[BennyPai]

<p>Another week has begun!  <img alt=":joy" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/joy.gif" style=""></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm starting this week at 16 weeks along, but that's about to change to 17.  I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy is going.  My three oldest girls are back to school this week.  Today, school was cancelled due to icy road conditions and freezing rain.  We've been hit by so much inclement weather, power outages, etc. in our region. Downeast coastal Maine usually has a much more mild winter than inland, so it's strange to have had so much snow and ice this early in the season.<img alt=":cold" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/cold.gif" style=""> </p>
<p>I was stressing out this morning because all four kiddos were home and I had been expecting to have a simple trip to the pediatrician's office with just our youngest.  I hate to not be at Dr appts, but it was much less frantic for DP to take a little time from work this morning and help out.  DP ended up taking 2yoDD to her two-year checkup and it went well.  She's healthy and developmentally sound.  <img alt=":thumb" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="">  We had a blood draw to re-test her lead levels because we're living in an 1800s house with original windows throughout.  Last year's test was normal, but we'd only lived here for a few months and now we've been here over a year including all seasons.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I am still relieved to leave December behind us (the school holiday events such as concerts and Christmas parties for each class + the afterschool program *all requiring contributions +mandatory secret santa gifts for each of the 3 big girls' classes, DD1's 10th birthday on 12/16, Christmas shopping & decorating & family gathering, DD4's second birthday on 12/29).  It was so exhausting.  <img alt=":dizzy" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/dizzy.gif" style=""></p>
<p>This time next year, if our plans work out, we'll be in our own house in the woods and homeschooling.  <img alt="fingersx.gif" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/fingersx.gif"></p>

 

[BennyPai]

<p>I still haven't located our chocolate-colored Born Free butterfly Moby wrap.  It's been a year and a half since I last saw it and I feel like it might be time to replace it with this one:  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=motheringhud-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMoby-Wrap-Limited-Edition-Designs%2Fdp%2FB00FFUS2B4%2Fref%3Dsr_1_2%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1389042363%26sr%3D8-2%26keywords%3Dmoby%2Bwrap%2Bborn%2Bfreehttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.mobywrap.com%2Fs.nl%2Fsc.22%2F.f" rel="norewrite" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Moby-Wrap-Limited-Edition-Designs/dp/B00FFUS2B4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1389042363&sr=8-2&keywords=moby+wrap+born+freehttp://www.mobywrap.com/s.nl/sc.22/.f</a></p>

 

[synepona]

<p>I think I did post here about my vehicle and it's lack of brakes? It's expected to be in the shop all week, and the dealership dropped off a nearly new Escape for me to drive in the mean time. Now I just need to get the car seats installed, but it's blustery, and snowy, and I had to just set them on the seats earlier and come back inside --- too cold and it was snowing sideways into the vehicle! I should get it done tonight, as we have places to go first thing in the morning.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>That's a pretty wrap! Mine is not a real Moby, but similar brown colour, and has a woven panel of my favourite Amy Butler fabric on the center section. Over the past couple months all my carriers have been returned, and with the addition of the Onya as a Christmas gift, I think I'm set on that front.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>DH is installing doors in our basement this past weekend and evenings this week, it's looking more and more finished -- doors to hide the unfinished areas are making a huge difference! Plus, soon we'll be able to watch TV while the washer is running ... and close the door between the 2 spaces </p>
<p> </p>
<p>New-baby is very active already, and not with little kicks, but full body movements and flips. DD & DS were like this too, and flippy right to the end.</p>

 

[onetwoten]

<p>Benny- I really like that moby! We didn't use ours a ton, because Ten was too impatient to let me get it all wrapped up, but I would totally splurge on a pretty one if it had worked better ofr us last time! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Oooh let us know how the escape is! That's what I -wanted- when we were looking for our second vehicle and decided on the van, but we didn't think it would have enough room. I wanted something I could fit two carseats AND an adult in the backseat of... and the measurements just weren't adding up, even with two radians. I do like our van though. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Baby is mostly "stretching" here. It's funny, I don't get 'kicks' obviously, but just periods where it feels like baby is pushing a limb out, trying to test his/her boundaries! lol</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Used the doppler last time after  git home so that I could feel reassured. Nice strong HB, which was such a relief to hear. But then DH thinks he heard perhaps an "echo", where there were heartbeats at different rates, so now he's very much looking forward to our midwife appointment so she can calm his fears! lol. I don't see any reason to suspect twins, especially since I'm 17 weeks and have only gained about 5lbs, but still admit it'll be nice to have the more experienced midwife have a listen! lol</p>

 

[Dandy Lion]

