Week of July 5

[Piglet68]

October Mamas Roll Call :belly

momtol&a
snugglebutter 10/01
mirthfulmum 10/03 BOY! Harrison Eliot Smith
TracyK 10/04
mhurst 10/04
kraftykathy 10/04
Jillerina 10/04
water 10/06
KateMary 10/06 GIRL!
Proudly AP 10/08
mayasmama 10/08 GIRL!
FutureMama 10/09 BOY!
bluehalo 10/10 BOY! Noah Daniel
allformyboys 10/11
Lucysmama 10/12
bendmom 10/12
momadance 10/13 BOY! Gabriel Reed
Mandi 10/14
rhemp 10/14
wannabmommie 10/15
krnflwr 10/16 GIRL!
gmvh 10/16 TWINS! BOY! and GIRL!
Piglet68 10/18 BOY! Sasha Adam
MommyMuse 10/19
BeansMomma 10/20 GIRL!
Mom2Lily 10/20
CourtneyandLogan 10/21 BOY! Zander Julian
OakEmber 10/21 BOY! Oakley Kai
Stanleymama 10/23 BOY!
gottaknit 10/24
3boyz4us 10/24
Ctmom70 10/24
Kim22 10/24 BOY!
aspiring mama 10/25
sunshinegal 10/25
truebluexf 10/27
Soogie 10/27
ameliabedelia 10/29 GIRL! Greta Marie
flitters 10/30
BeauGeek 10/30
AnnR33 10/31
guinnessinu 10/31 TWINS! BOY! and BOY!

Hello, mamas!

I realized that I was supposed to have started this thread yesterday, but the holiday threw me off, lol. So I've dated it from yesterday, just to keep things consistent.

I'm 25 weeks today and really feeling it. I'm sure it's because I used to be in shape, for the last several years I've always gotten regular exercise, but for the last 8 months since I've been working I've had none. So I'm really feeling this pregnancy. I'm not good for much physical activity, and I seem to spend half my weekend days sleeping. Which I'm grateful for being able to do, but I *hate* spending half the day in bed!

So that's my whine for today. Otherwise, baby is growing well and kicking/moving alot, which I love! :love Hope everybody had a nice holiday weekend.

Question of the Week: okay....i'm drawing a total blank here and I need to hop in the shower and get ready for work...who wants to come up with a question? :D

[momadance]

How about for the QOTW we post the weight of previous babes, and or for first time mama's their birth weight? Can't think of anything else, and thought it might be neat. Miles was 9lbs. 7 oz. I was 8lbs,(and overdue: dryskin, long nails, shrunken placenta, and none of the white creamy stuff on my skin) Dh was close to 10 lbs. I'm predicting a giant this time around! I'm already measuring big, but the us showed baby's right on the mark for my due date. Just a big boy!

I dreamt about laboring last night. I was near the ocean walking around in a sort of bellydancing sort of way, and very serene and peaceful! It was beautiful! :love

[stanleymama]

momadance--great QOTW!!

QOTW: Ok dh was I think 7 lbs. I was 9 lbs. 8oz, overdue and the last baby my mama was allowed to have. My oldest was 6 lbs. 14 oz.; ds#2 was 7 lbs. 5 oz. and Sammy was 7 lbs. 10 oz. I am expecting this baby to be in the 7 lbs range as I am carrying him pretty much the same as I did his brothers. Collin (ds#1) was a week early, Aidan was right on time and Sammy was right on time. This one I am hoping to go a bit early since dh's b-day is almost a week before my due date. It would be neat to have him on his birthday. Just a little wish of mine:)

Had a fun holiday weekend. Our town had put together a kids park full of fun games. The boys had a lot of fun and we did a treasure hunt together as a family. Dh had the weekend off, which is a rarity. That night we watched the fireworks. Saturday dh took me maternity clothes shopping as I in much need. Still could use a couple things, but I will make do. That night we had some friends over and had a good time laughing and catching up. Sunday and Monday pretty much relaxed. Yesterday I bought a used grill, got a good deal on it that I am pretty excited about. I :love grilling out but we never had a grill to do so. I was going to grill out today but it is a rainy day:(

Did anyone else join the yahoo group to show of pics? I posted mine yesterday. So fun to be a face to a name!

Well mamas, hope you have a good week! Will try to tune in again later when I get a chance :)

[3bees~1flower]

you all had such little babes!! i was my mom's biggest at 7lb 2oz...dh was 9lbs 5 oz. ds #1 was 4lbs 8 oz and 7 weeks early due to severe pre-e...he started my c-section history by being double footling breech. ds#2 was 10lbs 7oz and term...attempted vbac but he was to big...ds#3 was 10lbs 3 oz and term and c-section as well. i'm pretty much expecting another big baby, which is fine with me.

had a good weekend too...dh started to build the boys a huge clubhouse...they're pretty excited about it. went to fireworks on sunday night. they enjoyed that.

gotta go...a freind is coming over so i can help her sew some curtains for their camper.

[gottaknit]

Hi! Hope everyone had a good weekend. We did the usual July 4th activities: spent one day at the beach, worked in the garden, grilled, watched the drunk neighbors blow up hundreds of dollars worth of highly illegal fireworks.... :eyesroll Thank God no one was injured this year. (Last year the little boy next door almost lost a thumb.)

QOTW: DH was a normal size 7 lb baby. I was 9lb 10oz, the smallest and the only on-time baby of the six in our family! (My little brother was 12 lb even!) We are all normal sized people now, so I don't know why we were such huge babies. I'm assuming this baby will be a whopper; it's growing like crazy.... :)

[Lucysmama]

QOTW: I was my mama's biggest....a whopping 7lbs, 2oz. She only gained 15lbs with each of us, so we were all only 5.5-7lbs. Dh was 9ish lbs, I think. Lucy was 8lbs, 1 oz. I am expecting a 8-9lber.

More later, dd is home from her bikeride with Daddy!

[bluehalo]

We had a hectic weekend, spent the 4th traveling home from Texas. The airport was empty though, made for smooth traveling :) After two busy weeks of traveling (to Kevin's bike race the week before, and then to Texas to visit family this past week), it was *so* nice to be coming home.

Ethan was a great little traveler ... he had a wonderful time and was so fun to have around. He was totally wound up when we got off the plane at home ... he was riding on DH's shoulders and said *very* loudly "Look at that OLD man with NO HAIR!!" :bag: ... then on the shuttle back to the long-term-parking, E. asks "Do other people ride on this bus sometimes too?" ... I answer, "yep, they sure do" ... and he says, "Yeah, I can really smell their butts!". Ack!!! At that point I was scared every time he opened his mouth. Man, was he wound up!

I just joined the yahoo group, hoping to have a few moments to look at the pictures and go through ours on the computer to upload some. It will be fun to put a face with the names here :)

We had our first Birthing From Within class last night. Poor DH is not really impressed w/ the whole concept of "birth art", but he's being a trooper, bless him.

QOTW: I was a tiny baby, just under 7 pounds. Ethan was 6lbs, 5oz, but once he was born he grew like a weed ... literally like a pound a week for the first few months or so. According to the US we had around 18 weeks, this baby is right on targed for his due date, whatever that means. I don't feel as big as I did with Ethan though. I've only gained about 7 pounds total so far. But the baby is plenty active and *strong*, so I'm trying not to worry.

[AnnR33]

This summer is flying by already! We're going to behaving these babes before you know it! :)
Both of my kids were right on time and 7lbs 14oz and 8lbs 6oz respectively. So I'm assuming this babe will be close to 9lbs if we stay in the pattern...Yikes-though I've talked to lots of mamas who've had bigger babes so I shouldn't whine.

I feel like I've gained a ton of weight just in the last few weeks-I was doing so well then wham-eating all the time and clothes feeling tight. I hate to think of gaining the 50lbs again :( But I know that if I feel hungry I do need to eat-of course, it should be healthy and not Cheetos!!LOL

Anyone else sleeping like crap? I haven't gotten a decent night's sleep in months and it's getting worse-I'm using a body pillow and tried about every other pillow in the house but nothing is comfortable and my back aches every morning. This happened before but not until about 7-8mos so I guess I only have 4 more months of whining about it...I wake up to find myself sleeping on my back and then get all nervous about how long I was doing that-whine whine-ok-done for now ;)
Take care everyone
Ann

[Piglet68]

25 weeks

Great question, momadance! I think I was in the 7 lb range. DD was 7 lb 5 oz, born by c-section at 39 weeks. DH was over 10 lbs, vaginal birth by his very young mother (I think she was 18?) - he's the oldest in the family. Since I'm having a c-section this time again, I'm not that concerned about weight as it relates to birthing, but I really don't want a huge baby. My friend gave birth to a 10 lb 11 oz and wow...he just wasn't "cute" kwim? lol (no offense to mamas of big babies!). He was the most unattractive baby, and yet he is an absolutely adorably handsome toddler. But the worst was she was only able to sling him for a very short time, he couldn't fit into half his newborn clothes from the start. And I have a gorgeous stash of newborn cloth diapers that I would be devastated to not be able to use! :D

I just don't want him growing up that fast, kwim?

