*Getting Healthy For Baby* March

[Potaty]

Belle, my friend, so great to see you!!!! Sorry about your daughter, I assume she will be having surgery soon? I understand how devastating injuries can be to athletes, same thing happened with me and softball (not the knee, but the elbow).

Tucker has been having horrid intestinal gas pains. It breaks my heart to see him cry in pain and both of us not getting sleep. I think he might not be latching on right while feeding and swallowing too much air so I am going to a lactation doctor this afternoon.

I go for my postpartum check tomorrow morning! It's been 5 weeks but my dr. is retiring in April so the appointment will be happening one week early. I will be asking lots of questions about ttc again (does she think I will have problems again, when will it be okay to be pg again, what dr. does she recommend, etc.). I am also expecting to get the all clear to BD again, but the way dh has been acting, that ain't gonna happen. He's a great guy, but he has been particularly frustrating lately.

Have a great day everyone!

[amlundie]

oh Katy, hope Tucker feels better soon, and you can both get some sleep! Give him some kisses for me. And hope thing get better with hubby too, I know having a new baby around can be a stressful thing, I hope things clam down for you soon.

[Nik]

Stinky!
So good to see you; so sorry to hear about your DD. Send her love from all your "virtual" friends. Please, don't ever apologize for being "off the wagon" or out of the mood to make dieting/ttc your priority. We know how life moves us, and we're here for SUPPORT, not judgment.

Amber:
Thanks for asking how I'm feeling. I'm OK. Feeling a little down at this exact moment, but I think I've found some peace in a particularly difficult situation I was handling last week. I am having no pregnancy/implantation signs. I'm just sorta going with the flow. In fact, I'm not even temping. If I don't have any symptoms of AF on Friday, I'll be excited to test on Saturday: Are we still on?

So I went with a reinduction yesterday. I'm down to 213 again, which is awesome. I hope to establish/maintain some momentum this time so that I can lose, lose, lose until I conceive. HOWEVER (sensitive info forthcoming):

We may have some additional problems with that venture. DH has a testicular hernia. That means that his intestines are escaping right at the junction in his groin. I'd like to say that's a symptom of incredible BD'ing, but it's mostly a fairly common condition that he's predisposed to. This is his second hernia, which will have to be surgically repaired. The GOOD news is that the surgeon said the repair can wait until this summer, and we can BD in the meantime, as hubby tolerates the pain. HA! Plus, after surgery, we can be back at it after only two weeks! That means that if we schedule his surgery right after my O time, we shouldn't even have to miss ONE cycle! OTH, we're still hoping that I will be pregnant by then and won't have to worry about his surgery at all. OH, and, of course, I'm sad that hubby's in pain and has to have surgery in the first place. How uncomfortable!

Last night: I went to a political rally with President Clinton as the speaker. I'm so excited, being in Indiana, to actually be able to participate in the primary elections this year. Usually, the nominees are already decided by the time Indiana's primary rolls around in April. It's not something that I've done before, going to a rally like this. It makes it even more exciting having such a big name to give the presentation. I don't generally get all involved in politics, but I think that might change this year! I'm one step toward making this a productive spring break to remember.

[amlundie]

Nik- wow that sound rough, hope hubby is ok until summer, seems like a long time to deal with the pain. Congrats on reinduction, stick with it and it'll pay off.

[Potaty]

For you girls in the 2ww with no signs/symptoms, I had ZERO signs I was pregnant. It was the only cycle I was just sure it hadn't worked because usually there was at least a twinge here and there to get my hopes up. I had nothing! Keep hoping and praying!

[AsmallerME]

Katy - sorry about your fussy baby. He's so cute that I'm sure it makes the crying bearable! I'm excited to hear how your PP check up goes. When do you want to start trying for #2?

Nik - I'm glad to hear you feel well and are going with the flow. I can't say the same for me unfortunately. I'm 9dpo and reading into every little twinge. I'm not even going to post anything since it probably all means nothing. I'm definitely still on for testing Saturday. AF is due on Friday for me and she's usually very prompt. My temps usually go down 1-2 days before AF as well so I'll probably have signs she's coming by Thursday at the latest. So if temps are high and she doesn't show then I'll happily pee on a stick with you on Saturday. Sorry about your hubby. Hopefully he can stay committed to the BD'ing in the meantime and get through his pain.

Belle - I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY to see you back!! We've all missed having you around! I'm sorry about your daughter.

Mel - yeah for the fridge! Things are definitely falling into place in your life right now.

