Are we all officially 3rd tri now? Update time!

[autumn_faune]

Belly: It is obviously pg now we went to the fair saturday, and I had several complete strangers walk by and ask when I was due.

Boobs: They're still pretty saggy, they make the belly look smaller- but they have colostrum in them, so dd is very happy!

Appetite: Nonexistent. Or rather, I'm always starving but it seems like everything I fix either makes me green at the smell or comes back up once I eat it.

Energy Level: What's that? I can sleep naps and go to bed early, but it doesn't make a difference. I'm just chronically tired.

Baby Movement: sparse, this baby is a calm one but predictable, I get stretches and rolls at nighttime.

Latest appointment or UP news: Still gestating in peace, have no idea what my current weight, BP, fundal height, etc etc are. And really don't feel it matters- it's so much more pleasant and just seems like a natural everyday thing without all the stats. Yes, I'm a woman. Yes, I'm growing a baby.

Got a name? I have a name for each gender that I love, but dh says they "don't do anything for him" so he wants me to come up with some more options. This is really hard when nothing sounds as nice as the names I already like!

Birth Plans: UC at home. Given it will be wintery, I'm guessing in the living room near the fireplace. If I could expect warmer weather than I do, I would plan on a forest birth.

Do you have fears/concerns about coming birth? My only big fear is that someone will intrude and meddle. Minor concern is that dd will freak out and my sister won't be here to take care of her.

Nighttime discomforts: waking up to pee 3-4x a night, I think baby is transverse because no matter which side I try to lay on, I'm on top of him and it isn't very pleasant, for either of us I imagine.

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: I visualise laboring through the night while dh and dd are sleeping, in complete communion with my body and baby. I see the baby arriving right as they are waking up, so they get to see the birth and greet the baby.
Dh, of course, says he sees baby arriving in mid-morning with the wintery light streaming in the windows.

[Cuau]

Belly: It is getting really big, I have trouble getting into and out of the car

Boobs: I think they are not as big as I was expecting, which might be good. They are also leaking some colostrum

Appetite: I have my ups and downs, sometimes I can't go for an hour without eating, othertimes (like this morning) I can eat breakfast and wait till noon-ish with out any snaclk

Energy Level: I think my legs are giving in, OMG I need to do something, everytime I climb the stairs (which is prety often) my legs feel all shaky

Baby Movement: A lot!!! She is moving like crazy, I think she is prety happy. I can definitely tell when she is sleeping. One moning my dog came to wake me up and she rubbed her head against my belly, my girl didn't like that at all, she started kicking like crazy between these two I never get any sleep

Latest appointment or UP news: I have my upcomming appt this R, I'm supposed to get the GT but I haven't decided yet, probably I'll decide at the last minute.

Got a name? Yep, her name is Izel Yaretzi, Izel means unique and Yaretzi means the most loved woman

Birth Plans: Vaginal unmedicated birth

Do you have fears/concerns about coming birth? My sister not being here to help. My dh is not really getting prepared plus he doesn't speak the language, so if it is only us, I would feel a lot of pressure

Nighttime discomforts: Nightime is the same as daytime, peeing, having baby kick in the middle of the night.

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations:I haven't really visualized the time of day that the baby will be born, but I do want to feel her head comming out. My fav visualization is "monarch butterflies" they look so fragile but yet can migrate all the way from Canada to Mexico, so when I'm giving birth I'll use the emerging of a monarch butterfly from its pupae

[mary3mama]

Belly: Looking 6 mos. pregnant. It's great to be obviously pregnant now...not just looking fatter.

Boobs: Nips sensitive, sometimes feel fuller. Mostly no difference. I think they are just enjoying the vacation, since DS#2 just weaned in April.

Appetite: I'm hungry all the time. I just can't seem to eat enough, or often enough for this baby.

Energy Level: Normal. Not much fatigue. Feeling great.

Baby Movement: Somedays are really quiet, others more active. Something everyday.

Latest appointment or UP news: MW appt. last Friday. All good. Nice heartbeat. Baby head down at that moment. Measuring about 30 weeks at 27 1/2...

Got a name? Yeah, we named her Whingari Joy and are continuing to absolutely adore it!

Birth Plans: Homebirth with great midwives. Intending to waterbirth...see if that's what works out best at the time.

