, so I gave up on the bed and slept out in the recliner for a few hours. I really hate not being able to sleep especially with having so much to do around here.

I got a really super sweet e-mail from my MIL this morning with her saying what a great couple dh and I are and how we're an inspiration to so many and that it's obvious to all how much we love each other, especially through ds. Anyway, it made me feel so .

Well, it's another day of packing, unpacking, and moving, so I better get motivated. Have a great weekend all!

Pam

[msrog]

Pam, what a sweet thing for your MIL to say! That is just wonderful. I had a nice experience with my MIL yesterday, too. I sent her an email asking if she had ever used cloth diapers with my dh (he was born and raised in Italy)... She wrote back, "boy did I ever!" and was really supportive, and positive about it all. (Quite unlike the responses I've been getting from my friends and family, haha). I thought that was neat.

[mum2tori]

Greetings alll-

Well the last couple of days have been very stressful. A bunch of people from DH's NG unit have been activiated this past week. Several of his guys (in his squad that he's responsible for). We heard Wednesday night that David was 'on the list'. Well as of the two lists that have come out (Thur & Fri) he ISN'T on them. We still have a while before they are done with this. UGH!! I'm so tired of the "yes you are, no you aren't, yes you are". It is so exhausting. They've moved up the deployment dates too. He'd have to go to Ft. H in mid August and would leave stateside in mid-Nov. The reality really sunk in when I realized if David leaves, Radish will be Jack's age when he gets back. And Tori will be FIVE!!

Wednesday night, Mary (MIL) came over and watched the kids. We went to see a movie. I think David was trying to get my mind on other things. Saw the Bourne Supremacy. It's a great movie if you like spy thrillers.

Last night was our 10th anniversary. And Mary was nice enough to come over (again ) and watch the kids so we could go out. We had dinner (steaks! Yummy!) and saw a movie. That's 2 movies within 3 days. :LOL We haven't seen this many movies out at the theatre in 8 months. :LOL We saw De-Lovely with Kevin Kline aand Ashley Judd. It's about Cole Porter. Very good movie, a little odd the way they filmed it but the music was awesome. Love the soundtrack, we've been listening to it in the car for a couple of weeks now.

Poor Jack is sick. Both Tori and he have runny noses but Jack is just miserable. We are pretty sure it's allergies. David is feeling it a little too (they get his allergies). Last night after we got home was really bad, Jack didn't sleep more than an hour or two the WHOLE night. David and I took turns 'sleeping' (yeah right!) in the glider holding him. He'd sleep for a little while but everytime we'd try to lay him down, he'd start crying. I think the drainage is upsetting his stomach. Poor pitiful thing. And he's cutting four bottom teeth at the sametime. We've been up since 6am (finally gave up trying). He just sat on the couch curled next to me for an hour this morning. I was able to finally get him to go to back sleep at about 9am and he slept for an 1.5 hour this morning. I think I'm going to go wake David up and let him have the children for a while. I think I got 2.5 hours of sleep total last night. If the same thing happens tonight, I'm going have David get the swing back down. Maybe he'd sleep better semi-sitting up and the swaying motion will help.. I had the mattress propped up but it didn't seem to help much. He is so pitiful because he's so tired.

Well off to try to get some things done today, maybe a nap...

[msrog]

Well, happy anniversary, Samantha!! The movie date sounded fun; we loved that first Bourne Identity movie... I'm so sorry your kids aren't feeling well; especially your little Jack. I hope you got some rest today! And what a rollercoaster ride you and dh seem to be on with his job. I hope he ends up getting to be here until after Radish is born. Maybe he won't even have to go at all? I'm glad I'm not a Navy wife anymore. Hugs!

Caroline, I can just imagine your husband's shock, haha! He's probably really getting into high gear now. Enjoy finishing those project, and we'll keep thinking sticky thoughts that you'll go past 37 weeks and have time to finish them all...

[Caroline248]

35 weeks or 36 weeks (I don't know which feels better to use!!)

