[expat-mama]

Hey there, first time mamas!

I thought it would a be a good idea for us to a have a thread where we could all chat and get to know each other as we all start out on this terrific and terrifying journey together! We're lucky to have so many wonderful experienced mamas in our due date club but I also thought it would be nice to have a place where the newbies could freak out/chill out together!

I also noticed there are a couple of new-to-MDC mamas in here too. This could be a good place to share how to navigate through the heaps of information and the fantastic groups here at MDC.

Come on in and share your due date, anything you are ecstatic/worried about, your latest thoughts on the wonders and craziness of pregnancy and something interesting about yourself!

So congratulations to us first-time mamas and a happy and healthy nine months to everyone

 

[expat-mama]

I feel like I've introduced myself a couple times already around this DDC, but here goes one more:

I'm N (I don't like sharing my real name on the internet), I'm 28 and married to J. We've been together for almost 10 years, married for just over a year, and still so in love!

We're Canadian but we've lived in Asia for 5 out of the past 6 years now.
I'm due August 8th!
Emm...my main worry right now is money!!!

.

I'm so totally excited about so many things- seeing my awesome man be a daddy, sharing my love of books, nature and art with the little one, and just being a family so full of love!

Right now I'm freaking tired and I oscillate between not being able to sleep at night to passing out wherever and whenever. It kind of sucks. I'm also a bit upset that I've started this pregnancy in not the best physical shape. I'm not excited for morning sickness, but I'm sooo psyched to get a baby bump that the world can see!

 

[Stevi]

I guess I count as a First Timer... I miscarried my first pregnancy, but this will (hopefully) be my first child.

The only thing interesting about me is that I'm single and used donors to get pregnant. In fact, this baby had 3 different donors!!! Yes, 3!! I get to be surprised at the birth as to 'whose the daddy', but still may never know for sure!

I'm an Atheist and currently work at home.

 

[Coconut Chronicles]

Quote:

Originally Posted by expat-mama I'm so totally excited about so many things- seeing my awesome man be a daddy, sharing my love of books, nature and art with the little one, and just being a family so full of love!

Awww I know just what you mean. So many great things to look forward to!

I'm Lisa. I'm 27 and my husband is 31. We've been married for 3 & 1/2 years. I'm Jamaican and he's American. We have a web design firm so we work from home.

We're moving to Florida in 8 days so that is my main worry at the moment. I'm trying not to lift anything too heavy but hate feeling useless. Everyone has been cautioning me against lifting heavy things lately and its making me a wee bit paranoid.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevi I guess I count as a First Timer... I miscarried my first pregnancy, but this will (hopefully) be my first child.

Sending lots of good thoughts your way Stevi!

 

[thedenverduo]

My husband of 2 and half years and I just found out we are pregnant with our first baby! We are definitely nervous, and excited, and overwhelmed all at the same time.

Right now our biggest worries revolve around money and the fact that we are about halfway through a year-long renovation of our house. Hopefully by the time the baby comes I will have a functional and organized house, but we'll wait and see I guess.

It is so exciting to be able to be a part of a group like this, we don't have a lot of support for things that matter to us... like homebirthing and such.

:

 

[expat-mama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coconut Chronicles We're moving to Florida in 8 days so that is my main worry at the moment.

Good luck with the move Lisa! Moving is stressful so try to take it easy on yourself! I've got a big move back to Ontario, Canada in February to stay with family, then in another 2-3 months we are moving out to western Canada. I'm worried about what all that will entail...and not looking forward to it. At least you are moving somewhere almost as tropical- lucky!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevi I guess I count as a First Timer... I miscarried my first pregnancy, but this will (hopefully) be my first child. I'm an Atheist and currently work at home.

Sending all my best sticky vibes your way Stevi!
I'm an atheist too! I'd like to work just out of the home- right now I'm half n half. I work in education out of the home, I do print design and copy editing from home that I hope to continue more as my main gig after the babe is here. What do you do?

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedenverduo Right now our biggest worries revolve around money and the fact that we are about halfway through a year-long renovation of our house. It is so exciting to be able to be a part of a group like this, we don't have a lot of support for things that matter to us... like homebirthing and such. :

I'm feeling the money worrries...eek! It'll be nice once you have your place all fixed up though.
And I'm also happy to have MDC for support for all those out-of-the-norm things that seem so normal/natural to me! In the next 8.5 months I'm hoping to cram on natural birth at home or not, breastfeeding, cloth diapering/EC, co-sleeping, AP, gentle discipline and lots of other good stuff.

 

[thedenverduo]

Are any of you having symptoms already? I know we are all pretty newly pregnant. Going into this I knew to expect some tiredness and soreness... but WHOA! I am sleeping like a rock, and then wake up tired. I've been trying to nap as much as I can though.

So just curious what some of your symptoms are... also, I'd love to hear how you found out you were pregnant, and if you've told your family yet.

