June 20-26

[Smithie]

Hey, we need a new thread!

WRT Greaseball's question, we decided that anything we tried to do with the placenta would only end in hound-related tragedy. So we told the birth center to dispose of it.

How's everybody doing? james was 3 weeks old yesterday, and we are doing OK.

[wildthing]

I have 2 placentas in my freezer now. One from Gunnar, and one from Landen. My last 3 ended up in the trash when we moved. :blush I hated throwing them away, since we were going to polant rose bushes....but we moved, and I had to empty the freezer to move it, and they were thrown away.
I am not sure what I am going to do with these ones now. We really don't have anywhere to plant them. I may try drying them, grinding them and encapsulating them for use during my menstrual cycles...but it is a lot of work, and I am not sure if I will ever get around to it, or if I will do it correctly.

My birth story is pretty much done, and I put pictures up to go with it. I will be posting it today. :D

[mattjule]

We tossed ours. Since we are still apt nomads, it just didn't make sense to plant it somewhere then leave it behind and I didn't want to put it under a plant I would later kill and be heartbroken about.

I made my dh's ring wrap yesterday and used it for Tain while I did some laundry. It worked great, though getting itand him on evenly on my back was a bit of a feat. Only 4 more days until my labor support gets here!!! I have decided that Rowan's birthday is going to be Saturday. It actually worked with Tain, so we'll see if we can convince Rowan that it is time. I have noticed a slight change in my cervix so that bodes well.

Unfortunately my swelling gets worse every day-which is the biggest reason I want him out soon. I didn't have any discomfort with Tain, though I was swollen like a sausage. This time my skin really hurts and my legs feel tingly a lot. This morning my hands are slightly swollen. That is a bummer.

Belly rubs to those that are still cooking, lots of labor vibes to those ready to go (hang in there Paula!), and big, soft kisses to all those beautiful babies!

Robin, how is Kieran doing?

[Doodlebugsmom]

Hello! We are doing just great here. My soreness is mostly gone and my breasts have regulated so I'm not feeling too engorged anymore. Julian nurses like a champ. He's very efficient. I haven't had any nipple soreness at all this time like I did with dd. Maybe because she was still nursing just 4 months ago. Anyway, she adores her baby brother and likes to kiss him and rub his head. We are just in baby bliss here!

Congrats Erin! I can't wait to hear your birth story!

We also left our placenta to be disposed of at the hospital. Smithie, we share the same concerns about what would happen with it here at the house! Keep those poopie diapers locked up!

[Greaseball]

:lurk:

[crunchywannabe]

we left the placenta at the hospital...but my OB did offer it to us (I think it is funny that he did...but he knows what "crunchier" people we are! :LOL)

We did however get a photo of both sides of the placenta which dh thought I was crazy for doing :LOL but I am glad we did it.

Everything is going good here. Isabella is a good sleeper. She has gone down at 1am the last 2 nights and has slept until 7am! Lucky me...I am sure it won't last.

Nursing is actually going so good this time! I wish that we would have been able to do this before.

here is a quick link to her photos from the hospital...they are my favorite!

http://www.growingfamily.com/webnursery/babypage_view.asp?URLID=2F7M7W3V3T

password is: fawzrpsm4s

sometimes you have to type the password in instead of copying it and pasting it....

[irishgreengables]

Thanks for all your good vibes. We went in today for a fetal stress test and learned that I have low amniotic fluid. They also determined it is a big baby (which I know isn't always accurate, but it is consistent with dh's family) and that my cervix is still totally closed. Because of these factors, we are having a c-section tomorrow at 7:30. I am pretty sad. At the same time, we really trust our OB and know that she is not c-section happy. She respects our desires and has done so this whole time. However, we can't let baby go any longer witht eh fluid being so low and my cervix doing nothing (despite a month of contractions).

I wold love to hear psitive c-section stories.

It is nice to hear all the great birth stories here!

Peace,

[mattjule]

:hug to you Paula! What a tough decision. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

Jessica-that is one of the cutest picures I have EVER seen!

Well, Tain is giving Matt a hard time in the kitchen so I think I'll go rescue both of them!

[seedling]

I just can't keep up with the threads anymore! I'm reading & thinking of you all but it's hard to find time to post anything. Paula, best wishes for the c-section...I know it's not what you wanted but the end result WILL be that precious baby. It sounds like such a hard situation. Hugs to you.

Congrats Erin on the baby girl!

I didn't get offered my first placenta. Flora's is in the freezer. We plan to plant it under a Grande Flora Abuela bush....just have to dig the whole and do it. I also worry about a hound incident but our dog doesn't have access to the part of the yard we will be planting the shrub in. So far he hasn't gotten hold of any poopy diapers which is a good thing since I'm using fitteds this time...I'd have to strangle him if he got hold of one of them.

I'm struggling with a little funky, sad stuff right now. I'm totally enamored with Flora. And DD is settling down and we're back into our groove. But my DH can send me into the depths of despair pretty darn easily. I remember having a really rocky time with how I felt about him after DD was born. I think it's the whole "I'm totally IT for the baby and you don't get that" thing. Plus I think I shot myself in the foot by being too "with it" right after Flora was born. I think we've been pushing it about doing too much...even though I was going stir crazy and wanted to do stuff, I think it's time to slow down. The good news is, I was expecting it this time. And talked to DH about it. So I told him yesterday that I was dealing with some depression and he seemed to be very receptive and gentle about it which actually made me feel less sad. So that's good. I just HATE feeling so emotional, so volitale.