[sunshinegal]

We had a very relaxing weekend-( much needed!). Had a nice pot luck picnic with a bunch of friends on Sunday and sat in our yard to watch all the awesome fireworks that our neighbors let off. Otherwise I sat in the sun or napped on the couch- wish life could always be taken this slow :) I am taking advantage of it now while I can.
QOTW- neat question! I was 8lbs 6 oz last and largest of 5 kids for my mom. My dd was 7 lbs 15 oz and my ds was 9 lbs 4 oz. Dd was induced and I had an epidural, ds was born all natural at home. ( Almost seems like it should have been the other way around:) ) I've had some complications since then so this one with be C-section, but by the way I am carrying, I figure somewhere in the lower 8 lbs.
Let me tell you , this little gal has been tap dancing in my belly all weekend long!! I absolutely love the feeling :bgbounce

Is anyone else able to take Birthing From Within classes and if so how are they? I have read the book and it is fantastic but there aren't any classes in my area.

[flitters]

hi everyone!

sounds like most weekends were good, and some busy! ours was really nice and pretty relaxing. this weekend was also our anniversary - 10 years together (4 married)!

let's see... baby has been very busy lately - woke me up a few timest last night too! i think dh is getting more and more excited now that he can feel and see the baby moving a lot. it feels like october will be here in a flash!

i was very fortunate to inherit two large boxes of maternity clothes today! tonight i'll see what fits and then look to pass on anything i won't be able to use.

also, on a previous topic, i got some underwear this weekend that i love! victorias secret 100% cotton low rise bikini cut. they fit really well, go under the belly and are super comfy and all cotton is very important to me.

is anyone going to have a doula at their birth? we hired a doula last week. our midwife recommends one for first time mamas especially. we really like the doula we hired and she has worked with our midwife before. she had 2 of her 3 children at home and also works as a childbirth educator. we are very happy with her and i think she will make the experience even better!

QOTW: well, this is my first. I weight 7 pounds 8 ounces and i think dh was a hair over 8 pounds. i figure our baby will likely weigh between 7 and 8 pounds, closer to 8. we'll see!

[bluehalo]

re: doulas & Birthing From Within...

Flitters, we considered hiring a doula, and interviewed several. But finally we decided that having two of my women-friends (one who is a L&D nurse and shares most of my "birthing philosophies", and another who has had 2 natural births and attended several others) would be a better choice for us. If I wasn't so blessed to have birth savvy friends willing to support me, I would definately hire a doula. I'm so tickled though, to be sharing this experience with two people that I already know, love, and trust. DH is very relieved too, knowing that there will be more support for the both of us.

Sunshinegal, we just had our first Birthing from Within class last night. I really liked it. DH is being a trooper even though he's not into the whole birth art kinda side of it. But, with DS's pretty traumatic birth (emerg. c-sec.) I really thought that BFW would be the kind of preparation we'd find most helpful; working through the baggage we both have from DS's birth, and going into this next birth with a clean slate, so to speak. Our class is pretty far away (~2 hours), but I was determined to take it, and it was the closest one.

[momadance]

Who posted the picture/painting of the nursing moma on our yahoo group? I would love to get a copy of it as a print or painting or whatever! It's beautiful!

Piglet: I'm gonna have to disagree on the big baby thing, but I'm partial to them :love I'm actually looking forward to another big ball of a baby! ;)

[ameliabedelia]

Well, today is the last day of vacation with the family. Tomorrow we leave to drive home. We are making the drive in 3 days, doing about 7 hours/day so it isn't that bad. Stopping and seeing some friends on the way. It was a great visit. I don't know what I will do without all these people around to entertain dd all the time. :lol

QOTW: DD weighted 6 lbs 12.5 ozs and I think I weighed almost exactly the same thing. Both DD and I were born 10 days early. I don't know what DH weighted, but I think he was on the bigger side. I believe he was born the day before his due date. I expect this baby to weight about what DD weighed, maybe a little more, and to be born between 2 weeks to a few days early. But, we shall see.

I think I would prefer a "smaller" babe, but I think that is just because dd was smaller and what I was used to. Everyone said she was so tiny and dainty when born, and she was super cute and tiny and dainty. But she grew really fast and soo surpassed other babies her age in weight, so I expect this babe to do something similar but who knows??

[KateMary]

This is my first baby and I don't know how much I weighed at birth. I think DH must have been on the small side as he was a twin.

We had a relaxing weekend but got a lot done too. I think I am getting the nesting instinct as I really want the house all organized and I am going nuts figuring out what baby supplies to buy. We found a Maclaren stroller for half off on Saturday so I was excited about that. Then we got a baby dresser too. Our teenager (our niece that has lived with us for 2 years) pretty much moved out this weekend. She is leaving for college soon and wanted to pack up her stuff early. So her winter clothes are all packed and ready to go, her summer clothes are at her boyfriend's house, and her mementos are packed away in the garage. So we got an extra closet! Now me and DH each have our own, its so nice.

My baby has been getting the hickups a lot this week. I also feel like my belly has just popped out the last week or so. Now everyone stares at my belly, it is just totally obvious now!

I am going to see Fahrenheit 9/11 after work today!

[OakEmber]

I agree, great question Momadance!! I guess we should help Piglet out and PM her any of our ideas for future QOTW, hey Piglet? I know what it's like trying to come up with a new question every week, do that for my Parent-Child Mother Goose Class. I'll try to think some up.

QOTW- Ember was 7lbs 11oz (and 19.5 cm)...funny thing is both my neice and newphew and brother weighted that too :LOL....I was about 6lbs 10oz and DH was about 9 something. The other day DH put his prediction in that Oakley will weight 7lbs 10oz, not sure why he thinks he will be smaller :confused: Then again, I myself feel that Oakley will be early (don't ask me why??), so maybe he'll be right :LOL If he waits until term my guess will be about 8lbs 2-4 ish :LOL I guess since the last 4 babies in my family were 7/11 I expect Oakley to be fairly close.

Anyone else feeling tired again? I tell ya, I sure got a short "energy spurt" in the second trimester this time! I am back to feeling the need to nap most afternoons.

Oh, about the BFW- I am reading the book, no classes around here for that sort of thing. I have enjoyed reading about the birth art although I wouldn't
enjoy doing it in a class where others would see it, :LOL, but I have made images in my head as to what I would draw if I had any talent whatsoever. I read many exerps from the book online when I was pregnant with Ember and it was definately helpful in my labour prep. but I am enjoying reading the whole thing this time.

About the doula thing...by all means I'd say go for it! My MIL was my Doula with Ember (even though she'd never heard of such a thing) because she'd BTDT 6 times and is just a healing type compassionate person and I knew that she'd be awesome in supporting me, she does theraputic touch and hospice and I knew she'd be a natural. This time, I have a midwife and if I go the HB route which I am not sure yet, she'll have an attendant...plus my mom will be there to help support me as well as DH of course, so I don't feel I need a trained professional....but if I weren't close to family, or didn't feel close to my mom I would definately. I took a doula training course and so of course I have read over everything and will get my mom to too, I feel prepared.