Samantha, do you have any of those bouncy seat things? Those are great for even a 1 year old to sleep in (if he is not too big!! I remember putting a pilow at the top for mine and they slept well when they had respiratory issues.

Thanks for the stay put viebes Savannah..but I think one more week and I am ready to go. Watch, this one will be late!!!

Last night I was up from 4 am to 6 am with "pain". My lower back was splitting open, and I was having these muscle spasm type things in my lower uterus. They did not feel like cntrx, but they were painful. I HAD to get up and walk. I started thinking the full moon last night got me...but they stopped around 7 am and I went back to sleep. I had these nights when I was pregnant with Lilly, and it took two weeks of night time labor before the real thing. My first was induced. Bridget was so quick and easy, just a weekend of early labor. I think this one is going to be looong. Great.

I also think he might have turned feet first. I feel a hard part on each side of the top of my uterus. Ugh. I can't wait until Wednesday!!

Hope everyone else is doing well...

Caroline

[wardermom]

35 weeks 2 days

Samantha-On Wedneday, it's our 10th anniversary too!!! Yeah!!!

[mum2tori]

Well Jack slept MUCH better last night. Only one coughing fit that kind of woke him up but he settled right now. I'd forgotton about the bouncy seat (good idea), still have that in the closet too. Might keep that in mind if he still has trouble. He doesn't seem to want to nap today though. But I'm pretty sure his fever broke last night his head was cool last night. He hasn't been nearly as warm today. I took a long warm/hot shower with him last night and then rubbed & massaged him with lavender lotion. He almost fell asleep on the changing table before I was done. :LOL David patted him twice on the back and he was out. Snoring! Two of his four teeth have cut through too. He is finally getting teeth between his bottom fronts and his first year bottom molars. He's looked so goofy on the bottom without any teeth between them, but why do they ALL have to come in at the sametime?? : His eyeteeth are the ones that are just about to cut through.

Tori's broke yesterday during her nap, so she's on the road to recovery. Good thing too, she was almost down right obnoxious that last couple of days. :LOL :LOL She might not have made it another week without one of us killing her. (j/k)

Thanks for the well wishes. We still can't believe that it's been 10 years...

Congratulations Melanie on your 10 years.

Caroline keep that baby sticky!

Well everyone is taking a nap and I need to get a couple of things done while it's quiet. Be checking with everyone later.

[Caroline248]

Where is everyone????

Melanie and Samantha..Happy Anniversary!!!

Samantha...sounds yucky. Teething is so hard. On you too!!! I hope you are getting a wonderful nap!!

All has quieted down here. Of course, that probably means it will start up again tonight. That could last for weeks. Ugh. I can't wait to see this baby now!! One more week and we are home free!!!!!! Two weeks would be even better for the baby....

Caroline

[JenInMpls]

Today was the anti-shower, it was fun even though it was very hot and humid outside. Jo prepared all of the food (I made some really rockin' salsa, though) and it was all done at the same time and it was SO good! We had a lovely time even with our mish-mash group, got a ton of gift cards from Target (time to go buy those big-ticket items), and the best part: our house is clean. Clean to a point where I can do the little piddly cleaning things (like cleaning fingerprints off of door frames, etc) without feeling overwhelmed.

If my midwife knew what I ate today, though! OK, I did eat a lot of fruit and salsa, but I also ate a hot dog, chips, a fluffy white-bread bun and 3 s'mores. There was a minor incident with one of our s'mores sticks... a squirrel had an *ahem* altercation with it and lost a big chunk of tail fur on the sticky, marshmallowy end. It did make us laugh, though, we figured that the squirrel, while probably quite angry, was not that damaged. We wish that we had seen it happen...