Hi to everyone else! Only 3 more work days left this week! I unfortunately still hate my job and count down every second until the weekend. I started looking at bar study materials today and plan to order them this weekend - range between $500-$800. It's ridiculous (sp??)!! I already spent $800 just applying to sit for the exam. Let's just say that I better pass on the first shot!

On baby related news, I have a coworker who I found out is pregnant today. She's 8 months and I had no clue. She isn't showing (at least in her clothes) at all. She's probably a size 16-18 if I had to guess, so she's definitely not huge by any definition. She has really big boobs though so I wonder if that helps hide it, or her clothes, or maybe she lost weight?? I'm really not sure. It made me think how neat to be almost at the end and showing no signs outwardly. But then I had conflicting thoughts thinking how fun it would be to have a baby bump. What do you girls think?

Alright, I'm off to eat dinner. I may pop back on later tonight.

[Nik]

Due to my body type, I didn't show until VERY late with DS. I wish I had. I really wanted to look and feel pregnant. Instead, I just felt fatter.

I had a pretty blah day today. After noon, I had nothing going on. I squandered my time, and that makes me feel foolish. Tomorrow, I may need a swift kick in the butt to get motivated. My 9 AM appointment with the landscaper should help with that!

Good luck staying on plan this week, girls! After my cheat day on Sunday, this evening is causing some MAJOR cravings. I have survived on induction levels for two days. My goal for tomorrow: veggies and getting those calories UP, UP, UP!

[Nik]

WEIGH-IN-WEDNESDAY!!!!!!
I'm back to my low of 211.2. I'm so excited!!!! I hope that my little binge on Sunday and re-induction on Monday has helped to spur my weight loss and break this plateau. I have two more weeks until my goal of 199. Can I lose twelve pounds by then???!!!!

*Trying to get motivated to unpack* Kat: Send my some productivity mojo. I need help!

[LuckyKitty]

Nik - I'll send you productivity mojo if you'll send me some motivation to eat right mojo I haven't been able to get to the groc yet, cause while the kitchen stuff is unpacked, the kitchen itself is still full of all the boxes/stuff for the rest of the house. Eating fast food has translated to eating nothing but crap. Add a heinous day yesterday to the mix and I had an all out binge on candy last night. anywho, that things work out with Hubby's medical condition and your PG timing Your rally sounds really cool I know my DH is pumped about our primary counting this year, too (I'm an Obama-supporting elephant though, so mine won't, but whatryagonnado ). This is certainly a great year to get involved

Mel - Need any boxes? I got plenty The prayer service sounds like it was awesome and great news on the fridge God's working hard in your life! GL with your move, hon

Belle - so glad to "see" you! Sorry that things are so hectic and stressful for you now. I'm for DD's injury and for you to have some peace. Come hang out as much or as little as you feel like it

Katy - I can't believe it's been 5 weeks already! I'm still in the habit of checking the "expecting" forum to follow your progress Hope the BFing gets smoothed out. The lactation specialist should be able to help a lot - at least I know when some of my friends have had trouble it has been a big help to them. Need me to give DH a kick in the booty for ya?

Amber - Those bar courses are painful, aren't they! Just think tho, at least you'll be away from the job-from-hades. Its funny you mention that about your co-worker, something must be in the air. Just found out one of my nurses is PG - altho she's only 7 weeks or so. that your twinges really are something

On the pic-front, ya'll are gonna have to wait till I'm down to at least only 1 layer of boxes per room I'm making good progress, tho, even yesterday when all I wanted to do was hide away and eat, I managed to get a couple boxes unpacked (baby steps, right ) I think I'm gonna set a goal of having the kitchen emptied and fully functional by this weekend. That way I can grocery shop and get back on track by Monday. In the words of the immortal Spongebob, "I'm ready"

[obraxton]

Nik, Amber, Mel, Katy, Kat,Belle, Roxanne, Christina, and anyone I've missed HI , and it's such a beautiful spring day in NJ, I almost feel like I'm back down south! SPRING

The board still active I see, which is wonderful. The other side, a little slow......

The month I got pregnant was probably my most skeptical one. Something "inside" was saying, "I"m pregnant" but logically speaking and after months of hoping and not getting BFP, I shushed it off, and prepared for a negative result, which I got the first try b/c I did test early with a cheap kit---they do work, but just not for early detection in my case. I did have an implantation day, which was an indication, but I shrugged it off as my cycle doing something peculiar...I had never spotted before in my life, I lost a baby about 12 years ago, and didn't have it then, so I figured it was a mere coincidence. It didn't last long at all also. There were no other symptoms for me. I felt anything but pregnant. I waited about 3 days after the due date and it came up positve. I would have tested probably earlier but like I said I had not believed it happened that month.

