It's October!! weekly thread (a bit early)

[Piglet68]

October Mamas Roll Call :belly

momtol&a
Yoga mama
snugglebutter 10/01
mirthfulmum 10/03 BOY! Harrison Eliot Smith
*prediction: last week of Sept, 8 hrs labour*
*Born 10/6, 12:30 pm*
TracyK 10/04
mhurst 10/04
kraftykathy 10/04 *prediction: Oct 4, short labour, girl*
Jillerina 10/04 *prediction: Oct 6, 6 hrs labour*
water 10/06
KateMary 10/06 *Ruby Ava born 09/25*
Proudly AP 10/08
MamaEmerald 10/08
nikwik 10/8 GIRL!
mayasmama 10/08 GIRL!
FutureMama 10/09 BOY! Miles Rocket
bluehalo 10/10 BOY! Noah Daniel
mellybean 10/10 GIRL! Willow
jamaicanmom 10/10
allformyboys 10/11
Lucysmama 10/12 *prediction: girl, Oct 8, 16 hrs labour*
bendmom 10/12
ashleepurdie 10/12 *prediction: boy, 12 hours easy labour**Ella Lucille born 10/6, 10:22 pm, 7.5 lbs, 21.25"*
momadance 10/13 BOY! Reed Jezmund
*prediction: Oct 23rd*
Mandi 10/14
rhemp 10/14
wannabmommie 10/15
MTBto5 10/15
krnflwr 10/16 GIRL! Emma Grace *prediction: Oct 16th, 10 hours labour*
gmvh 10/16 *Twins! Owen and Gwynnen born 9/25*
Piglet68 10/18 BOY! Sasha Adam scheduled cesarian October 8
MommyMuse 10/19
JenDoula 10/19
BeansMomma 10/20 GIRL!
Mom2Lily 10/20
CourtneyandLogan 10/21 BOY! Zander Julian
*prediction: Oct 18 or 28*
OakEmber 10/21 BOY! Oakley Kai
*prediction: Oct 6 - 10, 6 hours labour*
mtnjenny 10/22
Ekatherina 10/22
Momma2Liam 10/24 *prediction: boy, 10/31, 9 hrs and 45 min labour*
Stanleymama 10/23 BOY! *prediction: Oct 18, short easy labour*
gottaknit 10/24 *prediction: Oct 31 - Nov 4, > 9 lbs*
3boyz4us 10/24 *expected Oct 22*
Ctmom70 10/24 BOY! Alex Richard
*prediction: Oct 14, 5 hrs labour*
Kim22 10/24 BOY!
aspiring mama 10/25
sunshinegal 10/25 Fiona
AngelBee 10/25 BOY! Angelo Richard
truebluexf 10/27 *prediction: Oct 11, 8 hrs labour, boy*
Soogie 10/27 *prediction: Oct 27 or 28*
ameliabedelia 10/29 GIRL! Greta Marie
*prediction: Oct 17, 10 hrs labour*
flitters 10/30
BeauGeek 10/30
AnnR33 10/31
guinnessinu 10/31 TWINS! BOY! and BOY!
BlueMoonTime 10/31 GIRL! Alexis


Hello ladies. I've decided to start this now while I'm here on the computer, in case I forget again tomorrow morning (and to give those of you on the East Coast a head start in the morning). I have updated the list to reflect our births so far: KateMary's DD and gretchen's twins. I've also add our latest newcomer, Ekatherina, to the list (finally!).

Well, it's officially october, and seems like we're a bunch destined to see our due dates.

Question of the Week: any last minute plans for something special before the birth? date night with DH? night out with the girls? visit to the spa? something to let you savour these last precious days before adding to your family....?

On the advice of all you ladies re: dh and I squabbling, we are going to take my mother up on an offer to babysit DD so we can go on a "date". our third wedding anniversary is the 20th and we know we won't have a chance to do anything then. So that will be my last "hurrah" before baby comes.

I think I'm finally ready for baby. We're giving the car a good cleaning inside today, installing Emily's new seat and putting the infant seat in. Everything in the baby's room is done except for one thing I need to hang up. Clothes and diapers are all washed, sorted, and folded. Slings are hanging to dry as we speak! Mum finished the pouches and wraps she was making (I can't really play with them right now, however, b/c my belly is too big!). All that's left on my list is to put together a hospital bag. Wow, can I be this organized??

Let's see some babies this week! :baby :baby :baby

[stanleymama]

37 weeks and 1 day

Had a fun weekend and am now relaxing the day away. We had a porch party last night with dh's side of the fam and some friends. Then there was a light parade that went past our house in the evening. The kids got to take a swing at a pinata...tons of fun!!! And I didn't have to do hardly a thing to prep for it. I did do some cleaning today and now that the house is back in order I plan to catch up here and then read a book.

QOTW: I think dh and I will try to go out for one more date. I would like to do a little something with just him for his birthday, which is the 17nth.

I do still need to pack my hospital...think I will do that tomorrow. Once that is done, I am all set :thumb

Piglet..is your c-sec this Friday already?

Have a good week mamas!!! :D

[Thia]

Well, I don't know if I could have asked for a more relaxing day! I had a tough night. First I woke with some cramping, was up about an hour. Then I woke with some weird intense pain on my right side. That kept me up for about another hour. Just when I was getting ready to wake dh and call the hospital, it must have let up b/c I fell asleep on the couch and it was gone when I woke 3 hours later. Crawled back into bed for another 3 hours! Then I just layed in bed for an hour with dh, my dreams, and thoughts b/c I realized that it could be a long time before doing that again if baby comes this week. Made a yummy breakfast of oj, coffee, and cinnamon buns (from the can). Surfed the net for a while, took a nice long walk, a nice long shower....ahhhhh. I wish I didn't have to go back to work tomorrow.
The walks don't seem to be bringing on any labor, but they are good for my state of mind, so if you can get out ladies in waiting, get! The change of scenery, the movement, the fresh air...I think it's what we all need.

[mirthfulmum]

It's officially my due date today, but no sign of Harrison wanting to move out of his comfy little home. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to be patient, that's what parenting's all about anyway right?

I've been having a really nice weekend. My mom took Alias out for the afternoon yesterday so Dh and I went out for a nice walk, lunch and a matinee (I love going to see movies in the afternoon but it's a very rare treat). And today my mom has gone to visit my grandpa so the three of us (Dh, Alias and I) spent the earlier part of the day at the beach. Oh how I wish I had more energy to have been more of a playmate at the beach, oh well. As Dh kept reminding me that the whole point of this excursion is for the three of us to have one last outing together before we become four, and it was so nice to sit back and really relish these last few moments. And now Dh and Alias went to the pool for a swim and I have the whole place to myself. I'm going to ignore the toys scatered around the apartment and pretend like the vacuuming dosen't need to be done and I'm going to go sit my big ol' pregnant bum down on the couch with a big glass of juice and watch a movie.

[mandalamama]

39 weeks :)

qotw: every time we go see a movie (my husband works at a theater so we get to see movies for free!) we think it's going to be our last date before baby comes! just saw "The Forgotten" today, wow it's got a damn good story.

i feel really weird, i had been feeling more energy every day and nesting a lot, the last 2 days i feel like i'm slowing down, down, down ... i'm sleepy all day, sleeping better at night, and basically feel like molasses. i wonder if my body is just telling me to rest up for the upcoming marathon :)

i keep wanting to crochet for some reason, sleepy nesting i guess :D i only know how to make ne thing: granny squares! if i start a baby blanket it'd be a potholder by xmas perhaps *lol* my hands are way too stiff to crochet anyway. and they took Vioxx off the market, which is what i had been taking before i was pregnant! not every day, but once a week when it got really bad. although quite a few moms have told me their arthritis stayed better after pregnancy *knock wood!*

my new mantra is "start your journey Willow" :D

peace,
meli

[momadance]

Melly, that's so funny you brought up crocheting! I haven't done it since the start of this pregnancy (i made a bib) Last night I picked it up and crochet a soaker. It's so cute, but I don't know how to do leg cuffs. I'll post a pick on our yahoo group.

Piglet, a nice date sounds perfect...Hopefully we'll swing one befor Reed comes along.

Wow, we're starting early this week. We'll have 15 pages befor the weeks done :D

Had a nice chill weekend. Did the laundry and let it all hang in the sun and nice breeze. Man our sheets smell so nice. Off to bathe Miles, and myself!

Oh we went to the fair on Sat. my pelvic area was THROBBING after walking around there. And we were only there for 2.5 hours :eyesroll

[ameliabedelia]

Piglet, FYI you have Gretchen's twins listed as being born on 10/25, not 9/25 in your list.

QOTW: I haven't really thought about doing anything. DH and I have both been spending lots of time with dd and we do stuff together as a family all the time, but I can't think of any last hurrahs. We don't know anyone to be a babysitter up here, so we can't really go out. My mom is coming up to stay with dd when I go into labor, but they live 2 hours away, so it isn't practical to use her just for a date.

We took a tour of the hospital today. It is alright, just a small community hospital so it seems that everyone gets a lot of attention from the nurses. There are things I like and things I don't, but overall it isn't bad. From what the nurse said, just about everyone rooms-in and the babies don't spend hardly any time in the nursery. While we were there, the nursery was empty although the nurse did say there were 3 woman in the postpartum rooms, so I guess they all had their babies with them. :thumb

Oh, and the other good thing is I am almost positive that babe had turned head down. I can feel her hiccuping down low, and I am pretty sure she is facing the left. Facing left is optimal birthing position, right??

[Lucysmama]

Mirthfulmum - Happy Due Date to you! :belly

Amelia -Baby's back to your left is optimal. :)

I was getting pretty sure last night was "the night" - I almost had dh filling up the tub. My contractions were about 10 minutes apart, and getting pretty darn uncomfortable. My lower back was throbbing, and I had 2 loose bowel movements. But, (and maybe this was really moronic) I decided to lay down and see if I could sleep. I feel asleep after an hour or so of laying there, and when I woke up, my contractions had stopped. :rolleyes I wish I would have stayed awake and moving, maybe I would have my baby now! I had them all day today, too....but they just aren't going anywhere. I swam for an hour, and took a hike, and nothing. Just this backache and BHs and I lost another glob of mucous tonight. This is making me kinda tired and very irritable. I'm still not "due" for 8 days, so I really should relax, but this pre-labor is rough on me. I am trying not to do anything to rush things along, but I'm getting kinda burned out over here. The thought of going to another prenatal is so depressing right now. I would appreciate any labor vibes anyone wants to send me!

I talked to my half-sister and she said this is how she was, too.....she had LONG pre-labor and walked around 3-4cms dilated for a couple weeks. Then, her OB broke her water accidentally doing a vaginal exam, and she had her daughter 2 hours later! (Same with #2) I have read you labor most like your sisters....maybe that's how I will go?

[bluehalo]

39 weeks

Ugh, my family is driving me crazy already. Everyone calling "just to check in" ... but anxious and wanting details and some even asking "haven't you had that baby *yet*?!" ... I'm not even freaking due yet. Geesh! My mom asked if I was dialated ... never mind the fact that I haven't had an internal exam yet, and I can't reach myself. Sorry, can you tell I'm crabby about this? Heaven forbid I "go overdue". I think I'll hibernate until the baby's born so I don't have to talk to anyone else.