Do you have fears/concerns about coming birth? Eldest child will intrude to the extent that dh will wig out on him and that dh himself will just 'shut down' because of very emotional memories of our 21 week loss between DS#1 and DS#2.

Nighttime discomforts: Occasional insomia -- better with calcium/magnesium supllements. Sharing the bed with an active-sleeping 3 year old.

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: It's snowing. The boys are either asleep or happy with their sitter in another room. My best visualization is that I'm laboring through the night. I love that really quiet, calm feeling you get in the winter when it's snowing at night.

[KrystalC]

Belly: Carrying pretty high and all in the front, so it's not hard for me to get up or move like it seems to be for some women. I guess I'm fortunate in that regard! My stepsister is visiting from Georgia and she's due just 9 days before me, but looks a LOT bigger. She's carrying wider, lower, and she's also 6 inches shorter than me, so that makes a big difference!

Boobs: Nipples used to be very sore, but since I started using Lanisoh on them twice a day, they've gotten much much better. Overall - have gone up a cup size and am leaking some colostrum.

Appetite: Ravenous, but trying to watch how much I eat!!

Energy Level: Low energy... have so much I need to do to get ready for him, plus various home improvement projects to complete, and no motivation or energy to get them all done!

Baby Movement: This little guy is nuts!!! He's all over the place!! It's kind of funny because he seems to have his own schedule already... lots of movement every 2-3 hours and then he calms down and goes back to sleep.

Latest appointment or UP news: OB appointment last Wednesday. Baby's heartrate was 147, my blood pressure and urine tests were fine. My next appointment will be October 5th.

Got a name? Yep... his name is Liam Reid!

Birth Plans: Vaginal birth in the hospital with an OB attending. Due to limited time between EDD and school/work starting in January, I may have to be induced so I can spend more time at home with him. However, if induced, he'd just be either 2 days early (December 21) or 3 days late (December 26). I'm hoping we won't need to go that route and he'll come on his own before then! Planning to go unmedicated, especially if not induced.

Do you have fears/concerns about coming birth? I'm afraid something bad will happen to my baby between now and then!!

Nighttime discomforts: My hips and back are starting to hurt at night if I sleep on the same side for too long. I feel like I'm constantly tossing and turning and taking forever to get comfortable!

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: This is the first time I've made it this far, so I really don't know what to expect and/or visualize!! All I know is that I want my little guy here safe and sound, so I've been thinking of holding him in my arms a lot.

[NWmt_mama]

29 wks! Yah!

Belly: Out and proud. I love it! Strangers have started to notice and ask questions.

Boobs: Big. Not sensitive, but big.

Appetite: I am really hungry in the mornings and after work. I seem to eat small meals all day.

Energy Level: Feeling great! After a 1 1/2 hr hike last night I was exhausted and feel a little tired today, so I am slower than normal.

Baby Movement: This little one moves a lot, especially in the mornings. S/he seems to rotate around alot, too.

Latest appointment or UP news: Good news is that I am measuring right on, bp is great, and baby is growing well. Bad news is that I have to see a peri next week and have another u/s to look at cord attachment to the placenta and location.

Got a name? Many ideas for either gender! Sage is our top for either, but we are going to wait until we meet him/her.

Birth Plans: If the placenta/cord problem resolves, we are planning a natural birth in a hospital. If not, a sceduled c-section.

Do you have fears/concerns about coming birth? There is a chance we will be having a c-section, which I am trying to be calm about. I am worried about pre-term labor and an early c-section. We live in a very rural area, far from a ICU. Now that I have reached the third tri, my fears have started to calm down.

Nighttime discomforts: Horrible acid reflux/heartburn.

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: A healthy, happy baby. Birthing visualization include safely making the 1 hour drive to the hospital early in the morning. It is an amazingly beautiful drive and I would love to enjoy it during the daylight. Maybe stop and breath in the clean air. Birthing in a comfortable, warm environment with dh, nice music, ginger tea, dim lights.

[katt]

Belly: Looking Pregnant, although only from the front. I've just noticed that I can't squeeze through tighter places (between chairs etc...) as easily as before.

Boobs: Same 'ole same 'ole, I'm sure they've gotten bigger, but I'm sticking with the bras I have now until I need nursing bras.

Appetite: Same, I make sure to choose healthy snacks, but I slip and eat McD's frys (I swear there is something in those things...) and have a candy now and again. However, I can still go from full to starving in 2 min. flat. However, my stomach is much smaller and I can't eat as much in one sitting as before. -which really sucks when we're at family's house and they cook dinner and it is really good and I can't eat seconds.