I just LOVE that we are able to see eachother now! It's been so cool getting to check you all out...so far a good looking group of moms and kids (besides myself :LOL), what are the odds? hehe

[blessed2bamommie]

I got my hair done (whew) and went to the car lot :eyesroll Dh has got car brain. I think it heated up once we got there! :irked: We went to yet *another* lot and the sky fell out and then we ate. Sunday was a lazy day since my little sister had a date, so we *all* had to wait until Monday for the 4th activities. :eyesroll After church I came home and slept and ate. Yesterday....I decided that Katie's nudey dip was a good idea and I haven't gotten a suit yet....so I took it off in mamas pool! Wow! That was great! I wanted to do it again today after working out! Its so hot! :nana:

Uhhhhhhhhhh..I was 6 lbs and some. I've been meaning to ask mil about dh. I know that dh's labor was anywhere from 7-9 hrs! :thumb I got faired a mama made dipe and everyone who sees it doesnt believe the babe will fit in it. We'll see! Everybody at church says its gonna be a big baby. There's only one way out and I want to be able to do it w/o tearin my tail up! :yikes:

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeell..I finally called my practice b/c I'm confused about the prenatal class schedule and the fact that I can't seem to escape this mw! :splat Funny the interim peri coordinator knew who I was in that big practice. :blush We talked about the mw who's taking over the classes b/c the resident is going out of the country for the month. The interim peri was great and is gonna adress the situation with her *again* since as the resident was trying to find the hb (I can't believe the mw (well and my attending doc who isn't in classes since she's special for my team b/c I kicked the mw), the only one who knows how to do the fetoscope),and she says 'well, you have that extra layer of fat. :hammer: She's a sista so she will have a different style from the peri coord. :LOL Maybe it will sink in that I'm really not appreciating it. She is testing me. :angry: The classes are informative and I don't want to miss but I don't want to deal with the mw.


Oh and risk management is all up in L&D and they aren't offering wbs for now. :splat They said they'd get me in a room with the jacuzzi to labor in. I stayed here b/c I thought I'd get the birth I wanted. I'm tired and I'm blowing through my choices here. :eyesroll In FYT, I was trying to help a mama b/c she just decided to leave Duke, which I was thinking coul be another choice if UNC didn't work out.

[OakEmber]

Flitters! Congrats on the 10 year anniversary...sounds like you guys took as long as us to getting around to making it official :LOL It'll be 10 years for us the beginning of Sept. and we'll have our 5th wedding anniversary in Dec.

[Jillerina]

Well, it has been two weeks since I managed to post here. All is well I've just been super busy! DH and I went out of town for THREE days without DD. The trip was good (we spent most of the time in the car) but the best part was how well it went for DD at home. She had a great time with her aunt and uncle and grandfather. I was so relieved when I called home the first time!

The 4th of July was DD's 2nd birthday so we had our own little celebration - it was lots of fun. I can't believe my "baby" is so grown up already.

So, for the question of the week... I was 9lbs 6oz at birth, DH was over 10lbs (4 weeks late) and DD was 8lbs 9oz. I'm expecting another big baby this time.

I'm in the process of considering a new ob. It is not so much that I'm not happy with my doc I just can't handler the travel it takes to see him. I've found another doctor that is within walking distance of my house. The only thing that holds me back from switching for sure is that the new doc delivers at another hospital I don't know much about. So I'm making phone calls this week and will go for a meeting with her (the new doc) next week. Anyway, that is what is going on with me.

Oh yes, I read about all the UTIs last week, I hope everyone is doing better now. I have never had one that I know of and I hope to keep it that way!

[Court]

Hey everyone, just checkin in. Looks like everyone had a nice holiday. My neighbors are STILL shooting off fireworks. Scared the hell out of Logan this afternoon as he was playing peacefully in the backyard, it sounded like WWIII out there. It's one thing on the 4th, when you're expecting it, but geesh, I feel like I'm under attack. If I had fur I'd be molting.

QOTW: We were all (dh, ds, and me) in the 7 lb. range, not too exciting. I'm hoping for at least an 8 pounder this time.

momadance: I put the painting up on the yahoo group site, so it wouldn't be just a blank page. I came across it while searching around online. This is all the info I have on it: Paula Modersohn-Becker, Reclining Mother & Child, 1906, Bremen, Roselius Collection. I've searched around a bit but can't find any place online that sells her prints. Maybe if you check an art and frame store where they have huge catalogs to go through, you might have some luck. (Let me know if you do.) BTW, I've loved seeing all the pics so far! Ireland looks so beautiful and Ember is so cute in her boots :)

Oh, and Piglet, I meant to say a while back, I hear ya on the Old Navy swimsuit. Logan and I have been going to the pool quite a bit and it comes in handy. I do have to wear a strapless bra under mine though, cause the top can kinda move around a lot, I wish there was a bit more elastic or something. Cause when dealing w/ a toddler in the water, things just don't stay in place.

As far as pregnancy goes, I have nothing but complaints. Yes, I'm tired again too. I can't believe I have 15 wks (there go the damn fireworks again :angry ) left. My ribs feel crowded, I have to be practically reclining to eat, my hips hurt, and I'm still hungry. I'm craving the worst things too. I would live on cereal and waffles if I could. Sleeping is annoying to, I have like an hour long ritual of self maintenance just to get to the point where I can lay down and try to sleep. End complaint. ;)

[True Blue]

Hit the first big landmark today, wahoo!!! :love

Sleeping like crap though. If I do manage to be somewhat comfy, I still wake up randomly and then can't sleep for a while. I sleep poorly from about 4am on. On the bright side, DS slept in his toddler bed (sidecarred to our bed) all night for the first time last night!!! That helps a lot!! (He came in to cuddle around 6:30, fine by me!) We worked on it at my mom's, since we were in the room with the daybed....the beds were touching each other, but I got him to stay on his bed, and was able to carry it over here. I'm so excited!! I love sleeping with him but it was really getting disruptive sometimes. He likes to pull my hair in his sleep and I was getting less and less space to sleep in, little bed hog. :D

Today is my first day alone as mommy with DS in 3 weeks. It'll be nice to get things back to normal, I just hope all still goes well in my uterus. Keep your fingers crossed!

[momadance]

Cortney, your post about molting, and your preg. discomforts has me cracking up!

Flitters :love Congratulations :banana :thumb

Oh, and I added some pics to our group! It was easier then I thought. We moma's make some good looking kids! I love seeing everyone!

[3bees~1flower]

UGH!! i can't remember if this has been talked about or not, but is anyone else struggling with carpal tunnel? i got it with ds1 and ended up with pre-e! my bp has been really good so far...but that's beside the point...last night was horrible!! my hands were constantly numb and this morning my right hand hurt with shooting pain clear up my arm!! this is the worst it has been. anyway, just wondering if anyone else was fighting this and what do you do about it? sorry for the whine...

True...i hope you have a good day with ds...just remmeber to take it easy!!

Courtney and True....i hear ya on the not sleeping good...last night i was the most uncomfortable i have been. i normally can sleep on my sides for a long time...NOT last night...i was contantly flipping over and that's not easy to do with a big ol' belly to throw around, kwim? my hips just started to hurt if i didn't turn over all the time...anyway, i feel ya on the sleeping thing!

[Lucysmama]

I added a couple of pics of Lucy to the Yahoo group! :) I just have to get my mom or MIL to email me one of me! I don't have any on my computer!!!

[BeansMomma]

25 weeks!

Hi all- it's been ages since I've posted but I have to confess, I read the boards at least twice a week.

QOTW - no clue what I weighed at birth, but I think it was in the 6lb. range. Not sure of the sperm donor's weight either [don't even know if that info was provided by the sperm bank] so I suppose baby's weight will remain a mystery.

We're finally getting settled into the new house after a nightmare closing experience. I think we've got well over 75% of the boxes unpacked! :carrot

My folks came over last week to help paint the living and dining rooms - which was great. This weekend we're tackling the nursery and the guest room. My folks have really been supportive lately, although my dad is concerned about me getting enough protein and harps on it all the time. I was living vegetarian for a couple of years but have added chicken about once per week since being preggo. But honestly, it's something that I watch like a hawk already (bad pun unintended)...

We also had house guests this weekend and hosted a BBQ on Sat. night. While the rest of the family was painting, I was relegated into the kitchen (away from the paint fumes) and made a huge pasta salad - yum. Speaking of food - I hear you on the 'always hungry' mode. It seems as if my stomach is a masochist (or is it sadist?) because it always wants more even when there's no room.

This weekend was great - on Sunday we went to watch my friend Peter race his bicycle at the velodrome. (It's a professional bike track that has high sloped walls.) Last year Peter was ranked #2 in Oregon, so watching him compete is always a treat. (Did someone else mention their DH is a cyclist?)

I've really grown a lot since the last 2 weeks - my pregnancy is oh so obvious now, which I love. My main complaints are swollen ankles and pained ribs.

[Piglet68]

25 weeks, 2 days

Boy do I hear you mamas on the complaints! Glad to read them as I was coming here to post my own whines. I was so comfy with my first pregnancy, I don't know whether it's because I have a toddler and am working, or I'm just getting old!