Anyway ... (sorry for the vent there ;) ) ... Same ole, same ole here too ... lots of BHs, crampiness, etc ... but no real action. Seems to be most prevalent from 5pm till I go to sleep. It's was exciting at first, but now that it's a regular thing w/o any "real" action, I just try to be think positively about my body doing it's work it's own way, etc. etc.

I'm excited to meet this baby, but honestly, I don't feel in any hurry. I'm enjoying this last little bit of time with Ethan (although, my goodness, what a handful he's been lately!) and trying to stay on top of stuff around the house, etc., so that when the baby *does* decide to make his grand entrance, I don't feel like I have to run around and clean like maniac.

I got to hold my new nephew today ... he's 8 weeks old and was a preemie, and is now just about 8 pounds. It's crazy to think that I could be birthing a baby that size pretty soon! It was fun to watch Ethan meet him, and check out all his new-baby-sweetness :love

QOTW: I would like to try to have one last date w/ DH sometime this week maybe ... probably just dinner out somewhere. It's nice just to have something fun to look forward to when you're so distracted by imminent due dates, you know? We're getting preggy pictures taken tomorrow afternoon, and that's been my "look forward to date" for a while now.

[krnflwr]

I would appreciate any labor vibes anyone wants to send me!

I've had this feeling all night that someone is going into labor, and have been itching to get online and find out how you all are doing. Lucysmama, sounds like it might be you. I'm sending you lots of good labor vibes!

I have read you labor most like your sisters....maybe that's how I will go?

Anyone else have any sister stories to compare with?
My sis had a c-section the first time, and a very long labor w/ #2...that ended in her hemmoraging and loosing lots of blood...says she saw the "white light" and all... very scary for all of us. So I'm hoping not to emulate either of her experiences, frankly.

[Lucysmama]

Karin - nuthin' going on over here....must be someone else laboring! :D

[AnnR33]

36 wks
Every time I check this board now I expect a new arrival :) soon....Mirthfulmum :hug hang in there!!

QOTW-Oh yes, I have some definite plans! My B-day is Oct 5 so I'm going to hire myself a doula (meeting with her this week), get a pedicure (I've done this a week or 2 b4 my due date with the previous babes) and buy myself some ess oils to make some of the great stuff posted for labor.

My Dh has been against the doula since he thinks "he helps me enough" and it's a waste of $-he's a tighta$$ and I told him he can decide when he pushes a baby out-so too bad. I've heard such wonderful things about this woman that I just have to have her since this may indeed be my last babe-I want it to be the best possible experience.

I can't see my feet so the pedicure is a must!!

Will be checking in to see who's next-sending you all positive birthing vibes!
Ann

Oh and my predicition for me...Oct 25-28-6 hrs labor

[Court]

Hello ladies! I have some time here in the middle of the night to post so...
QOTW: I think I'm going to get a pedicure / manicure. How much should one tip for a pedicure? I've only had one before and that was like 4 years ago. I'd love to go on a date w/ dh but we really don't have a babysitter right now, so... I guess when we all went to see Shark Tale on Saturday will have to count as one. Oh and I took a bath for the first time in 2 years tonight, complete with candle light. It was nice, but our tub is a little small, I really couldn't submerge my belly.

I've been cleaning like crazy today with more plans to clean the rest of the week. I also bought organizing bins and stuff for Logan's room and got that mess picked up. I went for a long brisk walk on top of all that, so my hip / pelvic area is so stiff and sore.

Amelia - yay on the baby being head down! That's great. You know my midwife said facing left was really good. In her experience she said they come out really fast if they're right anterior...but either way as long as they're anterior it's good. Mine keeps flipping back and forth, I think.

Oh and apparently I am GBS positive...the m/w made a mistake looking at my chart or something, so yay I've got that to deal with now. I was really tearful about it at first, but I'm feeling a little better. I'm so conflicted as to what to do...though I really think I'm just going to go the antibiotics route. I just keep thinking how could I be positive now, when I was negative last time?

Hugs to all you mamas getting close, it sounds so exciting! I don't feel close at all.

Piglet - I can't believe you're gonna have your baby on Friday! You shoud post a belly pic! ;) I hope your itchiness has subsided and that things get better with your dh. It really is no wonder that you guys have been squabling with all you've been through recently. I think I'd go crazy if dh was home all the time. Especially now that I'm nesting, I'm like, "why are you just sitting there! There's work to be done!" - on the weekends.

[Ekatherina]

Lucysmama sending you much much good birthing vibes...:dust...and to mirthfulmom too....it must be so stressing to pass ur due date....:hug
i have done with the baby loundry too and cleaning of the house which was terrible...:hide: and now thinking about knitting.... :eyesroll but since i took a leave from my univeristy (doing research) i think i should do some research at home..:scratch: but have no wish to....:(
very anxiuos for this baby to come out not to feel giulty to be away from school for a long time....but have no signs at all..:(
i think we are not going on any dates with dh before this baby will be born...since he has to finish up his article this month..:angry....
have visited my 70-year-old mw today and felt very happy about the visit...:) she bought for me many useful things and didnt accept to take a penny...:shy....but there are things that bother me: im not doing much exercise....(almost not at all), no perineal massage ....didnt gain weight this month...:crying....not a single kilo!!!! mw seemed very positive about this...even that there was almost no increase in baby's size.....(measured by ordinary centimeter)....she said not to worry at all...but dh worried...and made me eat liver that i hated!!! :crying....is there somebody else having problems with food or its just me???? :confused:

[ameliabedelia]

Ann, that's funny, I had the feeling someone was going into labor too last night. I wonder who is is.

Anyway, lots of :dust and :baby vibes to you Katie. I hope it is soon.

Court, sorry about the GBS positive. I am sure you will do the right thing. I am being tested for it on Wed, and am really nervous. Saying lots of :1praying: that I test neg.

but dh worried...and made me eat liver that i hated!!! :gross :Puke

[mirthfulmum]

I'm having trouble sleeping so thought I'd check in to see if there were any babies born yet...

It seems our group are the slow cookers. Guess that means we got a lot of really strong, healthy and plump babies joining our group soon.

Court - I'm sorry to read about your GBS test. :hug

[Momma2LiamandTara]

So no babies this weekend? Even w/ all the Mt. St. Helen's activity. ;)

qotw: Well this weekend was my time for that. I had a fun Saturday haning out with my sister. Our hubbies had daddy day's so we could just hang out all day and not worry about having to take care of our boys. I went with my sister to get her haircut at this cute lil shop downtown. Then we went out for lunch and chatted and drank coffee. It was so nice. We haven't had a chance to do that in ages. Then we just strolled around looked at some of the shops. Then we went to a mall and stopped in at Victoria's Secret. Picked up a few things. :thumb It was so great just to have some long alone time with my sis we don't get that becuase we are always bringing our boys along. Thankfully the 2 guys are like brothers. They are both our first (my sister's last too) and are only 5 1/2 months apart. Totally unplanned that way it just happened. :)

Sunday we went to his place called The Elegant Farmer. Some of you cheeseheads might know about this place. My sister and her family came, our good freind and her family came, and my Aunt & Uncle. It was a great time except for when I saw my Aunt the first thing she said was "You're Fat!" I said that's very nice. :eyesroll I know she was just teasing and being sweet but come on don't say that to a big bloated preggy lady! So that had me peeved but I still enjoyed my time apple picking and pumpkin picking with everyone. The kids had a blast! Liam loves tractors and they take you on a tractor ride to the apple trees. It was so nice and realaxing. Except for the fact that DH said he watch Liam so I could just realx and well he did a good job but sometimes got too involved with chatting that he wasn't watching Liam. :angry Drives me nuts when he does this! I yell hey where's Liam to get his attention and I know where Liam is but I want DH to wake up and pay closer attention. Then he is getting peeved because we are sitting on these hay bales eating our lunch and Liam is just up and running. DH is getting peeved he won't stay still for more than a minute to two. I just sit and don't say a thing. I'm thinking well hello!! he's a toddler they all don't sit still and eat. They are very distractable! :hammer So needless to say DH was in a pissy mood for the rest of the day until we came home and napped then he was better.

So that was my special time before the baby gets here. It was nice to have it!

Sounds like everyone else has nice things planned.

Sending lots of Labor Vibes of to all! :dust

I'm :1praying: too that i'll be GBS Neg. I get the results of that and my ultrasound on friday. Needless to say I'm super anxious.

Ekatherina- What a wonderful m/w you have she seems so nice! The whole food thing I'm dealing with too! That is so icky DH made you eat liver. Espically being preganant and sensitive we are too things now!! :gross

Piglet- How exciting your lil one is going to be here Friday!! YEAH!! Hope the itching is getting better.

Amelia- You just remineded me I have to get a tour! I haven't been to this hospital yet! Oops! :)

Ann- Good for you for getting a doula!!! I used one last time and am going to this time. Sure our hubbies are good supporters but the Doula is just so much more and is there for both of you! I know some hubbies feel like they will take over but any good one will not! Sorry I just feel very passionate about using doulas since they are so wonderful!

Sorry for the long post!!! Just feeling chatty today!
Carrie

[3bees~1flower]

QOTW: well, dh and i don't hurt at all for time together...we have always made it a point to get out often just the the two of us...just went out a couple fridays ago with my sis and her dh...the boys stayed at mom's overnight since it had been almost a month since she had seen them...we always go out for supper the night before we go in for the c-section...the boys will stay over night somewhere the night before so we don't have to deliver them the day of delivery, plus we have to be at the hospital at 6:00am. i'm going to let them miss part or all the day of school on the friday of delivery....just have to see how things go...my mom ususally keps the boys while i'm at the hospital, but she just had rotator cuff surgery on fri, so there goes that. my sister will help out for sure, but don't know who else yet.

good luck to all those with pre-labor...hope it amounts to something for you soon....

Carrie

[Ekatherina]

oh Court im so sorry you tested GBS pos...:( but i would advice please dont rush into taking antibiotics...and Carrie i will pray for you too that you test neg...:1praying:...please read this site it is very good and it helped me to argue with my mw (old one whom i changed now) about not doing GBS test at all....but anyway you can use it to argue about IV antibiotics at least....except maybe for extreme cases...i dont know long labor, water broke.....
http://www.preciouspassage.com/treating_group_b_strep.htm
Well...yep i know eating liver and not liking it very hard indeed...:( and just now dh made a deliciuos meat supper (only to make me eat i know) but i couldnt put a piece of meat in my nouth...:crying....i dont know what is that about me and meat....i just can't see it these days...and dh wants me to eat it everyday for the iron levels...(i have normal hematochrit by the way) anyway....its really hard....i want to eat sweets but im convinced its so bad for me and the baby...and also makes dh very upset...and i hate to see him being upset like that...:( but what can I do with this "can't see healthy food" mood ???? :bang....sorry for being so depressing....:innocent

[mandalamama]

Court ... that sucks about the GBS :hug i keep going back and forth on the antibiotics, my thinking is if i can prevent Willow from getting extra tests or an IV, it's worth me getting antibiotics. so we'll be discussing it further when we get to the hospital (time permitting of course).

i was having pretty substantial contractions all night, felt owie but great :D no other signs really.

today is an NST and the last level 2 u/s ... if my placenta is overly calcified for its age (not uncommon for diabetes even with good control) i know they're going to schedule induction :( last u/s it was calcifying at a faster rate. at this point i fear induction so much, i wonder if my fear could actually block me from going into labor? (was re-reading Birth From Within which talks about women being blocked by fear.) i don't fear labor or birth, or even pain, i feel very welcoming of those things. i do fear unnatural, pitocin labor however!

peace,
meli

[krnflwr]

i don't fear labor or birth, or even pain, i feel very welcoming of those things. i do fear unnatural, pitocin labor however!

