**DONE** June Friends Chat (Summer Solstice - ?)

[Dodo]

Let's see.

We were talking about

-changing due dates
-travelling dhs
-contractions, normal or not

and I can't remember what else.

[lena_girl]

hee hee, just wanted to ask if anyone saw the new threads on the July board? Looks like they thought our seperate birth stories/congrats threads were good ideas :)

[Bearsmama]

Lena-They stole your idea! And BTW, thanks for setting us up. I am such a slacker with these things and I have not volunteered to do it at all.

It is so weird to see the birth stories thread. I can't believe that I'll be writing one of my own soon. Too darn weird!!

[lena_girl]

Has anyone ever checked their own cervix? Is it safe?

[Solange]

Thank You Dodo!!!!!!!!
:thumb :D :bouncy :twothumbs :banana

[Bearsmama]

Yes, THANKS, DODO! :) My slacker self thanks you...

And Lena, YES, you can check your own cervix. And you should be able to feel it with two fingers inserted. Of course, if you do it yourself you probably have a different perspective. Like you can't really calculate the cms dilated in quite the same way as a second person could.

About the safety of it, I'm sure with very clean hands it is fine. But someone else here could have different info. Maybe at this stage of the game some rubber gloves would be necessary? Although, that seems like it would be more of a medical procedure than just simple self-check. Wondering what everyone else thinks??

Anyway, done WAY too much today. The nesting/doing is out of control. Cleaned the basement, installed new shelving, went to an early, early local flea market with DH and DS... and we're all still going strong. I know I will collapse by 8pm tonight. But I just gotta get as much in as humanly possible before DS returns to F/T work on Monday.

I'll try to check back later... :love

[kimberlylibby]

When I had PTL with my daughter, I had my dh check me with very clean hands.

I didn't need to know exact cm, I needed to know, am I gaping open or closed... and I was always closed.

Saved us tons of $$ from going to L&D ;)

Kimberly

[lena_girl]

*Warning, TMI post*

Thanks ladies, I asked b/c I did check myself last night but was then worried about if it was safe that I had done it. This may be TMI. I wanted to check myself b/c I lost my mucus plug a week or two ago, and last night (and since) I have felt very weird. I have a LOT of low preassure that is starting to make my groin ache. There have also been a lot of other things going on that I won't get into. So anyway, I decided to check. I discovered that I am partially dialated and effaced. I can easily fit two fingers in and spread them a little. I know I can't judge how much I am dialted or effaced b/c of the downward preassure from sitting. What concerned me was how low the baby is. I actually felt her head, and she moved when I touched her. I could feel her head just about 1 inch up. I was really suprised. I didn't expect to already have such a start on things at 34 weeks. Anyway, anyone else have any experience with dialating early? I did last time, but I had pre-term labor, so I have nothing to compare this pregnancy to. Thanks ladies :)

[SamuraiEarthMama]

wow, lena, maybe you'll be the first!

if you can touch your baby's head, then you only have the closed bag of waters between you and birth. it sure sounds like you're doing SOMETHING...

i forget, are you planning a home birth, U/C, birth center, hospital? if you were my doula client, i'd have you connect with your care provider...

it's not strange to be somewhat dilated and effaced at this time, especially this being your third pregnancy... but it IS a little early to be feeling a head!

let's keep that baby in there just a few more weeks, ok? talk to someone soon, and let us know how you both are doing...

hugs,

katje

[lena_girl]

katje - that's what I was thinking about. I *have* to have a hospital birth, but I do have a doula. I have an appt on fri, think it's okay to wait until then? I'm not having contractions, just preassure and a little crampiness. Of course this happened as soon as DH left :(

Anyway, I welcome any advice ladies.

*ETA - it's my second pregnancy :)

[frognladybugmama]

lena girl...i've checked myself these last two pg's...my cervix right now is so high i can't reach it standing (in shower w/ one leg on side of tub), i'd say your li'l finding warrants a call to your care-provider - i don't think i'd wait till friday...btw, when you do tell them you checked yourself, be prepared for shock and perhaps even a lecture on why you and your unprofessional self shouldn't "go messing around up there"...sigh...luckily my dr now is pretty crunchy and knows that i did tcoyf's nfp stuff to get pg w/ shelby and still check myself now, he's cool like that though...

[kimberlylibby]

Or you could just deny checking yourself and say "I feel crampy and wanted to get checked" since you had PTL last time.

I am feeling *SO* good today! I think we can go the distance!

Kimberly

[Solange]

:hola:
Wow Lena you can feel her head really????
I have no idea how to check myself(which in my case is probably a good thing)
but ITA with the others to go get checked out...I like Kimberly's idea.....Please let us know what you find out and take-it-easy!

[lena_girl]

Ok, ladies, I will call my OB tommorow. I should probably call my doula too, just to give her a heads up, kwim? I've been trying to take it easy "just in case" I've spent a lot of time sitting at the computer today :eyesroll

Oh, and I have to put this in :wave b/c DS absolutely loves waving back to it.

[Jlcampbellkidz]

Found you guys, I thought it was strange when I went to the old thread and no one had posted since last night. We need to post this new thread on the June 13-30th so others can find us easily.

Lena: Although your care provider may frown on checking yourself, there is really no findings that with a clean hand that it would be harmful. I lost my mucus plug last pregnancy just 2 weeks before my water broke. Hope your hubby makes it home in time. Can't wait to get an update from you!

Laurie

[naturegirl]

For your ds Lena :wave :D I also think it is a good idea to get checked by your OB. It is pretty early to have the head that low. Good luck!

Hi everyone else! Sorry I don't have much time but I just wanted to stop in and let everyone know that I am still doing good. 33 weeks today! It is sooooo hot out here lately. We don't have a/c because it typically doesn;t get above 75 or 80 even in the summer but we have had some 90 degree days recently. The fans have been running a lot!

I am feeling a little stressed as our office has slowed down a little and we just hired someone so not only are we slower but now we have an employee to pay! :eek We really needed to hire her though if I am going to be staying home with the baby for awhile. I guess we will just have to tighten our purse strings a little more. :)

I got my car seat yesterday! Now all I have to do is figure out how to secure it in the car... Do you put it in the back passenger seat or driver's seat, or in the middle (lap belt only)? We got a Britax Roundabout from babystyle.com (on sale right now! ;)) It looks so big for a newborn. Has anyone else used this particular seat. All the reviews I have read are great so I am sure it will work fine...

My baby shower is this Saturday. It seems way early but I guess it's not too early. July can be so busy for people with kids out of school and July 4th, etc. I am excited but a little bummed that only one person actually bought anything off of my registry. :( I can't wait to see everyone though! :thumb I have never had a shower for anything in my life! It will be odd to be the one that everyone is fussing over.

Any one else having/had a baby shower?

Bears, I am praying for a safe trip for your dh. I am sure everything will be fine. :hug

Talk to you ladies later!
Cheryl
:hippie

[Solange]

hee hee, just wanted to ask if anyone saw the new threads on the July board? Looks like they thought our seperate birth stories/congrats threads were good ideas :)
Lena :LOL I just read it in their board and they even gave you credit!...:LOL..that was cute....cool!

[foxytocin]

Wow!
Thanks for the new thread! Wonder how many days we'll get out of this one?

Lena!!!!!!! Wow! You'll be on my mind this evening for sure. Does it make you want to sit with your legs crossed? You know, just to hold in everything for as long as possible? :eyesroll Really, though, you guys, I had no idea that you could lose your mucus plug (what a beaut of a term) so early in the game before your delivery........with DD, I lost mine the day of and just sort of figured that that's how it goes. I'm betting the OB will have you come in just to check things out..........and heck, so what if you mentioned that you checked yourself out? The worst you could get is a lecture. It's not like you wouldn't have done it if you didn't think it was a good idea anyway. And you know, it's good you felt her head and not her rump. For what it's worth.

DD is having a blast with my folks on their farm and I'm feeling more relaxed than I have in quite a while. I've really slowed down over the last few days with her gone. It's going to be difficult to pick the pace back up again to keep her sufficiently entertained when she gets back tomorrow. Especially when you consider that she's had undivided, completely devoted attention from my folks. Oh, well. A kid's gotta get spoiled somewhere or other and who better to do it than grandparents?

The first of my sunflowers in my yard will be fully open tomorrow. It's a deep chocolaty marroon color. Very extravagent and perfect timing for the solstice.

-Leah

[juju]

naturegirl,

we used a Britax Roundabout on our 2nd when she was a newborn. although, she was almost 11 lbs, she still looked too small and wobbly for it. i believe the directions recommend putting a towel or something underneath it when it is in the rear facing direction for an infant. we did that, but it still looked uncomfortable. i think we will probably use some kind of infant type of carseat in the beginning, but i am not sure, yet.

wow, lena you should like you are getting very close. hopefully, your baby will stay put a couple more weeks and your dh will return soon.

[Bearsmama]

Not much time tonight, ladies. I have to drag myself to bed. SOooooo exhausted....

But I NEEDED to write to LENA! Definitely call the Ob in the am. I ditto that suggestion. I wouldn't worry much about the doc's feelings about your checking yourself. Plus, you don't even have to mention it. You could just tell him/her your other symptoms.

Perhaps start writing down some of the other things that have been going on for you-just to keep track for yourself and your practitioner.

You could be the first, Lena! Please take good care of yourself and let us all know what your doc says in the morning...lots of love and hugs to you right now! :love :hug :love :hug

[mealymama]

Wow!
That is amazing... I read a birth story in the June group today where an unassisted homebirth mom was checking herself during labor, but the I had no idea you could actually touch your baby while it was still in the womb. That gives me chills! Now I'm getting curious... but who am I kidding, I don't even know where my cervix is :scratch
Wow. I'll cross my fingers that she waits a little bit longer. Did I already say that's amazing? That's so amazing!

[lena_girl]

Thank you all of you ladies. I feel the :love You guys are always so supportive of eachother no matter what. That's one of the reasons I love this group of mommas.

I guess right now I don't feel TOO concerned jsut b/c of my experiences w/DS. After being in pre-term labor since 26 weeks with him, this seems like small potatoes, and anyway, my body managed to keep him in :)

I wish I could talk to my DH and tell him what's going on, but if something serious were to happen I could just call his work. They would have a direct line to where he is and could let him know. He should hopefully be back monday. Don't worry, I will tell you all whatever I find out tommorow.

BTW, Yay Kimberlylibby (BP) - and you'd better post those stash pics tommorow :)

[mommycaroline]

Wow, you guys! I go away a week and look what you've posted! Sheesh! I just got caught up and I've been reading off and on all day long!

Our trip was wonderful. I, of course, overdid it a little bit, and my ankles are swollen, but they're going down now, so that's a relief. I totally know how you feel, Kimberly, worrying about pre-e, since I had it last time myself. Keep up the great BP's!

Before we left, I had a glycohemoglobin test done, to prove one way or another whether I have GD, since I've refused the three hour. I passed! I know for sure I would have failed the three hour, since my body just doesn't deal well with the stress of the test. But, the glycohemoglobin tells you what your average glucose levels have been for the past 8-12 weeks. I'm a little on the high side, but still within normal. What a relief that is. Next time I'm pregnant, I'm insisting on just that test, since the others make me feel so lousy.

We did so much up North. You PA gals have it made up there! The Please Touch Museum was cool beyond belief! And, Bonnie had a fantastic time at Sesame Place. I'll post some pics, once I get the site finished.