I live 2 blocks from work, and yet I feel like I've run a marathon when I get there. I walked really slowly today and that helped, but I'm usually a fast walker and I felt like a bloody invalid. Yesterday when I got to work I was messing around in the lab and kept having to sit down. My energy levels are at an all time low, and everything seems like an effort. And I have 14 weeks of this left! :eek

I don't have carpal tunnel, but my sciatic nerves on both sides flare up alot. It's getting harder to sleep comfortably. Thank god DD is nursing alot less at night, and sleeping through often...I get so sore when I'm on one side for long. My back is becoming uncomfortable b/c of the size of my tummy - Sasha kicks alot when I'm on my back. Thank goodness for my saggy, milkless boobs (whoever thought I'd say that) - they are the reason I can still sleep on my stomach!

Courtney: uh...cereal and waffles huh? you been spying on me? is that a joke? :LOL Seriously, I live on cereal and frozen waffles with jam these days, lol.

Letia: I can't believe you are still having to deal with that "fat" garbage from that MW. I hope you find an escape from her and her nasty attitude soon!

[3bees~1flower]

25 weeks, 2 days

Thank goodness for my saggy, milkless boobs (whoever thought I'd say that) - they are the reason I can still sleep on my stomach!




:eek GIRL...how do you sleep on your tummy!!! Doesn't that hurt!!! I'd worry about shquishing the little bean. Mercy, i can't even imagine doing that...:) at least you have a way to sleep comfy tho!

[Mom2Lily]

Can you add me to the list? I am due Oct 20th

My daughter was born weighing 7 1/2 pounds. She was supposidly 2 weeks late, and induced. I think she just wasn't quite ready to come out.

This time we are doing a HBAC and I am hoping to have the baby early about 38-39 weeks would be *NICE*

I like hearing about you other mamas and other mamas to be

P.S. I was 7 lbs. 11 oz at birth

[stanleymama]

(there go the damn fireworks again :angry )

Sorry to hear you are having a rough time, but this comment made me LOL :laugh: :rotflmao I can just imagine you sitting there typing and then all of sudden jumping out of your skin!!

[stanleymama]

Anyone worried that there little bean isn't moving enough? I know with Collin I was on my feet a lot working f/t so at night is when I would mainly feel him moving around. Aidan and Sammy were quite active, but this little guy isn't as much. I feel him move every day, he gets the hiccups quite often, my belly has bounced a few times, but sometimes I worry that he should be moving more. He is positioned really low. And I have been feeling the best during this pg that I have been active a lot, course I do have 3 toddlers running around that keep me busy as well. Can someone reassure me that all is ok? Were any of your little ones calm in utero? TIA mamas!!

[OakEmber]

Thanks Courtney...I the pics I got that day, reminds me of the cowboy boots people were talking about awhile back...funny the things they insist on wearing, although it made sense that day, after the rain the sun came out so there actually were puddles to jump in while wearing the bathing suit. Ember got her hair cut today and so now I will have to try to take a new pic.

Yep, I am feeling sore lots too. I went to the chiropractor again yesterday, the night before my hips were grinding so much (it felt like anyway) and I got stuck when I bent over to pick Ember up! They hurt when I am sleeping even with the pillow between my legs...and although I was ending up on my back because it seemed the least painful my midwife informed me that it is a really bad idea with my varicous veins.

Stanleymama- Ember was pretty calm in utero, Dh never really felt her much because she'd kick only a couple times and that'd be it...much different than Oakley, once he starts he keeps it up for a good little while. Plus he is active more than once a day and Ember wasn't really. HTH

[sqoya]

I haven't posted in ages, but have been lurking. I felt I was spending way too much time over-analyzing this pregnancy (first for me) - and wanted to spend some time just enjoying it - KWIM? I think DH and I had most major purchases by the end of the 3rd month!!! Lol!!! Anyway, I'm really taking it easier now, and loving it! I don't even know which week I'm in! 25 or 26 I think!

BeansMomma - we're painting the inside of our house, too. Something we meant to do last year, but never got around to. So, I'm relegated to the kitchen, too, although that's not a bad place to be right now!!!

I met a midwife for the Almish community last weekend - she was wonderful! It was so nice to hear about these women that don't even contact her until they're past 30 weeks, and then have healthy, normal deliveries. Really makes me trust my body more!

My back has been killing me, too. I'm fine during the day, but then after sleeping for about 5 hours, it just starts aching! I was worried about a kidney infection, because the place my back hurts is right where my kidneys are. Turned out to just be muscle pain. Otherwise I'm feeling great!

[Lucysmama]

Letia -

Sorry you are getting crap again!!! Could you bring your own tub into the hospital? Would they let you birth in a tub if you sign a waiver? Maybe you could have an "accidental" water birth? I have heard of mamas doing that, and it seems feasible if you don't allow cervical checks and nurses in the room constantly. What would happen, I wonder, if you just refuse to get out? Just thinking out loud for ya...

Dd and I went shopping tonight at Target for some stuff we needed around the house...while I was there, I thought I would try on one of those GlamourMom nursing camisole knock-offs.

All I can say is, never bring a 2 and a half year old into the dressing room with you. I shudder to think of those 6 or 7 people who now know I "have a big, white butt" and "little pink nipples with a little bit of milk comin' out!" :LOL Dd gave a loud running commentary about everything I did in there..."Now, you're taking off your black bra...it's a nice bra, Mommy. Now you are putting that shirt on. Does it fit? No. Get your breasts in there. Good job. I see your nipples, though! Yup...your pink nipples." and on and on and on for maybe 8 or 9 minutes. :eyesroll

Anyway, the tanks look to be pretty good, and I have some big mams, and they felt pretty supported. They are only $17, too. :thumb For anyone who wants to keep their tummy covered (like me) while nursing, they seem like they would be ok, and they are definitely cheap. I figure they might be really good for those engorgement days when I cannot face the prospect of a bra, and until my size stablizes.

[OakEmber]

Lucymama- got me ROFL with that one! Sorry though, must be some kinda embarassing! BTW- I checked out Lucy's pic too, totally suits the image I had of her...what a sweetie!

Letia, sorry you are dealing with that crap again!

Mandi- glad to see that you are out of lurkdom!

[stanleymama]

OakEmber--thanks:) I am feeling better. He has been pretty active this evening so I know he is doing good. Just a bit more calm than the other 3.

Lucysmama--:LOL That is soo funny. I can just imagine hearing her give a commentary.

[Lucysmama]

:LOL It was funny, even though I was a bit embarassed. That kind of stuff doesn't really faze me.....

When dd told the checkout-man that she had "yogurt farts" from eating so much yogurt, that made me :duh, though.

[mirthfulmum]

I don't know how it got to be Thursday already and I haven't posted once all week! My MIL and GMIL are here visiting so I haven't had much time to get to the computer and post. But I have been checking in from time to time and I'm glad that everyone seems to be doing well.

As for me... I'm tired, umcomfortable, sore and can't seem to get a good nights sleep. But I don't want my first post for the week to be a big whine so I'm leaving it at that.

Letia - Ugh! Why can't they just let you be?

Piglet - How are you slepping on your stomach? I am normally a stomach sleeper but had to give that up months ago.

Amy - Hooray for getting life back to normal. I'm sure Mickade is thrilled to have his mommy back.

Flitters - Congratulations on 10 years!

Katie - Your little girl just cracks me up! What a character.

QOTW: I think that I was around 7 pounds and DH was around 6 pounds (but his mom was a smoker, they didn't really know better back then). And Alias was 8 pounds 5 ounces. I've been told already that Harrison looks like he's going to be even bigger. I guess we'll see come October.

[sqoya]

Lucysmama - I couldn't stop laughing about your daughter's commentary!!! :bouncy I'll check out Target! I had never thought of a nursing camisole, but it makes so much sense now. Thanks!

[Soogie]

Gosh, I haven't posted on these boards in weeks but have been lurking. My kidlets have been keeping me busy. A little update: we had an ultrasound 2 weeks ago and squishy is growing just fine. He/she has all of its parts and nothing extra. After the tech did all of his measurements, he let us just watch the baby move for almost a half hour. The best was when he put the transducer right beneath the baby's feet and it kept tap dancing on it. Even Aidan and Fiona were able to make out that they were itty bitty baby feet. I am calling today to schedule a 3d ultrasound. I figure that since this maybe my last baby, I would love to have those type of images just once. I have been feeling good this pregnancy, growing steadily, despite the severe lack of appetite. Is anybody else experiencing this? I really have to force myself to eat. I'm only up 7 lbs so far this pg, and with my other 2, I was pushing the 20lb mark at this point.

