*~ Weekly Thread April 9-15 ~* - Page 2

[Jilian]

Originally Posted by willoLevin

Ladies, I don't want to alarm anyone, but I think some of us are going to be having some babies soon! :

Yep. I feel really ready, I'm not nervous anymore. I'm done nesting and I've slowed down so much. I feel like the time is coming soon. I have my 32 week visit in a few more days, then only one more visit before my home visit (aka - all clear to give birth visit).

I did the postpartum visit with my last doula client yesterday and got to see her tiny little baby. She was so tiny and so sweet. I think she weighs a whole 7 lbs now! I held her for a long time and got really excited to think that I'll be holding my own little guy in a month or two.

[wombatclay]

Hmmm...I have an appointment next week (33), then...errr...35, 37, 39, birth?

I really really don't want this little one to come too early, and we have so much to do before the babe arrives (not babe related, just generally life related), but any way you look at it this babe WILL be here in the next 8 weeks since (as a VBAC) my care providers really don't want me going past 42 weeks again and would probably suggest something like a foley cath around 41 weeks if I had a favorable bishop's score.

But I really do think belly babe is going to come a lot sooner than her sib did. Then again, I'll probably join Jilian in the "last to go" club!

Anyone peek over at April's DDC? They've got a huge list of babes!

[WhiteWax]

ok... i am on the NOT READY side.... but here's my problem... I dont want to be ready.


There's this terribly warped part of me that is almost waiting for DexP and I to get back together before this baby comes. Or at least on GREAT terms with each other so I feel happy and comfortable. I think some where inside my I might acctually believe that if I ignore it and dont prepare, it wont happen!!!!!!!! What the heck is wrong with me????? I KNOW that's not true! I have prepared nothing, I have washed nothing, I bought nothing, I made a birth plan but that's it. I have packed nothing and read nothing and I am just generally so uptight and NOT READY that I dont think I'm even trying.

I'm also very stressed about my dog right now. My dad WILL NOT allow her at this house and I'm going to have to get rid of her. I'm really heart broken about that. And about never seeing her again. She's my puppy, you know? I've already lost so much, do I have to lose my pet too?

hummmph... my midwife gave my a list of mental health providers... I'm going to go bugger off and call one while DD is playing quietley... ta-ta all!

[Charity]

Oh, WhiteWax, I hope there's someone on that list who'll be really helpful. That's so sad about your dog. It must be really hard to deal with that on top of all the other stuff you've had to go through lately.

[todavia]

jamie. hopefully there's someone good on that list...

i guess i'm on the Ready side although i still have to write my four final papers but here's my new-baby anxiety at the moment: on the whole i would say i had a great babymoon with DS - good breastfeeding, mellow, healthy baby, lots of help...now i'm realizing that things could be very different with this little one. cracked nipples, colic, jealous big brother - i know these are manageable things that people deal with all the time but it just dawned on me (while reading the nipple cover thread ) that i might be slightly deluded about how "easy" things will be this time around.

i know it's all about being in the moment and not having crazy expectations one way or another but apart from the joyous rapture of having a miraculous new squishy adorable person in your arms - it's going to be physically exhausting and emotionally challenging too. i think i kind of forgot about that part.

don't mean to be a downer or scare anyone but that's what's on my mind.

[willoLevin]

Originally Posted by violetisadora

it's going to be physically exhausting and emotionally challenging too. i think i kind of forgot about that part.

Yeah, I keep bumping up against that reality, too. I was so incredibly tired for so many months...

I keep hoping this one will be a better sleeper than DS was. :

I keep fearing this one will have a less mild personality! The idea of colic gives me nightmares.

But what can we do? We're knocked up. (I'm being silly--hope no one finds that phrase offensive!) Now we just get ready, right?

--willo

[wombatclay]

It's one reason I'm so totally focused on a VBAC...I know there is simply no way I will have the energy or support I need to recover from surgery/birth, care for a newborn, AND keep dd even close to happy. I feel a lot more confident in my "basic-mama-skills" this time round, but I know that I'm going to have less support (DH is working full time now, my mom is caring for my dad who is really ill so wont be here as much, etc) and more people who need me!

So while I joke that it will be nice to sleep on my belly again, I also joke that of course with a newborn and a toddler I probably wont be sleeping at all! As much as I want my inner child in my arms, I'm more than a little afraid about what the reality of that situation will be. So many mamas seem to be able to pull off a babymoon or soothing couple of days after the babes birth despite having older kiddos, so I know it can be done...I just don't know how I'M going to be able to do it!

