Let's Check In!

[aguacates]

I thought it might be fun to have a check-in thread. I'll go first :)

# of weeks:30

Movement: Tons, this baby never stops moving. It has me a little scared that this will be a baby who never sleeps :lol .

Contractions: Tons of BH's. Whenever I bend over to pick anything up, have to pee, haven't had enough water, stand at the counter to do dishes, etc.

Sleep: I'm miserable at sleeping these days. I'm managing 10-2 most nights, and then I am awake. And I've been doing a lot of puking at night again. Which just sucks.

Other: This pregnancy is both going really slowly(like at night when I am not sleeping), and insanely fast(the rest of the time). It is hard to believe that there are just two months left!!! Also, dd has been really cute lately asking questions about when she was a "tiny little baby', and then telling me she is going to do those things with the baby. On the other hand, she is going through a hitting phase (fortunately it is confined to dh and I right now), and getting much more into very loud tantrums. I just have to breathe deeply and remember that this too shall pass. :down

Weight: I've maybe gained 5 lbs? But I lost 15 at the beginning, so I am still down about 10? It is crazy, I gained like 60 lbs w/dd, so this has been a totally different experience.

How is everyone else?
Abby

[BakingMama]

Good idea MissBliss!! I've added a few more items to it b/c I'm curious to know.

# of weeks: 32 ( as of tomorrow 12/11)

movement: off and on throughout the day & night.

contractions: no BH, other than one a few weeks ago that woke and kept me up in the middle of the night.

sleep: getting uncomfortable. Needing to switch from the left to the right side a lot to keep it bearable. Getting up a lot more at night to go to the bathroom, and I thought I had been already getting up a lot to go.... A couple weeks ago I was up for about 3-4 hours in the middle of the night for about 3-4 days in a row b/c I just couldn't sleep. Now I can go right back to sleep. I do find myself grunting or sighing now as I get up or switch sides-all that extra weight! We're still in a full size bed and waiting for the natura king size mattress we ordered to come in. Hopefully in the next two weeks, I'm very much looking forward to this as the sizing up process has been a few months process. It's hard enough for us two grown adults (and body pillow etc for me) to share a full size bed, not to mention what it would be like to cosleep in a full. I'm very excited about the king size and will get to break it in a bit before the babe comes out to join us.

feeling: very good physically and emotionally! My mood hormones seem to be back on track at least for now. I was a total pain in the arse last weekend! I'm still doing prenatal yoga which is helpful! I'm also baking/cooking like crazy for the holidays so this also gives me a creative outlet (always has).

other: i was just commented to dh that it seems like I've been pregnant forever but in other ways it seems to have gone by so fast. Less than two months to go!!!

necessary items etc: i'm still working on adding to my cloth diaper stash. It's been really fun getting diapering stuff in the mail etc. I've been washing baby clothes I gotten handed down from my niece and nephew, buying clothes & taking an inventory of more clothes to buy, getting the baby's room 'more ready', arranging things, getting a rocking chair etc., working on my to do lists (slowly) etc.

weight gain: I'm 5'8''. I think I've gained about 35 lbs. by now but no one seems to believe me when I tell them b/c they say I'm small. Actually I'm not at all, my body just always has been able to hide weight pretty good.

[danav]

WEEKS: 32 yesterday

MOVEMENT: baby's moving more in the last few days than he had been (see my other post about having a super mellow baby!). Hiccups, wiggles, occasional kicks.

CONTRACTIONS: Yikes, I'm having a lot of BH! I was only getting them with a lot of activity/being on my feet, but now I'm getting them just sitting around, too. Yesterday they were mildly achy rather than just tightening/fatiguing.

SLEEP: Anyone else having really freaky dreams? I seem to be, every night...they aren't baby/pg related at all, but are like long, weird movies that seem to go on all night (continuing after I have awakened and gone back to sleep). I wake up feeling mentally tired from them! I'm waking every hour or two to turn over from side to side because my hips and legs start to hurt after a while. I have to get up to pee at least once, usually between 3-5 am.

OTHER: This pg is going really, really fast...I can't believe I only have around 7 weeks left. I'm predicting he will be born right around 39 weeks (my first was exactly 39 weeks, second was 37w 6d - the women in my family always give birth under 40 weeks). A while back the date Jan 28 came into my head, and on Nov 28 I had the thought "exactly two months left" seemingly out of nowhere. Anyway, I'm essentially ready, just a little bit anxious about how exactly this birth is going to play out since I have fast labors and the birth center is 1 1/2 hrs away, not to mention that in January there could be snow or icy roads between here and there...don't really want to end up with an UC but can see it happening so fast that there's no other choice! I'm getting excited to meet my new little one soon! :)

WEIGHT GAIN: Oh, no...do we really want to go there?? :bag: I think I've gained about 35 lbs so far. Couldn't be because I am constantly eating chocolate, could it??

