Pregnancy Thread.....Tuesday, 1/11

[metroames]

Mrs. Sarah.............Tanner Christian..............Born 11/12/04
ChristinaK..............Joshua Vincent................Born 11/18/04
karatejen...............Murphy Archie.................Born 11/27/04
Surfdol...................Catherine Emily Jean.......Born 12/21/04
BrattyChelle...........Elana Marie.....................Born 12/23/04
GetNSlim................Jonathan Charles............Born 12/31/04
Kay&Lydi................????????????.............. ....Born 01/06/04

Viki............................W38............... .01/22/05......Girl
Shandril105...............W38............... 01/23/05......Girl
Nyanchan..................W38................01/31/05......Girl
metroames................W37................02/08/05......Boy
MadameX...................W37................02/09/05......Girl
JennPayton................W31................03/13/05......Girl
blueyedgrl..................W30................03/26/05
kimism........................W30................0 3/26/05......Girl
Heather123................W29................03/30/05......Boy
shelly..........................W29............... .04/02/05......Boy?
Sassy Frass................W28................04/07/05......Girl

Marthad......................W27................04/11/05
Dar20..........................W26................ 04/16/05.....Girl
Jefinner.......................W26................ 04/16/05
GoJackets....................W24...............05/03/05
mom2twoboys.............W24...............05/07/05
chels_hoff....................W23...............05/15/05......Boy
Ravenly74................... W23...............05/15/05......Boy
Denise85.....................W22...............05/22/05......Boy
tekla............................W22.............. .05/23/05
azktycat.......................W20...............0 5/30/05
michigangrad...............W20................06/01/05
Vixendrop....................W17................06/18/05
naerenaenae...............W17................06/18/05
ChristieJ.......................W17............... .06/19/05
Alibarbar......................W17................ 06/20/05
jehcekah......................W17................0 6/22/05
gilbabe75.....................W16................0 6/25/05
Miss Gigl.......................W16................06/26/05
rooney..........................W16............... .06/30/05
Acutepenguin...............W14.................07/10/05
allibaba........................W14............... ..07/12/05....Twins
kclynn...........................W13.............. ...07/18/05

Tbugs...........................W12............... ..07/21/05
Mandyhoward..............W11.................07/30/05
SmileyAmy....................W10.................. 08/08/05
takahirakoshino...........W9...................08/15/05

Green12........................................... ...Trying!
2BFitHourglass.................................... Trying!
lil miss.............................................. ...Trying!
Nicole133......................................... ....Trying!
jeepifer.......................................... ......Trying!
StrawberryGirl.................................... ..Trying!
AnnieO............................................ .....Trying!
speckle........................................... ......Trying!
Alissaliz......................................... ........Trying!
Aediekins......................................... .....Trying!

[metroames]

Good morning ladies!

Originally posted by MadameX
I had my appointment today and am 50% effaced! Now what the heck does that mean? I'm not dilated at all.

At my midwife appointment yesterday, she checked me and I am also 50% effaced....and I'm also 2 centimeters dialated and -1 station! Now I know that I can go weeks like this, but I was rather shocked! The midwife's words were "you cervix is ripe and the baby could come at any time"! Of course, that got my husband going. I wish I would have had a camera...the look on his face was priceless!

When she was done with the check she showed me her gloved hand and pointed out the globs of cervical mucous (ok, maybe a little TMI ). She said it was from my mucous plug trying to reform since I evidently lost it when I started dialating. The discharge has really increased over the past few weeks, and I guess I didn't think much about it. I've also been having a lot of pressure in my pelvic region with numbness in my thighs at times too....I guess this is all signs that that the baby is decending and is normal.

Well, I'm not concerned about going into labor "any minute" and I'll be suprised if I go in the next few weeks. Although I have a feeling I'll be a bit early, but I thought that before the check today. Now my husband....I think he got a jolt of reality of this baby coming soon and now he's almost in a frantic mode to get everything done this week, LOL! It's rather entertaining to watch.

Originally posted by vixendrop
I did start about a month before... and then during labor I was in the water so that helped as well, but if I hadn't been then I would've used warm compresses whih are shown to improve the elasticity down there and help things stretch without tearing. One of the important things though is to not rush during pushing... a lot of doctors have you push the baby out as fast as possible, but that's not needed unless the baby is in danger... have your doctor/midwife ease the baby's head and shoulders out gently... the shoulders are actually when most tearing occurs.

