Related to KIDS: Planning, Pregnancy, Parenting...

[Virgil Showlion]

ElfQ1015
Message #14323 - 12/06/10 08:17 PM

, so I talked with the judge's clerk before the jury selection and she suggested I ask to speak with judge & attorneys (not just announce it to the whole courtroom) when they asked if there were any other reasons a person needed to be excused (after all of the medical/employment hardship people went first).  I also brought my pumping equipment with me.  The judge and attorneys all agreed I could be excused.  3rd time was when I was BFing with #2.  I did the same thing, and everyone was fine with excusing me.  Any other time, I'd be perfectly okay with serving.  But the jury breaks between lunch aren't long enough and I needed to do 2 sessions per day. 

Thanks, that is what I will do then. I'll need to bring the pumping equiptment anyhow since I am required to stay there for the entire freaking day tomorrow.

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boos_mom
Message #14324 - 12/06/10 08:23 PM



drama - maybe you'll get lucky and they start jury selection "early" (i.e. in the morning vs. pre-hearing motions and negotiations).  I got out by 10:30 am the last time. 

 

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ElfQ1015
Message #14325 - 12/06/10 08:28 PM

maybe you'll get lucky and they start jury selection "early" (i.e. in the morning vs. pre-hearing motions and negotiations).  I got out by 10:30 am the last time

Maybe.  If I only had to do a day or two it would not be the end of the world as long as I could squeeze in some pumping at home and maybe during a lunch break.

 

But if a case is going to go longer than that then my supply is going to start being affected.  I know it is my "civil duty" and all but personally I feel Gwen's food supply should kinda come first.  I don't want to have to switch her to formula because of jury duty of all things.

 

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yogiii
Message #14326 - 12/06/10 08:28 PM

boos_mom - Sometimes family is so inconsiderate, probably because they know you will forgive them.  I remember when DS was only 3 weeks old, BIL (who has a 5 year old) wanting DH to go out for drinks and DH said something along the lines of how he would feel bad abandoning me.  I thought that was really sweet because DH had just started back up at work, and bfing DS was so tiring, at that point it was taking him 1 hour to eat and he was eating every 2 hours.  Plus the constant crying all day due to the colic.  BIL's response was something like "tell her too bad, sometimes you'll be alone with the baby too".  My DH was floored by his response, especially since he has a kid himself, he should remember how hard it is at first.  Instead of tearing him a new one he just didn't respond, and also didn't go out.  I'll never forget that though.

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Sam814 - 11wks
Message #14327 - 12/06/10 08:30 PM

sam - Does the wife know about your m/c?

Yeah, I told her about it about a year ago, and then again when she had hers (I told her that while I didn't know exactly what she was going through, that I had been through the experience & I knew that it sucked.  And that I was there if she wanted to talk about it at all).  I talked to DH about it, since he has known her a lot longer, and he said that sometimes she is just like this (pushing people away).  Maybe she will come out of it, maybe not. 

I think DH will tell her DH.  I like the card/letter idea too - I might do that.   And just kind of leave an open invitation at the end incase she feels like hanging out again, but put the ball in her court for that one.  Guess all we can do is wait & see.  I keep hoping that they will get their BFP soon, and things will smooth over.

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Sam814 - 11wks
Message #14328 - 12/06/10 09:05 PM

I have no motivation to work today.  I am seriously tempted to burn an hour of vacation & go home to take a nap .  This prego thing is kicking my bum!

[Virgil Showlion]

boos_mom
Message #14329 - 12/06/10 09:10 PM

And just kind of leave an open invitation at the end incase she feels like hanging out again, but put the ball in her court for that one.  Guess all we can do is wait & see.  I keep hoping that they will get their BFP soon, and things will smooth over.

sam - I would not be surprised if she may not be ready to hang out again until they do get a BFP.  But if you are willing to wait and understand why she may not be ready just yet, then that makes you a great friend and hopefully things will be better soon.

yogiii - wow, what a jerk thing to say.  And of course BIL probably wouldn't remember the incident.  I'm glad your DH is such a great guy and didn't listen to BIL.  The sad thing is that DH's extended family is really nice and I get along great with them.  It's just the parents and the sibling who can be really rude/insensitive. 

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GusitaRenkr
Message #14330 - 12/06/10 09:49 PM

Insurance- I think with most cruise lines, you can't take a baby that is under 6 months old. I would check with the cruiseline and see what their restrictions are. DH and I are planning on taking a Carnival cruise with my mom next summer, and they require a baby to be 6 months old.
Gardnergirl-I say take advantage of the day care's offer! You deserve some quiet time for you and your DH. Personally, I don't think Olivia will know that she is staying a few hours longer than normal.
Sam-I second writing her a card and then just giving her some time/space from there.

Econ, Jenna, KJSH-how are you ladies doing? Any new babies?

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eternal sunshine - 29wks
Message #14331 - 12/06/10 10:04 PM



Sam - As someone who has been EXACTLY where you are.....had a bad reaction to a preggo announcement after my history, then they lost the pregnancy and I got preggo again.....I second the idea to write out your thoughts to her.

 

Maybe reiterate the circumstances around your friendship drifting apart something that acknowledges again that you reacted badly and that you know, from that experience, that you UNDERSTAND she may not have a happy reaction to your pregnancy this time.

 

This girl, in my situation, is the friend who is now 10 weeks behind me. She reacted badly to our announcement...but I didn't take it personally. I sat down with her (since we were still close) and explained again that I had reacted badly, that I was so very sorry for what they had gone through, that it is not a club anyone wants to be a member of, and that you want to give her all the time/space/understanding she needs now that you are pregnant again. I would mention too that you are still nervous about this pregnancy and as you both know those 2 lines do not = a baby for everyone. In our case, we both had a big cry and then I gave her some distance. I told her that I understood if she couldn't be as close with me, because I knew personally how other people's pregnancies felt like a slap in the face. In the end, she was a little less close with me until they got their BFP and still not quite 100% until they saw baby was in the right place and growing (she had had an ectopic like me). Now we are best friends again. These situations are TOUGH TOUGH TOUGH!!!

 

This is a hard situation...just remember how much you were hurt when it was you and try to be understanding.

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EconStudent07
Message #14332 - 12/06/10 10:41 PM

Econ, Jenna, KJSH-how are you ladies doing? Any new babies?

No baby for me yet! I've been reading along with you all today, but I haven't been posting because I'm trying desperately to finish up finals before the baby comes. Jenna should be having hers very soon if she hasn't already - I think she's due tomorrow.

Just for fun, here's a picture I took yesterday at 39 weeks.


Okay, I have to get back to writing my finals!!

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GusitaRenkr
Message #14333 - 12/06/10 10:47 PM

I thought Jenna was due any day now! You are too cute Econ! Your belly is just precious. Good luck with your finals! I had my last one this weekend, so I am officially done with this semester. I swear, it felt never ending, but it's finally over.

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jenna30-
Message #14334 - 12/06/10 10:50 PM

No baby for me either.  The lil' guy is stubborn.

I'm having mild contractions, but nothing that seems unusual.  Next Dr appt is Wed.  My due date is/was tomorrow.

Most of the stuff is in the SUV, and I *think* I'm ready to go.  Just waiting it out.

[Virgil Showlion]

insurancemoneymaven
Message #14335 - 12/07/10 12:05 AM



Econ, you look adorable - all baby!

 

Jenna - congrats! Wishing you an easy delivery and healthy little one.

 

DH and I are going to start preparing my bag tonight even though I am at 28 weeks, 3 days. I shared with you sometime ago that a friend of mine has some spotting at 29 weeks only to learn that she was having contractions and the bleeding was started because the placenta had a small tear. She was on hospital bed rest for 23 hours a day (moving made the bleeding start, and welcomed contractions) for 6 weeks. She went on to have a healthy little boy, although early. They kept him in the NICU for 2 weeks to ensure he was breathing on his own.

 

Very much like me, she had a totally uneventful pregnancy up until that point, so I just want to be prepared for worst case scenario, and pray for the best.

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ElfQ1015
Message #14336 - 12/07/10 01:37 AM



i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn72/abranch3/s42022cb117428_14.jpg

 

Argh, sorry it is sideways that is how it comes out on the Sears disk

 

 

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ElfQ1015
Message #14337 - 12/07/10 01:39 AM

i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn72/abranch3/SDC10506.jpg

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ElfQ1015
Message #14338 - 12/07/10 01:39 AM

i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn72/abranch3/SDC10433.jpg

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taz157 - 10 wks
Message #14339 - 12/07/10 01:57 AM

Drama - What an adorable baby!  Look at all that hair she already has and beautiful blue eyes!    Congrats Mom & Dad! 

Econ - What a cute belly bump! 

Econ & Jenna - Good luck with smooth deliveries in the near future!    We can't wait to read the birth stories or at least their birthdays and names.

gardener - I second, third, etc. what others say about taking advantage of the extended daycare time!  Enjoy some adult time and have a great time! 

Guista - Even though its been a few years since I've taken classes, I remember what it was like when you're almost done and then done for the semester.  Granted, I've never tried when pregnant either so I'm sure its much harder; however, I know you are doing what's best for your family. 

insurance - I would call the cruise lines to see what their guidelines are for babies.  However, I understand why you would want to go.  My DH and I went on a cruise for our honeymoon and really wanted to go on another one.  I have wanted to go another one before we have kids, but want to do some other things before August (when the LO is due). 

Sam - Good luck with your friends.  I do like the idea of writing the wife a card/letter. 

For me, it's been uneventful, which is good.  So far, no morning sickness and hopefully it stays away.  However, I was watching Full House earlier this morning, the episode was when Stephanie got her nose broken on the Mr. Egghead show the day before school's class picture day.  She didn't want to go to school due to her broken nose so she skipped.  Stephanie walked in on Michelle playing with her toys.  Stephanie asked Michelle to make her something to eat (keep in mind, Michelle is 3).  So Michelle makes a peanut butter and jelly sandwich...with her hands.  Just the close ups of the mushed-up peanut butter and jelly put on the bread did make me a little queasy, which has never bothered me before.  Shortly after the close ups stopped, I was doing fine.    If anything, I'm probably a little bit more tired and have trouble getting comfortable when trying to sleep.  It's a good thing DH is out of town for work as I'd probably be driving him nuts trying to get comfortable. 

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ElfQ1015
Message #14340 - 12/07/10 02:10 AM

Taz you might want to look into getting a body pillow.  For me it was well worth the $40 I dropped on mine.  I was able to curl it around my body and between my legs so it elevated my stomach as I got bigger and eased the discomfort on my hips and joints when I slept exclusively on my left side towards the end of the first trimester (a combo of heartburn, nausea and just not being comfortable any other way).

[Virgil Showlion]

taz157 - 10 wks
Message #14341 - 12/07/10 02:12 AM

Carnival's policy regarding guests who are pregnant:

While at sea or in port, the availability of medical care may be limited or delayed.  Prenatal and early infant care in particular may require specialized diagnostic facilities and/or treatment that are not obtainable during the cruise on board the ship or ashore in ports of call. Pregnant women are only allowed to sail if pregnant for 24 complete weeks or less at time of cruise debarkation. All pregnant women are required to produce a physician's letter stating that mother and baby are in good health, fit to travel and the pregnancy is not high-risk. The letter must also include the estimated date of Delivery (EDD).

Because the safety of the pregnant mother and unborn child is our number one concern, Carnival will not accept any agreement or recommendation from the Guest and/or her physician that the policy be waived.

[www.carnival.com/cms/Images/Promo_Content/PDF/pregnancyletter1009.pdf] Click here to print Carnival's Pregnancy Certification Form.

Above is what I found for pregnant women on Carnival's website.  Unfortunately, it looks like I won't be able to cruise before our LO is due.  We would have to go before April 11th and my boss wouldn't go for that.  My busy season is mid-January to mid-April (I'm a CPA). 

Minimum age for sailing is 6 months, with the exceptions of Transatlantic, Hawaii and South American cruises, which are 12 months.

This policy is in place due to the infant's vulnerable health. While at sea or in port the availability of medical care may be limited or delayed. Early infant care, in particular may require specialized diagnostic facilities and/or treatment that are not obtainable during the cruise on board the ship or ashore in ports of call.

Fly-Aweigh infants (6 to 23 months of age) will be charged the "Cruise-Only" rate as long as the infant sits on a parent's lap on the airplane. If an airline seat is requested by the parent, then the infant will be charged the standard Fly-Aweigh rate. When an infant reaches 24 months of age, an airline ticket is required by the airlines.

Standard cruise fare applies to booking of a minor.

Above is what I found on Carnival's website about sailing with infants.

FYI - I only looked at Carnival's website as that is the cruise line we had taken on our honeymoon and we had a great time! 

ETA - Royal Caribbean has the same travel restrictions for pregnant woman and infants as Carnival. 

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taz157 - 10 wks
Message #14342 - 12/07/10 02:16 AM

Drama - I did buy a body pillow over the weekend.    I started sleeping with it last night and I think it will take a little time trying to find a comfortable position.  Right now, the discomfort is on my lower back, like it is angled wrong or something when I am trying to sleep.  Currently, I am sleeping on my left side the majority of the time.  Periodically, I do roll over to right side, stomach, and back.  Before I was pg, I would sleep on my stomach, but now it doesn't feel right.  Some of it may be in my head as I'm afraid I am squishing the baby. 

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ElfQ1015
Message #14343 - 12/07/10 02:24 AM



I was not comfortable on my stomach pretty quickly due to the nausea.  I told DH I am not ready to be pregnant again because it's only been four months since I gotta sleep on my stomach again!  I want to enjoy it for awhile!

 

I had a pillow shaped like a candy cane, I don't know how yours is shaped.  What helped me is with mine is I would align my legs with the pillow and having my right leg elevated by the pillow helped line my spine up and easy my hip/lower back pain.  I have a bad habit of curling almost into a fetal position while on my side and that HURT when pregnant.  The body pillow helped force me to have better posture because I couldn't curl up around it.

 

FWIW I rolled onto my back quite a bit till the third trimester when I was too big to roll over.  I'd find myself on my back in the morning.  She came out just fine.  I also developed restless legs towards the middle of the second trimester and the only thing that got it to stop was to roll over onto my back for about five minutes and then roll back over.


Between that and the constant peeing I am surprised I got any sleep.

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taz157 - 10 wks
Message #14344 - 12/07/10 02:31 AM

My pillow is a regular long body pillow that I got at Kohl's for $10.  It is not shaped like a candy cane.    I also tend to curl into almost the fetal position while laying on my side too.  I try to be conscience of it and straighten out when it happens. 

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Sam814 - 11wks
Message #14345 - 12/07/10 02:34 AM

Drama - Gwen is absolutely adorable!!!!

And now I want a body pillow

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EconStudent07
Message #14346 - 12/07/10 02:44 AM

Thanks for the compliments on my bump.