Energy Level: Same. I usually have a 30 min. nap during lunch and then a 1-2 hour nap when I get home from work. But, that doesn't always happen and that is more of an indulgence then a necessity.

Baby Movement: Lots! I LOVE it. I've got kicks, stretches, and rolls all going on in there. Very very cool. Most active time is around 10ish. But, I've got activity throughout the day as well.

Latest appointment or UP news: All is good, blood pressure is good, urine strips are negative across the board, hearbeat is strong and easy to find, dont' remember the fundal height, but that was good too.

Got a name? We've got a list for each and then we'll see which fits best.

Birth Plans: Homebirth, everything is going well. Not much else in the works for that. Although I do need to call the hypnobirthing instructor and confirm our reservations.

Do you have fears/concerns about coming birth? Only that my DH will keep inviting people to come. So far the number of people who are 'supposed' to be there is over 8 (including us). I'm thinking that will need to change here. I also don't think that I'll be calling all of those people during labour. Heck, who knows, maybe i'll want a party at the time! I don't know.
(dh has said that if we were at the hospital it wouldn't matter how many people were there 'cause they could just wait in the waiting room... I don't think he quite gets it yet)

Nighttime discomforts: Not really, I sleep through the night. Can't lay on my back too much at any time of the day though, causes pain in my left glute.

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: Can't say I've thought about it really. I keep picturing my baby, newly born laying on my chest with my DH hovering. I keep trying to decide on first clothes and first Cloth Diapers, mainly the diapers and I don't think clothes are all that important during the first few hours.

[my_baby_love]

B]Belly: [/B]Getting bigger all the time, although people keep telling me how small I look and that makes me worry that I'm not growing enough. I personally think it's quite large, so I'm not too worried about it. I love the way it looks, and I am very much looking foward to getting my pregnancy pics done in a few weeks.

Boobs: They are definitely big, and I am starting to outgrow even my biggest bra. DH is absolutely thrilled . I expected them to grow even more, though, but I don't want them to be out of control!
Appetite: It comes and goes. Sometimes I can't seem to get enough food and other times nothing sounds good and I can go for hours without eating. Something I ate made me sick a few nights ago, so I have been a little wary of food for the past few days since I'm not sure what it was that did it.
Energy Level: Also comes and goes. Some days I can spend all day running errands and getting stuff done, and other days all I want to do is lay on the couch.
Baby Movement: Lots! This little guy is quite wiggly. I am constantly feeling little bumps and nudges, and sometimes they border on being pretty uncomfortable. I love it though - it's my favorite part of being pregnant!
Latest appointment or UP news: At my last appointment everything was great. I did the GD test, and I don't have it thank goodness (my dad has diabetes, so I was considered to be at-risk for it). The baby's heart rate is good and strong. He was also in a perfect birthing position, according to my midwife. I am crossing my fingers that he stays that way. I have another appointment this Thursday, which I'm sure will also go well.
Got a name? We actually have four, and we think that we will wait to see him before we decide on one for sure. Right now, though, we think it will probably be Landon Bennett, unless he really does not fit that name.
Birth Plans: The plan is to have a homebirth, with just me, DH, the midwife, and her assistant. I started getting supplies together this weekend, which made it seem much more real.
Do you have fears/concerns about coming birth? I am worried about how DH will handle the birth. I can see him completely shutting down and being no help at all which will not be good since he is going to be the only person there besides the midwives. But, I can also see him being wonderful, so I am trying to focus on the positive. This will just be such a new experience for both of us. I am also really worried about having to be transferred to the hospital, and the interventions that might come with that.
Nighttime discomforts: I can't get comfortable at night! If I sleep on my back, which is how I usually sleep when not pregnant, my legs fall asleep. Sleeping on either of my sides makes my lower back hurt unless I use pillows, and even that doesn't always help. If I wake up at all to go to the bathroom or readjust my position then it takes me at least 20 minutes to fall back asleep! Not fun at all.
Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: I imagine myself laboring with just DH to support me in my kitchen and family room because they are where I feel most comfortable. I imagine it being nighttime, because I just don't see it being light outside while I'm going through this process. I think the darkness will help me to focus on the work I am doing. I also visualize myself having a easy, somewhat quick labor where my midwife is very hands-off and I get to catch my own baby. It makes me smile just to think about it .