Now, I'm just left to get some stuff done around this house. DH stayed home for the first half of our trip and I came home to a disaster area. Ugh! How could he have made such a mess all by himself, please tell me? With no child around either? I have done NOTHING to prepare for this baby, haven't even started going through all our baby stuff for the things I'll need. I need to get our old dipes together, sort through all the baby clothes, was everything, work on setting up the "baby" room, so my DD can sleep in there if she wants to, get the guest room unpacked (and we've lived here for 6 months!) so my MIL can stay with us. Ugh! It's a lot!

On the plus side, my mother threw a baby shower for me on our trip and we got all nice stuff. No bottles, no anti-ap things, it was very strange! (well, one feeding kit had a bottle in it, but that was from my 6 year old cousin, so she's forgiven, I think she just liked the Winnie the Pooh theme) Lots of neutral baby clothes, and I even got some money to buy the few things we'll actually need - new bouncy seat (DD likes to sit in our old one, and she broke it), another monitor for the "baby" room, etc.

Sounds like everyone is doing mostly well. Hope the pre-eclampsia and PTL threats stay far, far away for now. Hang in there, ladies and babies. We're closing in on the home stretch!

[Jlcampbellkidz]

Caroline: So glad to hear you had a wonderful trip and a safe trip home. I too am beginning to feel as if I have so much to do before this babe comes but so little time.

Lena: I thought about you all night long. You sparked my interest about checking myself. I think I will wait a few more weeks though. I doubt I could even reach my cervix at this point. Short fingers don't help either. What would I be feeling for and ...... just curious now. I can't wait to hear about your apt. today. Again, take care and my prayers for you and your husbands safe and quick return.

DH is home today and still in bed I might add. He always says "It's my day off don't I deserve it" I say sure you do but tell me, "When do I get a day off" DD wakes up around 6:15 most mornings. I would love to be able to comfortably sleep through the night and way into the next morning :)

Nothing else to say but have a great day ladies!

[lena_girl]

Just waiting around for the OB to open so I can call... Of course now I will probably go in and they will say something like what are you talking about? Nothing abnormal here! :eyesroll

As far as checking yourself, I learned how to check my cervix to moniter my cycles. I found a lot of good resources on the web for it. Of course right now it feels different than what I'm used to. You can sit on a toilet or stand and lift one leg up on to something and feel with 2 fingers along the top of your vaginal barrel. If you can reach it I can't tell you how it will feel, that depends on what your body is doing right now. For me it was very squishy and soft. If you are at all dialated you will feel an opening, if not I'm assuming it would feel more like pursed lips.

Well, I think the OB office is open now, so off to call...

[Bearsmama]

Lena-I, too, learned a lot about my cervix when trying to get pregnant both times. Luckily for us, it happened quickly both times. But I was fully prepared to pay close attention to my cervix/cervical fluid for a long time. TCOYF is such a great book-whether you're trying to get pregnant, avoid pregnancy, or just get in touch with your bod. It certainly isn't the stuff they teach you in 8th grade sex ed. So, as women we sometimes have to learn this stuff ourselves.

Thinking of you this morning. Let us know what they say... :hug :hug :hug

[LizaBear]

My cervix has felt a little open since having Boo - it's never felt fully closed again. *L* Walking around pre-pregnancy at 1cm I guess ! That much less work to do when the time comes.

[Jillybean]

hello everyone!

Wow lena! I hope you find out whats going on soon. I'm thinking you may be first too, but lets hope its not too soon.

Ok, now I want to find out about checking the cervix! I haven't read that book but maybe I'll check it out from the library. I suggested to my dh that maybe he should learn how to do it, but he wasn't too sure.

welcome back mommycaroline! Glad you had a good time.

Not much excitement going on here. Been doing some reading on posterior postioning b/c my ds was posterior and I would really, really like to avoid that this time. (Pushed for 3 1/2 hours and finally needed a vaccuum extractor to get him out). So I've been more aware of how I sit, doing hands-and-knees back arches, sitting and leaning on a birth ball. Not sure what position baby is in right now, I have a hard time telling what body part is which. Pretty sure we're still head-down though.

Bears: I am impressed by all your cleaning and organizing! I need to get started, but am feeling lazy lately.

hope everyone has a great day!

[kimberlylibby]

Lena, hoping for an update soon!!

Mucous Plugs: With dd I lost it 3 seperate times (it regrows if you lose it early) at about 26 weeks, again at 32 or so and at 36.... and I never went into labor (was induced for eclampsia/hellp) so it didn't mean much to me :) Now I'm 33w5d and have seen no signs of her this time around ;)

Boudica: After baby comes, get Taking Charge of Your Fertility! It is so empowering to know so much about your body! I check my cervix for fertility and it is amazing to know just what is going on! :) Of course, it didn't help prevent this one ;) (we were NOT ttc, found out right after dh's vasectomy!! :laugh: )

Caroline: Is that glycohemoglobin just a blood test? Cause if it is, WHY do they force us to eat that junky sugary pop? Cause I NEVER drink pop (okay sometimes, I do, but we're talking RARELY RARELY) and that's a LOT of sugar! Seems stupid to me!

Jilly: Good luck with the posterior junk! My sister's first was posterior, and she calls his delivery her vaginal c-section. Ouch. She had a 4th degree episiotomy. Her next 2 didn't even cause a tear though! :) And the 2nd was over a pound bigger than the first :) So hopefully if you can get bb into good positioning you can have a comfier delivery :)

Well, I'm feeling good again. I actually have *drumroll please* **3 hours a day** of sitting privileges!!!!!! Today I sewed Libby a kitty puppet with a 1/2 hour of my sitting :) It is very wonky but she loves it, cause she's only 18 months ;) Not too harsh of a critic... I did hold my breath though when I held it up and said "what is it, Libby?" Huge sigh of relief when she said "keekee cat!!" Whew!

Oh, and I checked my cervix.... that was rather difficult around the ole belly.... but umm, when I finally found her she was HIGH HIGH HIGH and hard as a rock. Yep, that sounds like ole Cervie the Cervix to me. She's always been a bit dilation-resistant ;)

Kimberly

[lena_girl]

LOL, you guys crack me up!

Well, I am *not* about to have my baby right now, but I am getting ready (admittedly a little early). The OB said that everything looks great, the baby is big and healthy, all of my stuff looks wonderful (BP, urine tests ect) so he said that *if* my body were to decide to have this babe a little early, they won't try to mess with mother nature. He doesn't think I' about to have it any day though. He said that it is completely likely that I might have the baby early, but that I *could* manage to just keep doing this even past my due date. I guess you can never tell. But anyway, I am relieved to know that I *shouldn't* go into labor withen the next couple days or anything. Maybe I will just be one of those ladies that have a really long warm-up and then a nice short labor :) Boy, that would be nice.

[LizaBear]

Ugh - out of breath.

Need I say more ?

[kimberlylibby]

So did he check you Lena??

LizaBear: I hear ya!

[lena_girl]

So did he check you Lena??

LizaBear: I hear ya!
Oh yeah, I guess you guys probably want to know the particulars. It's not as bad as I thought, just like 2 and maybe 25% effaced. Of course she's low, but I already knew that :)

Oh, and my BP was 104/60, only mentioning that b/c it was the first time the nurse told me what it was :eek I guess I didn't realize that until now.

[Solange]

:hola:
Awww...good news Lena .....glad you went and got it all checked out!!!

:w back MommyCaroline we've missed you!

bbl

[magemom]

new thread? who'da thunk it. 'esplains' why I had no new posts to go looking for!

I check my own cervix. I have a prolapse so when it was really low I learned it good. Now I can find it fairly easily. Last time I checked I was not really dialated. Well, I was, not just like I always am- fingerwidth. FWIW, I have been 4cm for WEEKS and still go poast dates.

I have my 33 week appt tomorrow. I think that is all.

Oh! Baby is now head down but can't decide between posterior and anterior. I assume for delivery it will be posterior since the placenta is anterior.

I got a manicure for ht first time in years and I love it. I may have to treat myself from now on every few weeks. Once I hit 35-36 weeks I WILL get pedicures.

Coworkers asked if I needed a shower today. I said maybe post baby for pink things if appropriate. I have done nothing else for this baby. I am trying to figure out the carseat issue, not sure what we are doing. Probably when I get back from MY business trip next week i will work on it some more.

Have great days everyone!!

[Jlcampbellkidz]

Jilly: http://www.spinningbabies.com/Pages/Page%204.html
http://www.homebirth.org.uk/ofp.htm Just two sites I have on baby positioning. I am with you there. It is so much easier to get a baby in the correct position before labor begins. Once it starts it is possible but usually takes a lot of tireing work. So keep it up and hopefully all your hard work will pay off in the end.

Lena: Great about your OB apt. today.

Liza: I hear ya on the out of breath front. Some days She is high in my ribs and other days so low I can breath but I feel like I live in the bathroom cause I need to pee so much. Sorry TMI

I know I may have missed some but I need to go. Hope to catch up more later.

Laurie

[ketilave]

You guys are killing me. I have not even caught up since the beach.

I had my 35 week on Mon. I will not go back until July 5 and then start the weeklies. I have to have my stuff ready by July 3 for the homebirth. Still need to mail in my registration stuff for the hospital just in case but I'm so in denial about this whole baby thing. I think DD is going to go nuts and I will just have her and the newborn attached to the nipples. DS is also asking to be carried all the time.

My iron dropped again so we think that is causing this unbelievable fatigue. 13.5 to 11. Although 11 in not anemia that's a big drop. So I am taking supplements because I have no appetite either. nothing sounds good I don't want to eat and have :Puke the last week or so. This morning was once after craving oj and back it came! POed!

The more pgs you have the more early labour you feel and the earlier on it starts. So, at this point all these ctx and BH are right on track.

Later mommies

[Jlcampbellkidz]

so good to hear from you Ketlive. I am sorry about the sickness. I can't imagine. You're really getting close now. 35 weeks. WOW! :)

Laurie

[mommycaroline]

<snip>Caroline: Is that glycohemoglobin just a blood test? Cause if it is, WHY do they force us to eat that junky sugary pop? Cause I NEVER drink pop (okay sometimes, I do, but we're talking RARELY RARELY) and that's a LOT of sugar! Seems stupid to me!
<snip>Kimberly

Yes, the glycohemoglobin is just a blood test. One little vial of blood, perfectly easy to do, and I'm a very difficult person to draw blood from. MUCH better than the glucola they give you, and the TWO blood draws for the one hour screening. I have no earthly idea why they even administer the other tests, now that I know about this one, and will NEVER submit to the other tests again.