Okay, times up. Sounds like most everyone is ready to be done, so I'm sending speedy labor vibes to all. Hugs and kisses to the new babes.

[3girlsmommy]

I'm struggling with a little funky, sad stuff right now.

seedling- I'm right there w/ ya babe! I think my worst day was Father's Day, which sucks under normal conditions. I was really upset about something and he told me that he wished I would just cheer up. Big mistake! It sent me completly over the edge.


We were going to keep the placenta but it became too much of a hassel and a bit expensive. The hospital requires you to have a whole bunch of blood tests done to make sure you don't have any std's and since I was already tested for all of those at the beginning of my pregnancy my insurance wouldn't cover them. Also they require that you immediatly remove it from the hospital. Since Lily was born at 3:07 am that would have been a little tough.

COngrats to all the new mommies! I'm having a hard time keeping up w/ everybody.

[wildthing]

Hey, where is everyone today??????

I finally finished my birth story!

Here it is (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=1634259#post1634259)

Picture link is at the end, or you can just go here (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/share/view?i=EeANnLJi0aNGzjg&open=1&sm=1&sl=0)

I am going to the endocrinologist tomorrow....I have a growth on my thyroid that has suddenly gotten much larger. I had bloodwork and an ultrsound done last week. Initially, the hope was that it would be a fluid filled cyst, but no luck. This growth initially started while I was pregnant with Gunnar, and the biopsy came back benign. But this time, the doctor wouldn't even discuss it over the phone, he just said to come in ASAP. I am slightly concerned.

Paula, I am thinking of you today and hoping all is going well for you and that you are holding your sweet baby now! :love

Erin, congratulations!!! I hope all is going well for you too! :love

[Smithie]

seedling, hang in there! My immediate postpartum response to DH was to follow him around like a puppy dog and feel, I kid you not, JEALOUS of my precious new baby for taking "my" spot on DH's lap. Crazy crazy crazy...
:nut

[eilonwy]

:wave Hello everyone! I don't have time to update the list today, but I wanted to stop in and let everyone know that I'm still cooking. 39 weeks tomorrow, un-freaking-believable! I'm tired of it, and I've been really emotionally volatile lately. I feel like a horrible failure as a mother and I know that it won't go away until a few weeks post-partum, so I'm really looking forward to delivering.

Even though I'm smaller than I was with Eli, I feel like this baby is bigger. :shrug Seems to me she's got to be a good 8 pounds by now! A friend of mine thought that she'd be born today and be 6 lbs 6 oz. Not a chance; she's *definately* bigger than that. :LOL

None of my clothing fits me right anymore. That's a bad thing, because I look awful, but at this point I'm sorry to say that I just don't care a bit about how I look. :LOL Oh, okay, I'm not sorry at all.

Anyway, I'm off! Welcome to the new Beans and here's hoping we're all talking to our new people soon! :)

[ksjhwkr]

:lurk:

[mattjule]

Donna-that is one of the best birth stories I have ever read! It is hard to figure out what is important to say and what bogs the story down, you did a really good job.

It has been really beautiful here today, about 70 degrees and sunny. I think we are going to take Tain to the park again before the sun goes down so I need to go.

[Queen of Cups]

Donna - beautiful story!

I love keeping up with the list and hearing about everyone's wonderful deliveries! Things are going great here, though I've very tired of packing/unpacking. Its hard to believe that we have our 1-month pediatrician appt tomorrow! Killy is doing very well (there are a million pictures up on our website: Photogrove (http://www.photogrove.com)) - though he didn't nap much at all today! I'm hoping that means he'll sleep a lot tonight. Usually I try to keep him awake from about 8-10pm, and then he sleeps until about 8am (wakes up for 2-3 feedings during the night, though). Last night I let him fall asleep at 8pm and he was up at 5:30am - and didn't nap for more than about 30 minutes anytime today! So much for all my great unpacking plans... but it was more fun to cuddle Killy anyway!

We didn't want to keep the placenta, but I did ask to see it after the birth. The midwife showed it to me and explained the anatomy of it - very cool. Aparently at some point after the birth, someone in the delivery room spilled it onto the floor b/c my sis and DH said there was a HUGE pool of blood on the floor beside the cart where it the bowl was. I was so out of it after the birth (exhausted/relieved/concerned about Killy) that I didn't notice.

So, I think it was the May Mama's thread that mentioned this... but are any of you more/less satisfied with your birth experience a few weeks after the fact? I'm still thrilled with mine, but it seems a lot of women are less positive about their experiences after some time has passed. ???

[LizD]

I have not had a big emotional freak-out and don't really expect to now. I did at about 5 days pp with my daughter ten years ago. This time I had an afternoon when I felt a little sorry for myself and lonely but it passed ok and I haven't had more than fleeting instances of such feelings since. I am out and about and annoyed about all the laundry I am trying to catch up on, but have not even had that flash of irritation with the baby yet. We are finally using covers on the diapers again so we are both more comfortable, and drier!

Tomorrow I am going to have my hair cut. Figure baby will be ok in the stroller with dh for half an hour! Except I have to go borrow a stroller! The one my friend is sending/lending me isn't here yet. I would really love a peg perego but they are so absurdly expensive. If my friend's doesn't work out I might see just how much folks have raised for us in terms of babiesrus gift certs. We either don't need all the stuff people think we should have or already have it.

