February mamas-week of July 18-24

[Lousli]

February mamas, some of us are almost in the second trimester! let's hope that means more energy and less m/s for all...

Kater07 February
Chiku due Feb 1 birthing center
Parker'smommy (Heather) due Feb 1
Lisashepp (Lisa) due Feb 1
Sadkitty. Due Feb 1st
Dandylion (Stephanie) due Feb 2
Truvie due Feb 2
PeacefulVegan (who also answers to Tracie) due Feb 3
Lou due Feb 3
Twin Mom (Deb) Due Feb 4, VBA2C homebirth
Free Thinker (Mandy) due Feb 5
HelloKitty (Kitty) due Feb 6
Letabug (Arleta) due Feb 6
LianneM due Feb 7 homebirth
TexasSuz (Susan) due Feb 7
Happymamajenni (Jenni) due Feb 7 hospital/OBGYN
LesleyLuu (Lesley) due Feb 7 (or 9th?) hospital/OBGYN
DeirdreAlison (Deirdre) due 1st week Feb homebirth, maybe waterbirth
New Life Due Feb 8
Shannon 0218- due Feb 11 hospital birth with great OB
ella-makes-3 (Jasmine) - due ~ Feb. 11 midwife/natural birth at birth center
Tug due Feb 12
Firefly due Feb 13
Christi due Feb 14 hospital birth with fab OB
Periwinkle (Karen) due Feb 14
Fairymomma (Pamela) due Feb 14
Jorie (Margorie) due Feb 14
AmBam (Amber) due Feb 14 homebirth
Wtchyhlr (Joy) due Feb 14
rose angel (Karen) due Feb 16
mama2m&m (Denise) due Feb 16
HydeParkB due Feb 17
Karennnnn (Karen) due Feb 17
Coopsmama (Kristen) Due Feb 17
Shyly (Monica) Due Feb 17
Gretchen Due Feb 18
weesej (Jen) Due Feb 19 homebirth
mehndimama (Stell) due Feb 22 unassisted homebirth
*Amy* (Amy) due Feb 20 birthing center/possible water birth...?
heveasoul due Feb 21, h/b with m/w
Ekblad7 due Feb 28

[ekblad9]

I know I've done this five times before but please tell me I'm going to feel better soon. I feel like bloody hell. I'm so freaking dehydrated. The anti nausia pills are great except that they are also a sedative and knock me completely out. My kids are running amock doing God knows what. My dh is really losing it with me. My mom had to do my grocery shopping today! :bag: I suck, suck, suck!!!! :(

[jorie]

subscribing

ekblad--don't beat yourself up!! you are expending the same energy every day growing this baby as it takes to run a marathon! If you ran a marathon everyday, people wouldn't complain if you were tired.

[TexasSuz]

:crying Hi everyone. I have been reading the posts but have felt too bad to post myself. I am so depressed. I will be 12 weeks on Monday and I still feel so badly. It has affect our lives so much - poor dh is doning everything, we have gone no where this summer, we have spent a fortune on medication and take out, ds watches way too much tv now, ds does not seem as close to me because I am always lying down. I miss going places, doing fun stuff with my ds, etc. I am soooooo depressed. I just want my life back!

Thanks for letting me feel sorry for myself. I have also lost 6 pounds but look fatter - how is that possible? My stomach is huge!!!!!!!!!!

[Lousli]

Sorry everyone is feeling so darn crummy (trying to not cuss). I'm not so sick as you all, but just tired, tired, tired. I have to go back to work next week and I'm NOT looking forward to it. But anyway, I keep hoping that for me as well as you gals it starts easing up in the next couple of weeks. I have my second OB appointment. I'll be setting up a nuchal translucency for sometime in the next 2 weeks I think. Feel better everyone, and try to not feel guilty.

[shannon0218]

Subscribing.
Suz, it's possible, I lost 19 lbs and none of my pants fit-yeah, that makes sense.
This part will be over soon everyone--it has to be or I won't be able to cope. It's supposed to be hot and humid all week here. The air in my truck is broken--btw, can you believe that Steve had the gaul to say his car always breaks when I drive it just cause his rear view mirror fell off--that cost 11 bucks to repair adn is arm rest broke off on me. Meanwhile, he's driving my much newer truck and the air breaks and he busts my rear brake lines---hellooooooo, who breaks who's vehicle????? Anyway, back to my originally scheduled thought...my air is broken, his air SUCKS and I HAVE to leave the house today tomorrow and Wednesday.

[tug]

Suz - Hope you are feeling better. I know exactly what you mean. My DH has been doing everything around the house too. He's really really nice about it (and even bought me flowers on Saturday) but I still feel like he must resent it (esp. b/c i've been so sick that we haven't had any intimacy in weeks and weeks and weeks). We've also eaten out constantly. Our bank statement was a page long, single-spaced restaurant entries. Which we also totally can't afford. My father (who lives with us) thinks I do nothing but sleep. I "play" with ds by lying on the couch encouraging him ("yeah, go get that ball you just threw that i'm too lazy to go get and toss back to you!" "yeah, make some noise on that little musical toy."). what a great mom. and i suck at work. i'm miserable and just want to go home.

hopefully, this will all get better after next week...

[weesej]

It will be getting better. This is time #6 for me and DH is very good about taking over everything. He knows he is mister do EVERYTHING for 6 weeks.

No more spotting, very glad. Going to see if I can get the HB when I am out doing prenatals tommorow :D

Shannon, was reading about the low blood sugar problem. Sugar makes blood sugar jump up and then crash even lower than before, in other words you feel good and then awful! You need to eat AT LEAST every 2 hours. We digest things faster when pregnant and even if it seems like you just ate, eat again. Always eat some protien. If you want something sweet and have a peach, then eat a slice of cheese too! The protien levels out the blood sugar and maintains it longer. Hot and humid here too, this is the first pregnancy that I have had AC for and #5 with the 1st trimester in the summer. I am so thankful for the AC!

[ekblad9]

Glad to hear my dh isn't the only one not getting sex and having to do most of everything. I"m so frustrated with the state of the house, the kids, everything. I try to do stuff but feel so crappy!

Anyway, at least I'm not the only one. Hopefully we'll all feel better soon!

[*Amy*]

Me too. I feel like absolute crap today, even feeling sorry for myself which I just hate to do. I had terrible emotional dreams last night (that I was married to my mean ex-boyfriend instead of DH, for example) and I woke up just feeling sad and anxious. I can't get rid of those feelings and just want to go back to bed.

My fatigue is really taking over my life, and I also feel guilty about what a slug I am. DH is really desperate for intimacy, and I can't even muster the energy to *think* about it, much less do it. My nausea is the worst it's been, though still not actually losing it.

I'll be so glad in 2-3 weeks when I am feeling more like normal.

[shannon0218]

I know this is utterly pathetic and that I'm one of few first time parents here. But last night, my young dog was feeling particularily sucky (a good 50% of her existence) Anyway, when she is like this, she snuggles up next to me at night (Steve works nights) So I'm sleeping with her last night, my arm around neck and she's so snugley and warm and what comes into my mind??? How am I going to co-sleep with Bedlam in the bed, I mean, while she's there she's very still and everything, but in getting up and finding "her spot" she could easily step on a babe and she's a german shepherd, so it would hurt. So there I am in bed with her, crying because I can't decide if I should start kicking her off the bed now or just wait until closer to "the time" and worried that she will not understand (she had a rough start in life but has taken rather quickly to her new cushy life). Before anyone thinks I'm a nutbar.... I'm a dog trainer and for the most part I work with police dogs, so I'm a fairly tough dog trainer. I have been quoted many times as saying "For God's sake, it's a dog... get over it!" (I love my dogs to bits but am the first to admit we walk on 2 legs and they walk on 4 for a reason)
Anyway, I"m pathetic, I know it, are there any other doggie parents strugling with how to sleep with baby adn the pets???

[wtchyhlr]

wow, we're all having Mondays.

Lesse. Sex. What the hell is that. My poor DH at least isn't complaining... but I've been WAY to tired to even think about sex for oh, about 6 weeks... in fact i think we've had sex exaclty once since the BFP. I'd rather sleep. *shrug*

Shannon - Rod didn't want our puppy in bed with us at first cuz he was so tiny (mini poodle) when we got him - just under 5lbs. But now he's close to 15, and I gotta admit, i love sleeping with him. But ... he's crate trained, and spends MOST of the night in the crate by the bed. When i get up early to go pee, I take him out, and then he comes to bed and sleeps with us for about an hr. so i'm not real worried, i don't think we'll be doing that at first with the baby, but maybe after a few months. We'll see.

My first midwife appt is tomorrow :) quite excited about it. REally anxious to see or hear a heartbeat. We'll try with the doppler first, and if we don't hear it, then i'll go ahead and have an ultrasound.

