*Getting Healthy for Baby* June

[Potaty]

Can you post the link to your chart? I'd love to stalk it!

[AsmallerME]

211e23 Ovulation Charts

I think this will link to Andrea's chart...

[AsmallerME]

Andrea - okay, so I think Katy is right that your temps just need to stay above the coverline for things to be looking good. Some people get a second thermal shift once implantation occurs. Some people get all of these things and then AF comes. So you just need to wait and see what happens. BUT, it does sound really, really good. Oh, and another thing to ponder is that my temp drops 1-2 days before AF and hovers right above my coverline. Then it drops below the coverline the day AF arrives. Since it's your first cycle charting you don't know what yours will do, but at least it's not dropping yet.

I think a pedicure and/or spa day sounds like a good treat.

Nothing new with me today. Studying, cleaning, and relaxing is all I'm doing this weekend. I feel like Belle with the perpetual laundry.

I'm still insanely snacky. I'm pretty sure it's all mental. I'm trying to break this urge today but eating every 2 hours. So far:
B: banana, egg muffin thingy, milk
S: anytime "protein type" bar
L: mac and cheese, green beans
S: ate my dessert early - chocolate cake

[obraxton]

You guys are so thorough when it comes to TTC, there are so many things that I didn't know, especially about the temp charting. Does the prepping and waiting begin at day one? I saw that Clear Blue (I believe) now has a 30 day ovulation kit that you use from the day of AF to the end of the cycle.... What does your temp range from? When is it highest/lowest, etc....Just asking b/c when these subjects come up it goes over my head.

[Potaty]

Andrea~Your chart looks beautiful! But Amber is right, it could still go either way since this is your first chart and we have nothing to compare it to. I was one of those who got triphasic temps one month and AF still came. So keep the faith and test tomorrow maybe depending on what your temp says.

[amm]

Yes, that's the link to my chart... everyone can feel free to check it out as much as they want. I need all the help and advice I can get!

So, maybe TMI... but probably not around here... but yesterday and today I've noticed more CM than usual... today it's almost like, and this is gross... nasal snot. Like if I had a bad cold. I don't think I've ever really had CM like this before... or at least not that I can remember.

[obraxton]

lol...yeah, you can say anything you feel like here! What a relief....
You've never had that before your cycle? this is the first time....
You should also keep track of your body symptoms if you're not doing it already. I used to use mymonthlycycles.com when I was ttc, it helped somewhat, but still could go either way....but if you're having an unusual d/c compared to what you usually have b4 AF, then that's enough to be curious about.

As for me, I'm ok, I guess. I'm having a rough time emotionally. My body is swelling very badly, so I need to talk to my doctor on monday about that.I look nothing like the avatar..I think Elijah switched sides after being on the left for the whole month, and my stretch marks kinda make my belly look like a brown watermelon. Drinking a lot of water in the hopes that my amniotic fluid goes back up, in case dehydration is the cause...Praying that monday I will be ok and no need for intervention.

[Stinkerbelle]

Quick drive by...

Dessa- I hope your appointment goes well on Monday- been thinking of you lots

Andrea- exciting...I am stalking your chart! Dont you just TWW? NOT!

Po- how are you feeling? better?

Amber- how's that laundry coming along? I did a couple loads yesterday.. What are you doing this cycle in regards to TTC?

Nik and Mel- our preggo gals- how are you?

Christina- how is Germany??

I am doing okay. DD is in Maine for a soccer tournament- I should be driving up there tomorrow morning. My back is killing me today. AF is due in about a week so I am guessing that is why..funfunfun Even though I am not posting all the time, I am checking up on everyone!

[amm]

Dessa, I remember my stepmother swelling horribly when she was at the end of her pregnancy with my stepsister. She looked so miserable. I hope things get better for you so you can enjoy the end of carrying Elijah. Hopefully your doctor will have some good advice for you.

As for me... I'm 12dpo on CD 29. My temp was lower than yesterday, but still at the higher range of my post-O temps. So, I tested this morning and it was negative. I'm trying to remain hopeful and optimistic. I'm still feeling tired today... and that was after about 10 hours of sleep last night! I am also still having that weird CM. There isn't as much there as there was yesterday, though. I've also noticed a change in my bowel movement habits. Like, I'm not constipated because I am going, but it's almost like there isn't as much as there used to be. Gosh, I sure am glad I can tell you girls about this yucky stuff! My husband would absolutely die if I tried talking to him about it!

