Weekly Thread ~April 16 - 22 ~ - Page 2

[PatchChild]

I hate trying to count weeks. Finally, I went ahead and wrote them in on my calendar, counting backwards from my due date. I wrote 40 on my due date and numbered the rest of them backwards from there. According to that,I'm 33 weeks and 3 days today. Eeep. :

I'd been feeling really run down over the last couple of weeks, thus the much lower rate of posting. Fortunately, I've been feeling like I've gotten some energy back. So has belly bean. He's trying out all kinds of intersting movements, how can he still have room?

Here's an interesting mental picture for you, to keep you laughing. Normally, when I pull out my yoga mat, I put in the yoga DVD and get in some good stretching. As far as my 16lb. fluffy cat is concerned, this is great. She takes over the end of the mat and knows she's going to get some good petting. This week though, I've really wanted to be moving so I put in the prenatal salsa dancing tape that my brother got me as a joke. So here I am, 33 weeks along, trying desperately to get my completely uncoordinated self to keep up with the tape, while the poor cat goes crazy trying to get out from under my feet. She was convinced that I was going to do yoga and kept trying to lay down in the middle of everything. After the 4th or 5th kick, she finally moved to the couch and glared at me. I don't know which was funnier, me trying to salsa dance or the cat's antics. the dancing left me feeling really good though, even though I have no rhythm at all.

[willoLevin]

I've got my weeks in my calendar, too, although they are labeled at the beginning of the week, so I don't hit that number until the LAST day of that week (if that makes sense), because I put the numbers in as soon as I had a BFP test, so I counted from the beginning.

Unlike my first pg, I constantly forget how far along I am this time.

Had such a good sleep last night! Very happy DH made it home, and on time no less! Usually, he has the very worst travel luck EVER.

I'm working a few hours this morning at the bookstore, then I will have to come home and finish removing/hiding in cupboards everything from the kitchen that I don't want demo'd tomorrow. : I know I will be so tired after work (so lame!), but this is the last day... Wow.

Will willo's contractors really show up as scheduled?
Will she have her preparations done?
Find out tomorrow...

--willo

[wombatclay]

Will willo's contractors really show up as scheduled?
Will she have her preparations done?
Find out tomorrow...

When "As the Kitchen Remodel Turns towards the Guiding Light of the General Contractor" returns!



We just got back from the Ped (dd's 2year appt) and since they were my care provider when dd was born it was fun...haven't seen them in 6 months and now I really have a belly to show off! Of course, they asked how far along I was and had to try and remember...I could remember talking about it here in thread but the whole "numbers" thing was beyond me.

[sylvi76]

Jillian, you and I have the exact same due date! Will be interesting to see who goes first!

I finally caved and ran over to the hospital for a non-stress test. Of course, everything was A-OK and baby had a nice strong heartbeat and did move around. And this morning I felt it kicking about. I guess it's running out of room and settling in and calming down, maybe? Such a change, though from a week ago.

Am feeling pretty good this morning, cleaned out 3 drawers and threw away a whole bag of trash/useless items from the kitchen! YAY! I still have to do 2 bedroom dressers and 2 closets, but every step helps, right?

[saratchka]

Grumpy and uncomfortable here, too! I've been having some weird, sharp pains on the right side of my belly - I think it's a round ligament thing. And very, very nervous about getting everything done before this kid arrives. DD was born at 41w3d, so part of me is convinced this one will be on the later end, too. But then I worry that I'll go early instead and nothing will be ready! :

As for trying to keep a positive attitude, I've found it hard sometimes. The third trimester had me grouchy last time, too. I'm uncomfortable, and feeling quite unattractive. Trying to get a little more sleep helps, as does making sure I eat small, frequent meals and taking my iron supplement. But the biggest thing I can do is to accomplish at least one task from my "To Do Before Baby Comes" list each day. Even if it's something as small as washing a load of newborn clothes and linens or caulking a window. I've tried to make sure there are a number of items on that list that have been broken down into small enough chunks that I can be sure to get something done nearly every day.

I'm with those who count backward, both for weeks and months. The months thing gets too confusing with the lunar vs. calendar month issue. I try not to think in months. Now I think of myself as having "nearly seven weeks until my due date" rather than being 33 weeks along.