We've been doing the perineal massage for a couple weeks now. It makes sense to do it ahead of time to allow the stretching to occur over several weeks. Not sure how affective it would be to do it at the last minute. Hopefully, this will help prevent me from tearing, but I still won't be suprised if I tear a bit....just because I can't get over that a baby is actually gonna come out that rather small hole with no damage done to me! I'd rather take my chances with a tear though, than have a definate cut there.

Originally posted by vixendrop
But right now, a quick question... has anyone been playing music to their bellies?

We tried it once and it was rather boring and weird for me. I was willing to do it because my husband wanted to, but I think he could tell I didn't care for it, so he said forget it. My mom didn't do that with me and I turned out ok (A/B student and was in choir and band in school and still have a great appreciation for music), so I'm not sure it would make that much difference. But I guess it wouldn't hurt if you want to do it.

Hi to everyone else! Have a great day!

Ames

[Marthad]

Hi everyone! I'm back. I spent yesterday catching up on the thread. Congrats Michelle, Surfdoll and GetNSlim! I've been loving reading your stories and seeing all the great pictures!

I'm glad to see that everyone is doing well! I can't believe I'm almost in the 3rd trimester and how fast time is flying!

Michelle, when I first scanned the list, and didn't see your name, I almost paniced! Then I figured it out I like the new name.

The trip was nice, it was really good to be back in the US, but I think 3 weeks at my parents is a little much...There was a lot of family stress, I was hormonal, and my mom, who is taking medication after breast cancer, was pretty moody and short a lot of the time. The last week was fairly drama filled with me not wanting to come back to Sweden, and also feeling not so welcomed in my parents house--it no longer feels like home.

Otherwise, the holidays were great, we had a nice Christmas and didn't quite make it to midnight on New Years...I've been eating all kinds of crap, up until Sunday, and I'm feeling much better now, although the jet lag is still screwing me up. I've lost about six pounds since I started eating right, but it's probably mostly water and swelling from the flight. This puts me at up 10 or 11 lbs total. I'm worried the midwife is going to harass me at my appointment tomarrow. *sigh*

We brought back a huge duffle full of baby clothes, a car seat and my father is bringing the stroller in April. This week I need to get ordering the nursery furniture--they're having a 10% off Janurary sale.

Dena, I've been having the pelvic pain as well. for a while there it was almost unbearable, then I don't know what happened but it's feeling much better now, mostly just turning over in bed or when I get up from sitting for a while. My hips have been bothering me at night too, but I think it was just the bed at my parent's house, b/c it seems much better now after 2 nights in our own bed. My cousin had it too, and she suggested squats to help stretch, but from what I've read online, they say to keep your legs together as much as possible...

I'll try to catch up with more personals tomarrow. xoxo

[BrattyChelle]

glad you made it safely back Martha!! I'm sure you'll feel better once you've settled back into your old routine

[chels_hoff]

Hello wonderful women, I have missed you the last few days. Just couldn’t find the time to get my butt on here.

Ames ~ How exciting!! You will be telling us your birth story before you know it!!

Martha ~ Glad you are back we missed you!!

Dena ~ A big Wooo Hooo on the furniture!! Now you will have to post pics so we can see it!! Glad you had fun!! Where are you planning on registering?? You may want to start the registry online so it wont be as overwhelming!!

Dar ~ Love the avatar... Who took it?? Too funny about your hubby having the shopping gene, should have guessed that with the cute outfit & blankie he got. David is just the opposite, and as he puts it I like to doodly-bop...lol

Michelle ~ Good for you on the weight loss!! And glad to hear that our little piggy girl is doing so well!! Love the latest pics of her!!

Kelley ~ WooHoo on the cervix progress, it wont be long now less than a month to your DD!! I don’t know what my deal is but as I am shopping and trying to find things for Payton's tropical paradise I cant find anything. But I am finding a Ton of stuff for your little cowgirl. Here is the latest that I found.... http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Product...TTYP=&ShopBy=0

Slim ~ Sorry to here you are not getting much sleep.