I'm in a foul mood. I was taking a nap (after a late shower) and the doorbell rang. Ordinarily, I would probably ignore it, but my car has been in the shop while I was out of town and when we went to pick it up the battery was dead because they left some light on. So, they were charging the battery, giving me a free oil change, and sending someone out with the car when it was done. When the doorbell rang, I thought that might be them, so I grabbed the nearest pants (floral capris) and shirt (black and white striped) and raced for the door. Now, I live out in the country. We're in Tallahassee, but I'm a few miles outside of town, across from a cow pasture (which I LOVE!) Only 12 houses on my little lane. NOBODY comes out here. The only traffic you see is my neighbors. Quiet, and that's the way I like it. So, I answer the door, and who do I see? A college aged girl with a bag full of books. She starts into a sales spiel, and I interrupt her saying "I was napping with my daughter, I'm very pregnant, and rather queasy right now. This is not a good time. Please leave and don't come back." She apologizes, then continues with the spiel. "I'm a college student, and I thought you might be interested in the wonderful educational tools I have to offer." UGH! I repeat myself "Perhaps you didn't hear me, I'M PREGNANT, NAPPING AND SICK! Go away and don't come back again." She gets all huffy with me, and says "Clearly you don't care about your child's education. Don't worry, I won't be troubling you again." Well, excuse me for living here! OMG! I can't even believe this happened. Why would anyone drive so far out for a sales call? She must have seen our house, which is admittedly much bigger than I thought we could afford, but we relocated from a major metropolitan area to a small town where real estate is much cheaper so we had lots of equity to invest. So, she saw our house, the swing set in the back yard, and said to herself "They must be loaded, and probably suckers, so I'll sell them some books." PUH-LEEZ!!!! I'm so angry I could spit. I just don't get people. I should have taken her card and called her in the middle of the night, just so she could experience the rude awakening she gave me this afternoon. And, I couldn't get back to sleep. Grrrrr!

Okay, vent off. Sorry you're sick, Ketilave. I hope you're better soon. I totally empathize. It's so unfair being sick this far along, huh?

Magemom, why not ask for some things for yourself. Gift certificates for more of those manicures or pedicures or something? I know people like to buy stuff for the kiddoes, but when you're on your second or more child, there's really not that much that you need anymore.

Lena, glad everything turned out okay. And, great BP!

Kimberly, hang in there! You're doing great! I'd love to see a photo of your kitty puppet. I need to figure out how to use my sewing machine. Making puppets (and diapers!) would be a great project for me to work on.

Liza, out of breath here, too! I swear this kid is up in my ribs half the time. I don't remember this with Bonnie so much.

Bears, wow! You are ambitious! I have SO much to do, and so little inclination to do it. You go!

Naturegirl, we're planning on using our RA for the new baby, but we're bringing our old infant seat along, just in case the babe's too small. It gets installed in the center of the back seat if you want the safest position, but it really depends on your vehicle. Call your local sherriff's office and have them install it for you. They do it for free, and will likely certify you, and give you any additional equipment you need to install it properly. They're trained to know what to do, so when you're clueless (as I was with our first) they can take care of you.

Traci, glad to be back! I missed our bed so much! I have so much more empathy for those struggling with cosleeping in a queen sized bed now. It's good to be back in our king. Now, I just HAVE to get our crib sidecarred so we have room for the new little one. There is no way the four of us would fit in our king.

Catch you all later. Time for dinner...

[kimberlylibby]

ketilave: Ick on the sickness! I can *totally* sympathize with the anemia though! Mine was a 7. :( I've been on iron for 2 weeks now I guess? Hopefully it will help!

Here's baby Katie's diaper stash (first pic is the silly puppet!)
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=4584921&uid=1281226

Awww, Caroline!! I am so sorry they came to your door like that! I hateeeeee door to door sales things!!! I can't STAND it!!! We have a HUGE sign that says "Please knock. Don't ring the doorbell." And they ALWAYS RING THE DOORBELL. Makes me SO mad when they wake dd up!!

Kimberly

[mommycaroline]

Kimberly, that puppet is adorable! Wow! No wonder your daughter loves it! I just HAVE to work on my sewing now. Bonnie was such a trooper on the plane, she was playing with the empty pretzel bags, using them as puppets, Pretzel Face. LOL. She'd probably be ecstatic to have something so cute as your kitty puppet.

And, I hate ringing doorbells too. I've actually covered the doorbell in the past. I think I may have to try that again now. Grrr! Thankfully, though, this was only the first solicitor we've had since we've lived here for over 6 months now. Highly unlikely to be another one. The thing that makes me so mad, though, is that I have nobody to take this out on. If I only had some identifying something or other, I could call and complain, but nope. Nothing. Just have to let it go. And, with pregnancy hormones being what they are, I'm likely to sit and stew. Hopefully, I'll forget about it in the morning. One of the other wonderful features of pregnancy is the short memory, right? ;)

[Bearsmama]

Hi Everyone,
Things here are going fine. Still in "nesting" mode, but that changes hour to hour lately. I get bursts of energy and then I wonder what the heck I'm doing and I have to sit down. Like tonight, I really wanted to get started on a knitting project, but it's now almost 11:30 and I'm thinking, What the hell am I doing up? I need to be sleeping...

Ankles swelling up quite a bit tonight. Not as bad as it was with my first pregnancy (toward the end). But my one ankle looks oddly misshapen. Anyone have this?

DS got his cast off today. It was MORE traumatic then getting it on, I think (for all of us). I sort of forgot that they use a real-deal SAW to get it off. I thought I had prepared DS for all of it, but I was actually scared by the darn thing. He's doing fine, but the arm is still sore and he's holding it like it's still in a cast. He'll have about a week or so until he "learns" to use it again.

I have so many things I want/need to do pre-baby. I sometimes keep myself up thinking about everything. I know better this time around then to think that everything can be "perfect" for #2, but I just want some big projects out of the way and the house together. I said to DH that we should have a baby more often b/c it certainly lights a fire under our butts to get things done!

Jilly-Don't be too impressed. I'm just plugging away at things as I can. Making myself crazy some days.

Lena-WHEW! :) Yes, this must mean that the labor and delivery part will be SHORT for you! :)

magemom-I am not one who likes people doing stuff to me (you know-facials, spa things, etc). But during my last pregnancy and this one, I got a pedicure and manicure toward the end. And it made me feel so good. I have to make an appointment soon...

Good to see you Ketilave! :D

Caroline-I can't stand solicitors of any kind, really. And we get LOADS to solitation calls. EVEN when we've asked them not to call again. We don't get the door-to-door folks too much around here. I remember when DS was very little and a non-sleeper that when he FINALLY did close his eyes and I could close mine, inevitably SOMEONE would knock on the door. And in our old house you could kind of see in through the front door, so I couldn't hide!!

And kimberly-I just have to say that although I don't know you IRL, I have to say that your optimism and craftiness is very inspirational to me. :) It really sounds like you're getting more done in bed than I'm getting done all day. It's a little depressing, really! Seriously, though, it really is quite impressive to hear of your days and the things you're making and your positivism!

Okay, that's it for me. Im a nut for continuuiinig to be such a night owl even though my bod is SCREAMING out for shut eye!

Sorry I missed some of you..;.

[ilovebeingamom]

Hi everyone!

I haven't posted in awhile, but have been reading on everyone's adventures. Very exciting! I can't sleep tonight, it is 3 in the morning, and I feel tired, but can't get comfortable enough to sleep. The baby is moving around alot, and she is pushing up under my ribs enough that it is annoying and hurts a little.

I also had another "mom's night out" with the girls tonight, and it was fun. But they also had a moment where they started telling birth horror stories b/c there are three of us pregnant moms there. Now, I know that these stories are caused by the dr.'s scaring the bejesus out of them to get them to be good patients, but it only takes a seed sometimes for fear to grow. I am reminding myself at how good midwives are at what they do, and things will be fine. But on a night where I can't sleep, these things roll around in my head. The other thing that bugged me a little was that several of these women were annoyed that their husbands wanted them to question the dr.'s on why they were recommending certain things. They were just like, who cares? Now me, sitting on the outside thinks, well maybe some of these horrible scenarios could have been avoided if you had questioned them before? Dr.'s are not gods, and can not guarantee anything.

Sorry for the abstract ramble, I am sure some of you moms can relate when you are posting at three in the morning.

I have a mw appt. in the morning also. Dh might have to go with me instead of working since I have to drive 1.5 hours to get there, and not sure if I will have the energy to do that now.

Anyway, just thought I would finally type and say Hi since I have nothing better to do at the moment.

[ketilave]

I have a sign that says DO NOT DISTURB I put on the door. I've had it since DS was born - not really that long ago but when you have 2 is sounds older! And, DH put a no soliciting sign under the doorbell. Works for all but the people who don't understand what soliciting means and those pushing their religion. Most people fear the wrath of Catholics so maybe I should add some Crosses or something...heehee We always laugh because DH is Jewish and I am Catholic - it's as much cultural identity for us as it is religion - so we are poor targets.

Melissa - my line, I don't know any Dr. born from a golden womb!

For all of us with concerns weighing in about birth - you are beautiful and strong, you can do this and your body is designed to do this. It's called labour for a reason. Let it be long; what is hours and days after months of protecting of our children. Each contraction has a purpose. Let labour happen, welcome it as you will welcome your newest family member. Just think each toe, each finger, the sleepy face, the blinking eyes and the amazing pull at your breast so strong you can't believe it comes from such a tiny creature. Everything you are doing is for him or her.

Now is the time to find the things that give you strength and get them in your head. At this point you have worried and fretted and planned. Now you need to strengthen yourself emotionally and physically. Fatigue and your brain in the wrong place are going to hold you back more than anything. You are a strong woman with loving support. Prepare to go into hibernation to have this baby and trust your partner and other labour support to protect you.

I hope that I am helpful - if not tell me to shut it!

[Jlcampbellkidz]

[QUOTE=ketilave]Melissa - my line, I don't know any Dr. born from a golden womb!
For all of us with concerns weighing in about birth - you are beautiful and strong, you can do this and your body is designed to do this. It's called labour for a reason. Let it be long; what is hours and days after months of protecting of our children. Each contraction has a purpose. Let labour happen, welcome it as you will welcome your newest family member. Just think each toe, each finger, the sleepy face, the blinking eyes and the amazing pull at your breast so strong you can't believe it comes from such a tiny creature. Everything you are doing is for him or her.

Now is the time to find the things that give you strength and get them in your head. At this point you have worried and fretted and planned. Now you need to strengthen yourself emotionally and physically. Fatigue and your brain in the wrong place are going to hold you back more than anything. You are a strong woman with loving support. Prepare to go into hibernation to have this baby and trust your partner and other labour support to protect you. QUOTE]
Ketilave: So well put. I love it. Nothing like some words of encouragement to lift our spirits and help refocus. Thank you!

Iloveb: Birth Stories and trusting doctors FOR EVERYTHING. I hear ya. I have friends that I just can't be around anymore. I get so frustrated with the ignorance about birth. Or the pedistal that they seem to put thier doctors on. URGH!!!

Bears: I was wondering when the cast would come off. I'm glad that's over and hopefully he can enjoy the rest of his summer cast free!