[todavia]

Originally Posted by willoLevin

But what can we do? We're knocked up. (I'm being silly--hope no one finds that phrase offensive!) Now we just get ready, right?

so true willo, so true.

Originally Posted by wombatclay

It's one reason I'm so totally focused on a VBAC...I know there is simply no way I will have the energy or support I need to recover from surgery/birth, care for a newborn, AND keep dd even close to happy. I feel a lot more confident in my "basic-mama-skills" this time round, but I know that I'm going to have less support (DH is working full time now, my mom is caring for my dad who is really ill so wont be here as much, etc) and more people who need me!

I know it can be done...I just don't know how I'M going to be able to do it!

it's such a relief to know i'm not alone in this. maybe that's why it's so appealing to just focus on getting the 'things' ready and preparing for the birth - cuz what can we really do about the rest of it? surrender...

[willoLevin]

Okay, so now I'm officially joining the side of those who are actively preparing for the Blessed Event.

I've started packing my hospital bag. I've got that old orange swimsuit cover-up (hey!--if it worked for one great birth...), an extra set of (nursing appropriate) pajamas, and a coming home outfit for me and Baby...

Oops! No baby socks! I still expect Mom to be here early enough to dig those out of the attic. I'm not preparing TOO much.

The contractor called today--they might start EARLY (next week!) That's mostly great, but, boy, also a little scary.

--willo

[wombatclay]

I was just thinking about packing a bag...and I still need to write up that birth plan! I have the notes I made last time so I'll just cobble those together. I have the outfit DD wore home from the hospital but I'm going to need something...last time I had these fantastic stretchy maternity pants but I got rid of them as soon as possible since although they were the comfiest things on the planet they were also the grungiest and simply butt ugly to boot. But I'll probably just dump my doula kit into a larger bag along with the baby stuff and call it a day.

Let's see...still need a new Isis pump, some newborn dipes (cloth and disposable), have to pick up the co-sleeper from our friend's place (in Boston, trip planned the last weeken of April), and I think we'll need a few more shortsleeve onsies. Need a new "baby bath tub" and I still haven't picked up my moby wrap. Oh! And mitts...dd was so totally focused on gouging out her eyes that mitts were a must.

Hmmm...I also a newborn first aid kit. Infant tylenol, gas x stuff, hylands, rectal thermometer (yoicks!), calendula ointment, some arnica ointment, and I should brew up a big batch of nipple cream and butt balm to have ready to go.

What am I forgetting?

[mataji4]

My birth supplies are just sitting here in a box on my changing table, which is stocked with all sorts of cute little newborn clothes and diapers! I'm ready to go once the baby is ready...gosh, i'm hoping for the end of May!!!! I absolutely know it's wishful thinking, but still, it makes the countdown just a wee bit shorter!

wombatclay, what are you doing with a rectal thermometer?? Is that for the baby? We always just did it under the baby's arm while he/she nursed- that's how the midwife showed us to do it- and it always worked fine.

I read a birth story this morning (birth of Oliver Gael over in the unassisted childbirth forum) and MAN oh MAN it really conveyed a realistic picture/ feeling of how I remember birth to feel and I kind of felt nauseous and light headed after reading it! I am great during birth, but remembering the reality of it now is just really intense. Maybe I'm done with the birth story period of pregnancy, and just in the hanging out resting and nesting!!

[herbmama3-7]

About being ready, I am not prepared for the babe physically, but I am prepared mentally, I have been having a very rough, challenging pregnancy that I am really ready to have this baby on the outside and get going with my life as a mom of two. I feel so aweful wanting to be done as this baby has (and needs) to know that it is ok to stay in as long as it needs to. I really want it to be healthy and develop as it needs, yet I just (selfishly) can't seem to stop telling myself, "only 9 more weeks", over and over again.

On a great note, we found a place to move to and are signing the lease tonight Some of you might think this is nuts to be moving now, but this is great timing for me in terms of nesting, I can have a clean new home and set everything up just right from a fresh start, I am actually really looking forward to it. Not to mention my bathroom has a huge jaquouzie (sp?) tub that I can labor in

It is good to hear others are having cxt and strong BH because I have been having a few off and on and it really scared me into thinking that I was willing the baby out by not wanting to be pregnant anymore. I have been working on my attitude and telling baby that it is ok to stay in there as long as necessary, mommy wants a healthy baby more than anything!! I have also really been trying to up my fluid intake and that has helped quite a bit too! Stay beautiful and blissful ladies and have a blessed day!!