Vixen ~ Thanks for the info on the massage/tearing!! As far as music goes I haven't played it specifically for him yet but David does talk to him and this weekend was telling him "Kick the Mommy"

Mandy ~ Keeping your hubby in my thoughts and prayers, my best friend spent a year over there. She was in one of the first caravans that went to Baghdad after the front line.

Amy (smiley) ~ Too funny about your little escapade this weekend... did you at least have fun at the pleasure party part of it?? Focus groups are fun, great that they are going to continue to contact you. Glad that your Dr. appt went well!! Hope your family is feeling better soon after there big ouchies.

Meg ~ Sorry to hear about the work issues, hope everything calms down soon. I just figured that you where busy welcoming hubby home this weekend.... he he he

heather123 ~ If you need help with the pic's just IM me (remember Photography is my job!) Will look for the Mosses basket stuff for you while I am shopping the net... have you tries Ebay??

Alli ~ I so love PJ days... usually Sunday around our house. Hope that we still have our lazy days after Payton is here.

Shandril ~ How is everything on the baby front?? Sounds like you have a great MIL, I am jealous!! Cant seem to remember when is your next Dr. appt?

Aedie ~ To funny about the name thing I don’t run into many other Chelsea's that are my age. But thanks to Clinton it became very popular in the 90's.

Kim ~ Positive thought going your way that little on waits to make her appearance.

Emily ~

Dierdre ~ Good for you putting your foot down at work!! How was your shower?? We want all the details!!

Welcome to the board Casey!!

Hello to Penguin, Kristee & anyone that I may have missed!!

Had a Dr. appt today everything is good with the baby, he is still measuring 5 days bigger.... hope I don’t go past my DD!! With the big u/s they did find an abnormality with me though. Guess I have a cyst on the inside of my bladder, not sure what that means. But the Dr. didn’t seem concerned. At first she was concerned when she saw my lack of bell but I measured right at 22 weeks. She said it is more than likely because of my abb muscles, but that should change soon. My next appt is on Feb 3rd, and I get to do the glucose test. She said that there's was not bad and tasted like orange soda, we will see!! Had an awkward run in at the grocery store on Friday followed buy a pity party for myself the rest of the day. I ran into a friends husband and he was acting weird, almost nervous. He asked how thing where going and I just said "great kind of the calm before the storm, cant wait till out little guy is here" and I patted my tummy. He looked so relived and said that was good to hear and he was sorry about the awkward moment before that when he saw me I didn’t look PG and he didn’t mention anything because he thought I may have had a m/c. That totally ruined my day... awww man!!! And I SO had belly envy today at the OB's office. Hope everyone has a great day, will be back later to post a few more things!!

Oh go enter your guesses at our Baby Pool at http://www.expectnet.com/game.php and enter PaytonWayne as the game name

xoxo Chelsea
*Pregnant with Our First*
It's a Boy!! Cant wait to meet you Payton Wayne !!


Baby's Web Page
Mom & Dad's Website

[JennPayton]

Hi Gals!

Long time no talk! Sorry that I haven't been around. I work for a humanitarian aid organization (Heart to Heart International), so I have been up to my eyeballs in the Tsunami Relief efforts for the past 2 weeks or so. I have worked a lot of disasters, but doing it 31 weeks pregnant is a new challenge! Luckily, I am not going "on the ground" to Sri Lanka - but we have 5 staff members that left last week - and it took them 52 hours to eventually get to our office in Colombo. I'm content to stay behind the scenes here in our KC office!

I will be trying hard to catch up on everyone!

Ames - I can't believe how far up the list you are! It's amazing how quickly time flies.

Martha - Welcome back! I am so glad that you trip went well, despite the little things. Three weeks is a long time, even when you love the place and the people. I am so routine oriented, its hard for me to go away on long trips.

Chels - I think I have the opposite problem - people think I am past due. My belly has really balloned the last 2-3 weeks. The glucose test isn't too bad - but I did feel like I got a headache from the rush of sugar in the drink. I ate some scrambled eggs when I got home and felt better pretty quickly. Good Luck with it!

Brat - Elana is gorgeous!!!!! Keep the pics coming!

Everything is going well with me. Still haven't gotten any stretch marks, which I am feeling like is a complete mistake - like somehow they were forgotten by the pregnancy gods. I keep expecting to wake up one morning and be covered in them. I am sleeping well and I feel great. I hope it continues. I know this is going to sound bad - but I think dealing with the tsunami has kept me so busy and active that I haven't had the time or energy to dwell on little aches and pains - and I am so exhausted at night, I just go right to sleep...