My boy is two weeks old today and ten pounds! I find myself wishing I could move to the ttc list in a year or so, or at least know we will have another someday- a bit of the post-holiday after-birth/babymoon letdown. It is all so precious though.

Paula, a cesarean birth can be a lovely birth. By now it is too late to give you any advice on it, but I hope it was as wonderful an experience as it should be and that you recover quickly and well. Congratulations!

[rubelin]

Hey Mommas! We're home!! Kieran was released yesterday afternoon and is doing great. The final diagnosis was meconium aspiration, which isn't suprising as he came through a lot of it and they clamped his cord so fast he probably took a big gulp of the stuff. He's back up to his birthweight, nursing like a chow hound (I think we're in the 2 wk growth spurt!!) and we're all quite enamored of him. Here's a pic of my June boys (http://67.18.25.209/pics/wonderboys.jpg)

I haven't finished writing my birth story yet. I've found it hard getting past the emotions of the whole thing, but I hope to have it done soon. Our MWs are coming for a home visit tomorrow and I think I'll be able to process a bit more of it talking with them. While I am thrilled to have had the vag birth I wanted, I keep going over it all in my head and wishing there was less fear and panic in the whole thing.

I hope to check in more now that I can NAK, though I'll have to remaster one-handed typing, lol! Blessings to all the new babes and hugs to those still waiting.

[dharmama]

Paula ~ Thinking of you and wishying you a beautiful birth today!

Robin ~ Congrats! So glad Kieran is home. What a GORGEOUS picture of your boys.

Liz ~ Enjoy your haircut. Don't ya just love having someone wash your hair and massage your scalp? :love

QoC ~ I'm only 4 days pp but I am absolutely thrilled with my birth experience. (I'm about 1/2 way through typing my birth story - will post soon.)

Rynna ~ :hug You are almost there mama!!!

Sorry...I know I'm missing people...it's still pretty ouchy to sit. Off to read Landen's birth story....
:)

~Erin
:love

[mattjule]

Robin-so, so glad to hear Kieran made it home! It must have been pretty stressful for your family with him in the NICU.

Erin-Can't wait to hear your story, thank your friend for me for posting about your birth!

Thinking of you, Paula, and hoping everything is going smoothly and you have a baby in your arms right now!

Rynna-I hope you get your computer back soon! Have you thought about buying a new one instead of fixing the old? We got ours at ibuypower.com and it was really inexpensive and so far, we've loved it. Sounds like a used car, when you tally up all the money you put into fixing it, it's the same as a new car! (We are currently walking that path...) :eyesroll

Wish I had more to say...I am ready for labor to start, getting a little tired of these more than bh, less than labor ctx! I have noticed a definite hormonal shift, been having bad dreams the last couple nights and feel a little more emotional and introspective. Saturday, saturday, saturday...

[Doodlebugsmom]

Robin, I am glad that everyone is home, safe and sound now! That must feel great.

Julie, I was also getting tired of the "not really labor, but not BH" contractions too. When my real labor began, I was so sure it was just more practice contractions. I was sure I'd get to the hospital and be 1cm dilated and they'd send me home. Thank goodness that didn't happen! I was also swollen those last few days and it sure was uncomfortable. Fortunately, as soon as Julian was born the swelling was gone!

Rynna, my clothes didn't fit the last couple of weeks of my pregnancy. I felt like I looked like a slob all the time. I had two pairs of gym-type shorts that I wore every day. It isn't much better now since my maternity clothes are way too big and my regular clothes are way two small. I'm still mostly in the gym shorts!

Things are still going well here. Ds is just doing wonderfully. Nursing and sleeping lots. He has a decent amount of alert time too, usually in the evening. We've been getting plenty of sleep at night. Dd has adjusted well so far. She's very affectionate with her little brother. Today is dh's first day back to work since ds was born. I've been feeling a little weepy.

Labor vibes to all of those who want or need them, warm cuddles for all the new babies, and belly rubs for those who wish to "cook" a little longer!

[Smithie]

Great news, Robin!

"but are any of you more/less satisfied with your birth experience a few weeks after the fact? "

I am thrilled with the birth center, the mw, my DH, my baby and my body - but I am not thrilled with ME. I was so out of it when James was born. I was like a zombie for days, even though I'd had a fast and drug-free labor. I am really disappointed in myself, although I feel that I'll do much better next time and connect with the baby right away, etc.

James has gained 2 lbs 9 ozs from his birthweight, so he is doing really well. My family has gone home and MIL is here giving my entire house a Martha Stewart-style cleaning.

[dharmama]

Rynna, my clothes didn't fit the last couple of weeks of my pregnancy. I felt like I looked like a slob all the time. I had two pairs of gym-type shorts that I wore every day.

:nod Two days before Lily was born I met up with my friend to go swimming. As I was walking out the door to go to her house I saw myself in the mirror :eek and I just had to laugh. I was wearing bike shorts (I too had two pairs that I just traded off...that was ALL that fit) and a tank top and I just looked silly. When I got to her house I was like...ummmm....yeah...I should have warned you...I am SO past the point of caring what I look like....hope you don't mind being seen with me! :LOL

I am really disappointed in myself, although I feel that I'll do much better next time and connect with the baby right away, etc.

:hug Oh Smithie...please don't feel disappointed with yourself. You did an awesome job mama. It's such an intense experience - physically, emotionally, spiritually - there's no way to know exactly how you'll react until you are in the moment and then you just have to surrender and realize that forces much larger than yourself are in control.

