~Pregnancy Thread~Thursday, July 21st~

[SmileyAmy]

Jefinner...................Ezra Franklin .................Born 05/05/05
GoJackets................Hamilton Wood...............Born 05/05/05
mom2twoboys...........Melissa..................... ....Born 05/06/05
chels_hoff................Payton Wayne................Born 05/08/05
Mandyhoward..........Spencer Cole...................Born 05/23/05 @ 30 weeks
Denise85.................Paige Loralei...................Born 05/19/05
tekla.......................Zachary Alexander..........Born 05/26/05
azktycat..................Aeryn Rylee...................Born 05/30/05
kclynn.....................Reyli Donovan................Born 06/03/05
Miss Gigl...............Charlotte Muriel Elizabeth....Born 06/09/05
Luna.......................Abigail Rose...................Born 06/10/05
nbecker..................MacKenzie Grace.............Born 06/11/05
Vixendrop...............Kayden Ardria Kathryn.......Born 06/12/05
gilbabe75.................Luke Gregory.................Born 06/15/05
naerenaenae............Mackenzie Abigail............Born 06/17/05
allibaba.......Corrinn Helene & Griffin Edward......Born 06/24/05
jehcekah.................Benjamin Thomas............Born 06/27/05
Acutepenguin.............Daniel Zachary.............Born 07/03/05
thopki00......................Baby Boy...................Born 07/08/05
rooney.........................???????............ .........????

Tbugs..........................W39...............0 7/21/05
melos...........................W38............... 08/01/05
SmileyAmy....................W37...............08/05/05....Girl
meme123......................W35...............08/22/05....Girl
StarFire........................W33............... 09/05/05....Triplets !!!
Ketosisgirl.....................W31............... 09/22/05.....Boy
vjfreddi.........................W30.............. 10/01/05
jeepifer.........................W29.............. 10/04/05....Girl
Karingreen.....................W29..............10 /08/05

jojolw...........................W?............... ..??/??/05
Tammeli........................W27...............1 0/17/05....Girl
Karalynne7....................W?.................? ?/??/05
Jai...............................W21............. ..11/27/05...Girl
Kaillean.........................W20.............. .12/06/05
cjthedog64 ...................W20...............12/10/05
Diabolique......................W17............... 12/24/05

jadefox26......................W?................. 12/??/05
Trailboss.......................W13............... 01/20/06
Louise...........................W12.............. 01/27/06
Portia...........................W12.............. ..02/05/06
abvidrine.......................W11............... 02/12/06
littlegunshots.................W8................. .03/07/06
brandyxoxo25.................W?..................? ?/??/06
Texoma.........................W8................. .??/??/06
Celia.............................W7.............. ....03/13/06
Daisy73.........................W6................ ..03/18/06
boodsadel......................W6................. .03/16/06

lil miss.............................................. .....Trying!
StrawberryGirl.................................... .....Trying!
AnnieO............................................ .......Trying!
speckle........................................... .......Trying!
AZParalegal....................................... ......Trying!
DasiyNYC.......................................... ......Trying!
Nikole............................................ .........Trying!
LunaAshling....................................... ......Trying!
jennifer-in-wv..........................................Trying !

[SmileyAmy]

I couldn't see on the list what everyone was talking about - Meg is still pregnant? Obviously, I am blind. Help?

So, you can officially call me the PG Board drama queen.

I went on the hospital tour yesterday and it was all WAY too real for me!! OMG...we walked into the labor & delivery/recovery room and I almost started crying. Not happy, my baby is going to be here crying. It was OMG, I am going to be in a room like this soon and I think I have changed my mind crying. I managed to hold in the tears, but it was very overwhelming!! I am still a little freaked out by it.

On the good side, I have been nervous about DH's family wanting to come in and out of the room while I was in labor. They are they kind of people to camp out until it happnes, which I didn't want, but wasn't sure how to tell them that I only wanted my mother to be able to come in and out - and even that will be limited to early labor. Well, I knew that there was only two people allowed in the room with me at a time, but I figured people could take turns. WRONG!! I have to pick two people and that is is for the duration. So it will be my mom and DH and if anyone else wants to wait, they will be 10 floors down and there are no phone calls made down there to give updates or anything, so they may as well stay home. I was really happy to hear that - gives me an excuse NOT to have to see them while in labor and to tell them we will call them.

Well, busy Thursday...hope everyone is doing okay. BBL

[Trailboss]

Hey Ladies,

Nothing new to report here other than the fact that I feel like a cow. I am shocked how fast I am starting to show with this pregnancy. With DS I didn't show until 30 weeks.

Amy-In regards to Meg, someone brought up the fact that her stats still say she is pregnant. Shelly made a comment that it blows the theory that they come out eventually. I'm sure Meg will update her stats when she has time.