I think the baby is still breech. I have another ultrasound on the 21st, just to check the placenta. At my 20 week u/s, the tech called it "low lying", so I am going to have another - eventhough when we went for our 3D, the tech showed us that it was in perfect position. I am praying that she moves in the next week or so...I have had so few problems with this pregnancy, I would hate to end it with one. Well, I know there are worse problems than a breech baby, but I want a natural childbirth, etc...

Ok, I will check back later!

I missed you guys!

:-)

[MadameX]

Early morning for me! My sleep patterns have changed so drastically, I still can't get over it! It used to be physically impossible for me to get up at 5:00, now it's the norm!

Just hearing that there was some effacement progress down there yesterday got me shopping and I think I'll feel better when baby's room is ready! I got a great Pottery Barn side table and a curtain rod. I cleaned the carpets yesterday and will get ready for (someone) to paint. My DH is out of town all week! I took a Ralph Lauren paint sample to Sherwin Williams to match and they couldn't have got the color more wrong! They will fix it, but I need to take the paint back today...through a snowstorm. My "western cowgirl" theme is now turning into "bebe de Provence" when I changed just one fabric. I promise I'll post pics when it's all done.

I will also feel better when I pack my hospital bag. I can't decide what baby should wear home from the hospital, for one thing. We took the general baby birthing class at the hospital we'll deliver at on Saturday. It was good, she got to the point much faster than the doula who taught the Hypnobirthing class and thus kept DH's attention. We watched several videos, good for him to see too! This hospital is so progressive, all the invasive-procedure worries I had are a non-issue. I guess it helps to live in the state with the highest birthrate per capita.

Ames~Yay on the cervical progress! I'm not quite ready for an early arrival either, so I'm not reading much into my effacement. They did my group B strep swab yesterday. I wish they would warn when they swab both the vaginal area AND the "other" spot!

Martha~Welcome back!!! We missed you! I can't believe you're almost in the third tri. Sounds like you had a good time at home for the Holidays for the most part.

Chels~ That is so cute! Thanks for the link. My theme has changed a little, but colors are the same. I found this for Payton's room: http://www.poshtots.com/catalog/prod...roduct_id=2091
The glucose test is no biggie; I'm sure you'll do fine! It's a bummer not to show when you want to, but maternity clothes are ugly, so be thankful you can avoid those for the most part. I bet you'll "pop" overnight!

Dena~I'm sorry about that hip pain. I agree you should try stretching.

Hi Meg!

Vixen~No, I haven't played music to my belly. I have heard of someone who listened to REM in the car during her entire pregnancy, and when baby arrived and they played that CD he would go right to sleep!

Dar~Cute new avvie!

Hi Michelle! Yay on Elana eating well!

Smiley~I too had to laugh about the male stripper. I agree it's not my thing! I wouldn't mind watching from afar, but I HATE it when they get close up! EEEWWW. Don't know where they've been...don't wanna know.

BBL. I know I have missed a lot of you!
Kelley

[MadameX]

Originally posted by JennPayton
Hi Gals!



Everything is going well with me. Still haven't gotten any stretch marks, which I am feeling like is a complete mistake - like somehow they were forgotten by the pregnancy gods. I keep expecting to wake up one morning and be covered in them.

:-)

Hi Jenn!
It has been a long time! I don't have stretch marks yet either, but someone told me you can't consider yourself in the clear till AFTER delivery! Did your mom get them? I've heard they are hereditary mostly. I actually thought I had one the other day, but it turns out I just had a mark from running into something with my belly. I underestimate the space I take up now I guess.

Good luck with the relief efforts!

Kelley

[Dar20]

Originally posted by chels_hoff
Dar ~ Love the avatar... Who took it?? Too funny about your hubby having the shopping gene, should have guessed that with the cute outfit & blankie he got. David is just the opposite, and as he puts it I like to doodly-bop...lol

Thanks, Chels.. we were at a friend's house and her DH had just gotten a new Canon digital camera with telephoto lens and he was playing with it. I have several action shots of her. I think I posted them awhile ago. Anyways, I fel my avi needed a change since Christmas has passed!