Meli, I hear you about your fears. I just want to toss in my $.02, see if it can soothe your nerves a bit. I was induced at 40wk2days with Hannah, due to gest diab and raising bp. I had been having lots of BH contrax and was slightly dialated when I went into the hosp. I labored on pitocin for 8 hours, drug free (besides the pit) and it really wasn't that bad. I had heard horror stories about being induced, but this wasn't nearly as bad or painful as I had been expecting. Other, experienced mothers told me that I had a very fast, smooth labor. Besides all the interventions of being induced, it wasn't very scary and I feel like I handled things (pain) very well.
I think if your body is already getting ready, then the pit just sort of gives you a little push in the right direction. Not that I'm advocating its use in anything other than a true medical need, but I just don't want you to go into it thinking that having the Pit is going to cause you immense pain and a long horrid birth. You can have a positive birthing experience, even with inducement. HTHs.

[Thia]

What is with these stubborn babies of ours?

Well, as I settled into bed last night, I had my first real contraction. It honestly felt good. As if my body was saying, "yes, this is what is supposed to be going on, we can do this." So, I layed there all hopeful...then I fell asleep. Just one contrax...bah hum bug. I didn't even have cramps bad enough to wake me up last night. That doesn't mean I wasn't up though. Gee, I am tired today! And very grumpy sitting here at my desk at work. And I have just realized it stinks in here...I wonder if the heat has turned on for the first time, that is kind of what it smells like. Ewww.
Well, someone was just so kind and saved me a trip to the mail room. I have a stack of mail to go through, guess I should get moving on it.
I hope someone is making some progress today!

[krnflwr]

I have hats! Pumpkins, trees, stripey hats.
See pics:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/karinlivin/album?.dir=1149&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

Those of you who ordered specific hats, please contact me to arrange shipping and $$. PM or email me.
Thanks for your patience, karin

[AnnR33]

OMG Karin those hats are precious!!

OK, a little slow this morning IMO-who's in labor??? ;)

Having tons of BH yesterday and today and sharp pains in my groin but it's not time yet...for those that wonder "how do you know?" It's hard to explain and it won't help much as you sit and wait but you "just know" when it's time. Too bad for me this ain't it!

Off to crochet/nest/laundry...
Ann

[stanleymama]

krnflwr...I pm'd you about the hats :)

Katie..sending you labor vibes :thumb

Sorry I can't remember everyone's posts but I wish you all easy labors soon for those who are due or almost due :)

[MamaEmerald]

39.4 weeks pregnant

Court, I'm gbs positive too, and I was really bummed about it at first. I just got this whole feeling like my plans for how I wanted to labor would have to change and I'd have this stupid IV and feel like a patient, not an empowered birthing woman, and then they'd think it was so great and easy to give me IV fluid cuz I'll have the lock in place anyway and.... blah.

But I thought about it a lot, and considered not taking the antibiotics. But I decided to let time be the determining factor. I'm still going to labor at home for as long as possible--til I'm ready to push, If I can make it that far--which is what I wanted to do in the beginning and will avoid the possibility of many interventions that increase baby's risk of getting sick. Once I get to the hospital, I'll take the antibiotics. If I have time for the two doses, then I'll get them. If not, I won't worry. I also will make it very clear that I do NOT want my membranes ruptured. If my water doesn't break on its own, that baby will be born with it intact.

It's a tough thing, because the risk is so small but the sickness is serious. The reason why I decided to go with the antibiotics--time permitting--was twofold: I can't imagine my baby being taken to the NICU, and I'm not going to expose him to that risk if I can help it; but more than that even, I am birthing in a hospital, and I don't want the midwives, doctors and nurses treating my baby and I like we're in danger, and I don't want the added stress of their judgment. As unfortunate a reality as that may be, it is still the reality.

And actually, what my midwife said about refusing antibiotics was that if I really wanted to do that, the best thing to do would be waiting as long as possible to come in to the hospital. She seemed concerned about hospital staff freaking out on a mom who refused the antibiotics.

[gottaknit]

:banana :carrot :banana My last week of Work!!! :carrot :banana :carrot

Just turned in my FMLA forms listing Friday as my last day of work. Hopefully I won't go into labor Friday night before I get a chance to rest up!

Met with the midwife yesterday and baby has dropped and is engaged. So this means I'm getting close.... right? But not too close; we have an Ikea run planned for Saturday. ;)

DH finished the Portland Marathon yesterday in 3 hours 57 minutes! I am so proud of him. :love He said the last 6 miles he felt like he was gonna die and just wanted to quit, but he thought of me going through labor in a couple of weeks and that gave him the strength to keep going. (Or maybe he's just really competitive with me... :LOL )

Still having lots of BH contrax, and it's getting very painful to get up out of bed. Sitting up and then standing is so intense... my whole belly seizes up and my pubic bone is screaming out in pain.

Oh!! I had a baby shower on Saturday. It actually went really well. I only got one package of disposable diapers - and from someone who knows I plan to CD. She said, "I know you plan to use cloth, so I thought you'd need these." :scratch And they're in a bigger size, not newborn... So I guess she thinks I'll quit..? Anyway they are scented, so I left them in the car and plan to give them to charity. I am really sensitive to artificially scented products (detergents, perfumes, etc.)

I also got yet another vibrating bouncy chair thingy. People are just crazy for these things, aren't they? Just don't think I need one in every room. So it went back to Target and I got a fancy digital thermometer and the cutest Winnie the Pooh nightlight.

Got lots of super soft and cute clothes, and also tons of useful stuff (bathtub and Burt's Bees products, Lands End diaper bag, etc.) It was fun.

One more thing: One of DH's coworkers called me last night and said his office is planning a surprise baby shower for DH! They want me to show up, too. Isn't that sweet?! He will be soooo surprised and probably embarrassed. He's one of those guys that doesn't even like anyone to know when it's his birthday. He also didn't tell anyone at work he was running the marathon, so I'll get to announce that too. ;)

[Court]

MamaEmerald - I think we feel the same on the GBS subject. To me the benefits of antibiotics outweigh the risks of my baby getting neonatal sepsis. I'm having a homebirth and I just can't imagine after all that having to go to the hospital and admit my baby. The m/w said when I'm in active labor or if my water breaks, then they will offer me the antibiotics. After the bag drains in, I'll just have the lock in, so it's not too horrible I guess. I can still walk around and stuff holding the bag. But I just didn't want to have to hassle with anything like that. I keep thinking it's so weird because people who test negative at 36 weeks could theoretically be positive at 40 weeks and not even know it. blah, I know it's a dead horse around here. Thanks for the hugs everybody, I needed them.

Nancy- congrats to your dh for running the marathon! That's awesome. And I'm glad your baby shower went well. The surprise shower for your dh sounds so sweet. About the vibrating bouncy chairs - we had one with Logan and just didn't use the vibrating feature cause it freaked him out a bit. But it was useful when I needed to take a quick shower and he was awake - I could put him in the chair with the little seatbelt on and he would bat at the little toys while I showered. I had the curtain half open so I could look at him. Anyways, for moments like that and going potty and stuff - it came in handy....but you're right, you certainly don't need one for every room.

[gottaknit]

What with all my me me me blah blah blah, I forgot to comment on everyone else's news!

Courtney, sorry to hear about the GBS + test. :hug

Piglet, you're having your baby this Friday? That is so exciting!! Hope you're getting some rest and enjoying your last few days as a mommy to one. I wonder if anyone else will have one this week....

Bluehalo, time to take the phone off the hook. ;)

Mirthful, hope you're staying comfortable. Any day now... :)

OK that's the limit to my preggo brain memory! Everyone else - let's have some babies already!! I need to hear some birth stories! :wink :LOL

[Wabi Sabi]

Still pregnant, still staying busy! I didn't manage to post last week because by the time I had a chance to check in on the boards there were already so many posts that I just found it too overwhelming! Silly of me, eh?

I'm still working full-time- I have four daycare kids now who ask me everyday, "Is the baby coming out?" One little boy has been especially sweet, wanting to rub and kiss my belly everyday. He just happens to have been born at home himself and was caught by the same midwife that I am using.

I can kind of empathize with all of you mamas with toddlers at home, only in my case I at least get a break when they all go home at 5:30!

Just had an appointment with my midwife- all of my prenatals have been at my house and scheduled during the kids' nap time- how's that for convienance? Anyhow, everything is looking good- I still feel great, eating normally, sleeping just fine, no real complaints to speak of. DH and I just feel like we're in a holding pattern- everyday we're just waiting to see if something is going to happen.

QOTW: DH and I went to see a movie this weekend, The Forgotten. A relative suggested that we see a movie together before the baby is born because it will be a while before we're able to do that again. It seemed like a good idea so we went to the theatre, but had to laugh when we realized that it had been at least 6 months since we'd been to the movies anyhow, baby or no baby...

Gotta go check on the kids- someone is waking up...

[JenDoula]

Hi all! I haven't posted in ages, but I've been extremely busy!

I have a client due.. well, she's 41 weeks today, so all my brain energy has been focused on her, and I had an NFB party yesterday for my MOMS Club, I've been nesting like crazy. I'm trying to take it easy today, but I did bring a Rubbermaid bin up from the basement to store all my birthing stuff in, so it's all in one place.

In the last few weeks, DH and I have made some pretty big decisions! We decided to do a homebirth - we've met with the midwife once, and DH was sold immediately. We've also decided to give cloth diapering a try - yes with the THIRD child, LOL.

QOTW: No, nothing really. We went out on a very special date on our anniversary (9/20), and that was our last night out together for a while. We try to enjoy nights in, especially right after a new baby. I can never bear leaving a new baby with someone right away, and plus it's much easier to just rent a movie and make popcorn at home, then we can be here for the kids if they need us, and the baby who will definitely need ME. LOL.

I'll be 38 weeks tomorrow!