And I'm getting a little worried about position. This kid seems to be repositioning every few days, and even when it's head down it's nearly always got it's back against my spine. DD was pretty much firmly stuck in a vertex position with her back against the front-left side of my belly by now. Granted, I think this kid's probably a lot more comfortable than she was at this stage, but I'd feel better knowing that he or she was in place and planning to stay put!

I think I've been having some sort of contractions, too. I don't really feel anything more than tightness from them, but I don't think I had that last time, so that's got me a tad nervous as well.

Sorry for the book! I guess I'm just having an anxious day.

On a more positive note, my big work deadline has passed and now I can relax a bit more in terms of my job. And DH and I ordered my birthday gift yesterday, even though my birthday is a month away. I get a Green Cone composter for our yard. And he's going to build me a wire bin for the yard waste, too. All this even though he isn't really all that concerned about green issues. So it really is a thoughtful, kind gift.

[Shell_Ell]

Ugh, mini-rant here.

My mom has been saying since the day I got pregnant that once school is out she'll be able to help a bit with Riley (19 mo old DS) and overall household stuff if I need her. She's not off work for the summer until June 13, and I'm due the 15, but I figure even having help at all is good. Except over the weekend I overheard her telling someone that she's going to be taking a trip to Minnesota for my cousin's graduation on June 22. When I heard it I asked if I heard her right, and she said yes but that "Obviously she'd have to rethink it if I hadn't had the baby by then" No, what I was thinking was if I *have* had the baby by then, it sucks that she'll be going on a trip when she said she'd be around to help me!

You guys, my husband doesn't get any paid time off, and though we put money away for him to be able to take about 10 days or so off, we had a set back (he got into a car accident last month) and since have cut our savings in half. So we're sort of scrambling, not only to get the things we need/want, but also to keep the savings so he can be home a bit.

I'm not nervous in the least about having the baby, that's a piece of cake. But with the uncertainty of whether or not my mom will be around to help with my older son makes me nervous about this for the first time.

My doula is doing the labor/birth pro-bono to gain homebirth experience (and because we know one another in the doula community) and I had planned to pay to have her come for a visit or two postpartum if we really needed it, but again, the money situation just isn't what we had planned it would be.

Ah, I feel better. I just got overwhelmed with this all of a sudden and I don't want those nervous thoughts entering my mind right now.

[Robbins0614]

Shell_Ell. I'm sorry you're dealing with this right now! I hope everything works out. . .

Getting outside yesterday was so helpful for my mood! I now have some flowers planted so this morning I was able to get up and see some color in our yard! I think I'm going to try to finish up my planting this afternoon if it doesn't rain.

I feel like the clothing fairy visited my house last night and took in all my maternity clothes. Nothing fits anymore, and I swear it happened overnight!

[Jilian]

The clothing fairy also made a stop off at my house and shrunk all of my maternity clothes. I am down to only 2 shirts that cover my whole belly. Why do they make maternity shirts so short?! I hate having ANYTHING on my belly these days so I am down to one stretchy pair of old navy cotton shorts that aren't even maternity. I do have some dresses, but it's been a little chilly here in the mornings.

I cannot stop nesting, the urge is overpowering and I am soooo tired! I re-organized my canned goods yesterday then reorganized my medicine cabinet. This is stuff that doesn't even need to be done!

I caved in and checked my cervix yesterday and it was about 1-2 cm and a little effaced (I have no idea how much 50% maybe?). So I'm on Uri-care herbs to treat a possible UTI (that I don't think I have but they are known causes of PTL) and I upped my vitamin C. 3 more weeks baby, 3 more weeks, 3 more weeks!

[vannienicole]

**

[wombatclay]

Vanniencole- we wont be CDing this little one either. We did for a while with dd (CD at home and disposables when out for around a year), and we tried EC as well. But in terms of the time and energy and resources DH and I have available it's just not something we can consider right now. Like everything else in the world, it's a choice and while there are pros and cons to every choice...well, sometimes you just have to do what you've got to do!

And it sounds like the universe has already handed you a massive platter of "stuff" to deal with! A move, a flu, sick little one, a new care provider, a new babe, a new place...all in a matter of weeks/months. So anything you can do to reduce stress and make space for yourself has got to come down on the "plus" side of the balance. I know it's not what you wanted, but hang in there!

Glad to hear you're all getting healthier though...spring colds are the worst!

[herbmama3-7]

VannienicoleSo sorry to hear you have the flu, I had that too along with ds, it was just aweful! I really hope you have a quick recovery!