I carry weight around my lower tummy (yuk), and I really thought that the extra weight wouldn't make my belly bump show for a long time. At four months there really wasn't any change except it hardened a bit. But at five months, I think I look like I'm about 6.....the top of my belly just exploded the last 2 weeks. I was surprised, so I think every pregnancy is different in that respect.

I take two days a week now and eat only tons of fruits veggies and some nuts for protein content along with my prenatal/multivitamins. This has been such a great move, not only physically but spiritually as well. The baby, they say can distinguish taste now, and is most active on the days I just eat naturally. It's also gotten rid of the dreaded constipation and people have commented on how much healthier I look. I believe the little one is especially pleased b/c when I eat this way the movement is non-stop, almost playful, especially when i drink a glass of OJ. Thanks to DH, who started fasting 2x a week, did I decide to do this too. My diet was a little wacky there, I am in love with mexican food, and DH loves it too so we were going a bit nuts there. This helps me balance some things out.

Like Katy said, DON'T LOSE HOPE! Just relax and give DH some love until you both can love on the baby too!

[amlundie]

Hiya girls,

Wed Weigh- in down a pound back to 237.5

I was out of the office all morning and have a lot of catching up to do so, I'll check in later.

[Potaty]

Ah, I didn't know Wednesdays were weigh in days! I am thrilled to report in at 198.6! I was 212 when I got pregnant and 230 at delivery so I am happy, happy, happy! I am aiming for 160 before the next pregnancy.

Postpartum checkup went great! She said there was no reason to prevent unless I wanted to, but with exclusive breastfeeding you can have pretty good natural BC for 6 months. She advised condoms if I didn't want any accidents, but after my struggle, I don't believe in accidents and would welcome an unexpected pregnancy at any time. Not sure what we'll do, she indicated that I may need intervention again to get pregnant next time so I am leaning toward "whatever happens, happens" mentality regarding the next 6 months. I won't be charting or anything because right now my focus is on losing weight and being a mommy, not ttc.

[amlundie]

WOW Katy Congrats you are well on your way to getting the extra weight off!

I agree on focusing on that little bundle of joy, he is such a cutie!

[AsmallerME]

Katy - wow, I'm impressed with your weights from the pregnancy and now. You're doing fantastic. I imagine that we'll have the same idea as you do once we have a child - just let things happen as they happen. It's already taking way longer than we thought it would so I definitely won't actively prevent again (at least not until we're done having children).

Dessa - I bet you have such a cute baby bump!

Kat - thank you for the prayers. We can disregard the boxes in the pictures! I think your goal of getting the kitchen unpacked this weekend is a good one.

Nik & Mel - good job on the WI. I swear I'm going to restart weighing in with you all soon.

Alright, going to take a shower and figure out when dh is going to be home. He had to work late and I feel lonely. Boo....

[LuckyKitty]

Dessa - thanks for the encouragement

Mel - you're a dang shrinky-dink over there, eh Go you!

Katy - glad your postpartum exam went well. I think I'll be the same way after we have our first - preventing hasn't seemed to be an issue, so as soon as it's safe for my body, come what may - fair warning tho - that's how a friend of mine ended up with #3 after need intervention for #2, she thought she couldn't get PG w/o the Clomid, but now she's got a beautiful little boy just a year or so older than her beautiful baby girl BTW, I really admire the way you took care of yourself and the baby while you were PG and am just in awe of your stats. KUTGW!

Amber - How ya doin over there? Found a way to block the obsessive thoughts (I'm about to need those tricks you're supposed to be discovering )

[Nik]

I have found that NOT temping every morning is helping me not to obsess. I know that I will probably be at a disadvantage for my next cycle because of lack of data, but I'm happy to just wait and see. Weight is down again today! With a two week induction, I may just meet my goal.

Unfortunately, I have not worked on the house or the yearbook for school yet this week, and I have only four more days off...

In other news, I have been exercising every day. It's just a little at a time, and most people would call me a wimp, but I'm happy about it!

Today, I'm going to see a little baby. He'll be a week old tomorrow. He's a cutie, and I can't wait to see him!

[AsmallerME]

Where is everyone? It's getting quiet in here....