[mandalamama]

Well, as I settled into bed last night, I had my first real contraction. It honestly felt good. As if my body was saying, "yes, this is what is supposed to be going on, we can do this."!

yes, that's exactly what i feel also! :) my contractions do feel really good :D i wonder why they seem more common while lying in bed?? i mean, since bedrest is supposed to prevent them ;)

NST and u/s went well today. my placenta is "less calcified" than my date indicates, baby is doing great (est. 6lb11oz give or take 1.2lbs in either direction), great heartrate and all that, so there are no longer any diabetes complication worries other than what her blood sugar will be when she's born :) and breastmilk fixes that no problem :D

BUT! the first question the nurse doing the NST asks me is "so when are we going to induce you?" :eyesroll then the dr. doing the u/s says, first thing, "so when are we going to deliver you?" that pissed me off, i said "i'll be giving birth when my body says to." he kept talking about inducing for diabetes, even with all the great test results, i finally asked "do you know something i don't?!" he said they "have to" recommend inducing me Thursday since i'm due Sunday. i said "i'll discuss it with my dr. on Thursday." he was genuinely shocked that i wouldn't want to "hurry things up" :scratch

i got to educate a nurse, for lack of a better word. the NST nurse was chatty, nice but too mainstream for me ... we were watching the another woman's contractions on the big monitor and i was like, "whoo, you GO girl!" *lol* the nurse was like, "don't get excited, you'll be in so much pain when that happens" and i said "i know, i look forward to it!" we ended up having a nice talk about how perception of pain can create a fear cycle that makes the pain worse, how great endorphins are, and so on. she said "you're going to do really, really well" :D

krnflwr, thank you :)

peace, and labor vibes :D
meli

[sunshinegal]

Boy am I waddling! And what a big round belly!
I am trying to enjoy this last month because it is going to be such a whirlwind change when she does finally get here. I remember with my other 2 thinking that I was so prepared, but when they finally arrived, everything just seemed to change and was so different from what I expected. And I don't mean by routine, but just having a new person in our lives left me sort of half dazed, and trying to get a real feel for who this little one is and who I was to them. I am so very much looking forward to her birth as is everyone in my family, but I have also been at the point where I longed to be pregnant and feel the movements of a special person growing inside. It is so very special that I just keep giving my belly hugs!!
Sending along major positive labor vibes and healing vibes (for those c/s mamas) to all that need them :dust
QOTW- Acutally I am nesting and hibernating as much as possible. We've been in our house for 3 years and this pg has given us the motivation to get all the stuff done we always wanted. Also, I am enjoying having a family of 4 and trying to do lots together. I don't want to be away from the kids. I am at work all day still and that is too much time away from them already!
Had my appt last week and got tested for GBS even though I told myself that I wouldn't. I don't really have a good relationship with any peditrician in the area, and the ones that our insurance covers are extremely main stream. If I test positive and don't take the antibiotics, they say the babe has to stay in the hospital for 48 hours. I'll be in again on to see them on Friday so we will see what happens. I hope this birth goes very well so that my next one can be at home with out all this mandatory :cuss
Can't wait to read some birth stories from you wonderfull mamas. :love

[True Blue]

Hi all! It's so nice to be home! I'm trying frantically to get a zillion things done, but at least we are here. Had my home visit today, that went really really well. Did the GBS test, was pleased that the mw had me swab myself. :thumb If I am positive I'll do the hibicleans thing, since it works as well as antibiotics and I'm allergic to some antibiotics anyway, and I passed that on to DS. I figure the less antibiotics baby is exposed to then the better. Baby is waaaay low and I still measure 33cm. BUT I asked the mw to give my a weight guess for fun...and she thinks the baby is about 8lbs already! Sooo getting our butts in gear and working on getting this baby OUT before it can hit 9 or 10lbs! The mw was actually pretty surprised I haven't had the baby yet.

QOTW: DH and I had our what will probably be our last date Sat night. I also went and got my pedicure (bday gift!) that afternoon. I feel backwards, bc the house isn't quite where I'd like it to be so my last minute plans at the moment are all based around getting everything ready!!

[ashleep]

Hey everyone! How's everyone's Monday gone so far? Any new babies?

I saw the midwife today. I was planning on not having any cervical checks but I was completely overcome by curiousity and asked her to check me. (She won't even offer,but if you ask her she's more than happy to :) ) I wasn't expecting anything except maybe some effacement since I haven't had any good bh to speak of. But I'm 80% and 2 cm! WOOOHOOO! I know it doesn't mean anything about when labor will start, but I've read some birth stories where women labor hard for a long time just to make it to 2. So I feel like I kinda got a headstart on things, ya know? ;) Baby is still not engaged though. Anything besides sitting on a birth ball that will help engagement?

MW hasn't even mentioned GBS yet, and of course my preggo brain forgot to ask again. But I have issues with antibiotics so we'll probably just see what happens.

QOTW: Dh and I went to see Bela Fleck and the Flecktones last Tuesday (anyone that hasn't heard them, look them up- they're great!) so that will probably be our last date. Money is quite tight right now too so we'll just be taking it easy. Sex is out though since I don't need his help ripening the cervix :eyesroll . That was going to be my leverage when he was feeling uneasy about it, now he says there's no way since the mw felt the head. He really thinks he's going to poke the baby! He is well-endowed but that's still giving himself a little too much credit... ;)

Hope everyone's feeling good (relatively speaking) and has a good week!
Sorry for no personal replies but I can't remember anything right now. :hug to everyone that needs one!

[Thia]

I am completely exhausted. Amazing what a day of desk sitting will do to you. One down, four to go...to the weekend anyways, unless baby comes sooner! (oh please oh please!).
I am looking foward to bed tonight, aside from sleep, I am really curious as to whether I will have more contrax or not. I do have a dr appt tomorrow afternoon. I don't know exactly what will go on. They don't do internals, so that won't tell me anything (even if they did, it wouldn't tell me anything right?). They will measure my belly, but the baby was in a weird position last time, so that doesn't mean anything either. The only thing I can think of is that he will want to talk the I word (induction). I will be 40 wk Friday. They don't like to let anyone go more than 41. BUT, I am pretty sure of when I concieved and know that this baby might be a little younger than they think, by about a week. BUT, I also know that baby is running out of stretching room. So, what will happen tomorrow, I don't know.
Well, labor dust going out to ya'll tonight....

[ashleep]

I'm getting that feeling that someone's in labor... :dust

[Momma2LiamandTara]

Anyone else getting thoughts of just induce me!! I'm so tired and my feet are swollen I just feel like that. :D

I'm not going to do it unless medically necessary. I'm just feeling that way today. :)

Thanks for letting me vent. Just having one of those evenings.

Carrie

[kraftykathy]

I know I said I would be patient, but I sure wish that person in labour was me!

" He is well-endowed but that's still giving himself a little too much credit..."


LOL, that gave me a good laugh! Thanks Ashlee! Hee-hee !

Kathy

[BeansMomma]

38 Weeks Tomorrow!

Howdy, all. It's been a roller coaster emotionally - I wonder where in the world all of these emotions could possibly come from. Yesterday I was pretty depressed; laid on the couch all day and cried at night because I was so darned tired of being huge, achey, encumbered, emotional, blah blah blah. Kinda freaked out DW - oops. :crap I attribute this to not having enough protein / iron so I had cow for lunch; hopefully that will help my spirits!

Meli - have you checked into accupuncture to get things going more naturally? I've heard great things about that being successful.

Nancy - The shower for your hubby sounds great. We received disposables too - but thankfully they were the organic enviro-friendly kind. Congrats on setting your last day for this Friday. Your posts from last week inspired me; I've set my last day for next Friday. I'd go today if I didn't have a big project I'm working on for my boss... But, if that wraps up any sooner, I'm outta here.

I'm feeling oh so huge too. I went to my chiro today; I hadn't seen her in 1.5 weeks and her jaw hit the floor. Apparently I'm not the only one that recognizes that Little Bean has been through a growth spurt. (I gained 6.5 pounds in 2 weeks!) :yikes: Back and neck are doing well - she did a minor adjustment and says to call her if I need to; I suspect things will shift when the baby drops.

I finally packed for the hospital this weekend and we finished our birthplan (Link (http://sanfordanderson.com/birthplan.htm)) - open to suggestions for changes - we're trying to keep it to one page. Now all we need to do is decide on an outfit for Bean to come home in and we'll be set.

[gottaknit]

Howdy, all. It's been a roller coaster emotionally - I wonder where in the world all of these emotions could possibly come from. Yesterday I was pretty depressed; laid on the couch all day and cried at night because I was so darned tired of being huge, achey, encumbered, emotional, blah blah blah.

You're not the only one who feels this way Susan! :hug DH has to listen to me whine, "I'll never look/feel normal again!! I want my body back!" whah whah whah!!! I imagine this is pretty normal stuff at this stage. Except for those few women who :love being pregnant and never feel discomfort. And you know who you are... better :hide:

:wink :LOL

[MamaEmerald]

gottaknit, that's exactly how I've been feeling. I was looking in the mirror last night and said "you know, I like being pregnant, but I'm ready to, you know, not be." My partner said, "what do you mean...you want to have the baby already or you wish we weren't having one?" hahah. I had to explain that this time it wasn't about the baby. It's about MEEEE! I'm ready to not have my skin stretching anymore, to not have to fight to get comfortable or maneuver myself.

I know I sound complainy, but I know you all know how I feel! I've been getting some good contractions though!

And trueblue, I don't care for antibiotics at all and don't want to expose my baby to them, but if given the choice between antibiotics and a hibiclens douche, I'd definately go with the antibiotics. Hibiclens burns! I know it would be diluted, but damn! That stuff is harsh. I would not let it ANYWHERE near my vagina!

[True Blue]

LOL Kristin....I guess I haven't actually tried it!! It would just be a wipe-out with it though I think...I don't know we'll see. I could have the baby before the results are even back anyway!! I was negative last time so I'm not too worried...though I know it doesn't mean much. As long as I don't have any infection symptoms though I'm not too worried. I guess we'll see what happens!! I've just been kinda leary of antibiotics lately since I have a reaction to so many, and then when I saw DS break out in hives for 4 days from his...it scared me. I'm not anti-antibiotics in general, they are wonderful things when needed :) I'm just worried about anaphylactic shock!

[momadance]

Haven't seen Flitters around for a while, and she did have the pinkish tinge on her tp the other day!!!

Re. GBS~ The hibiclens is not to be used as a douche. You dilute it 1 part hibi to 5 parts water in a peri bottle, and do a vaginal wash one time at the onset of labor. Much better IMO then anti. I have a GBS sob story though. (see what's everyone doing about GBS testing thread in the october 2004 forum)

Anybody else totally anoyed by the slow loading pages ever since the mothering face lift?

on my 2nd soaker, should've been doing this a long time ago... You still knitting strong Truebluexf?

much love mama's!

:grouphug to all of us going for the emotional roller coaster rides. I was there last weekend (dropping the F bomb on Dh :eyesroll ) It seems to have passed though...

[Jillerina]

40 weeks

Its Monday night and I'm still preggo but it feels like I am barely holding this baby in! I went to the Midwife today and consented to an internal (first one this pregnancy). She checked me, smiled and said "weeellllll..." seems baby is "extremely low", and I'm about 70% effaced and 3-4cm dilated! I was expecting at least 2 cm dilation so I was not disappointed. Midwife went on to give me a serious talking to about calling her as soon as anything feels different with my contractions. She said we have to be prepared for a very fast birth because I am so favorable! Yay, of course this could go on for another week but I'm feeling really positive and comfortable with how things are going.

I am so happy that I waited to be checked, it was good for my morale these past weeks. I hope everyone else who is feeling low can find a way to boost their morale, it is so good for you physically and emotionally. Enjoy those last few days of work Mamas, you deserve a wee break before your bundle arrives if it is at all possible.

OK, I'm tired and ready for bed. I'll try to post some replys tomorrow!

Night night.

[OakEmber]

:crying...I thought it was just my internet access acting up or something, I'm pulling my hair out here with these slow loading pages...sure hope it's not gonna stay like this, I lost a post already which is making me more frustrated! Sorry but now I am not gonna go back and try to respond invidually...I just wanted to make an appearance so you aren't all thinking I'm in labor ;)

Jillerina- Just had to say though that that is awesome news :thumb Hope your turn is soon!!

