March Mamas: February 21 - 27 - Almost There!

[Patchfire]

The List!

~Brand New Babies~
Kylie (luvmy3boyz) - 02/21/05 05:00 am - Kessa Lynn - 8 lbs 8 oz - Birth Story Coming!
Rebecca (Ravenmoon) - 02/23/05 11:54 am - Stellaria Avani - 7 lb 4 oz - Birth Story
Heidi (Weebitty2) - 02/23/05 10:04 pm - Melissa Kimberly - 7 lb 3 oz, 21 inches - Birth Story Coming!
Shirada - 02/26/05 4:52 am - Baby Boy - 6 lbs 15 oz - Birth Story Coming!

~Ladies In Waiting~
Christine (Cholderby) 3/2 Boy
polihaupt 3/2 Boy
LeShea 3/3 Girl
Barb (meant2beamom) 3/4 Surprise
Alicyn (mommy2b) 3/5
OaklandMama 3/5
bubbles 3/6
JoyfulMomma 3/6 Surprise
MsDoula 3/8
Shannon (MamaSpruce) 3/8 Surprise
Aquarianmom 3/8
Emily (AnneCordelia) 3/8
Eva (Finnsma) 3/8 Girl
Susan (srmina) 3/9 Boy
Fiercelove 3/9 Boy
Michelle (Mtm) 3/10 Boy
Cyndi (CyndiN) 3/11
mommyto2 3/11 Surprise
Citygirl 3/12
Kimberly (kimisaur) 3/12
Sarah (mamasarah) 3/12 Surprise
Ang (Crayon) 3/13 Surprise
Jo (Jocmtl) 3/13 Boy
Autumn (newmomma2005) 3/13 Boy
Serina (Somewhere to grow) 3/13 Girl
Annabelle's Wish 3/13
Melissa (Ladyelmo1) 3/16
Maya (muse) 3/16
Rachel (rad) 3/16
Shannon (RaisinGirl) 3/17
Wildcrafter 3/18 Surprise
Rebecca (MamaGaia) 3/20
Rebecca (GeoGirl) 3/20 Girl
Shannon (sm3247) 3/20 Girl
Tiffany (TTaylor) 3/20 Girl
Kash (Patchfire) 3/21 Surprise
puddinnpeanut 3/21
Trish (Ellis Herr) 3/21 Girl
Amanda (TXmidwife) 3/22 Boy
Shannon (Isfahan) 3/22
Desirae (mamadaisy) 3/23
Jennie (Jenniebug) 3/23
Kim (EllieB) 3/23 Boy
Molly (Mimim) 3/23 Surprise
Simplehome 3/23 Boy
Dee (Morningtillmoonmama) 3/24 Boy
Jen (LoveChild421) 3/24 Boy
Lotta 3/24
Lise (TOmomma) 3/25 Surprise
Gina (stringbean) 3/26 Boy
Ryann (anazmommy) 3/26
Giggs 3/28
Sprinklepocket 3/28
Erica (Kindermama) 3/28 Girl

Sometime in March:
Pam (EMZ) Girl
Jenrose
Carla (carlasher)
Mady (Mady5) late March Girl


I am getting ready for some babies to be born! I'm looking over the list and there's a fair number of people who haven't posted in a long time - if you're out there lurking, can you post this week or next and/or PM me? I don't want to boot anyone off the list, but since sometime in April we'll be waiting for everyone to be 'done' to move over to Life With A Babe, it'd be good to do some housekeeping. *is nesting, even online* :LOL

Speaking of nesting, my house got a nice thorough cleaning over the weekend. I just have to maintain it now. I'm slighly obsessive-compulsive, so it would be just my luck to be in labor and THEN get upset by the dust bunnies in the corners.

I can tell my body's gearing up... probably the most interesting thing (well, to me, I doubt to many others!) is that I'm slooowly leaking out thicker mucus... with dd, I lost my mucus plug all in one go, after about 5 hours of active labor. I'm pretty sure this is at least part of it thinning out and going, though, which is definitely different.

How's everyone? Mtm? The rest of you that are getting really close? Anyone? Bueller?