 

[littlehapa]

Hi fellow first timers!

I'm also new to MDC.

I''m 27 and I've been married to A for 2 years, and this is our first pregnancy. We can't actually believe we're here! It's awesome. I'm due 8.4.09. I work full time right now, but plan on being a "SAHM" once the baby comes. I did a HPT on 13-14 DPO and got a very dark line. I tested twice that night, just to be sure....then again a few days later. Guess I need lot of convincing.

We've told our immediate families, but no one else. I've been feeling tired and nauseas, sore breasts. It's not fun and lovely all at the same time. I'm just so happy to be here, I'll take whatever I'm given! I think we're going to wait to tell friends and extended family until the 2nd trimester. I've just been scared due to knowing so many good friends who've had miscarriages.

We have our first apt for bloodwork/paperwork on 12.22, then first OB visit Jan 6. I can't wait for more confirmation! I'll be so happy once the 1st trimester is succesfully passed.

Congrats to you all! I'm so excited!

 

[Coconut Chronicles]

Quote:

Originally Posted by expat-mama I've got a big move back to Ontario, Canada in February to stay with family, then in another 2-3 months we are moving out to western Canada.

Wow that's a lot going on for you... Be good to yourself! Are you excited about seeing your family? I have family in Ontario... they've told me in February it can get really cold up there. We're in Ohio for a few days now just packing and we got dumped on with snow last night.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedenverduo Are any of you having symptoms already?

I'm not feeling anymore tired than usual but I have noticed that when I do go down to sleep I am out like a light. Pregnancy = better than Unisom

Outside of that not much else... slight breast tenderness in the mornings only.

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlehapa I tested twice that night, just to be sure....then again a few days later. Guess I need lot of convincing.

I did the same thing littlehapa... I just couldn't believe the first one.

 

[expat-mama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedenverduo Are any of you having symptoms already? I know we are all pretty newly pregnant. Going into this I knew to expect some tiredness and soreness... but WHOA! I am sleeping like a rock, and then wake up tired. I've been trying to nap as much as I can though.

My sleeping schedule is all screwed up. I'm dead tired in the afternoon so I end up taking a nap, then I fall alseep early-ish for me at around 10:30-11. And I sleep like a rock too. But I've been waking up at 4:30 or 5 every morning! aaarghhhh...
I had some light nausea a few days ago, but now it's gone. Maybe it was just nerves

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlehapa Hi fellow first timers! I'm also new to MDC.

Hi, welcome and congratulations!

:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coconut Chronicles Wow that's a lot going on for you... Be good to yourself! Are you excited about seeing your family? I have family in Ontario... they've told me in February it can get really cold up there. We're in Ohio for a few days now just packing and we got dumped on with snow last night.

I'm a little worried about all the moving around and how we'll plan this birth and dealing with different doctors/midwives along the way. But we've moved around internationally and in Canada/US so many times that it's really not that big of a deal for us...well besides having a tiny third passenger this time!
I'm pretty excited to see family. It's been a while since we were back in Canada, got married far from family last year in Thailand and my mother is the youngest of 8 who has been waiting anxiously to be the last grandmother in her family! I'm a bit weary of all the attention we'll get when we return... but it'll be great too.

 

[Stevi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by expat-mama Sending all my best sticky vibes your way Stevi! I'm an atheist too! I'd like to work just out of the home- right now I'm half n half. I work in education out of the home, I do print design and copy editing from home that I hope to continue more as my main gig after the babe is here. What do you do?

Sorry, I missed this... I recently sold my business and will be receiving monthly payments over the next 5-6 years. I also earn some income selling my productions online and making crafts for sale.

 

[expat-mama]

Hey new mamas,

Just wondering- who have you told? Anyone else DYING with this huge secret?
When do you plan to tell family and friends if you haven't already?

DH and I are counting the days till we get to spill the beans. We've decided on Christmas, because it's a big family holiday even though we aren't Christian. By then I'll be just about 8 weeks- and I've read that the chance of m/c is drastically lowered by then (under 5% or something), so we're comfortable with that. I've told just ONE friend so far, my bestest long-time buddy. It was great.

 

[Olives]

Hi everyone!

I think I should introduce myself here too, it is nice to see so many first time Mom's in this group. I'm looking so forward to navigating this journey with you all.

I'm Carly I'm 27 but I turn 28 next friday, what a wonderful early birthday gift! I'm currently a part time nanny to a wonderful little boy and I'm going to photography school. I married my wonderful husband Scott almost 3 years ago. We've been trying for a baby ever since.

We suffered one miscarriage 2 years ago and just last month we started the process for a domestic adoption. I couldn't even let myself believe I was pregnant and my period was 4 days late. Yesterday was the day Catholics celebrate the Immaculate Conception and I thought if any day I was going to get a positive test it would be it!

And on my way home from school I had to stop and get a chocolate milk and I picked up a test too.