[Ekatherina]

im lost i keep on miscalculating the weeks...:hide: its so stupid but i can't find out excatly which week i'm in... :LOL my mw wrote 37 and 5 days....but me and dh were sure im in 38th week... :angry but my due date is 22 october....so i should be 38 weeks right??? but some of you their due dates are before me and they are 37 weeks...how can that possibly be??? ....:scratch
birth vibes toyou Jillerina :dust...hope we hear ur birthstory soon....:)
:hug Susan, I feel that way too...today i sat and cried to my dh that im tired of being not able to eat meat and crave only chocolate...:) that made me feel better....but dh felt very upset and i guess will now bring me chocolate when he comes back from his calligraphy class.... :eyesroll ...
I have read somewhere someone has said that he can know which position baby is in by his hiccups....:scratch...my baby hiccups a lot...is it if i feel hiccups at my right side it mean that baby is facing the left side??? it is good??
much :hug to all of you who are still working full time...:( it must be sooooooooo tireful...im sitting on the sofa all day long and compain complain complain ....:blah

[ameliabedelia]

I have also been a total complete emotional wreck lately. And, my toddler has been driving me crazy! A little part of me is GLAD I having a hospital birth. I had thought about trying to go home early, but at this point the 2 days in the hospital is totally starting to look like one great vacation, I just get waited on, get to lie around in bed with my baby, my mom and dh get to watch dd and take care of her. Plus, in some ways I am also glad that dd will not be around for the birth as would happen if we were giving birth at home. I do think she will make things harder for me. She is a total mama's girl if I am around and I know that she will want to be touching me or nursing or something the whole time. I just think it will be better for my mom to have her and do something fun with her than have me labor and birth at home with her around. But, if I am not around, she is fine with dh or with my mom or whate. t is only if I am around that she only wants me.

I am also feeling really stuck on my predicted date (Oct 17th - 12 whole days before my acutal due date). For some reason I just keep thinking thoughts like two weeks from now, I will have had my baby, or two weeks from now I will be getting ready to go home from the hospital. I know that isn't good, since I really have no reason to think she will be born on that date and I know I will be disappointed if that day comes and goes and no baby.

[Court]

Ekatherina - If your due date is the 22nd, then you'll will be 38 weeks on Friday. So technically you are in week 38, you just haven't completed it yet. Mine's the 21st, and I've got my calendar all marked up, so trust me. Every Friday you go up a week. :)

Amie- these slow loading pages make me wannna cry too.

Yay Jillerina on your progress! That would boost my morale too! I get my first internal next Wednesday and I can't wait to see where I'm at.

[Thia]

39w 5d
I went to bed at 8:30 last night and aside from peeing every two hours, I slept through. Ahhhhh. Very nice. Of course, it didn't make it any easier to drag myself from bed at 7:30. At least I feel I can sit at my desk without wanting to rip someone's head off. That is a good thing.
No more contrax last night, that was dissappointing.
Dr. appt. today although I kind of wonder what the point is. The point is that it gets me out of work early right? LOL. No, the point is that I am going to present my birth plan, ask for dr initials on it. I might have to do some arguing/bargaining over it. I think the first point will be the hep lock. But, I feel pretty confident in my argument.
Yesterday we had a surprise. My grandparents had ordered us the stroller we wanted. Dh opened the box up and put it together as soon as I got home. I am still hoping that someone will get the sling I want, but I may have to do that myself.
Boy has the weather turned! It was freezing this morning! Literally. I think this kid takes after his/her father and loves warm weather. Hope s/he hasn't decided to stay put until spring. I do need to go pull a warmer going home outfit out though, just in case. At this rate it will snow before baby comes.
Ug. My heartburn is acting up. I forced myself to eat breakfast b/c I know I need to eat. Followed that with some tums real quick.
Oh, I too am disapointed with the page loading time. Takes forever. I hope it is something they can fix!

[mirthfulmum]

I'm with all of you, these slow loading pages are maddening!

I have a midwife appointment in a few hours and I hope, I hope, I hope she is able to inspire labour today. I have got to have this baby by Thursday! My mom is scheduled to leave Firday and if Harrison hasn't been born by then then she ain't leaving! And I don't think I can survive her staying here for longer than that (or perhaps I should say she might not survive ;)). She is helping with dinner and some cleaning and is very good with Alias but she is driving me absolutly crazy! We are just to different of people to be living in the same space together, especially a 2 bedroom condo. Yesterday she asked me if she could take Alias for an over night visit to her friends house. That way she could go over there for dinner (and take him of course) and not have to worry about finding a way home. Yeah right, I'm really going to have a 2 year old, who has never slept a night away from his mom, sleep over at some strangers house that is an hours drive away :eyesroll. Oh and did I mention that she wouldn't be leaving here until 6pm (Alias has dinner at 6 and goes to bed at 7:30) and would not have a way to get back until morning. Not to mention the 2 times we have tried to have my mom put him to bed here at home has not worked and required either Dh or I to take over. I've said no, but I don't think she's really heard me. I expect it'll come up again today.

So send me your labour vibes. :dust I really need them!

[ashleep]

:splat I get so irritated by these slow pages!!! We have a cable modem so I have gotten so spoiled to superfast internet, and this is driving me nuts! :bang

Thia, good luck at your dr today. I hope they don't argue with you too much about your birth plan.

Isn't it exciting Jillerina? I didn't think I'd be this happy about being dilated, but you're right, it does boost morale! :)

I don't know if I'm just getting anxious or being optimistic, but I have a feeling I'll have this baby very close to our due date. I've had lots of BH contrax the past few days, a big change from not having hardly any. Plus a low deep backache that is just like what I get when I have my period. Ha! Now I'll definately go 2 weeks over! :duh

OakEmber, thanks for sending me that labor-aid recipe!

Ok, I have to get off my lazy butt and do something. I am so lazy!

[stanleymama]

Mirthfulmom...sending you :hug and plenty of labor dust :dust

I too have gotten annoyed at the delay of the pages loading. I have been opening an extra screen and jumping back and forth between the two because the wait drives me nuts.

Anyways just wanted to post a quick note and send hugs to you all who are at the very end and feeling frustrated. Hang in there, won't be long now at all :)

[mirthfulmum]

I just read over my last post and I sound like such a whiner!

I guess my patience has grown rather thin with the waiting. I was 10 days over due with Alias and I was realy hoping that I woldn't have to wait that long for this little guy to be born. It really depends what time of day it is... sometimes I'm feeling calm and like I am mentally prepared to wait as long as I need to and at other times I feel like if labour dosen't start soon I'm going to loose it.

By the way... where's Lucysmama? Oh Katie, are you out there or have you gotten to use your Aquadoula?

[OakEmber]

Mirthfulmum*~*~* Sending you TONS of Labour Vibes~*~*~ (not even attempting to use a smilie here because they take too darn long!) What is your mom thinking?!! Hope Harrison makes his big entrance very soon!

Oh Thia- One things for sure, your baby will be born before spring! Hang in there...I am sure it will happen soon for you! That's awesome that you got the stroller you were asking for!

I had the worst night sleep ever last night, argh, insomnia sucks! Today all my joints feel achy too, don't want to wast too much time griping though...with these slow loading pages I'd hate to think you all waited 2 mins for this page to load up just for this.

Amelia- I am right there with you thinking I will be early for some unknown reason, hopefully our mothers intuition is working for us and we don't make ourselves miserable.

[OakEmber]

Mirthfulmum*~*~* Sending you TONS of Labour Vibes~*~*~ (not even attempting to use a smilie here because they take too darn long!) What is your mom thinking?!! Hope Harrison makes his big entrance very soon!

Oh Thia- One things for sure, your baby will be born before spring! Hang in there...I am sure it will happen soon for you! That's awesome that you got the stroller you were asking for!

I had the worst night sleep ever last night, argh, insomnia sucks! Today all my joints feel achy too, don't want to wast too much time griping though...with these slow loading pages I'd hate to think you all waited 2 mins for this page to load up just for this.

Amelia- I am right there with you thinking I will be early for some unknown reason, hopefully our mothers intuition is working for us and we don't make ourselves miserable. I still feel strongly that it could be this week or next...we'll see!

[Lucysmama]

Still here, mirthfulmum, still pregnant! I am just sick with this freakin cold and haven't been on much. Baby flipped into a weird position a day ago and now I am not having as many BHs. I suspect baby isn't putting the right pressure on my cervix anymore. I am going to go for a long solo swim today, and a nice walk with dh to try and get the baby settled back in. Lucy is going to the zoo with her Grandpa, thank goodness. Kid is driving me so nuts! :nut I feel bad, but I have no patience for her right now.

I have a prenatal tomorrow, and I think I will ask my mw to check me then. I hate vaginal exams, and I am kinda friends with my mw, so I feel weird spreading 'em on her couch, but it's nothing she isn't going to see at the birth, so I guess I should just get over it. She's seen a thousand yonis.

Jillerina - Congrats on being so ready!!! That must be so encouraging! Keep us updated, too!

Mirthfulmum - Sending you "come on, Harrison" vibes and "go home, Mum" vibes! Hang in there!

[flitters]

hi mamas!

momadance, thank you so much for thinking of me!!! :love it really made me feel all warm inside! i'm still pregnant (a very good thing, since i'm not full term until this saturday being due late in the month). i don't think i'll go quite to 40 weeks, but i hope to go at least 38 and think i will. i also really don't want to go before 10/12 when our aquadoula gets delivered. i get lots of BH contractions and i checked my cervix a couple days ago - it felt very squishy, definitely shorter and slightly dialated but not even a finger tip. i can also feel the baby's head right there, hard and round and what seems low to me, but i don't have any basis of comparison. no loss of mucuos or bloody show yet but i do feel like things are getting closer. some of those BH contractions feel pretty stong, not painful, but productive in some way.

QOTW: i just started maternity leave yesterday (yay!) so dh and i have been spending lots of quality time together. it's really wonderful.

so i'm sending labor vibes towards all the mamas who are so close now! how very exciting!!! it sounds like some of you are getting pretty uncomfortable, especially sleeping, and i hope that is relieved soon!

we are going to go walk the dogs now.

:love :grouphug :love

[OakEmber]

Can it be! Can it really be! No, I'm not talking about labour, :LOL, I am talking about the boards being fixed! Seems to be loading fast now, thank goodness! Sorry about my double post earlier!

I just realized that I didn't answer the QOTW yet :duh Nope we honestly don't have any plans for a last hurrah before the baby comes...we have both have lose ends to tie up in other areas it seems, Dh is working on a project with an Oct.25 deadline so that's the priority right now...for him to be on top of things so that he can slack off a few days as will be necessary. Luckily he is working from home though so even though he will have stuff to do he will still be able to lend a helping hand. We are really just waiting and don't feel that there is time to plan anything...Thanksgiving weekend is coming up here in Canada so we will be spending the weekend with family (I am most looking forward to having a yummy meal that I haven't had to contribute to at all :) ). I think we feel like we are just ready and waiting now, nothing feels undone. Dh even had his own nesting urge last night and finished up the wipes, so now we have 20 custom made wipes to add to our collection. Ok, so I guess I went a little off topic!

[gottaknit]

Susan/Beansmama - Your birth plan looks great. So organized! :)

Regarding the Hibiclens: I wash my hands with this stuff about 5 times a day at work. (I work in a laboratory and handle human body fluids.) It completely strips the oils out of my skin. If I don't moisturize constantly, my hands crack and bleed. Even diluted, I can't imagine using this on a sensitive part of my body. Ouch. But I suppose it is probably the lesser of the two evils. ie better than intravenous antibiotics.

