Happy New Year, November 05 moms! - Page 5

[flapjack]

Tomorrow is 37 weeks by latest possible dates, and the labour ramped up a gear today I can't get the endorphins to kick in, either, and I can't break the ctx: they're strong enough now that it could be early labour, but not progressing.

I'm doing this. I think I'm actually doing Fern's labour, but still... I can keep doing this all the way up to 16th February, if I need to. But please, don't make me need to : Not 42....

Mel, we think that the central heating probably played as significant a part as the singulair in controlling Isaac's asthma. He hasn't had a significant attack in over a year, hasn't dropped below the magic 60% hospitalisation number since September and has only used his blue inhaler 20 times, if that. He's like a different boy...just worth considering, maybe?

Amy, I read your blog and I'm thinking.

Spughy, many sleepy vibes

Fern : Happy EDD, or happy birthing day, or possibly even both?

[Gunter]

hey mel, do you all have carpets? since we moved into the solar house last year where there are no carpets, we totally breathe easier. it's probably a combination of things in this house. But DH is convinced that not having carpet helps.

helen-here's some strong contraction vibes sent your way...from me, the previous 37 weeker!

fern- and, some labor action for you, too!

more later...gotta go read "dance" book to ez.

[MamaFern]

helen, i would SO take those pains if i could.. im having no sign of baby coming today.. *sigh* but on a good note im getting lots of stuff knit

thanks for all of the love and well wishes and labor vibes mamas..

[*Amy*]

Helen, hoping it sooner rather than later for you. PS: That's really nice of you to do Fern's labor for her!

Fern, happy due date. (No pressure!)

Kavita, how's it been going with the gym? We're still totally on the fence about whether we should joing the YMCA, what with Brynn's monumental separation anxiety. I just don't know if it would be worth all of the work that it would take to get her adjusted to the nursery.

Spughy, good luck with the bed transition! We're still doing really well over here, so everybody keep crossing your fingers or knocking wood or whatever.

[flapjack]

Tough day, but I did it.

Fern Sending you a few more gentle birthing vibes, just in case.

OK, let's get really in-depth, deep and personal here. How DO you explain the difference between:
1) A unicorn and a monkey?
2) A duck, a penguin, and a cuckoo???? Feathers McGraw was jumping up and down like a loon shouting cuckoo, cuckoo, cuckoo in our house this afternoon. It's cute, but it's frustrating. A penguin is not a duck. A penguin is a penguin, and does not go cuckoo.

[spughy]

Helen, the difference between a unicorn and a monkey is that unicorns evolved from zebras, but monkeys evolved from australopithecines. Also, monkeys eat fruit, but unicorns prefer virgins. (...and somewhere, a psychologist hears a $cha-ching$ sound of Rowan, 15 years from now...)

There are no substantial differences between ducks, penguins and cuckoos btw. They've all got feathers, beaks and wings. Duh.

Fern, I'll be thinking "happy birthing" thoughts in your direction. BTW how long are you going to be in Van for? We're coming over some time in Feb, I'd love to meet your new bean!

I purged my pantry today, and once I've got everything off to the recycling centre/bottle depot tomorrow I will feel clean and uplifted. Then I will remember that I have to also purge every cupboard in my kitchen, our clothing closets, that storage space behind the closet, and the crap in the attic. But I will do it! I will take our place from overcluttered dump to serene, sparse, and tidy.

[MelW]

Originally Posted by spughy

But I will do it! I will take our place from overcluttered dump to serene, sparse, and tidy.

I would be a minimalist if I had more space

I only wish that we weren't renters and I would absolutely tear up the carpet and install better windows and improve the whole freaking house. But we're living in a ground floor poorly insulated student housing apartment in wet, mildewy Oregon winter weather. At least it isn't shag carpet. At this point it's damage control until the drier weather- the dehumidifier has taken a couple liters of water out of the air in only 24 hours, the hepa filter is running and I'm back to a strict regimen of frequent vacuuming with our super-duper hepa-filter vacuum and bleaching any mildew as soon as it appears. And my DH is back on singulair after not needing it for a couple of years. We'll be moving in the summer, so it's only a few more months.

We just had our most successful literary event with Neela since she was about five weeks old. Usually either DH or I end up taking her out for a break after a few minutes, since sitting quietly is pretty hard when you're two. But DH had a reading tonight and she sat in her chair and drew and did a puzzle through the entire thing, with very few interruptions and interjections. I'm impressed!

