Pregnancy Thread, Weekend Edition, June 12 to 13, 2004

[Suzanne]

Jefinner..................Anna Vista.........Born 4/12/04!
Sinnrah.................Emily Orene........Born 4/12/04!
LessCarbsMoreMe...Nina Aiesha .....Born 4/13/04!
ChristieJ...............Carter Andrew....Born 4/15/04!
Sarajewel.............Skylar.................Born 4/23/04!
Cynicalcyn............Alexia Rene.........Born 5/28/04!
PFgal................Kendall Elizabeth....Born 5/27/04!
genifire6..................Annabelle.......... Born 5/27/04
Trishagrrl.................Bradley.............Bor n 6/3/04!

Tracy2.....................W38..............6/13/04..........Girl
FluffiB......................W34..............7/22/04.........Boy
Redjewel..................W32..............8/??/04..........Boy and Girl
AngelHope...............W32.............8/02/04.........Boy
Laprettygurl.............W29...............8/21/04.......Girl
wari........................W28.................8/29/04........Boy
Trolly......................W27...............9/8/04..........Girl


Thininmex................W26...............9/16/04.......Probably a Girl
Melzta.....................W26.................9/18/04
Teach2Live..............W24................9/20/04......Boy
aphexacid................W24..................9/28/04.....Girl
babyblue26062.........W24................10/4/04
Bozo........................W24..................1 0/06/04
lizzyd.......................W19.................1 0/31/04….Boy
MelissaBee..............W18...................11/??/04
Shenandoah............W17..................11/14/04 (TWINS!!)
Mrs. Sarah...............W16..................11/18/04
karatejen.................W16..................11/26/04
MissyTutu.................W14..................12/12/04

surfdol....................W?....................1 2/28/04
DesperateInFL.........W9................….01/9/ 05
Idahospud………………..W………………†¦..01/9/05
GumDrop..................W7...................01/??/05
Shandril105…………….W7………………… 01/25/05
Viki...........................W7................. ..01/27/05
metroames..............W6?..................01/??/05
MadameX.................W5...................02/??/05
LivnLGNOmore.........W?..................02/??/05
Green12........................................... Trying!
JennPayton.......................................T rying!
2BFitHourglass..................................Tr ying!
michigangrad.....................................T rying!

[Suzanne]

Good Morning Mommies,

I like Jen's new tradition of not starting the weekend thread on Fridays. We've gotten to be such chatty bunch that the thread would get too long if we let it run Fri to Sun like we used to.

I am really happy to be home again and sleeping in my own bed. Now I need to go get some exercise because I forgot to take my running shoes to Cancun. Three days worth of indulgences must come off!

Hasta luego,

Suzanne

[MadameX]

Happy Weekend!

Actually, it is raining here so I am online...

Suzanne, are you still running? I would like to keep it up too throughout this PG but I can't keep my HR under 140 BPM!!! And then I wonder how much it really matters if your HR goes over 140 if you are fit and used to it? I got "Exercising Through Your Pregnancy" by James Clapp, who did studies on active exerciser and even some marathon runners who kept it up while PG. But then I get so easily scared by those (my doc included) who say not to go over 140 BPM across the board. What to do? Of course, a healthy baby is my priority.

Also, I'd like advice on books to get since I will be a first time mom. I heard that "What To Expect When You're Expecting" is "the pregnancy bible", but I read many reviews on Amazon saying not to buy it since it will unneccesarily scare apprehensive mommies-to-be (like me).

Any recommendations?

Thanks!
Kelley

[Teach2Live]

Happy Saturday!!
I am a free woman now until after baby is born!! No more school, no more responsibility beyond my own family. Hurray!!! Also, my inlaws leave today! All in all, should be a good weekend.

Kelley, the What to Expect books were, in my opinion, overly preachy. I got a lot more from books that go over growth and development week by week. There are a lot of those out there. You might ask your ob or the nurse there if they reccomend any specific books.