I've had a couple of feelings of regret...like I'm a prenatal yoga teacher and a doula...I'm all about active labor and birth...get out of the bed...squat...use gravity....and how did I deliver....semi-reclined in the bed like every woman I've ever seen on Baby Story. :eyesroll But ya know what, it's what was meant to be. My daughter was on the fast track and wanted OUT and the position I used just worked.

Anyway...can I ask a question for you experienced mamas? How do you help your DH to feel involved? And what (if anything) do you do when he is struggling...putting diapers on inside out and soakers on the outside of her clothing (that one really cracked me up :LOL)...unable to console her etc.?

I am so attached to Lily and I feel so in tune with what she needs...it is physically hard for me to watch DH and she struggle (not to mention it causes my milk to leak all over the place when she is crying). But at the same time I don't want to be correcting him all the time and jumping in to show him the right way to do it, ya know?

Belly rubs to the pregnant mamas and big :grouphug to all the new mamas!!

Julie ~ Sending lots of Saturday birthday vibes to your little one!!! :)

~Erin
:love

[seedling]

Smithie, I second what Erin said. Don't feel disappointed in yourself. Labor/delivery/becoming a mom is SO intense and you really just don't know how you'll feel. The thing you said earlier about being jealous of your precious baby...I felt that way with my first. I remember distinctly feeling like I'd had my DH's baby and now my usefulness to him was spent. I was nothing more than a host body. I was so pissed about everything the first six months of DD's life...I loved her tremendously and was incredibly attached BUT I was just pissed. Pissed at DH. Pissed at all my childless friends. Pissed at relatives who only had demands or were only interested in the baby. It's a hard, hard transition.

Okay, my time is already up. Real quickly, I'm still thrilled with my birth experience.

Julie, hope that little baby comes on Saturday. And just by the way, I'm already loving some of the diapering stuff I got from you!

Hopefully I'll find a few minutes to post more later.

[wildthing]

Robin, I am so glad Kieran is home safe and sound. :)

Rynna, I also outgrew my clothes the last month, and I too felt like a slob. I couldn't keep my stomach covered to save my life!

Jlie and Queenie, thanks for reading my story. My midwife/friend wrote her version of it as well, and it is awesome for me to read it.

My single regret for my birth is that it was not completely unassisted...meaning the midwife/friend was in the house. I really, really wanted it to just be dh and me, but we did do the entire delivery ourselves. :D

Erin, as far as having dh feel involved, the only thing I can think of is to let him find his own way. Really, if he is bumbling around, that is okay. Let him find what works for him and Lily. My dh sort of snapped at me when our 3rd baby was a few weeks old because I was telling him how to put the diaper on. I learned my lesson then. Now, he does lots of things very different from me, but our kids survived.

Ack...gotta go nurse again...I'll check in tomorrow....

[majazama]

Hey, I'm don't belong in here, but thought I would lurk, as I'm due july 3rd, and my due date club gets boring sometimes. Maybe everyone is out having their babies right now? I can't wait to have mine.

Anyways, I thought I would say, that it's sooo funny when your partner puts the diaper on inside out. My partner does that too.:laugh:

Good luck for all you mammas having your babes right now, and to those who have already had your babies, :hugs:love

[dharmama]

:cuss

I wrote a nice long response and then who knows what I hit but the whole window disappeared. I HATE that!!

Lame re-cap:

Donna...I finally got to read you birth story. It is absolutely beautiful. I could relate to many of the emotions/fears that you described so well.

Mamajaza ~ :wave Welcome!

Ugh...I am so annoyed that I lost that response...there was so much more.

Anyway...Ifinally posted some pics of Lily here (http://www.felicite.com/P/?Goodman ).

Belly rubs and baby snuggles...

~Erin
:love

[mattjule]

oh Erin, she is just adorable!

I am going to ask dh about things we could have done differently with Tain so that he felt more connected. He isn't home right now or I would have an answer for you. Honestly, I think it depends on the temperment of the baby. Tain was very soothed and attached to me and not to dh for most of his first year. Dh did well when Tain was in a good mood, but not at fussy times, etc. IMO, while I hated to watch dh feel helpless and like a failure, I thought that that baby being really bonded to me was more important. It was more important to teach Tain that his needs would be met immediately than for dh to feel like superdad. It was a bit of a strain on our marriage, but I told dh that he gets to be #1 parent the rest of his life, I only get the first 2 years! (And so far, it looks that way :D ). The one thing we could both do equally is change diapers, but also, Tain was high need and he would only go to sleep by walking in the sling for really long periods of time. Dh and I traded off that "chore" (I hate to call it that, but you know what I mean). It was wonderful to have a break from the crying (we walked him outside since our apt was too tiny to get a good stride) and to know that dh was just as good as me for that. The bonding will come with time, I think. It isn't instinctive like it is with women, it is something they learn-both baby and daddy. In the beginning, most dads will tell you that they don't FEEL a whole lot (of course they won't admit it at the time, but in hindsight that tends to be the trend), but that they learn to love and know their baby with time. Have you tried to tell your dh how Lily's crying makes you feel? It is such an intense emotion that it makes us do and say some crazy things.

This time around, I think it will be similar, especially if Rowan has a similar temperment. But this time, Tain needs dh so I think that will help smooth the road. I think having the reassurance of Tain as he is now is going to help smooth over the lack of bonding at the beginning of Rowan's life, if that makes any sense. It is really hard for dads, our culture tells them they should feel just like we do when their child is born and the truth is that they aren't really wired for that. So on top of bumbling around more, they also carry this guilt.

