*Getting Healthy for Baby* July

[obraxton]

Hi, everybody HAPPY 4th!!!!! DH working....no other family around, so I"m in the house by myself watching HGTV Design Star, Law & Order, and Twilight Zone. Hoping all is well!
Amber and Andrea....BD'ing every 48-72 hours worked for me...(I was very calculating)we didn't have much success with every day, I think it compromises DH's sperm. Yeah, the Geritol I think just made the cervical fluid more sperm friendly if I'm not mistaken. But it worked the second month, the first month we tried it, we didn't have the chance to make BD'in b/c hubby kept getting stuck at work. I did my prenatals too.

How's JC? Is it very expensive, do you like it? I'm thinking ahead, what to do after the baby's born. I think i'll create a journal to track myself. I might be a bit extreme in the beginning, master cleanse has always worked for me in the beginning then settling into LC to keep it off. A lot of people don't support it, but it's always been very good to clean out toxins and prepare my body for a better WOE.

Yeah, Nik,your face does look a lot slimmer, and you have that early pregnancy look too.

[amm]

Nik, Pre~Seed is a lubricant that is supposedly very sperm-friendly. It acts like ewcm and helps the swimmers get where they need to go. I've read some really good things about it. I don't think we're going to BD every day... now that I have a better idea of when I ovulate, I don't think I'll be so nervous about missing it.

[ArmyWife88]

well eating was completely off plan today but i ate small portions of carbs and i drank 140 oz of water. we biked to Kessler field for a concert (15 min ride up hill).

We ended up getting chosen for a meet and greet and our friends and us were the first 6 in to meet them. They were very cool. We got pics taken and got a band flyer autographed. (on an embarrasing note I bent over to give jonny something and accidently bumbed my butt into the bass player) so my face is all red in our pic. Then we went and went down huge blow up slides and stuff and waited for the concert. We were front row to the right. The bassist kept coming over to our side and playing, smiling and everything, He threw me a guitar pic and then I motioned for him to throw one for my friend and he did. Then a few songs later he grabbed a drumstick from the drummer and pointed at me and threw it. I asked him for another one for my friend Chelsea. Then Jonny was dancing on this big box rocking out and they all were pointing at him and he got a drumstick.

After the show we were talking to the drummer and he signed our sticks. Then the lead singer signed them too. When we saw Vinnie (the bass player) he called Chelsea and I over and asked if he could get a picture with us 'beautiful ladies'. He told us that he had one of the crew taking video and pics of us all night (during the concert). Then he asked for our email addresses. He supposed to be sending us the pics and video he has and we're gunna send him the stuff we got.

Trust me on this ladies, nothing boosts your confidence like being flirted with by a rockstar (even if he is 40, I found that out after we got home.)! LOL We had a blast and my hubs felt so proud that his wife was getting spoiled ROTTON by the bassist of his favorite band. HAHA

[Nik]

Christina: WHICH BAND!!!??? You rock, you groupie!

Andrea: That sounds like some great stuff. I was always afraid to use lube at all, because a bunch of it is un-friendly to sperm. I'll have to check that stuff out next time.

Amber: I brushed my hair, and we're going to drive over to the university as soon as DS is done in the bathroom.

Dessa: Glad to hear from you! How are you feeling? Sorry you're home alone, but you should definitely enjoy the solitude while you can.

My ex-bf called today; she heard it through the grape vine. She wished me well and was really nice and unselfish about it. I was honest with her that it's hard going through this without her, but I think this is something we both need right now. I'm happy she called, but it was bittersweet.

Weigh in on these Girls' Names:
Marilyn Blythe
Harper (middle name needed)
Whaddya think?

[AsmallerME]

Nik - ooooooo, I love both names. I read Marilyn and immediately smiled. It's so pretty and not overly used. Then I read Harper and thought, no I love this name. But then went back to Marilyn. haha....I'm no help. But I really do like them both a lot. Blythe works with both of the names really. I hope you enjoy the fireworks this evening!

Christina - it sounds like you had an amazing time. I'm curious about the band too. It's always fun getting attention from men but even more so when it's a rockstar!!

Andrea - I've read really great things about preseed. I'd say it's a safe bet to assume you won't O before CD12 and will have O'd by CD20 based on your cycle. Plus now you'll definitely be able to detect it with charting since you get a clear thermal shift.