So I went on a little online shopping spree. :love I figured that since no one got me anything off my registry, I'd just have to do it myself! So now I've finally got a hotsling on the way, and I ordered a bunch of stuff from Kelly's Closet. She's got free shipping! http://www.kellyscloset.com if you're feeling in need of retail therapy.

OK I have some positives to list about these last weeks of pregnancy. First, since the baby dropped, my ribs hurt much less and I can sleep without all those pillows propping my belly up. Second, I can EAT a lot more! :D And the heartburn has definitely lessened. Sure I have to pee constantly, but that has been an issue the whole nine months.

On the downside, my belly is so low that my pants don't fit at all anymore. I can't get the big panels over the top in a comfortable spot, and the lowriders are riding waaaay too low. Like I would need a bikini wax if I wanted to wear them. :eyesroll

Well, sending labor vibes to everyone who needs them! :dust

[OakEmber]

Nancy- you reminded me of something I wanted to say when you guys were talking about your registries...I am such a shopping junkie that although I may purchase something off a registry I probably wouldn't end up actually getting the item from where the person registered...the fun for me is looking around to see if I got the best price ;) So maybe you'll end up with some surprises from people like me.

[Momma2LiamandTara]

Nancy- Your post made me laugh so hard about the bikini wax for low riders! :D I'm in the same boat as you with the pants. I'm living in comfy maternity strech pants (leggings) all my other pants don't fit and hurt too much. I have too much junk in the trunk and front to fit into anything else. :innocent

I love Kelly's Closet!! I order all my diapering stuff from her if i can't find it second hand.

Yeah the boards are loading better. I don't have to wait 30 mins for the page to load!!!

I got a hotlsing too for the new baby. I really love it. I got a cappacuino fleece pouch perfect for this chilly weather.

Ok sending out more labor vibes. :dust

[True Blue]

Like I would need a bikini wax if I wanted to wear them.

LOL...I did that weeks ago!! :D

[kraftykathy]

QOTW - No last hurrah for us. I just feel like sitting on my couch and not moving for the next couple of days!

Actually, we did get out for a nice little walk around our farm on Sunday. but other than that I really don't feel like going out at all.

I'm also not looking forward to our Thanksgiving weekend, this weekend, if the baby is not yet here! My family has started big time with the 'You're still around?" and "The baby's not here yet?" . Ugh, I can't stand it! My in laws are so much nicer about it. My sister in law told me out right that she would not be calling to ask because she remember how that feels. Wish my mother could remember!

I had a mw appointment today and I think I've decided that if this baby is not born by my next one, I might go for the stretch and sweep. They don't push it, but they offer it if you ask.

I had more contrax last night that felt stronger than bh contrax. Like clockwork, every 15 minutes for hours. Went to bed, woke up to pee a couple of hours later and nothing!

Labour vibes to those of you looking for them and to mee too please! Time to head to the couch and knit!


Kathy

[momadance]

Yipee for maternity leave! It must be nice for you!

I'm jealous of you ladies with help with the wee ones, although MIles has been pretty low maintnence lately, it'd be nice to have a day to maybe take a nap, or a night away...ah to dream... :eyesroll

Kathy, when I read your posts I have to say it sounds like you have my dream life! A farm in Ontario? The pumkins, your knitting circle, I could go on forever, references all your old posts! :thumb I ask my hubby all the time if we can move up to Ontario, get a farm, and he can do architecture on the side or in the winter. Granted I know nothing about it, it just seems so romantic to me :love My family comes from a long line of farmers who came over to ontario from france in the late 1800's and settled in/around Zurich/St. Josephs area.

I've felt today like I could start my period at any time, the bachache, and slightly crampy feeling. I'm in no hurry though! I'm hoping to surpass my due date, so I'll forward my symptons to you ladies wanting to get things going.

Is anyone NOT going to have their cervix checked? and not checking their own? I don't want it EVER checke, unless maybe i'm feeling the urge to push.

:dust to you ladies who want it, and :sticky for me~!

[Soogie]

Still no new babes?!? Nothing going on here. More BH, but that's it. I've been sleeping better, baby is even lower and finally I've had some relief from the dreaded heartburn. I have my home visit with my mw tomorrow. I'm getting really excited about that. Just having her here, going over the birth kit, and our wishes for the birth...I can't wait. I think I have everything we need. And tomorrow I'm going to start taking some labor prep herbs. It will be interesting to see if they have any effect on my onset of labor or duration. Both of my other babes were late and I had long labors. So this is my own little science experiment.

QOTW: No last hurrah for DH and I. I'm ashamed to admit, that we haven't been out alone in about 3 years. We've been to 2 weddings without the kids, but I don't count that as good quality time together. DH isn't comfortable with leaving the kids with a babysitter and we are 1400 miles away from family, so there isn't much opportunity.

Glad the boards are loading faster again...it was getting painful. Labor vibes to all the mama's who want/need them.

[Thia]

That' s funny, what someone said about feeling like they are going to start their period. That is how I feel too sometimes and it is enough to send me running to the bathroom to see if that is the case. Usually I am halfway there before I realize that I am NOT getting my period. Feel like I am 11 years old again. LOL.
As for the bikini wax thing, I can't ever imagine putting myself through that, but let me tell you, I can't get far without hitching my pants up. Some of my friends at work are laughing at me today b/c I stop in their office to put myself back together. I can just see my pants falling completely down while I am in front of the ceo's office or something...
Well, I am leaving work in an hour, supposed I better actually get some work done...lol. Maybe, oh just maybe, I won't have to come in tomorrow....
wishful thinking :)

[BeansMomma]

Some of you may have read Mellybean's mention (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showpost.php?p=2093477&postcount=76) of mandalas last week:

I thought it was such a good idea that I've arranged all of these mandalas into a couple of large MS Word document for easy printing. If you're interested, I've posted those docs on our Yahoo board (under the Files tab) - if you don't have access to the Yahoo board, email me and I'll send a copy on over. Be warned, they're each about 4MB, so let me know if file size is an issue and if so, I'll try and get them into .pdf later this week.

[ameliabedelia]

As for the bikini wax thing, I can't ever imagine putting myself through that, but let me tell you, I can't get far without hitching my pants up. Some of my friends at work are laughing at me today b/c I stop in their office to put myself back together. I can just see my pants falling completely down while I am in front of the ceo's office or something...

Meee Tooooo! Nothing stays up on me! I am constantly adjusting my pants. It must look so weird to everyone else, but I am way past the point of being self-conscious right now.

[gottaknit]

My boss just asked me if I've "got a delivery date yet". :scratch He said, "Why do you need to stop working Friday if you haven't scheduled the delivery yet?"

Umm.... OK... I'm not sure if he just doesn't know how labor works, or if he assumes everyone schedules inductions. I wasn't about to tell him about our homebirth, so I just said, "Well....uh.... it's all a mystery when babies decide to be born....." :LOL

[Piglet68]

Hi everyone!

Today my best friend called me up and said "I'm taking you out for a pedicure!". It was lovely. I was so embarassed at my rotten toenails: I had cut them all short thinking I wasn't going to get a pedicure for ages, and had actually broken one of the small ones in half. I'm sure the pedicurist was horrified. But all the massaging and callous-removing and cuticle-shaping felt so wonderful! It was super sweet of my friend to think of me that way, and it really put me in such a better mood.

I'd had a lot of insomnia last night, and I simply cannot get comfortable these days. At one point I was trying to change positions and pulled something in my groin - it hurt so much I cried out. DH thought my water had broken or something! Anyways, I was very emotional today, broke down in tears over something trivial...I just read all your posts, girls, about the moodiness, the general discomfort etc and I feel so much better to have you all to commiserate with. I feel like all I do is whine to people. The other day my Dad asked how I was, and I realized I was sounding like those old people who list all their aches and conditions whenever you ask them "how are you?". So I'm trying not to complain too much.

I did use the insomnia to come to a decision however, I'm letting go of my paper until after Sasha is born. I was hoping to have it ready for submission before Friday. Yesterday DH was out all day with DD so I could work on it, then I had a two hour phone meeting with my boss in the evening, so DH was watching DD then, too. It was stressful for him, and stressful for me, as me and boss tried to fit in more phone meetings, etc. In the middle of the night I realized that this paper was taking over everything, and the baby's birth was becoming an unwelcome deadline. I realized that I just can't get it done, and decided to just let it go for now. I want to savour these last few precious days, not be stressing out about something work-related. I'm supposed to have a phone meeting tomorrow evening, but that is my "date night" with DH and frankly, it's a priority for me!! So I'm gonna cancel with my boss. He may be disappointed but oh well...this is a very special time in my family's life and it's not worth getting stressed out over something to do with work!! I have felt a huge load off ever since I made the decision.

gottaknit: your boss's comment made me laugh. my mother adopted me and my brother, so has never been pregnant. when we were discussing her flying out to boston for emily's birth, she was upset that I couldn't give her a set date. she thought the due date was "it" (like the baby can count exactly 40 weeks, lol). When I explained to her that babies can come any time around the due date she said (and this is a direct quote) "Well how does anybody plan these things then??" :LOL

No bikini wax but I did try to give my self a "trim" down there. Forget it. I can't see a thing and with my luck I'll slice off a peice of my labia, lol. I'm tempted to ask DH to do it, but god only knows what things look like down there these days. I'm almost afraid if he sees it he won't ever want to go back there! :eek

I envy those of you whose babies have dropped. Sasha feels so incredibly low to me, and I'm getting poked constantly in my cervix and my groin...but I have been getting lots of shortness of breath, and heartburn (had a Maalox shooter last night) so I'm guessing he's still not dropped. Which is moot for my birth, but might make me feel a bit more comfy!

I think I felt my first contraction today. I was walking to the store around the corner and my whole lower back got tight. It felt alot like a menstrual cramp and it lasted a while. I haven't even had BH in ages now, just the sharp, quick (painful!) pokes from Sasha. So this was interesting to me. I sort of want to feel some contractions just to say I have!

On the toddler front, thank goodness I can report that I have my kid back again. I guess teething is over, because she has been her usual wonderful self lately. She reads to herself alot, entertains herself alot, and has just been generally wonderful. What a relief!!! I was starting to freak about handling her and a new baby when she was being so clingy and teary, etc. My heart goes out to those of you whose toddlers are still making life rough. I know the little dears are having a rough time, but it sure doesn't make it easier for us!

ameliabedelia: I think I posted earlier that my hospital stay was starting to seem like a pending holiday, so I can relate to your feelings. I was so sure I'd be checking out early if I could, but now I'm thinking I might not, lol. It's thanksgiving weekend here and we are planning a dinnner on Sunday night b/c we have friends visiting in town (they just had their first baby two months ago), but now I'm thinking I probably won't be there for it. We'll see how it goes...I guess it mostly depends on how Emily is handling being away from me. If she's fine I might take advantage of the break. Sleeping all day with a newborn sounds heavenly right now!!

Okay, I think I've babbled enough for today. DD actually went down early this evening and DH is out at soccer practice, so I'm enjoying this time to read and reply thoroughly! Only three more days until my baby is born...unbelievable!!!

Big labour vibes to you, Mirthfulmum!!!!

