Roll Call: Check in here mamas!!! [Archive] - MotheringDotCommunity Forums

MamaTaraX

09-07-2005, 11:38 PM

:) I just popped on here to post about my nice midwife visit today. I'll just put it here :) Midwife came today, brought her apprentice. We chatted, my toddler wasn't sure about the apprentice. He loves my midwife, but really didn't dig the apprentice. She felt my little growing baby. He or she is likes to bunch up low in my pelvis. I have a feeling this one is going to be a cervix surfer early on! Nothin' like a little person banging away on your cervix LOL I'm measuring 2 cms big. I've *never* meausured big before, so it was kind of amusing. Espeically when we heard the heartbeat and we heard two! She checked again, only felt one baby :) What we heard was actually all four chambers of baby's heart which was so neat! You don't get to hear that often, it does sound just like two heartbeaats though. We got a nice laugh out of it though :) My next visit is in about five weeks. We go see the back-up dr. the week before, hopefully we'll do the ultrasound that visit. No, not finding out the sex, my husband just wants some peace of mind that baby is all there and healthy. After the next visit we'll be down to every two weeks! Time flies!! I'm 21 wks 3 days right now. Huge and loving it! I'm drumming at a festival this weekend and tonight we found clothes, that didn't even belong to me, that actually fit me! It was like they were made for me even. I look pretty good and am looking forward to performing. Oh...we can see and feel the baby from the outside now and my fetoscope sleeps next to my bed for easy entertainment :)

Nice to "see" everyone posting!

Namaste, Tara
mama to Doodle (6), Butterfly (2), and Rythm (due at home 1/06)

sunnylady303

09-08-2005, 06:58 AM

Hi there...I will be 20 weeks on Sunday. I am feeling so much better, but dealing with more exhaustion than before. I don't know if it's normal or if I'm anemic or what, but that's a little tough. I'm starting to feel the baby strongly but sporadicly. I get nervous when it's been more than 12 hours or so since I felt her. But hopefully the movements will pick up now. I am also getting more attached and feeling more pregnant. Sometimes it feels like I still have SOO long to go and sometimes I wonder how I will get everything done. Oh, and we found out that we are having a girl!! Mostly good here. My first pregnancy I worried so much and this time hasn't been like that although I am starting to worry more - I guess since I am getting more attached. :)

sarahlynne

09-08-2005, 07:27 AM

Hi there. I also will be 20 weeks this weekend. Have been feeling kicks for a few weeks now - midwife asked if I was sure of my dates, but 17 weeks isn't that early to feel them is it. Had my second MW visit last week and heard the heart beat again. From now on out we'll be using the fetoscope, which is cool, because it wasn't something I was going to fight for (I try to pick my battles, because I am delivering at a hospital even though it's with Midwives) but she readily agreed and said she'd notify the others that they have a real Midwife client so they better be doing what they're supposed to. The MW's at this hospital deliver about 40% of babies, so they see alot of women who may not be into natural birth at all. Having more energy and I think that my appetite is finally starting to increase.

Nature

09-08-2005, 08:38 AM

Hello ladies :) 22 weeks tomorrow and feeling a TON of movement. She already has a definate awake/asleep time, and I can wake her up simply by rubbing my belly. She also wakes up to loud noises and music (and my 2 year old dd screaming :LOL ) I'm not sure whether thats a good thing though. Goddess knows how I'll handle another light sleeper in the house! :yikes: I'm definatly feeling more attached to this babe now that she's moving so much. Just last week DH felt her move for the first time too, and you can even see my belly jump. :love

My last OB appointment went well. A big jump in weight gain for me, and everything else looked good. They measured my belly for the first time and it was on track. OB let my 7 year old dd hold the doppler and help to hear the heartbeat, which I thought was very cool. (did I mention I love these laidback OB's? They are backup for a bunch of midwives in the area, unfortunatly my insurance won't cover the midwives. Still, they are very down to earth and non invasive. SO GLAD I switched from my last OB!) Anyway, she noticed that I used to be hypothyroid (because I told them when I first was pg in my history) and she asked that I get my blood tested. I expected them to test it earlier.. not sure why they didn't?

So the bad news.. my thyroid test came back too low. Underactive again. :( They were really concerned because I guess its really really low, she told me they were calling in Synthroid and that I had to go pick it up at the pharmacy right away. I was hoping it would remain stable through this pregnancy like it did my last. :irked: stupid thyroid..

DD shows no letting up with the nursing during the day..but last night was the first night she didn't wake up for nummies! :thumb :banana :broc: :carrot I love our nursing relationship, but my nipples need a break sometimes! they are SO sore.

Theres my book for the day mamas! :wink haven't quite woken up yet, so I think I did smilie overload.

ehsclt

09-08-2005, 08:42 AM

Hi Everyone,

Tara, wow, I think my jaw dropped when I read your post. It must have been such a surprise to think for a moment that maybe you were pg with twins!

Things are great here. I have a routine mw appt this morning and don't even feel like I need to go for any reason, but am going anyway, of course. I feel generally like a normal person with a big, kicking belly. In my yoga class last night, I was reminded of what an odd feeling it is to do the warrior poses with someone flipping around inside you. Kind of changes the focus. I think the baby must like the deep and steady breathing, as it always gets him or her going.