[milk_maker]

Belly: huge and I'm so scared because it's going to get bigger.

Boobs: getting bigger and I have colostrum, but DS doesn't seem to be overly excited about it.

Appetite: I'm dealing with major food aversions (meat) and nausea again. It sucks!

Energy Level: I'm exhausted 24/7. Chasing my perpetual motion toddler is exhausting.

Baby Movement: She's really starting to move around now. She's transverse and she likes to stretch her arms and legs at the same time, quite amusing if you're just an observer.

Latest appointment or UP news: I haven't seen anyone in 2 months and I'm having a hard time getting in touch with my midwife. If she doesn't call me tomorrow (I'll call her again) I'm going to go down to her office in the afternoon and bang on her door to see what's up.

Got a name? We did, but I've since decided to look into other name options so I have No Clue!

Birth Plans: midwife attended homebirth. I'm not bothering with water this time around. I tried it with DS and ended up in the shower...I hated the water.

Do you have fears/concerns about coming birth? I'm worried that the baby will be breech. I'm also concerned about DH being in Iraq and missing the birth...I'm really hoping to avoid PPD this time around and don't know how that's going to affect me. I'm choking up just thinking about it right now.

Nighttime discomforts: waking up to pee, but I did that a lot even before I got pregnant so it's really no biggie.

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: being surrounded by soft white light and linens while I labor

[treehugginmama]

Belly: It pretty big. Here's my latest pic. 28wks. http://www.heathersblessings.com/pregnancy/28web.jpg

Boobs: I haven't noticed much of a change except for the big blue veins.

Appetite: Not much of one.

Energy Level: It's ok.

Baby Movement: She's a mover and a shaker

Latest appointment or UP news: I just had an appt. today. Nothing spectacular. Measuring well. BP was a bit high for me but not to bad.

Got a name? Olivia

Birth Plans: Homebirth using hypnobabies

Do you have fears/concerns about coming birth? No fears about the birth. I just am a worry wort about having a healthy baby.

Nighttime discomforts: none

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: Nursing my sweet baby as soon as I pull her from me.

[juliansmom]

First of all: Heather, you look amazing!

Now for the update:

Belly: The mw told me I that the belly is right on track. This means that it's pretty big now.

Boobs: They underwent an enormous growth spurt during the first trimester (and were big to begin with), so I'm glad they've stayed the same-- for now.

Appetite: Food causes very minor indigestion but this doesn't stop me from eating it.

Energy Level: I'm huffing and puffing so much, I feel like Marlon Brando in his later years. I'm ok sitting and walking at a slow pace, but not if I have to do more. Current situation at odds with the fact that we're moving.

Baby Movement: She's quiet but perks up in the evening, especially when I'm lying down.

Latest appointment or UP news: Excellent. As I posted in my prior thread, formerly low-lying placenta has moved. I don't want to do the glucose test, but it looks like I'll have to go in this week. That is, unless I chicken out.

Got a name? Got a first name-- Maia-- still mulling over middle name. Dh wants "Selene" after the female vampire character in the movie Underworld. :

Birth Plans: Hospital, hopefully natural.

Do you have fears/concerns about coming birth? I'm trying not to worry about the birth for now. One day at a time.

Nighttime discomforts: I've finally gotten accustomed to sleeping on my side. I don't get up to pee at night, so that's a plus.

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: For the birth, I try to visualize one that is as quick and easy as possible. I can't wait to finally see dd and sing "You Are My Sunshine" from the "outside." I've been singing this song to her for months. I have a gorgeous pink top and pants set with little roses on the top and the most delicate tulle trim. Can't wait to see her wearing it.

[Mama~Love]

I'm 28 w 2d today.

Belly: Definitely getting bigger, almost hard to move around already!

Boobs: Big as always, and there's colostrum!!!!

Appetite: Not much of one, which I think is odd.

Energy Level: Not much there either. I don't feel like doing anything!!!

Baby Movement: Sparse; this baby is quiet! Hopefully the personality will be mellow too.

Latest Appt.: Had one on Sept. 14th; nothing new, measuring big which I've never done before. Had an U/S done, still don't know the gender, and will have any news at my next appt. in about 2 weeks.

Got a name? Sort of, but I keep changing my mind.