[My Three Boys]

WEEKS: 32.5

MOVEMENT: Not much. This little one just doesn't move much. But my placenta is anterior, which I'm sure is keeping me from feeling much.

CONTRACTIONS: TONS!!!! I get them whenever I move and sometimes just as I'm sitting there. They now hurt a bit and take my breath away.

SLEEP: I have a Tempurpedic mattress and I'm sleeping really, really well. I do have to grunt as I get up to pee though!! My 5 yo is finally sleeping in his own bed (right next to ours, but it's a start - right?).

OTHER: I can't believe I'm so close either!! I really need to start getting stuff together!

WEIGHT GAIN: 25 pounds. I'm pretty proud of that! My other pregnancies I gained at least 50 pounds!

[brooklyn lisa]

WEEKS: 31.5

MOVEMENT: lots at nighttime and after meals---has been increasing in the past week. Movement is 95% on right side, sometimes ALL the way over on the right. And movement very low in pelvis.

CONTRACTIONS: Ummm, I guess I'm having BH, but this is my first babe and I'm not recognizing them. I guess I'm lucky, as they certainly are not painful.

SLEEP: Extremely painful due to my misaligned hips--switching sides and sitting up is excruciating. I'm now considering a cane to help me limp to the bathroom. :(

WEIGHT GAIN: I'm 5'7" and have gained 45 lbs. I know, sooo much. Thing is, except for my thighs which is always where my weight goes, I still look pretty trim and fit.....everyone comments on how compact I am. And I dont feel unhealthy or even as huge as 175 lbs sounds! Hope breastfeeding will help! (2 more months left to gain.....that's scary!)

[savannah smiles]

WEEKS: 33 wks on Tuesday

MOVEMENT: I feel this baby mostly at night or when I'm watching tv. S/he moves enough to let me know it's there, but not so much it's painful

CONTRACTIONS: Lots of BH and, like another poster said, sometimes they hurt. I decided to make my typical mile walk yesterday into a 1.5 mile walk and I'm still paying the price in terms of fatigue and contractions

SLEEP: It's ok. I wish I didn't have to get up to pee so much but it beats getting a UTI. I've also discoved that propping my feet up on a pillow works much better (and is less awkward) than sleeping with one between my knees

OTHER: My GD is very much under control, to the point where I'm pretty sure I don't have it. As with my first pg, I skipped the 3 hour test in favor of just going on the diet and everything was peachy keen as it has been this time. They may do an u/s around 35 wks to check size which I'm fine with. My dh is taking a week off at Christmas and we'll put the final touches on getting the baby room ready and then I plan on buying all the odds and ends in January (I need burp cloths, washclothes, socks, a good breast pump, bottles, etc.)

WEIGHT GAIN: I'm not sure but I haven't had much net weight gain due to losing so much weight the first 20 weeks. It's probably why I feel so good otherwise because my body is about at what my pre-pg weight was (although I started off quite overweight so it's nothing to brag about, lol!)

[Boobiemama]

31.3 weeks here. Everything is going well. I dont feel too huge and uncomfortable, though I do have some bad nights. I get up to pee all night long, but otherwise sleeping okay. jack is still nursing just to go to bed at night, for about 2 minutes. LOL Theres nothing left in there.....
I've gained 26 lbs. yikes... I didnt really need it but oh well.
I swim once a week at the gym, keep meaning to go more, but havent lately..
I've had my last 3 babies at 38 weeks, so I could possibly have a baby in 6 weeks?????!!!! No way! LOL
My blood presure has been good this time, last time it was pretty high off and on, and ended up getting induced at 38 weeks when it got to 160/100. Hoping I keep it down because I really dont want to be induced this time. Last time by 30 weeks it was alreayd high and I had already been at the hospital for monitoring once.
So I am happy things are goin well.

Still putting things off because I have such a LONG time left to get ready. LOL After xmas, because I cant stand to venture out in the crowds now...

[lilgsmommy]

WEEKS: 30

MOVEMENT: Comes and goes in spurts...not much room left for them in there to get too happy.

CONTRACTIONS: Several an hour, on meds

SLEEP: Comes and goes.....sometimes I can sleep for hours and other times im lucky to get a few minutes.

WEIGHT GAIN: About 20-22lbs.....I did gain more but lost it over the past week

[EllasMama]

WEEKS: 32 and a half

MOVEMENT: Lots after meals and at night when I sit down to watch TV or read. Also a fair amount when I go to bed, esp. if I lie on my left side.

CONTRACTIONS: They've actually diminished a fair amount. I was having a lot more esp. at night. I think it has to do with the cervical prolapse I had 2 wks ago, b/c I've been taking it very easy since then and trying not to overdo.