Taz, I also slept on my stomach pre-pregnancy, and it quickly got uncomfortable because I would feel like I was pulling muscles every time I moved. The body pillow I have is just a long body pillow too, I think I paid $15 for it. It helps because I kind of lean toward it so that I feel like I am sleeping on my stomach even though I am not. Also, now that I have some leg pain, it helps to put it between my legs while I'm sleeping. I just wish it was a little bit longer!

Congrats on finishing the semester, Gusita!

Good luck Jenna, I hope he comes soon and you have a safe and easy birth. My next appointment is also Wednesday.

Drama, your daughter is adorable! She has quite the head of hair!
taz157 - 10 wks
Message #14347 - 12/07/10 02:51 AM

Econ - 1 of the times I was laying on my stomach, it felt like I was sleeping on something hard.  I ended up feeling where it felt hard and I didn't feel anything.    Also, we have a Sleep by Number bed and I had changed the bed to a little bit firmer (thinking it would help) so I changed it back to what it was before.  I didn't get the hard feeling, but I still couldn't get comfortable.

Sam - I had been thinking of buying 1 for a while.  This past weekend, I had made it my mission to get one.  I got it on Saturday and started using it last night.  By the time I got it Saturday, I had wanted to wash our sheets and the body pillow cover and was too lazy to do it Saturday so I washed them on Sunday instead.

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insurancemoneymaven
Message #14348 - 12/07/10 02:59 AM

Drama - Gwen is beautiful, and look at that hair!!

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KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14349 - 12/07/10 01:07 PM



I can't see any of the pictures on my stupid computer.  Here's a picture of Avery eating her lunch all by herself the other day.

Edited to remove photo

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gardenergirl0804
Message #14350 - 12/07/10 02:01 PM



Drama - Gwen is so beautiful! I could just eat up those cheeks of hers! And all that hair - it's so long!! Wow. She's a gorgeous baby. Thanks for posting the pics!

 

Econ - I just saw the pic of your bump. You ARE all baby!! You look so cute.

 

Jenna - wishing you a fast and safe delivery! I hope the LO arrives soon and safe and sound.

 

kgb - love the pic of Avery! Even cuter than I imagined! She looks so proud of herself. Hee hee!!!

 

taz - I didn't know you were a CPA. We have a lot of women on this board that work in accounting. I work in accounting but am still trying for my bachelors degree. 7 classes left. I stopped for 3 sememsters to have Olivia and just re-applied to my school and got in for the spring semester. I can't wait to get back and finish.

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ElfQ1015
Message #14351 - 12/07/10 02:11 PM



Kgb if you want to see some shoot me an email and I'll forward a couple to you.

 

Love Avery's bib, it is definetly an accurate statement!

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surf-n-sand
Message #14352 - 12/07/10 02:39 PM

Elf and Kris- Your girls are so cute!

So my fingers are crossed this morning that the icky feeling was just from something I ate.  I'm feeling much better so far today!  I felt some major bubbles as soon as I woke up this morning.  I'm hoping this means I'm feeling the baby and can distinguish it clearly soon! 

[Virgil Showlion]

regina24601
Message #14353 - 12/07/10 03:04 PM

FWIW I rolled onto my back quite a bit till the third trimester when I was too big to roll over. 

I STILL sleep on my back for half the night, and I'm 35 weeks along.  I try to fall asleep on my side, but I shift a lot during the night, and I need to sleep on my back sometimes.  She's still kicking around inside me, so I don't think I've done any permanent damage.

And, taz (and any other preggo out there), I've vouched for this body pillow before, and I'll keep doing it until the day the pillow bursts into flames - this is the body pillow every pregnant woman needs:



It's the Boppy total body pillow - about $40 at Target.  I would pay THREE TIMES THAT PRICE for it because it's so worth it.  It's shaped like the number 3, and it has been a lifesaver. AMAZING!!

Econ - Your bump is ALL baby - every bit of it.  Soo cute!!

Drama - Gwen is such a cutie - what a head full of hair!

kgb - We must have reverse computers - I can see all the pictures you can't, but I can't see Avery's picture.    I'll check to see if it's still up when I get home.

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ElfQ1015
Message #14354 - 12/07/10 03:28 PM



Argh, the little white flappy piece of my pump that makes the whole thing work FELL OFF!!  I realized that when I went to pump this morning and it did not work.  Fantastic!  Thank god I got some nipple pads in my desk because I am going to blow.


Then to top it off I took the manual pump home so I would have it for jury duty just in case.  Argh!

 

Only good thing is I have a stockpile frozen at home I can give the daycare tomorrow, otherwise I'd be REALLY mad.

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Sam814 - 11wks
Message #14355 - 12/07/10 03:34 PM

Ok ladies, the B.oob fairy showed up at my house last night.  Seriously, none of my bras fit now   Any recommendations on where to get some new ones?  I need to make a Target run tonight anyway (and Regina, that pillow just made my list too!). 

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Sam814 - 11wks
Message #14356 - 12/07/10 03:36 PM

Drama - that sucks!  Is there any way you can run home to get the manual one, or have someone bring it to you?

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jmrs318
Message #14357 - 12/07/10 03:36 PM

Drama - Gwen is adorable and has so much hair!

Gardener - I got the bottles yesterday and they were great for feeding the rice cereal.  With a full belly, Abbie slept from 6:30pm to 5am.  It was AMAZING!!!!!  Also, I agree with the other ladies, use the daycare and enjoy a nice night.

Good luck to all the ladies with close due dates!

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ElfQ1015
Message #14358 - 12/07/10 03:44 PM

 Is there any way you can run home to get the manual one, or have someone bring it to you?

Not really. I really don't want to drive all the way across the bridge and back for the part, by the time I get done doing all that  I am going to blow out anyhow.  Then DH is at work and can't get off, he's the only one who would know what I am talking about.

 

Life happens, blows but it happens.  Lesson learned, bring the manual pump back tomorrow!

 

[Virgil Showlion]

gardenergirl0804
Message #14359 - 12/07/10 03:57 PM

• "Abbie slept from 6:30pm to 5am.  It was AMAZING!!!!!"

Fantastic!!!

 

I don't know why but for the longest time now my "format as quote" button just does not want to work on my computer! It's so annoying!

 

I had a really good night last night with Olivia, she slept so good. She went down at 7, woke up once at 11:30 but just because she lost her paci and normally she finds it herself, but she was crying so I went in to check and she would not open her eyes! As soon as I put her paci back in her mouth she fell back to sleep until 5:30. Then ate and went back to sleep until 7:30. Wow. She needed to get back to DC I guess and to all her baby friends! They wore her out. This was the first time DC has seen her crawl/pull up since she just started to last week. They said she was ACTIVE at DC. She was all over the place and she would pull up on a chair, stand there and dance! I can totally picture her doing this because she does it at home when she holds my hands and stands up. It's so funny.

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regina24601
Message #14360 - 12/07/10 04:00 PM

Ok ladies, the B.oob fairy showed up at my house last night.  Seriously, none of my bras fit now   Any recommendations on where to get some new ones?

Sam - It depends on your preferences.  I can live with just one bra, so I bought a cup size larger (I didn't need a bigger band size, but everyone is different) and just one bra.  I got it at about 3 or 4 months along, and it's the only one I've used (it's a Gilligan O'Malley or something like that brand - from Target.  I love their bras.)  Just a regular, underwire bra like I've always worn, and it's worked out just fine.  My cup currently overfloweth just a little bit, but I'm waiting until my post-pregnancy boobs come in and settle down to figure out what they're going to do before I invest in any more bras.

I put it off for a while because I'm cheap, but once I did, I was like, geez, what was I waiting for?  I could breathe again! 

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kjsh
Message #14361 - 12/07/10 06:13 PM

Okay, i didn't take notes so I'm going to miss a whole bunch.
DQ - Gwen is adorable!  I love her hair in her christmas picture.
pillows - I have a regular body pillow that I use.  I stick it between my legs (or toss one leg on top of it) and also use it to support my belly.  I found that putting another pillow on top of it between my legs helped - my massage lady said that it would ease discomfort if my knee and hip were level and aligned (and I needed a second pillow for that).  Supposedly it reduces the strain on the ligaments if the knee isn't pulling everything forward because it's lower than the hip.  I also liked one or two pillows to wedge under my back - it wasn't that I was afraid of rolling onto my back, but rather that I felt like it stabilized my pelvis so I wasn't pulling one way or the other.  of course, rolling over to change sides then took a major reorganization effort each time with all those pillows.  But every little bit of comfort you can squeeze out is worth it I feel.
Ugh, and yes I'm still here.  This week I've finally fully joined the ranks of grumpy discomfortable ready-to-be-done pregnant women.  Unfortunately at my appointment this morning I only learned that my cervix has started to soften.  no dilating, no effacing, no good stuff yet.  I've also decided that pregnancy insomnia is a cruel cruel joke.
Good luck to all the other almost there ladies.  Two women on my due month thread have had their babies - we need some babies here!

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ElfQ1015
Message #14362 - 12/07/10 06:25 PM



I am so brain dead this week!  I overrode my curve information files before printing off the information!  I am supposed to analyze last week's data on that curve!

 

Now I have to ask my boss what to do because I don't know if I can analyze the data based off this week's curve or not, I think I may have to throw all those data points out.

 

The only comfort is these are the secondary runs, not the first so at least we have the one data point. Technically we are supposed to run every sample twice, but some we were just not able to collect enough sera to do two runs.

 

I am so mad at myself because that is a week's worth of work down the tubes.  Gah, I've been so tired lately with early morning poos and feedings that I wasn't paying attention.

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EconStudent07
Message #14363 - 12/07/10 06:36 PM

I've also decided that pregnancy insomnia is a cruel cruel joke.

I completely agree!!!

Good luck to all the other almost there ladies.  Two women on my due month thread have had their babies - we need some babies here!

Yes we do! (You and Jenna go ahead - I'm not sure if I'm ready yet. ) A friend's SIL was due the day before me, and she had her baby this morning. That makes it seem so REAL!

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eh230
Message #14364 - 12/07/10 07:16 PM



Yogiii, thanks for asking about Henry.  He is getting his fourth tooth, so he is a bit cranky, but his sleeping has been pretty great.  We gave up MOTN feedings over Thanksgiving weekend, but still have to get up and flip him over and give him his paci at least once in the middle of the night.  It is weird, he hated pacifiers when he was a small baby but has adored them since teething.  I think he likes chewing on them more than sucking on them.  His nightime sleep has been awesome, he is getting between 11-12 hours at night (it's almost unbelieveabley compared to how he was), but his naps really suck now.  45 minutes is the longest he will go, and some days he will try and take a 15 minute nap.  I know how you feel about keeping to a schedule.  It sounds crazy, but that is part of the reason that we are not traveling for the holidays. 

 

I hope everyone is well.  Best wishes for all the ladies about to meet their babies!

[Virgil Showlion]

gardenergirl0804
Message #14365 - 12/07/10 07:19 PM



Drama -  I call it Baby Brain! Sorry that happened. That sucks. I've done so many stupid things without thinking about them since having a baby. It's like all your brains just go to your child! HA!

 

Econ -  wow, that does make it very real for you I'm sure, that someone due after you had their baby before you!

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ElfQ1015
Message #14366 - 12/07/10 07:24 PM



I found more samples, I can rerun at least 3 hour. 6 hr, 7 hr and 8 hour. I MIGHT be able to rerun 1-2 hours but I left them in the fridge unthawed for a week, so I am not sure.  We'll see.

 

It's the first mistake I've made in the two years I've been here and like I said it isn't like I lost ALL the data, just the secondary data points. So maybe it is not as bad as I am making it out in my head to be. I am just pissed that I wasn't paying better attention.

 

As it stands I am waiting till my boss gets back from vacation to ask about it.  It isn't so life threatening to our research that I need to bother him while on vacation, especially since I may be able to fix the majority of it.

---

GusitaRenkr
Message #14367 - 12/07/10 07:36 PM

Hi ladies! I just got back from my 35 week appointment. I had to wait an hour and a half to see the doctor! Apparently one doctor had a family emergency and another one was delivering a baby, so it was a madhouse in there. I understand why I had to wait so long, but lord I was starving by then. My blood pressure was good, and by some small miracle, I lost two pounds since my appointment two weeks ago. The doctor thinks I might see some crazy fluctuations in my weight though before I have the baby due to my swelling and fluid retention. The doctor thinks that Baby Brett is head down, but he is measuring about two weeks ahead, so they are doing an ultrasound next week to try to get a better estimate on his size. I'm just excited to get another ultrasound! The doctor asked me if I wanted an internal exam this week, and my weirdo self said yes. I just wanted to see what it was like since I hear them talked about so much. It wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting, just a little pressure. I'm 50% effaced and not dilated at all. I can't wait till my ultrasound next week! It feels like a lifetime since the last time I got to see the baby.

Drama-Gwen is just precious! Her hair is so long, thick, and dark! I love it. Sorry your pump broke. I'm going to sound like I went back to the Dark Ages, but can you hand express just to help with some of the fullness? Heck, it might be more comfortable to be full than to try to hand express though.

Gardnergirl and JMRS-Glad your babies slept good last night!
 
Regina-I still sleep on my back some too! I normally fall asleep on my left side, but I wake up on my back a lot. I guess if my body lets me turn that way, it can't be too bad. I try to stay on my left side though to help with the swelling.

kgb-I love Avery's bib! It looks like she had quite a good time feeding herself!

Wow, we have a ton of ladies in accounting here! I didn't know there were that many of us.

---

surf-n-sand
Message #14368 - 12/07/10 08:16 PM

Hi ladies.  I'm trying to be as economical as possible with baby furniture purchases and am wondering is a glider really worth it?  If it's worth the money, I will go for it.  If not, I'm fine with an already owned rocker.  I don't want to be cheap, just not wasteful in our purchases.  What are the benefits of a glider in your opinions?

---

EconStudent07
Message #14369 - 12/07/10 08:24 PM

Gusita, I'm glad you had a good 35 week appointment. Yay for another look at your baby!

surf, I haven't had my baby yet so I don't know for sure about the glider thing, but I bought one for $20 off of craigslist. Now I kind of wish I hadn't because I don't really have room for it, but at least I won't feel bad getting rid of it if I don't end up using it.

---

ElfQ1015
Message #14370 - 12/07/10 08:26 PM

  What are the benefits of a glider in your opinions?

Got rid of the giant a** recliner of my grandfather's that took up the entire living room and I could not get into and out of comfortable while pregnant, let alone with a child attached to my boob.  Then our couch is CRAP but at the time it made more sense to replace the giant chair.

 

That's pretty much it for us.  We got it to replace another piece of furniture.  I would have gone with another recliner if we had found one, I sat in practically every chair in NFM and the glider we got was the one I liked best and was most comfortable with price wise.

 

If we had a good couch I would  have probably skipped the glider and just waited to replace ginormo-recliner at a later date.

 

You can always get one later if you want to, there is no law that says you have to get one NOW.  You could wait till the baby gets here and evaluate your wants/needs.  You may find when the baby gets here you want one, or you may not want one.  No sense in shelling out for one right this minute.