[crayon]

I am here- my breast started hurting again. You know that pain in the first few weeks of pregnancy- where it hurts to wear your seatbelt? It has returned. DH touched them and sent me into tears.... It seems like all "sexual" parts of my body are hurting and would rather not be touched. I had my MW appt on Sat. All is good- I have a body cast for when I was preggo with DD at 39 weeks and I showed my MWs and they were so shocked at how different I am carring. With DD I was very high and wide and large, with this one I have had a hard time gaining weight so I am much smaller and very low and right out front! I only gained 1 pound in 2 weeks, putting the grand total to 15lbs over pre-preggo weight... I told DH that I am going to be less after I have this baby than I was before I got pregnant. My MWs could feel the baby so good- they were feeling his/her butt, legs shoulders but its head is way way deep so they couldnt feel that. But it was so exciting to see the looks on their faces, they said that most babies you can feel but not like this one, this one you can feel all its parts.

I tried to do some cleaning on Sat, and got some things done, but had a break down- my DD was off the hook and I was so upset at everything. Then DH was home all day yesterday but nothing got moved to the attic- and we are into another week. sigh... I guess I will move everything that needs to go into the attic into the office and DH can walk around it! I have 1 room downstairs that is full of his computer stuff and I still have to clean the laudry room then I am in just keeping up mode!

Anyone else been super tired? I have been taking naps just to make it to bed the last few days- so unlike me. I am lucky that I have had DD during the days for the last week and a half so I am getting her to go to bed around 10-11 Last night it was after 1 a.m. but we watched a movie and she was up by 9 am....

Okay I have wrote enough! Maybe they are just keeping MTM in the hospital and letting her go natural, but watching her BP... I hope she is safe and her little one is safe! Cant wait to get an update!

Anyone going this week???

[crayon]

Almost forgot! I got half of my swap done! So that should go out in the mail sometime this week I still need to get 2 things done, but those are fast! I am pretty excited with how it is turnning out!

[AnneCordelia]

Well, I hit 38 weeks today...lovely. I went to 41+6 with DS so I don't think I'll be birthing anytime soon...LOL! However, on Saturday I did have *9 HOURS* of contractions that came 5-8 minutes apart. However, they were stronger than BH's but not nearly strong enough to call my MW. This prodromal labour is going to tease me for the next month, I can tell. LOL!

Feeling good though...the baby has dropped quite a bit this past week. Visibly so when I look at pictures of previous weeks. And there is TONS of pressure *down there* when I walk around. YAY!

[muse]

Hi mamas. I just checked into the phases of the moon and we're up for a full one on Thursday New moon on March 10th, and another full moon march 25th. So, I'll be paying particular attention to this list around those days........

I'm feeling the blissed out state of relaxation after a peaceful day with DS just relaxing and doing some yoga and eating well. I suddenly feel ready. Not sure what that means exactly, but I know I didn't feel it this early with DS. In practical terms we are ready, but I actually feel ready emotionally and physically.

I'm getting so curious to find out who this is in my belly. She or he seems to have dropped a lot. Crayon, I wish I had my belly cast from DS (didn't make it in all our cross country moving) to compare, but I'm pretty sure I have the reverse of you going on; this one is so wide sometimes I see a foot or knee poking way out my side and wonder how on earth it got there!

[crayon]

Originally Posted by muse

Hi mamas. I just checked into the phases of the moon and we're up for a full one on Thursday New moon on March 10th, and another full moon march 25th. So, I'll be paying particular attention to this list around those days........

I keep seeing a number 9... Perhaps I will start labor on the 9th of March and have a new moon baby!!!

I went 2 weeks over with DD and I really dont want to do that again, that would put me nearly a month out still.... I live the sound of the 9th or 10th

Sorry your body cast didnt make it I dont think I am going to do one this time- but perhaps if I am still preggo at the first of the month and have some money I will...

[Ravenmoon]

Yay,i lost my mucous plug this morning!I awoke and felt really wet between my legs and thought i either peed or my water broke but when i checked it it was blood tinged mucous.I have never lost my mucous plug before labor.My body was working hard yesterday.I had a lot of heavy contrax for most of the day.All sporadic.A few made me have to stop and focus.I am ready so hopefully she will make an appearance this week.I am 39 weeks.