We also had a funny day of miss bossy telling us to be different people. I spent much of today as either Marcie, or "a boy named Chuck". Neela was queen of the bare bums, a princess, Marcie, and Fiona, among others.

Helen, wishing you either hard labour or no-labour, whichever you would prefer. But no more contractions until the real thing. And Fern, lots of baby labour vibes headed your way, too!

[flapjack]

I know what went wrong, I sent Fern's contractions to the cosy cabin in the wood, and the postal services returned them to sender NOT doing that one again...StrawberryFields is nearly as fed up as me, she can have them instead.

Mel, that's tough. Is there any chance of the university moving you?

Spughy, tidying the house while the kids are still growing is like sweeping the snow while it's still growing. Cleaning, yes, but tidying? Nah.... saying that, it did feel good tidying up around here with the building work and decluttering so much. We're doing our bedroom today : that's going to be bad.

Oh, and you made me laugh. Unicorns- the antithesis of the promise keepers movement. And a penguin clock. I think this is probably because she finally saw someone else with one of those cuddly toy backpack things, and his was a monkey...

[3for3hb]

Amy, I read your blog post. I have someone like that in my life. She's about 10wks behind me with her first and honestly, totally clueless. She'd asked me some superficial pregnancy questions and after talking to her for a bit I told her that pregnancy can do some really weird things and if she ever wanted to talk I was there for her... she just sort of looked at me and didn't really respond. I don't know why I said it but I sort of shrugged and said that I wouldn't try to convince her to have a homebirth or anything. Everyone has to do it their own way and this is mine. She hasn't really spoken to me since and it's a bit frustrating. I wish I had known someone like me when I was pregnant, especially the first time. I didn't know about mdc until I was pg with Gabriel. I felt like such a freak trying to figure out how to nurse in public when I was still in school, boobs popping out, leaking, baby screaming and sweating because he was covered with a blanket and was too hot. It was hell. And I would have given anything to have had someone, anyone, who was just there to help. I didn't even know about LLL until Willem was about 4 months old.
So back to this woman who is pregnant and clueless. I categorize your neighbor as having the same type "we'll see when we get there" sort of nonchalant attitude about things I feel very strongly about. Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's going to be easy. This pregnant woman I know? She's the director of an organization that helps teen moms, supporting them with mentors and necessities (clothing, rides, etc) so they can get through high school. She thinks she is going to have the baby and then take the baby to the office with her a couple weeks after birth. And she thinks she is going to be able to do everything she was able to do before she had a baby just fine with baby in tow. Probably a common mistake for most first time moms. I just want her to be prepared because even with all my preparation before Willem came, I still wasn't. It would have really helped if I had had someone there, even to just talk to and convince me that what I was experiencing was completely normal. It's not so much that I want to be that person for this woman, or that I want her to look up to me in any way. I just want to help because I know it's what she needs. It's what every woman needs in one respect or another.
And I know how you feel... you want to go over and offer to help but for some reason it seems like your help wouldn't be appreciated or even welcome. We isolate ourselves and we don't even know what community is anymore. It's sad.

Mel - I completely sympathize with the renter's remorse. It's not possible for us to own our own home yet and it's incredibly frustrating to deal with the health hazards of this crappy duplex!

Fern - love the kimono! May your baby come soon! It's hard to believe you are already full term, it seems like just a few weeks ago you announced your pregnancy!

Helen- !!!!!

Spughy - you have me in stitches.

[flapjack]

WHat? What did I do??? Am I back on the naughty step AGAIN?

I like the baby kimono pattern (pic on Fern's blog) too, but I can't decide between that kimono or the baby yoda for this one. It's going to be emerald green cotton, fwiw, because that's what I have left in the stash that needs using up- but I did a yoda for nausicaamom in natural dark brown wool that's absolutely breathtaking and I didn't want to post it Any opinions?

Hey, Fern's gone awfully quiet, hasn't she? So has Amanda, come to think of it- I haven't seen her online all weekend... that's the best bit of having a DDC where everyone is due a month apart, give or take, it makes it easier to get excited...