[tug]

shannon - sorry about the doggy thing. and german shephards are so so cuddly and needy. my oldest pup (13 yrs) is part german shephard. after the baby came, we stopped having the dogs or cat on the bed (a german shephard mix and a greyhound and a cat and a baby and us on a queen-size bed just wouldn't work). the weird thing is, it seemed like the dogs just knew (our moronic cat insisted on trying for a while but kept falling off the edge). when the baby was really young, they just sort of kept their distance, but kept their watch for him. it was kind of cool. now they're much more laid back. ds and the greyhound had an argument over a feather pillow the other night. she just lay down on it and kept staring at him like he was nuts while he pushed on her, tried to pull the pillow, tried to pinch 'til he got scolded by mommy, and kept saying "mine, mine, MINE." i know he can't really help the "mine" stuff (learning to be assertive or something) but i have to say it made me less sympathetic to his efforts to reclaim his pillow. AND, molly (the greyhound) looked pretty funny just sitting there happily with her blank expression. anyhoo, don't worry. it will work out!

[Periwinkle]

No no no!!! What happened to us?! Last week, some of us were beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel and this week everyone is feeling crappy again!

Ekblad - :hug I hope you are feeling better soon. You sound so sick, and the last thing you should do is worry about what others think about lying around on couch.

Suz - :hug Another person in m/s hell. You sound pretty depressed. I hope things look up soon.

Lesley - :hug OK so here is one very VERY controversial thought - how about a 1/2 cup of coffee (or black tea)? :D You're pretty far along in this first trimester and all the studies show it's only a lot of caffeine over an extended time frame that causes problems. ;) Get thee to a Starbucks!

Shannon - :hug No more bad luck for you. This is the start of your good luck streak! Hope things with your car are fixed soon and dh gets some sense into him!

Tug - :hug You are NOT a bad mama. I think we (I know I do anyway) all worry too much about impact of a few bad weeks on little ones. They'll be OK! Plus, think of all the exercise their getting! ;) Bad at work, well, me too. I feel worse at work than anywhere -- too much free time and sitting still.

Weesej - FINALLY a nice big happy :banana No more spotting! Wooo hooo!!!

Amy - :hug See my note to Lesley above. The occasional teeny dose of coffee/tea couldn't hurt now could it?! :D

Wtchyhlr - I hope your first midwife appointment goes well and that you can easily hear the nice strong :heartbeat


As for me, I am feeling pretty tired. We've been on the go since Memorial Day - either guests in town every weekend or out of town. It's catching up to me big time and it doesn't help that I'm in the thick of a very busy 2 weeks at work. I only work part-time (16 hours in the office and several at home) and my heart really goes out to you full-time mamas because I would be a puddle underneath my desk.

[*Amy*]

Shannon, I have a 10-year old female Boxer (Spencer) who has slept with me since she was 5 weeks old. The truly odd thing is that for no apparent reason, she has recently decided to start sleeping on her dog bed on the floor next to our bed. I have no idea if she senses that I'm pregnant, or if she's just getting older and it's more comfortable to have her own space? She now waits until she's invited up on the bed every morning to cuddle for about 15 minutes, and it works well for all of us. When my sister was out last month with her 18-month old daughter, Spencer was *very* careful around the baby, even when we were all on the bed. I was really impressed that she knew that she needed to be extra gentle and watch her big paws. I'm not sure if it's the same for all dogs, but I kind of think they have a sense about it.

I wonder, too, though how she will deal with our full-time baby! She's been the center of attention in my household since day one, and I am so damn sensitive to her feelings. I'm kind of thinking I'll start telling her it's HER baby so that she'll feel protective instead of jealous. :) We'll see how it all goes.

In other news, I'm *in love* with watermelon!!! I can't get enough of it. It is just so soothing and cool. Mmm. I recommend it to everyone; it's really calmed my nausea.

[Lousli]

Thanks Periwinkle! I am so tempted by coffee. I miss it a lot! I know everything says that it is okay in moderation, but it also says it crossed the placenta, so I'm torn. I've had probably 3 caffienated drinks so far this pregnancy. I might have to when I go back to work on Wednesday.

I'm not a dog person, but we have cats, and one in particular likes to snuggle and sleep with me. It actually ended up being a very odd transition, because we were recarpeting upstairs when the baby came 4 weeks early, so we slept downstairs in the guest room, and the cat didn't seem to have a problem with it. However, when we moved back upstairs, he was not thrilled to be kicked out of the room, and did pee on stuff for a while. Now I get to snuggle him until dh is ready for bed, and when he is, then he takes the kitty away.

I see my Ob today at 11 am. I'll let you all know if I find out anything interesting.

Suz, Tug, and Ekblad, I too have had the worry about what this pregnancy does to my relationship with my child. However, I try to keep it in perspective that she's 2.8, and I can't even remember anything that happened to me before I was 3 or 4. I want to give her the best, and I feel like I'm failing her a little, but it is also teaching her that there is going to be less of me to go around (something she will need to learn when the baby is here). I really worry about how sharing daddy is going to be for her. That is going to be the tough one, since he is a SAHD.

wtchyhlr, Good luck with your midwife tomorrow, and let us know how it goes!

weesej, So GLAD you have no more spotting! Hooray!

Amy, I vaguely remember from the last pregnancy that it does get better. Ask Ekblad, she's done this more than I have : )

Shannon, As always, I'm hoping that things get better for you. You've had such a difficult time, and I don't know what to say about that. it so isn't fair, and I just keep thinking that with any luck, the rest of your pregnancy will be smooth sailing.

Okay, I'm off to read the one thread...

[ekblad9]

:thumb for watermelon! I can't drink water. It makes me ill. So watermelon helps keep me hydrated.

I'm 9 full weeks tomorrow. Thank God. My m/s should start looking up in about a week or so. Argh. I'm miserable much like many of you are!

[HydeParkB]

Shannon, when I was a wee one, my family had a German Shepard, and that dog was my buddy. You may be surprised - she may be very aware of the baby. Does she step on you two now? Maybe there's a way to train her to enter at the foot of the bed?

Good luck!

[ekblad9]

I think if dogs are eased into the new baby they do fine with them. Our dalmation was 16 years old when I had my first child. I was really nervous as to what her reaction would be but she was SO protective of him. It worked out really well.

[shannon0218]

I think she'll like the baby and if she's anything like her dad (Havoc) she'll be quite protective. She just has NO clue of her size or general impact. She's stepped on Steve's crotch so many times it's amazing I'm pregnant. She stomps all over me, even though I've been telling her to stay off. She has the sensitivity of a brick wall.
Her dad, my old dog, immediately stopped cuddling too aggresively as soon as I was pregnant. It's like Bedlam thinks she only weighs 10 lbs. Havoc knows he's over 100.
Teaching her to come up from the foot is fine, it's just that she stomps all over once she's up. And she's not that bright, I mean, she's hung herself up on the footboard 4 times, 2 times she even cut herself, but she still goes on and off the bed over the footboard.
Well, I gotta go pick up some groceries. I'm not sure why, it's not like I can eat, but I guess Steve still has to.

[ekblad9]

Good luck at the store. I desperately need to go but feel too :Puke to even think about it. My poor family. :(

[ella-makes-3]

Thanks Shannon for the conception date. It does work out, I don't know 100% when I ovulated , but did mark when we had sex, so the date does correspond.

Has anyone ever used a birth sling for labour, or seen one? I saw one on tv, I think Discovery Health Channel was doing a Unconventional Births hour, and a lady was going to use one for the l&d. Just looked like something that would be a great tool. I used the jaccuzzi ( loved the warm water ) the birthing ball and the birthing stool, but that sling looked like it would support you and let gravity work its magic letting you push in an upright position.
Definately going to check that out!!

Wishing everyone was feeling better, but not long now hopefully.
Please don't feel guilty about letting dh do the housework and getting take out all the time. We are doing so much work right now, unfortunately no one can see it! but those little babies are growing so fast and they need our help.
There will be plenty of time to be busy when they are finally here.

Is anyone else receiving comments about how much work you will have to do once the baby is here. That isn't not double the work, it's 4 times the work of just one child.
I am getting so annoyed at this, especially coming from family members. I mean, why don't you offer some encouragement and help, instead of trying to turn everything bad. SHUT UP!!
There I feel better now! Sorry for that, maybe I am being overly sensitive, but that just gets me.
Have a good week ladies xxx jasmine

[ekblad9]

Ah yes, the well meaning "enjoy life while you can because once you have this baby you'll never leave the house again let alone shower" comments. My favorite is "wow, you really have your hands full, and you're having more?" I just smile and say "yes, we are blessed aren't we?" or something passive aggressive like that. ;)

[tug]

so, given what Jasmine and ekblad just mentioned, is now a good time to say, WOW, i am soooooo scared of having two. yeah, why do folks keep talking about how much work it is and how i will never sleep. that scares me so so so much. i am already tired now and having a hard time getting up in the mornings and working, how will i manage 2? acccckkkkk! can someone say it's not that bad, maybe?