I need to get my swap out and i also have some newborn diapers for PAtchfire i believe.I will see if i can get them out tomorrow if i don't have a baby first

[TRIBE]

s

9 more days to my comfort zone. yes I am counting down the days and keep chanting to this wee one no sooner than March2 please lol I dont really expect to go early except that I have had the prodromal labor already started and thats a big sign for me that I have 2-3 weeks left. So who knows I may have my first one born before 40 weeks...plus its anterior which is another fist!

I need to start putting my feet up more. My ankles have started to swell pretty bad. Its so yucky to look at :/ And i swear if this child grinds into my bum and cervix anymore its going to grind its way on out! *ouch* is all I can say.

DH and I did our bellycast yesterday and I blew up the birthpool. Just need the hose to arrive so I can do my test runs on filling it up and emptying it out. Can see some pics of the casting here http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/b/babycoulter/

I am headed to bed to put up my feet and what the Birth Day marathon on Discovery health

[TRIBE]

oooh Ravenmoon you could be our first March baby!!

[ladyelmo1]

Jennie, what beautiful pics! Thanks so much for sharing them. That will be a great cast.

Ravenmoon: Yay! Sending good labor vibes your way!

I have been so tired this weekend, it is amazing. I actually thought labor was imminent, as extreme fatigue was the first indicator I got with my dd, but I knew it was too early, and as of MW appt. on Thurs baby was still free-floating. But literally, I got up both Sat and Sun, and an hour later had to lay back down and go to sleep. Church had a family fun day Sunday, and I had to miss it, because I had to go home and lay down, I was so exhausted. DH stayed with DD, and they had a great time sledding, but I felt so left out.

I envy all you nesty mamas, I really do. NOTHING is done at my house, but I feel like I still have some time. This is my last week at work, and I feel like I'll have at least a week after that to get stuff done. I really feel like this baby will come right on time just like dd. I just wish "right on time" wasn't so far away. I'm 36W 5D today.

A CURE FOR HIP PAIN!!! Talked to MW about the unbelievable hip pain I have been having and she suggested a memory foam pillow to put under my hips when I am sleeping. OMG, IT WORKS!!!!! I have been able to sleep the last few nights. Still exhausted, but at least now I can walk around and sit comfortably during the day.

-Melissa

[Earthy Birthy]

I've been very lazy about posting here, but I check in every day to see if we have any new babies.

I'm feeling very big and slow and grumpy. Ugh! To those of you who have the cute little basketball tummies and feel all glowing and wonderful... : (See--I told you I was grumpy. I am glad that I'm not my own mw. )

Three of my closest friends are throwing me a baby shower this weekend. All I can think of is that I don't have anything to wear! (You know your belly is really huge when... your maternity clothes are too small.) Maybe I'll call everyone and tell them it's a toga shower and we're all wearing sheets!

Last week I started my standard 2-3 wks of prodromal labor, so at least my body is slowly getting some work done. I've gotten most of the baby's laundry done and we got the mini co-sleeper all set up. As for the rest of the house... Well, I hope that dh gets the nesting bug quick so that our baby isn't born into a chaotic mess. Well, I'm off to sit on my birth ball now. I hope to meet some babies and hear wonderful birth stories soon!!!

[MamaSpruce]

Hi everyone! I'm getting so exciting for everyone so close here, and our family of course.

I've also been lazy posting, TX Midwife, but checking in for baby news. I was so busy last week I tried to stay off the computer. I really didn't have much ready until this past week. Now I finally have the bedroom all set up (we switched rooms and got a king futon), the midwife's supply list covered, baby clothes and diapers washed, and a car seat purchased. The last was tormenting me. For some reason I just frazzled myself trying to decide what to get, bucket versus convertible. I went for the latter and splurged on a Britax roundabout. I think I've got the needs-to-be-done list covered, but still a good deal on the would-like-to-get-done list.