I've been thinking a lot about your post, Amy, and a lot of it sounds like what we're trying to do with the NCT and breastmates- to get people in to share those wonderful, horrible, first years of parenthood together and to support each other as realisation hits and over the hard times. The problem is, of course, that some people are so reinforced in the idea of a nuclear family or whatever their other big issue is that they just can't accept the help that's available- and when that happens, you just have to let it go for the sake of your own sanity. I think there is a huge benefit in having organised, public and accessible groups for those in the front-line trenches of motherhood and pregnancy so that everyone who wants the whole "artificial village" experience can have it, and often, real, solid friendships develop out of it, and if there isn't one in your area, then you (and Kavita) need to start it. The biggest thing that can make or break a group is a single charismatic organiser.

[Awaken]

Just had to take a minute to post- each kid is playing happily, in their own space, without begging for me- WOW- this has never happened to me before! I'll enjoy my coffee and internet until I hear "MAMA!!!!!!"

Melanie- I have been thinking about your hot tub date idea- that sounds awesome- I have been thinking about what kind of surprise I could do for dh and would love to do that! I have never heard of being able to rent one though- I am going to have to look this up! I hope there's something like that around here.

Originally Posted by MelW

Helen, wishing you either hard labour or no-labour, whichever you would prefer. But no more contractions until the real thing. And Fern, lots of baby labour vibes headed your way, too!

What she said! Thinking of you both

Has anyone seen Kristina posting anywhere? I'm wondering where she's gotten to.

[MamaFern]

Originally Posted by flapjack

WHat? What did I do??? Am I back on the naughty step AGAIN?

I like the baby kimono pattern (pic on Fern's blog) too, but I can't decide between that kimono or the baby yoda for this one. It's going to be emerald green cotton, fwiw, because that's what I have left in the stash that needs using up- but I did a yoda for nausicaamom in natural dark brown wool that's absolutely breathtaking and I didn't want to post it Any opinions?

Hey, Fern's gone awfully quiet, hasn't she? So has Amanda, come to think of it- I haven't seen her online all weekend... that's the best bit of having a DDC where everyone is due a month apart, give or take, it makes it easier to get excited...

do the kimono! its so easy and so cute. im almost 1/2 done a second one..

and on me being "quiet" yeah right, i wish... i had friends over yesterday with their new baby.. *sigh* he is SO cute. 6 weeks old.. i just snuggled him all day! im going to hike this baby out of me today with ngaio in the backpack on my back...
my grama is in the hospital right now and prettty sick, so maybe its best that baby is waiting a bit still.. its hard for me.. i keep saying "okay baby!" then "no..wait..maybe not just yet" she is probably totally confused by now.

[3for3hb]

Oh sorry Helen, my smilie didn't show up with my !!!!



Honestly, how and when do you all find these great free patterns online? I never have such luck! I've knit five soakers so far and am using up my stash quite nicely. It's funny because I've **just** had enough yarn to finish each soaker. And it wasn't until my fourth Curly Purly that I realized I was doing the crotch fern&faerie style where you knit the back up to the front and then join. I totally missed an entire paragraph in the directions. So the first three are a bit squarish on the bottom. Anyway. I'm enjoying my knitting but still feeling pretty blah.

[flapjack]

I get most of my free pattern links from ravelry these days (which I love. The add to queue function gives you almost all the satisfaction of having knitted something yourself, without any of the time or money commitment) but the search function on bloglines is also a gem. Plus, of course, the yarn crafts forum.

[*Amy*]

No babies today? Fern, sorry to hear about your grandmother. I'm sure miss Baby will come just at the right time.

I've been having a rought week. I am guessing it's PMS-related, but I just feel so moody, and really down. It's been exacerbated by the fact that our Waldorf school is in a serious financial crisis, so everyone is totally flipping out and pointing fingers, and as one of the *very few* parents who volunteer on a regular basis, it's annoying to hear everyone complain about what isn't being done. So I lost a lot of sleep about that last night, because despite the problems, I believe so much in the school and the education that Waldorf offers. I should be in charge!

Anyway, I think I am going to have to just suck it up and go back on the pill despite not really wanting to be on hormones. I still have my IUD but would like to have it removed (for a couple of reasons) anyway, so...yah. I did go on a trial run of the pill for about two months, and my mood was just so much more stable during that time, so I guess it's worth it overall.

Have any of you had dreams about losing your babes? I think I have had 2 or 3, and I had one last night that was just terrible! It was so scary. I woke up and realized she was cuddled up to me and I can't even describe the relief I felt!