SLEEP: Better since we made a sleep plan. DH is on call for anything DD needs from 10:15pm to 7:30am, during which time I get to sleep by myself in the big bed with the door closed (DH now sleeping in guest room). Whoohoo! Last night I got off schedule, though, and went to bed at like midnight, and slept terribly. I need to stick with the 10pm schedule.

WEIGHT GAIN: Okay, I checked this morning and have gained 28 pounds, a little less than I thought. I'm about 3 pound shy of the biggest I was with DD, so I think I'm definitely going to blow by that mark!

I can't BELIEVE I could easily have this baby in 6 weeks. YIKES!!! :scared OTOH, I am getting all squishy and hormonal thinking about a little baby. Saw a tiny (5.5 pound) newborn at the store today and felt the insane desire to nuzzle him (though I kept my distance). :D

Carol

[bred]

WEEKS: 29

MOVEMENT: Lots!! Very active periods, where it feels like the baby is trying to push it's way out on both sides of my belly... Other times it feels like s/he is doing jumping jacks, or using a punching bag. Lots of hiccups, kicks, and rolls from side to side.

CONTRACTIONS: Lots!! When I'm running or walking they can get uncomfortable and take my breath away, otherwise, they just get really tight and make it hard to breathe.

SLEEP: I'm still sleeping fine... I shouldn't type that, cause I'll probably jynx myself. :lol Getting up to pee once a night, and having to grunt to do it (get up, that is...not pee).. ha ha ha... I've been having a lot of round ligament pain, the worst is when I roll over in bed. Several times it has woken me up and I sound like I'm having a really painful contraction... DH wakes up and has to talk me through it. No leg cramps in the night so far this time, though. I got those with DD :irked:

FEELING: I feel really good--physically and emotionally. I'm much more active this pregnancy than I was in my last, so I think that helps a lot. I've been seeing the chiropractor and having a massage once a month, which makes a huge difference, and have also been doing prenatal yoga. Without those things, I think I would be a lot more uncomfortable right now. And, DH is soooo wonderful.. so that makes a HUGE difference! My partner during my last pregnancy was not as sensitive or compassionate, so that added lots of stress to the pregnancy. This time it's just so FUN to be pregnant with his baby. :throb

OTHER: At my last midwife appointment I found out that I'm anemic :( . The good thing about that, is it could be what's been causing my restless leg stuff. So, I'm taking herbal iron, and hopefully building lots of blood cells or whatever it is I'm supposed to be doing. :kewl

NECESSARY ITEMS: I feel like I haven't prepared at all yet... In some ways it seems like I have a lot of time left, and in other ways it seems like the baby's going to be here before I know it. Especially with the holidays in the next month! I need to order my homebirth kit, build up my cloth diaper stash, get the moby wrap I want, finish DD's baby book (she's FOUR, it's definitely time!) so that I can at least have a hope of making a baby book for this one... Oh, and we need to make space for the baby's stuff in DD's room--get the dresser cleaned out for baby clothes, and set up the diaper station...etc.
Gosh, it helps to type it all out... I need to get started, cause 2 1/2 months really isn't THAT long!! ha ha ha..

WEIGHT GAIN: 13 lbs as of last week... I'm really trying, cause I REALLY want to have this HBAC. I'm sooo drawn to sweets, though...anyone else been feeling that way? My midwife told me that means I need more protein, so when I've been craving something sweet I try to go for the protein first, and it's been helping.

[alicia9178]

Hello all!!!! Here is my update:

Weeks: 28weeks and 5days (not that I am counting)

Movement: Well after a going from a wildchild. to a sleepy almost scary slow baby, we are now somewhere in between. I am trying to get used to the movements of a transverse baby....this is new to me.

Contractions: Depends on the day....though I do have atleast a few a day.

Sleep: What is that???? Well if you mean the time in between all the trips to the bathroom...it is not going all that well....and it is getting increasingly uncomfortable.

Other: I am stressing!!!!! My blood sugar numbers are still doing ok with the meds, no insulin at all yet. I am all ready for our homebirth in some ways, but terrified in others. I think I will be much happier when this baby decided to get either head or butt down....ANYTHING BUT TRANSVERSE!!!!

Weight: Well....I don't know....I lost 20 pounds in the beginning, and I know I gained some of that back, but I am not really focusing on weight at all really.

ALicia

[winnie]

It's great to see how everyone else is doing!

Weeks: 30 on Tuesday

Movement: Lots! Almost always while I'm resting, especially after eating. What were soft little kicks and rolls a few weeks ago have turned into very forceful jabs! I love watching my stomach, and seeing the skin stretch right out when he's moving. The hiccup feeling freaks me out every time...feels like some sort of spasms, much too fast for hiccups.

Contractions: Lots. Yesterday I worked pretty hard, was on my feet all day and then had a party to go to, and was completely exhausted. By the evening I was getting quite a few in an hour. Today, I've been taking it easier and haven't had nearly as many. They are definitely getting a little more uncomfortable, where I feel I need to stop what I'm doing for a moment.