Been thinking of you too, Mtm! And a few of those other first week due dates that could be seeing some action now or very soon. Even though I am at 38 weeks tomorrow, I am just feeling too good to be anywhere close to birthing I think. I'm trying to prepare mentally for baby to come at 42 weeks.

I feel so excited about birthing and meeting my baby though. I had a beautiful blessingway Saturday, an amazing circle of almost 20 women that I love surrounding me, including my mom in town for the event. I also did a photo shoot with a professional photographer friend last Monday and can't wait to see those. I'll try and get some scanned to share, the modest ones anyway

Cool to hear your swap gift is coming along, Ang. Oh, of course I am on the receiving end of that . Hope everyone else gets theirs out in the next week so we have a complete swap circle. Don't forget to PM me your address, Ravenmoon--I'm almost done yours.

Huge blessings of encouragement and peaceful waiting and birthing to you all!

[crayon]

Well, I got my car seat in the mail today!!!! My mom and my sister got it for me- I was very happy with it! It looks safe and soft! I am feeling very achy today- not painful, not cx, just achy around my belly and back. I am off to clean the office, just wanted to check in and see how things were going for everyone. I will get your gift done today or tomorrow MamaSpruce, so it should be in the mail later this week! I was pretty happy with how it has turned out so far

Ravenmoon, YEPPIE!!!!! sending you lots of love and vibes!! I keep going potty wondering what I will see- but nothing! I guess I still have a few weeks anyhow! Keep us posted.... I cant wait

[welldone]

Hi, mamas! I'm 37 weeks now, and expecting the baby sooner than later. I half expected her yesterday, as my husband was out of town all day and we had an open house (so I couldn't go home), but she stayed inside.

I've been increasingly mucous-y and having lots of Braxton-Hicks this past week or so. My midwives came over for a visit today, and I had them check me. (I know, I know, bad childbirth educator! I never thought I'd cave...look what pre-labor does to a woman!) My cervix is nice and low, and I'm 50% effaced, -1 station, 1+ cm. The dilation doesn't mean anything (I've been 1 cm since my last childbirth), but it's nice to hear that effacement is happening. And the baby is nice and low--not engaged, but rather low for 37 weeks.

I feel like this week will be it. At the same time, I don't feel very...labor-ish...right now. But we know how things like that can change in a flash.

I think this baby is a good-sized petite gal. If she comes this week, my prediction is closer to 6 than 7 pounds. But if she comes later, who knows? My daughter's head was huge, so crowning will be fun.

[eminer]

Ooh Ravenmoon -- how exciting!

Every night now I get lots of BH and pressure in my pelvis, and the mucus is starting to flow. The timing makes me wonder if labor will start in the beginning of the night, like my dd's did. Our circadian rhythm has been way way off (we've been struggling to get back to falling asleep at a normal time since we moved, and it has become normal for my 3.5yo to sleep past noon!), and I've been worried about that, thinking we need it back to normal when the baby comes. But maybe it would be better to wait, so that I will be wide awake and energetic while laboring at 3 am.

Those feelings every night make me excited, but right now I am hoping baby will take her time. Still a little behind on work, still have cleaning to do, a ton of publicity for our CSA information meeting on 3/1, and finishing the diapers (at least we've finally been working on them...). Plus every week I go to the laundromat with my cart overflowing and a checklist in my head of the stuff I still want to wash *next* week, like the filthy curtains. Haven't frozen any food, ziti supplies are on sale this week, blah blah blah. I have a funny feeling that a lot of this stuff will still be on my list to do with baby in the rebozo. The list feels sort of asymptotic.

[Shirada]

I'll be 39 weeks tomorrow, but realise that it could be another 2-3 weeks for me in reality, given my last experience. I have a mw appointment tomorrow. Baby still feels its usual active self although a couple of nights ago I thought maybe it was showing signs of slowing down and my achy back made me think something was perhaps imminent.