Caroline: Solicitors. OMG! I had nearly the same thing happen to me the other day. Minus the napping. The college girl showed up right after my daycare mom came to pick up her kids. We usually chat a bit about the day and thier activities but it was cut short by the doorbell. I told the girl thankyou but my daughter already has several crates full of educational books and that I was busy at the time. She wouldn't let up. Just kept on with her spill. To make things worse my DD had not taken a nap that day and wasn't satisfied unless in my arms. It was in the 90's that day so standing outside and holding all 27 pounds of my daughter was making me nautious. It took forever to get her to go away. I was not smart enough to get her badge number and call her in. But atleast she didn't say I didn't care about my daughters education. That was soooooooooooo rude of that girl to speak to you that way. When I was reading your post I thought whoa, like they must being doing this book thing around the globe since we both got it in the same week.
Oh and thanks for the info on the different more simple test for GD. I'll have to write that down so we can do that instead next time. (if there is a next time) My DH isn't so sure he wan't any more. :(

I am sympathizing with all of you having sleeping woes. We have a king bed and it's up pretty high. I am having so much trouble getting in and out of bed. I'm up almost every hour for a potty break. And stopping the water at a certain point before bed doesn't seem to do anything but make me want more water. My whole body aches in bed and I have atleast 5 pillows. Excuse me 6pillows if you count the full body, body pillow that I purchased mid pregnancy this time. Oh and I don't remember who was talking about kicks in the ribs but the upside to that is that the baby is most likly in the anterior position if you are feeling kicks in the ribs. I think my ribs are brused by now from all the kicking. But knowing that she's in the right position make it worth it ya know.
I'm ready for the nesting urge that I had a month ago to return. I have plenty on my list of to do's but hardly any energy to get it done. Since I don't have any daycare kids today, it would be nice to tackle it today. I am sitting here now trying to talk myself up and gear up for the day but all I want to do is go back to bed.
Gotta get moving. I hope you all have a great day!

[kimberlylibby]

Caroline: Good idea to cover the doorbell. I could make a box or something and nail it over it ;)

I think I overdid it yesterday. Maybe 3 hours up was too much? My legs swelled up again and my bp was higher than it has been.... so, while it was fun to be up, I think I'll play it safe and relax. Baby is just worth SO much more than me having a little fun, kwim?

Bearsmama: Oh my on the saw!!!! My nephew fell and broke his arm yesterday, I will have to warn my sister to prep him (he's almost 4) when he goes in to get his cast off. Right now he's in a splint until the bone doctor can decide what style of cast. Oh, and thank you for the sweet compliment! Trust me, I do my fair share of b&m, I just do it to my poor dh ;) The hardest part of bedrest for me is that my daughter cries and wants me to get down and wrestle and play with her.... and I have to look at her teary face and say "no" :( She likes to cuddle, but sometimes that's not enough, you know?

Melissa: 1.5 hours to the mw?? WOW! I hope you make it to and fro safe and sound!

Ketilave: :thumb You're very right! I swear, I'm the biggest natural birth advocate.... who ironically has c/s. ahh, well. I've come to peace with my c/s's. But I will *never* tell anyone "I couldn't deliver vaginally because my hips weren't big enough" or other such nonsense. I say "I was perfectly capable of a vaginal birth, but unfortunately had other health conditions that required a cesarean."

Laurie: Had to add ya! You posted at teh same time as me! Where are you in Dallas? I'm in South Arlington, about a 1/2 mile from Mansfield. Hope you get sweeter sleep tonight! Mine has been a lot more comfy than with Libby, Katie must have a better position?

Kimberly
33w6d! Tomorrow is my ob's goal! I am *so* going to stomp that goal into the ground!!

[lena_girl]

It's nice to *see* some of you ladies that haven't been around for a while. I always wonder :)

I think that we will be moving to Texas in a few months too. To San Antonio, it all depends on what the military decides though. I just wish they would tell us where we are going so I know if I need to buy really cold weather clothes for the babe or not. I also would like to know when so we can get the things done that we need to in order to sell our house.

For me my little excitement of late has made me realize I need to get my butt in gear. I will be 35 weeks tommorow, and I wanted to have everything ready by 36 weeks. Well, now I realize that I still have a lot to do in only 1 week! I'm getting my kitchen ready today to paint it (yes I am taking all the neccessary low fume paint/ well ventilated area, ect. percautions). We have to paint it for selling, but I don't think I will be able to do it when I have a new babe in the house. My DH just can't do a very good job at things like that. He takes forever and it still doesn't look that great :) but I love him.

Has anyone with a toddler been thinking about what it's going to be like with a new babe plus an active munchkin? I remember how it was when DS was a newborn and I just can't imagine being able to do things the same, like taking naps during the day and such. Even things like nursing the baby when we are out, I just can't imagine DS being willing to sit there and wait.

Anyway, have a great day ladies. And I hope you are laying down Kimberly :)

[Solange]

:hola:
I am going to do the best to keep up with you all but I am so stuck for time....

Let's see:

Kimberly...please take it easy girlie and woo-hoo:banana for your going to make it to your goal...and BTW- I am sooo jealous of your dipe stash!!!! :LOL

Ketilave re:For all of us with concerns weighing in about birth :clap...beautifully said indeed

Bears...take it easy...I am sure all your *stuff to do* will get done...please take care of yourself first..listen to your body....I am/have learned/ing the hard way...

I had my 34 week appt today. Gained back the two pounds I lost last time...measuring at 33 weeks...HB was 148. I next time I go for all my VBAC admissions testing...U/S included...
I can no longer do pilates as CNMW thinks that if it is causing me the pubic pain then my body is trying to tell me to stop...I am also getting some big time BH when I try to go for walks so she says that should be out too....*sigh* I so wanted to be able to do something during these lasts weeks other than sit around and feed my face...guess I will just hit the pool everyday with ds..that is as long as the blasted rain stays away...

She also gave me this web site to check out:

http://www.spinningbabies.com/

I have not look at it yet, but thought I would share it here with you mammas.

ok gtg...ds is waiting for lunch and so is little bean...

ttys

[Jillybean]

Ok I wrote this long post earlier and when I went to hit the "post reply" button ds turned the computer off! :angry the little stinker...

anyway, let me see if I can remember what I wrote.

Lena: I am so glad to hear your good news! I hope this means a nice easy labor for you, too :) Yes, I worry about having a toddler and a new baby. Especially on days that I am low on patience (like today). I am mostly worried about sleep: how to get ds down for his naps and how I am going to get any sleep. Not like I can nap with the baby all day like I did with ds. I am hoping, though that after an adjustment period (two or three months) we will all get the hang of things and it will all work out. After all, lots of people have more than one kid!

Jl: Thank you so much for the info. Very helpful. I also noticed that there is a thread on the pg board about OP position, started by mealymom with some helpful and encouraging stuff. It sure is more comfy to lean back and put my feet up than it is to sit on a birth ball or lean forward in a chair, but if it means my labor will be any easier b/c of it then I am more than willing to do so!

Kimberly: I am envious of your stash, too! Makes me wonder if I will have enough...
and I am sorry to hear your BP went up. Do take it easy, I think you can beat your dr.'s goal too!

Ketilave: Great words of wisdom. That is what I keep telling myself when I start to get nervous about the birth. I CAN do this, i am strong I am made to do it! Thanks for saying it so well :)

Well it seems as though just when I decided not to have a baby shower DH's family decided to throw us one! Very thoughtful of them. I have registered for dipes online and we told everyone that's all we need so hopefully thats what we'll get! If not, well, its still really nice of them to think of us.

Ok not much time to post right now so I will go! I hope everyone is having a great day!

[magemom]

But I can't. I am chomping ice but it isn't the same. I have my retake of the GD test in an hour. I didn't fail last time, but I didn't clearly pass either. So I don't want to skew the results with a candy fix right before... but those Reese's Pieces in my drawer are calling meeeee!

[lena_girl]

But I can't. I am chomping ice but it isn't the same. I have my retake of the GD test in an hour. I didn't fail last time, but I didn't clearly pass either. So I don't want to skew the results with a candy fix right before... but those Reese's Pieces in my drawer are calling meeeee!
ITA!!

For most of my pregnancy I could have lived on just nice fresh veggies, but now I couldn't care less. Now all I want is loads of water and anything sweet I can get my hands on.

[Jlcampbellkidz]

Kimberly: I live right off of I-20 and FM 1382(Beltline) and Camp Wisdom. I am in Duncanville school district. You probably live less than 20 min. from my home. Most people think really far when I say Dallas. But they understand the distance better when i say Duncanville. Thank you for the well sleeping wishes.

Lena: I was like that last pg. At the very end I just wanted sweets.

Is anyone else in disbelief that It will be July next week? This blows my mind. A part of me wishes it would slow down a bit. And then the other part of me gets excited that it wont be long before I get to hold a new baby in my arms. I do think a lot about how my 2 yr old dd will react but i am also excited. She loves other babies and I just hope she will transition well with this one. I know she has it in her to be a loving big sister. I certainly hope she will have a better relationship through life with this baby than I ever have with my sister. All I can do is pray. I talk to her about this baby every day. Just hoping it will make a difference when she comes. We took her with us on the hospital tour. Every day since then she has asked if it's time to go to the hospital. It's so cute.

Laurie

[mommycaroline]

So, who else is swelling these days? I'm suddenly swollen, it started on my trip. Fingers are swollen a good amount, ankles the most, feet slightly. I also gained 5 pounds on my trip, which could be because we ate out nearly every meal.

Just need to hear that this is normal from someone. I had pre-e last time, and while I started swelling about 7 weeks earlier than I am right now, it's a little worrisome.

[Jlcampbellkidz]

So, who else is swelling these days? I'm suddenly swollen, it started on my trip. Fingers are swollen a good amount, ankles the most, feet slightly. I also gained 5 pounds on my trip, which could be because we ate out nearly every meal.

Just need to hear that this is normal from someone. I had pre-e last time, and while I started swelling about 7 weeks earlier than I am right now, it's a little worrisome.

I had quite a bit of swelling last pg. But I only notice it this time around when I've been on my feet too long or eaten something with an abundance of salt. You can go to a grocery store to check you BP on one of the machines in you don't want to mess with making an extra trip to your care provider. Make sure your getting enough water, not getting overheated, and prop up those feet.

Hope all is well.

Laurie Campbell

[ketilave]

[QUOTE=kimberlylibby]ketilave: Ick on the sickness! I can *totally* sympathize with the anemia though! Mine was a 7. :( I've been on iron for 2 weeks now I guess? Hopefully it will help!

How do you function? I am dead on my feet. Although 2 pts is a big drop for me it's not 7!

Yep and more throwing up today. CNM thinks the baby will come between 7/23 and 7/31 but I don't want to think that way!

I have no swelling but my weight is 10lbs higher than normal at this point - this is usually my end weight. Also, CNM told me moms of 2+ look big because they are more pendulous in shape with the baby hanging low and out front.

Waiting to see if DH has to go to court tomorrow - his ex is up to more stupid games. He has to drive 2 hours to go to court in the armpit of VA. Can't say anymore because I refuse to let any negative thoughts invade my life any more.

Any of you divorced and/or a step mom?

[Bearsmama]

Hey Girls,
How's everyone doing? I get to sit on the computer are pre-dinner time b/c DH is cooking. He's in charge of stir fry.

My ankles are a-swellin'! Not huge, but getting big at the end of the day.
I have started lumbering around like the 34 week preggers lady that I am. Also, having some hemorroid issues today. Usually for me, though, they tend to clear up rather quickly. Quick or not, they are no fun.

Ilove-Ignore the horror stories. And RE-READ Ketilave's post! It's really so true how what you tell yourself can color everything. Also, I completely understand the middle-of-the-night ramble. Last night I was up until after 1am. Not good for me, and I am usually a night owl-always up until 11:00 or 11:30.

Ketilave-Your words are such a WONDERFUL thing for me to read today. Thank you, thank you, thank you... :love Also, although I am not divorced or a step-mom, I have 2 friends who have nutty exes and there are kids involved. I can only send you my hugs...:hug b/c I have heard some nasty stories. Please take care of yourself. You don't have control over what the EX does or doesn't do. Just focus on your kids and the soon-to-be baby inside!


kimberly-Sorry to hear about your nephew's arm. Just remind your sister that the time goes by FAST, it really does. We couldn't believe that the 5 weeks was up and 5 weeks ago it seemed like it was an eternity...