On a side note, in a New Beginnings a few years ago there was an article (I think it was called "the Baby Wipe Bath"). Basically it talked about the mom being sick and asking the dad to give the baby a bath. When she went into the room, she discovered dad giving baby a bath with baby wipes on the changing table. As she stood in the doorway about to correct her dh, she realized that both baby and dad were having a good time, baby was getting clean, and it really wasn't hurting anyone. She discovered that her dh will always do things differently than her, but that different didn't automatically mean wrong. I had that article on our bulletin board for a long time, a reminder that dh would not always (okay, rarely) do things the way I would do them, but that it didn't mean my way was right and his was wrong. I try to look at whether or not it is detrimental to our lives and if it isn't, I just let it go. Obviously Tain is not the worse for wear yet!

Well, dh is off picking up my mom at the airport right now, Kirsten will be here tonight. I am so excited that it has worked out well so far!

Anyone know if they still make those play sewing machines? I remember them as a child but don't recall ever seeing them as an adult. My mil bought be a bedazzler for kicks from a yard sale and Tain likes to pretend it is a sewing machine. I would love to get him a play one but don't know where to look. I tried google but all it came up with was antique toy sewing machines-not exactly what I am looking for.

Seedling-I was just thinking that I couldn't remember who in our group I had sold dipes to! Glad that you are getting use out of them, makes me feel proud in a vicarious sort of way. :)

Well, I should struggle with combing Tain's hair-so glad my mom is here as I want her to give him his first haircut. It is so matted in the back and he positively throws a fit if I try to brush it. Arg.

[Greaseball]

Well, I just tried a bite of raw placenta. It's really not that good! It tastes like a glob of blood. I'm going to cook a bite, but I don't have high hopes for it.

[wildthing]

Erin,
Thanks for sharing the pictures! Lily is gorgeous! I loved looking at all your pregnant pictures too. I really like the ones with your dh, and the one with the dog on your belly had me cracking up! :laugh: :laugh:

Julie,
You said exactly what I was trying to say about dh and the babies. :D

Greaseball, did you just now try some of your placenta? I have heard that it is better when fresh, but I haven't tried it myself. Are you wanting to try it for any particular reason now? I am thinking of drying, grinding and encapsulating mine for use during my period, when it comes back.

I went to the endocrinologist yesterday, about the growth on my thyroid. He is recommending surgery to remove it. If it is cancerous, then radiation would be used to destroy any bad cells and to get rid of my thyroid completely. (I may have some of that wrong...but that is the general gist of what he said yesterday) I am not too worried about cancer...more about the logistics of surgery. I spoke to my friend/midwife about it, and she is willing to come and be my "doula" for it. How nice! She said they (meaning dh and her) could put the baby to my breast while I am in recovery, even if I amnot awake.

Mamajaza, nice to see you here!!!! :love

[Greaseball]

Yep, I just now tried some. It probably would have been better to do it soon after the birth. It was kind of a gloppy mess. I cooked a bite and it was somewhat better - tasted like rare steak - but it had that blood aftertaste.

I was just trying it out of curiosity. :D Now I know.

[crunchywannabe]

Donna--good luck on your growth!

I just :love all the pictures...keep them coming!

We are doing well...dealing with jaundice right now. I've had to take Isabella in yesterday and today for bilirubin level checks. they are going to decide this afternoon what we are going to do depending on what the numbers are....going higher or lower. It goes from her head all the way down to her knees.

She is down to 7lb10oz now...nursing is going well...but I don't think she is eating often enough. Most of the time it is every 3-4 hours...I've tried waking her up sooner to eat and she just goes right back to sleep. Compared with my last experiences with BF, this is way better though and she only has had to have less than 3 oz of supplementation!! No blisters or bleeding either so we are pretty happy.

[mattjule]

yay, my mom is here! She was so thrilled to see us and she said she would be honored to cut ds's hair for me :D

Donna-can you request anesthesia that won't be detrimental to Landen? Just wondering how much would be in your milk if you were still out of it when he needed to nurse. Is your doctor receptive to your mothering needs? Glad you aren't concerned about cancer, that word is so scary! What would happen if you didn't have a thyroid anymore? I thought your thyroid was pretty important. Sorry if this is too intrusive, I don't mean it to be. I'm sending you lots of healthy, support vibes!!!

I'm glad I am not the only one to feel that way about dhs and babies. I almost didn't post it b/c I felt like I sounded like a harpy! Speaking of...dh is home so I'll go talk to him about it. Interesting. He said that he didn't think there was a whole lot we could have done differently to facilitate bonding. He said that the best advice he could give is to NOT "let him find his own way" i.e. leave baby with daddy when baby is crying and let daddy try to find a way to soothe it (unless daddy really wants to). He said it feels like you are being abandoned with no skills or tools to soothe the baby and you know your wife is irritated that you can't soothe the baby and that it makes you not want to be with the baby alone. It is a lot of stress and fear. It reminded me of our first pp checkup with the mw at the office. I went to pee in a cup and dh was with ds in the room with the mw while she checked him out. Ds was VERY unhappy with that and I returned to a screaming baby and a dh that was pouring sweat and looked about ready to have a coronary. Not exactly a warm fuzzy. So if you see your dh really struggling, let him know it is okay to not have all the answers and that he doesn't have to be superdad right away (that will come later :) ).