Sorry the hospital was overwhelming. You are not alone. I think everyone has those feeling when they have their first class or their hospital tour. Are you still seeing a counselor?

Also, it is my experience that the nurses will enforce the visitors rule especially if you mention it to your labor nurse(s). They deal with that all the time and they don't care if the family gets peeved with them.

Have a great day everyone!

[SmileyAmy]

Jackie ~ Yeah...I am still somewhat seeing the therapist. I see her next Thursday, so I will mention it. It was just VERY overwhelming and made it even more real than the crib being in my home. Regarding family...yeah, I already knew that if I wanted to not have anyone come and visit, the nurses would tell them no. I can also do that with phone calls. If they call the front desk, they will buzz me and ask if I want to talk to them, or I can say no calls - period. So, that is good. I am sure you aren't a cow, by the way. My friend who has three kids also said that she was surprised at how quickly she started to show with her second - and then even more so with her third.

[tammeli]

Amy, that was a beautiful little article you posted yesterday. I've been going through so many emotions lately. I can't wait until my baby is born, but at times I am very frightened about having to take care of a newborn. I'm trying not to have too many expectations of going into labor and giving birth since anything could happen, but I find myself worrying about it. I've always felt that I know myself so well, but lately I'm discovering that I have absolutely no idea how I will react or handle the situation of giving birth and becoming a mother!

Just yesterday my husband and I were talking and he mentioned that I am beginning to always talk about how our daughter will view things. He told me he hopes that I'm not going to be the type of mother who revolves everything around her child!!! I used to think that was ridiculous also when other people did that before I became pregnant. Now everything has changed! I find myself hoping that I can let go a little and let her experience the world through her own eyes without me interfering too much. It much be very difficult to find a balance between being nuturing and loving, but at the same time letting go.

[vjfreddi]

Good morning everyone!
Had a great night sleep last night, only one bathroom trip for a change (woohoo). Guess I needed some catch up. Got a chance to sew last night too for another new born coming into our family. I made size 3 month jeans! So cute. WIth a flannel shirt.

Amy - Sorry the hospital visit was scary. The reality of it all is good but scary. I agree with Tammara too, exciting but scary regarding taking care of a newborn. I am sure nieces and nephews and friends kiddies did not prepare me for this. But you are taking all the right steps and things will fall in to place.

Tammara - I know my world will revolve around my baby for sure. Everyone always says it's different when it's your own, and I already spoil my nephews, yikes. But I am sure your little girl will make her personality known and you will just be a loving Mom!

[SmileyAmy]

Tammara ~ I too have all these thoughts of what my daughter will be like, or think, or will or won't do and then I realize that I don't know what kind of a person she will be like. I suppose it is hard to remember that your child is their own person and you need to let them experience things their own way - not how we want them to.

Val ~ on getting a good nights sleep. I am happy for you...altough you can't see the scowel on my face because I am not sleeping well. It's funny...I don't even know what I am afraid of. I am not afraid of taking care of a newborn...it's just everything. I can't put a finger on it. I am just a worrier and always have been. I think it was/is just the reality of it all.

It's funny...I am 28, married 4.5 years and I still think of myself as a kid. Me? A grown up? Are you crazy? That is really how I think, so I think the reality of being grown up and being responsible for another human beings life is so weird to me - that all these little thinks - baby furniture, her kicking, the hospital - is putting it al into perspective and making it way more real. Does that make sense??

[Trailboss]

Originally Posted by tammeli

It must be very difficult to find a balance between being nuturing and loving, but at the same time letting go.

It is. This is a very true statement. And as vjfreddi said, they will definately have their own personality!

Amy-As far as thinking of yourself as being young-thats a good thing too! I will be 30 in February and keep thinking-where did the time go? Feels like just yesterday I graduated college.

vjfreddi-Congrats on a good night sleep. I envy people who can sew. I don't have the patience. I can barely manage to patch DH jeans when he rips them (an almost daily occurance lately).

[SmileyAmy]

*rant* OMG...I am so uncomfortable today!! My back still hurts - same place it always does and my ribs on the same side hurt - but now on top of it, I keep getting sharp pains in my ribs to.

I so wish I could go on maternity early...at least I could be (un)comfortable at home. I don't know how much longer I can do this at work all day.

[vjfreddi]

Amy - how long is your maternity leave? Does your work have a short term disability plan that you could use prior to the mat leave?

Jackie - my DH would tell you I sew at my own leisure. I have to be in the mood. And his repairs always come last after making cute little baby things, repairs aren't fun.

[SmileyAmy]

Val...we do have short term disability, but it take two weeks to kick in and it is only a portion of my pay. Plus, you can't use it in conjunction with maternity. I just would hate to go on early maternity and have less time when Sara gets here.