I am feeling more tired, like someone else also mentioned. I am not sure if it's because we're preparing to move into our new house this weekend and I've been doing extra cleaning at the house OR if it's just a growth spurt for the babe or something like that. I have fatigue that is almost like first trimester fatigue. I am looking forward to an afternoon nap while the littles rest today.

I hope everyone is well and it's amazing that pretty well all of us are nearly "halfway" now. I will be 24 weeks this Sat.

Emily

ScotiaSky

09-08-2005, 10:12 AM

Hey..had my3rd midwife appt last week.

Reviewed our U/S results from our 19 week U/S and went over the details on the swelling within the kidney ....Midwife told me that they start to take note at 5mm to 10mm but ours was measuring 4mm and she was not sure why they mentioned it..but maybe because it was seen in both kidneys. She said not to worry about it as it is seen often and ususally clears up by the follow up U/S at 32 weeks.

Compared U/S measurements with our son's and mm by mm they were dead on...so looks like we will end up with a similar sizeed baby..he came out 13 days post date at 8 lbs 10 oz and 21 and half inches long.
I also asked how my weight is compared to the same period with him and I weigh 10 lbs less at 116..gotta love BF to keep your weigh down!!!

Really connected with her this appt but too bad we will have a new midwife as she is leaving the Birth House to help open another one in another part of the city...very much needed(our entire province has about 55 midwives and I think 7 Birth Houses and for every woman who gets to use a midwife 8 are on a waitlist...its a government funded so although its free which is great there are still lots of laws to get through) but that sucks for me.
I know of two other women on a local group that have my present midwife and will also be doing the switch.

We mainly talked about our 17 month old and how I recently have figure out that he is a sprited child...she recommened seeing a homeopath as her first was also this way.
Until we have the cash and can find a good one in our area I stopped by a Health food store and got something called CALM a mixture of homeopathic remedy's and since he is teething(those last 4 molars are taking their sweet time) am also giving him teething tea and as an extra bonus some fish oil in addition to his regular flax seed oil he gets...the first two days he screamed like normal but that last two days he has relaxed and calmed down so much it like a whole new child.
I now have time to hug him and tell him how much I love him rather then pull him off the ceiling. I still expect the normal toddler behavior but he has toned down...now which one was it that worked?

I haven't seen my DF since Sunday evening it feels like...our local Power Company which he works for called and asked if he would give up his Monday off and work for them helping the Red Cross load trucks with beds and sheets to send to N.O.
Which of course he did...he even was on three local news channels..well he was background the big wigs are the ones doing all the talking.

I try not to watch the news since my son was born as I find it too upsetting but watched a bit yesterday and paid for it I woke up with nightmares..I guess the news segments showing the dead bodies and telling the stories of people drowning in their homes got to me..so I will have to avoid the news and most TV stations again.

I find time is moving very quickly and am scared that this babe will arrive way before I am ready..so many plans and so little money...since its our last I want to do some things I missed out with on the first like a belly cast that is something one can not put off.
We did pictures with our son and plan on doing them again as they hang in his bedroom and are very special to us to see everyday.
Must research a breastpump and buy my newborn prefold and covers..oh the list goes on and on. Guess this can all wait until Novemeber/December.

Must go as the beastie calls

megpaw

09-08-2005, 01:20 PM

Things are going really well here. I'll be 21 weeks on Saturday, and I'm feeling great. Baby is moving a lot, but the little stinker stops as soon as I even think about having dd's put their hands on my belly for a feel. That's about it. We're just hanging out. I've been surfing E-bay looking for diapers and a sling, and slowly but surely getting my birth kit together. Time is just flying by!

Mama2Tristan

09-08-2005, 04:33 PM

Hi Everyone,

Looks like everyone is doing well...Witchy Mama, I too, was hypothyroid...but it was at about 12 weeks that they caught it...so they upped my dosage and now seems to be fine...My midwife practice that I just joined though said that if my thyroid can't remain controlled throughout the rest of the pregnancy, I won't be able to stay with them...and will have to go to a doctor...Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
My twin who was staying with me for the last 6 weeks just went back home to Italy...I'm really sad. We both have 2 and a half year olds (only three days apart) and they had become like best friends...Now we have to go back to our routine of speaking on the phone every other day...
Okay, I have a question, and may have to post it separately. Since I will have 3 months maternity leave, I am thinking about going to Italy for a month when this little baby is 6 weeks old. Has anyone else traveled that early on especially a long trip like that? We would be flying from Chicago to Italy...Long plane ride but my twin will be so helpful...Any feedback would help.

MamaTaraX

09-08-2005, 06:39 PM

I think flying with a baby that small would be preetty easy actually. Nurse on take-offs and landings. They'll probably sleep most of the time. Nowme on a plane that long? I couldn't last, but I'm sure my baby could LOL I know peopel who have flown with babies that small and done just fine. I'd do it if I had somewhere worth traveling to. (although I might be more tempted to tell whoever I was seeing to come travel to me!)

Namaste, Tara
mama to Doodle (6), Butterfly (2), and Rythm (due at home 1/06)

anarchamama

09-08-2005, 07:03 PM

Hi Everyone,

Mama2tristan, I went on a 4 day trip with ds when he was six weeks and took a 30 hour bus ride with him when he was six months. Both were fine, well not fine exactly the bus ride was a bit hellish, but you know what I mean.....doable anyway.