[ekblad9]

If it was bad I wouldn't be going on 6, KWIM? First of all, you're exhausted now b/c you're pregnant. And when the baby comes along you'll just "do it". I mean, I could never have never in my wildest dreams imagined managing this group of kids. It just happens. Don't worry at all. A friend of mine tried to freak me out when I was going from one child to two. She kept saying "one is one but two is ten" whatever the heck that meant? :eyesroll Anyway, you'll be fine! :hug

[Lisashepp]

My only child will be 4 when this baby is born. I am not too concerned about having a 4 year old and a newborn, my dd is amazingly sweet and I know she is going to be a great big sister. She is so funny, she has watched too many TV shows with pregnant women with me she keeps saying that we are going to go to the Dr's office so the Dr can take the baby out and I told her that we are going to have our baby here in our home with a midwife, so she then changed it to "The Dr is going to have his wife help the baby come out" -- I will keep working on her LOL

I am 12 weeks today, feeling better-- less nauseous, less tired in general but this morning was pretty bad for me I got up way too early and couldn't fall back asleep then because I had hardly any sleep I was very nauseous and dizzy and tired. I finally fell back asleep 3 hours later and feel better now.

OH, I almost forgot. I found a midwife in my tiny little town. I am going to get off the computer in a few and call her to make sure she is the same one (I got her name from a midwife 4 hours from here) and set up an interview :)

[Lousli]

Hi everyone,
Just wanted to update on my appointment. Had an u/s and the baby looks great! It looks like a baby now, not a lima bean. measured 10w4d, which is just 2 days earlier than I think I am. The only bad news was that I tested positive for group B strep. The doc said not to stress out, he will run the test again when I'm much closer to delivery, like 36 weeks. So anyway, that was a bummer. I still have no appt for the nuchal translucency, so I'm awaiting a call. Many of you sound more upbeat today, which is good.

And yes, ITA about those "well-meaning" comments about how hard it is with two. Thanks, that was so helpful! I think next time someone tells me how hard it is going to be, I'll say something like, "Yes I know, and that is why I'm so thankful that you have volunteered to clean our house after the baby comes."

[Christi]

Today I feel like Hell. I'm still in my pj's. I have an incredibly bad headache. It throbs everytime I stand or sit. I'm glad dh is home to take care of me and ds.

I'm exactly 10 weeks today. It seems to be dragging forever. I can't wait for the beginning of August. I go back to Doc Aug 3rd. Hoping to hear a heartbeat.

I'm going back to bed!

[shannon0218]

Awww, poor Christi, headaches are the absolute worst. :hug
Just got off the phone with my OB, she's going to put me back on the IV vitamins I was on in case that was what was making me feel better (it's somewhat suspicious that I started to feel royally crappy again 2 days after they stopped) that and she's upped my gravol to 3 times a day in hopes that will help a bit as well.
This peeing thing is really getting to me. I can't pee--unless of course I'm vomitting--then I pee all over myself. Sorry, I know, way TMI.

[ekblad9]

Shannon! I was totally thinking that about the peeing issue. I pee when I sneeze, laugh, puke, anything but not when I feel like my bladder is going to explode. No pee then! :angry

I'm still in my jammies too. Dh just got home from work to no dinner again. Ah well.

[kater07]

Well, I am 11 weeks tomorrow. I still haven't found a doctor I like. I have one phone call to make tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed. If this doc doesn't pan out, then I will start on the MW lists. I have to find one who will help me fight for a free birth in a hospital not one teathered to a bed. I can't do that again.

I am really wanting a home birth, but right now, we can't find the funds. I am waiting to hear back from one MW about this. I do have a doula picked out, and I will be seeing her sometime, but again $ is in the mix there.

I still feel like crapola, but I've been spending time outside and find that my headaches are lessened when outside. Tomorrow we go to Islands of Adventure, then to a free water park on Wed or Thurs, then to Disney's Blizzard Beach the other day, then I have to plan DS's 2nd birthday party. WAH WAH WAH... how did he get to be TWO YEARS OLD? I handled last year well, but I don't know if I can handle him turning two.

Now, I am off to clean off a book shelf before DH gets home. I need to rake all the leaves out of our back yard into trash cans or something too, but who knows if that will happen. UGH... I HATE WORK! I don't wanna sweat or move. I just wanna lay around.

Anywho, glad to hear that most of us are feeling a little better.

I do have one question though. How come everyone seems to be scheduling ultrasounds and stuff already? I can't imagine thinking about that right now. I HATED having one last time, and will probably argue against it again.

Well, I am off...

Katie

[shannon0218]

Katie, I think you will find there are an unusual number of us on this thread who have had at least one miscarriage, that's why we are having ultrasounds. Myself I've had 3 and because of a medication I'm on to prevent it, I need the U/S's to ensure the baby continues to measure on dates as I had IUGR in the past.

[ekblad9]

Hey Katie! Sorry you're not feeling well. About the mw and money. I obviously have NO idea what your financial sitaution is but I will say that I didn't do the homebirth or use a doula last time b/c of money. It was a huge mistake. The hospital did everything but kill me. This time we are even more broke but I'm determined to make it work. I absolutely refuse to do another hospital birth. Anyway, that's just my $.02.

I had an u/s b/c I was bleeding and they wanted to make sure the baby was still alive and kicking. He/she was and I'll be 9 full weeks tomorrow. It's going slow, though.

[lasofia]

This peeing thing is really getting to me. I can't pee--unless of course I'm vomitting--then I pee all over myself. Sorry, I know, way TMI.

ok, in the interest of solidarity - how's this? I too am pretty dehydrated and rarely pee - except when I vomit. So I keep cloth diapers in the bathroom and use them to keep my pants dry while I barf... and then wash them with my son's diapers.

Ok, way too much info! :-)

(pregnancy leaves me very little dignity, esp in the first trimester. I vomit a lot. When I do, I pee, my nose runs until I sneeze, my face swells up until I can barely see, and sometimes I break a blood vessel. *sigh* and it ain't quiet, either.)

[ekblad9]

IMO pregnancy is all about letting it all hang out. I look like hell, feel like hell, and never, ever look like those women in the maternity clothes ads. ;)

[*Amy*]

My self-image vastly improved after I got my hair cut off last week, but then I had DH take my weekly picture today and thought, gosh I still look kind of crappy. He did tell me yesterday that I am starting to "glow," so that was totally adorable.

Hearing some of your hospital horror stories kind of freaks me out, but as this is my first baby, I just don't have the confidence to do it at home. I really have a lot of faith in my m/w though, so I'm just trusting she will be my advocate throughout delivery. :1praying:

I just watched this stupid DVD that the hospital gave me, and it was (surprisingly) very pro-breastfeeding and pro-VBAC. Unfortunately, it had this whole section about how taking pain medication is nothing to be ashamed of, it's not bad for the baby, and it doesn't make you any less of a woman. Every single testimonial was from a woman who had had some type of drug, and there were no interviews with women who'd made it through naturally. Feh!!! :shake

[Lousli]

Katie, I'm not as non-interventionist as many here, as my mom is a CNM and my dad is a doctor. That being the case, I'm working with an OB that I like and trust. I also feel pretty comfortable with the safety of ultrasounds, although I know that is a very personal decision. I like having ultrasounds, because I am the biggest worry wort in the world, and until I can feel the baby moving, I need that reassurance.

Shannon and lasofia, I'm am so sorry to hear about the peeing while puking! I know I've said it a zillion times before, but I really hope this starts to get better for you soon.

Ekblad, I've read that many times (unless they show nude pregnant belly) the women in those ads aren't even pregnant! They are just wearing a pillow under the clothes. In fact, in high school I had a friend that did some modeling, and she modeled for a maternity store. She looked older, but still was about 5'9" and maybe weighed 110. Sick and twisted to try to make normal women think that they could possibly look that skinny while pregnant. Or any time for that matter.

Christi, Well, I'm 11 weeks tomorrow, and my doc told me that symptoms should be peaking now, and then continuing to get easier in the following weeks. So hopefully by the beginning of August or even before for you.

I just woke up from a THREE HOUR nap. Wow, what am I going to do when I have to work all day? I think coffee is sounding better and better...

[ekblad9]

I'll totally be drinking coffee when my stomach is up to it again. I'm going to need tons of caffeine to make up for what I haven't done in these past weeks.

I'm off to bed. I now have a migraine headache. :(

[wtchyhlr]

oh thank god i'm not the only one who pee's while puking. I really did feel like a freak.