[AsmallerME]

Good evening ladies! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Andrea - ewwwww....you're so gross!!! hehe j/k As for the snotty CM, that's kind of how mine is when I see EWCM. I'm not sure if it means anything or not now. I haven't read TCOYF in almost a year now and I barely track the CM on my chart. I usually only do it when it's extremely obvious. As for the BM, I'm definitley not sure of this one. I think there is a website called Early Pregnancy Symptoms & The Best TTC Community Online and it's full of people putting down every crazy symptom and the day they got it. It's entirely possible that these all mean you're pregnant, but it also could be mental. Just hang in there...it sounds like AF is due tomorrow or early this week so hopefully she doesn't show.

Belle - sorry about your back hurting you. Maybe you could get a massage this week or try to get your husband to give you one on your next date. I hope he's still being supportive and working on things with you. Good luck to your daughters soccer team. I'm sure she hates cheering from the sidelines. As for TTC, I'm charting (or will start tomorrow), using OPKs (will start around CD15), BDing tons (for us anyway), and that's all. I may eat more pinnapple since that's a good old wives tale. I did eat a few pieces the month I got my BFP so you never know.

Dessa - good luck tomorrow. I'm sorry about the bloat. I'm sure you look lovely. And if you don't, just remember that it's almost over and you're about to have a beautiful baby. Update us tomorrow when you get a chance about the appointment.

Well ladies, I'm going to get back to studying. Spreading my meals has definitely helped me with my snacking. I've eaten almost every 2 hours today. Dessert was just a glass of milk and fruit since I ate 2 desserts a few days ago. I'm hoping it all evens out and I still show a loss this week with JC. See you all tomorrow.

[Potaty]

Okay ladies, I am STILL in pain and still have shingles but I am going to try to jump back in the posting game and keep up as I can. My eating has been horrid, of course. I won't make excuses, even though I have been suffering, there is no reason I couldn't have stayed on track. So, trying again tomorrow! Today was probably my worst day so far with pain. I took 2 Lortab (because one wasn't cutting it) and I got higher than a kite! It was pretty funny even though I slept through most of it!

[amm]

Hey Ladies!

Dessa: How's that baby doing?

Nik: How was Chicago?

Katy: I hate that you're still in pain. Thank goodness there are pain pills!

I tested again this morning... still negative. I am CD 30 and 13 dpo. I have had 28-29 day cycles for the last 6-7 months. This morning my temp was up to 98.3, which is the highest it has been for my whole cycle. Then I had some spotting this morning... well, I guess it counts as spotting. The tissue has a pinkish tint to it when I wiped. That was this morning around 6:00am... the next time I went to the bathroom was around 8:30am and there was nothing there that time. So weird. I also woke up at 2:30am starving... like, my stomach was absolutely growling. That has never happened. I had to get up and have a handful of grapes to quiet it down so I could get back to sleep! I also haven't really had cramps today like I did yesterday morning. I'm just so confused... I feel like if I were really pregnant, it should show up on a test by now!

[AsmallerME]

Andrea - I'm sorry you keep getting BFNs. It sounds so promising. Stay positive. It's very common to get slight spotting because of implantation. It can implant anywhere from 7-12dpo on average. Maybe you just implanted yesterday? It can take up to 48 hours or something on average to detect the HcG after implantation. You may not have really had an implantation dip on 7dpo - it could have just be a fluke low temp. Oh, and some people don't show positive HPTs until 16+ dpo. It's definitely not a bad sign that your temps keep climbing higher and higher. Did you use OPKs this month too? I can't remember...

Katy - I'm so sorry that you're still sufferring. I guess it's good that you got a nice side effect from your medications. I can imagine that it's extremely difficult to stick to any plan when you're feeling as lousy as you are. Hopefully you'll recover soon and then can recommitt 100%.

I'm doing so much better today with JC. I really had a few struggling days. I didn't abandon my plan but definitely ate a few too many snacks - an extra fruit, a venti latte, etc. on a few of the days. Today seems back to normal so I'm excited to have that hiccup over with. I peaked on the scale and only see less than 1 pound different from last week so I'm not expecting miracles tomorrow at WI. Boo....I'm so close to being down 20 pounds with JC that I can taste it.

Okay, I'll BBL.

[Nik]

Hey Girls!
Chicago was great. I may change my Avi picture later to a Chicago one, so you can see my "baby" bump (which is really just fat). I'll try to catch up.