 

[Virgil Showlion]

insurancemoneymaven
Message #14371 - 12/07/10 09:19 PM



So, last night, DH and I took the dog out for a walk. About 20 minutes into the walk, I started cramping up every 5 minutes or so. Just like my period cramps (which reminded me how nice it's been not to have my period for 7 months) and it was uncomfortable. We had planned to go out afterwards then come home and pack my hospital bag. I told DH I thought it be best to stay home. I laid in bed with my feet up, had dinner in bed and drank lots of water. 2 hours later, still cramping intermittently. I called my doctor, and they told me to go to the hospital. Sure enough, I was having some contractions.

 

DH and I DTD on Sunday, and the doctor in the labor/delivery ward said that the hormone in semen (prostaglandin) can actually cause contraction of any smooth muscle, like the uterus, and that is likely what caused the contractions to hit. They gave me some drug to make the contractions stop, but it made my heart race and made me jittery and jumpy. Of course, I couldn't walk it off because of all the monitors hooked onto me. After a few hours, they let me go home. I have an appointment with my OB on Thursday morning to see how I am doing. They told me that if the medication they gave me didn't stop the contractions, I would have to go on bed rest immediately.

 

Thank heaven it worked because hearing that freaked me out! I started thinking about how much I/we have left to do (school, paint the nursery, build the furniture, get a breast pump, etc etc). I want DS to stay put and keep cooking until at least 38 weeks!

 

Anyway, I am glad I listened to my body and called the doctor. It really scared me thinking about DS arriving now and how small and fragile he'd be. Temporary orders are no sex until I see the doctor on Thursday, and that may be a permanent order for the remainder of my pregnancy. I thought DH would be disappointed (I was!), but he's been SO great, and so supportive telling me that it's such a non-issue considering the gift we get at the end of this. I knew I loved him for some pretty great reasons.

 

I was allowed to work today, so I have been a sitting duck at my desk for most of the day. It's hard - I usually run all over the office throughout the day just because I enjoy seeing everyone instead of calling an office 20 feet from mine, but I know it's best.

 

Order of the evening is to pack my bag for the hospital, and make a list of action items that we can work on together, or DH can do with his and my families help.

---

gardenergirl0804
Message #14372 - 12/07/10 09:51 PM



insurance - Oh how scary!! Yeah, you're only what about 29 weeks or so? LO definitely needs to keep cooking for a few more weeks! Glad everything is ok. I knew that DTD at the end of pregnancy can bring on contractions but didn't know it could do that when you are so far away from you due date.

 

Gusita - glad your OB appt went well. That's awesome you get to have another u/s before delivery! They wouldn't let me have another u/s at the end, I was so disappointed.

---

EconStudent07
Message #14373 - 12/07/10 09:54 PM

Insurance, that sounds scary! I can't remember how far along you are, but I had some contractions at 35 weeks and they gave me a shot of terbutaline to stop them. It sounds like that's what you had; the side effects sound the same. Get some rest, hopefully this was a one time thing!

---

regina24601
Message #14374 - 12/07/10 10:13 PM



Gusita - Yay for a good 35 week checkup!  I have my next appointment next week at 36 weeks, then it's weekly after that.  Good times! 

insurance - Yikes!  That's scary!  Thank goodness you went to the hospital and they were able to get the contractions to stop.  And if they order bed rest, by golly listen to them!  I know it would be tempting to do a lot of the things that need to get done, but priority one is staying healthy and keeping your little one cooking in there.  Take care of yourself!

surf - My sisters are moms and they love their gliders.  Me, I'm a little more stingy than they are, so I declined to buy one (still preggo, so I can't tell you whether it was a good decision or not).  I have an upholstered chair in the baby's room that rocks a little and swivels (my aunt gave it to us several years ago), so I've decided to just leave that in the room so at least I have a place to sit and sort of rock the baby.  I'm sure it won't be as comfortable for nursing as a traditional glider, but I am pretty tight with money, so I couldn't see buying a glider for our situation.

---

insurancemoneymaven
Message #14375 - 12/07/10 10:26 PM

Econ - I am 28 weeks and 4 days and that's exactly what it's called, Terbutaline - thanks for reminding me.

---

Meg - Mommy to Averie
Message #14376 - 12/07/10 11:30 PM

Hi, ladies, just popping in for a minute.  DH is still unemployed, but is doing some work for his brother.  We're both just getting a feeling that at this point in the year, with the holidays and all, The Job won't be hiring until January.  The job is still posted on their website so that gives me hope.  Nobody else is calling. 

School is almost done (thank goodness).  Averie is doing great.  She had her 12-month WBV (even though she's 13 months) and is 21 lbs 10 oz, and 31.5 inches tall.  She's walking nearly perfectly now and is getting faster (I see running in my future ).  No more new words, but she understands more.  She can even point to her bellybutton when we ask where it is!

Hope all is well with all of you!

[Virgil Showlion]

PalmettoLady
Message #14377 - 12/08/10 01:07 AM

I had my big 20 week anatomy ultrasound today... and we are having a BOY!    I am super excited, I've been saying boy all along and referred to baby as he. I had been waiting to order my nursery stuff until we new boy/girl so after I got home from the appointment I went ahead and ordered the boy nursery DH and I had decided on, it's the Jungle Friends linens and such from Pottery Barn Kids, DH's very artsy and is going to paint the animals on the nursery walls. It should be super cute. So I should be getting my crib, mattress, a book shelf, crib set, rug and window valance and drapes in the next 2 weeks. So excited! That should be the majority of my big purchases I will need to make, my mom, aunt, grandma Dh's mom will be giving us the other big ticket stuff like the travel system and pack n play and a nice swing. I'll post pictures once it's done which won't be until at least January (Dh works retail so he is super busy right now)

---

Sam814 - 11wks
Message #14378 - 12/08/10 01:18 AM

Yay Palmetto!!  Another one on team Blue   Congrats!

---

jenna30-
Message #14379 - 12/08/10 01:34 AM

I, also, had to take Terbutaline to stop contractions sometime before early November.

I'm also on the fence regarding purchasing a glider.  I've been checking out deals on craigslist, and online at various sites.

Sigh, no one let Baby E know he was due today.  So here we wait.  I see the Dr. tomorrow. 

It made me really nervous when I didn't feel kicks for about 2-3 hours today, so I went to Labor & Delivery to be monitored, just in case.  He usually kicks every time I eat/drink something.

My normal Dr. was unavailable, so she sent me to the hospital.  Everything turned out fine, and Baby E "woke up" after a bit of apple juice.

---

jenna30-
Message #14380 - 12/08/10 01:38 AM

Congrats, Palmetto.  Many of our family members were convinced we were having a girl.  I never really had an instinct about it.  Hubby figured we'd have a boy.

---

EconStudent07
Message #14381 - 12/08/10 01:41 AM

Congrats on the boy Palmetto!

Jenna, sorry that Baby E didn't get the memo! I hope you have some good news soon and stay comfortable in the mean time.

---

taz157 - 10 wks
Message #14382 - 12/08/10 02:03 AM

Palmetto - Congrats for having a boy!  Now onto the fight for the name...

insurance - I'm glad everything is okay and hopefully smooth sailing now on. 

Accounting - I thought there were quite a few accounting students/accountants/CPAs on this board.    For those that are students, good luck with your studies!  If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.    I have experience in audits and reviews (start of my CPA life); and compilations, taxes, (current CPA life) and bookkeeping (like the most). 

[Virgil Showlion]

GusitaRenker
Message #14383 - 12/08/10 06:15 AM



Glider-We already have a comfy recliner that rocks in the living room, so that is what we are using. Brett’s room is kind of small, so I didn’t want a piece of furniture in there that we already had. My MIL has been hellbent that we need one in the nursery, but I just don't see the need. Our rocking recliner is so comfy and then there’s the space issue.


 

Insurance-Yikes, sorry you had such a scare! I’m so glad they got the contractions to stop. Baby Insurance needs to bake a little bit longer! It's funny you should mention DTD. After my internal exam today,  my doctor asked me if DH and I were still having sex on a regular basis (and we are). He said that the prostaglandins in semen help thin the cervix out. It's so interesting how our bodies work!




Palmetto-Congrats on your baby boy! My DH had said all along we were having a boy, and he was right! Ha, I had no feeling as to what it was. Please post pics when the nursery is done! The jungle theme sounds adorable.




Jenna-I hope Baby E decides to come soon for you! Hope the doctor appt. goes great tomorrow.




Regina-Yup, its weekly appointments now for me too here on out! Of course, my doctor’s office is right by the mall, which is crazy busy and trafficky as could be this time of year since everyone is Christmas shopping. Oh well!

---

nasagreen
Message #14384 - 12/08/10 12:48 PM



I lurk most of the time but I'm at 20 weeks 5 days today.  I don't know what we're having, but DH does!  It was the only compromise we could come up with since neither of us would budge. 

 

But I have a question to people who have put a 4 month old into day care, what are the costs?  It just happens that the woman who took care of me and my 2 sisters from birth to elementary school has an opening at her home care center, and she does 4 kids at a time, and 2 out of the four go to preschool.  So I could use her, and she only charges $125 per week.  I'm almost certain that it is a really extremely cheap price, right?  just want to make sure and hear what others have paid for a small baby for full-time day care every week.

---

EconStudent07
Message #14385 - 12/08/10 01:14 PM

nasagreen, that does seem like a really good price. I don't know how home day care costs usually compare, but my daycare charges $46/day for infants, which would be $230/week for full time. (Thankfully I only need part time!) I live in a LCOL area. To get a better idea of how good that price is, you might want to check out other options in your area. Daycare costs seem to be pretty regional. It is nice that it's someone you know so well - that is a huge advantage right there!

---

nasagreen
Message #14386 - 12/08/10 01:40 PM



Yes I agree.  She is wonderful!  I thought it was, especially for a baby who is completely dependent.  I'm due April 22nd, and my husband and mom are teachers, so if everything falls into place, they can take care of the baby until they go back to work in August, and that is when the babysitter has an opening.  So hopefully this all works out, but I know better than to count chickens way before they are hatched!  It is just hard to get prices from local centers without calling, going to a tour, or giving your info.  I wish they advertised their price breakdown up front.

 

I'm in Central Florida, kinda a rough part of it though, so this is pretty LCOL as well.

---

KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14387 - 12/08/10 02:11 PM

(I see running in my future )

My Avery is running.  It takes a lot to keep up with her now.  She's not talking yet, but she tries.  She can imitate most of the letter sounds, but she can't quite put them together.  I think she knows a lot more than we realize.  The other day I was talking about her shirt and she started pulling on her shirt.  Then I asked her if where her pants were and she tugged at her pant leg.  It makes me wonder what else she knows.

insurance, I hope everything calms down and goes smoothly from here.  I'm sending good thoughts your way.

Palmetto, Congratulations on the boy!

nasagreen, welcome to the boards!  I can't believe your DH knows and you don't.  That would kill me!

Oh the pregnancy insomnia.  I had it big time.  I would take forever to fall asleep and then I would wake up at 4 a.m. like clockwork almost every day.  And let me tell you that there's not much on tv at that hour.  I watched a lot of Three's Company reruns during those last couple of months!

---

kjsh
Message #14388 - 12/08/10 03:03 PM

Palmetto - Yay for boys!!!  Your nursery plans sound great - you'll have to post pics when you finish.
jenna - sorry baby E isn't cooperating.  I'll have babyH send him a reminder memo.  And glad your worry was a false alarm.  I got to sit on the NST at my appointment yesterday since the nurse recorded the baby's heart rate at 177.  They just wanted to confirm that she happened to catch him when he was moving around, which was the case.  After 10 minutes of monitoring, his average heart rate was 150-155ish.
Insurance - That sounds like a scary scare (oh my vocabulary!) but I'm very glad everything worked out okay.
nasa - Hi and congratulations.  Costs are definitely regional/local.  I'll be paying $1000/month for full time center care here in Houston while my friend in the suburbs will be paying ~$850 for similar care.  I'm glad it looks like your family can step in and extend the time before you need to put your little one in day/center care.
KGB - my insomnia hits around 4am too.  I would be lost without Hulu and Netflix on demand.
Gusita - you're already 50% effaced?!?!  I am so jealous.  At my 37w appointment all I had was cervix that was starting to soften.  /sigh I guess DH and I need to start DTD.
Meg - Hi Meg!  You can totally make it to the end of the semester!!!!  My fingers will stay crossed for your DH and January.
Glider - I'm on the fence too.  We have a stuffed chair that we moved up to the nursery (to make room for the pack-n-play downstairs) so we don't need one, and we don't really have another play to store our stuffed chair if we did get one.  But the glider at the store was sooo comfy and my mom offered to get it for us for Christmas...  We probably won't take her up on her offer, but geez I wish we had basements out here.

[Virgil Showlion]

KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14389 - 12/08/10 03:32 PM

you're already 50% effaced?!?!  I am so jealous.  At my 37w appointment all I had was cervix that was starting to soften.  /sigh I guess DH and I need to start DTD.

kjsh, at my 39 week appointment I wasn't effaced at all.  I wasn't dilated at all.  My cervix was barely softening.  Nothing.  I was sure I was going to go way past my due date.  At my 40 week appointment, two days before my due date, I was 70 % effaced, 1 cm dilated and softened.  I had Avery the next day, just the day before her due date.  Then there are women who walk around dilated and effaced for weeks before anything happens.  You never know!

---

Meg - Mommy to Averie
Message #14390 - 12/08/10 03:34 PM

KGB, do you put shoes on Avery everyday?  We never did because that whole barefoot is best thing while their feet are developing, but yesterday we were out and when we got home, I didn't take her shoes off right away, and her walking was MUCH better than her walking that morning barefoot (well, in socks, but we have carpet throughout so the floors aren't slippery or anything).  It made me wonder if they helped give her better balance or something.  They're softer sole shoes (Rileyroos boots), but still some structure.

---

ElfQ1015
Message #14391 - 12/08/10 03:39 PM



I broke my pump shields, thank god I had a spare pair!  I took the white flappy thing off them and put them onto my current shields and now they work just fine.  Yesterday was pretty darn painful though and I sprayed quite a bit when I got home.  

 

She is so close to rolling over!  She was on the floor at the daycare and they told me she almost did it.  I tried it at home and she got SO CLOSE, she was teetering on the edge of falling onto to her stomach, but she ended up falling back down on her back.  The anticipation was killing me!  Everyone once and awhile she'd let out an "Ack!", I joked with DH that it is almost like she is swearing in frustration.


Can't wait to try again tonight.

---

KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14392 - 12/08/10 04:09 PM

KGB, do you put shoes on Avery everyday?

No.  I only put shoes on her when we go out.  She was barefoot all summer long.  She hated her shoes at first and would actually trip more.  She would curl her toes so that we couldn't get the shoes on her feet.  She's getting used to them now though. She walks fine in them, but I think she walks just as good without them.  We have almost all hard floors, so I buy the socks that have the little no-slip grippers on them.  Now that the weather is cold (and it is cooooold here), I bought some slipper booties for her. They're not appropriate for walking outside because the soles aren't waterproof, but they're soft and super warm, so if we're going out but she won't be walking that's what I put on her feet.