[tug]

(pregnancy leaves me very little dignity, esp in the first trimester. I vomit a lot. When I do, I pee, my nose runs until I sneeze, my face swells up until I can barely see, and sometimes I break a blood vessel. *sigh* and it ain't quiet, either.)

lasofia -

despite how crappy i feel (staying close to the bathroom here), i laughed out loud at this. HOW TRUE!!! esp. about the noise. i remember somebody wrote (wish i could remember who) that her ds thought that heaving was just something mommy does and that he was even imitating her. :)

i know we will all feel better soon!

[shannon0218]

Morning all, is anyone else totally not sleeping during the night?? I can nap for a few hours each afternoon and/or morning, but no matter how tired I am at night I just can't sleep.
I'm just waiting for my nurse to show up (she's late) so I can get pumped up and take Bedlam in to have a tooth pulled. It's busted off right at the gum line and should absolutely be killing her, in yet she is still chewing on bones with that side of her mouth.

[milk_maker]

I'm sleeping in about four hour bursts. I'll wake up, use the bathroom, and stare at the walls for at least an hour before I fall back to sleep. It's very frustrating because I work full time...fortunately I have exactly 31 workdays (not counting weekends) until I quit! JOY! Maybe then I'll be able to take cat naps during the day (with the kitties of course). Until then I'm just a walking zombie and I try not to fall asleep at my desk...

[wtchyhlr]

i've been awake since 3:30am. Had a lovely, preggo hormone induced dream that DH was having an affair and it was in the frigging newspaper. Told him about it this morning, and he said "wow, i must'a been good". MEN.

[*Amy*]

Yes, aren't those dreams just the worst? I've never had such weird dreams in my life!

I was actually coming to say that I too am tossing and turning a lot during the night, and usually wake up once or twice to use the bathroom. I used to sleep soundly through the night almost every night, but starting around a month ago, I don't stay comfortable for long and have to reposition constantly. Thankfully DH is finally getting out of the habit of spooning up to my back. It wasn't bad before I was pregnant, but he is 6'1" and weighs like 175, so he practically crushes me without realizing it. I really can't sleep on my stomach anymore; not because of my tummy, but because of my breasts. They are so sore all the time! DH said, "they're not going to keep getting bigger are they?" I said, "yep, I'm pretty sure they are!" At this point I'm probably a full D. Anyway, they hurt.

Well I hope y'all have a better day today. I actually made cookies yesterday AND gave DH some sweet sweet lovin'. I even surprised myself!

[tug]

good for you Amy on the cookies and the loving!!

i thought the sleeping thing was just 'cause i'm anxious lately. i'm not sure it would be nice to say that i'm glad we're all in the same boat...i guess i'm glad that this is not some weird thing of mine. ds must be picking up on my not sleeping though because he has been up every night. it's weird how the minute he cries it's like my heart starts racing and i'm wide awake.

oh, monica, i am sooooo jealous. i work full time too and am totally miserable. i don't want to be here. i want to sleep and be home!!!

maybe i should quit....

[ekblad9]

Well, I managed to get to the grocery store this morning. I haven't had to take my anti nausia pill yet today. I never realized how hard this job of being a mom is. I mean, if I am not on top of things 100% everything unravels. The house literally looks like a tornado went through it. There's laundry everywhere and ds3 has one clean diaper left. I'm so depressed I can barely function.

[tug]

oh, isn't the one clean diaper left situation the worst? i hate when we hit that (which is, for us, every other day).

don't worry ekblad, it seems like it's totally unravelled but it's really just a little messy and a little mess is ok now. just think how clean it will all be when we get our second trimester nesting energy!

[lasofia]

[COLOR=Blue]
despite how crappy i feel (staying close to the bathroom here), i laughed out loud at this. HOW TRUE!!! esp. about the noise. i remember somebody wrote (wish i could remember who) that her ds thought that heaving was just something mommy does and that he was even imitating her. :)


My 21 month old son tried making coughy-gaggy noises a couple times, but for the last month he tends to stand outside the door and yell, "NO mama! don't sick, mama! "

[Lousli]

Do you all mind if I vent a little? I feel terrible doing this, when I know so many of you are going through horrible morning sickness, hyperemesis, IV's, cranky children/spouses, progesterone, etc. And I'm so lucky to be blessed with a comparatively easy pregnancy and understanding dh. But I'm just having a bad day.

I'm getting a big cold sore on my mouth. Which stinks, because I have to go back to work tomorrow (no kids) and Monday (with kids). Which makes me feel like I'm going to be saying "I'm your new teacher, please ignore this hideous growth on my face."

Also, to be honest, I am terrified to tell my boss that I'm pregnant. She is very intimidating, and will expect my job performance to be be perfect, no matter what. I need a good evaluation this year to get tenured in this district. My principal laid off a close friend of mine this year who had a heart condition (currently recovering from open heart surgery), a husband overseas (he shipped out in the midst of the school year), and a 2.5 year old daughter. I am also remembering when I got fired from my job when i was pregnant last time. So worried!

And, my dh's car is broken. he is at the shop now and I'm on my way there to pick him up. It sounds like it is the brakes, and it is going to cost $$$ that we don't have.

My vacation is over, my house is a sty, and i hardly got anything done this break.

Okay, vent over. back to our regularly scheduled programming.

[ekblad9]

:hug Lesley! You poor thing. Though I did giggle when you put that about your cold sore. That sucks! Do you guys do the 6 wks on 3 wks off thing at your school? It seems early for back to school. Hang in there.

I'm feeling a lot better today. I haven't taken my "pill" yet! Yippee. And I washed my floors and grocery shopped. You can't beat that. That's more than I've done in weeks! :LOL

I swear I feel this baby move. I know it's WAY early but I swear I feel it. Anyone else feeling it?

[wtchyhlr]

Not feeling the baby, but I *think* I finally felt a fundus last night. Midwife appt is this afternoon... so very excited.

Joy

[tug]

Lesley - I'm sorry today sucks so much. Don't be worried. It will all work out somehow. I laughed about the first day back with kids and cold sore too. It reminds me of when i was teaching seventh graders. they are sooooo harsh, but it's kinda funny too ("ooo, ms urban, you got a run in yer panty hose," "ooo, look at those ugly shoes ms urban's got!" "ooo, look, ms urban's got a flat butt" -- yeah they really said those things).

[*Amy*]

I have felt two tingly-twitchy feelings myself during the past few days. I think I've convinced myself they were just muscle spasms, but I've never felt them in that region before! This is my first pregnancy though, so I have no idea what it will actually feel like to really feel the babe move.

OK y'all, this is WEIRD but I am just full of energy and good happy vibes today. I mean, I feel like a fricking normal person. I'm not counting on it lasting, but I sure am enjoying it! Could this be the beginning of the second trimester better feelings? I sure hope so. I won't even tell you what bubble-gum 90s British girl-group I'm listening to and singing along with!! :bag:

Lesley, don't feel bad about venting! I hope your first day and the car sitch aren't too overwhelming.

Tug, I'm dying to know where you live and teach. I lived in New Orleans (Uptown) for 7 years. I miss it, but not during the Summer!

[tug]

Amy - that is so fun! i live uptown (between nashville and jefferson at willow). i used to teach at st. louis cathedral in the quarter but the pay was horrible (14k a year) and i eventually went back to school and now i'm a lawyer for a non-profit public interest law firm. fun stuf and great people (and at least they have the decency not to point out runs in my stockings or my silly shoes!). st. louis was a mission school with some pretty tough kids from the projects -- knife fights, prostitute moms, kids witnessing drug shoot outs, that kind of thing. hard lives but some really neat kids.

[Lousli]

Thanks for the support. Well, it turns out that I didn't pick up dh after all, because I needed to get dd from preschool and I was running out of time. I went to meet him and he handed me the carseat and said, "They think my car will be done soon, I'll just meet you at home."

So I just got home (after stopping to get a smoothie with dd) and he just called and said, "They don't have the part they need. It will take 30-45 minutes to get here, and 20-30 minutes to fix, and then I'll be home."

AAARGH. My last day of vaction and we can't even be together as a family because he's sitting around the mall waiting for Sears to fix his dumb car.

Okay, since I can't do anything but whine and moan, I'm going to go play with my daughter now and try to feel better.

[wtchyhlr]

Just got back from the midwives, everything went fabulously :)
We got to hear the heartbeat in the cord, and then went ahead and had her take a quick peek at the baby on the ultrasound and the baby moved around for us. It was really really cool. Did bloodwork, all my vitals are just fine. I really really like my midwife. :)

[weesej]

Had a good day here. Couldn't find the HB, will try again next week. Eating shark for dinner, Yum!! Its been years.