[Lucysmama]

Oh, Piglet!!! You must be so excited to get to meet your little baby in 3 days! I am a mite jealous that you know when you will hold Sasha in your arms! :)

I had to laugh when you talked about trying to do a little trimming...I can't really do it, either. I am wild and crazy! In my last pregnancy, I asked dh to give me a little haircut down there once I got to 40 weeks. I didn't like the idea of going into labor all overgrown. Well, you should have seen what he left me! Virtually nothing!!!! :eek I was kind of embarassed.

I took this amazing walk today in the park. It was one of those incredible fall days....cool and crisp and the leaves were falling all around. I wandered around the woods alone, and eventually I got tired and sat in a small clearing. I was just relaxing there, when a mother deer and her fawn wandered into the clearing, too. I sat perfectly still, and to my amazement, they walked right up to me. I sat just a couple feet away, and the deer and I just stared at each other for a long time, our faces only maybe 3 feet apart. The mother was trying to figure me out....what was I? Why wasn't I moving? Was I going to harm it? It eventually bowed its head and licked the grass in front of me. It was a friendly sort of thing. The deer walked across the field and back to me a few times and eventually wandered off, looking over its shoulder at me the entire time. It was such a cool experience, I felt so blessed. :love

[stanleymama]

We all seem to quiet tonight.... I hope this is a good sign that some babies are on the way tonight :D

Piglet...dh and I are going on our last date tomorrow night as well. We will be celebrating his upcoming b-day as well. I love spending time alone with him. We have soooo much fun! We try to go on a date at least once a month which I think is very important to do in a marriage.

Got some comfy yoga pants yesterday.. I just want to live in them!!! They do slide down a bit, but not to bad. I was a bit desperate especially now that the weather is turning cold here in WI.

Well I just wanted to chat. Good night :)

[Jillerina]

Our internet was down all day today and it was driving me nuts because I wanted to see if any babies had been born! I can't believe it is the 5th and still no more babies.

I envy those of you whose babies have dropped. Sasha feels so incredibly low to me, and I'm getting poked constantly in my cervix and my groin...but I have been getting lots of shortness of breath, and heartburn (had a Maalox shooter last night) so I'm guessing he's still not dropped. Which is moot for my birth, but might make me feel a bit more comfy

Well Piglet, I know for a fact that my baby has dropped and for some reason my heartburn is at its worst! I thought I'd bought too much Gaviscon two weeks ago but as I shot it last night I realised the bottle is almost empty!

No change with me... just wanna send Mirthful some labor vibes and Piglet some relaxing vibes and Lucysmama some get well vibes KraftyKathy some enjoyable time on the couch vibes and everyone else big hugs. Lets get this show on the road!!!

[OakEmber]

Piglet- That's great that you made the decision to let go of your paper until after Sasha is born...WTG :thumb You really do need to just focus on you and your family these last few days! What a sweet friend you have :love

Man those comments you guys are getting are funny...but at the same time scary...just think, if this is the view after just a few years of inductions and scheduling babies imagine what it will be like for our children. :eyesroll

So all of a sudden tonight I have been hit with a menopausal like heat wave, I am roasting! And now I am starting to feel stuffy. I'd like to hear that this is a sign of impending labour, :LOL but it is more likely just a cold that will hold things off for a few more days.

Sending out labour vibes that hopefully someone will catch!

[AnnR33]

Yay! I hired a doula today-it was my birthday present to myself :) I know she'll be great, she has that warm comfortable aura about her. My DH is still "humpfing" about paying $350 but I told him that was cheap!
Went to Ikea to get some last minute things I was wanting-like storage bins for dipes and baby stuff so feel like things are settling into place.

Swelling like crazy all of a sudden-never had any problems until the last day or 2 and I've been trying to drink alot of water. Hoping that doesn't get worse-I hate that stuffed sausage toe feeling LOL

Piglet-can't believe it's coming so fast-only 3 more days!

Take care everyone
Ann

[Ekatherina]

Court, thank you so much for helping me to figure out what week im in...:shy..actually dh was telling me the same thing yesterday over supper but i didn't want to belive that im not 38 weeks yet!!! :crying...
Piglet, that is a wonderul decision!!! :thumb your baby and ur family are the priority and these last days (only 3 days i can't belive it :love) should last forever in ur memory...i did the same thing too last week...well have to admit not comletly by myself but after dh's long talk with me that "my family is number one priority" :innocent...
mirthfulmom, much much birth vibes to you :dust ...and much :hug that ur mom is still there with you...:) i live in Japan and my mom tell me each time over the phone that she wants to come to "help".... :eyesroll...everytime i tell her "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO we will go when baby will be born....:LOL
Congratulations to all of u who got their maternity leaves!! :thumb and much :hug to those who still have to wake up at 7...:(
today was really awful...i went to buy some knitting stuff and bought it for really expensive price only to find later on that they sell the same (well almost) stuff in a 100 yen shop (1 dollar)...:bang....and then my freind wrote me to say that they used the name we chose for the baby (if she is a girl) which is petra....so her sister had a baby and they called her petra!!!! :angry....:splat...
and when i was typing this message my neighbour came, she has been worried for weeks about her 1-year-old dd not eating...so now she has a habit to come and feed her in our house...:hammer....and she screams a lot and her dd too so i thought my head was going to explode....:crying...and then i wanted to send the reply in the middle of all this screaming and it was deleted!!! :hopmad....
hope you all had much better day than me here...:)
P.S. oops sorry Ann...:innocent with all this talk about mememememe...:blah...forgot to tell you : HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! :snap :guitar :carrot :violin

[Ekatherina]

I just knew from the other thread that MDC will be closed for some days for repair...Cynthia said...:crying...
and im feeling something now...i think it might be contractions but im not sure....dh is saying that im fooling him...i have bad bad ache in the lower of my abdomen as if before my period...and it comes and goes...maybe just gas...:shrug

[Ekatherina]

MDC will be moving to the new homepage i guess....

[True Blue]

oh Ekatarina, that sounds a LOT like early labor! When I had DS, it started out with a small tightening in my belly and a crampy feeling in my lower back like when I get my period, and it came every few minutes. :twothumbs Keep us posted!!

Heartburn? Hmm I wish that really went away bc the baby dropped. Part of the reason we have heartburn is from teh baby pushing on our belly....but the other part is because of the relaxin in our bodies relaxing our sphincter valves, including the one in our esophogus. Only way to fix that is to have our babies!! Oh and I am still short of breath too at times and my baby has been low for weeks and weeks. :irked:

MDC is going down? What?! Where does it say that?? This would be very bad timing!

So I'm FINALLY 37 weeks now, and quite frankly surprised I am still pg....DH says the baby will come today. We'll see right! I've had less and less contractions sadly so who knows! Just can't believe my plug's been gone for 10 days now and no baby!

:birthday: Ann!!

[Momma2LiamandTara]

Happy Birthday Ann!!! :birthday: :balloons
Hope you had a wonderful B-day!

I'm with all ya ladies about the aches and pains. My darn feet are swollen and my ankles look like grapefruits!

What is it with our DH's helping us shave because we can't see and we wind up with next to nothing! Who has the time or energy to maintain something like that!

Ann- tell your DH $350.00 is a really good price for a Doula. I paid $850.00 for the one I used with liam and my current one charges $400.00. Hopefully after he sees what she does for you guys during the birth he will see how worth the money it is!

Hey if MDC is going to be down we can keep in touch via our yahoo group. I don't know if I can go through a couple of dyas w/o posting or reading any of your posts! :)

Piglet- That is so good for you to put aside your paper and just take the time to relax a bit. I'm still so excited and a bit envious you have an exact due date! It's so awesome on Friday your lil dumplin will be here and we will be reading your birth story.

Okay ladies it's tiem for someone to have thier baby. Here are some more labor vibes. :dust

[Ekatherina]

This was posted by Cynthia in the thread called "slow loading pages..."
It keeps me in tune with what you're all experiencing as I don't have that much of a problem myself. I convey the info to Laura, our webmama, and to our host as the need arises. We thought we resolved the problem yesterday by removing that huge log that had built up and sapped our memory. But it seems the slowness is back somewhat for some of you. It's late night/wee morning USA time right now and things seem fine on my end.

We have signed a contract and put into motion our new server setup so we will be moving to a new home within 2 weeks I think. That means a bit of downtime for us but we'll be setting up in a more powerful server and hopefully be comfy and speedy for everyone.
We are growing so fast!!

Truebluexf, I really dont know what is going on...but as pain doesnt go away im starting to worry...it began one hour ago and i sat in a warm bath for half an hour...cramps are better...but pain doesn't go...its there in the lower part of my abdomen and i can't tell if its contractions or no because i really feel like one cramp getting smaller and bigger over times...but nothing regular i guess....i really can't tell....:confused: now dh is saying i need sleep and we should sleep early...but i dont think i can sleep!!! :eek

[True Blue]

Yeah it's hard to sleep when the baby could be coming...my labor started off in the evening last time and I really should have gotten a couple hours rest while I still could...so try your hardest, at the very least lie down and rest!! Things not stopping after a bath are a good sign!! :) Go relax and see what happens.

[mandalamama]

still coloring mandalas here, i've got 20 or so done and many more to do :) i notice that if i color one when i'm having a lot of hip/back/groin pain, time passes quickly and i forget about the pain entirely! which bodes well for labor :D

re: shaving ... i plan to grab a shower, shampoo and shave my legs while in early labor *lol* if i can't reach my legs, my husband can do it for me. TMI he shaves the muff for me, since i can't reach it anymore! he's got a full beard so i know i can trust him, if he can keep his face looking so good i figure he's a good bushwhacker ;) the only problem is he has to stop and start because when the baby gets the whole belly moving he cracks up :love

his sister's birthday is Friday, so now we're wondering if Willow wants to share Auntie A's birthday! i keep bribing her all day, "come on out and you can have all the booby juice you want!"

i want to get a pedicure tonight, if $ permits. i wonder if those big massaging/vibrating chairs could cause labor to start?! :D

peace,
meli

[gottaknit]

OK here's a funny story for you all. I think DH is getting a little too involved with the whole pregnancy thing, or he's just read too much or something.

This morning I was in bed and he called out for me to come in the bathroom and look at something. He was pointing at the shower floor and said, "Honey! I think you lost your mucus plug!" But I hadn't been in the shower yet - I was still in my pj's. So he said maybe I lost it yesterday. Um... I didn't shower yesterday. :blush Last time I was in the shower was Monday morning, and he's had like three showers since then....

But he was completely convinced it was my mucus plug and it got there somehow!! Turns out it was the last sliver from a bar of soap that had fallen on the shower floor and melted into a little gelatinous puddle. So now I'm having fun teasing him about my sneaky mucus plug. As in, "Honey, look! I found my mucus plug in the fridge!" and "Honey! Is that my mucus plug under the sofa!?" :LOL

[Lucysmama]

Nancy - :rotflmao

[AnnR33]

Nancy :LOL

Thanks for the birthday wishes! I'm afraid to say how old I am-I think I may be one of the oldest! :blush

If the boards do go down I think we should keep in touch via the yahoo group too!

Gotta go...check in later
Ann

[momadance]

that's so funny, your sneaky mucus plug.
I'm having a super lazy day. Finished another soaker this morning and started on an earthy, soft poncho for a friend. Her b-day is the 23rd, so I figured I'd better get cranking. My hands keep falling asleep though... I love the look of it so far, I want to keep it, good thing I love my friend so much :love

Not much to report. No sign of baby yet :thumb Although I've had alot of discharge through the night... No biggy though.