Andrea: I've heard in some circles that vagina "snot" is a symptom of your cervix creating your mucous plug. I've also heard that this process can create some bleeding. I'm still holding out hope for you! You're already late, and your temps are up, so it's quite possible! The cravings and hunger are also good signs, IMO. Try to give it a few more days, then report your BFP immediately to us! I can't wait to see those words. It's so cute that hubby is already shopping for baby.

Dessa: How was the appointment, girl?

Stinky: How did the soccer thing go with DD? Is she feeling better?

Katy: Try not to get too high. We'll be here to keep you grounded.

Amber: Great job on the weight loss and the studying. You're an inspiration right now!

I think I got everyone. I missed a bunch!

I did have a great time in Chicago. I saw Wicked, we went to the Taste of Chicago, and I toured the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio in Oak Park. I also went to Ikea for the first time in my life! The time with my friends really helped me to relax and enjoy myself. I didn't focus so much on the pregnancy. My symptoms were much easier to handle with laughter. I think I'm getting used to the pregnancy hormones, because I am feeling SO MUCH BETTER! Of course I was tired, hungry, cranky, and nauseous, but I tried not to complain. The worst was that I was exposed to SO MUCH great food, but I couldn't eat much because my belly gets full too quickly.

One of the girls, who I stayed with, has an 11 month old daughter named Luci. I REALLY enjoyed playing with Luci this weekend, and that also helped me set my mind at ease. I kept thinking, "I can do this again. I'm looking forward to it!"

[AsmallerME]

Oh Nik, I'm so happy that this weekend went so well. You definitely deserved a nice trip with your friends. I can't wait to see the bump. Oh, and as for being an inspiration, ha. I think you're one of the biggest inspirations around (at least for me). I'm just trailing along trying to make some progress!

Speaking of bumps, I need your advice (this is to everyone who has been or is pregnant). I'm finally getting too small for some of my clothes. What items should I keep for maternity? Anything empire wasted? Clothes that are one size bigger than I currently wear? I need advice on this so that I know what things to hold onto and what to goodwill.

[amm]

Nik: I'm still holding out hope... as long as I don't have AF, there's still a chance!

Amber: I did use OPK's this month... but I never got what I would call a true positive where the lines were the same color. The lines did get darker, and I read somewhere that all that matters is a change in color, even if the two lines don't match.

As for maternity clothes... I really haven't saved any of my old stuff. I figured when I am pregnant, I'll mostly just be growing in my stomach area, so my old pants will fit my stomach but then be horribly baggy everywhere else since I've lost a lot in my butt and legs. I would think that empire-waisted tops might be a good thing to save... they make me look pregnant anyway! And definitely dresses.

[obraxton]

Katy, hope you feel better. Please don't feel guilty, you got a lot you're dealing with!

Nik! Hey, Momma! Glad you liked your trip. I would love to leave the east coast one day. Did the little girl give you the heart trip? Everyone including DH wanted a girl, I wanted a girl for everyone else, and I guess for myself too! But when I saw a little boy my heart would melt. Something inside told me that it was a boy!

Amber, all I can say is KNIT PANTS. Anything with stretch and an elastic waistband. I wore my pre-weight loss clothes for the first 4 or 5 months, but the knit pants still are much better IMO than maternity pants. I could pull them over my belly up until this 8th month, now they fit good just below belly. I love my empire waist dresses, the tops got pretty tight towards the 7 months, b/c of the material they were made of. T-shirts, or knit shirts are good too. When you get your BFP, by the second month, I would go get maternity clothes on clearance. The ones on clearance are usually in the season you'll be using them. I got a lot of spring/summer clothes from Target Maternity (good fit in L, XL, and XXL) for about $4 each.

Amm, yeah, it sounds like it's just a matter of time. I'm not an expert but it does sound that way for you. What brand of test are you using? I didn't have success until I bought the ANSWER test, I swear I will always buy answer tests from now on. The others began to show positive after that.. I think I didn't get BFP until CD 32 or around that time....Are you stressing about it? Maybe that's influencing the test. I'm still holding onto hope for you!

Elijah's doing pretty good. HB is strong and responsive to the stress test. Cervical tests don't need to be repeated cause it looks good. My fluid is the same it didn't go up like I hoped after drinking the water. I told them that I haven't been urinated much as I used to, even though I drank more. They think that it's a case of dehydration. 4 women had went into labor while I was there d/t dehydration, and one looked like she was in the early stages. They said that women who are pg this summer really need to make sure they're fluid intake is good. So they want me to have a constant flow of water, to always have water in my hand and drinking it, I'm like huh? But she said either that or risk preterm issues, so I of course am obliging. I'm not that worried, but I had a feeling it might be d/t dehydration, especially w/taking the iron.