Kat - I haven't found any secrets to not obsessing. I honestly was just trying not to post about anything related to my cycle since it's too late to change the outcome and I was trying not to get my hopes up. I think having Nik make me wait to test on Saturday is helping too. Normally I would have tested at 9dpo or 10dpo and here I am at 11dpo and I haven't tested. I may not need to test as AF is due tomorrow and signs point to her coming so Nik just saved me money and probably my sanity.

Nik - see above - thank you! I hope AF stays away for you tomorrow. I'll be sending you good thoughts.

[Nik]

Amber:
I'm going on an outing tomorrow, and I'm trying to decide if I want to wear a pad "just in case." Will it be bad mojo? I'll be thinking of you and a BFP on Saturday! Hang in there, we're almost done!

I went to "see the baby" today. HE WAS GORGEOUS! I had a lot of baby rubbing and cuddling, so let's hope that helps. I did feel a little somersault in my belly-the uterus stretching, or just wishful thinking?

[amlundie]

good Morning ladies,

Sorry I didn't post yesterday it was very busy, then I had to leave work early to receive a package at home (got a pretty new cell phone) I had to be there cause if I wasn't they wouldn't deliver it, and starting tomorrow I won't live there anymore so I really couldn't afford to miss the delivery.

Doing the last bit of packing tonight and moving all day tomorrow... We are so excited! Right now our duplex has no garage and we share a driveway with the neighbors, we are always having to switch the cars around depending on who goes to work first. And the neighbor is a landscaper and there is always tree limbs in the front yard

yeah I can't wait to be in my new house sitting on my back patio drinking coffee and relaxing! I could go on and on forever about the awesome thing God has done!

Anyway eatings been good, keeping on track!

Have a blessed day ladies!

[LuckyKitty]

Nik - that's awesome about getting exercise in everyday Even a little does great things for your bod. for you tomorrow!

Amber - sorry that AF seems around the corner, but stay positive. Our bodies like to trick us, so you just never know rayer: for you tomorrow, too!

Mel - I'm so excited for your move! I hope you all are having good weather today and things go smoothly.

Well, I snuck on the scale this am, even tho I'm not gonna "count" it till Monday when I get back on track. I'm relieved to only be up a few lbs from where I was, so hopefully most of that is water and will come off pretty quickly once ketosis kicks back in. My goal for today is to get a menu together for next week so I can shop tomorrow (the kitchen's empty and ready for the table to come in when DH gets home today )

Rainy day here, so I hope its prettier where you all are

Make it a great one, ladies!

[AsmallerME]

**positive thoughts** positive thoughts ** positive thoughts**

Nik - any news?

AF is still not here and I'm praying she doesn't show. If she's not here then I'm testing first thing tomorrow.

I'll be back to have a real post in a bit.

[obraxton]

Hi, guys....rough day today. The water company had the wrong name on the account, per our landlord (rent to own, but we're not taking the house, it's too small), and yesterday the water company shut us off. My DH ran around all day straightening it out, and was told someone would come out asap..then at the 11th hour, they say,....oh by the way this takes 48 hours to cut back on since we're in NJ and the headquarters are out in N.Carolina, and they're closed for the weekend so we're looking at late monday at the earliest....Being 5 months preggo with no running water is the worst thing imaginable. I'll probably just camp out at my BF's home since he's working doubles all weekend. But I don't want to, I want to be home. I'm so upset right now, last night I had my first preggo breakdown.

But God is good all the time, regardless of my situation. I just had to let it out.

I hope all is well and will have the best weekend for me!
Stay positive!!!!!!!!

[Nik]

DESSA! Love to you! I know how hard it must be for you to relax when you can't feel completely comfortable in your own home. Hang in there, we all know it will get better!

Amber: I'm with you first thing tomorrow morning. Tomorrow, I'll be at 17 DPO. AF, according to FF, was supposed to be here on THURSDAY, so I'll be two days late tomorrow. No sign of her here, so let's think positive thoughts!!!!

Kat: Today, I ran in place in a barn for about 30 seconds. I walked around a dairy farm, and I raced my son to the entrance of the gift shop. That's all the exercise, which is pathetic, but it's more than I ever did before. Thanks for the encouragement!

Mel: The sitting on the back porch thing sounds AWESOME! Way to visualize your happiness and give thanks for your blessings. I can imagine sitting across from you, sipping a coffee with heavy cream and SF syrup while we plan our glorious days. Keep up the good work!