---

regina24601
Message #14393 - 12/08/10 04:13 PM



kgb - I got to see the picture of Avery on my home computer yesterday afternoon.  What a cutie!  Looks like she was very successful at the mac n cheese experiment. 

Gusita - I'm impressed that you and your DH are still active.  It's been a couple of months since DH and I have done anything.  I'm just not interested at all (I guess I'm not one of those stereotypical pregnant women who can't get enough of it.)  I asked DH about it the other day, since he has historically been the one to initiate anything usually.  He said he's just not feeling into it either.  I guess I should be worried, but I can't say that I blame him.  This giant belly is not exactly a turn-on, and neither is the fact that LMSK goes crazy as soon as I lay down for the night and is jumping all over the place.  Kind of takes away any possibilites of feeling romantic.  Once we get closer to 40 weeks, I may have to ask him to just power through if there's a chance it's going to help speed things along. 

And then I guess we'll have to worry about getting back to normal after the birth (well, at least 6 weeks afterward anyway).  I really don't want to become one of "those" couples, even though my own drive has always been pretty low.  I guess we'll both just have to make a special effort to get back to some semblance of "normalcy" when it comes to that aspect of our lives.  We'lll see how that goes!

---

jmrs318
Message #14394 - 12/08/10 04:29 PM

Palmetto - Congrats on the boy!!!

Glider - I was completely against buying a glider until right before I had Abbie.  They are really expensive, but for us, it was worth the cost in the end.  We also didn't have another piece of furniture that we could use instead.  I generally feed Abbie on the couch because there is more room, but use it for reading to her, snuggling and MOTN feedings.

Drama - Abbie is so close to rolling over too.  When she is on her back she kick up her legs and go on her side but her arm keeps her from rolling over.  She makes no attempts when she is on her tummy though.  She kicks and pushes herself up so high with her arms on her tummy, I have a feeling she'll be crawling before she rolls over.  We joke that she'll be walking before she rolls over because she made no attempt to rock back and forth before last weekend.

[Virgil Showlion]

ElfQ1015
Message #14395 - 12/08/10 04:36 PM

I guess I should be worried, but I can't say that I blame him

Meh, DH and I did not do it very much at the end.  I didn't really want to between the insomnia and the return of massive heartburn/nausea.  Then he had to do some very fancy acrobatics before we could even find a position that was comfortable making it a real challenge for him.


Then after my first set of Braxton Hicks at 35 weeks he was terrified of bringing on labor and would not come near me.  He was so paranoid that I'd go into labor during sex.

 

I wasn't one of those stereotypical women either, I don't think there are as many of them as we are expected to believe there are.

---

KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14396 - 12/08/10 04:38 PM

I wasn't one of those stereotypical women either

Me either.  We don't DTD that often to begin with.  With our work schedules we hardly see each other, and being in the same house is sort of a pre-requisite for that.   And I was huge and exhausted for most of my pregnancy.  Sex was the last thing on my mind.  DH was very understanding and supportive.  He never complained.

---

ElfQ1015
Message #14397 - 12/08/10 05:12 PM



Remember, if you don't do it once or twice a week you are unhappy! 

 

Man was that a stupid thread, whoever that psychatrist JD Zappa was talking about can go shove it up his butt, I think that is what the psychatrist WISHES he was having!

 

I did chase DH around the house towards the very end because I was so tired of being pregnant and everyone kept saying that sex can start labor so I kept trying to force him to do it.  His mom called once while we were DTD and when she asked what we were doing he actually said "Trying to start labor, why?"

---

KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14398 - 12/08/10 05:13 PM

Remember, if you don't do it once or twice a week you are unhappy! 

LOL.  If JD knew how little we did it, he would think my husband would be near suicidal!!

---

KRR627
Message #14399 - 12/08/10 05:42 PM

His mom called once while we were DTD and when she asked what we were doing he actually said "Trying to start labor, why?"

LOL!  If I or DH had the guts to actually say this, my MIL would probably bust out laughing.  But, I'm not one to answer the phone during DTD anyway.

Econ - cute picture!  Best wishes to you, Jenna, and Gusita in your final weeks of pregnancy!

Drama/Elf - wow, Gwen has a lot of hair.  Great, adorable pictures!

KGB - love that picture of Avery!  Watching babies make a mess while eating makes me giggle. (Maybe it's because I don't have to clean them up afterward? )

Palmetto - congrats on finding out it's a baby boy!

---

ElfQ1015
Message #14400 - 12/08/10 05:51 PM

If I or DH had the guts to actually say this, my MIL would probably bust out laughing

I think she did, he was trying to shock value her because she had already called three times that day.

[Virgil Showlion]

KRR627
Message #14401 - 12/08/10 06:16 PM

nasagreen, welcome!  Part of me thinks it would be a fun surprise to wait to find out the gender.  But, I think DH would probably like to know as early as possible, and I could be convinced to change my mind.  I wouldn't be able to hold out if he knew and I didn't. 

kjsh - missed you the first time.  Good luck in your last weeks too!

insurance - glad for good news after your scare.

Meg - hugs!  Wishing you a great end to the semester and an awesome new job for your DH soon!

As for me, I probably ovulated yesterday (still need 2 more temps to confirm).  So, here's to hoping for a BFP in time for Christmas!  I'm doing my best to stay busy and distracted from TTC thoughts, but it's HARD!  Every time I see a baby I want to pick them up and kiss them to get my "baby fix" out of my system.   Luckily I'll get to see some little ones at Christmas time.  Yay!

And, I found out yesterday that one of my good friends is expecting a baby in June.  I'm thrilled for them, but also jealous that it hasn't happened for us yet.  Trying to balance a positive, hopeful outlook without getting prematurely excited is difficult.  At times like this I wish I could turn off my emotions and save my sanity!

---

GusitaRenker
Message #14402 - 12/08/10 06:57 PM

kjsh, at my 39 week appointment I wasn't effaced at all.  I wasn't dilated at all.  My cervix was barely softening.  Nothing.  I was sure I was going to go way past my due date.  At my 40 week appointment, two days before my due date, I was 70 % effaced, 1 cm dilated and softened.  I had Avery the next day, just the day before her due date.  Then there are women who walk around dilated and effaced for weeks before anything happens.  You never know!

This is exactly what my doctor said. He said sex, evening primrose oil, all that good stuff can help the cervix thin, but it's not going to make your body do anything it isn't ready to do.

Hi Nasagreen! From what I've heard, $125 would be an AWESOME price for an infant. Around here, infant care is $150-$250 a week, on average, for full time care. I like your compromise on the gender; that's a neat idea! DH and I were both busting at the seams to find out.

Gusita - I'm impressed that you and your DH are still active.  It's been a couple of months since DH and I have done anything.  I'm just not interested at all (I guess I'm not one of those stereotypical pregnant women who can't get enough of it.)  I asked DH about it the other day, since he has historically been the one to initiate anything usually.  He said he's just not feeling into it either.  I guess I should be worried, but I can't say that I blame him.  This giant belly is not exactly a turn-on, and neither is the fact that LMSK goes crazy as soon as I lay down for the night and is jumping all over the place.  Kind of takes away any possibilites of feeling romantic.  Once we get closer to 40 weeks, I may have to ask him to just power through if there's a chance it's going to help speed things along. 

We were pretty active before pregnancy (3-5 times a week), and I really don't think pregnancy has effected my sex drive, for better or worse. It's just stayed the same. I'm not thrilled with big old belly, but I think it'll bother me more postpartum when I don't have an excuse for it anymore. Positioning is the biggest obstacle with the huge belly, so we tend to do it the same two ways because they accommodate the belly better. I definitely still enjoy it though, so unless we have to stop for some medical reason, I intend to enjoy it as much as I can before Baby Brett makes his appearance. I am definitely not looking forward to the six week break.

LOL!  If I or DH had the guts to actually say this, my MIL would probably bust out laughing.  But, I'm not one to answer the phone during DTD anyway.

That's hilarious! My MIL probably wouldn't get it, LOL.

Econ - cute picture!  Best wishes to you, Jenna, and Gusita in your final weeks of pregnancy!

Thanks KRR! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you get a BFP for Christmas! What an awesome gift that would be.

Meg-Did you get the Rileyroos from Mamabargains? I see they have them all the time. How do you like them?

---

PalmettoLady
Message #14403 - 12/08/10 07:01 PM

I'm thrilled for them, but also jealous that it hasn't happened for us yet

I  think everyone feels this way when they are TTC. When we were trying 2 people I know (one being my little 19 YO brother) got pregnant "on accident". I was pi-ss-ed. But, I just told myself it would happen in the right time.

 

 

Thanks everyone for the well wishes and congratulations on Baby BOY! We've actually already decided on a name, miraculously DH and I both immediately loved the same boy name (girls names would've been BAD, we liked none of the same). Asher Paul -- Paul being DH's dad's middle name.

---

eternal sunshine - 29wks
Message #14404 - 12/08/10 07:04 PM



KRR - I am sending you lots of baby dust!! I remember those feelings and I'm sorry you are going through the up and down of TTC. I wish everyone who wanted a baby could just say "no BCP" and 4 weeks later POOF BFP!  

 

insurance - WOW!! That is so scary! I am so glad they were able to stop the contractions. You can't go into labor yet...I'm not ready  You're my pregnancy buddy on the board since we are so close together.

 

 

Rolling over - how exciting!! Milestones are so amazing...especially since I feel like I've been on the sidelines of your pregnancies since the beginning. So strange to remember your pregnancy posts, your birth stories and now your babies are hitting milestones!

 

nasagreen - Hi!! I live in the southeast in a LCOL area. The price seems about average to what I'm seeing in my area. Daycare centers in my area run about $125 - $175/week for infant care. I will be using a home provider who happens to be my next door neighbor. Her full time rate for infants is $115/wk. So, it really really depends on your area. I would call around some home providers in your area (and centers too) and get some rates. You might not be able to get rates over the phone but have to visit instead, but this would help you see if it was a good price. However, I want to add that it really doesn't even matter if it is a "good price" in your area. You seem to be very comfortable with the person and the price (the 2 most important bits), so does it really matter if it is a steal or not? 

---

eternal sunshine - 29wks
Message #14405 - 12/08/10 07:05 PM

Palmetto - gosh how could I forget you? Welcome to team blue!!  Love the name!

---

poohbiscit
Message #14406 - 12/08/10 07:08 PM

Palmetto I love the name Asher is is actually my son Sam's middle name. DS has been a busy boy enjoying the Christmas tree and decorations. He was not a fan of Santa though.

[Virgil Showlion]

GusitaRenker
Message #14407 - 12/08/10 07:08 PM

I  think everyone feels this way when they are TTC. When we were trying 2 people I know (one being my little 19 YO brother) got pregnant "on accident". I was pi-ss-ed. But, I just told myself it would happen in the right time.

I completely agree with this! Heck, it was actually a few months before DH and I even started trying (we planned to start trying in April, so this happened in January), but his friend's wife got pregnant 'on accident' with their fourth kid. I was sooooo jealous and worked up that she was getting her fourth, and DH and I hadn't even started trying for our first (and we only want 2 kids, so it's not like I even ultimately want 4 kids).

---

ElfQ1015
Message #14408 - 12/08/10 07:32 PM

You seem to be very comfortable with the person and the price (the 2 most important bits), so does it really matter if it is a steal or not

 

Not saying how much it costs is not important, it most certainly is, however I agree with eternal that if you like the place and can afford it, go with your gut and sign up!

Especially with daycare as competitive as it is.  Wait lists can be HUGE, especially for home daycares since at least around here they taken a lot fewer kids.  If the place you desire has a spot and it is affordable, take it!  Because if you dwaddle hoping to find a better deal you may turn around to find the spot gone by the time you decide to settle for your first choice.

 

I pay $160 a week and I live in the midwest.  Daycares here range anywhere from $400 a month at one home daycare I looked at to over $1500 for the hoity toity fancy pants "Get your kids into Harvad" type daycares.

---

Sam814 - 11wks
Message #14409 - 12/08/10 07:35 PM

Well, first appointment down.  They drew blood, then went ahead & did the extra tests too because of my m/c.  We got a date for the first sono - Dec 28th!!  Its less than 3 weeks away   I am so stinkin excited!  The nausea has hit full-force though.  Sea Bands, lots of water, and oddly enough, cheeseburgers.  I told DH this is definitely his kid.  McDonalds nasty cheeseburgers will go down when not much else will.  LOL!

KRR -   For the last 2 years, I just cried every time someone announced they were pregnant (except for my sister).  It sucks how bad hormones can mess with you.  Sending you tons of baby dust & keeping my fingers crossed for a BFP for Christmas!!!

---

GusitaRenker
Message #14410 - 12/08/10 07:41 PM

Sam-Yay for your sono coming up! That's not far away at all. Funny you should mention McDonalds; I found that McDonalds chicken biscuits did WONDERS for my morning sickness. I could literally be feeling TERRIBLE, eat a chicken biscuit from McDonalds, and all is right with the world again. When you know something works to help the morning sickness, just stick with it!

Palmetto-I love the name Asher!

---

ElfQ1015
Message #14411 - 12/08/10 07:48 PM

McDonalds nasty cheeseburgers will go down when not much else will.  LOL!

 

McD's Chicken nuggets here.  Pretty much all I ate thru the first trimester.  McD's has an untapped market.

 

As long as you are eating that's what matters, that is what my OB told me, especially during the first trimester.  Whatever goes down and stays down, eat it since it is important right now to get the calories and make sure you take your pre-natals.  You got plenty of time to go back to your regular healthier diet.

---

boos_mom
Message #14412 - 12/08/10 07:54 PM



insurance - glad the contractions stopped!  Be sure to take it easy, even if there are things left 'undone'.

palmetto - congrats on the boy!  Asher is a nice name, and glad it was easy to pick it out.  We took months to figure out names.

nasagreen - welcome and congrats!  Usually home daycare providers are cheaper than centers.  That sounds very reasonable to me, but I'm in a HCOLA.  And it's great that you know the person and that's worth the piece of mind to me.

meg - hope the rest of your semester goes well and hoping DH will hear back in January.

kgb - Avery is so cute!  She's looking like a big girl now.  I miss the baby 'look'.  #2 looks like a big boy now, but I still try to hug and squeeze and give him kisses while his cheeks are still a little chubby.

drama - Gwen is so cute too!  A lot of hair, and what big blue eyes!  (Of course it helps that the pics were huge)

krr - lots of baby dust to you!

gusita, kjsh & econ - good luck! 

econ - you are all baby! 

glider - we have a rocking recliner in the living room.  Baby's room is next to ours, so it was easier to let the other person sleep if we went into the bigger rooms.  We ended up sleeping in the recliner many a time, while holding baby, so it was totally worth it, and it's useful when the babies aren't babies.