Sorry about the belly envy.. but you know in a few months WE will be envying YOU when we complain about our aching backs and we can't see our toes.

DH SOOOO has the shopping gene. I hate it. He could spend hours at the mall where I avoid the mall like the plague. We bought a camcorder last night from Best Buy.. and spent twice our budget just like I said we would. *sigh* Grrr!

I had a better night's sleep last night.. no griping from DH about snoring! LOL...

Martha!! So glad you are back. We missed you! I hear you on the stressful visiting of family and not feeling like it's home anymore. Weird how that happens, huh? I keep getting very "aloof" vibes from my mother about this pregnancy and it really breaks my heart. Perhaps because I'm hormonal, but I just thought she'd be more excited. I guess I was wrong. The latest shower escapade has me even more upset.

Are you going to find out the sex?

Jenn, wow, what an interesting job. It must also be very stressful as well as rewarding.. how do you do it?!

Wow, Kelley... it's so weird to see you and Ames moving so far up. You'll be leaving us soon. Can't you bring a couple outfits for her, and decide later?

Oh, my QOTD.... how much do you tip for a massage?

Ok, I seriously need to get some work done. I'm not looking forward to flying to Miami for just the day tomorrow.. ugh.

[Marthad]

Hi Dar Yes, we're hoping to find out the sex. I soooo feel like it's a boy, but you know how that goes! I can't wait to find out, though! I usually tip 10-15% depending on how much it was to begin with (overpriced, I'll tip less) and how great it was. Mmmmm massage. I had a great one before Christmas. I still have a gift certificate for one in Stockholm, but she doesn't have a preggie table, and it's just not the same having it on your side (to me, anyways).

Jenn, your job must be satisfying, to know you're making a difference. That part of the world is a hotspot for Swedes, and when we got home we had a Christmas card from some friends saying "We're off to Sri Lanka for 3 weeks of sun..." Needless to say our hearts sank, we called them right away, but haven't heard back from them. There are still a bunch of Swedes missing...

Kelley, I remember when you were worried that you'd have a morning baby and you not being a morning person! Nature seems to take her course

Chels, I'm sure you'll have the cute little belly soon enough! I just look extra fat.

Ames, wow, you're getting close!!

[Dar20]

Originally posted by Marthad
Hi Dar I usually tip 10-15% depending on how much it was to begin with (overpriced, I'll tip less) and how great it was. Mmmmm massage. I had a great one before Christmas. I still have a gift certificate for one in Stockholm, but she doesn't have a preggie table, and it's just not the same having it on your side (to me, anyways).

Cool, thanks Martha! I just scheduled one for next Saturday.. and it's with a guy. He's the only one available on Saturdays. But, it is a prenatal massage, so I'm sure he knows what he's doing. It's $60 for 1 hour, which I think is a pretty good price.. and I'm paying with a gift certificate, anyways, so I can afford to be generous. I can't wait! I've never had a massage, though.. will I have to get nekkid?

I hope your friends are okay.

[Marthad]

$60 an hour sounds like a good price, mine over Christmas was $140 for 80 minutes! But, that included tip--it was a present. Massages I've had in Europe usually ask you to take it all off, but in the States, you can usually leave your panties on

[MadameX]

Originally posted by Dar20
I've never had a massage, though.. will I have to get nekkid?

Dar~JMO, but I think it is better nekkid...especially since during pregnancy, some of the sorest muscles are near your sciatic nerve and your piriformis...both in the butt area! It's easier for them to rub the muscles sans panties. You'll get over being shy about nekkidness in about one minute! Enjoy!

Martha~ a prayer for your friends in Sri Lanka...

Kelley

[Dar20]

Everyone asleep out there? Just in case you miss me (cause I know you will, right? um.. right?).. I'll be in Ft. Lauderdale tomorrow. Yuck.

[Shandril105]

Hi Ladies! Just got back from the hospital.

Elizabeth Skye made her way into the world at 9:07 AM on 01/10/05.

Water broke at 4:20 AM on Monday morning. Got Ciera up and she got dressed, got her shoes on and even brushed her own hair in order to get ready. She was so good. Called DH at work to tell him is was time and he sped home. Called the grandparents also to let them know.