I used mother's day gift from my DH and the kids the other day...an entire day at the spa. I had an hour long pregnancy massage (absolutely HEAVENLY!), a facial, manicure, pedicure, leg, brow and bikini (ouch this hurts more when you are pg!). hair cut and highlights. Even a spa lunch. I think I was there for almost 7 hours. I told Damian that I am definitely having more massages before the bean is born. It was so relaxing and a great stress reliever.

QOTW: My ds was 8lbs, 20 1/4 inches long, dd was 6 lbs 11 oz, 18 1/2 inches long. DH was 8lbs 4 oz, 22 inches long, and I was 6 lbs 12 oz, 19 inches long. Our kids were so close to our own birth weights and lengths.

Susan

[3bees~1flower]

:scratch do my posts show up???? (i feel as if they don't :confused: )

[flitters]

i see your posts 3boyz4us. ? :)

and i sleep in all different positions. on my sides, on my back and even sort of on my tummy. i bought one of those snoogle pillows early in pg and i love it. it actually supports me enough so i can lie mostly face down but without the weight on my tummy if i put it under my slightly upwards side. i'm really sleeping pretty well too. i wake up usually once a night to pee and several other times to readjust but then i go right back to sleep. if i have a nightmare then i find it a little harder to rest afterwards. once recently after a bad dream (not involving the baby, just creepy) i was able to relax after listening to the baby for a while with our fetoscope. it's getting easier to find the heartbeat although i can still only do it maybe one out of three times, but i almost always get to hear and feel the baby moving around under it.

so sorry to all those who are getting uncomfortable. i wish i could offer some suggestion! i think i'm very fortunate with how good i feel, at least so far. and i just LOVE feeling the baby. it's kicking up a storm right now and it's like i get this huge wonderful rush every time! i could just sit around all day and delight in this experience! well, hypothetically. work is busy. today i'm really tired too for some reason and i'm having a hard time concentrating when i'd really rather go home, cuddle up with dh and take a nap. ah well, i'm very happy with my job, really i love it, i'm just looking forward to this weekend!

and thanks for all the congratulations - we are very happy about the 10 year mark too! :love :D :love

[Piglet68]

i see you 3boyz!! :wave

Oh man, Soogie, am I ever jealous of your spa day. What I wouldn't give for that!!! (nice to see you posting here again, btw!)

Okay, sleeping on my stomach is do-able b/c I bring one knee up high, that way my belly isn't totally flat and squished...does that make sense? I'm ever so slightly to one side. It is starting to get a bit squishier though, and I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to do this. But with my first PG I couldn't do this after only a few weeks, b/c my breasts were so tender and then they got too big!

Lucysmama: OMG, I am so cracking up at your story. i just know i'm gonna go through this with DD when she gets more verbal. my mother tells me horror stories of things I used to say to her in public. i'm sure i'm in for it with Emily! :)

Mom2Lily: hey, welcome to our gang! :w I'll add you to the list. Way to go on the HBAC. We have a couple other mamas here doing the same thing.

Mirthful: well, you don't sound too stressed out by the family visit, or are you just waiting until they leave before you explode? :)

[OakEmber]

3boyz4us...I hope it's not about no one answering the carpal tunnel question...if so :hug. I'm not experiencing that...but there was a post not too long ago on the I'm Pregnant board...maybe that would help. My fingers sometimes go numb at night on the side I am sleeping on, but that's about it.

Flitters...don't feel bad about feeling good, it almost seemed like you were apologetic :LOL Enjoy it, I didn't have any discomforts in my first pregnancy either; just keep in mind some of our bodies have already been strech and distorted and they remember ;)

[momadance]

Well, my friend recently had her 4th boy at home. Wonder if you'll join her 3boyz4us with another boy!

I haven't been working out, and my body let me know (aches and tightness) I'll tell ya what, an hour of prenatal yoga will have you feeling wonderful in no time!

Soogie, I recently went for my 2nd prenatal massage, and me and the lady gabbed for my whole hour! I feel like I was robbed! (self induced)

I sleep on my tummy, with my knee proped also. I think when Piglet posted that we all had visions of being completely on belly.

Looks like we'll be closing on Wendsday! The house is about 5 minutes from this apt. so I think we'll celebrate by cruising over there that evening and hoping in the jacuzzi! (it has been and will continue to be set cool in this Georgia heat) It's in a gazebo so maybe I'll take a dip Lucysmama and Wannabe style! Hope the neighbors aren't too nosy!

Stanleymama, this babe moves way more then MIles did. While pregnate with MIles I waited tables more than full time until 2 weeks befor my due date, so I think my running around like a mad woman waiting on people sort of kept him lulled. He always had the hiccups though. This one hasn't yet. I was so clutsy towards the end. I dropped so much nice glassware daily, really nice martini glasses and snifters and stuff, they were so nice to me there!

[AnnR33]

OK mamas, give me some advice here...
I think I finally found a great birth ctr in Washington (Cascade Birth Ctr) that I really want to use. I have an appt with them Aug 11 and I'll know more then but so far I think this may be "it." Problem is-insurance won't cover the midwife since she's only a LM, not a CNM (cert nurse midwife). They will cover the facility though so that helps. And of course, all the CNMs in the area only deliver in a hospital. I just really don't want to to deliver in the hospital but DH is such a tightass that he doesn't want to pay the full cost of a LM since insurance will pay for the CNM/hospital birth.
I tried to explain to him about the need for a better experience, only happens once, etc. but he just thinks of the $$$! :irked: He knows I was very underwhelmed with my first 2 births-they were OK but still pretty medically managed since that's all Iowa knows...I had to stronghold the nurses to keep the babes in the rm the whole time!
Now, it's not like money is tight, we CAN afford this but since we are moving and do have more expenses for the next 6 mos DH keeps saying I can have this or new furniture...what a #!%^@! Hello-I can wait on furniture...
So any ideas how to get him past this so he'll be on board?
And yes, we are pretty opposite about the whole "natural" lifestyle thing...he's very AP about the kids but not crunchy otherwise at all-pretty dockers/button up shirt corporate america if ya know what I mean. I guess opposites attract! LOL
At least I got to vent! :)
Thanks
Ann

[stanleymama]

Yeah--this is what I am experiencing. I have been so active during this pg that I think I keep him lulled. Even at home, I am either cleaning the house, playing with the boys outside, taking them for a walk, around running around filling orders for my business. THanks for telling me this--I take comfort in it. I like being pg, but I much prefer when it is all over and they are sleeping in my arms. Then I KNOW they are ok--KWIM?


Stanleymama, this babe moves way more then MIles did. While pregnate with MIles I waited tables more than full time until 2 weeks befor my due date, so I think my running around like a mad woman waiting on people sort of kept him lulled. He always had the hiccups though. This one hasn't yet. I was so clutsy towards the end. I dropped so much nice glassware daily, really nice martini glasses and snifters and stuff, they were so nice to me there![/QUOTE]

[3bees~1flower]

3boyz4us...I hope it's not about no one answering the carpal tunnel question...if so :hug. I'm not experiencing that...but there was a post not too long ago on the I'm Pregnant board...maybe that would help. My fingers sometimes go numb at night on the side I am sleeping on, but that's about it.

thanks for the :hug...i guess i wrote that not just about that, but it seems that everyone gets responded to...i guess i don't know if i fit in here. i know i haven't posted a lot lately, but this is why. maybe it's just hormones causing me to be oversensitive, sorry if this sounds like a pity party...i just don't have anyone IRL to "go through" pregnancy with and was really looking forward to these due date clubs. and i also didn't know if had offended anyone with something i may have said...so, anyway...thanks for the :hug...

momadance...my mom is pretty much convinced this baby is a boy too! we'd be thrilled with a new little boy!! i just get tired of all the "oh, i hope you have girl for you (meaning me)" why do people assume that i *need* a girl to feel complete or for our family to be complete, kwim?

Ann...i hope you and dh can come to a compormise and that YOU get the birth experience that you want...since you ARE the one going through it all. i'd tell him FORGET the furniture, give me the LM! :)

Lucysmom...what a silly little girl you have! i think it's so cute when they come up with stuff like that...allbeit a little embarassing to the parent, but still cute.

[AnnR33]

Hang in there 3boyz4us, sometimes we just get so caught up in our own issues or the last one posted that I don't always go back to read if I'm short on time-which seems to be often lately ;)
But I know it's easy to feel left out so :hug to you and anyone else that needs one today!!
Ann

[mirthfulmum]

:hug 3boyz4us. I'm with Ann in that I often get caught up in my own stuff when posting, or just can't keep track of who said what and when to post a reply to. Thank you for letting us know that you were feeling a bit left out. I would never want that to happen to anyone here.