I am doing well htough I can't seem to shake the nagging feeling that something is wrong, I had two m/c's between ds and this pregnancy so eveytime I don't feel the baby move for awhile I become convinced something is wrong. Usually turns out I have just been busy and not holding still enough though.

My apetite is picking up though I still have only gained 10 pounds, but I know it will come soon enough. And I have suddenly been hit with a whole new bout of exhaustion! Seriously I have been going to bed at like 9 and with dh's new scedule we all have to get up at 6 anyway so its probably for the best.

Glad to see eveyone else is doing well.

Cheers
Heather

jayayenay

09-08-2005, 07:24 PM

ScotiaSky

09-08-2005, 09:39 PM

Hmm I would think about the logical stand point not sure about US law but for international travel as a Canadian(excluding travel to the US although I would never travel without it to the US just in case) you would need a passport for that baby and to get a passport you need a birth certificate first.

So the paperwork would have to move pretty fast to get it all in order before 6 weeks, and of course you need that baby to be born in order for you to give the details to the airline to purchase a ticket.
International travel may require you to buy a seat for the infant at something like 10% of the cost...its been about 18 months since I left my job as a travel agent so rules may have changed as they tend to do but you should look into it now to find out the what ifs.
Also if the father is not traveling you are going to need some sort of official papers stating that he gives you premssion to travel outside the country with the baby.

Italy sounds like a great place to do your PP time :)

because

09-08-2005, 09:49 PM

22.5 weeks here. Everything is still so different than with DD.

Iron: I'm taking the same prenatals, better diet, etc. but my iron is down to 10 from 12 at 12 weeks. I'm on Floradix now, so we'll see.

Position: neither my midwife nor the apprentice could figure this out at my last appointment. They actually said "well, she's not measuring big enough for twins..." Not that it matters this early, but they decided the baby was butt down, feet up, head up, and posterior! But how does that explain the kicks in my colon and cervix? Weird, huh?

Skin: I look GOOD! I was a wreck with DD and I thought I was going to be pimpley again but as soon as the weather got cooler (so I'm not as sweaty), it all went away.

Even though it's all so different, it's all good.

A funny: when the m/w was trying to get a heartbeat on the fetoscope, the baby would violently beat at it. They couldn't get it from any angle because the little stinker would just whack at it. They gave up and used the doppler. The heartrate was 15 bpm higher than it has been becaue the little guy was so worked up! :LOL

MamaTaraX

09-08-2005, 09:57 PM

Had to come back and say that I caved and scheduled an ultrasound. Didn't really want to do that this time around, but if it gives DH some peace of mind so that we can birth at home without him freaking out too much, then it's a concession I'mwilling to make. Supposed to go on the 30th and we don't intend to find out the sex (though I admit I will be very tempted!)

Namaste, Tara
mama to Doodle (6), Butterfly (2), and Rythm (due at home 1/06)

Sweeney

09-08-2005, 10:15 PM

Well I'm almost 23 weeks (it feels odd to write that!) and doing well. I had my u/s last month and it went perfectly- we had an awesome tech. We're having a girl! She was really moving around a lot, it was fun to watch since DS snoozed through his.

Baby has been bouncing around alot, DH has been able to feel her and I swear there are times when I can see her. Her favorite target to kick at is my pubic bone.

My life right now seems to be: sleep, pee, eat, pee, sleep- rinse and repeat.

I have another midwife appt. coming up and that's about it here!

ehsclt

09-08-2005, 10:59 PM

Hmm I would think about the logical stand point not sure about US law but for international travel as a Canadian(excluding travel to the US although I would never travel without it to the US just in case) you would need a passport for that baby and to get a passport you need a birth certificate first.

FYI...I've traveled internationally at least twice with young babes. The second time, I went with a 5 wk old, who did not have a birth certificate yet. I was able to use the receipt I'd filled out to obtain her bc, for travel. A passport was not necessary.

Willow, I think it's true that travel with a baby that young is pretty darned easy because you meet their needs so easily by nursing them and they just want to be held by you anyway. I've taken a one year old overseas....now that was he**!!!

Persephone

09-09-2005, 12:33 AM

Tonight, the baby had hiccups! Or at least he was kicking me at regular intervals in the same spot. I think it was hiccups. :) And he's getting stronger! Those kicks are getting more like kicks and less like popcorn. Dh has even been able to see my belly move, though he hasn't been able to feel the baby yet (though I have, from the outside).

ScotiaSky

09-09-2005, 07:42 AM

FYI...I've traveled internationally at least twice with young babes. The second time, I went with a 5 wk old, who did not have a birth certificate yet. I was able to use the receipt I'd filled out to obtain her bc, for travel. A passport was not necessary.

Willow, I think it's true that travel with a baby that young is pretty darned easy because you meet their needs so easily by nursing them and they just want to be held by you anyway. I've taken a one year old overseas....now that was he**!!!

Like I said it may all depend on citizenship although I know you are a Canadian orginally...I would check to be sure every single time you travel to see what rules and laws are in effect.
The travel agent screams inside me to never travel without doing so and to always travel with as many proper documents as possible.
Too many clients calling from the airport for being refused boarding or even getting to the destination and being sent home. It awful to watch a nice vacation be ruined by something so easily taken care of.