[Potaty]

Andrea~Giiiirrrrllll, that chart is beautamous!!!! I am so hoping this is it for you!!!!! I agree with Dessa, take a different brand of test. I used the ClearBlue Easy ones.

[Nik]

Andrea:
I used First Response to get my BFP's. I'm sure you're testing first thing in the morning. Stay positive! It can take a few days for the HCG to build up enough to register on the test. I would say just wait a few more days. (I know it's infuriating.)

Dessa: Yeah, I did get the heart flip with little Luci. I just kept thinking, "This is how I will talk to my daughter." With DS, I didn't have a STRONG feeling that he was a boy, but after 3 ultrasounds to tell me he was a girl, I still had a STRONG doubt that he was a girl. I always dreamed about boy babies. So far, this little one is not giving up any major vibes about his/her equipment!

Amber: I agree with Dessa about maternity clothes. You will know when your clothes are just too far gone. I suggest taking a pillow and padding your lower abdomen. If the clothes still look baggy or unflattering, donate them to Goodwill. If the extra in front looks like a baby bump, keep the pants for awhile. With shirts, one of the big things is LENGTH! If you're only going down a size, you still should be able to wear some bigger, LONGER shirts. If they don't go down to at least mid-thigh, they're going to be useless later when fitting over your belly. I ended up getting rid of almost everything. School shopping is going to be a pain in the butt this year!

[LuckyKitty]

Mel!!!! and
God is GOOD! Many continued blessings to you and your fam!

[amm]

Nik: I tested with First Response a few minutes ago and it was negative.

I'm on cycle day 31, 14 dpo. My temp dropped slightly from where is was yesterday... yesterday was 98.3 and this morning was 97.8. That's still above my coverline, which is 97.1. I had some barely-there cramping this morning and some spotting like yesterday's when I wiped, never bright red, though. And now there isn't any spotting. For me, usually the first time I notice some color on the tissue, I have flow by the end of the day. Maybe I did just implant within the last few days, and the hcg hasn't built up enough to show? I figured the First Response would have caught it if I was pregnant.

I hope I'm not annoying anyone with my ramblings.

[obraxton]

Hey, Kat! Happy 2 see your face!
Andrea, sorry about having to keep taking the tests.....You think you should see your doctor if no changes by end of week for blood test?

I'm hard at work, and it keeps piling, people keep calling for things that they could have asked for weeks ago! I already had an agenda of things that needed to be done over the next 3 days, and I feel very overwhelmed right now. I think I'm headed into overtime, but not sure if it will b approved.

[godsbeloved79]

Originally Posted by amm

Nik: I tested with First Response a few minutes ago and it was negative.

I'm on cycle day 31, 14 dpo. My temp dropped slightly from where is was yesterday... yesterday was 98.3 and this morning was 97.8. That's still above my coverline, which is 97.1. I had some barely-there cramping this morning and some spotting like yesterday's when I wiped, never bright red, though. And now there isn't any spotting. For me, usually the first time I notice some color on the tissue, I have flow by the end of the day. Maybe I did just implant within the last few days, and the hcg hasn't built up enough to show? I figured the First Response would have caught it if I was pregnant.

I hope I'm not annoying anyone with my ramblings.

amm. I'm here ing that it is your time .

[godsbeloved79]

Originally Posted by obraxton

I'm hard at work, and it keeps piling, people keep calling for things that they could have asked for weeks ago! I already had an agenda of things that needed to be done over the next 3 days, and I feel very overwhelmed right now. I think I'm headed into overtime, but not sure if it will b approved.

It never fails . I hope you are to get what you need done, without it being a strain. Time is surely wining down. Have you started a scrapbook, or taken any weekly pics?

[AsmallerME]

Hey ladies. Happy Tuesday. It's almost hump day. And it's almost the 4th of July. Two things to look forward to!

JC WI today went well. I was down 2.2. It's crazy b/c I was having such a bad week and then I wooshed on the scale this morning. So it's a tiny bit over 18 pounds in 6 weeks. I need to drop 1.6 this coming week to reach my 20 pounds lost with JC. It's exciting a