Birth Plans: Still fighting DH for my homebirth. Otherwise it will be a natural birth at the hospital.

Do you have any fears/concerns about the coming birth? No, sicne I've done it a few times already.

Nighttime discomforts: Laying down. So I sleep in the recliner.

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: Just getting excited to find out if it's a boy or girl. I want the best birth I can have!!

[carmel23]

Belly: big, I feel huge--but people aske me when I am due and when I tell them they say I look "tiny..." weird, eh? When I have to help my 2.5 year old put I his shoes I really sign and consider going without them (which we frequesntly still do)...

Boobs: big, red nipples

Appetite: weird. I've been really into yogourt and wheat-a-bix(sp?)... and fruit. Every thing else I eat because I bought it and don't want to waste it but I'm not really all that hungry these days...

Energy Level: oh, I am beginning to sag! We have a pretty intense indian summer and I wish it would cool down... I can't keep up with my kids so I say, "mommy will watch you play and lie on the bed in the kids room, hoping I can catch a half-nap!

Baby Movement: this little girl is very squirmy!

Latest appointment or UP news: the doc just says "good, you've done this all before..."

Got a name? I do, but I don't know about DH

Birth Plans: Vaginal unmedicated birth at a pretty progressive Bay Area SF hospital...

Do you have fears/concerns about coming birth? nope...
Nighttime discomforts: peeing all the time

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: baby being born ... I love the word born... it is so pretty...

[beckydv]

Belly: Looks large, still has some squish to it. See my 26 wk picture here

Boobs: Haven't changed since the first couple of weeks.

Appetite: Always ravenous for lunch but never breakfast or dinner.

Energy Level: Low, especially by the time I get home from work.

Baby Movement: Really picking up. My older daughters finally felt her move!

Latest Appt.: Last week. Have gained a total of 10 lbs, bp is awesome, urine came back wonky so am being tested for an asymptomatic UTI.

Got a name? The front-runners are Holly and Sofie.

Birth Plans: Planning my first homebirth although DH is not thrilled.

Do you have any fears/concerns about the coming birth? I am so confident about the birth that I should probably be concerned about that! My one worry, though, is that I will go past my 12/28 EDD and get stressed about delivering before the New Year. I know it sounds bad, but we can REALLY use that extra tax credit...

Nighttime discomforts: Terrible heartburn this week.

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: Just the peace and comfort of being right here at home.

[bc1995]

Belly: Looking very pregnant. It seems to of just happened all at once!

Boobs: Nipples still sore when ds2 first latches on, but at least not toe curling pain at the moment. They are much bigger now than when I got pregnant.

Appetite: Always hungry it seems.

Energy Level: Still pretty good.

Baby Movement: She is an active little booger. I call her my drama queen. She cracks me up the way she jerks when she has the hiccups. So much more dramtic than my boys ever were!

Latest Appt.: Last week. Have gained a total of 6;bs, bp is good, took the GTT today, measuring good.

Got a name? Donna Kathleen

Birth Plans: Unmedicated in the hospital. I am really excited about this birth. My midwife is so awesome and the ped. is letting me do what I want with baby after birth instead of following hospital procedures.

Do you have any fears/concerns about the coming birth? I am worried about who will watch the boys when it comes time to go to the hospital (I will wait until I feel like transition is coming on). All of our family lives 3 1/2 hours away. I have always had long labors, so it shouldn't be a problem, but you just never know!

Nighttime discomforts: Waking to pee at least 2x a night. I would love to be able to just sleep through the night a couple times a week now that both boys don't nurse at night.

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: I can't wait until I am pushing and feel her coming down and out. I also can't wait to hold her and nurse her for the first time.

[TwinMomWendy]

Belly:Well, since I am "fluffy" the big belly FINALLY looks like I am very pregnant! Yea!!!!!

Boobs: Once again getting bigger. This has happened with each sucessive pregnancy. At least once a day, I get "growing pains", but I look at it like they are gearing up for production.

Appetite: GIVE ME PROTEIN AND FAT. This kid is going to be healthy! (BTW - I am 6'1" and dh is 6'6")

Energy Level: As long as I get my 8 hours at night, I can make it to after lunch with the girls, and we all conk out for 1.5 to 2 hours. I'm good to about 10-ish then.

Baby Movement: She started out quiet, but now is morphing into a mover and a shaker. Please Please Please sleep at night when you come out!