Wish me luck I am flying next month with my 18 month old and almost 30 weeks pregnat..short flight but I have no idea how I am going to keep him from tearing up the plane. :bag:

gsmom

09-09-2005, 09:43 AM

Hello all! I have been lurking for a couple of weeks and just now have the time to post. I am due with #2 January 16, 2006. My son is 4 3/4, turning 5 October 16 (the 3/4 is very important and 11/12 is just too complicated to explain!). I am currently looking for a doula to help with this birth and am glad to have found a group of women to chat with. Although, I am a speech therapist at an outpatient pediatric facility who works with 8 other speech therapists and 3 of us are due within 4 weeks of each other! We are so busy right now that we don't have much time to chat about being pregnant, so I am happy to have found you!!

I look forward to sharing our pregnancy/birth experience!

hypechick

09-09-2005, 10:31 AM

All in all, life is good here. The baby is moving around, I’m eating well, I’m getting bigger and we learned we’re having a BOY! I did have a bout of a scratchy throat, onset of carpal tunnel and an adjustment to growing belly all at the same time and while MIL was visiting, but alas, that is over.

Actually, we’ve had a summer of constant houseguests, just about every other week. The last visit takes place this weekend with one of my dearest friends and BF from NYC. Honestly, we’ve had a great summer with family and friends but I’m looking forward to just lounging and not planning or entertaining for a bit. The benefit of an entourage of houseguests is that the house is almost always clean. Let’s see if that is kept up!

Our last ultrasound indicated some potential renal issue but MW says not to worry since that is fairly common and works itself out once baby develops more muscle control to help flush out the system. I saw that someone else mentioned enlarged kidney. It sounds similar. Anyway, I have to have ANOTHER u/s next month. The other things is that with each u/s the keep on moving up my due date. I started out a 1/25, then it moved to 1/20 and now THEY are saying 1/15. Despite my best efforts to grow a smallish baby, he’s doing his own thing in there.

I’ve just started collecting baby clothes and gear from people and even bought some super cute baby clothes at a tag sale. I guess I could not even think about doing this before hand due to paranoia or whatever. Also, DH and I want to make sure our house doesn’t get over taken with baby stuff in every room and ever corner. No swings (unless borrowed for a few months), crib (co sleep and pack n play instead), highchairs (just a booster seat strapped and removable from chair), and limited toys and esp no noisy toys. Do I sound like a cruel depriving mama? Ok, check in with me in 8 mos and see if that’s changed. Anything for precious baby, right?

A few friends are handing over their CD stashes so I feeling pretty lucky. I signed up for a Birthing from Within weekend immersion class and call me crazy but I’m also going to take a Bradley class as well. It’s the information hound in me plus, I figure you can’t be prepared enough for a home birth. Oh, BTW, I still haven’t told my parents (both MDs) about the home birth. Really, I plan to but want to minimize the protesting and worrying that I am predicting. In the end they are ultimately supportive of me so they will be fine.

I’ve caved and am letting 2 friends who do not know each other plan a baby shower. One of them got really sneaky about it. When I told her I didn’t want a baby shower (I’m not good with being the center of attn) she turned around and asked DH if he wanted a baby shower. Of course he said “yes, I would love my own baby shower.” Oh, I could have bopped him on the head. Now, I’m stuck. Where are people doing registries besides/in addition to Babies R Us?

So, any first timers planning some kind of last hooray vacation with DH before baby arrives? I want to but am not sure what or where. Maybe Hawaii (Seattle to Maui is a pretty quick trip)? Should we focus on a loungey or active vacation? Or just lots of quick weekends away from home? DH turns 40 this year so something special would be nice. Of course I may end up planning some kind of big party for him – his bday is Jan 1 after all.

Wow, I’m just being a blabber mouth today. Sounds like many of you are doing well. I truly enjoy hearing about your experiences.

MamaTaraX

09-09-2005, 11:50 AM

So, any first timers planning some kind of last hooray vacation with DH before baby arrives?

We wanted to do that before our first arrived. It never realy panned out. Now we're expecting the 3rd and are tentatively planning a couple of nights away before this baby arrives because it will certainly be a while before we do that again after she arrives :)

Namaste, Tara
mama to Doodle (6), Butterfly (2), and Rythm (due at home 1/06)

Polkadots

09-09-2005, 12:22 PM

Just came back from 2 weeks away with my Sweetie on our last hurrah. It was wonderful. *swoon*

ehsclt

09-09-2005, 03:11 PM

So, any first timers planning some kind of last hooray vacation with DH before baby arrives? I want to but am not sure what or where. Maybe Hawaii (Seattle to Maui is a pretty quick trip)? Should we focus on a loungey or active vacation? Or just lots of quick weekends away from home? DH turns 40 this year so something special would be nice. Of course I may end up planning some kind of big party for him – his bday is Jan 1 after all.

We spent ten days in Kuaui (which I can no longer spell???) about three months before dd #1 was born. It was fantastic!! DH surfed and ran and was very active and I lounged around a lot, read some great books and made some great meals. Each afternoon, we went for a hike together, returning home in time for the rain that fell around 4-5 pm each day. So wonderful! I hope you get to do the same. It's not like you won't have chances to do this sort of thing again (we enjoyed another week trip this spring without kids), but it's still really nice to do it before the baby comes, if you can. Incidentally, my DH also turned 40, just about two weeks after our first child was born (he's 11 years older than I am.) Funny.

ehsclt

09-09-2005, 03:14 PM

P.S. Gsmom, welcome! We're glad you're here and look forward to getting to know you!