I had a prenatal today, and am a bit disapointed as I have only gained 11lbs: : , please don't hate me. I have had numerous illnesses and a LOT of stress this pregnancy! I am measuring 2cm behind and according to MW baby feels a bit small. Strange to me as I feel HUGE! So this has me a bit worried, I have to bulk up and quick! I went to whole foods and bought a buch of food to eat, nut butters, whole milk dairy products, nuts, etc.. etc.., but I have a feeling forcing myself to eat when I don't feel hungry is going to be hard, but I will do it for the baby! Anyone have any good gaining weight food suggestions/recipees?

[jstar]

well i think i'm gaining the weight that you aren't herbmama today i was 175. i was 172 2 weeks ago and i measured 35cm. i'm 34 weeks today.

i had an overwhelming urge to 'get ready' yesterday so i bought a pack of size 1 dipes and a laundry basket and then i felt better. (i didn't start cd last time until the stump fell off.) i didn't even buy the newborn size with the cutout for the stump because i remember isaac outgrew those in about 3 days. i don't know if this babe will be as big but guessing so. i still haven't washed baby clothes...but soon!

i have ongoing concerns about position too. and my ob had a hard time today figuring out what position he was in. isaac always had butt out in front and this one does not. i'm trying not to worry.

i have the same issues with my mom shell ell. she teaches and will be done in mid june. when i first got pregnant she was 'going to come up for the whole summer and get an apartment' and help me out with isaac who will be turning 3 next month. i thought AWESOME. then it slowly decreased to 6 weeks. 4 weeks. 3 weeks. i haven't even asked lately. i'm guessing it will end up being a week or 10 days. oh well. it sounded really great but we will manage. my MIL is coming up may 30. i hope i have the baby by then so we all don't sit around the house staring at me and waiting for the baby to come. no way to know!

in 2 weeks i'll get the group b test and my first cervical check. i'm reallllly curious about the cervix. i've been having some serious shooting pains. i think it is probably just pressure from this one trying to stretch out. the babe is getting a lot more cramped and the movements are bordering on painful sometimes now.

knowing i'll get a cervical check in 2 weeks make me feel like i'm GETTING CLOSE!!! eeeeeeeeek and

[PatchChild]

I almost hate to post this, because so many of us are already dealing with stressful issues, but I know I'll feel better if I do.

My DH got offered a really great opportunity today and I'm completely bummed out by it. Right now, he's a full time undergrad (at age 27, sometimes that's just how things work out) and the plan has been for him to finish school next year, and maybe do the one year grad program right after that. Two more years of school, but only next fall semester would be 5 days a week. After that he'd be only 2 or 3 days a week. Sadly for me, this means that I have to go back to teaching full time in September. Not at all what I had dreamed of, but it was going to work.

Now though, DH's advisor has offered him the chance to apply for a full time job on campus. It'd even allow the flexibility of time to take two classes a semester, paid for by the school. The position is fantastic and is everything he'd hoped to be doing once he finished school.

The downsides? First, he'd have to start right away most likely. Without this, he would be home for all of June, July, and August with me while we both tried to get used to being parents. Second, he'd be 5 days a week year round, rather than the student schedule he'd had planned which means this poor baby would be a daycare child full time for at least a year. Right now, DH doesn't know what the sallary would be, but it's unlikely that it'd be enough for me to stop working.

If it didn't start until September, or if it paid enough that I didn't have to work, I'd be thrilled for him. As it is, I'm glad he told me about it first over the phone so I could bawl my eyes out in private and be ready to talk rationally to him when he got home.

Right now though, everything is up in the air and who knows if this will even come to pass. He just let me know that the possibility is there. Why did he have to find this out on one of my few highly emotional days?

[Jilian]

Patch: I hope the two of you can come up with a plan that you can both feel good about. It's good that nothing is set in stone yet and you can still voice your concerns to DH. Maybe a better opportunity will appear. It's really hard when you have everything planned out a certain way and then the plan changes, I've been there too.

[wombatclay]

HUgs Patch- My DH was a grad student when I got pregnant with our first dd...and he lost his funding the same week we learned I was pregnant. It was a VERY hard year (he wound up taking a "terminal" MA, and he didn't actually have a salaried position until this past August) and we wound up going into massive debt trying to live on my library salary.

And even though he now has a great job at the University...wellyou have to be an employee for at least two years before you can take classes "for free", and his salary is no where near enough for me to stay home.