[3girlsmommy]

Donna- I had half of my thyroid removed in October of 2002 when my middle baby was 9 months old. Luckily my nodule came back benign and I now take a fairly high dose of syntroid. The surgery was pretty easy and recovery was pretty quick too. I had my surgery on a thursday so that dh could take 2 days off from work and then we would have the weekend too. By Monday I was feeling pretty good. The only real downside to the whole thing is that I have to have my levels checked every couple of months to make sure my synthroid is at the correct level, I hate having my blood drawn and my arm looks like a cushion. I'm sure you know this but tyroid cancer has a VERY high cure rate. Good luck and let us know when you go in for your surgery.

[wildthing]

Donna-can you request anesthesia that won't be detrimental to Landen? Just wondering how much would be in your milk if you were still out of it when he needed to nurse. Is your doctor receptive to your mothering needs? Glad you aren't concerned about cancer, that word is so scary! What would happen if you didn't have a thyroid anymore? I thought your thyroid was pretty important. Sorry if this is too intrusive, I don't mean it to be. I'm sending you lots of healthy, support vibes!!!



Not intrusive at all Julie :)

I am not really worried about the anesthesia, actually. I mean, my sil had a general with her c-sections, and she was able to nurse her babies when she woke up. I am more concerned about the after surgery meds and the actual time I will be in the OR. I nursed my 2nd dd as soon as I woke up from having my wisdom teeth pulled. But, yes, I would definitely ask for anesthesia that is most compatible with breastfeeding. And yes, my doc is very receptive to my choices....we spoke about it for a long time, and the only instance he said a true interruption and possible weaning would be recommended is if it is cancer and I need chemo and/or radiation.

Your thyroid is very important. Among other things, it regulates your metabolism. They are planning on removing half of mine. The other half could produce enough thyroid hormone for me, but he said what would probably happen is that it would over-produce, which is one of the ways these growths occur. So I would be on thyroid meds for life instead, so my thyroid doesn't overstimulate (Or something like that.....I am not very god at explaining it). :) I have more research to do!

Thanks for the good vibes. :D

[wildthing]

Donna- I had half of my thyroid removed in October of 2002 when my middle baby was 9 months old. Luckily my nodule came back benign and I now take a fairly high dose of syntroid. The surgery was pretty easy and recovery was pretty quick too. I had my surgery on a thursday so that dh could take 2 days off from work and then we would have the weekend too. By Monday I was feeling pretty good. The only real downside to the whole thing is that I have to have my levels checked every couple of months to make sure my synthroid is at the correct level, I hate having my blood drawn and my arm looks like a cushion. I'm sure you know this but tyroid cancer has a VERY high cure rate. Good luck and let us know when you go in for your surgery.

OH SANDI!!!!! Thank you so much for posting that! I really appreciate knowing someone who has gone through this. :)

And yes, I have been told that thyroid is one of the best types of cancer as far as cure rates. However, dh used to work with a wonderful woman who died from thyroid cancer, so of course that is what we both keep thinking about. :(

Thank you again for sharing that with me. :love

[mattjule]

Thanks for answering all my questions :)

Just a big :hug for you this morning!

Sooooo, Kirsten was flying Sacramento to Las Vegas, then Las Vegas to Denver. Well, as ppl were lining up to check in at Vegas, they told them the flight had been cancelled! She isn't much of a flyer so she was pretty freaked. The airport ended up putting her on another airline, but instead of leaving LV at 5:15, she had to leave at 10:00. Then that one was delayed. Bottom line is that I finally saw her face at the Denver airport around 1:45 am this morning. Luckily I had not napped with Tain so dh watched him while I slept from 8:30 pm to around 11:30. So I am not super tired today. For some reason driving in the car last night sent excruciating pain through my lower back-similar to what I imagine back labor is like, only this was muscular. As soon as I would get out it would go away. It was really weird since general sitting doesn't do that. I was having pretty strong ctx by the time we got home but per usual, they fizzled out. It was starting to feel like labor but I am glad it wasn't-Kirsten had 2 hrs of sleep the night before and my mom has my 1 yo niece for the next day or so so it would have been really bad timing. Rowan definitely feels lower, though, and either sex had interesting results the next day or I lost some of my mucus plug. I think I am going to ask the mw to check me today b/c I tried to check myself last night and things have shifted in there. Mostly her checking me is purely educational for my benefit. It's nice to have a better understanding of what I feel when I check. She is super supportive of that, too. She says every woman should know what her cervix is like. :)

Anyway, I need to jump in the shower and make a plan for Tain. He plays so well with others but for some reason he is so mean to his cousin! She can't touch anything, and I mean ANYTHING without him throwing a huge fit and pushing or hitting. She is an easy baby-happy, not grabby, doesn't retaliate. It is frustrating b/c I really don't understand what his problem is. Anyone have any insight? Anyway, I don't want to be mediating at the appt today, but I really want to take my mom to meet the mw so I am going to beg dh to keep Tain here with him while I go. We'll see how many favors I can ask before he falls apart :D

[3girlsmommy]

Julie- I bet Tain is sensing that your birthing time is close at hand. I noticed the type of behavior that you mentioned in both of my girls intensify this last time a day or two before Lily was born. Hopefully it just means you will be meeting your little one soon!! Sending Saturday birthing vibes to you!

[mattjule]

you all are so awesome! I hope that is it. Now that everyone is here, I am so ready to meet this little guy!