Lena-You know what's funny? I've thought abstractly about the challenges of having a newborn and a toddler, but I have not even given a thought to how it will be to nurse a newborn while out and about. WOW! And I think about those early weeks and months with DS and remember not getting out of my pjs all day long and napping and drooling with him on the couch. Why don't I think this will be a reality anymore! Ha! We just have to take it day by day by day by long, long day... ;)

AP-Stick to the pool. Sorry you have to give up something you love to do right now.

Jl-Total DISBELIEF about the time flying. I feel the EXACT same way as you. Part of me wants everything to slow WAY down, and the other wants to meet and hold this baby ASAP! Depends on the day for me. Today is a slow down day for me...

caroline-Is it hot where you are? Could account for the sudden swelling. Also, I've heard that it is only really worrisome if it's accompanied by high BP or EXCESSIVE face or finger swelling. When's your next appointment??

That's all for me. Might be able to check in after DS is asleep. But I have a feeling that I'll be reading and not posting... I'm so tired!

:)

[Solange]

:hola:
OK can someone just come and shoot me....:LOL... Bears especially...I need to take my own preachin' to heart....go ahead tell me ..I told you sooo.....

I thought I could handle playing with my son and his 3 y/o newphew for 3 hours...just me and no one else(even after my talk to from my CNMW this morning about slowing down.)....and now my nephew has gone and I can hardly walk(hip, sciatic, and pubic pain all aggrivated)...ugh:duh...I give up...I know I must take it easy from here on out...no more pilates, no more walking, no more major physical stuff...I hear ya body .....I give in...

Ahhh getting so excited for my new baby's birth..

Got the outfit I ordered from Baby Gap today to bring homne the new babe in and I am just smittened...:love
Did you all check out Granola Threads cute "I'm a big brother/sister" t-shirts? You get free shipping for too if you type in MDC... ;) I love their embroidered stuff...soo cute....I ordered ds a big bro T. Yes Bears, I too am spending $$ we do not have either..dh says I am losing it.

:zzz I hear ya on the tired front Bears... I am sitting here with one eye open...everyday by days end I am just pooped!

Jenn(no candy!! ;) ) good luck on your GD re-take...let us know how it goes... I have BTDT too and passed the 2nd time around.

:hug Caroline...I hope the swelling is just from the heat....take some time to put your feet up....


bbl

[magemom]

Well, my 33 week visit went fine. My doc is usually hours behind. I was done in a flash. I don't mind because if I need the time she will give it to me as well. I gained weight for the first time this pregnancy. 33 weeks, total gain of 6 pounds (I think) BP was slightly higher than in the past 122/68. I am normally 100/70. Measuring fine- 33-34 cm. I was measuring 31 at 28 weeks so that is fine as well. She asked what does this baby feel like to me and I said it will be a big one. Totally approved my business trip next week. I think that is all. I gave her my birth plan and she said she would look it over. Next visit is in 2 weeks.

I am not swelling, but I never have. Drink more water- it is hot out!

I am not divorced or a step mom. Although people assume I am because of the age gap in kids.

[ketilave]

Bears - it has taken me three years to get to grips with the fact I can't control the ex's behaviour etc. It has been a hard lesson for DH and I but I think we are finally getting it.

July 1 is our 3 year anniversary. Yep, a baby a year since we married. I have decided on abstinence so that I can have a year off - at least that is fool proof.

[mealymama]

ketilave~ Brian is divorced and his ex puts him through every device of psychological torture she can to push him away from their daughter.
It doesn't work, and it does :( I try and try and try and try and try not to get hung up on it. :hug to you!

Does anybody here know what NAK stands for? It keeps popping up around MDC. I have a feeling the answer is going to make me feel silly :eyesroll

[Bearsmama]

Mealy-Nursing At Keyboard... took me a while to get that one, too. :)

[kimberlylibby]

LAURIE!!! My dh teaches off Beltline!! He teaches at Rayburn Elementary at Beltline and Warrior! Near GPSouth.

Caroline: Keep an eye on the swelling, okay? The fingers is what scares me.... usually swelling is okay until it goes to your face and hands..... do you have a bp monitor at home? I take mine at least 3x/day now...

Ketilave: :laugh: I don't know! I thought I was just tired all the time... I do have to say I have SO much more energy now that I'm on the iron!! I thought I was just pregnant and tired with a toddler ;)

Lena: I am totally thinking about this toddler/baby thing. Libby is still at such a needy age! She's 18 months and rightfully so, demanding of my attention.... she plays nicely by herself, but still needs ME a lot.... and AHHH, how do you do that? I just want to lay in bed and snuggle this baby and kiss her feet and nurse all day! How do I do that WITH a toddler??? (I know the answer and it lies in a small black case labelled "Blues Clues DVD's" :laugh: ) I'm sure I'm not the only mom whose kid is going to get WAY more tv than normal those first few months!!

Traci: Hang in there! Don't over do it!! It's SO painful when you overdo it isn't it??? You're like a wallowing whale the rest of the day!

Jenn: Sounds like a good, boring appointment! I like that kind :thumb

MealyMama: NAK equals Nursing at Keyboard ;)

Alrighty I'm off to beddiebye :)

Thanks for the diaper :love I am cracking up, because I said a few months ago.... Oh, we'll just use sposies till she can wear smalls, i don't want to fuss with getting newborn diapers.... and then... well... I don't know ;)

[Jlcampbellkidz]

I have decided on abstinence so that I can have a year off - at least that is fool proof.

:laugh: I got pregnant the first month after we got married and i was on birth control pills. I wouldn't go back and change it though. I love my DD soooooooo much! God's timing is always better than our own though right!

Hey, check out the first birth story posted on the July moms birth stories. It's a doozy. 45 min. labor. WOW. Can any of us be so lucky!!!
I'm headed for bed, I have a busy next couple of days so any sleep I can get will be good.

Have a nice evening ladies.

[magemom]

I went to bed at 7pm tonight. Now I am awake. :eyesroll

I forgot to mention my sister called and asked for her maternity clothes back!!! Looks like she is due in Feb. She is going to insist on an ultrasound at her first visit as she has twins that turned a year last month. As tired as I am and worn completely out, the thought of 2 of my 2 year olds while trying to deal with morning sickness... her boys are identical too- so anything is possible.

Anyone else bothered by smells again? DH had an onion on his hot dog last night and I couldn't enter the kitchen. 3 days in a row DS3 has has a super smelly (to me) diaper that I can't change. Thankfully dd has not objected to helping there. He was doing so well with the potty training till my last trip. I will be switching to cloth while on maternity leave so maybe that will motivate him? I had 18 months of 2 in diapers and I really would like to have him train sooner than that!

[kimberlylibby]

Oh, I hear you on the oddly timed pregnancies.

We were planning to be foster parents, dh had a vasectomy... "our" plans were set.

The day before our foster parent *final walkthrough* to get licensed (we had been told we would have a baby in our home THAT week, so this was the end) I woke up feeling kinda icky... and tested +.

It all worked out though :)

Kimberly

[Jlcampbellkidz]

Magemom: Smells are stronger to me and yes sometimes I think I will loose it while changing a poopy dipe. But more than disliking smells I am craving one. The smell of brand new tires. My dad just got 4 new tires on my moms van and when I walked into their garage I didn't want to leave. Ever since I have been telling my DH to be me a tire and put it beside the bed. I am litterally dreaming about it at night. I want to go spend some time in a tire shop. Wierd I know!
Oh and about potty training. I was hoping to have my 2 yr. old daughter out of dipers before this one arrived too. She was doing so good for a while but she is stubborn and if it's not her idea it doesn't work. My pediatrician also told me that training this close to the new babies birth that most kids regress when the new baby arrives. Just FYI.

Kimberly: So cool about being Foster parents. We too have considered this. Also considered adoption. This may be our last pg. No one is getting fixed any time soon though. We still have a lot of praying to do before we leap into it. I would love to talk more about it with you sometime!

Well, I got most of the laundry done yesterday. I still have some of it to fold and put away. I seem to get more done on the days I have daycare kids. I think it is because my DD has a playmate and I don't have the option of just laying around. I have to be up and looking after them so at the same time I can pick up around the house.
My daycare mom is going to babysit my daughter tonight. She has been asking to take her home for quite some time. Our DD's both play well together. My hubby is in his friends wedding tomorrow so the rehersal dinner is tonight. My DH and I prefered to think of the dinner portion as a date. We have not had a time out together without our daughter in quite some time. In fact, I think it was last Augusts to one of his company appretiation dinners. Anyway, it will be nice to have some time with him.
Have a wonderful day ladies.

[lena_girl]

kimberly- I know I've read you saying that story before, but WOW. The chances of all that happinng at the same time... unreal. Oh, and yes, I expect to use the TV sometimes. As much as I dislike it and know it's not a great thing for him to be doing compared to playing, I am also thankful that I know that I can turn on Clifford and go put the baby to sleep without worrying about what he is getting into.

magemom- smells are bothering me again. I've been keeping a spray bottle of water w/ lavender oil in it to try to make my house smell nice for a little while.

Ap- take it easy, you don't want to have worn out your poor little body before your baby even gets here. I'm glad you got your outfit. It sounds nice. We are actually taking preemie clothes to the hospital with us. With DS I remember nothing fit and my mom had to run to wal-mart to try to find the smallest sleepers she could. Of course I don't expect them to fit long, but it will be nice right away.

Bears - I hear ya. I think I might be starting to develop the "preggo waddle" Such a huge difference it seems between, say 32+ weeks and 28-30 weeks. It seems like I suddenly got huge and slow!

ketilave - :hug We don't have exes, but BTDT with my parent's exes. SOme people just seem unstable. I remeber my mom's best friend had triplets but they were born early and all died. Her husband's ex sent announcements to all the baby stuff companies so they all sent her "congrats" letters and stuff. Then every year on the anniversary of their death she sends a card from the babies about how "you don't love us anymore" :angry Unstable!

Sorry for all the swelling issues. So far so good for me. Actually, I've managed to avoid all those end of pregnancy things so far (heartburn, ect.). But I'm sure that won't last. I have been feeling icky though. Very tired and kinda nauseus. I can't wait for DH to get home. I've been carrying my cell phone around all day just in case he manages to be able to call me that I won't miss it. So far nothing :( My house is a mess. I just can't seem to stay motivated long enough to get everything done each day. Hopefully I'll start nesting soon, b/c my house NEEDS it!

My largest diaper order is almost done :) She just needs to put on a few snaps and finish an applique on a blanket for friends of ours. She has sent me a few pictures as she worked on it. If you want to see go to http://imageevent.com/jacobsquiltingmommy/microfleece?n=0 and look at pictures 111-123. I am so excited to get them. I've been waiting until I get all my diapers to wash them so I can do seperate loads for hemp and non-hemp since the hemp will need to be washed so many times. I have already done all my prefolds though. She's going to take pictures of it all when it's done and I'll post those too.

Hope you all are having a wonderful day. Tick tock, tick tock, July is almost here ;)

[magemom]

Ack! I meant my sister's twins turned 2!! this month. What a bad auntie I am....