Latest appointment or UP news: Next OB appointment on Thursday. Nope, have not taken the GD test. I think I "just forgot." (I know I will keep on "just forgeting.") Yup, gained some weight - wouldn't that be from the extra human I am carrying? Tired? Well heck ya! I've got 4.5 year old twin girls, and there was only 5.3 months from the last pregnancy and this one, whaddya expect? :

Got a name? Sophia Rose O. : I've gotten over my "disapointment" over her not being a boy. GO ESTROGEN!!!!

Birth Plans: I plan to stay at home until contrax are only 2-3 minutes apart. (The hospital is right across the alley from us.) I plan to have 3 of my closest girlfriends around me along with the hubby. The eldest twin wants to watch the birth, while the whole "mess" part is kinda freakin' out the younger.

Do you have fears/concerns about coming birth? I try not to dwell on this subject.

Nighttime discomforts: My sore back. I can't get into some of my yoga positions anymore, and it makes a difference. Oh ya, the peeing thing, lol!

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: Just being able to "stay out of my head" for contrax. I don't want any expectations about the baby. I'll see her soon enough!

[ATruck]

I'm 27w2d, so maybe not quite in the 3rd tri, but here goes.

Belly: continues to grow. I still don't look nearly as pregnant as some of the belly photos, but I am getting commments from stangers now on a regular basis.

Boobs: nothing new going on

Appetite: pretty decent, no real aversions. Still eating pretty healthy, in spite of some solid cravings for less healthy things.

Energy Level: so-so. Yesterday I took a nap and wasn't falling asleep right after dinner, so I might try to nap more when I am able to. I am lucky in that I am almost always in bed for 8 hours at night.

Baby Movement: Seems like a lot to me. She/he is generally still transverse, so I am feeling it on both sides. I'm trying to practice sitting/being in proper positions for him/her to eventually choose to be head down.

Latest Appointment news: Well, I already went on and on about the fuss my mw made about my weight jump at my last appointment. But also, my iron levels are good, urine sample was fine. Fundus height was a tiny bit ahead for the first time. She has not mentioned the GTT, though she did talk about it at the first appointment- she does them, but with regular food, not the icky drink. So maybe that will come up next time.

Got a name?: Probably. We talked about names extensively when I was about 6 weeks pregnant, and haven't discussed much since. I am worried that our boy name is becoming too popular.

Birth Plans: Home birth.. in our new home. We became home owners (first time) about a week ago. I think it will just be DH and I, the mw, and she usually has 2 assistants. I would like to be able to labor with just DH and I for most of the labor, but I might make a mistake and call early. I plan to use a birth tub for labor and possibly the birth itself.

Fears Concerning Birth: my main fears- that I won't be able to relax enough, that I won't progress, that I will end up in the hospital with unwanted interventions. For some reason, I don't have a lot of fear that the baby won't be okay.

Nighttime discomforts: I'm waking up a lot, 3-4 times a night to pee. This has been the case for the whole pregnancy, but it was less of a problem before, b/c I would fall asleep again easily. Now I toss and turn a lot. I had expected this to be a problem late in pregnancy- I had no idea it would start this early.

Favorite visualizations: I need to come up with some for relaxation purposes during birthing. I've just started going to prenatal yoga, and am hoping it will help me out in that way.

[Jess_n'_the_bean]

Belly: yes, definintely looking preggo, but like other mamas, people keep telling me i'm tiny...and let me just say right now, i think this is the first time in my life (or at least for several years) that anyone has said I am small!! I think they say this because i have really not gained much weight anywhere except belly/boobs - in fact the rest of my body, including my face is looking slimmer. Go figure

Boobs: still big but seem to have leveled out in their hugeness. nips are massive and very dark brown. big blue veins, and my left nip gets really sore whenever I am cold/it gets hard. No colostrum that I have noticed.

Appetite: pretty up and down although generally I am hungry more now than I have been so far for this entire pregnancy. Still having trouble with veggies - i don't understand!

Energy Level: when I am awake, I have decent energy but I am needing more sleep - bare minimum of 8 hours or I am useless. some days i am at work and at about 3pm, I hit a wall - it is surreal - feels like I have been drugged...must...sleep...