Suzanne, I admire how well you're keeping up with exercise. I was told NOT to exercise the first trimester because of being very high risk, and by the time they said ok (20 weeks) I was out of practice and out of shape. Sigh.

Have a good weekend, ladies.

[AngelHope]

Hey everyone! Thanks for all the comments on my girls. They aren't exactly "shrinking violets" so either my son will be totally overwhelmed or he will rise to the occasion with them. Maggie is definitely NOT your typical middle child - I wonder how that is going to work out

Good Morning Suzanne!

Kelley: I am not fond of the What to Expect book. I have it and must say it added to my apprehension during my 1st pregnancy - with my 2nd and 3rd I really like Pregnancy Week by Week and The Pregnancy Journal (REALLY love this one - you back date from you due date and it will tell you what is happening each day with the baby, you and interesting tidbits - as well as having places to jot things down).

Ellen: Congrats on being FREE - no school or inlaws!!!

Not sure what we are going to do today - Mike ran into the office this morning to tie up some things (I swear he is a work-aholic). I really need to find some nighties for the hospital so I might drag him out to help me I am sure he will LOVE that LOL...

[AngelHope]

I also meant to tell everyone thanks for the help with Erin's B-day - the chuck e cheese thing sounds like it might work then I was thinking yesterday we have a Build-A-Bear place at the mall and I could invite a couple of her good friends and do that then maybe a girly day at the nail place there. That shouldn't be too bad (and maybe I could get a pedicure as well ). AND it would be INSIDE!! Even though I knew it probably wasn't a good idea to go to the lake I really needed y'all to tell me - pregnancy does really weird things to me for some reason "practicality and making sense" flies right out the window. So thanks everyone

[lizzyd]

Hi All,

Angela - That sounds like a really nice way to spend the day with the birthday girl. And you'll get a pedicure out of it too!

Kelley - I really liked The Pregnancy Book by Dr. Sears. Great information delivered in a "Here's what we know, and here are all of the options available ..." kind of tone. I felt really well informed especially in the early months with that book. Also, if you want a good chukle, look for Vicki Iovine's Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy. Very funny and puts things in perspective.

Suzanne - Glad you're back home. The weather is getting nice enough around here so that I won't have any excuses left for not getting my big butt in the pool

Busy day. Going to a Russia Day party with my DH and both DS's. My youngest is adopted from Russia (we thought we couldn't have any more, adopted him, then I got pregnant). So, we'll get to meet other families who have adopted from the same region (and he'll meet other kids like himself). Then a wedding this evening. I'm tired already. I have nothing to wear. If these are my biggest complaints, I am truly lucky in my life

Hopre you are all well, BBL,
LizzyD

[FluffiB]

Good morning!

Suzanne - Boy, you are still my inspiration!

Kelley - I wish I would've kept up with my jogging, well, excercise overall. But because I'm such a worry wort, I did keep my HR under 140, and after a while, I didn't even want to get it up that high because it got uncomfortable. Now, I do prenatal yoga DVDs.

As for "What to Expect," I skipped over the scary part and referred to it only when I needed to. I personally found it very informative, and I still refer to it, especially with my BHs and other things I've been noticing (like heat rashes and cramping). And I don't have to harass my drs with every little silly things, even though that's what they're there for. My SIL loved this book, too. She brought it to the hospital and found it useful when they mentioned a term she wasn't familiar with.

I posted this a while back.
I just found out on another site that State Farm is giving away "Mayo Clinic Complete Book of Pregnancy & Baby's First Year." Everyone who ordered it said they got no hassles from State Farm, and the book is great, unbiased. You can order your free copy online:

http://www.statefarm.com/lifevents/baby.htm
Username: good
Password: neighbor

You just have to fill out your name/address, etc.

I got my copy, but ashamed to say, I haven't read it yet. I already read about 8 books in total, and I'm almost near the end of this PG, and I'm finishing up another book that covers the first year. I did hear that everyone liked the book. It sells for over $30.

I also liked "Girlgriends Guide to Pregnancy." It was really funny.

Ellen - to no more school!!