<p>I just scheduled my ultrasound for Wednesday. I'm soooo nervous. I really hope they don't find any problems. Both of my girls had issues, but at least they both were totally fine. I also am scared of accidentally getting a peek at something I don't want to see</p>

 

[synepona]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11#post_17541032" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>onetwoten</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11#post_17541032"><img alt="View Post" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
 
<p>Oooh let us know how the escape is! That's what I -wanted- when we were looking for our second vehicle and decided on the van, but we didn't think it would have enough room. I wanted something I could fit two carseats AND an adult in the backseat of... and the measurements just weren't adding up, even with two radians. I do like our van though.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p>We've always had Fords (I'm on my 4th, and DH is on his 7th or so), so if we were in the market for a little SUV this would be the one we'd get, but it's just too little for us for every day! I've got the Radian RFng, on the passenger side, and a Monterey booster on the driver side, and if I were desperate, I suppose a passenger - like a teen baby sitter - could sit in the middle, but I wouldn't want anyone to be there for more than a 10 or 15 min drive, it's narrow! The booster isn't ideal yet, I've got to adjust the vehicle headrest, but I was getting cold, and DS is walking to school in the morning, so it will be later in the day before I need to have him in there.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It looks pretty tiny in the driveway, with DH's Expedition parked behind it! But it's cute. I'll let you know how it is tomorrow after I actually drive it! I do remember when I had a Focus wagon, and my mom had the old style Escape, that I read an article about the wagon having more cubic feet of cargo space ... this newer Escape seems to have a much roomier trunk than I recall my mom's having.</p>

 

[onetwoten]

Yeah... That's kind of what we thought. Better then that I didn't let myself get carried away with it! I did love my old focus wagon I had! Great car and yeah, Tons of cargo space.

 

[lilmiss'mama]

A friend of mine has a Ford Flex. She said it has lots of room, and the third row is even comfortable for adults. We were going to look into it, but decided we wanted something with a little more ground clearance.

 

[Michelle Murphy]

<p>I'm nervous about baby.  The stress has been insane and I feel my abdomen is a bit deflated and such.   Haven't felt any movement (ever) and am able to "slouch" which I wasn't able to do before.  I'm trying not to think about it.  I don't have an appointment with the MW until next Tuesday.  Not sure if the doctor I see for craniosacral adjustments will be able to do anything to reassure me at my appointment this week and there is no way I can go to an ER so, I'm just not thinking about it as much as possible. <br>
One doctor I saw a while ago said there is something besides doppler for hearing the heartbeat, but she couldn't get one of the ones she saw in Ghana!  Something else she said made me think it was something simple, like made from wood.  Does anyone know what I'm talking about?<br>
I'm starting to pack a bit here and there.  I'm organizing so that if I have to leave my apartment earlier than for moving "for real", I can have a bug-out-bag and a few extras/must-have boxes handier than they'd be otherwise.  It's still taking too long and today was the first day I was able to get anything done instead of just laying low, hiding out and trying not to draw attention to myself.  BF installed security cameras near the front door and the neighbor who has been harassing me and hit me on Christmas Day is nowhere to be seen for a couple days. <br>
Physically the stress is so much I just pop Traumeel all the time and try to focus on food and water and zoning out with TV.  I did start reading a couple more baby books as I sit in the calm between storms.  I'm looking forward to being in a safe place where I can spend time reversing (some of) the bad influences on this poor baby.  I also have appointments to see a couple counselors so if I can keep out of the way, I may get some support/perspective on my situation.  Come to think of it, I guess I was more productive today than I thought. <br>
Have family coming in tonight (sigh).  Not looking forward to it and hoping they <span style="text-decoration:underline;">all</span> stay at a hotel.  My adrenals can't take much more of this. </p>

 

[lilmiss'mama]

I'm not sure about a wooden instrument for hearing the heartbeat. My midwife uses a fetuscope which is basically like a stethoscope, but I'm not sure you could do it yourself. It could be awkward depending on where the baby is.

 

[Michelle Murphy]