And, Ozzyem, it seems like you haven't been around in a while. Are you still there?

zjandosmom

09-10-2005, 05:41 AM

I am 23.5 wks now. Babe likes to jump around a lot! I have finally "popped" and look pregnant now without a doubt. My boys like to point out that my tummy is now "faT" :bag: ! I am trying to explain that it is the baby...not FAt! Kids! I have my next mw appt. in about 2 wks where I will ask not to be weighed (especially by the nurse I saw last) and get the GDD test over with. I will eat a BIG breakfast and have blood drawn 2 hrs later! So happy to not be fasting and drinking that nasty drink. Not much else here. Last night I finally finished painting the room for ds3 and the new babe. Ds3 has been asking for his own room, so I have been painting and now I get to fix it up for him. I guess the timing is good for him to move to his own room, but it does make me a little sad. Glad he is able to do it on his own time table though. I think he is in the process of weaning too :( . He ONLY wants to nurse at bedtime and only for a minute or two. Sometimes he pops off and then rolls over to go to sleep by himself! My little guy is growing up.
Kathy

ozzyemm

09-10-2005, 09:30 AM

Welcome, GS MOM, I have added you to the list :).

I am still here!!! ;) We don't have internet at home right now, so I haven't been on as much as I would like. :P

We had our Dr.'s appt yesterday and, like Because, baby Michael kept kicking the Doppler! It was so funny to hear "whoosh-whoosh... KICK." Our Dr.'s appts are no longer anxiety-filled. I know my baby is okay, because I feel him all the time. He definetly has a sleep pattern. he is usually awake at 4:am (when I get up to pee), 9:am-ish and also 9:30-10:pm. he has been waking up later and later, though, at the 9:30-10pm time. he didn't wake up until almost 10:pm last night, which kinda freaked me out.

Michael had the hiccups this morning, but when I tried to time them, they stopped! He has had them before, though, and it's fun to see and feel my belly move.

I am now 24 weeks! 6 months! Holy cow, where has the time gone!?

I have been battling insomnia :p. A couple of nights ago, I didn't fall asleep till 5:am! Today, I fell asleep, but had to go to the bathroom at 4:45am, and since I have GD, I had to check my urine. Sooo... I had to turn on the light. That woke me up <sigh>

Ah well, small price, right?
Gotta go, baby kicking bladder!
Hope everyone is having a good week!

Mama2Tristan

09-10-2005, 09:34 AM

Thanks you guys for all the info on traveling. I had thought about the birth certificate thing, but it would be awesome if I could use the receipt thing. I just worry that it will take a long time to get the birth certificate. I also need to get ds a passport. We'll see...I'd like to really buy tickets now, but the problem is that I should wait til the baby is born just in case...

beansavi

09-10-2005, 07:05 PM

Hey-ya,

I'm here, too... I am about half way through week 22. My baby kicks a lot but it still feels fluttery to me---is that how it is for y'all? This is my third, but-duh- I just can't remember. My three are all five years apart from each other...

Peace, :)

happyfrog

09-10-2005, 09:26 PM

Hi, ya'll. Hope you will have me. I try to come online a few times a week, but it's a challenge at times. I'm sure you understand.

A little about me - I have a son, David. He's 18 months old. He's a true miracle baby. We've been married about 12 years and more than half that time, I was undergoing i/f tx to try to conceive (and carry full term) a baby. Have many angel babies before David came to be. The docs said he couldn't happen - I had so much wrong inside - it was pretty much a mess. Now my uterus looks perfect and has no more endo, fibroids, and last check they didn't even see any large cysts anywhere (except that one corpus luteum that was shooting out progesterone til the placenta took over). I'm pregnant now with a Las Vegas vacation souvenir. Oops. Never thought THAT could happen. After much shock that we got pregnant without 'trying' - what a weird fertility journey I've been on - we're thrilled and excited. I dried up soon after I became pregnant, so I had to stop pumping for my son - at the time he was 14 months old. (He was unable to bf 'from the tap', so I was a pumping machine - literally - used to spend on average 6 hours per day attached to a pump. Not the most fun.) I am thankful my breasts were able to produce the milk needed without actually ever having a baby suckling. It was a long journey on that, too - I was an undersupply mom for a long time before I was able to meet and then slightly exceed ds's needs. (He was about 4 months old til I didn't have to supplement with formula anymore.) I have come to realize formula is a wonderful tool to utilize.

I do hope you will accept me into your group. I've lurked off an on, on the boards for over a year now - but never got into posting until just recently - not sure why, just never did. I've been learning a lot about cloth diapering and stuff - I'm seriously thinking about going cloth with baby #2. The cost will be about equal with disposables - (I use the cheap disposables now). I always wanted 4 children and I know the Lord will answer that request - He's just done it in His timing.

I sure did yammer on.

Oh, baby #2 is 'officially' due Jan 10, but I expect to deliver about 2 weeks late. I'm also pursuing a vbac. :)

My children will be about 21/22 months apart. Should be a fun adventure.

BettyAnn
my children's website: http://www.answeredprayers.aboutmybaby.com

AAK

09-10-2005, 10:02 PM

I am about 21 weeks now but am measuring 2 weeks big. This is odd for me, I was always right on with my other two. And I know my dates are pretty good (within a couple days) so I guess I might get a bigger baby this time. That seems so weird to me. . . both my others were the EXACT same weight: 8lb 1.6 oz.