Sorry to be a downer today. :

[flapjack]

Strawberryfields is MIA, so we could have babies today

Amy I think it's a really dark time of year in general right now- I know it's a hard time for me to be pregnant, with nothing growing, and it's generally my bad time anyhow. I know it's really hard to let go of the crisis with the school, but honestly- the organisation is bigger than any one individual. And if it's not, it ought to be

[Queen of Cups]

Amy, I hear you on soooo many levels. Killy's school (alternative, more Montessori-esque than Waldorf-y) is also having some serious financial issues. No fun there. Also, I'm really struggling with my birth control right now, too. I went on NuvaRing last August and from Aug-Oct I gained 10 lbs. No change in diet or exercise. Since then I've been trying and trying to loose the weight and its next to impossible! To explain, I just did the South Beach Diet Phase 1 for the past two weeks and worked out about 80 minutes a day - every single day! - and I lost a whopping one pound. That is just not right! I was on Ortho-tri-cyclen for several years and it never messed with my weight, but the one time I tried Yasmin I instantly gained weight, then lost it as soon as I switched back. So, I'm thinking about trying Ortho-lo, but other than the weight issue I LOVE the nuvaring. Bleah. I just put a new ring in and if I can't get this weight thing where I'm happy, I'm going to call my NP before the next cycle starts. Winter is really, really hard for me mood-wise, too. I always thought people who claimed to have SAD were just whiner-babies, until I realized that I think I'm one of them! At this point, what is keeping me off antidepresents is working out strenuoulsy every day and doing as much of that exercise as possible outside in the sun. Weeks where its warm enough for me to bike, run, or hike every day I feel great. Weeks where its too cold and I work out inside, I feel okay. Weeks where I slack and don't work out every day and I'm inside... everything's awful.

[MamaFern]

Originally Posted by *Amy*

No babies today? Fern, sorry to hear about your grandmother. I'm sure miss Baby will come just at the right time.

I've been having a rought week. I am guessing it's PMS-related, but I just feel so moody, and really down. It's been exacerbated by the fact that our Waldorf school is in a serious financial crisis, so everyone is totally flipping out and pointing fingers, and as one of the *very few* parents who volunteer on a regular basis, it's annoying to hear everyone complain about what isn't being done. So I lost a lot of sleep about that last night, because despite the problems, I believe so much in the school and the education that Waldorf offers. I should be in charge!

Anyway, I think I am going to have to just suck it up and go back on the pill despite not really wanting to be on hormones. I still have my IUD but would like to have it removed (for a couple of reasons) anyway, so...yah. I did go on a trial run of the pill for about two months, and my mood was just so much more stable during that time, so I guess it's worth it overall.

Have any of you had dreams about losing your babes? I think I have had 2 or 3, and I had one last night that was just terrible! It was so scary. I woke up and realized she was cuddled up to me and I can't even describe the relief I felt!

Sorry to be a downer today. :

amy!

i had a dream a while back about being here at my moms and thinking someone else knew weher ngaio was then having my stepdad run up saying that he had found her dead in the furnace room. it still haunts me and everytime i walk past there i shiver. i keep a way closer eye on her these days .. it is scary. i woke up with her snuggled beside me and i know the feeling. the relief is huge, and the love you feel for your little monster toddler is so huge it couldn't be contained by anything..

i hope your rough day gets better.




no baby, but im feeling very crampy today and most of last night. i took some motherwort tincture and homeopathics to see if it would "go away" and so far it hasn't but it hasn't gotten any worse yet, and no real contractions.. so we shall see....

[kaspirant]

Okay wise mama's...

anyone have any words for this one?

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...4#post10278604

[flapjack]

Kaspirant, my gut instinct is to say that everything is fine, but to watch your temperature and to call in sick at work. If your temperature spikes, you're having significant difficulty breathing or baby's movements slow, get straight to a hospital, not a doctor. I know that asthma can often be more severe in pregnancy, though, so I'd suspect bronchitis may be the same :

Can you keep Skye in your thoughts? She has another blasted pompom up her nose- we could see it, couldn't get to it, so seeing as it looks like all is quiet on the baby front Steve's taken her up to A&E to see if they can remove it with her awake. Cross your fingers for us, I hate the idea of her going to that hospital