[ekblad9]

Yum, shark. OK, now I have to add that to my "must eat" list. :)

[Lousli]

wtchyhlr, glad to hear that you love your midwife and your app't went well. It is so exciting when you see the bean all moving and swimming!

weesej and ekblad, you're freaking me out girls! I don't think I could eat shark even when not pregnant! I have to admit, I have weird seafood issues though. If it smells, looks, or tastes "fishy" I can't eat it. But spicy tuna sushi? No problem! LOL, I'm so weird.

My dh really is a dear. He was gone much longer than expected, and he felt so bad he bought me this cute card of pregnant ladies sunbathing and a huge box of See's candy! Then he went with me (even though he was hot and tired and cranky) to the office supply store so that I could buy stuff I need for my classroom. Totally made my day better!

I have an appointment for my Nuchal translucency on friday afternoon. Which is a little nerve wracking, but I know I'll be so glad when it is over, esp. if my risk factor goes down a lot.

Have a great evening (night if you're on the East coast) everyone!

[Periwinkle]

:OT

weesej - I'm just curious so pleease don't be offended :) but isn't shark on the big no-no list of fish not to eat during pg due to extremely high mercury content? Shark, king mackerel, albacore tuna, swordfish... all the big long-lived top of the foodchain fish? Just wondering if you know this or if certain shark isn't bad or what. :innocent

I've been totally avoiding so many kinds of seafood - I mainly eat just certain shellfish, and small to midsize ocean caught fish (striped bass, cod, alaskan salmon, etc etc). And I looooooove all fish so these fish guidelines are pretty hard for me! Plus, I do sort of wonder how big a deal *ingestion* of methyl mercury is - and occasional ingestion at that - compared to *injection* of mercury (e.g., in vaxes). But I'm too freaked to test it. :rolleyes

[kater07]

Sorry so many of you didn't have a great day today. :(

I had the BEST DAY!

We got up early, and wow, I felt MUCH better than normal (for pregnancy). I hit the grocery, got some fruit and we headed out to the water park. We spent the whole day there, and I am just feeling a bit tired.

It wasn't hot out b/c it was very overcast today, but I still got sun.

It was also great that I could eat a ham sandwich, and it was DELICIOUS!

Hope you all have a great day tomorrow!

[weesej]

Well all the no-nos are only bad if you do them ALOT KWIM. So having shark once during my pregnancy is ok to me, cause I eat seafood rarely, however I wouldn't eat those fishes weekly. Same thing for coffee, once I feel well I will probably have a cup 1-2 times a week, but having it 5 times a day isn't good. All in moderation

[ekblad9]

Oh Coffee, I miss coffee so much. I love coffee. Never started drinking it until my fifth child was born but then I was hooked. I can't wait until I can stomach it again. I know it's :nono: but I'll enjoy a cup here or there.

[*Amy*]

Y'all, I am kind of a mess today. I had more weird dreams last night and woke up feeling sad. Since getting up, I can't fight the urge to cry! I have this intense feeling of lonliness (DH is at work) and I have this feeling of missing my baby so much; it seems impossible that I have to wait 7 more months to see him/her. Have any of you experienced this? It gets especially intense if I dream about the baby, or if I watch those damn Birth Day or Baby Story shows (which I can't seem to stop watching). Ughhh I'm just an emotional wreck. I think I am going to give myself the day off and take my dog to the park for a while.

I wish we weren't all at so profoundly at the mercy of our hormones! :irked:

[kater07]

Ekblad, I have never been told not to drink coffee. I have just been told to limit my caffiene intake to what is equal to 2 cups of coffee. Here's the link to caffeine comparisons. http://wilstar.com/caffeine.htm


Amy, I am so sorry that you are feeling so down today. I had a horrible time off and on through my 1st pregnancy. Talk to the baby and go to the park with the dog. DO NOT watch those crappy birth shows, most of them are just negative energy anyway. I hope you feel better.

As for me, well, outside of the strange headache I have right now, things are much better again today. I am 11w 1d and I don't feel as run down.

I hope you all get happy soon!

[ekblad9]

OMG, you guys. I want to crawl into a hole and die. I was feeling crappy today and layed down with the baby. Anyway, my oldest came up to tell me someone from our homeschooling group made us dinner. I told him to tell her I was laying down, accept the dinner, and say thank you. Fast Forward an hour and dh comes home for lunch. He comes upstairs and says "so and so is cleaning our house". :eek I didn't even know anyone was here. So I'm laying in bed crying. He tells me to come downstairs but I just can't. I'm so freaking embaressed. I feel like a complete loser and a fool. I don't even know this family that well. I am grateful but feel stupid all at the same time.

[wtchyhlr]

Ekblad... what wonderful friends you have. You are very blessed. I wouldn't feel embarrassed - just know that they know that you are very busy building a baby.

[ekblad9]

Thank you. I don't know why I feel like such a fool. By pure coincidance my house wasn't even that bad today but I feel like such a big loser.

Still, I know I'm totally lucky to have these women in my life.

[kater07]

Oh, Ekblad, HUGS! I am sorry that you are feeling overwhelmed/embarrased about your friends helping you out. It's so very sweet of them to do that.

WOW! What a great thing to do for you.

If you don't feel up to company, then just drop a thank you in the mail, but do NOT be embarrased that someone wanted to help. It's a good heart that makes people do things like this.

[KateSt.]

Oh, Ekblad, I agree. Try not to feel embarrassed, I'm sure your friend was happy she could do something for you (could you send her to my house next? ;) )

I just got back from vacation and reading this thread has made me feel sooo much better. Though I'm sorry everyone is having a tough time, you've so helped to normalize and validate my feelings. (I thought it was especially interesting to read that we're expending the same amount of energy as running 26.2 miles! That explains a lot!).

I, too, am quite unmotivated to do things around the house -- my big successes this week were grocery shopping and vacuuming (yea for me!).

This pregnancy has been very different from my first 2 (where I m/c'd). I'm so dizzy, nauseous, tired, and emotional. Last time I remembered describing myself as "drunk on baby love and pregnancy bliss." Yeah...I haven't felt that yet this time around. I haven't even been able to read anything baby related, think of names, or make baby plans. As soon as I start to feel excited, I simultaneously start to feel terrified that I'll lose this one too. I truly feel like I'm living in constant fear 24/7 -- and that expends a lot of energy. I'm cautiously optimistic (esp. given my symptoms) but I just don't dare get too excited. I'm going on 10 weeks -- hoping I'll feel more confident in 2-4 weeks.

Coming back from vacation, we were on a ferry with a very pregnant woman who also had 3 other little children (one little boy was talking to her belly saying "Are you naked in there?!"). I turned to dh and said, "I'm so insanely jealous of obviously pregnant women, that you wouldn't even know I was pregnant myself," and started crying uncontrollably. I just wish there was some guarantee, KWIM??? It's so hard not wishing away this first trimester...

Okay, enough about me.

Shannon -- so happy to hear you're feeling a tiny bit better. I feel for you about your pet situation. I have 2 kitties and often wonder how they'll adapt to a baby when right now they're our babies and get our undivided attention.

Amy, I have similiar messed up dreams like that -- and I know the negative feelings can stay with you for awhile. I hate those dreams! Baby dreams, though, I can't get enough of those!

Kater -- I hope your headache is gone. I used to get awful migraines, so I know what it's like. Glad to hear you're feeling a bit better besides that, though.

Lesley -- you have a very sweet dh. I hope you were able to enjoy the rest of your vacation.

Wtchy -- so great you got to hear the heartbeat!!!! That must have been music to your ears.

Tug and Weesj -- hope you're doing well!

[shannon0218]

Well, call me pissed off!!! I went to my mothers so she could do some measurements for the new maternity clothes she's making me. I didn't lock up the truck as I wasnt' about to close up all the windows in this heat (especially since the air in my truck is broken)
Anyway, I had a pile of cash sitting in my console, very tucked away, you wouldn't be able to see it unless you got in the truck. Anyway, I stopped to get gas on the way home and went to get my money and it's gone! There was about $200 there. I seldom lock my truck as where we live, nobody does--I don't even have locks on my house. I generally leave the keys in the truck in case someone needs to move it (we share a driveway with a farm next door and when the cow trailer comes in the place where I park my truck doesn't have alot of room for maneovering (how the hell do you spell that???), another reason I never lock it is that there is usually a great big dog or two in there.
Anyway, so now we're out $200 bucks at a time when we don't have 2 cents to rub together.

Ekblad, I would be embarrassed too if it were me, but from the outside looking in, I'm thinking this woman already knew you were in rough shape, that's why she brought dinner and saw an opportunity to do some extremely usefull to you. Someone that selfless and sweet likely never even thought that it may embarass you. KWIM??

[ekblad9]

Shannon :hug I'm so sorry about the money! That is awful! I never lock my car or doors either. I know I should.

Dh's job told him he could stay but he has to take a 25k pay cut. I guess that means no homebirth for me and we'll have to move. I'm at such rock bottom right now I don't even know what to do.

[KateSt.]