Sleep: Ya right! :p Sleep is becoming a pretty big problem. My hips hurt on either side, and I've just been laying awake for hours at a time thinking. Last night I was completely awake from about 2:30 until 6:30, but luckily I was able to sleep in because I didn't work today. I don't understand it, I go to bed completely exhausted, yet I still can't fall asleep for longer than an hour or so.

Feeling: Other than the sleeping issue, which leaves me exhausted, I feel pretty good. I can actually go up a flight of stairs without losing my breath now, which is nice. I haven't been exercising like I want to...just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day, but I plan on trying to work in my yoga video more often.

Other: This pregnancy is going SO fast for me. I just can't believe how the time is flying...which I'm glad of! I'm not really one of those women that just loves being pregnant. It's alright, but I really just want this baby to get here!

Necessary Items: We have quite a few of the necessities, but I'm still feeling a little anxious. I know I'll have time once I've finished working (plan on going on mat leave at about 35 or 36 wks) to do some more sewing and organizing, but I'm still freaking out.

Weight Gain: About 8 pounds so far. I basically look exactly the same everywhere except my belly! Of course all this holiday baking is sure to catch up with me.... :D

winn

[april77]

# of weeks: 31 weeks 4 days

movement: baby has more and less active times, or maybe I'm just too busy with dd to notice the little ones. He has entered what dh and I call the alien baby stage though - where we watch the movements make little mounds on my belly or the really strong ones shake my entire belly. DD doesn't like the way the baby moves now, I think it freaks her out to see mommy's tummy move.

contractions: BH pretty much everyday now, much worse when I'm tired or haven't had enough water. I did yoo much yesterday and had some BH that stopped me in my tracks today. I just hate the feeling of not being able to breathe when they happen.

sleep: really uncomfortable. I'm having a lot of hip, back and even leg pain now. It's uncomfortable to get in and out of bed, much less roll over. Peeing two or three times a night isn't helping either. With dd I could get comfortable with a body length pillow, but nothing seems to help so much this time. I don't remember the hip and back pain being so bad before.

feeling: Physically not too bad, aside from being a little tired and the hip pain. At least this baby is low and I can breathe normally still. Emotionally I've been a wreck lately. I think part of it is grouchiness from being tired, but I've just been really irritable lately. I think part of it is also the holidays and missing my mom. This is my second Christmas since she died, but I think it's harder being pregnant. When I was pregnant with dd my mom threw a shower for me in December and was getting so excited. Neither my in-laws or my dad are interested in this pregnancy like she was with dd, so it feels a little lonely at times.

other: I'm finally starting to realize I'm not that far away from having another baby, but at the same time it feels like forever. I'm also starting to feel better about givig birth again, at least I have some idea of what to expect and things to try that worked last time. Now if only the baby could tell me when he will actually be arriving!

necessary items etc: We're pretty good on most things. We kept all dd's gear, even the stuff she didn't like, so we are set there. We need to get another baby bathtub but that's about it. I don't have a lot of clothes for this babe yet, but I want to wait and see how big he is. I feel like he is a bigger babe than dd was, so I don't want to end up with a bunch of 0-3 stuff that is too small too quickly. We are good on diapers and covers, wipes, etc. It's more hauling stuff up from the basement and cleaning it up, installing the carseat, making arrangements for dd, freezing food, etc.

weight gain: I was up 15 lbs at my last prenatal. Very happy, since I gained like 45 with dd and didn't lose all of it before getting pregnant again and was too heavy to begin with.

[AndiG]

# of weeks:29

Movement: lots. Baby hasn't run out of room yet, ha ha. But baby feels much bigger than the other two did.

Contractions: I'm notoriously NOT observant about contractions. Likely having BH, haven't noticed more than one or two

Sleep: going ok, not great. Bed is very comfy. four year old who keeps sneaking into bed, making it slightly less so.

Other: I am just STARVING a lot lately.

Weight: Oh pUHLEEZE. I'm up 35lbs. Likely will gain at least 50. But since I DID lose all of my weight from babies one and two, even if I gain 50, I'll still be 25lbs lighter than I was when I was pg with number one.
I can lose it. I'm not worried.

[~lioneyes~]

Hi all-ggod idea! # of weeks:29w 4d

Movement: Was moving pretty regularly, but she switched positions. Not much lately-I have been getting worried about it, but mw is coming over today and will listen/check her out.

Contractions:Not really any that I know of. Sometimes when I walk for a bit, I get some crampy feelings, but not sure what they are.

Sleep: Pretty good. My hips have been killing me though-my right one in particular. It feels like it is broken when I turn on my side or get out of bed.

Other: Need to watch what I am eating better. I was so very sick for about 18w, so I didn't eat much. Now I am eating a bit too much!