Angela - Build-A-Bear is a neat idea! I'm sure Erin would be thrilled with whatever you plan for her! I have a question for you. You mentioned you might've lost some of your mucus plug the other day. What did it look like? I had a discharge that was gelatinous/gummy one day, and another one but smaller the next day. It's very similar to the cervical mucus I used to see a few days before ovulation. It's back to the normal CM now. Sorry TMI.

I bought pretty much everything I need for the baby. My nesting instincts are kicking in pretty hard. I cleaned out 3 closets in the past few weeks. We need to redo our den (2nd bedroom) so my mom can sleep in there when she visits for at least a month. That'll be a huge project...

Have a great weekend!

ETA, Hi, Lizzy! How weird, my coworker just adopted a baby from Russia, and during the process, she got pregnant. So she now has 2 boys about 9 months apart. I don't know how they're keeping up with 2 infants, especially because this was their first!

[AngelHope]

Lizzy: What a FUN day you have planned! That will be such a neat way for your ds to learn and keep in touch with his heritage!

Katie: I completely forgot about that Mayo book - it is REALLY neat!! Very informative! As for the plug - Warning to all others TMI- It really reminds me of snot. It is gelatinous in a dry way (if that makes sense), it looks like a blob but doesn't smear or come apart easily. At least this is how mine is this time and during my last pregnancy. Some others might chime in on how their's was. Mine was a milky clearish color this time - last time it was streaked a tad with brown. Sometimes it comes out in one big chunk. Mine came out in about 3-4 pieces. I have noticed an increase in more watery discharge since it has happened. Do you think you might be losing yours as well? How have your contractions been lately??

[AngelHope]

Suzanne: Did you get that pool cleaned out? I thought Mike was crazy when he got that thing! He said he got it so I could relax in it as well when the girls wanted to play - he really didn't want me taking them to our neighborhood pool with all the issues I keep having. Its really a neat pool though - I was surprised and its HUGE. I love putting a noodle under my belly and under my chest and just drift.... its like a HUGE weight is lifted off my lungs and body - I CAN BREATHE! LOL.... so happy I don't have to look like a whale floating around in the neighborhood pool LOL.

[babyblue26062]

Originally posted by ThininMex

I am really happy to be home again and sleeping in my own bed.

Isn't that the best- I love coming home from being away and sleeping in my own bed-

[babyblue26062]

Originally posted by Teach2Live
Happy Saturday!!
I am a free woman now until after baby is born!! No more school, no more responsibility beyond my own family. Hurray!!! Also, my inlaws leave today! All in all, should be a good weekend.

Yahhh!! Your free!!!

[babyblue26062]

Originally posted by AngelHope
I also meant to tell everyone thanks for the help with Erin's B-day - the chuck e cheese thing sounds like it might work then I was thinking yesterday we have a Build-A-Bear place at the mall and I could invite a couple of her good friends and do that then maybe a girly day at the nail place there. That shouldn't be too bad (and maybe I could get a pedicure as well ). AND it would be INSIDE!! Even though I knew it probably wasn't a good idea to go to the lake I really needed y'all to tell me - pregnancy does really weird things to me for some reason "practicality and making sense" flies right out the window. So thanks everyone

That sounds like a good party to me. Can I come?

[babyblue26062]

Originally posted by lizzyd
Hi All,
Busy day. Going to a Russia Day party with my DH and both DS's. My youngest is adopted from Russia (we thought we couldn't have any more, adopted him, then I got pregnant). So, we'll get to meet other families who have adopted from the same region (and he'll meet other kids like himself). Then a wedding this evening. I'm tired already. I have nothing to wear. If these are my biggest complaints, I am truly lucky in my life

Hopre you are all well, BBL,
LizzyD

That is wonderful about your youngest son. It sounds like you have a busy weekend. Have a good time

[babyblue26062]

Originally posted by FluffiB



I got my copy, but ashamed to say, I haven't read it yet.
I also liked "Girlgriends Guide to Pregnancy." It was really funny.