:hug Shannon and Ekblad :hug :hug :hug :hug :hug

[KateSt.]

Somebody help me! :crying I've been more nauseous than ever today, but all of a sudden my breasts have shrunk and they're not sore right now. I just cried my eyes out in the shower 'cause I'm so scared!!! Anyone else have waxing and waning of pregnancy symptoms????? :crying

[*Amy*]

Oh yes, Kate St. Yesterday I felt fabulous; no pain, no nausea, nothing. Today, however, is seriously the crappiest day of my entire pregnancy. Regarding your breasts, mine looked like they shrunk about a week ago. It only lasted about 24-36 hours, though, and then they looked full again. It kind of freaked me out too. I really think that hormones fluctuate so much, especially at this stage; I never know what kind of day I'm going to get when I wake up every morning.

Big big hugs to Ekblad and Shannon. That totally bites. Thieves are assholes. Ekblad at least you won't have to worry about losing insurance, right?

[wtchyhlr]

Shannon, that bites. Any idea when it might've gotten stolen? your DH didn't grab it and forget to tell you did he?

Ekblad - thats a HUGE paycut. Good grief. Don't suppose instead of baby gifts, you could ask people to help pay for a midwife/homebirth>? Not sure how much they are in your area. We talked with our midwife yesterday and if we pay her by 20wks, its only $1800 (whereas if we wait til 37 weeks it $2700). I'm sure it varies widely, tho.

Kate - my boobs did that too. Was so odd. now they're back to straining the biggest bra I have (i am so going to have to go get bigger ones again. my boobs are bigger than they've ever been in my frigging life).

Oh, I stuck the ultrasound pic from yesterday out on teh baby's page... if you look hard enough, you can see the baby's face :). www.babiesonline.com/babies/b/babychams

[alaskanteach]

Add me in- Found out on Friday baby is due 2/18 Is that a President's Birthday or something? Sorry, preggo brain.

[shannon0218]

Nope, hubby didn't take it, I stopped on the way to my moms for a cup of tea, it was there then, the only time there wasn't a dog in the truck was when it was in my mom's driveway, it definitly got stolen while I was in my mom's place. It was stupid, I mean my mom lives in a townhouse complex, I'm just used to living in the country where a stranger draws alot of attention. I figure it was likely my mom's neighbors kids or one of their friends. Not that there is anything we can do about it, but my mom is going to go tell the neighbors that something was stolen in order to "warn" them--hopefully that way if they notice their teenager suddenly has extra cash..... who knows.
Ekblad, that is a huge paycut, will he continue to look for something else while he stays there??
Kate, I've had a few days like that, then the next day when I'm feeling crummy again I curse myself for not enjoying the good day while it lasts. But I know it's impossible not to worry :hug :hug :hug :hug. Just remember what you said earlier about this pregnancy being so different than the others.
Gretchen, congrats and welcome, you may want to pm Lesley with your due date information so she can add you to the list.
Heveasoul, where are you???? Are you alright????

[wtchyhlr]

So, my boss's wife has now announced she'd love to throw me a baby shower (i adore her, thats not the issue)... she is the 3rd person to volunteer to throw a shower for me and i'm wondering what etiquette says...

so far, they fit nicely into the 3 groups that are my life - work related, social, and spiritual groups. However, is it tacky to have 3 showers? I know I want the spiritual one to be of the blessingway variety, but that leaves me with 2 official showers. Im not even 11 weeks yet, I am going to end up with 9 showers at this rate.

Someone who's btdt, please help.

thx,
Joy

[Lousli]

Gretchen, I will add you to the list.

Joy, with my dd, I had 2, and that was fine. Maybe the spiritual one you can make a "no gifts" request and set up an activity instead, like a belly casting?

[ella-makes-3]

Joy, I had 2 showers for my first baby. I am British and that is not a British custom, so I felt very awkward, especially since the first was a surprise shower given by girls that I worked with who I'd only known 6 months. It was awesome though, so much fun and got some really cool stuff, especially since none of them had any children.
My second shower my mil threw for me, and many of her friends came too. After the baby was born I was so overwhelmed with all of the gifts that people sent to the house. So what I'm saying is enjoy it, as everyone wants to celebrate the arrival of your baby!
Ekblad - I hope that you are feeling better and am sending hugs your way, and to Shannon too. Karma is a b*tch, so they will get it back 3x as bad!!! Ha Ha !
Kate - Last pregnancy I had I felt so pregnant right about now, but with this baby, I still can't believe that I actually am. I am just tired sometimes in the afternoon, and go to bed kind of early! My breasts did feel slightly tingly for about a week, then that has gone too. I have noticed an increase in sex drive though, which is awesome, and makes dh pretty happy too!

I am really sure I felt the baby move on Monday. I am sure it is too early, but the fluttery movement was something that made me go" oh yes, I remeber that feeling! " so I am thinking that it really was the baby bean!

[heveasoul]

Hi all.

Yes, I'm still here, and still doing well...just extrememly busy at work, and don't want to be anywhere near my computer when I am home...

Sorry to hear so many of you are still feeling so horrible...(((hugs))).

Trying not to talk about how fine I've been feeling...:hide:

I have been seeing my TCM practitioner for acupuncture every week, so who knows if that's what it is, but it couldn't hurt, if anyone feeling icky wants to try it out...! I am comforted also by her confimation that my pulse continues to get stronger every week (and she feels a second part of it due to the pregnancy - cool, eh?). Otherwise, I might be fretting more over lack of symptoms.

I don't see my m/w until Aug. 5 - hope we're a good match!

[KateSt.]

Hi Hevea -- so glad to hear you're doing so well!

I wanted to thank you ladies for the comfort you provided for me yesterday. After my brief freak-out, I got over it and realized I'm okay (my large, sore boobs have returned too!). So, thank you -- you ladies are the greatest. :love

Ellamakes3-- I loved your "fluttering" description -- how wonderful...

Joy, I say go ahead and enjoy each shower! They sound wonderful!

Welcome Gretchen!!

[shannon0218]

Rough rough day. I'm not sure what happened, I felt fine (well, you know) after I had my gravol but about 1/2 hour later I was feeling really rotten, figured it was cause I hadn't eaten yet so grabbed some cheese as it's been sitting well lately. Took one bite and spent the 45 minutes puking in the most painful way. I was shaking and shivering and crying I thought I was gonna die. My eyes are completely bloodshot and I'm only just now getting off the couch. Lucky Steve was asleep or he'd have been freaking out.
Heve, glad you're doing so well, Kate, glad your boobs are big and sore again ;)
Ok, my couch is beckoning to me, must obey the voices in my head....

[ekblad9]

It's like 100 degrees here and muggy as heck. I feel awful still. Why oh why must it be like this? I managed a few errands but am back here about to get back into bed. Dh is working until midnight tonight. :( Argh

[ekblad9]

Me again. There's blood when I wipe. :( I can't deal with a loss on top of everything else. I think it would send me into a downward spiral. Don't know what to do. Dh is working til midnight. Gotta get through bedtime.

[heveasoul]

ekblad - is it bright red or brown? Cramping? Please call your mw/doctor is there is. Otherwise - when I wiped brown, I was told not to worry, but to call if it became bright red. :hugs and :sticky!!

[wtchyhlr]

Ekblad... call the OB/MW... get some reassurance....

[ekblad9]

It's kind of a mix. WTF? I never had this with any of my other kids. Now twice with this pregnancy already? I'm not up for it. I'm just not....

[weesej]

It's kind of a mix. WTF? I never had this with any of my other kids. Now twice with this pregnancy already? I'm not up for it. I'm just not....

Praying for you.

Did you have intercourse last night?

Is it enough blood to need a pad or just when you wipe?

Any cramping?

[shannon0218]

Ekblad, I'm sure it's alright, especially since you've already had it once in this pregnancy. My OB seriously wonders if my bleeding wasn't caused by all the vomitting as I always have a bit of spotting the day after a bad bad day.
If there is cramping as well, call your midwife as soon as you have time.
Keeping everything crossed for you (which doesn't bother me as I feel far to crummy to have sex tonight anyway--even though it's dh's night off and we haven't had any in almost 4 weeks.)
When you have everyone in bed, lay down, put your feet up and do your best to relax and know we're all sending sticky thoughts your way!

[ekblad9]

No sex in at least a month. The baby will NOT go to sleep. A little cramping but nothing big and I'm still sick as a dog. Will update in the morning. Thanks for all the kind words.

[KateSt.]

Ekblad, sending lots of sticky-baby-vibes your way. I know it's impossible not to worry when you see blood. I'm thinking of you... :hug

[tug]

ekblad - hoping to hear from you soon that everything is ok.

hope everybody has a good day. my m/s is slowing down so i am hoping that it will go away in the next couple of weeks.

have been pretty down this week (i really know what you mean about the dreams, amy) but am feeling a little more optimistic now (it's friday).