Weight: I started out losing weight, about 10lb, and by 20w was back up to pp weight. Now I have gained about a lb a week since 20w.

[Jlcampbellkidz]

Weeks: 30 weeks 4 days Due Feb 17th

Movement: Tons: I am short so feeling this babe in the ribs and the pelvis. Hoping to start seeing the chiropractor this week.

Contractions: Lot's! Been hospitalized twice for preterm do to stomach bugs that left me dehydrated. :( I refuse to go back. I told the baby to get comfy, that he or she has to stay put for 2 more months and that's final. :lol

Sleep: Up atleast every hour to pee :irked: Pretty uncomfortable these days but cherishing every moment of rest that I do get.

Feeling: Overall pretty good. Very active with my two little girls (3.5yrs & 16 months) Working Full time at a portrait studio so getting lots of excercise! Feeling a bit overwhelmed at how quickly the due date is approaching but falling more and more in love with this little one everday.

Other: Trying to get all items and things in order for babies arrival. Working so much I just don't feel like I have enough time. Lot's of To Do lists! :flipped

Items: New breast pump, I have never gone back to work after a baby so my children didn't get bottles. So planning on using Whisperware do to hands free and discreatness (There are no good places to pump at my work) This is a hands free battery opperated design that fits into the bra. Planning on using the new Second Nature bottles for when i am at work. My mom and sister take turns watching my kids and then my DH watches them on Wed, Sundays and evenings. He works long hours too. If it's a girl, I am set for clothes and blankets, and burp cloths. I still need diapers. If it'a boy I am completely screwed. I have nothing and can't afford to buy. My mom is helping as much as possible. I am so thankful.

Weight: Lost 14 pounds and have now gained back 12 of it. MW says that's a 0 weight gain but I disagree. It's a whole 12 pounds. Nothing about this pregnancy is like my other two. Very different. I have always measured a week or two bigger and this time around measuring a week behind. I know my dates are correct! Carrying all out front like I swallowed a basketball. we take prego pics each week and now I compare them to my last pregnancy and it's so strange.

[PGNPORTLAND]

hi! I will be 33 weeks tommorow. first baby due Feb 1st

Movement: seems to be slowing down, then I worry, then she speeds up again. OB says she is head down and I think I can feel her head. I feel hiccups too.

Sleep: difficult. havn't slept with DH in a while. We have a broken full size mattress so it is impossible for both of us to be on at the same time. we put it on the floor where it's flat and DH sleeps on the couch and we hold hands.

Pee: I am peeing all the time. I pee and on the way out of the bathroom think I have to pee again. I am up all night peeing.

Weight: Ummm. I am not really sure where I started but I'm about 200lb now. That number is terrifying to me but I think I've gained about 35 pounds which seems average and healthy so I am trying not to worry about it. I too have eaten way too much chocolate during this pregnancy

Attitude: Really good these last few weeks. I am not too fearful of the birth, really ready to experience it, excited. I started washing baby clothes and getting my hospital bag ready. These last 7 weeks are going so slow.

[Honeybee'smama]

Weeks: 30

Movement: The last few weeks have been very active, but babe seems to have slown down the last few days.

Contractions: About a week ago I started having BH, and get lots throughout the day, they have been getting more intense, but still not what I would call really painful.

Sleep: Once I am asleep I do good, but getting asleep takes a long time, so when I am up to pee (once or twice a night) it takes a good hour to fall back asleep. And switching sides many times in the night is also an ordeal, my hips get so sore in the night! Dd has been getting up regularly lately which does not help. I would love a system like Ella'smama but dd would just get up go to our room see I was not there and wander the house until she found me with dh sleeping through the whole thing!

General Feeling: The last few weeks have been rough physically and emotionally but I am done with school now (still working) and that seems to have lightened my load considerably so mood and energy are up and in general I am feeling better. I bounce back and forth between excitment and nervousness at having two!

Weight: I have gained about 35 pounds. Most of the time I am ok with this, but sometimes I worry about getting the weight back off. I was overweight before dd, then lost a lot. I really do not want to be heavy again. But I only eat when I am hungry and try to eat healthy so mostly I trust that my body is doing what it needs to do.

Items: Just starting to tackle getting ready and figuring out what I need now that school is done.!!

[Sleepymama]

# of weeks:31

Movement: Lots some days, not so much other days. Definitely getting more "Alien" like with elbows and knees, etc.

Contractions: Yes, lots, when I'm uncomfortable or tired or walk too much, blah blah.

Sleep: Mostly OK when I get to sleep alone (every other night at least) otherwise DS keeps me awake with his moaning and sleeping plastered to me.