It totally helps to have a reason to not want baby to come early, It would suck if there wasn't one, I'd totally be over the prego game. my only complaint right now is getting out of our bed to pee at night.


Anyone know anything about placenta printing, or stamping? My mw suggested it, and I'd love to find out more, and see some examples befor we bury ours under the rose bush.

[momadance]

OOps!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANN!!! Does this make you annr34 instead on annr33?

[Thia]

39w 6d
Had a dr appt yesterday and it didn't go well. I am okay and so is baby. The dr is induction happy though. They scheduled me for a nst for Monday (which I am changing to Tuesday) and I was told to "bring a date" in mind for induction. Basically, I hate confrontation and am easily intimidated when the other person is a man, so he steamrolled me. I tried to fight back, but it didn't go very well. I just left with the "two can play this game" attitude. Hence, I will change my nst date, I will bring a date....my husband...and as for an induction date...won't go any earlier than the 21st. I found out today that other women have had similar problems with this same dr. Sigh. Really, that is the short version of what went on.
Here's something for everyone to laugh over...I was trying to get across to him my idea of "ideal birth" and said: "if I had my way, I'd be doing this at home." His reply, "women who have their babies at home watch them die." :eyesroll :blah schmuck!
I left there pretty ticked off, did my usual walk in 15 min instead of 20! I also decided to start Evening Primrose today, so we'll see if that does anything. I was crampy through out most of last night and for a couple hours (so far) today. In fact, some of those cramps last night were the toughest I've had so far. Maybe things are getting started. Due to cramping, I didn't sleep very well last night, so I am really tired today, but I'm hanging in there.

Oh...have no clue where our yahoo board is. Can I join the fun?

Ann: Happy Birthday!
Lucysmamma That story about the deer is awesome! Such a gift to have an experience like that! I can picture the whole thing in my mind too. Very relaxing and peaceful in your little glade...

[Momma2LiamandTara]

Thia-

It's hard but stick to your gut feelings. I was in the same postion as you my first time around. Don't let them talk you into being induced before 41 weeks! I had to fight for a natural childbirth and a Doula!!

If nothing happens before your induction date get going a few days before on all the natural things. Accupuncture, Accupressure, I forget the herbs suggested, and a last resort Castor Oil.

Good Luck!
Carrie

[True Blue]

Thia -- yes please stick to your guns, we are all here to support you! :hug

Piglet -- wanted to let you know I got my I'm Still Me bag and it is BEAUTIFUL....I can't wait to use it!!! I feel so special that I get to carry around such a nice diaper bag!!!

[gottaknit]

"women who have their babies at home watch them die" :splat :bang :rant: :hopmad :censored


Thia - :Hug Good luck to you!

[AnnR33]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANN!!! Does this make you annr34 instead on annr33?

Shows how long I've been on the boards...it would be AnnR36!!! ;)

Hang in there Thia-just be strong!

Testing for GBS today...hoping it's negative!
Ann

[momadance]

Thia, I am so f@#ing angry right now reading your post about your dr.s comment! What an ignorant A@# hole, and to think he'll make oodles of money off of you and the birth of your baby... UHHHHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGG I am so ticked....


I can't believe people are so DUMB.

Dh told his mom last night she's not welcome at the birth. He's not comfy with the idea of her lurking. She said to him "well I just hope everything goes ok, and if theres a need to transfer you'll do so" Nice thing to say... People can KISS OFF today! Man, she doesn't even know what a normal birth looks like, and she acts like she's a freaking expert for being a labor and delivery nurse.... Good ridance. " I'm just concerned for the safety of Mo, and the baby" really? no sh#$ WE ALL ARE... ohhhhh I better log off right now, I'm raging!

[mandalamama]

Thia ... grrr on the dr's attitude :irked: i'm intimidated in the dr's office as well, although having my doula go to the last 2 visits with me has helped tremendously. i have an appt. tomorrow and if the OB talks induction again i'm just going to say "is there an actual medical reason to induce?" because i just had an NST and u/s Monday and everything is going great. i'll probably just end up repeating my question stubbornly if she starts to tell me horror stories. stay strong, Thia! *vibes*

happy birthday Ann :)

my OB said something similar about homebirth a few months ago, before i had read all about it. but i assumed of course dr's are against homebirth, they can't make any money off it :eyesroll

peace,
meli

[Piglet68]

Well, Ann, I've got you beat. I'm 36, turning 37 in January. :D

Lucysmama: that deer story was SO beautiful. What a wonderful moment to savour before the birth!!

Nancy: your plug story cracked me up! at least your DH is on the ball...I don't think mine knows what a mucous plug is, but I'm quite sure he'd be horrified to see it in the shower, LOL.

Feeling good today. It's gorgeous out, and although a walk in the woods like Katie described would be wonderful, I'll settle for taking the car to WalMart, lol. Realized we need a waterproof mattress cover for our new king size bed. It gets delivered tomorrow. Yay! When I get home from the hospital, DH will have the frame stained and set up (we got a platform frame from a futon store). No more hauling my butt up off the floor!

DD had a rough night last night, due (once again) to not eating enough dinner, then waking up hungry. An hour after fussing she asks for food. Why didn't I think to ask her? Oh yeah, cuz it would have meant GETTING UP. lol....anyways, we had a little midnight snack (at 2 am!) but the interesting part of all this is that when we went back to bed she didn't ask for milkies, and although it took her some time (and a few renditions of "twinkle, twinkle little star" for DH and I, lol) she fell asleep without nursing! Lately she's been much more receptive to me saying "no". I discovered that if I just count down to "no milkies" she gets upset. But if the countdown is "five more minutes then mama's going sleepies" that seems to be okay with her. Anyways, all this to say that I'm feeling so much more confident about being away from her at night. I hope it goes okay!

Thia, hope you can find the strength to "just say no" to induction. What an awful attitude your doc has? Well you know what? They aren't going to send the police to haul you off to your appointment, so if it makes you feel better (I hate confrontation, too) just smile, set the date, and then don't show up! LOL

good luck on your GBS test, Ann!

I haven't heard back from my doc re: gestational cholestasis, but damn was I itchy last night!! thank god for my Body Shop body brush...it really feels good.

mellybean: I have to admit that during my pedicure yesterday, when she was massaging the soles of my feet, I felt funny things going on in my belly. i wondered if this was going to induce anything...it didn't (I just think i'm not "there" yet) but it made me think that if one were close, this could trigger something!

Amy: i'm so glad you love your bag...you got the imperial butterfly one, right? I got the "purse party" one in a large tote. i had her change the pocket colour from black to a creamy beige so the whole inside of the bag isn't black. she said she started sewing yesterday, so I can't wait to get it!!! this has been the real "treat" to myself (well, I got dad to pay for it, lol) and I can't wait to start using it!

well, everybody, I'm off to go tidy up for the cleaning lady :LOL

btw, I agree that if the boards go down, let's take this to the Yahoo Group. (thia, PM Court and she'll add you to the group)....wouldn't that suck to have them down right while we are having babies!!!

[sunshinegal]

thia- that dr's comment! :bang :cuss :cuss -
Stick to your inner voice and everything will work out just fine :thumb
mellybean- thank you for the laugh!!

Ann- happy birthday :birthday:

I spoke with my boss today and I still have some vacation days that are left before I go on leave, so she was pushing me to take them. So different than a male boss! She said go home and put your feet up. There are so many people out right now I feel a little guilty about taking days off, plus I plan on being out permanently so I am really going to miss some of my friends and all the office gossip! But hey, I've got to give it up sooner or later. So tomorrow and friday I am off (just in time for my DS birthday :D ) and I am taking next friday off too- that is if I make it that long!!!

I have been cramping too- and even though they are short bouts, THEY REALLY ARE DOING SOMETHING! because this baby is moving down, slowly but surely. She can't stay in there forever.

So I have been having cravings for sweets so bad lately. I even have gotten into baking again, which I almost never do! I made 2 loaves of banana nut bread last week and this week it is something my mom calls Chocolate Delight- it is a walnut crust, with a layer of cream cheese on top, then a layer of chocolate pudding and then whipped cream! I swear it is almost all gone. I think I am making cup cakes next :)

It is so very cold now, I miss summer already and most of my maternity pants are capris so my chubby ankles are freezing.
Brrrrr...

[Momma2LiamandTara]

Thia- I thought of a couple helpful things. I agree setup the appt for the induction don't show up. :) Don't answer the phone either in case the doc calls. :) Also do you have a doula. She would be perfect to help you in this situation. When you do go into labor make sure to ask for a natural childbirth friendly nurse. That way you won't get an epidural/pitocin crazy one. Remember you can always ask for another nurse if you don't like yours. Get your hubby to do this! Just have your hubby help you stick to your birth plan. Tell everyone else to piss off! :thumb

When you go get pregnant the next time you'll have learned what type of things you want in an OB. I learned so much from the first time. My old ones came so reccomended well geez they are great for the whole epidural induction type birth.

You can do it Thia!! Just be strong. It's super hard but you can do it!! If I can have a natural childbirth with docs like yours you can too! :thumb

Just hearing this reminds me so much of how much my olds docs pissed me off. You are in charge not them! Don't let them intimadate you becuase he thinks he knows all. Let them run thier NST & Ultrasounds. If everything is fine there is no reason to induce! so do this to him :moon :raz

Carrie

[Soogie]

Grrrr...doctors can be such arses! I don't know if I would have been able to keep myself from slapping your doc silly Thia for those comments. It reminds me of when I was pg with ds #1. I was all excited about going to our first prenatal appt and had set it up with the gyno that I had been seeing. After the exam, we talked in her office and we were talking about exam schedules and hospital classes and such. And I mentioned that I was very interested in taking Bradley classes and trying to keep my pg as natural as possible. Well, she told me that "those people" who take Bradley, and don't want interventions, don't care if their baby lives or dies. :dropjaw Then she went on to say that it was barbaric to watch women suffer the pains of childbirth and that most women are too weak to have a completely natural childbirth. :cuss She seemed proud stating that most of her patients receive an epidural. Well, I left there in tears, completely horrified by her postition on birth. Later that day I called the Bradley teacher in our area, signed myself up for classes and got the name to a wonderful pro natural/no intervention doctor. I *loved* him. And I had a wonderful pg and a very satisfying natural birth.

I had my homevisit today. Went over the birth kit items and had my first internal exam. My cervix is still high but it's super soft and squishy, about 50% effaced and I'm 2 cm dilated! I know this means nothing, but never before in my other 2 pg's have I had any cervical changes prior to labor. I think it's because this babe has been heads down for so long. My others weren't vertex until 37-38 weeks. I also declined the GBS screen.

Ann - :birthday: Hope you are having a great day!

Katie - I love the deer story...what a tranquil moment for you.

Nancy- I'm still lol about your Dh and the mucuous plug. That's classic!

I know there was more that I wanted to comment on, but my memory has failed me again.

[kmoroziuk]

I am new to this, and late posting, but I am due on Oct 16th. I am hoping to go this Thanksgiving weekend. Friday I was put on bedrest due to preeclampsia and have a home care nurse in every morning. I want a natural delivery without drugs so I am hoping to get some much needed rest and get my blood pressure down. The pregnancy has been great up until these last two weeks. Since I have been taking it easy my blood pressure has lowered, but today it was up