[*Amy*]

I'm feeling good again today, even went for a short walk since it's so pleasant outside. I didn't have any horrible dreams last night; that makes such a difference. I think I actually slept well last night too.

Ekblad, you are in my thoughts. :hug

I hope everyone has better days today. This has been a rough week for everyone, it seems. Maybe we're almost over the hump!

[ekblad9]

No blood this morning. I'm wondering if I scraped something when cathetirizing? Anyway, I still feel sick as a dog so lots of pregnancy hormones are going on. That's good and bad, KWIM? Anyway, thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the support. Dh didn't get home until well after midnight and Jackson would NOT go to sleep. It was nice to have this place to come to.

:hug

[Lousli]

Ekblad, I just caught up with the thread. I'm so glad your bleeding has stopped and I will send you tons of healthy, sticky vibes. How scary!

I am so tired today I can hardly see straight, so I won't write much. I'm back to work which is kind of overwhelming. I told my boss which turned out not to be so bad at all, she was very nice. I have my nuchal translucency today. I had the most bizarre and disturbing dreams ever last night. Pretty much it.

I hope everyone is feeling okay, and there is no more freaky spotting!

Shannon, how are you feeling today, hon? I'm sorry about your terrible experience yesterday.

I'll check in again soon.

[heveasoul]

ekblad - so glad to hear the bleeding has stopped. I hope you're feeling better. :hug

:hugs to everyone feeling icky. :hug

shannon - what's your status? Hope you can start enjoying this pregnancy soon!! :hug

I'm off this aft for a weekend at a cottage, yahoooo...ahhhhh...haven't swum in a (near) northern Ontario lake in ages! It's been quite the week at work, so I am sooooo looking forward to it! Even if it rains (which it's not supposed to, yahoo!) - just to commune with the lake and trees and loons....read...

Have a great weekend all! Feel better soon!

[TexasSuz]

Heveasoul, can I come with you? What I would not give for some time away from my life.

I have not kept food down in 2 days so I am off to the doctor this afternoon. They don't have anything stronger than Zofran so I am not sure what they are going to do for me. Why isn't the Zofran keeping me from throwing up lately? The nurse on the phone gave me this attitude like "just put up with it, it gets better in a few weeks!" She made me feel worse. I am weak and hungry lady! I need food!

UG!

[Periwinkle]

ekblad I'm glad the bleeding stopped. What an ordeal though. The vomiting and/or the catheterizing could be causing it. I hope all is well.

Joy, I say have your 3+ baby showers! I think baby showers are wonderful... a kind of link to our tribal past. I always love going and who doesn't love buying or making a baby present (however large or small)?! When people really want to throw a friend/coworker a party, I almost think it's ruder to decline. :)

Heve is there room under your :hide: for me? I'm feeling pretty good too.

Everyone else i WILL catch up on this thread one of these days and reply to everyone. I am sooooo behind at work dh has kids at the zoo (actually they should be home and in bed by now... buuuut... dh isn't known for obeying nap schedules!) so I can sit here in our family room and crank away on this stupid proposal, oh yeah, and check MDC every 30 min. :Sheepish:

[wtchyhlr]

Hey, I'm also feeling better... i actually baked Zucchini bread last night. Amazed that I had the energy to do anything but sit on my butt.

thanks for all the thoughts on the baby shower thing. I would hate to be rude, however, i only have so many friends... i don't want people going to more than 1 shower apiece, so i have to figure out a way to divide them equally between showers. how goofy am i?

[Lousli]

Joy, that was kind of why I suggested the belly casting, because most people would want to do that with just 3 or 4 close friends or family members. Then the other showers you could divide into work/not work or my family/dh's family or family/friends or something like that. Or heck, 3 showers, and have a great time!

[shannon0218]

Afternoon all, I'm back in the hospital, likely until Monday which sucks. This is all so insane and I just want it to stop. Part of my problem at this point is that I am so constipated everything has just stopped. So far they've given me an enema and a ducolax suppository and that has helped a bit--I honestly never thought I'd welcome an enema, but...
Heve, have a good time,. Lesley, glad the boss took the news well, Suz, there is stronger than Zofran and the other thing they can/should do for you is to put you on IV fluids.

[ekblad9]

OMG, Shannon! :( :hug I'm so sorry! I can honestly say in all my six pregnancies I've never been as sick as you are! You poor thing. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

I had a decent day. My parents had the four older kids all day and my girlfriend took my 20 month old this evening. I'm just hanging out probably going to bed early. I got to go over to Colleen's from Natural Babies today and fondel some teeny, tiny diapers. I'm always amazed that no matter how many times I have a baby it's so very exciting every time!

:hug to everyone.

[wtchyhlr]

Oh Shannon, I'm sorry. If there was anything I could possibly do to help, I would. I actually feel a bit guilty that i have started to feel better...

Can we send energy (I am a Reiki master....) or postive vibes/ etc?

[Lousli]

Shannon, I'm so sorry you're in the hospital. I have to agree with Joy. If there is anything we can do, let us know. Maybe some of us could send some restaurant gift certificates so your husband could get take out or something? If you can actually eat anything, that is...please just let us know. We are all thinking of you and hoping for you.

Suz, I'm sorry you are also going through this. It really seems like we have a very sick group of ladies here. I think Shannon is right that if the Zofran isn't working, they should step it up to the next level. And shame on that nurse for acting like you should suck it up. It isn't her that's barfing!

heve, enjoy your cottage!

Ekblad, Glad your spotting stopped, and hope that you too are feeling better. I know what you mean about those tiny diapers. My daughter was in preemie diapers, and you have never seen anything so small!

wtchyhlr, I cooked yesterday too. I made creme brulee for my boss, because she was so awesome about my news. Then she left work early today before I had a chance to give it to her! I'll give it to her on Monday though. I never could get into zuchinni bread, but my dh loves it, so maybe I should just try again. Do you have a good recipe?

Hope I didn't miss anyone.

As for me, my nuchal test looked good. They saw the nasal bone, baby danced all around, and the NT measured 1.43 mm. Which is well within the normal range (below 3 is good). Unfortunately, I'm measuring 1 day smaller than I need to be to make sure the test is really effective, so they want me to come back on Tuesday. I was a little annoyed, because I'm 11w3d, and I told them this on the phone when I made the appointment. Well you need to be at least 11w3d, so it was cutting it pretty close to offer me the appointment today. They could have saved me some time and a trip if they just would have scheduled me for Tuesday in the first place!

Also, my mom referrs them a lot of patients, so they said that they couldn't do anything about $ for this test, but they offered me a free 3D ultrasound later in the pregnancy if I want. I'm not sure about this, I'll have to think about it. Anyway, that's pretty much it. New class of kids on Monday! they're supposed to be sweet this year.

[shannon0218]

All the positive vibes you can send would be appreciated. I so want this part to be over, but when this kid is born, he's grounded until he's 25. Don't think we need gift certificates but I am on the MDC fairy list if anyone wants to send a note to cheer me up :)
How's that for shamelessly admitting how depressed you are??
Well, dh rented me a couple movies and I can't be on the internet and watch DVD's on my computer at the same time, so I'll get out of here now. Keep the good vibes and positve energy coming.

[TexasSuz]

Thanks for all the hugs and support ladies. I really appreciate having this group. They put me in the hospital this afternoon and I got IV fluids and IV Zofran. I am still on Zofran but take it more frequently now. I feel better now - I really wanted to stay in the hospital though, it was so quiet there. It is never quiet at my house with my almost 3 year old around! Funny Shannon wants to come home and I want to stay at the hospital! It was like a vacation for me - with a plasma tv and room service!

Hoping to have a better weekend. Everyone take care!

Shannon - what is the name of the meds that are stronger? I wonder if they are available in the USA. Even the hospital said that Zofran was the strongest thing they could give me.

[lasofia]

shannon and texasSuz -
sending you all the positive energy I can muster!
TexasSuz - it seems weirdly difficult to realize how crippling constant nausea and vomiting (and then hunger and dehydration) can be. Easiest to explain to someone who gets motion sickness. Grrr to the nurse, and glad you're feeling better!

[ekblad9]

OMG, I fantasize about being put in the hospital. I would love the quiet, the room service, no one expecting anything from me. I totally understand Shannon wanting to go home but I dream of a hospital stay sometimes! :)

Can feel the nausea coming on early and strong today. The kids are still with my parents so I tried to clean and do a little bit of laundry. I'm ready for a nap already :LOL Can't wait to get through the day without :Puke and everything else.

:hug to everyone.

[wtchyhlr]

Morning.... good thoughts to Shannon and Suz....

Lesley - my zucchini bread recipe was my grandmothers and it kicks butt.
i gotta run right now, but will post it later....

[KateSt.]