Other: I am getting a little stressed about finishing my thesis in time for the birth. I have a very tight schedule--must have 1st draft by Jan 2nd so that I can schedule my defense for Feb 1st, when I'll be 38 weeks. If I don't meet the draft deadline I won't finish this spring, and if the baby comes early I won't have the defense until later in the spring which means I won't have time for revisions and won't finish anyway until summer or fall. My original plan was to finish this fall but #1--I was so sick the first 6 months of this pregnancy I couldn't work much and #2--we had to take DS out of preschool because he got sick too much and that really set me back. I also will be relieved when she goes head down--still breech/transverse acc. to MW :(

Weight: Lost 20lbs at beginning, and have gained back about 10-12 of that. Just fine with me.

Feeling: Much better than 1st and 2nd tri. actually--puking much less. Now I just feel big and achy.

Items--only need labor supplies (for homebirth) and a pack and play for diaper changes. I've got everything else I need!

[greenmansions]

# weeks 31 1/2

Movement - on and off all day, lots of kicking, "alien" movements, mostly on right side. She was head down, but I suspect she's not today. Much better than my DS was about kicking my bladder, so far that has been much less of a problem this time around, thank goodness.

Contractions - BH only noticeable when i am up moving around, making dinner, etc. I hope they're happening more than that and just are mild...

Sleep - I sleep like a log. I do get up and pee at least 2-3 times most nights, last night was the first time it was every hour. But I am able to crash right back out again. We have a comfy bed so that helps. I also have been getting a 45 min nap pretty much every afternoon when DS naps.

Feeling - Have some groin pain that can make it hard to walk. Not sure what is going on - I started a yoga class that I hope will help. Also have nasty heartburn. I am nervous about having #2 and the effect it will have on my DS - he is sooo good natured and such a good sleeper too, and I am afraid of him changing. Also nervous about labor - trying for VBAC and dealing with the pain.

Other - Making the switch this week to a midwife and a different hospital to increase my VBAC odds. Agreed to have my MIL come before the birth so she can be with DS while we go to the hospital. I hope I do not regret this decision, as she gets on my nerves after a few days. Trying to decide whether to make a last minute effort to try hypnobabies, DH thinks it's a crock and I just am not sure if it will work for me without him on board.

Weight - gained about 30 pounds so far, and I don't feel like I'm eating excessively. I gained about 26 my whole pregnancy with DS, so I'm a little concerned about how much more I am going pack on by the end with this one!

Necessary Items - I am in denial here - I haven't even bought any Christmas presents yet, and usually I am done shopping before Thanksgiving. Money is very tight lately as we had some big expenses hit us like car repairs, etc. This girl is going to wear a lot of blue initially. I am going to put off buying dipes for her til I see how big she is - I'd like to go straight to size small and not deal with newborn dipes. Probably will use service at first, or buy prefolds. Otherwise we have pretty much what we need for her. I will need to get a bigger carseat probably by 3 months, since that is when DS outgrew the bucket. So that and dipes are going to be the biggies early on.

The other thing I need to do is make food for the freezer. I requested my shower be a food shower, so hopefully that will work out.

[alllyssa]

WEEKS: 32 weeks today - Due Feb. 7th

MOVEMENT: When I'm up and about during the day I don't feel much baby movement at all. The second I sit or lay down, she starts kicking and moving like crazy. I guess at least that I'll know how to make her happy once she's born, just get up and move and then she'll be happy :)

CONTRACTIONS: Not tons, but a dozen a day at least. I had one in the middle of the night last night that actually woke me up - I was probably in a light sleep cycle anyhow, but I was still a bit surprised. Oh and I get them while I'm driving, which is really uncomfortable. I don't know if it's the vibration or what, but it's not fun.

SLEEP: Not too bad simply because I go to bed so early - before 10pm for sure, but sometimes even as early as 8:30. I would so love to have one full night of sleep before baby comes, but it is not going to happen :( I'm having lots of dreams lately, with all the waking up to pee. I'm not used to that, but it is pretty cool.

Still a little concerned about getting dear Kimmy (4.5) out of the bed before little sister comes along, but that doesn't look very likely either. Kimmy has gone back and forth b/w "I'm going to sleep in my own bed when the baby comes" and insisting that there is plenty of room in the bed for the 4 of us. We'll see!

FEELING: Amazingly sexy! What a shock! It's probably because I know how all consuming caring for a newborn can be - just trying to enjoy that wife/lover feeling while I can. Babies are so worth it, but they do put a damper on the old sex life for a while.

I'm also a bit tired in the afternoon/evening, but much better than a month or two before. I'm having some pretty uncomfortable crotch/pelvic/upper leg pain thing that makes putting on my pants and getting out of bed a chore. When the baby starts moving at night, I feel like I'm on a boat - not seasick, just like I'm rocking on a boat. It's kind of nice.