We took the kids to see the lights at city hall.  They really enjoyed it.  And I got some great pictures of them.  I already did our Christmas card picture, but I'll probably use one for the thank you pictures/cards.  And I worked on #2's "baby" photobook last night, just need to put in the milestones.  Took me a while to put it together, especially since I couldn't just move a page around, had to reinsert all the photos!  Grrrrr...  Poor guy, it goes from birth to 2.5 years old.    Can't wait to finish it and get it!

[Virgil Showlion]

nasagreen
Message #14413 - 12/08/10 08:14 PM

thanks for the feedback, yes I thought it was a good price and someone here paid 2x that for a center vs. home care.  the location is a bit out of the way, but we already drive like maniacs so what is another 20-30 miles round trip to go to her house, right? 

---

KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14414 - 12/08/10 08:18 PM

I found that McDonalds chicken biscuits did WONDERS for my morning sickness.

I had a real craving for McDonald's Egg McMuffins (no meat, just egg and cheese) during my whole second and third trimesters.  I wonder what it is about McDonald's that appeals to pregnant women so much?  Normally I don't even like McDonalds.  I also ate a lot of Wendy's Spicy Chicken Sandwiches and chocolate Frosties.  Yum!  I could eat that right now.

Avery is so cute!  She's looking like a big girl now.

Thanks.   It makes me sad that she doesn't look like a baby anymore.  She's so independent and she looks so much like a little girl.  I wish I could slow time down ... or maybe I just wish I could slow her down!

 

---

Meg - Mommy to Averie
Message #14415 - 12/08/10 09:00 PM

KGB, thanks for the input.  Averie wasn't walking in the summer or really when it was even very warm so she was always barefoot.  We put shoes on her for show or for pictures, but that was it.  I guess she must have just had a breakthrough in between the morning and evening yesterday , because she's walking just as great as ever right now and she's only in socks.

Gusita, I did get the Rileyroos from Mamabargains.  I really like them, but beware - they either run really big or Averie's feet are really small.  I actually think it's a combination of both, because after I placed an order for the 12 to 18 months size, I was reading reviews that they do run large.  And boy, do they!  Averie is 13 months but the 6 to 12 month size fit perfectly.  The 12 to 18s we could pull off her foot without even unzipping them.  And then she probably also has really small feet.  She got a pair of Robeez for her birthday that say 12-18 Months, Size 5.  They are huge - she wears a size 3 comfortably.  So long story long , if it were me, if I was buying shoes and my child was at the top end of one range, and bottom end of another range, say she's 3 months (so there's 0-3 and 3-6), I'd probably go with the smaller size.  Any other shoe, I'd probably buy true to size.

Forgive the sales pitch, but at this rate, Averie's feet probably won't be big enough for them until it's too warm to wear them, so if anyone wants to buy a pair of brand new 12 to 18 months Rileyroos boots (they're still in the box), make me an offer ...  I think I paid $15 for them on Mama Bargains.  They look like Uggs and are light pink.  Here's a pic:
[www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/14c/2/AAAAAtRLRDoAAAAAAUwrcQ.jpg%3Fv%3D1221701812000&imgrefurl=http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/rileyroos-caters-boots-for-girls&usg=__y4DlfaiMwjnk9BZO6nvkzcozmVc=&h=272&w=300&sz=16&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=h-mA27EOZ2bQWM:&tbnh=158&tbnw=176&prev=/images%3Fq%3Drileyroos%2Bcaters%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D555%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=861&vpy=79&dur=442&hovh=214&hovw=236&tx=136&ty=93&ei=VPL_TOXJNcabnAfO7KToDQ&oei=VPL_TOXJNcabnAfO7KToDQ&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0]
And here's a link to the sizing: www.rileyroos.com/cgi/rileyroos/sizing.html

Thanks for all the well wishes about DH's job.  I'm really hoping January is going to be it.  Technically, we're out of money at the end of this month, so January's bills are going to be on CCs (which are almost maxed anyway, so that doesn't leave us much breathing room), or a few days/couple weeks late, if we're waiting for a check.  Sucks, but it is what it is.  I just hope we can at least manage the minimums on the cards so we don't get hit with past due fees, and then overlimit fees on top of it, for those that are really close to the limit.

---

surf-n-sand
Message #14416 - 12/08/10 09:19 PM

Econ- I didn't even think about Craigslist.  Thanks for waking my brain up on that one!  I bet Once Upon a Child could be a good place to look at gliders as well.  I hope to make a trip there soon to get a feel for what they offer.

Palmetto- Congrats on being a part of team blue!  I love the name you've chosen!!

nasa- I agree with those that said it's worth it if you trust the caregiver.  To me that sounds like an incredible price!  I live in a HCOLA though and will have to pay at least $350/wk.

Sam- Darnit!  Now I want a McD's cheeseburger! 

---

gardenergirl0804
Message #14417 - 12/08/10 09:21 PM



You all are making me very hungry talking about food. Now I'm craving a cheeseburger and I'm not even pregnant.

 

Olivia slept through the night last night. First time in a while she didn't wake up at all not even for her paci, nothing. This morning when she did wake up, she just sat up in bed, looking around. I looked at the monitor to check her after my alarm went off. She was just sitting there so content. She was in such a good mood when I went in to get her out of her crib. A good nights sleep does wonders!!!

 

nasagreen - welcome!!! I think you've found your answer, but as to prices, I pay 235 a week for daycare. I'm in the Atlanta area. Other places I checked out were about 175 a week and 250 a week. In home care is about 100 to 150 in my area, so I'd say the price you were quoted seems pretty reasonable.

 

Palmetto  - congrats on finding out it's a boy! I can't wait to see pics too, sounds like the nursery is going to be so cute.

 

Meg - sorry DH is having a hard time finding a new job. They laid off a bunch of people at my company and they are having problems finding jobs, I think it's the time of year. My DH is still laid off right now too. He has a day of work here and there but that's it. Things are just slow right now. I feel for you!! It's so hard to budget when there is hardly any money or no money coming in.

 

KRR - BIG and sending lots of sticky baby dust your way!!! The waiting just sucks. I hope you get your BFP soon!!!

 

 

---

GusitaRenker
Message #14418 - 12/08/10 10:35 PM

You all are making me very hungry talking about food. Now I'm craving a cheeseburger and I'm not even pregnant.

Haha, I just had to have a hot dog last night of all things! Seriously, a hot dog?! I couldn't crave something more exciting than that?!

Meg-Thanks for all the info! I wanted to get a pair of something for DS to wear with some of his jeans and khakis, but it sounds like the Riley Roos would be huge. I love that pink Ugg looking pair you posted; I wouldn't mind having a pair in my size

Boosmom-Glad yall had a good time seeing the lights at city hall! That sounds like fun.

[Virgil Showlion]

jenna30-
Message #14419 - 12/08/10 10:56 PM

double post.

---

jenna30-
Message #14420 - 12/08/10 10:59 PM

Just got back from my check up at 40w + 1 day.  Dr gave me the option of induction tomorrow or Monday.  She didn't want me to go past week 41.

I picked tomorrow.  I know I would spend the entire weekend worrying & wondering.  Shoot, I was driving to the Dr, and hit heavy traffic crossing a bridge -- and all I could think is "what if I'm stuck in stand still traffic on this bridge and go into labor."  Or what if my water breaks while I'm driving by myself to the Dr's office.

what if... what if...

So, bright and early @ 7:30.

If I recall correctly, I'm about 3cm, and 70% effaced.  I have baby brain, so it's difficult for me to remember everything.

---

eternal sunshine - 29wks
Message #14421 - 12/08/10 11:12 PM

jenna - WOAH!!! Hope tomorrow goes super well! Can't wait for your birth story and pics!

---

KRR627
Message #14422 - 12/08/10 11:28 PM



Thanks ladies for all the reassurances regarding TTC.  Glad to know that I'm not alone regarding emotions.

 

jenna - Best wishes tomorrow!

---

ElfQ1015
Message #14423 - 12/08/10 11:41 PM

I bet it is the salt content that makes McD's so appealing to pregnant women.  I was a major salt fiend while pregnant which from what I read and what my OB said is pretty common because sodium is so essential to both me and baby.  Only time in my life I've really enjoyed salt.  DH proclaimed popcorn I was eating inedible.

---

kjsh
Message #14424 - 12/08/10 11:46 PM

Exciting Jenna!  Just think, maybe by this time tomorrow you'll be holding your little one.
Here's to a smooth labor and delivery.  Please update us when you get a chance.

[Virgil Showlion]

taz157 - 10 wks
Message #14425 - 12/09/10 12:14 AM

Jenna - Good luck for a smooth labor and delivery!  Can't to hear about the arrival of the LO. 

ERR - Good luck this month and I'm hoping you get your BFP in time for Christmas!  Sending you baby dust!! 

Meg - I'm wishing you guys good luck with your DH getting a new job.  I know it's not easy, but there are many of us hoping for you and your family. 

Nasa - Welcome to the board!    I have no idea about daycare prices and I've gotta get started somewhat shortly as I'm due Aug 1st and will need daycare.

McDonalds - I like their food before I was pregnant and I haven't had any pregnancy cravings yet.  I'm sure I like when I am pregnant.  For breakfast, my favorite sandwich is the Egg & Sausage Biscuit (not the McMuffin).

---

boos_mom
Message #14426 - 12/09/10 12:55 AM



jenna - best wishes for a quick and safe delivery for you and baby!

---

jenna30-
Message #14427 - 12/09/10 02:26 AM

Thanks, everyone.  I can't believe the day is almost here.  Luckily, hubby will be there to help us get through it. 

--
I craved McD's chicken nuggets during parts of the 1st and 2nd tris.  I normally eat McD's 3x-4x a year. 

During the summer, I craved the cheap-o ice pops (I really wanted sno-cones, and that was the closest I could get on a daily basis.)

---

GusitaRenker
Message #14428 - 12/09/10 07:30 AM

Jenna, yay! I'm so excited for you! Keeping you in my thoughts tomorrow that everything goes smoothly for you and your baby tomorrow.

After all this McDonalds talk, I am definitely swinging by and getting a chicken biscuit and sweet tea tomorrow morning. Yum!

---

PalmettoLady
Message #14429 - 12/09/10 01:16 PM

Thanks everyone we really love the name as well. It sounds great with our very long, german last name too.

---

KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14430 - 12/09/10 01:33 PM

It sounds great with our very long, german last name too.

I hear you.  DH is Italian and German.  He got all the Italian looks from his mom's side and his dad's German last name.  Picking names to go with it is a challenge.  One girl's name that I love is Francesca.  My mom was like, "With that, a middle name and your last name, you'll have a child who will never learn to spell her name!"  But it's still not off the table if we have another girl.

jenna, Yay!!  Things should be underway for you now, so you're not reading this, but I'm sending good thoughts your way. 

[Virgil Showlion]

gardenergirl0804
Message #14431 - 12/09/10 02:42 PM



kgb - I really like the name Francesca. If we have another girl the name I have picked out is Sophie. I'm german, but I love all these Italian names. Funny huh?

 

jenna - same here - just read that you are being induced. Hope things are going well, they are keeping you comfortable and can't wait to hear your story.

 

salt - so weird, but that just made me remember that my entire pregnancy I was very sensitive to salty foods. Everything tasted MORE salty to me so I never craved things like McD's. I remember snacking on these mixed nuts and they were SO incredibly salty to me. I ate them after I had Olivia and they didn't taste that salty to me. So weird how your tastes change when you are pregnant.

---

gardenergirl0804
Message #14432 - 12/09/10 02:54 PM



So I am a BIG dumba$$. Our cars were broken into last night. Well, not really broken into because we are idiots and don't lock them. Here, I thought we lived in a safe neighborhood. We live way up on a hill on a dead end street. Boy was I wrong.

 

I have never EVER left my breast pump in my car at night. Last night I forgot to take it out into the house with me. They took it.   I went to warm up the car this morning and noticed my door was ajar just a little bit. Then I got in and noticed the glove box was open. I went inside and asked DH if he went into my car. He said no. I froze. I said then someone was in the car. He went to his truck. It was the same. Door ajar and glove box was open. He said nothing was taken. I didn't think anything was taken either until I got on the road and looked in the seat next to me and realized I didn't have my pump with me. Called DH and asked him if he saw it in the house. He said no. I said I must have left it in the car!!! DH called the Sheriff and he'll be at our house later when I get home to take the report because he said both cars need to be there.

 

I feel so invaded and freaked out!!! What if someone had broken into the house??? We have dead bolts on all doors but no security system. DH is going to buy motion detection lights and install them today. I just started crying when I realized my pump was gone. They probably thought it was a laptop or something.

 

Then to make me feel even worse DH called the neighbor across the street to see if anything was taken in his cars and he said he had heard that not on our street, but on the streets around us, in the last 6 months 12 houses have been broken into - during the day!! OMG!!!!!

 

I haven't been able to work at all today thinking about all this.

 

One of my best friends works with a lady who had a kid the same time I did and she is done with her pump. She's going to sell it to me for $50. I just have to go buy new parts at lunchtime today.

 

I just don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight. I'm actually SO glad DH is laid off right now and is home today. I hope after filing the police report too that they patrol our street.

 

---

regina24601
Message #14433 - 12/09/10 03:02 PM



jenna - Good luck today!  I'm so excited that you get to meet your little one today!

Mmm...McDonald's sounds fantastic.  We usually eat it once every couple of months as a treat (yes, I  McDonald's even when I'm not pregnant, but we try not to eat it too much.)  I haven't craved it while pregnant any more than usual, though.  My newest craving is grape juice.  I can't get enough of it!  I go through a big jug of it every 3 days.

Also, if someone would please tell LMSK that she's too big to be doing the acrobatics that she is currently doing, I will owe you a world of favors.  All of the books (and my doctor) keep saying that her activity is probably decreasing since there's not much room in there for her.  Well, there's not much room in there, that's for sure, but she's still insisting on doing all of her somersaults come hell or high water.  Not fun for me, my ribs, or my hips.  Although it's very entertaining for the people around me (at work, school, wherever). They can just sit and watch my belly shift all over the place.

---

KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14434 - 12/09/10 03:05 PM



gardenergirl, I'm so sorry!  Hugs   Your auto insurance should cover the replacement cost of your pump.  I know that's not entirely comforting though.

Maybe I'm more paranoid about crime because DH is a police officer and I was a cops and courts reporter for my local newspaper for years, but I lock everything, all the time, everywhere.  I keep my doors locked while I'm driving too, even if it's just in our area.  Car break-ins are probably the most common thing to happen in "good" neighborhoods.  A lot of times its stupid teenagers.

---

regina24601
Message #14435 - 12/09/10 03:06 PM



gardenergirl - That's so scary!  I'm sorry that happened to you.  The good news (?) is that it usually seems like people who break into cars are cowards and wouldn't risk getting caught breaking into someone's home.  But still, it's an invasion of privacy that would shake me up.

(side note - I'm sure you're not ready to find humor in the situation, but I bet they thought they were getting something really good when they grabbed your pump.  I would love to see their faces when they realize what it is they stole!)