Girls at work keep telling me that that sharp pain is contractions...but I don't know what I am feeling. I haven't the slightest idea what a contraction feels like. All I have heard is that your tummy gets balled up and hard. Mine isn't...but then again, I have extra belly jelly.

[ketosisgirl]

Good morning, lovely mommies-to-be.

I apologize for being MIA. I am still feeling overwhelmed with things to do, and we are most likely leaving tomorrow for the weekend. So, I thought I'd better quickly check in with you all and let you know that I'm okay.

I have had very terrible heartburn, complete with vomiting many days. My doctor gave me a prescription for Nexium, which helps during the day, but not always at night. I have had a very hard time sleeping.

We had house guests from Thursday-Tuesday. I felt like I had to entertain pretty much the whole time. My shower was on Sunday. It was really nice. I was panicked beforehand because it was unusually hot that day and I felt like none of my maternity clothes looked good on me. Most people do not have a/c here (including us and the people who where having the shower). So, that was fun (not). I got a ton of baby clothes, thank goodness. I was worried about having enough clothes for the little guy. Here are some of the other gifts that I received:

Travel System, which includes a car seat & stroller (from DH’s mom)
A bouncy seat
A Baby Bjorn
A Diaper Genie
Some toys & books
A baby bath tub
A baby monitor
Lots of blankets, bibs, socks, wash cloths, pacifiers
A high chair
Photo albums, a baby progress calendar

I don't know where to begin to catch up with you all. I hope everyone is doing well. I miss you guys! Things should be semi-back to normal for me next week. I am also having to deal with the remodel of our garage (into family room) and kitchen right now. Yesterday that consumed most of my day, and then there's always my real estate business, which has picked up a bit too!

Here are some pictures of the baby's room, before and after decorating for the baby.

Before:



After (not that much different yet, note the paint color change):



The crib with bedding:





I need to run off to do some work & errands. I'll try to check back this afternooon!

[vjfreddi]

Grace - sorry you have been ill! How lousy when you are entertaining. The room you have for baby is really nice, huge too! The crib and bedding are great.
Hope you feel better today.

[Trailboss]

Amy-At your stage they very well could be contractions. Are you drinking enough water? You have said it is hot and dehydration can bring on contractions. Maybe you will get to start your maternity leave soon!

Grace-Glad you stopped by. Looks like everyone hooked you up at your shower. You are set. When I had my shower with DS I was amazed how generous people were. Your room is gorgeous! Hope you get some relief from the heartburn soon. Enjoy your weekend!

vjfreddi-Have you made a lot of baby items? Again-

[vjfreddi]

Jackie- I haven't made ANY baby items for me yet! I always make an outfit for a friend or family whenever they have a little one. I have been too tired and felt yucky up until the last couple of weeks to want to sew but maybe the mood will strike me more now.

[SmileyAmy]

Yup...drinking my water. I am a water drinker in general - so that isn't really a problem.

Grace ~ The room is great...love the bedding too!!

[gilbabe75]

Originally Posted by SmileyAmy

I couldn't see on the list what everyone was talking about - Meg is still pregnant? Obviously, I am blind. Help?

So, you can officially call me the PG Board drama queen.

I went on the hospital tour yesterday and it was all WAY too real for me!! OMG...we walked into the labor & delivery/recovery room and I almost started crying. Not happy, my baby is going to be here crying. It was OMG, I am going to be in a room like this soon and I think I have changed my mind crying. I managed to hold in the tears, but it was very overwhelming!! I am still a little freaked out by it.

On the good side, I have been nervous about DH's family wanting to come in and out of the room while I was in labor. They are they kind of people to camp out until it happnes, which I didn't want, but wasn't sure how to tell them that I only wanted my mother to be able to come in and out - and even that will be limited to early labor. Well, I knew that there was only two people allowed in the room with me at a time, but I figured people could take turns. WRONG!! I have to pick two people and that is is for the duration. So it will be my mom and DH and if anyone else wants to wait, they will be 10 floors down and there are no phone calls made down there to give updates or anything, so they may as well stay home. I was really happy to hear that - gives me an excuse NOT to have to see them while in labor and to tell them we will call them.

Well, busy Thursday...hope everyone is doing okay. BBL

Aww Amy. It will be okay. Do you have anxiety issues when not PG? I ask because I did/do. I didn't get on meds until I was PPD with baby #2 but I SOOO know where you are coming from. Make sure you are proactive about it after Sara is born. Sometimes preggo hormones make things different for a long time. Ask for help if you need it.

Okay, there is no labor and delivery waiting room? Our hosp. has one and DH would go out and update anyone out there. I only let DH in the room with all 3 of my kids. ( my mother is deceased ) No one else even attempted to come in. The nurses won't let anyone do anything you don't want anyway. They know how it is.