Baby is moving a bunch, my family knows about the homebirth now and although they think it is CRAZY and that I am trying to SCARE my dd by allowing her at the birth, they have finally shut up about it all. All I had to do was tell my mom that if it bothered her so much that I wouldn't call her until the baby was here. (she can't bear the thought of not knowing that I am in labor so. . .)

I am taking fish oil and alfalfa supplements and am actually curious to what other people are taking (other than prenatals) so I might post a question about that later or you guys can answer here.

I have bought a couple cute things for the new baby but since my other two are girls and this one is a girl, I am being good and not blowing money pointlessly. My oldest started kindergarten this week so it has all been very exciting. My youngest will turn 3 in a few weeks (Oct 4) and finally weaned around my birthday (8/22 was her last nursing). I am kinda sad but really happy too--I was really ready for her to wean and am very happy at how gradually it went (sometimes too gradual, but oh well).

kbbklyn

09-11-2005, 11:28 AM

Hi there,
I love it when we check in with one another-it makes me happy that all these other growing healthy bellys are out there. We are 21 weeks this weekend and feeling good. Lazy, but good. This is our first, so I get a bit freaked out when hearing of people shopping for the baby, getting ready, etc. I haven't quite gotten there mentally yet. I'll have to get on it. We decided to stay in our 1 bedroom apartment, so that's the latest project, moving around for the baby and the homebirth! We'll adjust.

I'm loving being pregnant, got to see the little one on the sonogram last week, but feel like time is flying by! Pretty soon, we'll be posting pictures of the babies. Thanks for all you wisdom, I'm sure I'll be asking for more soon as I get a grip that a baby will actually be here soon!
-Kristin
due Jan. 21st :)

Persephone

09-11-2005, 01:33 PM

Hey Kristin! You're due just two days after me, and we're having our first too. We also live in a one bedroom apt (where we'll be having a home waterbirth), and like you, I haven't done much as far as baby supplies yet. I'm waiting to see what we get after the shower. (Which is in early Nov.) I'm beginning to get nervous too, but I wanted to let you know, there's someone else out there who is holding off on baby stuff. :) It IS really hard to get to a mental place of, "OMG, I'm having a baby!" :)

Willowrose

09-11-2005, 05:26 PM

Well, at nearly 25 weeks.....

I HAVE A MIDWIFE!!! :love :love :love :love :thumb :thumb

I am so excited. We will go ahead with the homebirth as planned. Hopefully, another waterbirth. I am finally feeling excited about the delivery and I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Whew.

I did a huge baby shopping splurge to celebrate! :LOL

because

09-11-2005, 06:31 PM

Where are people doing registries besides/in addition to Babies R Us?

That's where we registered with #1 but in retrospect I would have done a more personal registry with lists of CD websites (where you can often make mini registries or wishlists), stuff I would have liked to have found used, a baby carrier or two (NOT the kinds at BRU...) in addition to a conventional place with internet access to the registery (like BRU or Target). I'd put the list on a public website like www.babiesonline.com or something and direct people there if they asked. It would have saved us a ton of money not having to buy CDs and carriers out of our own pocket and we would have gotten less conventional crap (sleep positioner, crib mattress pads, etc.)

Good luck! Registries are fun and showers really get you in the mood for the baby.

Persephone

09-11-2005, 07:29 PM

Oh, Willow, congrats! When you want a midwife, and just can't find the right one, it is a weight on you. I hope you and your midwife have a great relationship. :D

Stargirl

09-11-2005, 08:53 PM

Hi gals,

It is so wonderful to read all of your updates! I so appreciate our little Due Jan. 2006 community!!!

All is well here. I am a teacher and therefore back to work. My body is slowly adjusting. My little one is active and causing my belly to move now which I find amazing! I am almost 23 weeks and absolutely LOVING being pregnant. I feel so fortunate as it was quite a journey to conceive this precious baby. :love

My province does not have legislated midwives so therefore I assumed that midwives here only performed home deliveries. By chance I discovered that there is a midwife who works very closely with my doctor and that she can do the birth in conjunction with my doctor at the hospital. I am over the moon excited as I want to have as few (ideally none) interventions as possible during l&d. Only two hurdles left: 1) trying to find the $$$ as midwife care is not covered by health insurance; 2) figuring out how to avoid any negative comments/criticism from family and friends (as they don't know anything about midwifery) without keeping secrets. Dh's family is in Sweden where midwife care is standard practice so we aren't facing any opposition there.

DH and I are attending a wedding in another province this coming week so we will try to make the trip our last hoorah in coupledom. I am soooo excited!

Take good care,
~Stargirl

anarchamama

09-14-2005, 09:11 AM

emjgee

09-14-2005, 09:28 PM

Hi all,

I'm one of the quiet ones around here, but I love reading everyone's posts and seeing how all our pregnancies are progressing.

We found out we're having a girl! Both my husband and I thought I was pregnant with a boy, so we were a bit surprised but very pleased.

I'm in the process of selecting a midwife/group of midwives who will deliver in a hospital and will have a decision by next week. None of my options is perfect, imho, but I do have a few choices, which is nice. We've selected a doula who's very experienced and has already provided us with lots of great info.