Baby Movement: we have a ninja bean!! very very busy. my placenta is anterior, so it took a bit longer to feel really solid kicks (felt like taps and pokes for a long time), but now they are strong enough that they will really surprise me sometimes...and dh has been able to feel and see some good thumps. this baby likes to move arms and legs all at once, so it feels like a spider in there with many limbs! Most active in the evenings. We played some music straight to my belly with headphones the other day and the bean was grooving away!

Latest appointment or UP news: all going well. BP was good, HB was between 145-150, head was down (yay!). I was measuring a bit big (about a week ahead) - I am 26 weeks this week. Next appt I will need to declare my decision about the glucose test...still pondering this one.

Got a name? we have a tentative name for each gender, but that could change and we want to meet the babe before naming him/her.

Birth Plans: right now, labour at home until the last minute then over to the hospital (3 minute drive away). Ideally i would like to have a birthing tub at the hospital but i haven't booked it yet.

Do you have fears/concerns about coming birth? I do worry a bit about dh and how he will handle it, but he has never let me down, so I am just trying to trust in the process. I worry about my ability to manage the pain but I think the prenatal classes we are signed up for will help me work through that fear. I really would like to have this birth be as natural as possible. DH and midwives are so supportive - I feel like having that support and NOT having nurses/docs asking me constantly if i want pain meds will help me get through without.

Nighttime discomforts: waking up to pee 3-4x a night. the other night i had very restless legs - couldn't get comfortable. also, have had a couple of those horrible leg cramps - the charlie horse ones that wake you up screaming! not fun. occasional heartburn.

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: to be quite honest, I haven't really gotten to this point yet...I feel like after our hospital tour/registration this week I will have a much better picture in my head of my surroundings etc.

[prettypixels]

Treehugginmama... I love how your tattoo runs down the side of your belly with those beautiful leaves draping across your full belly now! That is gorgeous! You look amazing

Mommyofmany I think I envy you your recliner! My husband keeps saying we should go buy one for me!

Beckydv, those are great pictures!!!!!! Your belly is beautiful BTW I *love* both those names. Sophie (we'd spell with the ph) is on our list of favorites too!!! I have a good friend named Holly who has a beautiful energy about her, which makes the name seem even better. Come to think of it, I also knew someone from England named Sophie many years ago who was just an awesome person too!

TwinMomWendy... that is a beautiful name!!!!

I'm so glad everyone is doing so well, and overall, feeling so well!!!!

Belly: I am a plus-sized mama, and I already had the belly. I used to joke I got the baby belly without ever having had the baby.. so unfair! Now it is filling out. I'm almost 29 wks and I think if you look from the side, you can definitely tell. Most of the world probably still thinks I'm just fat, however. Which I am. Just *also* pregnant!

Boobs: Mine got bigger in the first trimester and have stayed about the same since then. I can express colostrum, which I think is the coolest thing ever. I am just amazed by my body and the fact that it is doing something RIGHT for a change. Due to weight struggles and other assorted things, I guess I've always felt like my body was kind of broken. Now it's showing me it is totally NOT.

Appetite: Hungry!!!! No cravings aside from general "sweet stuff" cravings, which can be a struggle! We are remodelling our kitchen right now and it is making it really, really hard to eat as healthy as I would like to be... we have to eat out for EVERY meal. UGH I will be so glad when I have my kitchen back!

Energy Level: Tired! I seem to get tired really easily. I take my dog for walks and I get winded/tired sooooo fast compared to how we used to be. I used to do a 3 mile hike every day... now a little half-mile circuit in the park wears me out. It'll come back though, right?!?!

Baby Movement: She is an active lil' spitfire! I keep hoping she has more of her dads personality than mine... he is so laid-back, relaxed, easygoing... I am more uptight, anxious, hyper. So far she seems more like me!!!

Latest Appointment: Everything looked good, baby sounded amazing, measuring right on schedule which is good because at my 4 month appt they were like "OMG! You may be having twins! You're measuring so far ahead!" So I guess my baby has now caught up to my uterus, as I am NOT having twins! (All you mamas of twins or multiples have my undying respect and admiration!)

Got a name? We have a LIST. I still haven't heard anything that makes me think... THAT IS IT! We might choose a few we like and try to pick once she is here.

Birth Plans: Homebirth with a midwife. Hopefully a waterbirth! I *love* being in water, so I'm hoping that will continue during the birth and offer me some relief and comfort from the labor. But I'm open to the idea that, like some other mamas, I might change my mind in the moment!