I know all about hte regression and toddler diapering. My daughter was 17 months and bringing a baby in the home trained her- babies wear diapers and she wasn't a baby. With ds3- the baby wears diapers so can i. The baby was 16 months before he trained. It was forced on my part. I told him diapers were going away in 2 weeks and we counted down. Boy did he cry but now he is so proud. ds3 will pee but has never pooped on the potty. he started and cried, got down and pooped all over the floor :( Hopefully he will be motivated when the baby is in diapers. DD mentioned she is looking forward to new baby diapers because they DON'T smell- lol.

[LizaBear]

Has anyone with a toddler been thinking about what it's going to be like with a new babe plus an active munchkin? I remember how it was when DS was a newborn and I just can't imagine being able to do things the same, like taking naps during the day and such. Even things like nursing the baby when we are out, I just can't imagine DS being willing to sit there and wait.

Boo will be right around his 2nd birthday when this little one comes along. There certainly won't be much day-time rest for me, I realize that. BUT - I was never good at napping when Boo napped when he was a baby anyhow.

Nursing won't be too much trouble, even on the go, I got pretty good at nursing Boo in a sling, and will do a LOT more of that this time around I imagine. There is no way that Boo will be willing to sit and wait for his sibling to eat. Just isn't going to happen !

Yeah, I worry - in fact, I worry a LOT about what it will be like. But my grandma had all her babies close and managed (Uncle *B* in '46, my mom in Aug '50 and Uncle *F* in Jun '51). If she can, I can !

[Bearsmama]

Good Morning everyone!
Just a quick one here...Reading everyone's posts. But I had to respond to the smell thing that magemom mention. My smell sensitivity is WAY strong. There's some work going on at the top of our street and they are laying down some tar. Well, we went by it yesterday and had to stop at the corner for awhile. The smell was almost unbearable to me. I thought I was going to vomit. And DH said that it really was just a normal tar/macadam smell-not a pleasant smell, but not overwhelming.

Feeling like someone made me run a marathon in my sleep. My circulation must just be terrible b/c some nights all my extremities seem to fall asleep and get tingly on and off throughout the evening. I'm sure it has something to do with my weight gain, though. I am officially 2 lbs. higher 6 WEEKS before my EDD than I was the day DS was born. :eek

DH just suggested heading out to do some baby shopping at some outlets. Oh, boy, I better take advantage of this opportunity! :)

Need a little :coffee this morning, ladies. Hope you all have a great day. :love

[kimberlylibby]

Lena: CUTE dipes! I love her photos along the way! What a cool idea! Allllll those doublers!! WOWWEE!!

I am 34 weeeeeks!! YIPPEEE!!!!

So, Laurie: Did you see my message about how close we are?? I seriously go visit Keith at school a couple times a month too! So sometime, I will have to come see you when we have our babies!! :)

Bears: The smell thing is WICKED! I am on a mission constantly, and it drives dh crazy! I'm like "I smell mildew! How many days has it been since you've scrubbed the toilets and the shower??" :laugh: I will be across the house and say "WHY haven't you changed her diaper??? It reeks of urine" and she's peed like a minute earlier ;)

Kimberly

[kimberlylibby]

Oh, and Laurie.... I never envisioned my dh getting a vasectomy at age 24 either.... but I have had 5 m/c, the latest one being at around 15 weeks pg... and with the high-risk junk my first pg went through, and having c/s..... after a LOT of prayer we decided to do it. It was odd though, because I would have NEVER said we'd do something so drastic so young.

We do intend to foster and/or adopt special needs at some point in our lives.

At this point, dh is planning to apply in January for a 2 year program in Hong Kong teaching elementary school. IF he gets it... we'll probably do foster parenting in HK, because we found a really neat organization there. You foster babies until their international adoption goes through... so, from birth until the adoption is finalized at a year or so...

Sigh.... Hong Kong... I miss it so much!

[Solange]

My largest diaper order is almost done :) She just needs to put on a few snaps and finish an applique on a blanket for friends of ours. She has sent me a few pictures as she worked on it. If you want to see go to http://imageevent.com/jacobsquiltingmommy/microfleece?n=0 and look at pictures 111-123.

Ummm Lena...that is the hugest stash of dipes I have ever seen :eek :dropjaw :bigeyes...are they all yours or just the ones in the pics 111-123?:confused:

[kimberlylibby]

HEHEHEHEHE, Traci, that's Crystal's CLoth's custom order page... she posts pictures as she works on orders ;)

Lena DOES have a juicy big order though :)

[lena_girl]

HEHEHEHEHE, Traci, that's Crystal's CLoth's custom order page... she posts pictures as she works on orders ;)

Lena DOES have a juicy big order though :)
No, they are ALL mine!

Heh Heh Heh (rubbing hands together in an extremely evil way)

My order will be in the mail on monday :banana I can't wait

[Jlcampbellkidz]

Kimberly: I would love to meet with you after our babies are born. I was afraid to ask. I wasn't sure how you would feel about meeting up with a stranger. But that sounds great. I'm sure our older daughters will enjoy each others company too. Honk Kong....wow. I don't think I could ever move away from my mom. She and my dad are such a huge part of my life. I get to see them atleast 3 times a week at church and sometimes on other days too. I just love it.

Well, looks like we will be having storms on and off until Wednesday of next week. We have had so much rain lately. It's good as far as watering the lawn go's. Lower water bill! Yeah!!! But the gloomyness outside usually makes me feel tired and have less energy.
I have to say, I really am surprised at how much better I have felt this pregnancy. I know that by this point last time i was in the lets just get it over with please...phase. I'm hoping not to get that feeling this time. Just excitement for the upcomming birth.

Have a great evening ladies. I can't wait to spend some quality time with my hubby w/o little Breaunna. I love her but I look forward to just time with the DH.

[lena_girl]

How far are you guys from San Antonio? I know it's kinda far, but just wondering how far. I *think* that's where we are moving next.

[kimberlylibby]

I think 5 1/2 hours from San Antonio??

Totally :thumb Laurie! Our daughters are pretty similar in ages, too! Libby's tall enough to be a 2yo ;) She's 34 1/2" and 27.5 lb :) Course she's still skin bald ;) And, oddly enough, I had a m/c last August too... :(

Well, I'm having a contraction-filled day, so Libby and I are going to go take a bath... she :love bath time!

[frognladybugmama]

wowee, you guys have been chatty the past day or so...i have been trying to catch up on my housework and sew shelby some winter clothes. yeah i know it's just NOW summer, blame it on nesting hormones lol...besides, i'm figuring i won't have as much sewing time once baby gets here!
i've been so uncomfortable all day today, kinda crampy - baby is feeling lower and lower each day...amazing the changes our bodies go thru...
i spent part of the morning cleaning out the hall closets - i'm tired of being a slave to junk and clutter and i am trying to get better organized while i can! i got our craft closet cleaned completely now - just need to finish the other closet at the end of the hall that's full of holiday stuff and baby stuff...sigh...lol
i won't be online at all tomorrow probably, maybe not on sunday either - it's our 5th anniversary and we're going to be gone to a festival that dh is singing at in alabama. we'll go to church on sunday then the il's are watching our kiddos so we can go eat dinner and watch a movie. i'm excited, haven't seen a movie in ages!

[rochellep3]

Hi everyone,
This is me trying not to be a stranger/lurker...

Heartburn hit yesterday. I am 31/32 weeks and I guess I was expecting it, though glad it didn't hit any sooner. It's still totally bearable/controllable. I told my midwife that I need to remember that all these "symptoms" are just nice little reminders from my body of the things I need to do to take care of myself. It would be so much worse if I just suddenly hit a catastrophic breakdown, instead of just a little heartburn and swelling to remind me that me and the baby both need more water! (More water is my midwife's answer to EVERYTHING!)

I weighed myself today and am only at +22 pounds, but my home (read, not very reliable...) scale anyway. That's more than I wanted, but maybe this time I'll avoid gaining 40 pounds? Both my kids were born at 3 am, weighing 8 lb 8 oz, after I had gained exactly 40 pounds. Weird.

As my belly gets bigger I wonder how my fil lives like this all the time! He has a big round belly, and though I watch him roll over to get up, and have his wife tie his shoes, and in other ways use all the coping techniques I do...I wonder why in the world he chooses to stay like that! I certainly couldn't cope with it for the rest of my life. (8-9 more weeks is bad enough!)

I certainly hear everyone on worrying how to cope with a newborn and a toddler. You would think I would know how, having done it once already, but last night was the pits! and does not bode well for the future. DS was up having a tantrum (or 2 or more) from 2:30-3:30, and then dh and I had a fight about it, and then we were both awake for another hour plus. UGh. At least I got to sleep in, dh went to work on about 4 hours of sleep. He promised he'd take a nap before he drove home. Anyway, I think that sleep deprivation will be the rule, not the exception. And yes, slings really help!

Lena-I can't believe your mom's best friend and the ex! That is one of the most horrible things I have ever heard! I remember getting some interesting advice, "Marry who you will, but be really careful who you have kids with, because you are stuck with them forever!" Unfortunately it seems to be very true.

Oh, and on the diaper stashes...it is such a good thing that I don't know for sure that we are having a girl! It would be so tempting to sell off most of my unisex stash and make a whole new cutesy girl stash! Maybe next time...or of course, there are always the mediums :D

Well, that's enough of a novel-I have to run to the post office. May we all know just when to nest, and when to rest!

Rochelle
Mommy to Meg 5/00, Peter 6/02, #3 due 8/04 (sometime...)

[ketilave]

I don't put evil past some people - DH's ex told SD that he walked out on her (forgot to mention she was having an affair and refused to go to marriage counselling) and that DH is evil because he is Jewish and Jews don't believe in Jesus. That was a tough one to deal with - trying explaining to a 6 year old that daddy is not going to burn in flames, that he acknowledges Jesus as a teacher but not the son of God etc. And, that's just the tip of the iceburg. The thing is, in our case, the ex doesn't want DH out of the picture she just wants him to be at her beck and call. Odd considering she married the guy she had an affair with and now have a son together. Of course this is the same woman whose step children were killed in April and she took SD and brother to spend Fathers's Day with the Exes father rather than be with her husband...Not my problem.

Toddler/baby concerns - DS was 16 months to the day when we brought DD home. Right now they are amazing together and I can't imagine them without each other. Every morning they kiss each other and are so excited to play together. Brannon hates it when Amelia has to take a nap - he wants her to stay up and play. Now I will admit that she is hitting that 12 - 15 month phase I hate encouraged by her brothers 2 yo behaviour so someone is always whining, crying or having some form of meltdown - I am ready to move out - but if this is the worst of it thank God. Brannon watched tv for the first time when I brought Amelia home. It was a treat for him when I just needed to sit down and give her a good feed (not the shoved on, in the sling hurry up and eat kind). And, Amelia has had tv and lollipops and things Brannon had never heard of at this point in his life but I just get through each phase and know as long as I stay in charge we will all come out of it ok. Postpartum was much more difficult than with Brannon but this time I refuse to leave my house for at least the first 5 days. You prove nothing to anyone by racing out of the house or downstairs to clean. I am not after being a super mom or super woman just me doing the best I can and right by my kids, family and ME! But this is baby #3 and I had to learn the hard way!

Dipes - my kids are burdened with plain ol' white diapers!! It's a good thing I don't know anyone that cd's or they would have butt envy!! I do need to order some for the newbie but I just keep putting it off. Nesting is not happening around here - no energy to clean or do anything but I am becoming very reclusive and want to cower behind DH all the time.