---

gardenergirl0804
Message #14436 - 12/09/10 03:09 PM

I thought of that with the insurance covering the pump but I don't know if it would even be worth it. I got it used for $100 and if I can get another one for $50 then I'll just do that. I lock my doors everywhere else I go too. Even when I'm driving they are locked. Why I feel safe enough to leave them unlocked at home, I don't know. I guess because we live on a quiet street where we know all our neighbors, who are mostly older couples. Makes me so mad that I was so dumb. DH thinks it was kids too rummaging for stuff. But who knows. Learned my lesson though.

[Virgil Showlion]

KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14437 - 12/09/10 03:16 PM



When I worked for my first newspaper there was a rash of car break-ins that lasted for weeks.  They caught the kids.  I remember the judge telling me that all the neighbors showed up for their hearing.  He said he had never seen a group of people so mad at a suspect, and that they were ready to string those kids up by their toes.  It was just funny because this is a judge who presides over really serious crimes like murder and assault and yet the angriest group of people were there because they had loose change and cds stolen from their cars.

So Avery has started doing this thing in the past couple of weeks that is really strange to me.  She gets awake in the night.  She doesn't cry, but she sits up in her crib and rocks back and forth banging her head off the crib.  She'll rock like that for awhile and then go back to sleep.  It sounds like she's hitting her head so hard.  I would think it if hurt she would stop.  Has anyone else had their baby/toddler do this? 

She likes to rock in general.  She'll sit on the floor and rock back and forth.  At first I got all paranoid that it was an early sign of autism, but so far she has absolutely no other signs of that.

---

gardenergirl0804
Message #14438 - 12/09/10 03:19 PM



That's funny. Maybe that will happen with our neighbors - show up and be super mad!!

 

I haven't seen Olivia bang her head on her crib but she will sit up in her crib. A friend of mine told me yesterday that her 3 month old will sit up on her lap and rock back and forth. Maybe she just likes the feeling? Or it's comforting?

---

KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14439 - 12/09/10 03:27 PM



I was doing some reading that said it's not uncommon for babies around a year old to engage in what seem like disturbing sleep habits, including rocking and head banging and that they use it to soothe themselves to sleep or back to sleep. 

I thought maybe Avery has been waking up a lot in the night because it's been so cold here, and I think her room gets cold.  So the past few nights I've made sure to put a long-sleeved onsie and a pair of pj pants or leggings under her footie pjs.  And we've left the heat turned up at night.  (We usually turn it down because our room upstairs gets really warm.)  She's still waking up though.  Maybe it's a phase?

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EconStudent07
Message #14440 - 12/09/10 03:31 PM

gardenergirl, sorry to hear about your car!  That would be such a scary invasion of your privacy.

(side note - I'm sure you're not ready to find humor in the situation, but I bet they thought they were getting something really good when they grabbed your pump.  I would love to see their faces when they realize what it is they stole!)

I was thinking the same thing, regina!!

Good luck today Jenna! I hope everything goes perfectly for you!

McDonalds - I have heard that before, that their food tastes extra good to pregnant women. Maybe it is the salt or grease (kind of like how people like to eat it with a hangover, maybe?). I don't eat McDonalds because I'm vegetarian and not even their fries are meat free, and it still smells really gross to me! I also haven't really had that salt craving, but I am super sensitive to sugar. Not necessarily in desserts or things that are supposed to be sweet, but things like spaghetti sauces and salad dressings that have sugar in them taste overly sweet to me.

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gardenergirl0804
Message #14441 - 12/09/10 03:36 PM

regina - I know. I wasn't ready to see the humor in it but DH immediately did. He said "Jokes on them. Stupid kids." He's absolutely right though. They get what they deserve thinking they stole something really good like a laptop when all they got was a breastpump! DH even went walking down our road to see if they threw it in a ditch or something.  I don't think any breastpumps are sold on the black market

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KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14442 - 12/09/10 03:38 PM

He said "Jokes on them. Stupid kids."

Just think if they're really stupid and don't know exactly what it is.  They may try to find other, um ... uses for it!!

[Virgil Showlion]

gardenergirl0804
Message #14443 - 12/09/10 03:40 PM

kgb - yeah, if they can even figure out how to put the thing together!!! If they are just a couple of boys, which I'm sure they were I'd be very surprised if they could get it together. And if they are dumb enought to take it home to Mom, I hope they get slap on the head!

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KRR627
Message #14444 - 12/09/10 03:56 PM

gardenergirl - so sorry about the break in! 

KGB - my younger brother used to rock himself when he was younger.  He would sit on the couch or in the car and bang his head against the back rest.  He did it until age 4 or 5 maybe?  Not sure when he started, though.  I think it was a soothing thing for him - but it drove me and my other brother nuts watching him!

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EconStudent07
Message #14445 - 12/09/10 04:49 PM

gardenergirl, maybe you should watch craigslist to see if they try to sell it. They probably won't know what else to do with it!

I am 39 weeks 4 days (I can hardly believe that as I'm typing it!) I have ONE final left to finish, and I'm really hoping that I make it through class tonight because my professor is going to talk about it some more and I can really use the help on it. After class and finishing typing up my answers, I'll be perfectly fine with baby girl coming. With my luck, I'll be so relieved to get through classes, and she probably won't come for two weeks. lol.

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gardenergirl0804
Message #14446 - 12/09/10 04:58 PM

Econ - not a bad idea. I'll keep an eye out for the heck of it. You must be SO relieved your classes will be all over with as of tonight!! What a wonderful feeling that will be to have your degree. Good luck on your last final!!!

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regina24601
Message #14447 - 12/09/10 05:00 PM



Econ - I know how you feel!  I'm at 35 weeks, and my finals are done next Wednesday.  After that, I'd be happy if she came at anytime.  But, we have a loooong history in my family of going over our due dates and having to be induced. So I fully expect to go the full 40 weeks.  Have you talked to your doctor (or midwife, I think it is that you see) about how long they'll let you go over?  I got all freaked out because in my childbirth class, they kept saying "2 weeks overdue," and I don't like the idea of being 42 weeks pregnant.  So I asked my doctor, and he said he absolutely will not let me go more than a week over.  In fact, he may induce me before I'm at 41 weeks in certain situations.

Huuuuge sigh of relief.  So one way or another, I should have a baby girl here by January 19 (a week after my due date).

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eternal sunshine - 29wks
Message #14448 - 12/09/10 05:00 PM



Econ - WOAH!! You are so close!

 

Good luck on your last final!


Gardner - So sorry about the break in. I second another poster...I lock my cars ALWAYS...I'm too scared not too. DH and I have a 2 car garage so our cars are literally inside, but I still lock them...and the kitchen door inside the garage.  Thank goodness that was the only thing missing and they didn't hotwire and steal your whole car!

[Virgil Showlion]

EconStudent07
Message #14449 - 12/09/10 05:38 PM

regina, I haven't asked her, but my midwife is pretty non-interventionist, so I don't think she routinely does inducements. I really want a natural, drug-free birth and that would be really hard to do with pitocin. Unless there is a real medical reason (my BP is high, baby is getting distressed, etc), I'm fine with waiting it out. I completely understand other people wanting to get inductions, but for me, I'll go 2 weeks over if I have to.

Thanks for the finals well wishes! This final is for my MBA concentration (public utility regulation), so it's pretty important, but it is also something I am very interested in. It's all take-home essay so I've already gotten a good start on it, but I could really use the help of hearing other people talk about the case in class tonight. I only have 5 1/2 hours before then, so unless something happens really soon, I should be okay.

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regina24601
Message #14450 - 12/09/10 06:09 PM

I don't think she routinely does inducements.

I guess everyone's different, but if my mom hadn't been induced, I think I'd still be hanging out in her uterus (I was 4 weeks overdue before they finally induced her.)  One of my sisters was due in late April and she was born May 31.  Of course that was back in the day when they would let you stay pregnant for years without inducing you. 

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EconStudent07
Message #14451 - 12/09/10 06:14 PM

I guess everyone's different, but if my mom hadn't been induced, I think I'd still be hanging out in her uterus (I was 4 weeks overdue before they finally induced her.)  One of my sisters was due in late April and she was born May 31.  Of course that was back in the day when they would let you stay pregnant for years without inducing you. 

Oh, there is definitley a time and a place for inductions! One of my professors was telling me yesterday that he was 4 weeks late, and they had to peel dead skin off of him. They also estimated that he had lost 2 pounds in utero because the placenta had started to die and wasn't nourishing any more.

Even outside of those extreme circumstances, if a woman wants an induction instead of waiting for labor at the end, that's totally their and their doctor's decision. I hope you didn't thinking I was being judgmental. It's just not for me - the idea of pitocin-induced contractions scares me!!

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regina24601
Message #14452 - 12/09/10 06:18 PM

 I hope you didn't thinking I was being judgmental. It's just not for me - the idea of pitocin-induced contractions scares me!!

Of course not - to each their own.  I would prefer to go into labor on my own, but I'm too selfish to wait around too long.  If she's not here by January 19, I'm making her come out and see me! 

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GusitaRenkr
Message #14453 - 12/09/10 06:30 PM

I guess everyone's different, but if my mom hadn't been induced, I think I'd still be hanging out in her uterus (I was 4 weeks overdue before they finally induced her.)  One of my sisters was due in late April and she was born May 31.  Of course that was back in the day when they would let you stay pregnant for years without inducing you.

 Regina-Wow, I couldn't imagine being 4 weeks overdue! Yikes. I was worried too, because a girl on Facebook I know was 13 days overdue before the doctor would induce her and her baby was over 10 pounds. My doctor said that they absolutely will not let you go more than a week overdue (and in a lot of cases will give you the option to be induced between 40 and 41 weeks), so that made me feel a little better. I still don't like the not knowing of when he will come! Theoretically, he could come anytime between now and Jan.20th. Sure narrows it down a lot, doesn't it? I admit, if Brett is not here by his due date, I plan on getting induced as soon as the doctor can/will do it.

Gardenergirl-So sorry about the break in! That really ****.  Stupid people. I'm glad you can get another one for relatively cheap.


Econ-Good luck on your last final!

One of my professors was telling me yesterday that he was 4 weeks late, and they had to peel dead skin off of him. They also estimated that he had lost 2 pounds in utero because the placenta had started to die and wasn't nourishing any more.

Oh gross Babies look rough enough as it is when they come out; I couldn't imagine having one with dead skin on it too!

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boos_mom
Message #14454 - 12/09/10 07:28 PM



gardener - sorry that it happened!  I'm glad you'll be able to get another pump for cheap.  We have a high deductible for the car insurance, so it definitely wouldn't be worth reporting for us as well. 

econ - good luck on your last final.  That's so great!

[Virgil Showlion]

ElfQ1015
Message #14455 - 12/09/10 07:39 PM



Just because you go into labor naturally doesn't mean you will avoid pitocin.  My contractions became erratic.  I was already at 39 weeks, 5 cm dialated and 100% effaced, there was no benefit in allowing labor to stop.  So I was put on pitocin to regulate my contractions and continue the process of labor.

 

So just a word that just because everything starts naturally means you'll avoid pitocin.

 

I lost my nerve for natural birth when I heard a woman give a mind curdling shriek and when I asked the nurse said she was doing "all natural" birth.  The OB was right it is one thing to talk the talk, another to walk the walk. 

 

I may have been different, but that scream sounded like it HURT and while I have a high pain tolerance, by that stage of the game I was done.  Epidural please!

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Sam814 - 11wks
Message #14456 - 12/09/10 07:46 PM

Oh man, I swear my belly is popping already!  Its sticking out in a round little ball   I showed DH this morning, and he said "no hun, the baby's only the size of a blueberry.  You are just getting fat."  Thanks for the encouragement there....

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EconStudent07
Message #14457 - 12/09/10 08:04 PM

Oh man, I swear my belly is popping already!  Its sticking out in a round little ball   I showed DH this morning, and he said "no hun, the baby's only the size of a blueberry.  You are just getting fat."  Thanks for the encouragement there....

Wow, nice. I told my mom I was pregnant around 8 weeks, and she told me later that day "I thought you looked like you had gained weight!" umm, thanks mom, but I haven't gained any!! Your uterus is stretching out, so your stomach will grow even before the baby is big enough to be making you look pregnant.

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KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14458 - 12/09/10 08:11 PM

Just because you go into labor naturally doesn't mean you will avoid .  My contractions became erratic.  I was already at 39 weeks, 5 cm dialated and 100% effaced, there was no benefit in allowing labor to stop.  So I was put on pitocin to regulate my contractions and continue the process of labor.

Good point.  I also went into labor on my own but then I quit progressing and it wasn't an option to stop my contractions, so they gave me pitocin.  Here's the piece of advice a friend of mine who has had 4 children gave me: "It's great to try to have a natural childbirth, but once they give you pitocin, it's not a natural childbirth any more.  There's nothing natural about that stuff.  Take the drugs!"

Just out of curiosity, for those of you who are really dead set on a natural childbirth, why?  I don't mean that question to be judgmental.  I think anyone who can do that is a champ.  I'm just curious.  The only reason I wanted natural was because I was afraid of the epidural.  But a few hours of labor helped to ease that fear.

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EconStudent07
Message #14459 - 12/09/10 08:36 PM

Here's the piece of advice a friend of mine who has had 4 children gave me: "It's great to try to have a natural childbirth, but once they give you pitocin, it's not a natural childbirth any more.  There's nothing natural about that stuff.  Take the drugs!"

Oh I completely agree. I am dedicated to have a natural birth, but if I have to have pitocin, all bets are off. It's one thing to deal with pain knowing it's a natural thing, but pitocin is not natural!!

Just out of curiosity, for those of you who are really dead set on a natural childbirth, why?  I don't mean that question to be judgmental.  I think anyone who can do that is a champ.  I'm just curious.  The only reason I wanted natural was because I was afraid of the epidural.  But a few hours of labor helped to ease that fear.

I don't see the question as judgmental, so no one think that I am judging your choices! I think we all have to do what is best for ourselves. I like things to be natural, and I think that using drugs interrupts the natural process that our bodies are designed to go through. Epidurals can slow down or stop labor, making pitocin necessary. When pain is blocked through the epidural, other interventions become more likely because your body can't respond the way it should. I don't want to be told when to push, I want to do it when I feel my body is ready for that. I want my baby to be completely alert and not exposed to drugs before she's even born. I haven't even taken tylenol or anything since getting pregnant (except the acyclovir for the shingles I got this summer - grr).

I think it's based in part on what kind of births we've been exposed to. My sister had an epidural with her first kid and had a really rough labor. Her son was "sunny side up" (what's that called--posterior?) and couldn't turn himself because they gave her too much pain medicine by mistake. He was stuck in the birth canal for 3 hours and they thought that he might have gotten sick because she is a strep B carrier, so he had to go to NICU right away. With her second kid, she skipped the epidural and he came quickly, and even though it was more painful, her recovery was far easier.