I too am feeling absolutely exhausted. Yesterday I took an hour nap with my 3 year old and still fell asleep putting the girls to bed at 8.30pm!! The lethargy is killing me. I am also very short-tempered these days - my poor dds and dh

I feel as though most things are in place i.e clothes and diapers washed and ready, birthing supplies ready, clean hot-tub ready to be filled and heated at onset of labor by dh. The only thing left to do is to prepare and organise a little birthday celebration for my youngest dd on my due date, (see how sure I am of not giving birth before then). I think it will serve as a great distraction in this last week of waiting and then I will have to think of other things for the nest 2 weeks

How exciting for the moms who are approaching labor. I am looking forward to hearing the news.............................................. .............

Productive nesting all of you

[Quindin]

I am 38wk+6days today and I am going in for a MW check-up in 3 hours. Very curious to find out how much I have progressed - if any at all.

As I get closer to my EDD, it is getting more and more obvious to me that this little peanut is probably staying in for a loooong time like his brothers and sister did. It must be too comfortable in there because my babies always decide to stay a couple of weeks past the EDDs :LOL

So exciting about everyone - looking forward to reading a lot of birth stories soon

[weebitty2]

such a loooooooooong night ...

I haven't been poking my nose in much the past few weeks ~ third tri is really killing my old back injuries, so sitting has been a pain in the butt. (and back, and legs, and .. you get the idea :LOL)

I've been walking around 100% effaced and a few cm dilated for over a week. Ugh. So last night I curl up in a nice warm bath with a book .. and start contracting. It goes on for 4-5 hours .. and I'm thinking "Wow, I may actually be able to walk without a can again by Friday!"

Nope. The minute dd woke up for cuddles - everything stopped. :LOL

Well, I have a checkup in about 3 hours .. so we'll see if my body's actually doing anything, or just tiring me out before the "big day" :LOL My longest baked babe was 38 weeks .. and I'm 37w1d today, so ...

[cholderby]

I woke up on Sunday in the middle of the night (how sad is it that "middle of the night" means 11pm?) and didn't go back to sleep until 3. I have a horrid head cold, searing heartburn, itchiness all over, and I am SO, SO TIRED. Poor me, right?
DH had something of an intervention with me yesterday and laid down the law: I need to start mat. leave now. At first I was hesitant, but then I realized how crazy I was to fight it (esp. since it looks more and more like I'm not going back). So this is my last week at the office (and maybe my last week of wearing a bra, I swear it is so darn uncomfortable and unnecessary as my bbs can rest nicley on my big ole stomach).
I ended up watching 3 hours of a Baby Story as I lay in bed yesterday. There was one unmedicated home birth, and one intl. adoption so it wasn't all bad. In fact, something very good came out of it. Through watching the show, it occured to me that I need to unearth the changing table soon! Duh!
We're using the "nursery" (such as it is) as a staging area for our still under construction kitchen. So the changing table is totally unaccessable. I had pulled out the bassinet, but for some reason it never occured to me to get the changing table out of there. I've washed all the dipes n wipes and everything, they're just buried behind kitchen stuff.
I think I get an internal on Thursday, I'll be interested to know if anything is happening down there. I, too, have been increasingly mucous-y. C'mon baby!
I also had a really neat baby dream last night. Well, it wasn't so much a baby dream, as kind of a Charlie's Angels crime fighting dream in which I had a newborn in my arms at all times. I even got to kick box a bad guy while carrying a baby. The baby never woke up, even though I was kicking some serious butt.

[mommyto2]

We had a very nasty storm last night! It kicked things off for us just a little. Contractions started & stayed 7-10 min apart all night long. Pretty strong, but not labor-ish yet. Even laying down they were the same. I woke up this morning (after being up almost all night coughing & wuth heartburn) feeling.... ummm.... not quite dry... I thought it would be mucous or something, but no. (Hope I didn't have an "accident" :LOL )

I think the baby will be early, but not this early. I hope it will be another week or so. I started getting SUPER grouchy yesterday! That happened with dd a day or so before she arrived. I feel like I am getting close... Dd & Dog seem to be extra annoying! Dh is EXTREMELY annoying!!! Poor guy. He hasn't changed. I am just pissy.

I am so excited we may have some babies on here soon!!! Hopefully when they are completely ready!! Where are you MTM?!?!?! I hope you & baby are safe!!