[seedling]

Hello all! Donna, been thinking about you. Hope the thyroid thing turns out to be nothing. I hope you've been able to focus on that new baby instead of thinking too much about the "What if's". Anyway, it sounds really hard. On another note, I loved your birth story and all the photos. Thanks for sharing.

Julie, I hope your little one arrives soon! So glad all your support people made it. Ryanna, where are you? Hope you're still hanging in there.

Things here are a little better. I had one day this week that was just awful with me crying most of the day...just feeling so overwhelmed. DH goes back to work on Monday. But I've got a friend coming over with her kids to keep DD entertained and my Mom is coming that night. It's either going to be a big help or total overkill (the my Mom part). My DD has REALLY been getting on my nerves. So whiney and really quite obnoxious. Okay, got to go. She's torturing the dog.

[rubelin]

Jules, for a sewing machine for Tain, try Googling for "Mattel Sew Perfect" This was my first machine and you can find them for about $10 - $30 used (or sometimes NIB for more $$) Oh, and the ring wrap is so awesome with a newborn!! I've gotta dye up the other half of my fabric and make a second one to keep in the car, I just love it!

Grease, LOL at the placenta taste!! Mine got sent to the pathology lab, just like Ben's did. Lying in the ER after the birth it seemed much less important to save it than I'd thought it would. Of course we just got a bill from the lab and have to send in our insurance info. Flipping EMT's taking us to the wrong hospital! Everything will get paid by our HMO in the end, our Dr promised us she'd get it all approved, but, in the meantime, we have to deal with letters from everyone asking for money until it all gets straightened out and paid.

We had a nice visit from our MW's on Wed. They said everything looks great and my stitches are healing well (had 2nd degree tear from monster head flying out of me :) ) They want to see us again in 2 wks cause they feel like they haven't had a chance to take care of me since I was in the NICU for 2 weeks. As much as I loved and trusted them before, I am just amazed by how much they have taken care of us through this.

We also took Kieran in to see our Family Dr for his 2 week check. He's up to 10 lbs 8 oz and has grown an inch and a half! Remembered again why I love our Dr; she asked "circ??" I said "no", she said "good!" :D Only issues he has are his cord isn't healed yet, they put alcohol on it a lot in the NICU and the top is dried but it's practically raw underneath. She's letting us try goldenseal this week but will have to use silver nitrate if it isn't better by Wed. It is so hard to get that powder under the dry part. I'd really wanted to use nothing on it, or just the goldenseal, and I get so pissed that they used alcohol. He alos has a spinal dimple, and she couldn't find the bottom of it to be sure it's sealed so she'll check it in a week and maybe do an U/S to make sure it's all OK. She isn't very concerned since he's got such strong legs, but, as she says, it's her job to worry :)

Ben has been doing pretty well this week, been just about as obnoxious as he's been for the past 6 months anyway ;) I'm glad he doesn't seem to be negatively affected by our new addition, but his usual drama is so much more annoying and frustrating to us now. Oh, and he's had a HUGE growth spurt in the past month since his birthday; we weighed him at the Dr's on Wed and he's up to 48 lbs! He was just 43 a month ago!! He's almost 5 times bigger than Kieran!! It can be really hard to see the sweet little baby inside this huge 4 year old.

We went and saw Harry Potter today. Ben spent his Friday at my parent's so we stuck the babe in the sling and had a date. It went really well, he jumped a teeny bit when the music got loud but otherwise slept/nursed through. We'd never tried it with Ben, we were way to nervous about bothering anyone with baby noise, but this was really relaxed. We might go again next month to see Spiderman.

OK, Babe will be waking soon to nurse so I'd better finish up. Hope you're all doing well!!

[dharmama]

Donna ~ Sending lots of good thoughts your way!

Julie ~ ((((( Birthing vibes )))))

We had a ROUGH day yesterday...first trip out of the house...went to the pedi and it was a BAD experienec...I will be looking for a new one asap. The one I went to is this cool hippie doc who works out of his home, does homeopathy/herbal med etc. In theory he sounded great but in reality....he saw a sick patient right before Lily and HE DID NOT WASH HIS HANDS. She came out of the room, we went into the room...no sink...no Purell...NOTHING...and (this is the worst part) he put his finger in Lily's mouth while he was examining her. I alsmost screamed. My mom was with me and when I got back in the car I was :crying hysterically. I felt like such a bad mommy for not saying anything but I was so intimidated - I've been a mama for one week - to say something to a man who has been an MD for 25 years.

He alos has a spinal dimple, and she couldn't find the bottom of it to be sure it's sealed so she'll check it in a week and maybe do an U/S to make sure it's all OK. She isn't very concerned since he's got such strong legs, but, as she says, it's her job to worry

Robin ~ Lily has this also. It really scared me when he explained it. My cousin has spina bifida and I was so worried when he said there might be a spinal opening. But like Kieran, Lily also has VERY strong legs and he said he thinks it is fine...we just have to check it once a day and make sure there is no fluid.

We are actually having dinner at a friend's house tonight (our first family outing) and he is a pedi (I think perhaps OUR new pedi - I'm going to talk to him tonight...we're a little concerned about mixing friendship and professional relationship, but I'll talk to him about that) and I'm going to ask him to look at her dimple.

Oh....she also had her first adjustment yesterday. That was awesome. I :love our chiro. She was so gentle with her and Lily nursed like I've never felt her nurse after the adjustment...and she also slept soundly all evening.

Darn...crying baby...must go relieve DH (he's been SO great but since only I have the boobies, he gets frustrated sometimes that he can't console her).