<p>Don't know why I didn't think to look it up.  Didn't have a place to start until I looked up fetuscope, I guess.<br>
I think she was referring to a pinard which can be made from metal or wood. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=motheringhud-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FRiester-Pinard-Stethoscope-Lightweight-Aluminum%2Fdp%2FB0013EFJIU%2Fref%3Dpd_sim_sbs_hpc_5" rel="norewrite" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Riester-Pinard-Stethoscope-Lightweight-Aluminum/dp/B0013EFJIU/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hpc_5</a><br>
Then I saw these and after reading the information from the last link below I think I know why the fetal stethoscope has that extension.<br>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=motheringhud-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMedline-Fetal-Stethoscope-Model-MDS9775%2Fdp%2FB000K6RVGU%2Fref%3Dsr_1_10%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1389067766%26sr%3D8-10%26keywords%3Dfetoscope" rel="norewrite" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Medline-Fetal-Stethoscope-Model-MDS9775/dp/B000K6RVGU/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1389067766&sr=8-10&keywords=fetoscope</a><br>
What impressed me was the review in which this actually worked and why.  Might be nice, I think. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=motheringhud-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGraco-1760706-Prenatal-Listener%2Fdp%2FB004NSPFRI%2Fref%3Dsr_1_7%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1389067766%26sr%3D8-7%26keywords%3Dfetoscope" rel="norewrite" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Graco-1760706-Prenatal-Listener/dp/B004NSPFRI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1389067766&sr=8-7&keywords=fetoscope</a><br><br>
Maybe I'll call the midwife clinic tomorrow and ask about a quick doppler/stethoscope check.  I was hoping to minimize exposure, but this is something I've been thinking about for many days now and I'm sure the added concern/worry isn't doing either of us any good. I'm just sick of getting dismissed about the really valid stuff.  Can't imagine what'll happen when I pull a classic pregnant woman worry out. </p>

 

[onetwoten]

<p>Sometimes I think the exposure of the doppler is worth decreasing the stress to your body. Keep in mind that you release a stress hormone that gets through to the baby. So it's a balancing act really. I'll admit, first thing I did when I got home yesterday after the accident was pull out the doppler. I could -feel- my body relax after we found it. Totally worth it to me. </p>

 

[Dandy Lion]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11#post_17541212" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false">Quote:
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<p>Maybe I'll call the midwife clinic tomorrow and ask about a quick doppler/stethoscope check.  I was hoping to minimize exposure, but this is something I've been thinking about for many days now and I'm sure the added concern/worry isn't doing either of us any good. I'm just sick of getting dismissed about the really valid stuff.  Can't imagine what'll happen when I pull a classic pregnant woman worry out. </p>
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<p>If they aren't loving and supportive, you haven't found the best midwives you can find. I know if I were to call really worried, they would get me in at a moments notice.</p>

 

[Dandy Lion]

<p>Meanwhile, I'm dealing with some serious pregnancy rage. I've never had it this bad before, and I feel like I'm going nuts. Frankincense is helping a little to keep me calm, but this has been a really hard week. For everyone in our house.</p>

 

[Sihaya]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11/0_100#post_17541393" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Dandy Lion</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11/0_100#post_17541393"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif"></a><br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Maybe I'll call the midwife clinic tomorrow and ask about a quick doppler/stethoscope check.  I was hoping to minimize exposure, but this is something I've been thinking about for many days now and I'm sure the added concern/worry isn't doing either of us any good. I'm just sick of getting dismissed about the really valid stuff.  Can't imagine what'll happen when I pull a classic pregnant woman worry out. </div>
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If they aren't loving and supportive, you haven't found the best midwives you can find. I know if I were to call really worried, they would get me in at a moments notice.</div>
</div>
I agree with <a data-huddler-embed="href" href="/community/u/174221/Dandy-Lion">@Dandy Lion</a>! I have a home doppler and use it a few times a week, but a couple of weeks ago I couldn't find the heartbeat and my midwife drove to my house (we have 1 car and my husband had it at work) to listen to it within 30 minutes. You need care providers who will listen to your concerns and not dismiss them. The trade-off is that you are completely honest and open with them and, in turn, they take all of your concerns to heart, no matter how small or normal they seem to a midwife who has dealt with them a million times before.

 

[Sihaya]

AFM, I finally got insurance coverage and got my blood thinner prescription filled today. Exciting to finally be on the medicine I need to keep this baby growing healthy and strong, but terrifying since I have to do daily injections now. Also infuriating to have to deal with all of the bureaucracy involved in filling a simple prescription - my insurance only covers the brand name, but my doctor wrote it for the generic and the pharmacies (I went to more than one, in the aftermath of a snowstorm) don't carry the brand name. <img alt="duh.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/duh.gif"> Oh, the headache!<br><br>
Anyway, I'm 16 weeks today and can't believe how fast the past month has gone. Turning my focus toward getting back into some kind of routine with homeschooling and getting my house in order before baby arrives.