Dessa - happy 4th to you too. I hope you're enjoying the quiet house and watching t.v. It sounds relaxing. JC is pretty expensive IMHO. I signed up for the "rewards" program, which gives me 10% off my food per week for the first 10 weeks. Then 20% off for the next 10 weeks, then 30% off until I reach goal. The plan cost me $99 so it's already paid for itself in my discount returns. My food costs about $120/week after discount. I get everything from JC except milk, fruit, and veggies. I spend about $20/week buying a gallon of skim milk, carrots, brocolli, green beans, a few bananas, plums, apples, and applesauce. I'm not a big salad eater so I've been avoiding salad fixins. I spent about $50 per week before on my groceries (at least that was 1/2 of our grocery average per week). I also ate out most lunches during the work week and spent around $50/week on lunches. I probably had a few starbucks or random snacks or dinners too. So I'm convincing myself it's not too much more expensive than pre-JC. And I'm also convincing myself that part of it includes the conseling - my consultant meets with me for 30 minutes per week and is wonderful.

Well ladies, I'm going to follow Dessa's lead and go watch some t.v. See you all tomorrow.

[Potaty]

We used PreSeed, not sure if it helped, but it was one of those things we did the month of our BFP.

Niki~I am not crazy about Marilyn (just being honest!) because I think of a woman in her 50s, I can't quite think of a baby/child being named Marilyn. But, I think Harper is absolutely adorable!!!!!!! Girl names are so hard!

Dessa~Will you be breastfeeding? Just wondering since you mentioned the Master Cleanse after the birth.

[obraxton]

Not sure if I'm going to be able to breastfeed. The fibroid in my breast seems to be growing it's very large, about half the size of it, and it may keep me from nursing.
If I breastfeed, the cleanse will definitely be after then. If I can't still about a couple of weeks after so I won't go through the first days weak.

[ArmyWife88]

Started Induction this morning. We met Sevendust. Here's some pictures:

Meet and Greet before the Concert




Jonny painted as Spider-Man




Chelsea and I


The Concert



Morgan Rose (drummer) and Jonny


Morgan signing our sticks


Vince Hornsby (the bassist)


Vince and Jonny


Chelsea, Vince and I


Vince signing our sticks


LJ (lead singer) and us


Clint (guitarist) and us


John (guitarist) and us

[Nik]

Katy: Nice to see you around! I hope you're feeling a least a bit better? Marilyn is my grandmother's name. DH and I think the same thing; it's really pretty and unique and would be a tribute, but do we want a name that's going to take our daughter 50+ years to grow into? DS HATES Harper, and we're not sure it "goes" with our last name (getz). If we chose Harper, the middle name would likely be my first name, Nicole (which is also DH's sister's middle name). I guess we're kinda into the family-middle names.

OH! Here's the CUTEST story about middle names. Remember, DS is almost nine. His middle name is Robert, after his father's middle name, after his grandfather's first name. We had a bit of confusion about names last night, when we asked DS if he liked the name "Harper." DS looked a little confused, then said, "Harper Robert doesn't sound very good." DH and I just looked at each other and said, "Umm, Harper would be a girl's name, sweetie." This went on for a few minutes until we figured out that DS assumed the baby's middle name would be Robert, REGARDLESS of the sex of the child, so that the baby would match him and his father! When we told him that's not how it works, he became really upset and said, "The baby's not going to seem like part of the family!" I think we convinced him otherwise, but only after telling him that my middle name is not, in fact, Robert.

Christina: You rock star! I love those pics. Some of the band members are kinda cute, too. But not as cute as Jonny! How adorable is he! It's nice that you post so early in the morning now, with the time difference. Now I can wake up to good news!

Dessa: I really hope you can breastfeed. It's one of the greatest blessings of motherhood that I can remember, and I'm really looking forward to doing it again! Do you have fibroids in both breasts? It's possible to nurse with only one, you know. You might consider consulting with your local La Leche League. They're kinda militant, but they advocate for breastfeeding even in less than ideal situations. Doctors will do what they can to make sure the baby is marching up that growth chart, regardless of your wishes to nurse.

[AsmallerME]

Christina - oh, cool. I've heard of Sevendust. Some of those guys are pretty cute too. Your son is adorable by the way. How's induction going today? Were you able to start?

Nik - okay, that's the cutest story about your son. I can see how that would be confusing to a little boy too. hehe Harper Nicole Getz sounds really nice IMHO.

Hi Katy! Are you feeling better yet?

Hi Dessa - I hope that the fibroid doesn't stop you from breast feeding if that's what you want to do. It sounds like you're going with the flow on the whole thing, which is probably the best attitude to have.