SOrry this is all about me...I'll write more later.

~Erin
:love

[bandana]

I am in total disbelief that this baby will every actually be here. Please help! :help

I need my mindset to change...I am 8 days past EDD now, and I was all psyched up and now I feel like it's just one big joke. I want so badly for it to start tonight and he/she to be born tomorrow...But I just don't think it is going to happen. It's playing tricks on my mind, like the logic and biological sides of me are being taunted by some other part...the fact that I know this baby HAS to be born, HAS to come out and WILL come when he/she is ready isn't really consoling me much. It's not even impatience...if I knew it would happen sometime this week, for example, I'd be fine. But I don't know! :shrug

And it's all making me feel very guilty, :guilty as if there is something I should be doing mentally or some energy I haven't given the babe yet to let him/her know that I am really ready for this. Sorry to vent, I hardly ever get to post anymore and I know this is a selfish one...it has been very nice reading about all of your new babies and I just wish I could share in that experience with you now.

~Laura :(

[Smithie]

Oh Laura, I HEAR you. :hug

[mattjule]

Rowan was born yesterday! It was a long labor, contrary to conventional wisdom about 2nd babies, but it was nice. With Tain it was just dh and I and it was very fast and intense. With Rowan, it was mellow (like him!)-started at 11:00 pm on Fri and didn't get active until about 5:00 pm on Sat. I got to take a nice long walk with Kirsten, I napped a few times for 2-3 hours each, I got to mellow out in the tub a couple times, spend time with my mom, Tain was here until the last hour and he wasn't scared, it was wonderful. Matt went to work and came home as I was in transition so I got to have him for the part I needed him for the most. Rowan was born after about 2 hours of active labor and 3 minutes of pushing!

I told our mw it was good we were only having 2 kids b/c I know if I had another it would totally blow my theory about having the babies on the day we decide.

Rowan Atticus weighed 7,6 19 3/4 inches long apgar 9, 10 (!!). Estimated gestational age was 40 weeks, the assistant said he almost looked postmature-his skin is really dry, almost like paper and he is peeling in a couple places. But he is really laid back (so far!) and we are doing well. I am going to get going, but I wanted to let you know that I thought about you all while I was laboring, the support you have given me, and all those great Saturday labor vibes!!!!

Now I get to go kiss a baby instead of just wishing kisses on everyone else (which I do)!

Laura-hang in there, :hug sending you lots of labor vibes!!!!

[dharmama]

Wow!! Julie....you KNEW it was going to be yesterday....how cool! Congratulations mama!!! BIG hugs to you and Rowan (and Matt and Tain too)!! :)

Laura ~ Hang in there....you are SOOOOO close to holding your beautiful baby!!

We had our first family outing last night. Went over to friends' house for dinner. It was awesome. Lily was so quiet and calm (she made us look good :LOL ). Of course I paid for it from 2-4 a.m. when she was screeching and inconsolable...but this morning she is back to her usual mellow self.

It seems like she just *needs* to be Miss Fussy-pants at least once a day and it usually lasts an hour or two. Unfortunately the last two nights it's been in the wee hours of the morning when mommy wants to be :zzz

Happy Sunday everyone!!

~Erin
:love

[3girlsmommy]

Congrats Julie!! I was thinking about you last evening and wondering if your little guy had arrived yet! Happy Babymoon!!! :)

[Smithie]

YAY JULIE! WELCOME ROWAN!

James is doing his fussypants routine right now - it's pretty minor, but I can't wait until he's old enough to wear on my back so he can just watch the day go by like a little chimpanzee :)

DH and I tried to get, erm, back in the saddle this morning, but I still have pain where my labia tore and couldn't find a good position. Maybe next week...

[Queen of Cups]

Smithie - I so want to give it a try with DH, but upon inspection yesterday, I found that the stitches I got haven't completely dissolved. I'm assuming that I should wait until they're gone... I have my six week apt this wednesday (one week early, actually, because I'll be out of town the week after) and I'll ask my midwife then. I can't wait for the go-ahead to take bubble baths again!!! And as far as babywearing, I've found that Killy loves to be in my pouch-sling IF he's sleepy. If he's wide awake he hates because he wants to be up looking at everyone...

Congrats, Julie! Three minutes of pushing?!! That's what I want next time! I've told everyone that I didn't mind LABOR at all - the contractions didn't bother me, it was the pushing part I hated.

[Smithie]

Queenie, yeah, I'd definitely wait - my stitches are gone as far as I can tell, but the line of tearing just needs some more time and that's all there is to it.

James likes his Snugli and is resigned to the NN if I use it at his "good" time of day - but neither of those work really well for sitting, and I'm in front of the computer for both recreation and my job. I'm think that one of those African-style carriers would be good.

[eilonwy]

I do have a little girl!

Sadie Rivkah was born via emergency cesearian section at 7:15 pm on Thursday. :) She was 6 lbs, 13 oz and 19" long, down to 6 lbs 8 oz today (homecoming!) More details and list editing to come soon, I hope to have our computer back by the end of this week.

Here she is! (www.welcomenewborn.com) Last name: Lynne Secret word: Newbean

[dharmama]

:banana YAY Rynna!!! Welcome Sadie!! :love Happy babymoon! :love

[ksjhwkr]

Congratulations to all the new Mamas!! I don't ever have much time to do anything other than lurk...but, YIPEE!!!!

[majazama]

Congrats rynna!!! She's sooooo beautiful. Hope everything is going well for you!