Do you have fears/concerns about the upcoming birth? Of course! I'm a first-time mama! I worry about handling the sensations. I worry about being overconfident or underconfident or whatever. I am trying to make myself just straight up worry less!!!! I'll be attending a Birthing from Within class, and doing Hypnobabies on my own, so hopefully I'll be able to work through some of my concerns that way.

Nighttime discomforts: Yes, night time is uncomfortable! I have had this wierd muscle spasm under the left side of my ribcage for the past hmmmm at least two months now. (I'm planning to call a chiropractor today to see if they could help with this!) It feels like someone slipped a vibrator INSIDE me and it tickles and vibrates and basically drives me insane all the time. My MW says this is fairly normal! But I have not heard of anyone else with it?!?! My back hurts when I'm lying on my side. I just got a body pillow which is helping some, but getting comfy is still a kind of complex affair.

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: Oh I have lots of these. I love picturing myself holding her, nursing her, lying on my bed with my husband and her in between us looking at her. I loooove thinking of her lying on his chest and listening to his heartbeat. (Which I also love to do!) I love looking at pictures of homebirths where the moms seem to be... focused, concentrating, working hard, but not in agony or freaking out... that's the kind of birth I'd love to have!!!!

Now I have to go get some stuff done because I have whiled away my morning reading all your responses! I am so glad everyone is doing so well

[evenstarlight]

30 Weeks 4 days Today!

Belly: It's getting bigger all the time!! http://s101.photobucket.com/albums/m...gAnch=imgAnch5

Boobs: big, started out as a 34DD now I'm a 36E, and it's feeling tight! no colostrum yet.

Appetite: pretty steady. If i make sure and eat healthily and steadily throughout the day, i'm fine, if i miss a meal, or am late..watch out! I get MEGA cranky

Energy Level: pretty good. In saying that i'm not looking after any other children. I wake up around 6:45, do a workout of some sort and get to bed between 10:30-11:30 PM

Baby Movement: getting more active all the time. i have no experience so i can't say what it's moving or if it's just kicking or it's the whole body swimming about but i'm definitly feeling it more all the time.

Latest appointment or UP news: I see the midwife on Friday for a check up. Last appointment was four weeks ago and everything was fine.

Got a name? Pretty sorted we think

Birth Plans: As natural as possible at the hospital. May use a pool if it's available, will probably use gas and air.

Do you have fears/concerns about coming birth? having to have loads of interventions I don't want.

Nighttime discomforts: not too many, In the evenings I find it hard to get comfortable seated, but once i'm in bed i'm fine. I sometimes have to pee like and hour before I wake up, which is annoying. I usually get back to sleep though.

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: lifting the baby onto my chest for the first time....my husband being there....the baby breastfeeding for the first time

[Twilight]

Belly: I'm huge. I had to buy new maternity pants after I grew out of the ones I had!


Boobs: Huge but kind of saggy, which makes me sad. I don't think they will look very nice after this pregnancy/ nursing adventure is over

Appetite: I'm eating like a horse right now, anything and everything! I have gained 28 pounds at 30 weeks.

Energy Level: Mostly normal. I'm sleeping a little more than usual but I feel OK.

Baby Movement: Quite a bit - but the big kicks are gone - I think she ran out of room. She squirms a lot!


Latest appointment or UP news: I had my cervical length checked a couple of weeks ago because I was having some scary contractions. Apparently I am 50% effaced but closed, and the dr. thinks that's fine. I have no idea how normal that is, but if they aren't worried, I guess I"m not either. Other than that, they said I am "textbook". Clear urine, good BP, measuring right on track, baby's heartbeat sounds good.

Got a name? I have one and DH has one. We are using our fantasy football league as the deciding factor! Whoever is ahead when the baby comes gets naming rights!

Birth Plans: At the hospital, unmedicated, with a doula.

Do you have fears/concerns about coming birth? I really don't know what we're going to do about cord blood. I am leaning toward donating it, but if we're going to do it, I need to order the kit.

General discomforts: Pain in my butt cheeks which I'm told is caused by the joint separating where the sacrum joins the pelvic bone. It can get bad! Some nights I have to stand or lay down - it hurts to sit! Other than that I feel OK. I am sleeping well, except for waking up to drink water and pee.

Your favorite birth and baby visualizations: I am excited to have a little one to nurse again... it's strange how much I am looking forward to that part of it.