OTHER: This is my 5th baby and the only one with which I've ever had morning (make that all day nausea and feeling really crappy) sickness. What a surprise :flipped

NECESSARY ITEMS: I'm one of those who got rid of almost everything after the last baby. The only new things I have bought for baby is a Danish wool blanket - I've never had a winter baby before and I want her to be warm - not that it's all that cold in San Diego, but it gets down into the 50's and I'm cold - BRRR! Sorry for those of you where it REALLY is cold :(

I did keep my pinnable rainbow diapers up in the attic, but need nylon covers and pins (after the first couple of weeks that I'll use disposables). I'm ordering a dozen cloth diapers w/ snaps for the big kids so they don't have to use pins. I will also buy some newborn gowns, onesies and socks since we'll just be hanging around the house the first couple of weeks anyhow. I'll be borrowing an infant car seat, but I would really like to buy an Amby for downstairs. We borrowed a bassinett last time, but I have no idea who has that now.

People are always so kind and generous with new babies that I'm sure she won't need much of anything. I do have a "wish list" on www.findgift.com so if anyone asks - I'm ready! I'm going to wait and see before I buy a ton of stuff myself.

WEIGHT GAIN: I'm 5'6" and started off this pregnancy weighing about 150 - which is at least 10 lbs. more than I wanted to weigh. Since I felt so icky the first 3 months I didn't start gaining any weight until after that. I weighed 167 at my appt. last week. I'm very happy with that. Thinking I might have another 10 lbs. to gain with this little one. During my last pregnancies, I gained 15 lbs. the first trimester and about 40 lbs. total. I'm still amazed how different this pregnancy has been.
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[ChiaraRose]

WEEKS: 31 weeks

MOVEMENT: Some days the babe has a party non stop, others it is very quiet. Scares me sometimes. The cutest thing is when my dh talks t my belly the little one usually wakes up and says hello via some kicks. It definately just likes to stretch out and I feel it expanding. It is a funny feeling.

CONTRACTIONS: Nothing, nada, absolutely no contractions.

SLEEP: I sleep mostly well, never have to pee at night, but crawl to the bathrooms in the mornings because my baldder is full and it hurts. I have some hip pains at night and wake up when I turn around, but fall back asleep right away. Can't complain. I need a lot of sleep, though :)

FEELING: I feel so much better now than I did in the first two trimsters. Granted I am bigger and moving around is not so easy, BUT no nausea!!!! I also feel more cheery and energetic. I have weird on and off pains in my belly area, but I think those are ligaments. Yoga helps so much with achiness.

OTHER: We finished our hypnobirth class and we really liked it. i helps me relax already and it make me feel very excited for the birth. I see it as a tool that will hopefully be useful for me during those hours. I trust my midwife more and more. I changed care providers three time in the last 6 months, but it seems like we finally found the right one.

NECESSARY ITEMS: I am pretty much set. A diaper pail and my homebirth kit and we are ready to go. I cleaned out the nursery and arranged all the furniture (my back didn't like that ;) ). We bought almost everything second hand, so we have been on the lookout since we knew I was pregnant. So we are early. I love everyhting we got. OUr nursery is beautiful (even though the little one is gonna sleep with us.

WEIGHT GAIN: Hey I gained 33 pounds so far :o and I didn't eat horribly or exessively much. So be it. I will deal with it when the baby is here.

[musemor]

WEEKS: 31.5

MOVEMENT: She moves differently now than she did before...less sharp and punctuated, more slippery and shifting.

CONTRACTIONS: I usually have a couple every evening, especially if I have done a lot of physical activity (or haven't been drinking enough water).

SLEEP: I usually get up twice to pee, but otherwise I've been sleeping well. My pelvis feels "loose" and it can be uncomfortable when I roll over.

FEELING: Hungry! My back doesn't hurt as much these days as it did around 26-28 weeks...although maybe I've just improved my posture or developed some other coping methods. I'm getting more and more excited to meet this little person inside me. I've been a lot more emotional lately and have had a hard time handling stress at work...I only have three more weeks in the office (split by two weeks of vacation, so five weeks until my last day), and I'm looking forward to getting out of this stupid desk chair and starting my new career as a mom.

OTHER: We had our newborn care class at the hospital last weekend and it was horrible (horrible enough that I'm going to write a letter of complaint). Reminded me why I would really like a home birth, so I contacted a couple of midwives this morning. I'm hopeful that it might happen even though it's kind of late to find a homebirth midwife around here. I had initially contacted a midwife in the summer and her rates were exorbitant, so I thought I couldn't afford it...but now I'm thinking it is worth any price to stay out of that hospital.

NECESSARY ITEMS: I need to clean out the baby's room, even though she won't be sleeping there for a while. I need more newborn-sized diaper covers, as well as a diaper pail. We also need homebirth supplies, if we end up going that route (fingers crossed). I also need breastfeeding supplies (lansinoh, breast pads, breastfeeding pillow, and a book!). Our childbirth class is this weekend and if it's as horrible as the newborn care class we may also need to sign up for another one.