Same here I got my copy of the State farm book and havn't opened it. I did like the Girlfriends guide!!

[babyblue26062]

Hi mommies-

Not much going on here. Still trying to get everything in Jessica's room. Then my godson's bday party is later. My cousin is going to be induced Monday. I can't wait to see her baby- We are so excited!!!

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

Kristen

[Suzanne]

Kristen, Max was only scared once or twice during Harry Potter, but not badly. Your daughter is a little older so she should be fine.

Hi Kelley, I don’t run I just walk fast in my running shoes. I have tried running a few times but my bladder can’t take the pressure. About the books, the What to Expect books is pretty generalized and makes a good quick reference but I like the Sear’s books better. I have the Pregnancy Book and the Birth Book (and all their parenting books…) I also have the Bradley natural childbirth book by Susan McCutcheon and it’s got lots of great info if you want to go natural. Ina May Gaskin’s new natural childbirth book is great as is her first book Spiritual Midwifery.

Ellen, congratulations on getting rid of the in-laws and getting done with school! Now you should have lots of quality time for yourself.

Hi Katie, enjoy your nesting this weekend. I'd like to do some nesting but I am too darned hot. I think I'll go nest in my air conditioned bedroom and see if DH wants to practice child birth exercises...LOL

Angela, we need to clean the pool out but it’s not high on my list of priorities today--I've got a ton of laundry to finish. That little pool really is nice when we don’t feel like getting all salty in the ocean—and when there are pica pica out there! I’ll have to try the belly floating. A few days ago, I dug a hole in the sand right at the edge of the water and laid there for a while. That’s my imitation of a beached whale…

Today I am making SF frozen yogurt with fresh coconut from my trees. The chocolate ice cream last week was too hard to stay away from, I totally lost control. This should be healthier and I can count each serving in place of a glass of milk!

[nyanchan]

Hi! I'm just 7 weeks pregant! This is my first and we're all very excited.

Does anyone have any insight on plus size materinty clothes? I went shopping with a friend today and found that the XL clothes fit with room in the belly for a little while, but not for the long haul...

Thanks!

Dierdre

[Redjewel]

good sunday morning, Ladies!

I just got done reading the thread for the weekend, I also like the sat-sun thread.

Lately I have been so jittery and nervous, and even got irratated for no reasons at all last night, which is unusual for me..ok I am ******y.. but never really so nervous almost as if I drank 40 cups of coffee type jittery/nervous. It is also happening again today.
Any insight?


I also get the slimysnot that is super thick a big chunk, then thinner mucus, then it stops and I will get it again in a week or so. I read somewhere (couldn´t remember where) that its NORMAL (lol) and the cervical plug constantly repairs itself thru out the pregnancy.

[lizzyd]

Hi Chris,

The only things I know about that can affect your metabolism the way you describe (besides speed and caffeine) are some asthma medications and your thyroid. Have you ever had any problem with your thyroid or had it checked?

Is your pulse faster than usual too? Can you check your blood pressure easily (do you have a cuff at home, or do they have them in drug stores where you are)?

Have you been on steroids recently? If you lie down and relax does the feeling go away? Do you feel lightheaded or dizzy?

LizzyD

[Suzanne]

Welcome Dierdre! Congratulations on your pregnancy! Whoever starts the thread tomorrow morning will add you to the list.

Hi Chris, I've been feeling jittery and ******y all the time. The jittery is because my thyroid med was too high. Maybe you are becoming hyperthyroid? I don't know why I am so b!itchy, I thought my moods would get better after the M/S went away, and I was better for a while. But here I am Super Grump again.
Part of it is that I am starting to feel uncomfortable all the time.

We are having severe weather today, a good excuse to lay around and do nothing. As if I need an excuse...LOL

Tracy, have you had that baby yet?

Trish, how's Bradley doing?

Hope you are all having a great weekend.

Saludos,

Suzanne

[Teach2Live]

Welcome Deirdre. I had very good luck with JC Penny online for plus size maternity. Nice selection and good prices. Motherhood also has some, and there are others you can find. Very little or nothing in stores, most of it is in catalogs or online.