All that said, I am fully aware that I might change my mind in labor. I think it's important to go in knowing what you want, why you want it, and when you are willing to compromise. It's wouldn't make sense for me to go into labor without a plan for managing my pain and for keeping myself relaxed. This isn't something I just want to try for and I'll give in on easily, but I'm smart enough to recognize that I have never gone through labor before and I could decide that an epidural is the best/safest option for baby and me.

Sorry, I'm sure you didn't want a book, but there you have it.

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regina24601
Message #14460 - 12/09/10 08:38 PM

Oh man, I swear my belly is popping already!

Sam - I thought the exact same thing when I was about 7 weeks along.  I swear, my pants even felt a little tight.  In retrospect, some of it may have been in my head, but I do think my middle increased by a few centimeters - probably just bloating, though.  Still, not a cool thing for your DH to say!  He should always respond with, "You look beautiful!"  (That's what my DH does - I'm on to him, though, I know it's not totally sincere.  )

[Virgil Showlion]

yogiii
Message #14461 - 12/09/10 08:41 PM

I want my baby to be completely alert and not exposed to drugs before she's even born. I haven't even taken tylenol or anything since getting pregnant

That's me

 

I went natural and didn't even take tylenol after labor because I figured the worst was over so the tearing and everything else healing didn't even really hurt.

 

If I need drugs the next time, I'll take them but this time things went "as planned" so I just went with it

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ElfQ1015
Message #14462 - 12/09/10 08:45 PM



I am just not naturally a drug person, I avoid them whenever possible so it was just logical of me to not want an epidural.  Then I realized even with access to information that I have it is damn near impossible to get accurate information about epidurals and stuff.  What is available is very heavily swayed towards generating fear in women and encouraging natural childbirth.  Once I finally got my hands on some current information the impression I had of labor with an epidural changed.

 

Things have changed so much even from when my brother was born in 1990.  Once I realized I wasn't going to be strapped down to a table on my back for hours if I chose an epidural, I was much more open to the idea.

 

I also for some reason though I would not be able to feel anything or be in the moment.  Yeah right, there is no where else you can be but IN THE MOMENT! 


What sealed it for me was the blood curdling shriek from the natural childbirthing woman next door, the fact that I was sick and I was EXHAUSTED by the time we got to the hospital.  No way I had the stamina to do natural childbirth. 

 

It was a massive amount of misinformation that had me so gung ho for natural childbirth. 

 

 

 

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KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14463 - 12/09/10 08:49 PM

I also for some reason though I would not be able to feel anything or be in the moment. 

Twice the epidural wore off.  I could feel plenty.  I didn't get the epidural until the pitocin came into the picture.  When it came time to push I could definitely feel when I needed to push without someone telling me.  Of course I have known women who were so numb they couldn't feel anything.  In a way the epidural worked out well because when they had to take me to the ER afterwards they could give my my pain blockers right through it.  I was sure numb after that!!

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boos_mom
Message #14464 - 12/09/10 08:53 PM

My sister had an epidural with her first kid and had a really rough labor. Her son was "sunny side up" (what's that called--posterior?) and couldn't turn himself because they gave her too much pain medicine by mistake. He was stuck in the birth canal for 3 hours and they thought that he might have gotten sick because she is a strep B carrier, so he had to go to NICU right away. With her second kid, she skipped the epidural and he came quickly, and even though it was more painful, her recovery was far easier.

For both of my kids, I did wait a while from getting the pitocin to getting the epidural, as I was interested in have a natural birth.  But it didn't happen, and I was okay with that b/c I did have enough strength to push the kids out, rather than having c/s.  With #2 I did get the IV narcotic b/c the anesthesiologist was in a c/s.  The IV narcotic did not help at all and it made me feel woozy.  I preferred the epidural. 

#2 was "sunny side up" (face up, when they should be face down-- facing your butt).  By the time we figured out that he was face up (I didn't get very many checks and I finally mentioned that I could still feel a lot of pain on one side even after the epidural), his head was close enough that the OB could turn him. 

With both kids, I could still feel the pressure of the contractions even with the epidural.  No one had to tell me when to push.  I knew when.  It just wasn't painful.  And #2's delivery was much faster than #1's, maybe 20-25 minutes of pushing.  Thank goodness b/c I was way too tired to push for another 1.5 hrs like I had to with #1.

econ - I think everyone has had differing experiences with natural and non-natural births so that will of course be taken into account when making your own decision, but just wanted to share my experiences. 

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ElfQ1015
Message #14465 - 12/09/10 08:55 PM



Mine didn't work on my right side because of how I was laying.  By the time we figured out it wasn't working on the right side I had already dialated ten centimeters and was feeling the urge to push (that's why I knew it wasn't working! lol).

 

I also didn't need anyone to tell me to push, I felt the urge to push.  For lack of a better description it felt like I really really really had to go to the bathroom.  A couple of times I caught the nurses unaware when I announced another one was coming. 


Glad I had it in the end because I tore and had an epistomy.  So I was already completely numb and they could just start sewing me back up right away, I didn't have to wait for pain medication.


The pitocin was started after I got the epidural, I don't remember how long afterwards.  I think I'd already become irregular because I know it wasn't that long between being poked and them wheeling in the machine to start the pitocin drip.

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KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14466 - 12/09/10 08:58 PM

For lack of a better description it felt like I really really really had to go to the bathroom. 

I started getting that feeling really, really bad, but I wasn't dilated enough to push.  It was about 8 hours or so into my labor.  That was actually the worst part of it for me.  I started shaking.  It was just a bad feeling.  The epidural was wearing off, so they had to give me some more meds to take the edge off because I wasn't allowed to push yet, and I felt like I needed to.

[Virgil Showlion]

GusitaRenkr
Message #14467 - 12/09/10 09:01 PM

I have absolutely no desire for a natural childbirth; I want the experience to be as painless as possible. I definitely want my drugs during labor! As soon as I feel uncomfortable, I plan on getting the epidural. I can get the 'walking epidural' or the 'regular epidural', depending on how much pain I am in.  I guess naturally, I am a drug person/medical intervention type of person.  I also hate pain, so it kind of makes sense in my mind that I want something as big as childbirth to be as painless as possible.

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boos_mom
Message #14468 - 12/09/10 09:04 PM

yogiii - I don't normally take a lot of painkillers either.  So, with #1, I didn't take the motrin and it was pretty painful when I was bending over and even sitting (with the stitches).  With #2, I took the motrin and had the dermaplast, and it was so much better!  I didn't feel so much like having been run over by a truck, or maybe my body bounced back a little better with the second.  I'm glad it wasn't too bad for you.  It's tough enough to try to take care of the new baby. 

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regina24601
Message #14469 - 12/09/10 09:07 PM

I started getting that feeling really, really bad, but I wasn't dilated enough to push. 

kgb - They talked about that in my childbirth class.  At various points in your labor, you may feel the urge to push prematurely, and if you follow that urge you can actually do damage.  So while I agree with Econ in theory that nature should take charge, sometimes nature is just plain wrong!  Like telling your body you should be pushing when you're only 5 cm dilated. 

But that's just my perspective, of course.  With the exception of one delivery, all of my sisters' deliveries (with pitocin and pain meds) have been very, very smooth - a few hours of labor, 20 minutes of pushing and hello little one!  If your family's experience was bad, like Econ's, I could see that you would have a different perspective.

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ElfQ1015
Message #14470 - 12/09/10 09:08 PM



I went FAST once they started the pitocin.  It was an hour or less because I remember the nurse getting a shocked look on her face and annoucing "We're having a baby" and everyone rushing to collapse the bed, get the cart and DH nearly passing out because he wasn't ready yet.  They said normally it takes several hours after being given pitocin before you get to 10 cm. I must have been at the precipice when I got irregular contractions.

 

 I think everyone has had differing experiences with natural and non-natural births so that will of course be taken into account when making your own decision, but just wanted to share my experiences. 

I agree.  It also seems like no matter what way you chose SOMEONE is going to have either their own horror story or somebody who knows somebody's horror story.   First my DH would be freaked out about natural childbirth because of a horror story, then he'd be freaked out about epidurals because of someone's horror story. I thought the poor guy was going to have a stroke before I actually gave birth.


It's pretty hard to be "too late" to change your mind.  IMO the best mind set is to go into it with an open mind as far as drugs vs no drugs.  I could have choosen an epidural clear up till I was 10 cm dialated.  I got there when I was 5 cm, that left quite a bit of time for me to decide. There was no rush or pressure from anyone to make a decision either way.

 

I reevaluated when I got there.  I went into it thinking I still wanted to try natural, but when I was completely honest with myself, I REALLY wanted an epidural so I could get some rest and build up my energy for the big show.

 

Just a gripe but why is drug free childbirth called NATURAL childbirth?   Isn't giving birth period a NATURAL process?  It makes it sounds like women who get drug intervention are having UNNATURAL abnormal childbirth.

 

They need to think up a better way to say it than calling it "natural" childbirth, IMO.

 

Cause if I wanted to be literal about it the whole modern way of giving birth isn't "natural", ut personally I'll take what we got today over doing it the good ole actual "natural" way any day of the week.

---

KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14471 - 12/09/10 09:10 PM

dermaplast

Sweet relief in a can!!

sometimes nature is just plain wrong! 

I had wonderful nurses who talked me through everything.  It's kind of funny that as bad as my urge to push was it took so long for her to come out.  I thought it would be like 20 minutes since I really, really felt like I had to push.  I guess that feeling doesn't necessarily equal short time pushing.

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ElfQ1015
Message #14472 - 12/09/10 09:19 PM

I want my baby to be completely alert and not exposed to drugs before she's even born

Just wanted to say that Gwen was pretty darn alert when she popped out.  She was heard screaming clear across the ward and was awake for a good hour or so before drifting off to sleep. 

 

Personally when thinking about what she was expericing while being pushed out, I can't see how a baby isn't anything more than alert! I know I'd be wide awake after being shoved down a narrow tube, yanked out of my warm soft home and into a world of bright lights, cold air and loud noises!

 

From what I read and was told, you can take it with a grain of salt, it's more the narcotics like Demerol that make a baby groggy because the narcotics are meant to make you drowsy and also have to go thru your blood stream to work (so the cross the placental barrier via the blood supply).  Epidurals are local anathesia and don't cross the placental barrier and don't really have an effect on the baby.

[Virgil Showlion]

boos_mom
Message #14473 - 12/09/10 09:21 PM

Sweet relief in a can!

I ended up needing another can before everything healed.  Why didn't I know about it for #1???!!!!!

My friend never got a donut from the hospital when being discharged.  I was surprised.  The husband called up the drugstore and they didn't stock it.  I said yes, the donut is really helpful after having stitches, get one!  Not sure if they did though...   

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KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14474 - 12/09/10 09:22 PM

I didn't get a doughnut, just the dermoplast and some witch hazel wipes, both of which were very helpful.

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ElfQ1015
Message #14475 - 12/09/10 09:25 PM



I didn't get a donut. I used my boppy pillow.  Made a wonderful butt cushion while in the hospital.

 

I needed another can as well. DH had to spray me because I couldn't reach while in the hospital. That's love right there.

 

I was given a can of Demerol as soon as I was wheeled to my room it was in a little mother's package they gave me along with those mesh panties and ginormo hospital pads.

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boos_mom
Message #14476 - 12/09/10 09:25 PM



Really?  It was just really uncomfortable when sitting on the couch and chairs.  Not super inflated, kind of 1/3 - 1/2 inflated.  Maybe I just have not so cushy furniture....

Or did the donut come from #1's birth, and they didn't give one for #2?  Ah, I can't remember...

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ElfQ1015
Message #14477 - 12/09/10 09:32 PM



Oh I felt like crap sitting on hospital furniture and sleeping in that bed.  I felt like a million bucks when I got home to my own bed and glider.  What had once felt like an easter egg sized hemmorid didn't even throb once when I got home.

 

Sitting on the couch hurt, it isn't exactly super soft (so regret it but can't really afford a new one) so if I sat on the couch and wasn't using the boppy pillow for feeding, it was under my butt.

 

Thank god my mom bought me one!  It had been on my "to do" list for that weekend and labor kinda interrupted my plans.

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EconStudent07
Message #14478 - 12/09/10 09:45 PM

Thanks for sharing your experiences and plans, everyone! I think it's kind of neat how we all look at birth a little differently, but it doesn't mean anyone loves their babies any less than anyone else! I can't wait to see how my own birth turns out.

[Virgil Showlion]

boos_mom
Message #14479 - 12/09/10 09:55 PM



econ - I hope all goes smoothly for you.

When it was time to push, I was pretty anxious about #2's delivery b/c of how long I pushed with #1.  I thought I'd have to push for a while again.  But then the OB said he's right there, it shouldn't be very long, I was so relieved.  That was the 'carrot' that I needed.

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GusitaRenkr
Message #14480 - 12/09/10 09:56 PM

Thanks for sharing your experiences and plans, everyone! I think it's kind of neat how we all look at birth a little differently, but it doesn't mean anyone loves their babies any less than anyone else! I can't wait to see how my own birth turns out.

I love reading about other women's births. It's so interesting to hear and see about how birth can vary so much from woman to woman.

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KRR627
Message #14481 - 12/09/10 10:14 PM

Oh, there is definitley a time and a place for inductions! One of my professors was telling me yesterday that he was 4 weeks late, and they had to peel dead skin off of him. They also estimated that he had lost 2 pounds in utero because the placenta had started to die and wasn't nourishing any more.

Whoa, I guess that is a good reason to be induced! I was wondering why I've heard so much about doctors wanting to induce no later than 41 weeks.

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ElfQ1015
Message #14482 - 12/10/10 12:26 AM



I don't know what to do!  Every time my dad holds her lately Gwen bursts into tears and I can't figure out why.  It makes me feel so bad because she isn't doing it with anyone else.  I take that back, she does it with my brother.

 

It hurts because she doesn't do that with DH's parents or family members.  So why all of a sudden has she taken a dislike to my family?

 

I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out what might be different about their house but nothing has changed.

 

It's really bothering me and I am worried it's going to be a long term thing.

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yogiii
Message #14483 - 12/10/10 12:30 AM

I'm glad it wasn't too bad for you.  It's tough enough to try to take care of the new baby. 

boos_mom - I had an easy birth.  I do have a high pain tolerance but even so, I really wasn't in much pain even with the tearing.  I think part of it was the rush of being a new mom and the rest was just luck.  I went in hoping for natural birth but I really just wanted the baby born healthy, whatever it took.  I think going in having knowledge of the options is a big help, that way if the docs or nurses say we need to do x,y,z, you know what they are talking about and hopefully can make a semi-calm decision.

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EconStudent07
Message #14484 - 12/10/10 01:35 AM

I think going in having knowledge of the options is a big help, that way if the docs or nurses say we need to do x,y,z, you know what they are talking about and hopefully can make a semi-calm decision.

Definitely. They might not have time to explain, and even if they do, you probably want to know what questions to ask.