I can feel the baby kicking every day now, especially after I eat. I still don't look that pregnant but I'm feeling it now! Yet so far pregnancy has been much easier than I'd anticipated . . . still 20ish weeks to go, though!

-Em
Due 1/27/06

Wilhemina

09-15-2005, 11:54 AM

Hi all,
It sure feels weird to already be passed the half-way mark! I had a pre-natal this week and all was well. My dds (6 and 3) asked the poor midwife about fifty questions. She told them their "homework" was to talk and sing to the baby since he/she is almost old enough to hear outside of my body. I had to laugh with her, as though these two would possibly be so shy/quiet that the baby wouldn't recognize their voices!

ozzyemm

09-16-2005, 10:59 AM

Okay, I have ALWAYS hated the name George. I have no idea why, but it has just never appealed to me. So, of course, DH's family name is George. It hasn't been used this generation or last ( I wonder why :p), so DH wanted to pass the name to our baby. So anyway, before I got pregnant with this baby, I had a "vision" (or whatever) that his name should be Michael. You can't team George with Michael, so we chose another family name as the middle name.

Lately we have gotten to talking more about George. He almost convinced me to name the baby George, because early in pregnancy DH sang "Good Morning George" from Veggie Tales. So cute!!!! Anyway, DH has decided that if we named our baby George, the response we would get would be "Oh, like George Bush." You can probably imagine DH's opinion on George W. So, this baby (and likely any other boys we may have) will NOT be named George :D.

P.S. Sorry if this offends any one who likes ANY George ;). I just thought it was funny, and felt safe posting in my DDC.

because

09-16-2005, 12:12 PM

Why we are NOT naming our baby George!

First of all, I tend to like old man names but I'm not at all offended. And actually, I prefer Georgia for a girl to George for a boy (but can't use it because it's the family name on the weird side of DH's family). Anyway, I think all of this is hysterical. It sounds like the process DH and I go through justifying why we like or are eliminating names!

Persephone

09-16-2005, 12:27 PM

I think your story is cute! :) Not offended at all. (Actually, I'm not too fond of the name myself) But clever rationale! Dh and I kind of went through the same thing.. I would say a name, and he would mention someone famous or someone we knew with that name, and after about the 5th time, I was like, "Dh, we aren't going to find a name that no one else has! Unless we make it up!" But of course, he wouldn't like to do that either, because he doesn't like names that are too "weird". Grar! The man frustrates me! (But I love him. :p)

ozzyemm

09-16-2005, 02:27 PM

Persephone-- (It is sooo hard to spell your name! :p )

:nod Dh actually tried to get me off of Michael as baby's name because of Michael Jackson. He came close, but I swear I didn't choose the name! it was chosen for me through a "vision" (actually, just heard the name spoken to me) and a dream. Therefore, I stood by my guns ;)

In regards to that vision, BTW, I got it in November (can't remember the day, though), so now I am wondering if that is the month Michael will be born? I will be 32 weeks the first Wednesday in November, and chances are they wouldn't try to stop labor after 34 weeks, so maybe?? ;) I am not counting on it though :D.

ozzyemm

09-16-2005, 02:31 PM

because-- laughing at --> (but can't use it because it's the family name on the weird side of DH's family). <-- :D Dh's WHOLE family is weird, but in a good way ;)

Nature

09-16-2005, 02:39 PM

I'm sick! :( :bawl :crying I hate to be sick. I can't breathe out of my nose, either can dh or dd.. but man! This stinks!! :( <sigh> Just needed to complain...

ehsclt

09-16-2005, 02:52 PM

Sorry Witchymama2! I hate being sick too, and I always need to complain. Here's to clearing those nasal passages soon! I think it's worse when you're pg, because your body tends to produce more mucus then. Sending healing vibes your way!

MamaTaraX

09-16-2005, 03:13 PM

Gotta be quick, just wanted to say something about GEORGE :) My Daddy's name was George. He was an awesome guy. He died 10 yrs ago, 3 yrs before myfirstborn son was born. When our second arrived, my husband insisted that the baby'smiddle name be George, after my father. MyDH never met my Daddy but has a great respect for him and wishes hehad. I never, ever though I'dname a child George, but lo and behold, that is hismiddle name. (and thatis officially the first time I've ever used any of my kids' real names on MDC :))

Namaste, Tara
mama to Doodle (7), Butterfly (2), and Rythm (due at home 1/06)

Persephone

09-16-2005, 04:32 PM

ozzyem, most people just say Seph, if it's easier. (Which is one reason I like that name so much, wanna name a girl that someday! Seph is such a cute nickname!) My real name is easier to spell, in fact it's got a lot of press lately... ;)

MamaTaraX

09-16-2005, 05:19 PM

Heh, I never thought about shortening Persephone to Seph. That's kind of cool...makes me kinda wanna use it for a realbaby...hrm.. :)

AAK

09-17-2005, 06:00 PM

HEy Girls,

AAK you mentioned you were going to have your daughter t the birth, I am wondering if that is the older or the younger one?

Heather

The older one has specifically asked to be there, even if it means waking her up. I have agreed to that. I am preparing both of my girls though, because I would never exclude my younger dd if she was awake. I may even have her woken up. I say all this about sleep because both of my labors became active around midnight. The first wasn't born until nearly 9:30 AM, but Kayla was born before 4:00 AM.