Having a nice restful weekend so far. I've been getting some cramping (cervical) and I hope it's not an infection. We'll see tomorrow at my drs. appt.

[FluffiB]

Angela - Thanks for your response. That's exactly what I've been noticing since Thursday, except it's tinted a bit yellow. I've had 2 incidents of this glob in the last month, but not 4 days in a row like this (they're in small amounts). Maybe something is happening! I can tell my hormones are wacky too - I'm breaking out again and crabby one day, fine the next. My ctxs are irregular. How are yours?

Hi, Kristen and Suzanne!

Dierdre, and congratulations! Even though I wear regular-sized clothes, I had better luck finding the style I want by ordering from online like JCPenney's. I did go to the store to try on the same maker's size to make sure they fit OK.

Chris - I've had the same jittery feeling for several weeks. Of course, I was told it's normal. It seemed to happen after I ate, so I thought it was my metabolism kicking in. I think around the beginning of 3rd trim, your blood volume has increased by 100%, so that's probably why. I don't get it anymore though. I hope it's nothing serious!

Hi, Lizzy!

Teach, sorry to say, cervical cramping is normal too. I hope your dr checks you regardless just in case!

[AngelHope]

Chris: It could be normal "pregnancy" stuff.... but why don't you try to take your bp when you feel this coming on. Didn't you say at your last appt it was elevated a little? You might just want to keep a log to see if it is fluctuating. I can always tell mine is going up b/c my patience level goes WAY down and anxiety/nervousness sortof sets in. I hope its just a hormonal thing with you right now

Dierdre: CONGRATS I have heard some other women on a different board say they really like gap.com plus size maternity. I admit I just recently bought a couple of 1X shirts just b/c the snugger ones are just driving me nuts - its a pregnancy thing with me, I feel like I am suffocating in the "tighter" shirts they have out right now. I do love gap's t-shirts though! They are always long enough to cover panels and they don't shink up too much if you happen to forget and throw them in the dryer

Katie: Sounds like something might be happening Even though it could still be weeks away it always makes me feel good to know SOMETHING is progressing. I remember losing my plug with Maggie around 34wks - was checked for dialation at 36wks and was a 2, then I was a 3 when they induced. So losing the plug doesn't always mean labor is around the corner BUT ITS SOMETHING!!!!! I haven't had any more intense constant ctrxs and nothing regular.... but mild ones do still come an go and are more just a pain in the rear than anything! You know I was noticing my skin is breaking out again all of a sudden too!! It was terrible in the 1st trimester (which is a first in my pregnancies) then it went away and now its back. Hope your ctrxs don't wear you out too much Let the dr know about your plug and maybe they will check you early (especially w/the ctrxs) - when do you go next?


Speaking of HORMONES gone whacky. I swear no customer service rep, sales person, someone calling w/the wrong # (5 times), Mike, idiot drivers, one of Mike's co-workers who should keep his mouth shut - are NOT safe around me anymore. Just this past weekend my patience level for stupidity has become non-existant. The stories I could tell just between Friday and Saturday would probably take all day so I won't go into my awful hormonal verbal returns. Its like something clicks in my head and ANYTHING will come out of my mouth - I can feel my blood start to boil, I can feel my temper rising.... and there is NOTHING I can do. Guess I should hide in my closet until delivery

[TRACY2]

KATIE'S HERE!!!!

Ok, just walked in the door from the hospital, but here's the story. I will post more pics later on.

Thursday my ob stripped the membranes for me and I started cramping. Went home, cleaned the house, cooked dinner, did laundry, packed everyone a bag, hoping this was it. Bathed the girls put them to bed and took a shower. Sure enough, 11:00, my water broke. Took the kids to their grandparents, went to the hospital. They put me on the monitors at midnight and waited to see how I would progress. By 6 am I was only a 3. So they started pitocin. Great, the contractions picked up and got steady. They didn't bother to check me again until I was begging for an epidural. I was already 8 cm they gave me the epi