[Virgil Showlion]

GusitaRenker
Message #14485 - 12/10/10 02:24 AM

Okay, this is way too much TMI coming, but DH and I were having intercourse and when he pulled out of me, there was this glob of snot looking stuff on his penis. WTH is this? It wasn't a huge amount, maybe about the size of a nickle or quarter? It didn't look bloody or anything, but just looked insanely gross.

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ElfQ1015
Message #14486 - 12/10/10 02:41 AM

Mucus plug possibly?  I never confirmed that I lost mine (though I had to have, I gave birth) so I don't have any personal experience, but that would be my best guess.

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EconStudent07
Message #14487 - 12/10/10 03:07 AM

Yep, that sounds like your mucus plug! I started losing mine about 35 weeks also. It's no big deal, especially if there's no blood in it. I was working in the nursery at church and suddenly I felt very ...wet... and when I went to the bathroom I had a big glop of snot-looking stuff. It just means that you've started to dilate a little.

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eternal sunshine - 29wks
Message #14488 - 12/10/10 03:28 AM

It's pretty hard to be "too late" to change your mind.  IMO the best mind set is to go into it with an open mind as far as drugs vs no drugs.

This is where I am. People keep asking me "are you doing NATURAL or are you getting the epidural??" and I just don't know how to answer. I'm not going in 100% sure of anything..I've never had a baby before!

 

I know that I want to try for a birth with no meds, for several of the reasons econ mentioned and also because, yea...I'm scared of the epidural. I've heard horror stories both ways...epi worked UP instead of down. As in they could feel all of childbirth but couldn't breathe (SCARY!!) And of course intense pain of med-free birth (is that better than saying natural?) However, I'm completely open to utilizing my options for pain management and I'm not going to feel like a failure if I need an epi. If that is what it takes so that I can move past the pain and focus instead on the process of giving birth then I'm 100% for it. I'm also open to a C-section (even scheduling one) if that is what my doctor thinks I need to do.


I just don't get the pissing contest between women on this topic (not saying that is what is happening here..this board is great). Why can't women just clap each other on the back and say "WOAH we brought new people in the world" instead of being all judgy about how it happened.

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eternal sunshine - 29wks
Message #14489 - 12/10/10 03:34 AM



I'm sort of disappointed....I lost a lot of weight before I got PG (about 40 lbs) and once I got pg, I lost another 15ish in the first tri. I am still hovering at about 3-4lbs up from my lowest point (so 12lbs loss net for the pregnancy). I was thinking that because my clothes were so loose, that I could get by without maternity clothes.

 

Suddenly, this week....BOOM! No weight change, but all my tops are too short, my skirts are falling down (literally "whoosh" to the floor on 2 occassions...thank goodness I was home or in the driveway and no one was around) I guess my belly changing shape is making my skirts not fit around my waist/hips anymore...how can I get bigger, but my clothes be looser? How can I gain no weight, but my shirts suddenly be too small? I looked in the mirror this morning and it is like I suddenly grew a soccer ball! Weird! Most plus size women I have seen didn't look PG until like 8 months.

 

So, looks like I get to go spend money on clothes to last me about 3 months. Boo!! Especially because of how I have been losing weight, I doubt they will fit me once we (if we) decide to have another in the future. I wish there were some inexpensive plus size maternity clothes options.

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GusitaRenkr
Message #14490 - 12/10/10 03:48 AM

Thanks ladies! For some reason, I was thinking a mucus plug would be more 'pluggish' if that makes sense. I had a vision of something resembling a cork in mind, not a glob of snot looking stuff. Yuck!

Eternal-I think Old Navy has plus size maternity clothes. They normally have some pretty good deals and promo codes out, especially around the holidays.

[Virgil Showlion]

Sam814 - 11wks
Message #14491 - 12/10/10 03:50 AM

Eternal - look for a consignment shop.  There's a really nice one here that I plan to go to soon.  I think its called Mommy & Me, but I don't know if they would have the same store out there or not.  Then you could sell the clothes back when you are done

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GusitaRenkr
Message #14492 - 12/10/10 05:21 AM

Eternal - look for a consignment shop.  There's a really nice one here that I plan to go to soon.  I think its called Mommy & Me, but I don't know if they would have the same store out there or not.  Then you could sell the clothes back when you are done

This is a great idea! We have one here called Once Upon a Child that is awesome for used baby clothes/furniture/gear/maternity clothes. Eternal, I am thinking you live in SC? I don't remember how close you are to Myrtle Beach, but there is a Motherhood Outlet store at one of the outlet malls, and I think they carry plus sized stuff too. They also have plus sized stuff online, and it is pretty reasonably priced.

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nasagreen
Message #14493 - 12/10/10 01:04 PM



eternal - or look up the website just between friends - [www.jbfsale.com/] www.jbfsale.com, they have sales regionally/locally and other people who want to sell their stuff do so at the prices they set.  i got a bunch of maternity clothes there for $40.  helped so much with not really know what sizes you will need later on.  they were so cheap i bought what i liked and will just keep and see what i can wear.

 

also, my local Salvation Army had a rack of maternity, most were actually plus sizes, but i found a good work outfit.

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KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14494 - 12/10/10 02:21 PM

When it was time to push, I was pretty anxious about #2's delivery b/c of how long I pushed with #1.

That's interesting because I'm actually less anxious about it.  I pushed for 3 hours with Avery.  I figure if I can do it once, I could do it again if necessary.  I'm more nervous about the possibility of a c-section, which they said they will do if the next baby looks like he/she is going to be as big or bigger than Avery was.  I have a big fear of the unknown, and even though Avery's birth was pretty grueling, I know I can do it ... if that makes any sense.

Gusita, I lost my mucus plug at the grocery store.  That was the start of early labor for me, but some women lose theirs and it still takes awhile for things to really get going.  It's gross, but snot-like is a pretty good description for it.

Why can't women just clap each other on the back and say "WOAH we brought new people in the world" instead of being all judgy about how it happened.

Exactly!!  Well said.

DH texted me awhile ago and said Avery was crying because she was trying to walk around the house carrying 3 balls, but she kept dropping one, and she was mad.

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ElfQ1015
Message #14495 - 12/10/10 02:36 PM

...I'm scared of the epidural. I've heard horror stories both ways...epi worked UP instead of down.

Not being an anathesologist so I don't know for sure, but I am betting this was due to either piss poor placement or the way the woman was lying down.  Mine didn't work on my right side not because of how it was placed, but because of how I was positioned in the bed.  I was pinching off the right side so the medicine couldn't get where it needed to go.  When DH and the nurse helped me move it kicked in. 

 

I did ask how many times the anatheologist did an epidural. I didn't want a medical student who'd only done it a handful of times.  I got a woman who'd been working there for over ten years and has done TONS of epidurals.  So I knew I was in good hands.

 

I got one of those "walking epidurals" where you can control how much you get.  Nurse had to take the button away from me because I panicked during a really big contraction and squeezed the button three times.  She said if I kept going I wasn't going to be walking till next Tuesday!


I was up and walking again in a couple hours.  Getting up the first time wasn't easy, but by the time they rolled in the wheelchair I was able to walk to it myself.  I was dressed and moving around the hospital room a half hour later. 

 

Target has a decent plus sized maternity section, they often have some on clearance as well.  The colors and patterns aren't the greatest, but if you are only going to be wearing them for three months its survivable.  Our Salvation Army also had a ton of plus sized maternity wear.

 

I am still really upset about last night.  Gwen had a major tantrum when my dad tried to hold her and I got told to take her home.  It really upset me and hurt my feelings though I imagine my dad was pretty hurt by how Gwen behaved considering she had been fine till he picked her up.

 

I don't know what to do about it, she doesn't do it with DH's parents.  She was fine on Thanksgiving and fine the day after Thanksgiving.  Just in the last two visits she's had a tantrum any time I take her over to my parents' house.  I had them babysit for the office party and she did the same thing, temper tantrum.

 

I don't want her to get into the habit of squawking so we leave, but I also feel bad trying to take her to visit and all she does is scream.

 

I am going to try taking her over earlier in the day and see maybe if she is just tired.  They babysat at night and I took her over last night at 6 pm.

 

I am really nervous now to go visit because I am worried she will have another tantrum.

 

 

---

EconStudent07
Message #14496 - 12/10/10 02:52 PM

Just wanted to give you all a quick update - my water broke this morning!! (39 weeks 5 days) So it looks like we'll have a baby in the next day or so! I don't think contractions have started yet, if they have, they are really mild, so I'm just trying to get some stuff done and then I'll bounce on my ball, go walking, etc. eek--it's finally really happening!

[Virgil Showlion]

ElfQ1015
Message #14497 - 12/10/10 03:00 PM



Jealous, my water never broke, they had to break it for me.  Gwen was lying in front of the membranes instead of on top. 


Congrats and good luck, let us know how it goes!

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poohbiscit
Message #14498 - 12/10/10 03:09 PM

Good Luck Econ!! My water did not break until about 15 minutes after my epidural. By then I was already 5 cm. I was always worried that it was going to break either while I was at work on in my car.

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EconStudent07
Message #14499 - 12/10/10 03:20 PM

Thanks ladies! I didn't really expect mine to break because so many people say that theirs did not. My husband was leaving for work this morning and I gave him a hug and laid back down, then said umm...either I just peed myself or my water broke! It's been gushing every time I stand up, so it's definitley my water! Now I'm just waiting, hoping that contractions start soon!

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Sam814 - 11wks
Message #14500 - 12/10/10 03:25 PM

Yay Econ!!  I hope everything goes well for both of you today

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KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14501 - 12/10/10 03:38 PM



Good luck Econ!!!

Gwen had a major tantrum when my dad tried to hold her and I got told to take her home. 

Wait, your parents told you to leave?  Maybe I'm missing something here, but that seems really mean.  I can't explain what's going on with Gwen and the crying, but babies go through funny phases.  Did your father have hurt feelings so he kicked you out? 

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regina24601
Message #14502 - 12/10/10 03:41 PM



Yay Econ!  Hopefully you have a smooth delivery!  (She held off just until you had your session last night that you needed to attend!!)

jenna should have had her baby by now.  Can't wait to see an update from her!

[Virgil Showlion]

ElfQ1015
Message #14503 - 12/10/10 03:52 PM

Did your father have hurt feelings so he kicked you out? 

Yeah, he snapped at me.  He called me later to apologize, but it still really hurts right now.  I felt like we were being rejected and my parental skills were being called into question.

 

DH was livid about it.  He calmed down some when my dad called to apologize for his reaction being out of line, but Gwen's not going over there for a few days.  DH wants to punish my dad, but I don't want to do that.  I do however think a breather needs to be taken so people can reflect on their behavior and that it isn't called for around the baby.

 

I am not going to withhold her over one outburst, but I do want to make it clear that I won't tolerate outbursts around her.

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KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14504 - 12/10/10 04:05 PM



Drama, your dad needs to grow up and get over it, to put it bluntly.  She's a little baby for Heaven's sake.  There's nothing you can do.  You are a good mom.  Like I said, babies and little kids go through phases.  Avery went through a phase from about 3 months to 5 months where she couldn't stand to be around noise.  I took her to a Christmas get-together at my friend's house last year and she screamed the whole time.  I left, voluntarily, because I didn't want to disrupt the party.  But your father asking you to leave is ridiculous.  I can understand why you feel hurt.

Edited:  I wrote something and then realized that I totally misunderstood what you said.

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ElfQ1015
Message #14505 - 12/10/10 04:15 PM

your dad needs to grow up and get over it, to put it bluntly

I know.  I don't know what the logic was behind the outburst.  DH and I give him credit for apologizing.  It shouldn't have happened at all, but at least it was recognized that it was out of line.  If he had not apologized I would have agreed with my husband's original mindset.

 

I understand being upset by it because I remember how badly it hurt me while on maternity leave when every time I wanted to hold her she'd scream bloody murder because she wanted my boobs.  It does feel like a personal rejection. 

 

DH said it could just be a phase and that she might blow her stack when we take her to his parents tomorrow.  She's been awfully clingy to me since Thanksgiving.  Sometimes she won't even settle down for DH right now, but she always smiles and calms down for me.  My mom made mention that some of her co-workers who breastfed commented that their babies went thru a really clingy phase because mom = comfort.  My MIL said the same thing.

 

It's hard for me not to overanalyze though and DH keeps trying to remind me that a 4 month old baby does not really have the cognitive skills to "hate" someone and that my dad was the second person to hold her after she was born (DH was first), so there is no way possible she "hates" my dad.

 

Either something has changed about him that I can't pinpoint or she's going thru a clingy phase where she only wants me.  I know the firs time my mom did not wear a particular hair bow Gwen flipped because she did not see her as "grandma" at first, she associated that hair bow with "grandma".  So I've been trying to figure out if maybe my dad got his hair cut or something and she hasn't processed yet that it is "grandpa".

 

 

If you changed your post I didn't get to read the original, I am having a hell of a time with the boards on my work computer for some reason.  It takes me forever to even be able to get to the board, let alone read and respond.

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KrisKringleGingleBells
Message #14506 - 12/10/10 04:19 PM

a 4 month old baby does not really have the cognitive skills to "hate" someone and that my dad was the second person to hold her after she was born (DH was first), so there is no way possible she "hates" my dad.

 Absolutely.  She probably is going through a clingy stage.  My cousin went through a little phase when he was about a year old that he would cry and scream bloody murder when he saw my dad.  It really hurt my dad's feelings because he loves kids.  But he just avoided him for awhile and after a few days it passed.  Who knows why babies do what they do!!

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yogiii
Message #14507 - 12/10/10 04:27 PM



drama - Of course babies don't hate people or try to hurt their feelings.

 

I know that DS has fun with MIL all day but as soon as I walk through the door he gets whiny until I pick him up (he doesn't like that I take 5 seconds to take off my coat).  Then after that he will squeal with delight as MIL goes to the door, actually getting louder the closer she gets.  I think the first few times it hurt her feelings slightly that he was so happy to see her go, but now we just laugh about it.  She knows he has fun with her but just wants some mom time and wants her out of the house while he gets it.

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ElfQ1015
Message #14508 - 12/10/10 04:32 PM

My cousin went through a little phase when he was about a year old that he would cry and scream bloody murder when he saw my dad.  It really hurt my dad's feelings because he loves kids.

That makes me feel A LOT better to hear that someone else's kid did something similar.  Maybe in a few weeks she'll be happy again.

 

I'm going to try again this weekend but in the afternoon after her nap and lunch.  I took her over at 6 pm yesterday and she tends to get fussy because she doesn't want to go to sleep, maybe that just compounded it.  Then last Saturday we'd been all over town running errands and she'd had a meltdown already in Kohl's.

 

So DH thinks it was just bad timing and bad luck combined with some clingyness.

 

If it doesn't work this weekend then we'll just hold off till my birthday celebration the weekend after next or Christmas Eve when we all get together.

 

My mom thinks maybe she got OD'ed on family over Thanksgiving and is just going thru a clingy stage after being passed around a lot over the holiday, she just wants daddy and me.