[ilovebeingamom]

Hi!

I am kind of late posting. After the night that I didn't sleep, the next night I went to bed with ds and slept good all night. Boy, did I need it! Had the mw appt and it went well. Baby is still head down and I am measuring right on for dates. I sat and watched dh talk to the mw a little, and could see in his face how happy and excited he is about the baby coming. It really warmed my heart!

ketileve-thanks for your kind supportive words about labor. They helped. The mw's also helped by telling me that labor is something we need to get emotionally ready for rather than physically. They told me to lay off reading and trying to prepare for labor by practicing on pain techniques and just try to learn to relax and let go of the fear.

I think I do have some fears to let go of, but I think that I will have to face them in labor. I have noticed that my body will get extremely hot or cold at times when I talk about the baby's birth. I really HATED my c/s, and everything about it, so I think that I am afraid of something going wrong and losing all control again. I tried talking to a counselor about it before, but she really didn't help. I just think that once I am in the situation (labor), I will be able to confront whatever I am feeling at the time and work through it. In the meantime, I will listen to the birthing affirmations, etc to remind myself that my body CAN do this and WILL! I also look at my son, and realize, c/s or not, he is the most beautiful thing in the world, and it is worth it just to have him.

Anyway....

Lena-I would say that ex is more than just unstable, that is just evil!

Kimberlylibby-I used to license foster parents, and we used to talk about fp'ing as a good conception tool. We had several families who didn't think they could even conceive children get pregnant several months after being licensed.

Although my son is preschooler age, I can also empathize with how is this baby going to fit in, etc. I know that for the longest time, all dh and I did was sit and stare at the baby. Not going to be possible this time! Ds will be in preschooler for a few hours a week, but I think this baby will be slinging it a lot more than ds did. I also think that the transition might be a little difficult too in the respect that ds will remember the before/after baby a bit more than toddlers. He is excited though, and I have to share a story before I go...

Ds had an eyelash on his hand, and we told him to blow it and make a wish. He did, and I asked him what he wished for and he said, "For Nora(baby) to come." He said this on Mother's day, and it just made my day. They can just be so darn sweet sometimes!

[LizaBear]

Anyone want to come over to give me a back rub / massage ?

Please ?????

[mealymama]

Kimberlylibby~ I had no idea you've been through so much with pregnancy and loss! How did you ever get past your fear? I know a lot of women who have had healthy pregnancies who still count the weeks.
(As in, Ok, now the baby's viable.... Ok, now the baby has a fighting chance, Ok, now the baby has a good chance...) but for someone with your history it must be really frightening. You must be an extremely brave woman, and you're going to be rewarded for it with the best gift of all! Congratulations on getting to your 34 week point, and here's to keeping her in there a while longer!

I've been trying to do as much as possible with DD lately to make up for the one-on-one she's going to lose when :baby arrives. We went innertubing the other day. She sat in the tube with me and when we went over "rapids" she clung to me but was so good about not "smooshing" her sister. I took her to a matinee today and she wanted to know if Amelia was watching the movie through my belly-button :love It was so cute! :love She pats and kisses my belly, and talks about her on and on. I've tried not to initiate too much conversation about it because I don't want her to feel jealous, and I want these last weeks to be her time, but every other thing out of her mouth is "my sister this" "Amelia that" :throb She's such a good girl. Lately I've been butting heads with her more than usual, but I'm starting to think it's just me and my crazy hormones, and nothing she's doing.

:OT...
What do you do when people walk by with their dogs and don't curb them, or even stop to let your children pet them? DD is raised around animals and she just can't understand the concept that some animals bite. The first thing she does when a dog goes by is reach out to it. I will pull her away, but sometimes, like today, people will actually ease up on the leash so that the dog can follow her, even when they see me pulling her away! Today I had to pick her up, but it would have been too late if the dog had wanted to bite her. And the man looks at me and says "He don't bite." Yeah, well, the next dog might! I mean, I believe that most people know their dogs and wouldn't let them approach a child if the dog wasn't friendly. It doesn't change the fact that they're undoing what I'm trying to teach her about not approaching strange animals. Ooooh, I was so burned up, but like I usually do when I'm on the spot, I just froze up and walked away without saying anything. :duh
Dumb, dumb me.

And DD came home from her dad's with a HappyMeal toy... I have long ago given up on trying to control what she eats when she's with her father... but what made me crazy was that the toy was a truck, and the first thing she says to me when she walks in the door is "I'm giving this to Eli (my friend's son) because girl's don't play with trucks."
I had to hold back my temper b/c she was in her dad's arms but I glared at him and he shrugged as if he had no idea where she picked that idea up. After he left I asked her who told her that and of course, it was my ex-MIL who ex still lives with (he's 31!).
So I know this is minor league stuff compared to the emotional warfare that some people involve their children in, but big :hug 's to everybody who has to struggle every day to accept that they cannot always control what their children and step children are exposed to.

[lena_girl]

Bleh! Remind me to not watch the news anymore over this weekend! DS has had a hard day. He woke up cranky from his nap and spent most of the rest of the day crying. Then I turn on the TV and see what's going on where DH is. Bleh! I'll be so happy when he gets home. He had a trip to Peru once where they had a lot going on, bombs outside their hotel and people throwing firecraker type things at them in the streets, but this trip has me much more nervous.

Re: foster parenting. I think it's great. My parents are foster parents. I also have an adopted brother. I *think* they might end up adopting one of the foster kids they have now too. I think I'd like to do that someday too, but not until we are done having all of our own kids. We know we aren't done yet (God willing).

Lizabear, I hear you. That would be so nice right now.

I'm going to go eat some ice cream, some with lots of chocolate in it.

[Bearsmama]

Hi Girls,
Liza-I'd be very willing to give you massage if I could get one, too! :) DH says he really needs one lately and I just keep ignoring him. It's so terrible, I know. But I am all about MY needs right now! :demon

Oh, and I had to use the little devil smiley b/c that's how I feel right now! I am terribly grumpy and I sort of want the world to stop for a moment and focus on me and my being uncomfortable. We had a GREAT day of shopping and being out and about. DS was just wonderful-didn't even run off too much-amazing! And then tonight, although he was soooo tired, he was just cranky and very upset that I had to cut our bedtime nursing session short.

Speaking of nursing, who else is nursing another child right now??? I forget. Let me tell ya, it's not been easy for me since probably January.Many nights it feels like nails on a blackboard to me when we nurse. It takes almost every ounce of my being to stop myself from pulling him off of me and running from the room. But he just LOVES it, and I've never known *how* to go about weaning him. It's only 1-2x/day, but sometimes I get sooo frustrated. I discussed this at one of my LLL meetings months ago and spoke about how frustrated I was and whether it was worth it or not to try to continue (even though, like I said, I don't really know how to STOP). And she said that our kids want us whether we're grumpy, frustrated, stinky, etc. So, anyway, sorry for the vent... :irked:

Kimberly-I'm so sorry you've had to endure so much loss over the past few years... :hug

Frog & Jl-Enjoy your time with your DH. We are in desperate need of some DS-free time. I'm hoping to get in at least one long afternoon of babysitting from the ILs before the baby is born. But the ILs are very busy people and I have to make a "date" well in advance. We'll see when we can get that movie in.

Hi Rochelle:)

Ketilave-Again, I'm sorry you have to deal with all this Ex crap. Sounds AWFUL. Also, it's so hard to keep in mind that with kids most everything is a stage. It's particularly hard when you're a first-time mom. And now that I'm about 2.5 years into this mothering thing I already feel like I've at once learned so much and also don't know a thing :eyesroll

Ilove-I'm trying to get my head in the right place for this labor, too. My first birth was full of interventions. And I'm hoping to free my mind enough of that experience to acknowledge that THIS BIRTH IS DIFFERENT. I'm not the same person, my bod's not the same, etc. I'm reading BFW (AP is taking the classes) and it's really a great book. Lots of pain management techniques, but mostly perspective changers for me, if that makes any sense. I want to really KNOW that I can do this birthing thing-in my soul! And I'm getting there, slowly...

Hey Mealy! Laying in an intertube sounds WONDERFUL right now... sunshine

Spending a lot of $$$ we don't have this week. Just ordered some nursing tanks and my sling... And today I bought a bunch of new onesies and little kimono shirts and a few sleepers for our new little one. Feels great, actually, to be prepping and getting so close. Great and scary all at once.

Anyone else feeling very anti-social lately??? We have a few parties coming up and I just don't want to go. I feel big and lumbering and I not much to wear that's comfortable anymore. Plus, I'm a little grumpy. Not a "glowing" prego lady at this point...

AP-I loved the Granola Threads site. Might just order a onesie from them, too. DH might have a small heart attack, but hey...the baby needs some things!

Okay, once again, it's a Bearsmama novel. Sorry guys, it's all comes out here with my pregnant friends! :love
Sleep well... :zzz :zzz

[magemom]

Anyone want to come over to give me a back rub / massage ?

Please ?????

Sure thing. I will be right there after i figure out how to get out of this chair :D

In July I am going for another full body massage. End of July I am going to start pedicures. I love having my feet rubbed and a massage where no one expects anything from me when they are done! DH sure won't do it very long. And he really hates feet. DD made me a foot soak and it was wonderful just to soak my feet. I can't wait to try this pedicure thing!!

[Dodo]

Today I decided to make yogurt chicken for supper.

I went to the grocery store where I bought everything except yogurt, a key ingredient, as you might imagine.

After a trip to the store, I was back in the kitchen, working on the chicken. I grilled the chicken and then marinated it.

It took me a while to realize my mistake (namely, marinate and then grill).

Then I threw out the chicken and took a long nap.

Other recent mistakes: putting both the butter and the yogurt in the freezer rather than the fridge; paying for my groceries and then leaving the store without them; sending dd to daycare without undies.

I'm exhausted and in pain (sciatica) again. Last night dh and I had a pretty intense fight about cereal. I actually thought, what have I done, marrying a man who would begrudge me a bowl of cereal before bed.

We're going on vacation in a week or so. I would love to have my nesting done by that point. But all I can do is, say, clean the fridge, do a load of laundry and then collapse for the day. And I have a pretty long, pretty weird list of things needing doing before the baby comes (like arrange the spice rack, organize now-prehistoric wedding photos -- what these have to do with a baby, I couldn't say).

[Solange]

:hola:
:wave hey rochelle

ahhh Dodo....I understand completely...:hug


What am I doing up?
Thinking to much and craving a cream filled cream stick with chocolate icing on top :yum :yum.....Anyone want to talk me out of that? I don't knwo but I maybe making a trip to the grocer in the a.m. to get my fill...been craving it all week

Bears..:hug on the nursing issue... I am sorry your LLL group did not offer some better support. Sometimes if there are not mothers in the group who have BTDT it is hard to get a more empathetic view. JMHO. Have you tried talking to ds about nursing? What about reading...have you read Mothering Your Nursing Toddler? How Weaning Happens?
Your ds is what 2-ish? That is a looong time to nurse B. You have given him the best far longer than many. This relationship is about both of you, not just him. You have to love it too...kwim?
Here is a good article from LLL- bookmark and save for later:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/NB/NBNovDec98p164.html

Mealymamma
talk about butting heads...I feel like that is all ds and I have been doing these past few weeks and I feel bad when I sit down and think-you know *we* only have 5 weeks left together. I have been just so exhausted lately and in pain, that my patience level is at 0.:( I really need to work on that. He has been screaming and yelling(something we do not do in this house) when he does not get his way or the major biggie is "I don't wanna play by myself!" this said when dh and I are still eating at the table and he has decided he is done and wants to get back to playing, but doesn't want to wait for dh or I to finish eating. Or going to the potty-he had a week where he went all by himself and now when he has to go we tell him "well go"- and he screams "Not by myself!-I don't want to wash my hands!" Ugh! What am I doing wrong?