I took it and set it on the counter and convinced myself all would be fine if it was negative and practically laughed at myself for wasting the $15 on the tests... when I saw it say pregnant I flipped out! I grabbed the test and ran up stairs to show my hubby. The tears haven't stopped since.

I'm really nervous and hoping this little one sticks with me. I think I'll tell my friends when we celebrate my birthday next week and I'll tell my Dad at Christmas. I figure I want to share the joy of this moment no matter what!

We live in the blustery midwest and both had a snow day today so it was nice just spending the day together daydreaming about this little one.

 

[Stevi]

I've only told friends. I didn't tell any of my family about my last pregnancy, except my youngest brither and I didn't tell him until after the miscarriage. I still haven't told the others.

I'll wait until I'm at least 12 weeks before telling them about this pregnancy, they're not the type I want to share my grief with if something happens. Well, my two youngest brothers are okay, but they really don't know me well, we didn't grow up together, they're only 24 & 26...

My family will have almost no involvement with my child(ren) anyway, we're not close.

 

[Coconut Chronicles]

We've told everyone... both sides of the family know and almost all of our friends know. We were so excited we just couldn't wait for Christmas. I'm really glad we didn't wait because we have so many more friends and family offering to help us pack/clean/just generally moving stuff.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olives I married my wonderful husband Scott almost 3 years ago.

Carly I just love your wedding photo. It looks exactly like a church that my husband's best friends got married in!

 

[expat-mama]

Any other new mamas today?

 

[DarcysGirl]

Hi everyone,

Expat-mama, we've briefly met but I never introduced myself fully.

My name is Marisa and I am 33 years old and DH is 34 and we have been married for five years. We delayed the process of having children and I was worried that I would have problem getting pregnant but we were successful on the first try. Our biggest concern right now is our housing situation as we live in a medium sized one bedroom condo and have been trying to sell for the past year and a half with no real offers. Oh and we worry about our little puppy feeling misplaced in 9 months. Other than that, although we are happy, I don't think it has sunk it yet that we are about to have a baby.

I want to tell our closest friends and family but DH does not want anyone to know till 12weeks. So that has been a slight bone of contention.

So happy to be here and looking forward to getting to know everyone.

 

[sunshynbaby]

I'm here, I'm here! I will be a first time mom to a human child. lol! I already have three four legged children, ABBA, Willow, and Anya. They are my babies for now! I am 32, a gemini, and have been married to my wonderful husband for three years. We are an "inter-racial" couple, so we are extra excited to see what our little one (or ones) will look like. My hubby and I are always pointing out bi-racial children in magazines and saying, "look, there's our little boy/girl!" We haven't told anyone yet, and we're trying to wait until the second trimester. I'll have to tell my good friend because she will suspect when I don't want to smoke/drink at her upcoming holiday bash. If I don't tell her beforehand, I'm afraid she will blurt out her suspicions in front of everyone! I'm having a religious crisis right now, but if I had to describe myself, I would be Jewish/Pagan/Buddhist/Spiritually non-religious. We are celebrating "festivus for the rest of us" this year (a la Seinfeld) because I'm not into lighting the candles on the menorah while I'm having this inner-reflection thing going on. Sorry if that's too much info!!!

 

[expat-mama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunshynbaby We are an "inter-racial" couple, so we are extra excited to see what our little one (or ones) will look like. My hubby and I are always pointing out bi-racial children in magazines and saying, "look, there's our little boy/girl!"

Hey Sunshyn- I'm part of an interracial couple too! I'm also the product of one.
My mom is French-Canadian and my dad is from Zimbabwe. My sister and I are always being told how beautiful and exotic we look, no one can ever pin-point "what we are".

I have it by good authority (biology prof. and my baby pictures

) that wide genetic variance makes the cutest babies!
DH and I feel like we are doing some kind of awesome genetic experiment that we can't wait to see the results of too.
His family is Polish/Ukrainian. So our kid will be Polish-Ukrainian-Zimbabwean-French Canadian!

I can't wait till our families start suggesting names

 

[sunshynbaby]

Quote:

Originally Posted by expat-mama Hey Sunshyn- I'm part of an interracial couple too! I'm also the product of one. My mom is French-Canadian and my dad is from Zimbabwe. My sister and I are always being told how beautiful and exotic we look, no one can ever pin-point "what we are". I have it by good authority (biology prof. and my baby pictures ) that wide genetic variance makes the cutest babies! DH and I feel like we are doing some kind of awesome genetic experiment that we can't wait to see the results of too. His family is Polish/Ukrainian. So our kid will be Polish-Ukrainian-Zimbabwean-French Canadian! I can't wait till our families start suggesting names

It does feel like an awesome genetic experiment! I'm sure it's kind of like that for everyone, but even more so for interracial couples. For all we know, the 7% of me that is Irish (I'm a wide mix of Northern European descent) could pop up and the baby could be a freckle faced red head, lol!!!

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