Recently, I have shown the girls a wonderful film called Birth Day. It is a homebirth and is only 10 min long. It is created very beautifully and is a gentle introduction to birth IMO. The mother has a waterbirth with her older son present and the younger son comes in right after. Because it is a waterbirth, we can see the crowning but it is kinda foggy. I thought of that as nice because they are getting exposed to all of this gently. Once the baby was born and the mother brought her up, my younger dd's brain kinda clicked and she knows EXACTLY why we say there is a baby in my tummy. She keeps talking to it and when I dress, she bends down and tries to look up to find it. The music is nice and calming and you can hear the mother moaning, but isn't overwhelming or scary.

The girls love this video--we have watched it like 10 times now. Kayla (my youngest) has so much interest in this birth that I think she will be present too, even if at 4 AM.

Amy

Polkadots

09-18-2005, 12:32 PM

Hey Ozzie - I know a George who goes by Geordie which I always thought was a stylin' name.

George is actually really cool.

MamaTaraX

09-18-2005, 07:28 PM

HEy Girls,

AAK you mentioned you were going to have your daughter t the birth, I am wondering if that is the older or the younger one?

My son will be 2 1/2 when this baby comes and I would really like to at least try to have him there at the birth. I mean we will talk about it lots and I was thinking watch some videos on homebirth so he could see a few births and not be surprised and if he doesen't like it or is scared he can leave, but I would like to at least try. I will have my mom there to help with him, plus my friend and dh and midwives so there should be lots of help for him, but people seem to think I'm crazy for wanting him there. I just want him to shre the experience if he's comfortable with it. Any other mamas have you children attend a birth before or plan to this time?

Heather

Heather,
My 1st was 4.5 when my 2nd was born. He attended the birth and participated actively. He massaged me and ate my food with me :LOL He took a nap with the midwife. During the birth itself he stood right by my feet and watched his brother emerge into their daddy's hands. It was amazing to see him there! He announced the sex moments after the birth and cut the cord as well. He and his now 2-yr-old brother are wonderful with each other and I think being a full part ofthe pregnancy and birth truly helped. Espcially in regards to the immediate postpartum time and thereafter when the baby was tiny. There was no anger or regression. SO many people don't include their older children in the pregnancy and brith process and then they give birth and there is soethign missing because the older child isn't there. All of a sudden mama's belly isn't bulging and there's another person in the house. They get confused, agitated, and generally upset. I never had any of that. Granted, my oldest was a littld older...

Fast-forward to now. My 2nd is 2, will be 2.5 when his new sibling arrives. He's very much a part of this pregnancy as his brother was with his. We feel the baby together and listen with the fetoscope. He helps when the midwife comes, measuring mybelly and finding the baby's heartbeat. He plays with my midwife like she's a big sister and friend. He is going to be present for the birth. We've beenw atching a few birth videos hereand there, I'm about to watch more and more as time goes on. I'vebegun making "labor sounds" from time to time around him as well whenI'm in certain positions so they seem perfectly normal to him. I still throw up. I tend to make noises that sound an awful lot like labor when I get sick, so he's very used to it and it doesn't scare him to see me unhappy or upset like that, evenwhen I'vebeen in pain. I always recomend that when a child attends a birth they have their own personal caregiver whose sole job is that child. If the child is unahppy, they are tended to. I havea friend who had her older attend her birth and learned a great lesson which I have taken to heart: Her daughter SCREAMED and cried for the entire birth and after. So muhc so that they had to dub music over it in the video so they don't have to remember it :( Here's what she learned: Her daughter came in and was okay for a short while. Then she got upset. She was taken out but brought back again and that just made it worse...inhindsight, what they should have done is when it was too upsetting for the little girl (age 3) she should have left and not returned until she went on her own or after thebirth. I'm putting thatinto play for thisbirth. Someone will be there for my toddler and if he gets truly upset, he'll leave and not come back until he does so on his own or after the baby is out, whichever comes first.

Some poeple think having a child that age at a birth is traumatic, but I don't think so. I think it does depend on the child and how prepared they are beforehand anbd how cared for they are during. I'm looking forward to my little guy witnessing his little borther or sisterenter the world, we're thinking of "jobs" for him during thebirth...like cololring a welcome card for the baby or getting out the blankets. Gosh, I"m crying typing thisthinking about it!

Namaste, Tara
mama to Doodle (7), Butterfly (2), and Rythm (due at home 1/06)

ozzyemm

09-22-2005, 03:35 PM

I am so excited!! I didn't realize how MUCH two pounds is! I completely and totally packed my tea jar with tea. That alone should last AT LEAST two weeks. I put the rest of the tea (It doesn't even look like I touched it) in a dark cupboard. I may need help getting rid of this stuff ;). Third trimester tea party, anyone???

Actually, I think I will have plenty to serve at my Mother Blessing in November. By then I should have figured out the right amount of leaves to add to water. Cuz right now, I am SOOO confused. i think I made enough for 2-3 cups!

Michael is really active today. I think it might have something to do with the RRL tea. Maybe I am overreacting :D.

I was reading "Your Pregnancy: Week by Week" for 27 weeks (next week for me, I like to read ahead) andthere was a note to dads that said," Your partner has been feeling the baby move for awhile now. At about this time, you may be able to feel it, too. Hmmm??? Dh has been able to feel this baby since July. Although, I can SEE Michael kick, so if DH wasn't able to feel him, I would be worried... about DH's sense of touch!!! :D