A lot of my relatives are military families (heck, I grew up in one!), and the stress of being a military spouse can be extreme...but I think people underestimate the stress that can come from being an "Ivory Tower" spouse or family. It's not easy...

I'm thrilled your partner has a "maybe" good offer...but hope you can find a way to maintain your plans and have the family time you both need and deserve! Hang in there...who knows what tomorrow will bring?

[willoLevin]

Originally Posted by PatchChild

I almost hate to post this, because so many of us are already dealing with stressful issues, but I know I'll feel better if I do.

Oh, darling, as if we don't all post all kinds of issues from the trivial to the traumatic! Please, never worry about adding your voice here. After all, anyone who is tired of hearing from us can skip reading for as long as she wants!

Originally Posted by PatchChild

My DH got offered a really great opportunity today and I'm completely bummed out by it. ... DH's advisor has offered him the chance to apply for a full time job

Hurrah for him! I'm sure this is evidence of his skill and talents, and that means wonderful things for your future! I'm happy for him and your family.

Originally Posted by PatchChild

...First, he'd have to start right away most likely. Without this, he would be home for all of June, July, and August ...

This would be one of those negative changes in plans. I'm sure it would be a disappointment. But, of course, we don't know YET if he would have to start ASAP! It never hurts to ask, AFTER the job has been offered (says the Jewish lady who doesn't work Friday nights or Saturday mornings!), if it could start in July! Really, truly, try to release this part of the stress until you know it is real!

Originally Posted by PatchChild

Second, he'd be 5 days a week year round, rather than the student schedule he'd had planned which means this poor baby would be a daycare child full time for at least a year. Right now, DH doesn't know what the sallary would be, but it's unlikely that it'd be enough for me to stop working.

This would be hard for me to accept, too. I can see why you are stressed/sad about it. I'd guess I would feel grief if I had to make this kind of change in plans. If it happens, be sure you allow yourself to GRIEVE this kind of change!

But (if you want to be cheered up instead of just listened to), what a blessing that you will still have those most vital first few months home with your baby. You WILL have time to get a good start with breastfeeding (if that's what you're planning to do.) You will be much more settled after having the whole summer to get to know your baby and his/her schedule.

And maybe the salary won't be enough to stay home on, but, is there a chance you could find a part-time job instead of your full-time one? Aren't teachers in pretty high demand? Might this be an option? Maybe not, but it might be easier...

Talk to us all you want. Start your own thread and rant, whine, or wonder for pages on end. I'll read it!

--willo

[willoLevin]

Since I'm sure this is on top of EVERYONE's mind...

...the contractor showed up right on time this morning.

I am looking out my back window at my old turquoise blue cooktop and oven discarded in the yard.

(The dumpster guy did NOT show up yesterday. I'm assuming it is easier to get a dumpster than a contractor, so I'm not worried about this yet. We did have massive storm surge and flooding the past few days.)

My countertops are out there, too. DS and I can peek through the plastic dust barrier and see all kinds of crazy changes happening to our former "heart" of the home. Yikes!

I am so worn out from getting the final stuff packed up and moved out of the kitchen yesterday. I ached so bad last night, I had to limp, bent-over-double, to make my 1 am toilet visit. Ouch! Today, even though my entire house is a wreck (from shifting kitchen items plus all my energy going that way this past week), I am RESTING. I'm trying to keep DS from adding new toys to the floor, but we are taking it easy and accepting the current chaos.

We are also hoping DH stops and picks up something for dinner on the way home!

--willo

[PatchChild]

willo, congrats on the kitchen. You'll post pictures once it's finished so we can all live vicariously through you, right?

Thanks to all for the hugs and encouraging words, that's really what I needed. I still have faith that it will all work out just the way it's supposed to. I just wish that sometimes that was also the way I hoped for.

Back to the kitchen to finish the cinnamon spiral bread I started this morning. It's even mostly healthy since I make it with half whole wheat flour and it's filled with oatmeal and milk. When all else fails, cook something yummy.

[rock_dr]

Originally Posted by PatchChild

Back to the kitchen to finish the cinnamon spiral bread I started this morning. It's even mostly healthy since I make it with half whole wheat flour and it's filled with oatmeal and milk. When all else fails, cook something yummy.

oh. oh. that sounds good. care to share the recipe?

[Robbins0614]

Originally Posted by rock_dr

oh. oh. that sounds good. care to share the recipe?

I second that request! Sounds great!