As for the whole "oh you hoping for a (insert opposite gender of child/ren)" thing, I only have the one boy and so many people are asking me when we plan to start trying for the third one as this little babe is a boy :eyesroll. I have told both my mom and my mother in law that we are pretty sure that we aren't having any more children (nothing's definate right?) and both of them have expressed to varying degrees their dissapointment at not having a granddaughter. Funnily (although not that surprising considering my mother) it's my mom who's the most vocal about wanting me to try for that girl. In my MIL's case, we are her only chance for grandkids (my SIL can't have kids and has no intention of ever having kids) so I can understand her disapointment, but she's only brought it up twice since finding out we were having a boy. My mom won't let it go. She talks about how great it would be to have that little girl but she could have her granddaughter through my brother. So I'm not sure why it's so important to her that I have a daughter.

And no, I'm not really feeling any stress with my MIL and GMIL here visiting. It's a bit tough having so many people crammed into such a small space but I have one of those MILs that everyone dreams of. She's generous, helpful and never complains. She thinks that I'm an excellent mother and wife and has never said a word of criticism to me in the 15 years that I have been with her son. Having her here is like a mini vacation. My mother on the other hand... :irked:

[Court]

Ann- Sounds like my situation w/ the homebirth /midwife. My dh was (is) a little concerned about the money. We actually went to the mat over it a while back. He finally understands how important this is to me, and that I do feel a little guilt over having to pay extra, even though we pay for insurance each month. He brought it up again yesterday, "So, I still wish there was some way we could get the insur. to pay for the midwife." And I feel helpless cause there's nothing I can do. I just had to decide for myself that this was something I had to do, even if dh gets a little grumpy about it, I'll just have to live w/ that. (which is hard cause I'm a "people pleaser") This is prob. my last baby, and I really can't see it happening any other way. I would feel robbed of the experience that I want. So, not much advice, except whatever you can extract from that. You guys can get the furniture next year. That reminds me of when dh bought my engagement ring and kept pointing out all the things he could've bought instead, "We could've had a big screen TV!" :eyesroll Ofcourse now I would rather have new furniture than this engagement ring, but I digress.

3boyz4us- I responded to your post mentally, then got distracted and forgot to post- which happens a lot. I do get numbness on the side of my hand from time to time (I don't know if that's carpal tunnel) I also knew someone who had it really bad during her pregnancy, and having the baby was the only thing that helped. I was just thinking about you and stanleymama who have 3 boys and how if even I'm getting the "doncha wanna girl" comment, then I can't imagine what you guys must be hearing. I've heard, "Every mom just wants someone to go shopping with and do their nails with..." :scratch

mirthful- that's how I feel about my MIL and mom. Glad the visit is going well.

Speaking of my mom - she asked the dreaded question yesterday "so which hospital are you delivering the baby at?" So, although I'd considered lying, I told her about the midwife and homebirth. She says w/ dread, "oh no! that's so scary." Later she says, "does your doctor say it's okay?" Um, I say it's okay, and I haven't even seen a "doctor" since I've lived here, I see midwives. I haven't been sick. I mentioned that w/ my midwives I get all the same care and tests, etc. her: "Whew, well as long as you're getting the tests!" And I'm like, "oh yeah those tests have made huge difference in my pregancy so far..." Anyways, 800 stupid comments later she says, "well you're the one having the baby and this is a decision you're gonna have to make" Um, the decisions already been made mom.

I'm just glad it's over, and I don't think I sounded too defensive. I told her she can do the research herself if she wants. I hate feeling like I have to sell it to her and educate her. But she still sort of acts like I owe her an explanation for everything. End novel. :love

[stanleymama]

momadance...my mom is pretty much convinced this baby is a boy too! we'd be thrilled with a new little boy!! i just get tired of all the "oh, i hope you have girl for you (meaning me)" why do people assume that i *need* a girl to feel complete or for our family to be complete, kwim?


I get the same thing I think EVERY DAY!!! We also have 3 boys and this one is a boy, but we aren't telling anyone because they act "disappointed" if it isn't a girl. It is one of my BIGGEST frustrations!!! If we were having a girl I would be just as thankful, but in our hearts we both wanted another little boy. So :hug to you--I know exactly how you feel.

[3bees~1flower]

thanks for the :hug 's gals....i was more concerned that i'd said something offensive or something...thanks for the reassurance.

stanleysmom...i *know* dh is hoping for another boy...i just pray he isn't disappointed if it's not...he says he won't be, but the comments he makes have me a teensy bit concerned...he's just a "boy" daddy...kwim?

mirthful...what you said about having someone to shop and do nails with... :eyesroll ...i'd say...well, if i did my nails regularly, then i'd be perfectly fine doing it by myself...wouldn't take nearly as long ;) ...but yeah, that's quite the reason to have a deep burning desire for a girl...

sorry to those of you who have to be so defensive of your birth choices...actually, i'm jealous ;) ...i think you guys are so fortunate....i'm totally fine with having to do another c-section, but of course i'd love to have my baby at home...in fact, i had a friend ask me last sun...a gal i told about TCOYF awhile ago...she asked, "so are you having you baby at home?" i said, i wish!!

my carpal tunnel is better than it was the other day...i don't know if it had anything to do with it, but the day before it hurt so bad, i had sewed curtains (10 of them for her camper) all day for a friend of mine...i wouldn't think that would have been the cause, but maybe it was...i'm just glad it doesn't hurt like it did that day.

i have the best MIL as well....she is older, so as far as helping out with the boys, she does what she can...they only live 3 miles from us...but she is sooo not intrusive on our lives, which i'm thanksful for. my mom is pretty low key...

[Piglet68]

I, too, admit to a little jealousy about homebirthing. But then I have major fear/anxiety issues over labour so probably it's better that this isn't an option. It also helps that we move around alot and don't have a permanent "home" yet, so none of these places feel like places to create such a memory. I'm happy about the anaesthesia part (lol...i really am a wimp) but I am so jealous about the homebirthing mamas who don't have to deal with the poking and prodding of baby, the grief with every weigh-in, the pressures, the legalities, etc....that I totally envy!

3boyz...ITA with what mirthful said. glad you are feeling better. don't want anybody to feel ignored or unwanted here!! oh, and I"ll be the carpal tunnel pain was due to sewing!

The gender thing is so crazy. I think half the time people are just bringing it up for something to say. We get all this heavy congrats on having the classic "one girl, one boy" but I would have been thrilled with another girl, too.

Now I can't remember who said their DH is a "boy daddy" but I think this is so natural after having so many boys. Trust me that he will find a whole new kind of love for a daughter, if that is what baby is!

mirthful, sorry you had to go through yet another selfish tirade from your mother. she really sound so self-absorbed...like the sole purpose of you having children is to fulfill her "order form" for grandkids! :rolleyes

Ann: I don't know what to say except to try to make your DH understand just how important this is for you. Maybe if he can truly understand, he'll cave. Or you could just negotiate, say in return you will wait on furniture, etc...or he can have something special to him. It's really not fair for only one person to make the financial decisions. You both have equal say in how your money is spent, and if you can't agree on something, compromise is warranted. Your birth experience is SO important!

My mother has been pretty good except she won't give up on pushing the potty training. Keeps saying how much easier it will be when baby comes. DD is only just playing with her potty these days, and as far as I can tell is nowhere near ready to begin in earnest. Frankly, I'm in NO rush, which my mother just can't understand. I love doing diapers, and it is just so much easier to not have to worry about when they last went to the bathroom, where the nearest bathroom is...then having to deal with a toddler in a public restroom....all while dealing with a newborn?????. Is she nuts?? I don't get what is with it....must be some kind of bragging rights - her sister has a grandson (her first, too) who just potty trained recently in about 2 weeks. He's six months older than Emily. But so what?? Ugh.

Okay, that's my vent for today.

[OakEmber]

3boyz4us...I thought that was how you are feeling from your post but I didn't want to elaborate too much just incase I was wrong. :hug....just to let you know I know how you feel, I have been a part of other boards and felt the same thing. I think it can sometimes feel like some of us direct more posts at eachother than others at times but I think it justs because some of us have too much time on our hands ;) and get on the board more than once per day...so we just end up posting more and can end up hogging the board :innocent As I said, I have felt like I got the cold shoulder on other boards (and pregnacy hormones don't help that feeling) so on this one I make sure I put myself out there, a lot :LOL And yes, definately sewing the curtains could have bothered the carpal tunnel because cashiers and people who do repetitive tasks like that get more CT...glad it is feeling better now though.