[gilbabe75]

Originally Posted by SmileyAmy

*rant* OMG...I am so uncomfortable today!! My back still hurts - same place it always does and my ribs on the same side hurt - but now on top of it, I keep getting sharp pains in my ribs to.

I so wish I could go on maternity early...at least I could be (un)comfortable at home. I don't know how much longer I can do this at work all day.

Do you have short term disability insurance for your maternity leave? If so, Dr. can put you out of work early for "pregnancy related complications" and they will begin to pay (or your waiting period) now. Just ask the Dr. for a note. They will give it to you.

[gilbabe75]

Originally Posted by SmileyAmy

Val...we do have short term disability, but it take two weeks to kick in and it is only a portion of my pay. Plus, you can't use it in conjunction with maternity. I just would hate to go on early maternity and have less time when Sara gets here.

Girls at work keep telling me that that sharp pain is contractions...but I don't know what I am feeling. I haven't the slightest idea what a contraction feels like. All I have heard is that your tummy gets balled up and hard. Mine isn't...but then again, I have extra belly jelly.

Sorry Amy, I posted the other stuff before I finished reading.

Braxton hicks would be tightening of your abdomen. Hard ball type thang.

Real contractions mostly start in your lower back and move around to the front and are down low.

Sharp pains are probably just stretching and lack of room with Sara pushing.

False labor contractions are usually down low and not in the back.

Real contractions will increase in frequency and duration as well as intensity. They will not go away if you walk around or change position.

Best test if you think you are having contractions is to drink a big glass of water and walk around. If they still come, they are probably real.

Also, contractions feel more like gas pains.

HTH

[gilbabe75]

Hey Grace, Val, Jackie!!! Hey all to come!

[SmileyAmy]

Becca ~ The therapist is good - she made me realize that I have had anxiety issues all my life. I guess I never really thought too much about it until she asked me. I have always worried and for a while at a job I hated, I was having breathing problems due to the anxiety. It isn't horrible, but when I start to dwell on something, I can't let it go and I worry and worry and worry.

Nope, hospital has no L&D waiting room. Actually, they do, but only for the two people you choose as visitors. DH and my mother could sit there. Otherwise, family/friends wait 10 floors down at the main entrance seating area.

I might have to e-mail HR and find out what happens if I need to go out early. This is crazy. I am so uncomfortable...but I think either way, it doesn't pay 100% so it would put a damper on bills.

[SmileyAmy]

Regarding the tightening of the tummy...I spoke to a couple of girls with some extra jelly and they said they didn't have the hardening. They just had "soreness". The sharp pains are probably nothing...they just hurt really badly.

I feel bad, I am getting short with people at work, because I just can't concentrate and have no desire to work. I just want to lay on the floor. LOL

[Kaillean]

Hi girls!

Grace - great to have you back! Don't worry too much about catching up. It's too much to read! Sorry about the heartburn. That sucks. Too bad the prescription isn't helping at night. Does it help if you eat your big meal earlier in the day and only have something light to eat for dinner? Maybe the fact you're busy and hot is making things worse. When's your vacation? Could be relaxing will help.

What a beautiful room for baby! I'm jealous of all your space. Glad you got most of the things you needed at your shower. Where are you guys off to this weekend?

Great to "see" you back too, Tammara! I feel as if all I do is talk about the baby too. You can't help but think about what life is going to be like with/for her. Your DH will understand more when she's here. It's all so abstract for them right now. He will become just as engrossed as you are, I'm sure.

I have a lot of questions and doubts about how I will deal with labour and being a mom, too. I think that's natural -- we've never done it before, after all! But we're all going to be GREAT moms, right?!

Kudos to you on the sewing Val. I never have the patience for it. I can't be bothered with all the pinning and ironing seams etc and the finished product shows it!

Amy -- I still feel like a kid and I'm nearly 10 years older than you. I think we will always feel this way. I think it's natural for you to have anxiety - you are getting so close now! But try not to stress too much. Has your therapist recommended any relaxation techniques or anything? They might help, and with the labour too. I want to look into something myself as I anticipate being freaked out near the end as well. Sorry you're so uncomfortable at work -- just keep telling yourself it will be over soon. Take lots of breaks for water and to move around. My girlfriend is due Aug 15 and is also getting uncomfortable at work. Her doc recommended that she sit on one of those exercise balls instead of a chair, and she said it is helping quite a bit with her back pain. I'm going to give it a try, too.

Hey Jackie -- I feel like a cow today, too. I was into the ice cream again last night, so I have only myself to blame. Man, does ice cream ever make me burp and fart!

BBL

[SmileyAmy]

FYI...doesn't look like my work has short term disability, its part of the Medical Leave Policy which is what is used for Maternity. So that is a no go.

[Kaillean]

Hey Becca, you must have been posting when I was. How ya doing?