Best of all, my friend Tanya came, un-RSVPed, with her one-month-old son, Tarik. He is beautiful, and I got to sit with her and talk baby and birth while she nursed. She had the best birth story I had heard in a while - she left an ob appt feeling like she was having contractions, and told her doctor, who told her to go home and keep an eye on them and call when they got closer together... that was around 10 am. She went home, they got stronger and closer together. Around 1:30 or so, she called and told them that they were 5 minutes apart. They told her to keep laboring at home and call when they were 2-3 minutes apart, because at the moment, they were full and didn't have a bed for her! But hopefully they will be able to discharge someone by the time she was ready to give birth! so Tanya labored at home some more, and an hour later, they were 2 minutes apart, she called again, they told her to come in (around 2:30) and she had Tarik at 5:30. First baby! I would bet that she labored so fast because she was at home.

Her son is a great nurser, too, it was heartening to see a first-time mom my age look very comfortable nursing. And her breasts and nipples are shaped just like mine

so I'm kind of on a baby cloud right now, I'm so glad that she brought him by

Sprout kicks hellos to you all,

jen

[adventuregirl]

Hey Girls!

I read the first page of posts and when I realized there were 4 more, I had to just skip it and post. Sorry I am missing so much, I really want to keep up with all of you!

I have three more days with my little bro, 4 more weeks of camp and am 35 weeks! I am sooooo tempted to quit, but feel so accountable to finish this job. Its not too much physically, I can actually do quite a bit of sitting around, I am just ready to have a bunch of free time. I'll see how this week goes...

OK, gotta run to the airport, 1.5 hours away to pick up my brother's fiancee. Gonna be a late night, ugh!

[banana girl]

beginning week 35 (LMP)

Good morning!

Well, I think i am entering a new stage of pregnany... i am starting to feel really...big, akward, sore, and tired. It's funny to write this out, i've been getting bigger, more akward, sore and have been tired for a long time. It just seems to be getting more intense.
The baby kicks me up so high by my ribs and i realize that my uterus is filling most of my torso... Where the hell are all the organs that used to be there??? I feel really compressed and i find myself lifting my shoulders trying to elongate my torso, create more room for all this activity and mass.
My brother in law and his wife to be stayed with us acouple nights this weekend, and while I really enjoyed having them there... I feel so worn out today. I've been having some pretty intense sensations that my mom assures me are braxton hicks contrax... and they are really wearing me out.
Yesterday, I got up, helped make breakfast and then went back to bed! I slept for 2 more hours! Today, I feel like laying down on the floor, right here at work.
My boss is running around campus getting the totals off all the campus copiers, i know he needs me to be here, but i may leave early today.... we'll see. i have birthing class yet tonight and I just don't think i can do it all!

Whine.. grump. sniffle....sigh

[plantmommy]

ok, 35 weeks 3 days.

You're in good company, Anna.

A few weeks ago, I was relieved as the baby consistantly seemed to settle further down into my pelvis. Not quite so much as to be really uncomfortable in most positions, but enough to alleviate the heartburn and rib squeezing.

However, at this point, his head is still down there and he's grown, so I get squished both up and down, and not only that, but he's at a bit of an angle, back to the left, and keeps trying to stretch his legs, so I get this foot poking out my side, or worse, my ribs, with the butt pushing to the other side. I keep telling him:

THERE'S NO ROOM FOR YOU TO STRETCH OUT SO QUIT TRYING!

[sistermama]

33w5d

Good morning Mamas -

We had Jack's birthday party at the springs yesterday, which was very fun (and tiring! ) Jack had a great time. It is a little stressful to juggle one kid among 6 grandparents at a time, and keep everyone happy, but dh and I managed to do it, and I think everyone felt like they got their "fair" share of time with him. Makes you wonder who the kid is...

I feel bad because I had to back out of my Hypnobirthing class - I guess its not really backing out since I hadn't made my deposit or sent in my registration, but I know the instructor was kind of counting on me coming. But between being broke and not having anyone to go with me, it just really wasn't working out.

Anna - if you're like I am, in a couple days you'll feel great again and forget you felt so big and tired! I really tend to go through cycles of it, so hopefully you will too!

Caroline - I can't believe it is almost time!!!

Jen - your anti-shower sounds like fun