You know what would be cool....I noticed our yahoo board has a chat, that'd be cool (though it is much harder to converse that way with kids)...if any of you are ever signed on while I am on there, feel free to strike up a chat with me!!

[3bees~1flower]

OHHHH, potty training! thankfully, i don't get much flack about how i potty train....b/c frankly, i refuse to potty train...i wait till i KNOW they are capeable....which has been over 3 (3 ys and 4 mos for the older boys, noah just turned 2)...once i get all the signs they know what to do, i change them one morning, put underwear on them and that's it...they fight against it at first, but are trained within a few days or a week at the most...i just refuse to mess with accidents and everything else that goes with it...training for months on end does not appeal to me....my SIL started with my niece between 18 and 20 mos, i think, she was 2 in Nov...and i *think* she is just NOW able to be labeled "potty trained" and even still she has accidents...i think SIL just trained herself to take her to the bathroom every 1hr-1 1/2 hrs...to me, that is just not being potty trained. i would MUCH rather change diapers for over 3 yrs than have to deal with pee and poop all over my floor from accidents....whew! those around me IRL know this is hot button for me....why the hurry to train, i just don't get it...they aren't going to go Kindergarten in diapers, so why the hurry? hope i didn't offend anyone, i just have a strong opinion on the subject ;)

so piglet, you just train that girl whenver you are good and ready :)



oh, and piglet....i wear granny undies too :LOL i buy undies 2-3 sizes bigger than normal...they work great! ;)

[mirthfulmum]

:clap 3boyz4us.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for putting me right. I've been going back and forth the past month or so on the whole potty training issue (Alias just turned 2). I thought that it would be easier on me to try to get him potty trained before the baby came but you are totally right. My boy isn't ready, and it would just be more of a hassle to try and "make" him be ready.

[Lucysmama]

As you can tell from my siggie, we have just hopped aboard the potty Train. Ugh. All I can say is, it is a thankless and time-consuming job. :)

Dd really wanted to wear panties, and dh and I decided to just go for it....like 3boys4us said. We put her in her underpants, and went cold-turkey off the diapers. She has had about 1-2 accidents/day, and she is on Day #4. (Always when we are in the car. I think it's the vibration or something.) I am really glad she wants to do this NOW, though, and not in the fall when I will have to deal with a newborn at the same time. Because it really is time-consuming. I much prefer diapers. But dd really wants to "be a big girl like Mommy" and go in the potty. For all of you who have toddlers who may wanna do it soon, I would recommend either NOW, if they are ready, or not until a while after the baby is born. I can't imagine 10 false alarm trips to the bathroom per day while trying to juggle a 2 week old, you know? Oh, dd is 2 1/2 by the way.

My MIL is also really great. As I type, she is on a nice walk with Lucy to give me a rest. We spent the whole day shopping - she bought big girl panties and a bunch of easy on/off pants for dd, and took us out to dinner. We talked a lot about homebirthing, and women/mothers, politics, breastfeeding, etc....she had natural vaginal births, breastfed exclusively till 11 mos, did gentle discipline and cloth diapered. She is ecstatic that I am a liberal, AP, non-mainstream mama. :love My own mom is the big PITA, like so many of your moms.

Hope you all are well!!!

[True Blue]

Oh yeah potty training! I was in no hurry with DS, and planned to wait as long as I needed til he showed he was ready. He shocked my while a friend was staying with us with her 3 year old somewhat potty trained son and climbed up on the toilet while he was on the potty and peed! SO off on the journey we went. For us, the potty has been much much easier than dipes....but mainly bc DS has ALWAYS had such fierce opposition to diaper changes. I HATED changing his dipe (though I love my cd's!!). So it's good for us that he trained early (he's mostly there already, an accident a day and even started pooping on the toilet yesterday!!). I think one of the reasons he wanted to do it was to avoid laying down and having his dipe changed LOL. But seriously, I would never push it before he was ready....IMO it makes the process that much longer!!! And harder!

We have one boy, and of course everyone thinks this is a girl...but I think it's just because we have a boy, you know? I keep thinking boy, but I don't know if it's bc I don't want to get my hopes up for a girl or what. I don't really care either way, but I would really like to have a girl at some point. Not just for shopping either :LOL

[momadance]

Ah yes! The potty! Miles was in big boy pants right around his 2nd birthday. It really was NO BIG DEAL! He was naked one day befor his 2nd birthday and I could tell he had to pee. I sat him on the big potty seat, he peed, and I freaked! I made the biggest hoop laa out of it, and he got a real kick out of it. We had a few accidents, (learning to poo in there was icky) but absolutely not the PITA everyone told me it would be! I know he was young "for a boy" is what everyone said, but when there ready, you know! It's SUPER important I found to get them to go at every stop when running around. Miles really got a kick out of checking out b-rooms, and it minimized accidents in the car, plus just a good habbit of getting into. Sure, it adds 5 minutes to a trip to the grocery store, but what the hey! :thumb

oh mama's I'm so sleepy these days....

[Lucysmama]

Momadance....

I am sleepy too. :zzz

I need a nap every day or I get REALLY crabby! :rant:

[Jillerina]

Another tired Momma here. Need my afternoon nap as badly as DD does!

[bluehalo]

Ack, I'm 27 weeks today. The time really is flying!

What do you guys have on your "to do before baby comes list" left?

We have some some house projects that I want to get out of the way, nothing crucial, just stuff I'd like to have crossed off my list before the ensuing chaos. We still need to finalize our co-sleeping arrangement. I'm thinking of side car-ing a crib, but I don't want to buy a new crib mattress (off-gassing fears) and the cotton/wool futons that you can order come w/ the flame retardant junk too, unless you get a script from a doc saying you need otherwise, and I'm not sure if my ped would be willing to write that or not. (wow, what a run-on sentence!). So, that's where my mind has been lately, trying to figure out this whole co-sleeping craziness. Sometimes it seems like we'd have plenty of room w/ the new baby in the bed, with with E's erratic sleeping positions, I hate to count on it. I think the extra room provided by a side car-ed crib would be just right, if I can make it happen.

I've been going through E's old baby clothes, and although this baby is another boy, the seasons are way off, so there's not too much I'll be able to use. Luckily, my brother and his family that we were just visiting just sent me home with all the tiny stuff that my little nephew has already outgrown, and it's more seasonally appropriate, so I think we're pretty set up to about 6-month sized stuff.

We've also gotten the comments about "trying for a girl" with the next child. We're also thinking that this pregnancy will be our last (again, no guarantees, obviously ... but that's the plan for now, at least) ... I just find that whole "try for a specific sex" attitude offensive. It seems so silly to make such a huge decision on something that you have *so* little control over! And to impose those thoughts on another family, well, it just seems flat out rude to me. I have to admit I have to try hard to hold my tongue when someone makes one of those remarks to me.

My husband, as well, was kind of relieved when we found out that it was another boy ... he also thinks of himself as a "boy dad", but like someone else mentioned, I'm sure he'd adapt if we had a girl ;) I think it's just a comfort factor ... you're often more comfortable w/ what you're used to.

[mirthfulmum]

Don't have much time as I'm trying to get into the shower... but I wanted to say
:banana :banana Congratulations :balloons bluehalo. Welcome to the third trimester!!!!!

[krnflwr]

Did anyone else join the yahoo group to show off pics? :)

Hi Mamas, I'm back from Kansas and reading posts like mad, trying to catch up. My question is this: what yahoo group? Did I miss something? Someone clue me in, please.

Visiting with family was nice, in a stressful and soap opera-ish way, as I'm sure many of you understand. Hannah was thrilled to be the center of attention, and it was nice to have a change of scenery, change of pace, that being away from home provides. My g-pa just keeps getting more and more strange infections and illnesses, and no one quite knows what to do for him. It was a very sorrowful goodbye, with me wondering if I'd get to see him again in this lifetime. Hopefully the treatment will be sucessful and he won't have any lasting brain damage.
Baby Cookie is a crazy acrobat lately, moving and dancing all the time. So much fun! I feel huge already, and am wondering how I'm going to keep expanding for the next few months. I don't remember being this large (belly-wise) with Hannah until the very end. I'm finding it hard to bend over, tie my shoes, etc. anymore. I broke out the belly belt (back support harness dealie) and that has helped trememdously with the weird back and hip pain I was having. If this baby keeps growing at her current rate, I'm going to need a forklift by the time I'm 40 wks! ;)
QOTW: I was almost 3 weeks "late" when I was born, and weighed 8 lbs, 6 oz. Historically, my family tends to have "late" babies who are on the big side. Hannah was 7 lbs 12 oz, and was induced at 40.5 weeks (OB was sure she was HUGE and he was in a hurry to get her delivered. Never again! :irked: ).
Our 4th of July celebration ended up in a huge thunderstorm, so we enjoyed Mother Nature provided fireworks. Other than that, it was a nice day with family, eating lots of yummy food and juicy watermelon. Yum.
Hope everyone is doing well, I'm going to try to catch up on all the posts while I can (and Hananh is still napping). Glad to be back!