Got to the hospital at 5:00 AM and was only 3cms dialated but 100% effaced. Everyone figured we we in for along wait, me included. It did end up being longer than my daughter.

Utilized my yoga breathing and used a focal point. That got me through pretty good. My mom, MIL, Stepmom, Dad, and DH were there to cheer me on and keep me concentrating. My mom happily let me use her to vent on later in the process when breathing and focal points were useless. I was in very good spirits for most of it. Originally didn't plan for IV or epidural. No oxygen or cath.

Dr. comes in about 7:30 and asks if I had gotten my results from my strep B test back. I told him not yet as I was supposed to have seen him later that morning for my results but labor kinda sidetracked that. He didn't have them yet and his office was still closed, so he had to have me placed on IV antibiotics as a precaution. I had no problems with this and allowed them to proceed. By then contractions were getting nasty.

Nurse poked me 3 times trying to get a vein with no luck. She had to get someone else to do it. (Never let them do an IV with anything larger than a 22 gauge needle. It goes much better). She used a smaller needle and we were in business. And just as a side note IV antibiotics BURN!!!!!!!

About 8:30 hits and contrations are becoming highly unbearable. Was sweating and thrashing. My moms and DH were doing their part with ice chips and cold compresses. The compresses rocked! But at that point I was really wanting something for the pain. Nurse checks me and tell me I am at 7 and she will go get me something and call me dr. I told her I wanted the epidural. But several contractions and 5 minutes later I told my mom to get the nurse because I need to push now! She told me I couldn't because I was at 10cms yet. She called the nurse who checked me and sure enough I was at 10. Dr. hadn't come back yet so I had to keep from pushing while I waited for him to get there. Who were they kidding? I started to crown and dr. got there poretty much in time to ease her head out. There was no stopping this kid. One most push and the body was out just that fast. I did have a small 2nd degree tear, but it was way better than the episiotomy I had previously with my first. We were in the hospital a little over 24 hours and went on our merry way. No complications at all. In fact Elizabeth looked so perfect all the nurses said she looked like she was a week old.

She was 7 lbs 15.8 ozs and 21 inches long. Also extremelyWe had an absolutely wonderful stay and are very happly our little angel face is here at last.

[wari]

Shandril - Congratulations and Welcome to the world Elizabeth!!! So glad everthing went so well!!!! Can't wait to see pictures!

Wendy

[heather123]

Woo-Hoo Shandrill!!!!!! That is fantastic! What a fast labor!

[vixendrop]

Congrats Shandril and welcome Elizabeth!!!

[MadameX]

Welcome Elizabeth!!! Congrats Shandril!!!

Thank you for sharing your story! I had to check that today was, in fact, Tuesday since you said you went into labor yesterday morning and are already home, sounding so together and relaxed! That was a fast labor. Please send us Easy Labor Vibes like yours.


Kelley

[GetNSlim]

Congratulations, Shandril and WELCOME Elizabeth!! I'm so glad that it sounds like you had a pretty easy time of it and your baby girl is so healthy!! I can't believe she was almost 2 weeks early and still so big!!! Are you breastfeeding? How's it going?? Once again, CONGRATULATIONS!

[nyanchan]

Congrats Shandril!! Yes, please send some easy labor vibes our way!!

The shower was really nice. People brought so many gifts that it took me a full 2 hours to open them all... I'm very grateful, but 99% of it was stuff that was not on my registry! There is a lot of returning to be done. I have so many onesies that I could outfit an entire nation of babies.... I guess I'm pretty prepared, just wish I could have gotten a few things we really needed off of the register. (Hope I don't sound too un-grateful...)

I had told you all earlier about the negative people I worked with, and sure enough my best friend (hostess of the shower) had to tell 1 woman to knock it off and put on a happy face as she walked in the door. My friend has a lot of moxy!

I've got a Dr's appt tomorrow afternoon and then we see our doula again on Thursday night. I just talked to her and told her about the sharp pains I'm having. She said that it's the babies head resting on my cervix... so it seems that something is happening!! YEAH! I'm 37 weeks today, so me "blowing" at anytime is a real possibility!

Hope everyone is well! Sounds like you are!

[Dar20]

Congrats to Shandril and family! Welcome Elizabeth!!!

Wow... what a fast delivery! I'm so glad it went so well.