WEIGHT GAIN: I've gained somewhere between 20 and 25 pounds, which puts me on track for a 35 pound gain. I feel neutral about it. I do NOT feel neutral about the stretch marks on my ASS, though! :lol

[beanbean]

# of weeks: 29.5 (I had to check my ticker on another site!!)

movement: this baby is MUCH more mellow than my first. However, when I wake up in the middle of the night, she's doing Tae Bo. I'm praying she gets on track with night and day quickly...! Mama needs LOTS of sleep! :)

contractions: I've been having BH for about a month. Much earlier than last time, but otherwise the same - a little uncomfortable but not painful in the least. Awkward, though, since you can't bend down with a hard bowling ball in the way!

sleep: Pretty good so far. Although I ache like a 70 yr old as soon as I get into bed and when I wake up in the morning. My hips and sciatic nerve really hurt when I'm lying in bed. I am starting to get leg cramps, too. Trying to up my water intake to help with those.

feeling: Great! I love this part! and am enjoying it so much more than last time. I'm definitely pregnant, but still very mobile -- I guess it's that "cute" stage. :)

other: I'm having a lot of shortness of breath with this baby. I'm carrying her straight out and high. My DS was low and I never once had shortness of breath. Then again, this baby isn't constantly pressing on my bladder, which is nice. But the shortness of breath is very difficult - I have no energy when it happens.

necessary items etc: I just got a moses basket to pop baby into if I need to set her down to tend to DS. It's a lot bigger than I expected. I have a feeling DS will want it! Other than that, I bought a couple more Miracle blankets through a co-op (LOVED them last time), and we're so glad to have our Amby. Oh and other co-ops have been tempting me: Babylegs, Belly Hugger, Burt's Bees, & a mama cloth one.

Other stuff on my "wishlist":
Shower seat (I HAVE to get this soon! I will need it to prop my leg up for shaving, and also because I like to labor in the shower. I think it will be nice for postpartum, too)

Bumbo seat

Mei Tai

Solarveil sling

Phil & Ted's e3 double stroller

weight gain: Uh, I have no idea. Ignorance is bliss!! 14 or 16 lbs documented so far, but I haven't been weighed in a month. I never feel like I've gained any weight, though! I'm not sure how much I gained last time. Maybe 30 lbs? I lost it all right away, but BF hunger set in and I regained about 7 lbs. I hope to get down lower than my PP weight after this baby is born.

[Pariah]

# of weeks: 32

Movement: Lots, especially at night. He's probably going to make me nocturnal again when he's born!

Contractions: Unsure...I think I've been having BHs, but I haven't been feeling it or at least, I don't notice it. On one hand, I'm a little concerned I haven't been having them (what if I never go into labor?!?!), on the other if they're happening and I'm not noticing them, I'm hoping maybe it's a sign I'll deal with actual labor contractions well? LOL, wishful thinking.

Sleep: I had a few late nights, now I can't get to sleep at a normal time. It's frustrating. I've been waking up a lot at night.

Other: I'm getting SO impatient. So much that impatience is starting to take over my nervousness of first-time birth, LOL. I just want him to be here already! This is THE longest 9 months of my life.

Weight: I think I've gained 20-25 total.

[3 Little Monkeys]

# of weeks: 29.5

Movement: Mostly at night - this baby hangs out down between my hips (another reason I think we've got to have a boy in there :lol) the other day I could feel either a head or a foot "playing" with my hipbone. It would roll over the top of the hipbone, then roll back under, over the top, back under - it was the weirdest feeling, but kinda cool too :D I'm starting to worry a bit though because every OB visit I've had, the doc says baby is lying in a transverse position or is diagonal (head at my left hip, butt near my right ribs) we've never really been in a head down position, all three girls were head down, straight up and down, by this time.

Contractions: BH all the freaking time!! I've had a couple of "real" contrax but they were always during a very stressful or frustrating time for me.

Sleep: You're kidding right? I can't fall asleep at night, wake up a zillion times to pee or check on kids, or because I've heard something, or because dh is snoring like a buzz saw.... I'm a b**** when I don't get enough sleep - my family is about to toss me out in the cold, and I don't blame them!

Other: I've hit uncomfortable. I can't sit comfortably, can lay down comfortably, I have a heck of a time getting into and out of bed, I don't sit on the couch anymore because I can't get out of it. It takes forever to haul my enormous belly up into the truck. I'm more than ready for baby to be here.

necessary items: the only thing we really "need" to do is put the cradle together - but I can't do that until I pack up my sewing stuff and get it out of the way, and I can't do that until I finish the rest of my Christmas projects and one other project I've just been given so that will have to wait until after the first of the year. I've got clothes, especially if this is a girl. If we have a boy then I have enough to get by for a few days but I'll need to go shopping soon after he's born. My diaper stash is complete for the most part.

Weight: I've gained just under 20 pounds so far.