[3bees~1flower]

hey, mamas! so i got to spend the day SEWING all by myself (without kids) at our church...we had a craft day...bring whatever you're working on and work without interruptions. it was a lot of fun....i was going to make a couple dipes, but forgot to bring the binding along. so i worked on the blanket i have been eager to start on....it is a double layer knit interlock blanket with interlock binding...it's turing out pretty good...i really love how soft it is.


bluehalo...we've been trying to get the basement fit to have our bedroom down there so we can split the boys up...right now they are all three in the same room....the baby will stay in our room for 10 mos or till he/she outgrows the cradle...it's a pretty big one...solid oak that my dad made for me when i was expecting ds#1. i just can't co-sleep...i don't sleep with someone that close to me...so that's what we'd like to get done before Oct. we have been waiting to put carpet down there till we got the sewer pipe that goes from the house to the ceptic tank replaced and dh did that last sat. so now we just need to get on the stick and get it finished. we own and tree care company and tons of wood from trees and dh bought a sawmill awhile ago and has been cutting lumber...that is what we redid the walls down there with...raw, frsh cut lumber...looks like barnboards.

krnfl...glad you ahd a good trip...it is nice to get in a different place and not have to worry about all the household stuff that you do at home. sorry about your g-pa...that must be tough.

baby bean has had a quiet day today, movement wise...he must be breach b/c the movement i do feel is all way low....this is not my favorite position to have him in. but oh, well....at least he is squriming.

[krnflwr]

My mother has been pretty good except she won't give up on pushing the potty training. Keeps saying how much easier it will be when baby comes. DD is only just playing with her potty these days, and as far as I can tell is nowhere near ready to begin in earnest. Frankly, I'm in NO rush, which my mother just can't understand. I love doing diapers, and it is just so much easier to not have to worry about when they last went to the bathroom, where the nearest bathroom is...then having to deal with a toddler in a public restroom....all while dealing with a newborn?????. Is she nuts?? I don't get what is with it....must be some kind of bragging rights - her sister has a grandson (her first, too) who just potty trained recently in about 2 weeks. He's six months older than Emily. But so what?? Ugh.

Okay, that's my vent for today.

Piglet, you took the words right out of my mouth. That was the constant refrain this past week with my family, "Is Hannah potty trained yet?", "Oh no, get her on the potty", etc. What is it with people and my daughter's toilet habits??

[Court]

Hi Mamas, I'm back from Kansas and reading posts like mad, trying to catch up. My question is this: what yahoo group? Did I miss something? Someone clue me in, please.

Some of the October mamas wanted a private way to share pics, so I set up an unlisted yahoo group to view and post pics on. If you want in, just pm me w/ your email addy and I'll send you an invite to join. That goes for anyone else in our group too by the way.

Sorry to hear about your grampa, krnflwr.

p.s.- I love looking at all the pics so far, makes everyone seem more real.

[OakEmber]

Karin, welcome back...sorry to hear that your G-pa isn't doing better but I am glad you were able to visit. The yahoo group was started by CourneyandLogan because we decided it would be nice to be able to see pics of our members and children, without having to post them on a board with public access. So all you have to do is PM Courtney and she can send you an invite.

3boyz- sounds like you had a nice day! I hope your basement renovation goes off without a hitch. And I admire your take on PT. I won't even go in to the long story but I've given up on expecting Ember to stay dry, although she is in underwear...we just go through about 3-5 pairs a day...she fully poop trained though, thank goodness :exclaim

Bluehalo- Congrats on being in your third trimester!! :carrot And we are also trying to figure out new co-sleeping arrangements but havent' decided what to do yet exactly...there isn't room to add a twin unless we move out our dresser (and the only place for the dresser would be then in the kids room...Dh wouldn't go for it and besides, I don't really want to have to explain to everyone who comes over why there is no bed in there :LOL, right now even though it doesn't get used at least it makes people think she sleeps in there ;) not like I should care but I got tired of explaining to people why we didn't have a crib and I can only imagine what they'd think knowing the she is almost 4 and *gasp* still in our bed). Dh is planning on building an extra sleep space so we'll see. That's about all that's left on our before baby comes do list.

[OakEmber]

:LOL you beat me by a minute Courtney! I agree about the pictures making everyone seem more real, I am enjoying it too!

[momadance]

Ok mama's! I need some more powerful mama good vibes! I just left a message with THE homebirth mw I had origianally hoped to hook up with for this pregnancy. When I contacted her early in my preg. her, and her backup had planned to be out of town for 2 and a half weeks at a mw convention in Portland. Word on the homebirth circuit around these parts is she's decided not to go! Now, with us being in a house with a jacuzzi, and all the anxiety I've been having about going to and delivering, and then staying at a hospital, I really hope this can work out for us! There are a couple others I could call on in the area, but I've heard such conflicting info on them, and there's really no "standard" in a place where the legality is up in the air.
Oh mama's! I hope this works out! :love :1praying: :sunshine

[mirthfulmum]

:fingersx: momadance

[3bees~1flower]

:fingersx: momadance


many dittos!! i hope it works out for you!!

[krnflwr]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I was at Target this morning and they had those nursing camisoles/tanks on sale, as well as all their other nursing bras in that line. I found one that was an XXL, and although it doesn't fit around my belly at all at this point, it will work well to keep control of the "girls". ;)
I also uploaded a few pics to the Yahoo group, in case anyone wants to take a peek at me and my lil hannah. I really like to be able to get a mental image to go with all your cyber-voices. Thanks, Courtney, for setting the group up.
Oops, the princess awakens...must attend.

[JenDoula]

I just found this place! Finally, a forum full of people probably read Mothering, and who probably think like I do. This has been hard to find. :)

I'm Jen, I'm a labor/birth doula and SAHM to two boys: Darien was born by unplanned, nonemergency C-section following a failed induction and 20 hour labor, on 8/12/00. Adam was born by unmedicated 41-week VBAC on 9/19/02. I'm expectin #3 on 10/19/04, but all my friends say I should have him at 41 weeks on 10/26 so that I can maintain my perfect 2 year 1 month 1 week spacing, LOL. I wouldn't mind going to 41 weeks again, but earlier would be nice, too!

I'm glad to have found this place!! Need to make a fancy signature, I suppose...

Jen

[Mom2Lily]

Hi Jen,
I'm glad your here. I am rather new myself, at least to this birth board. I normally hang out in the cloth diaper area. I too had a failed indluction leading to an unemergency c-section, which I didn't have a choice on. Apparently 37 hours was too long and my ob was not supportive (I made it to 9 cm)

I am planning a HBAC with a local lay midwife. I think it is going to be a wonderful birth. I am so please there is an option to repeat c-sections, just have to find a supportive person to deliver the baby.

looking forward to hearing more from ya!

[Piglet68]

I should really be getting to bed!

Hi Jen! :w And welcome to our group, and to MDC!! I will add you to our October Moms list. We have a new thread here every week, which I start on Monday mornings.

Hearing about all your potty training stories is just making me more convinced not to bother. DD doesn't need her diapers changed that much, and I can't imagine the hassle of having to stop all the time to see if she needs to go, trying to find a decent and clean public restroom, all while handling a newborn!! :eek I'm QUITE happy with diapers, and sometimes I wish she'd stay in them for another year, lol!

What do I have on my list before baby? Oh, not much: move across country while 33 weeks pregnant, find a place to live, move in, set up, find an OB (did I mention I'll be 33 weeks pregnant?!)....y'know, just the usual "nesting" stuff. :rolleyes

Someone mentioned being tired...I swear, I spend half my weekends sleeping. I am not this tired at work. I can't figure it out! Well, actually work is not physically demanding - I spend most of my day sitting, so I suppose that has a lot to do with it. I also feel big and as though I couldn't have been this big the last time, lol. Hard to believe I still have 13 weeks left!

Okay, I really need to go to bed. I'll start the new thread tomorrow morning when I get to work.