Had lots of contractions yesterday all day long...weird....
Baby is moving lots...nighttime bathroom trips are making me crazy...and so very painful when my bladder is full....

well gtg I hear dh up now for his early am bowl of cereal..he will come down here to my typing and give me the "you're weird" look and go back to bed....

ttyl

[kimberlylibby]

Mealymama: Funny you should mention all of that.... well, this is the first due date board I joined, and I joined when I was something like 29-30 weeks? That's not coincidental. I didn't to risk making friends when my baby could still die :( I had a HUGE scare when my placenta first started to abrupt with Libby at 24 weeks and they told me I *would* deliver in the next few weeks..... so this has been my first "normal-ish" pregnancy.

When I found out about this baby, I was *NOT* happy. Scared? Upset? Worried? All of the above. I actually lost about a dozen friends because they didn't understand how I could be so upset. I did not talk about my pregnancy except to say things like "I wonder when I will miscarry." It was a total defense mechanism. They kept saying "God has given you a blessing and you just need to be happy." Which is all fine and dandy until you've had 5 babies come out of your body dead. I was in SEVERE depression (ended up on Prozac in the first trimester, which has been :thumb :thumb) and they saw it as a CHOICE for me to feel upset. Anyway, life is better, I've moved on from those friendships...

This, despite the initial emotions, has been a very faith-lifting experience. I've grown a lot spiritually and my relationship with God is better right now. But at the beginning, I was not feeling "blessed" I was feeling tortured. I mean, c'mon, I was looking at my past odds and saying okay, I've got a 1:5 win/loss ratio. That's not very good.

Anyway, whew, that was good to get out. Is Laurie scared of me now??? I promise I love my baby now and will even MORE when she gets to my arms.... it's just been a long process to get there :)

New post in a sec for replies :)

[kimberlylibby]

Lizabear: I hope you got your massage!!!

Mealy: I am so impressed that you went tubing while pg!! :thumb Your dd sounds adorable! BTW< I love the name Olivia. We actually considered it, but since dd1 is Elizabeth and we call her "Libby" we were thinking Libby and Livvy would be too similar ;) And, gosh, I never thought about the dog thing!! I always let Libby walk up and pet them if the owner says it is okay!! Maybe I should re-think that!! We don't have pets, so I feel like I should let her enjoy animals when she gets the chance... :hug on the stupid truck thing!! Ugh!

Lena: Thinking of you with dh being gone! :hug I know my sister just can't watch the news at all anymore. Her dh is lucky enough to call every day, so that keeps her going.... he can call a base in the states and it connects him to her for free. Enjoy the ice cream! Yum!

Bears: Good job keeping up with nursing! I've heard it gets SO much easier when the baby is here.... less uncomfy. Of course I don't know from personal experience.... Libby weaned as soon as I got pg :( She wanted NOTHING to do with nursing anymore :( Oh, and yes, I'm antisocial right now! I was sooo happy to have the bedrest excuse and get to skip my sister's baby shower!! How wrong is that?? Hehe. But c'mon it's her 3rd kid in 4 years!! And she has a 16mo girl (she's due Aug 30 with another girl), so she doesn't need anything!!! And if she's getting a shower for her 3rd kid, why am I not getting one for my 2nd?? Hmm???? So I just let my green jealousy monster hide with me on bedrest ;) She probably got all sposies anyway.

Jenn: Mmmmm, massage! Sounds yummy!!

Dodo: I had to giggle. Pregnancy makes us sooooo loopy, doesn't it???

AP: I'm a contractomatic too! :hug I'm lucky that my dh has been doing most of the Libby-stuff with me being on bedrest, but I can see how kids could totally drive us crazy at this pint in pg!

I'm off to read a book in bed and finish up this soaker I've been lazily working on for a week. This is my slowest one yet, but I do like it :)

Kimberly

[Bearsmama]

Hey AP,
I ask myself that what-am-I-doing-up-question almost every single night?

Anyway, morning now and still exhausted...somehow in a weird twist of irony, DH is sleeping in (it's past 9!) and I'm up. Funny...not necessarily funny ha-ha!

Thanks so much the support and the link. AP-You are great with the links and I have bookmarked a few that you have posted in the past. You know what? I wasn't really irked by the LLL response-I think I just used that little irked smiley due to my general frustration level with nursing. But it wasn't THE most supportive thing to say to me when I was asking for BTDT help. It was kinda like, continue even though it's making you nuts b/c that's what's best for your DC. I actually kind of agree with the leader's response. You know, life, nursing, etc., gets frustrating and DS knows the real me. I tell him when I'm getting frustrated or when I have to stop.

BUT, DS is now approaching 2 1/2 (in July). I knew I would EBF, but if you would have asked me while pregnant with him if I thought I'd be nursing at this point, through pregnancy and frustration, I would have said you were nuts.

We nurse when we read books for nap and bedtime. And at first it is painful when he latches on and then it gets better for a short while. But if it goes beyond about 10 minutes or so, or if DS starts to play or nurse in a "weird" way, I can't handle it.

You are right, I have given him the best for a long time now. And at the beginning of this pregnancy I really thought we'd be weaned by now. We DO talk about it, but he doesn't really "get" it. I tell him that mommy's breasts are sore and that perhaps we should start thinking of some other things we can do while we read before sleeping. I don't know if weaning is even possible with him over the next 6 weeks. In fact, I am very prepared for him to pick up his pace with nursing after #2 comes. And I don't know how I'll feel about it. In January, we nightweaned, and shortly after that we got down to the twice daily thing we have going on now.

Anyway, I'm rambling like usual. Thank you for your support, AP. I will keep you posted on how things go. And I'm going to try to make it to more of my LLL meetings over the next few weeks looking for that BTDT support.

I can also COMPLETELKY understand your desire for the doughnut stick. I have to admit that yesterday I purchased two homemade whoopie pies and managed to eat them both entirely myself. Whoopie Pies? I haven't even had one since I was a kid (they are typically a Pennsylvania Dutch treat.

Sorry that you are having some issues with DS. From what I've read, as our EDDs draw near, this "acting-out" behavior is very normal. With my DS it comes and goes in waves... I'm sure they all know on some level that something BIG is about to happen. It might just be that they're picking up on our energy level changing.

Dodo-I LOL when I read your post. I forgot my CC in a store yesterday and was almost in the car and the salesclerk was running after me. I'm like, "Do I know you??" in my head. Duh!

Kimberly-Thanks for the support as well. I really thought that DS would wean while preggers, too. In fact, there have been months when obviously my breast milk has changed or diminished and he has noticed or even not nursed for one of our session. But then he picks up right where he left off.

Anyway, another Bearsmama ramble. I really thought I was going to cut down on these novellas, sorry ladies...

[mommycaroline]

Bears, you are not alone in the nursing biz, believe me. I don't know how you've managed to cut back to only 1-2x per day! We're nursing nearly full time these days, and it's driving me bonkers. I find myself saying "no, not right now" more than anything else, and DD is putting up with it, sort of... One thing that just helped me, a couple days ago I really thought my nipples were going to break in two. I was starting to be concerned about thrush, because the pain was getting so bad I couldn't take it anymore, so I started thinking about it and watching DD nurse. Nearly every time she goes to latch on, I'm wincing in pain. She's going to be three in September, so right around the same age as your DS, and she's really starting to be sensitive to my feelings, more than ever before. She sees me wincing, hears me say "be gentle" so she takes just a tiny bit of my nipple in her mouth, probably thinking that would hurt less than a nice, wide latch. Well, I'm here to tell ya, that is not the case for us! I truly believe that's been a good deal of the pain I'm experiencing. Once I noticed this, I started reminding her "open wide, and get a BIIIIIG mouthful". What a difference!

I'm glad you took your LLLL's comments not to be bad. I read it and really liked it myself. To me, it kind of means, they're just happy to have us, no matter what. Unconditionally. And, I know that's true, too. There are times when I'm feeling angry, frustrated, just generally not a good mommy, DD comes along and asks to nurse and my initial response is "no!" Then, I think about it, and realize that maybe it's just what we need, so I apologize, we curl up together and suddenly we're reconnected and smiling at each other again. I wouldn't trade that for anything.

I'm blessed to have known many tandem nursers throughout my nursing career. :) One of them just had her second in January, and her first was exactly the same age Bonnie will be when our second comes along, so I've been watching them very closely. She is convinced that tandem nursing has helped ease the way for a gentle relationship between her little ones. There's been no jealousy, no displacement, just your normal three year old stuff, and newborn stuff too. It's helped me hang in there, although, like you, I wouldn't even begin to know how to cut back. There have been two other local mamas here who were pregnant along with me (both have now delivered their new babes last week!) and they both weaned their older children during pregnancy. With one of them, she just said "on New Year's Day, no more mimi" and that was that. I couldn't imagine my Bonnie accepting that! Her DD has asked a couple of times, and has been told, "No, remember? You've weaned." which she's accepted perfectly fine. It astounds me! The other one was with us one day when Bonnie was nursing, turned to her mother and asked if she could have some too, her mama laughed and said "No, my milk is all gone now" so the toddler turned to ME and said "can I have some of YOURS?" Her mama laughed again even louder and said "sure, if it's okay with Caroline!" Naturally, it wasn't, so we all had a good chuckle over it, including the toddler. But for a moment, I felt like a deer in headlights. LOL.

So, my swelling has subsided, thank goodness! I think it was related to poor diet on vacation. We ate out nearly every meal for 9 days. I've also lost a few of the five pounds I thought I put on, so I'm sure it's related. I've taken it slightly easy for the past few days, and I'm feeling more like myself again. No more vacations until this little one comes! Just have to finish getting bedrooms unpacked. The guest room, and my DD's room and then I'm done. It's only been 7 months since we moved into this house, grrrr!

Hope all is well with everyone else, and I'll try and catch up more lately. We are so chatty!

[mommycaroline]

Oh, and I'm going out to lunch with a girlfriend and seeing Stepford Wives today! I don't think I've seen a chick flick in the theatres since my DD was born! I can't wait!

[Jlcampbellkidz]

It took me so long to catch up on everyones post, so forgive me for not individualy commenting on each. I really enjoy hearing about everyone and what's going on.

EX's. My DH was married once before. Fortunetly they didn't have any luck in the conception department so no step kids to deal with. And now that his ex is married I don't have to deal with her nagging calls anymore. She actually moved on. So :hug to the rest of you having to deal with them.

Lena: I think it only took my friend who lives here about 4 o 5 hours to get to San Antonio. Not a long trip and San Antonio has some really fun stuff to do.

Bears: Not that I am glad you are having some rough days, but it is nice to hear you wows as well as your good times. you remain positive for so many of us and I am glad you are willing to post your frustrations too so we can be encouraging to you. From previous posts, it sounds a lot like we had some big simularities in our first birth (interventions....etc) I really liked the BFW book too. I originally read it for Doula certification purposes but found that I could apply it to my own birth and have. I don't know why, but I feel extremely confident about my bodie