[willoLevin]

Originally Posted by herbmama3-7

I really want it to be healthy and develop as it needs, yet I just (selfishly) can't seem to stop telling myself, "only 9 more weeks", over and over again.

Oh, don't feel bad! Your baby knows you want the best for him/her. Give yourself a break, too! We get uncomfortable--some of us more than others!--and it is so OK, normal, and probably even healthy to be ready for the separation. Think of the problems if we kept them inside until they were any bigger!!! Ouch!

Originally Posted by herbmama3-7

On a great note, we found a place to move to and are signing the lease tonight

I'm so happy for you! I remember you've been talking about looking for a decent/affordable place for... well, most of the time we've all been talking here. What a relief!

Now add to my birthing preparedness that I emailed to DH (to print at work) the birth plan plus a sign listing our (no breaking baby's skin) instructions for the hospital. I think I will pack the silk "affirmations" banner I painted for my first labor, too... I never read it, but it came in handy for hiding the scary crucifix on the wall at the first hospital. You never know how you'll feel about the decor in a delivery room.

--willo

[wombatclay]

wombatclay, what are you doing with a rectal thermometer?? Is that for the baby? We always just did it under the baby's arm while he/she nursed- that's how the midwife showed us to do it- and it always worked fine.

Yes...it's a back up for the babe. We usually use the under arm method, but it's apparently not 100% reliable in an infant under 4 months. The one time dd developed a "serious" fever we only had the underarm thermometer and the ER call line really chewed us out over that...so we're getting a rectal thermometer (a digital one...takes the reading in just a few seconds) as a "just in case".

DD was fine, but the "new parent stress" of that one night of unadulterated panic has left it's mark forever!

[loriu]

not ready!

hi ladies,
back from puerto rico...my belly has a nice little tan and a week of bonding with my hubby and this little life was just magical. it really felt like 3 of us were on vacation and not two. and since all i did was lounge, she was really active (esp since i normally run around like a maniac all day), and dh got to see her moving and feel her tons, which i think made it all the mroe real for him.

i'm 29 weeks this week and totally not ready. i have a million home improvements to do before this bean comes, and we're away most weekends in may or busy (two showers, mothers day festivities), so i have so much to do in a very short window of time! i am having a hard time focusing on work or school or anything that's not baby related. i'm seriously myopic right now.

we read "the birth partner" together in PR, so i think dh is much more aware of what's happening and going to happen. got our doula set. starting birth classes next week...i need these 11 weeks...most firsts dont come early, right?

but man, the pressure in my pelvis...ouch! i am wadding from time to time. got some nice big zits lately, too. and my eczema is back in full force. i am hot!

wow...we really are coming up on june. it's still cold and icky here nyc, so it's not really real to me yet.

[GenomicsGirl]

I've been getting the garden ready for the summer - most of our trees & bushes have already flowered, so I took the hedger and cut away today! We had a jungle in one part of the yard and I was just wacking away at it - Very stress-relieving!

I ripped up the mulch area and planted grass seed about a month ago, and I was finally able to mow the new seeded area last Sunday. I've been trying to patch the dog-pee spots, but the soil is so acidic that nothing is growing

We're going to Las Vegas next week - the first trip without the kids and the last trip for a good long time! We're staying on the strip, going to see a couple of shows, and relaxing in the sun. My kookoo MIL and her kookoo sister are watching the boys! I'm so looking forward to it!

[boheime]

So not ready......

I have a list of things I want to get done, and as much as I try to steadily work on it, the list keeps growing! At this point, I'm hoping to go to 42-43 weeks, but I doubt that is reality. Ds and dd both came at 40 weeks 4 days. This baby is very ornery, though, so s/he might come earlier....

[willoLevin]

Okay, guys, last night, I dreamt that someone had their baby on April 14th. I can't remember who, but, when I saw their screen name, I responded, "Oh, I should've known you would go first!"



Now I don't think I'm a psychic or anything, but it was funny how clear that date was!

I also dreamt that I gave birth to a monkey-faced baby, so, now that I think about it, I really hope I was just suffering penalties due to eating a meatball sub at 8 pm and that none of my latest dreams come true.

--willo

[Marvelleaux]

Originally Posted by willoLevin

Okay, guys, last night, I dreamt that someone had their baby on April 14th. I can't remember who, but, when I saw their screen name, I responded, "Oh, I should've known you would go first!"..

Sooo.....WHO WAS IT!?!?

:

[Jilian]

Originally Posted by Marvelleaux

Sooo.....WHO WAS IT!?!?

:

Yikes! April 14 is way too soon for any of us. I'm gonna keep my cramp bark on me at all times now, you're scaring me!