 

[Michelle Murphy]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11#post_17541394" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Dandy Lion</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11#post_17541394"><img alt="View Post" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br>
 
<p>Meanwhile, I'm dealing with some serious pregnancy rage. I've never had it this bad before, and I feel like I'm going nuts. Frankincense is helping a little to keep me calm, but this has been a really hard week. For everyone in our house.</p>
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</div>
<p><br>
Sorry about giving the thumbs up to this.  I was trying to quote and slipped.  Not sure how to undo it. <br>
Anyway, I'm glad to hear someone mention this.  I've been feeling far less patient and such.  At this point, I know it's not just me, but I do have a very decreased tolerance of bullshit.  Since the bullshit is getting even higher, I come off as the angry pregnant lady even when I'm just trying to make boundaries clear as they are routinely violated. <br>
I have an appointment tomorrow with maternal mental health.  Hoping they can shed some light on some of these things and maybe help me find a way to explain them (or explain them for me) to others. </p>
<p>I use Frankincense, too, but I also have lots of body pains and have been using Past Tense moreso recently and Traumeel quite a bit.  Still, I do know that my biggest problem is stress and if we reduce it things go well.  I was against using Solace at first because of the warnings on clary sage.  Now I wish I had used it in the beginning.  Now, it feels less hormonal from little things and more just a quicker last-nerve monitor.  In this case, I feel less inclined to "treat", let alone drug myself since in some ways it gives me the strength to make clear what is and is not acceptable.  I'm sure this sounds a little . . . aggressive(?), but I have been put down and put aside long enough and I am way, way overdue for a change. <br>
I suppose I'll find out more in the days to come. </p>

 

[amyrobynne]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11#post_17540701" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>BennyPai</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395318/weekly-chat-week-of-1-5-1-11#post_17540701"><img alt="View Post" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br>
 
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I am still relieved to leave December behind us (the school holiday events such as concerts and Christmas parties for each class + the afterschool program *all requiring contributions +mandatory secret santa gifts for each of the 3 big girls' classes, DD1's 10th birthday on 12/16, Christmas shopping & decorating & family gathering, DD4's second birthday on 12/29).  It was so exhausting.  <img alt=":dizzy" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/dizzy.gif" style=""></p>
<p>This time next year, if our plans work out, we'll be in our own house in the woods and homeschooling.  <img alt="fingersx.gif" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/fingersx.gif"></p>
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</div>
<p> </p>
<p>It was May 2012, in the midst of end of the year concerts and parties and mayhem that I decided to homeschool. Now I have to keep track of everything, but I only do the things I want. No more BSing the reading forms or agreeing to volunteer stuff I don't care about. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The brakes on our minivan will need to be replaced soon too. We replaced the tires a month ago and they tried to scare us into doing the brakes. Um, no thanks, 2 weeks before Christmas. Our friend looked at them, said it will be soon but not immediately, and he's going to help us do the work. Yay! And take that, CarX!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>After 18 days off, my husband goes back to his teaching job and I'll resume homeschooling. I've enjoyed the extra couple crazy-cold days for getting work done. It would have been a stressed out mess if we'd gone back on Monday. My kids always transition horribly back in January (especially when they still went to a school building) so a 3 day week with field trips Wed and Thurs will be just right for weaning away from the screen time and fun.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>16.5 weeks pregnant here. Still not feeling anything. Getting antsy for something. Still exhausted way more often than I'd like. I was getting a lot of headaches and the CNM suggested a bunch of things and they've mostly been gone for the past week, so that's better. Looking forward to above-zero temps and getting some exercise. I have a ton of paid work to do within the next week, but then I'll be done for a month, so I'm trying to suck it up and spend the hours now, knowing I'll get the break soon.</p>

 

[shenanegans]

<p>Its the first time I popped in on these "chat" threads. So "Hi, ladies"! I have my second midwife appt tomorrow so that is pretty fun. We did a big trip back to my parents in N.S over the holidays, its an 18hr drive so we stretched it over 3 days which was pretty easy, we were lucky to have generally good road conditions the whole way and the kids are really awesome in the car now. At almost 7 years old and 3.5, they just watch movies and relax. Its pretty great. We do that drive every summer but this is the first time we challenged it in the winter and I would definitely do it again, with the cost of tickets around Xmas, it would have cost us $1000 x4 ! No thanks! Did any of you travel over the holidays? </p>

 

[Dandy Lion]

<p>I had my ultrasound today. Everything looked good according to the tech, and for the first time, the radiologist didn't have to come in for another look. The measurement due date was spot on with my calculated due date too, so that was reassuring that he/she is growing well. I managed not to find out the sex, but unfortunately they refused to leave that information off of the radiology report. So my midwife might find out, but I warned her the information would be in there, and she said she'd try not to see it, but she wouldn't tell me if she sees it or not. I was looking forward to it being special for all of us, and getting to speculate with her as my due date approaches. Oh well. I can speculate with everyone else I suppose.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>One thing that was really crazy, is this baby didn't like the ultrasound at all. There were a few times when he/she whacked the transducer and I jumped because it hurt--especially towards the end. I kinda feel like I should have said at that point that I wanted the ultrasound over with. But, I could tell she was wrapping it up so I kept my mouth shut. Anyone else have a baby get really impatient with an ultrasound?</p>