Sending warm thoughts to Shannon and Suz -- hope you both feel better very soon. And Ekblad -- I did laundry and cleaned a bit this morning, too --- and I am also ready for a nap! Hope you feel better soon, too.

Wtchyhlr--- I LOVE zucchini bread. I've been having an aversion to zucchini for a few weeks now...but bread, that's a different story!

[ekblad9]

How's it going everyone? We have all the kids back and they are at the neighborhood picnic with dh. I should be there too but don't feel like socializing. I suppose I'll have to go at some point. Don't feel like hearing "you're pregnant again!" :eek or " is this the last one". I know I'll hear it. Oh well.

Big hugs to everyone!

[wtchyhlr]

okay, as promised, my grandmother's zucchini bread recipe

Mix together: 3 eggs, 1 Cup Oil, 2 cups Sugar, 2 TB vanilla
combine and add to above: 3 Cups sifted flwer, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking soda, 3 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp powdyer
Then add 2 Cups grated zucchini (and optional 1 cup nuts/raisins/chocolate chips)

Bake at 350 in greased and floured pans 45-60min (in Colorado, its 375 for 65min, but thats an elevation thing)

it freezes really really well. i actually think it tastes better after its been frozen and thawed. Also, if you have SCADS of zucchini in the summer and don't feel like baking, grate it, freeze it, then you can use it after thawing.

[ekblad9]

That sounds awesome Joy! I'll have to try it when I'm feeling up to baking again.

Now I have a freaking UTI. It hurts like you know what to pee. Should I wait until Monday to call a dr. or what?

[*Amy*]

Ekblad, you can now buy temporary UTI relief at a pharmacy. I don't remember what it's called, but I had also developed one during the weekend about 2 months ago, and it really helps until you can make it to the doctor.

[KateSt.]

Ekblad, I swear that cranberry juice provides almost instant relief. Whenever I feel one coming on, I drink it up and it keeps the uti at bay. Good luck -- I know how miserable they are.

Thanks for the recipe Wtchyhlr!! Yummy!

[Periwinkle]

Ekblad IMO if natural or OTC remedies don't help within 24 hours I'd get Rx from a doctor (bactrim, etc.). UTIs are nasty little infections that can more easily lead to kidney infections - which can be quite serious not to mention excrutiating - in pregnant women due to the fact that elevated progesterone relaxes the sphicter muscles that keep pee out of the kidneys (the same reason you get heartburn because the esophogeal sphincter is relaxed and allows stomach acid up into the esophagus). Plus, any infection in the 1st trimester isn't a great thing.

For a long time, I suffered from recurrent UTIs. The only thing that has kept them at bay is that when I feel one coming on I drink 3-4 8-oz. glasses of REAL (unsweetened - blech) cranberry juice and 1-2 cups of plain (unsweetened) yogurt a day for 2 days. During those days, I avoid ALL sugar and refined starch (bacteria thrive on it). And positively guzzle water all day long. Knocks em dead if I catch them early enough.

Good luck. :(

[ekblad9]

Thanks guys. It is quite nasty. I feel completely awful. Dh doesn't get it and isn't really willing to go to the store. I think I'll call my mom. They live down the street.

[ekblad9]

OK, the UTI stuff is called AZO and thank you so much for recommending it. My parents are bringing it with some cranberry juice over right now. I'm going to call my family dr. on Monday and get in there for some antibiotics. I'm prone to kidney stones and kidney infections during pregnancy.

[shannon0218]

Oh, Ekblad, I'm sorry to hear about that, the constant catheterizing kinda sets you up for UTI's, but then again so does not being able to empty your bladder. My bladder thing seems to be not a problem again. My doc figured the babe was just sitting at that wrong spot for a bit and now that my uterus is up a little higher we're ok.
They weighed me today and since the last time I was hospitalized (which lets face it was not that long ago) I'm down another 10 lbs. Feels weird though because with the measurments my mom took for the new pants, my waist is 3.5 inches bigger, however, I had to remove my wedding band as it keeps falling off--leave it to me to loose weight in my damn hands!!! The story of my life!!
I want to go home but they really are being so good to me here. They weren't busy so the nurse brought in the fetal heart monitor and hooked me up for a minute to let me listen to the heartbeat. I told her I'd seen it but not heard it. She was so sweet, she said she'd had a few miscarriages too and she knew the reassurance that hearing it even for a minute can bring. I told her I'd never seen a hospital where all the nurses were just so nice and seem so happy to be there. She said with this town only having 3 OB's it's small and cozy and all three of them are so nice. She said she's never seen or heard any of them treat staff or a patient with anything but the highest respect. Not that it matters to me per say but she also said their successful VBAC rate is 20% higher than any other hospital in the area and the head of obstectrics is hugely in favor of them. If someone had told me 5 yrs ago I would deliver at my little small town hick hospital, I'd have laughed in their face, now I can't say how happy I am to have found them--they even have 4 different articles photocopied from mothering hanging on their bulletin boards. One on no circ, one on co-sleeping, one on breast feeding and one on general AP (with highlighted passages on why not to let a baby CIO) Oh and more good news, I ran into their lactation consultant this afternoon and asked her if I could ask a question. Told her I obviously wasn't all that close to needing her services, but explained that I'd had a breast reduction that resulted in a lot of scarring and asked my chances on breast feeding. She didn't have long but told me she'd come talk to me tomorrow and that she had books to lend me and articles to read and that she has 2 successful moms who breast feed after reduction both of whom are willing to offer advice and support to others starting out. She said likely I'd need to supplement but that she would put me in contact with others and that she knows many women who don't mind pumping and donating breast milk. Apparently they even have some frozen at the hospital for if mom is having trouble in the beginning in order to avoid supplementing with formula. She said she'd worked at many hospitals and this was the first that she had never felt undermined by some doc or nurse pushing formula on a new mom.
Sorry, I'm so chatty, but I can't sleep and I'm bored :(
Suz, you asked about stronger than Zofran, I think Stemitil is stronger and it also comes in a rectal suppository and IV. Basically anything IV is stronger than anything taken by mouth, simply because if you are puking that much, you end up loosing half of what you are taking. I'm managed fairly well on IV gravol, as long as I don't go long between doses.
I hope you are feeling better after being rehydrated and I wish I could trade places with you. I miss my dogs so much. Mainly my big boy Havoc, he always knows exactly what I'm thinking and what I need, he somehow keeps me so grounded. I just love the big ole lug.

[ekblad9]

Wow Shannon! I'm coming to live where you do! That is so awesome. I can't imagine having anything from Mothering posted in a hospital around here. Everything else sounds great too. Glad to know you're in good hands!

I have to go today to get my wedding ring cut off. I should've taken it off right away but didn't and now it's trapped on there. I don't seem to have a problem losing weight even when I'm sick.

This UTI kept me up half the night. I got the juice and am drinking it non stop. Also got the AZO. Trying to avoid the ER or Urgent Care. I love my homeopathic doc and would like to hold out to see him tomorrow. I know he'll give me an antibiotic but he won't be cold and mean and uncaring.

Anyway, I'm rambling. Sent dh to church with the two older kids. I'll go later with whoever else wants to go.

Take care everyone! :hug

[wtchyhlr]

morning Girls...

Shannon - cool that you found a supportive LC this early on. And it sounds from your rambling that you might be feeling a bit better? If bored. Very bored.

Ekblad - awe man, an UTI on top of first trimester ickies. That sucks. It sounds like your DH needs a swift kick you know where to get his attention. men can be such babies.

We are having a very lazy rainy day. Which is wonderful.

[*Amy*]

Shannon, your hospital staff sounds wonderful! :)

with highlighted passages on why not to let a baby CIO

What is CIO?

[Lousli]

CIO=Cry It Out

[Christi]

Shannon your hospital sounds so great. Just think if that were the norm. We'd be a lot happier society.
Amy CIO Means cry it out. Some people think it is ok to let thier babies cry cry cry and not be picked up. It is so sad. I always feel so bad for those poor babies.

Today I managed to eat half a BLT with stripples and popcorn. For desert choc pudding with grahm crackers crunched up in it. It was so yummy. It seems that I have a lot more energy in the evening and I am able to eat a lot more food then any other time of the day. I too have lost weight. I think it is muscle since I haven't worked out since I've been preg. The weather is beautiful today it the low 70's with no humidity. We were having a nice time outside until our nieghbor started blaring their rap music. They live across the street and I could hear the lyrics perfectly. It was full of swear words. Yeah I want my three year old listening to that junk :angry I called the cops adn they still havent' shown up. Half hour ago. :angry :angry from the way I've heard them yelling at their kids I don't even want to go ask them myself. I thinkthey are unreasonable.
Sorry to ramble I'm just so annoyed hope all is well wiht everyone

[weesej]

I took it upon myself to start a new thread:)

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=1802651#post1802651