We spent the whole day cleaning. I'm pretty sure our house hasn't been cleaner since we moved in. I'm exhausted and still a bit sweaty from all the work. I'm thinking a nice bubble bath is in order for this evening. If you ladies are in to taking baths, I highly recommend the Philosophy Bubble Baths. The scents are out of this world and make you feel like you're cheating if you get the dessert scents. Mmmmm....

On the TTC front, we're just waiting for O. I never O before CD18 and I'm at CD16 so in theory it could be anytime now. My last few cycles I O'd before CD30 so I'm thinking anytime w/in the next 2 weeks. Long cycles are exhausting. DH better get ready! haha

I'll BBL.

[amm]

Amber, I hope I ovulate by the 18th of this month... My husband leaves for a missions trip on the 19th and will be back on the 27th. I'd hate to miss out on a chance to conceive this month! The 18th will be CD 16 for me, and last month I O'd on CD 17 so I guess the best I can do is try to have some swimmers there and waiting as close to O day as I can.

[AsmallerME]

I think you'll make it Andrea. It sounds like you O'd late last month too so maybe you'll O by CD14 or 15 and be able to have really great timing.

[obraxton]

Andrea and Amber, you guys are doing great! Amber's right, I think you can count on a few good swimmers in there...According to the gestational age of the baby, I conceived on CD 16. I don't think I BD'd after day 14, if I remember correctly. I just remembered I encouraged DH to take his multivitamins like every single day, so the swimmers could last as long as possible.

Yeah, Andrea. Honesty, when it comes to breastfeeding, I'm not going to be very upset with myself if I don't do it. Breastfeeding is best, but it's not the only way. I wanted to settle in my mind that if it does not happen, I have no right to be unhappy about it or take for granted that the true gift is Elijah. Before I knew about the fibroids, I had never had the opportunity to make the decision. I will definitely try and go from there.

What I was bent on was having a completely natural birth...to experience it like my mom and grandmom etc did. Well, ladies, as it's getting closer, and fear of the unknown is starting to set in...I've decided not to completely rule out an epidural.

[Potaty]

Thanks everyone for asking about me, I am doing soooo much better! It lasted 2.5 weeks and 2 weeks of being on Valtrex (mucho expensivo!) but I can finally say I am pain free. I am still not "shingle" free because the lesions are still there but they are no longer bothersome.

I am looking forward to hopping back in the game, although I have decided to do more of a calorie counting/somewhat carb-watching thing. I am just not 100% convinced I should be on induction so I am switching to Plan B.

[Nik]

Amber, Andrea: Keep up the good work BD'ing! When it's right, it will happen. When I got my BFP, it happened when I was supposed to be STARTING my next cycle. Just for kicks, we decided to BD before hubby went in for surgery, even though it "wasn't time." Well, the rest is history!

Dessa: I'm so scared you're just going to drop off line for a few days and we'll never know what happened! At the last minute, as you're grabbing your overnight bags and camera and fuzzy slippers, between contractions, you have to log on and tell us you're going to the hospital. I know I'll be thinking of you constantly, since I pretty much already am. Regardless of what happens in that delivery room and after, you know we're right there with you, surrounding you with our love.

Katy: LOVE the pic! Are those DH's glasses? How are things going on the homefront since you've been sick?

[Potaty]

Originally Posted by Nik

Katy: LOVE the pic! Are those DH's glasses? How are things going on the homefront since you've been sick?

Thanks! It's my new favorite! Yes, he was grabbing at dh's glasses one day so we put them on him and took a pic. Dh has been much, much better and more involved since I posted my aggravations. He even took 2 days vacation to take care of Tucker when the shingles were real bad. I am very happy and proud of him for taking ownership and not only listening to my concerns, but taking the steps to change things. Now, just to see how long it lasts, lol.

How are you feeling these days?

[Nik]

Katy: Sometimes it takes men awhile to grow into dadhood. I'm so glad your DH is getting there. There is nothing quite like a supportive partner when raising a child. CONGRATULATIONS!

I am feeling really great, actually. I've heard that some people have fewer symptoms after about nine weeks when the placenta is developed. Others say that the m/s comes back full force after a short hiatus. I hope I'm one of the lucky ones! I was never very sick with DS, so I think I just tolerate pregnancy pretty well (once I actually GET pregnant!!!!) OTOH, nighttime is still pretty uncomfortable for me. Maybe its my metabolism slowing down or something, but I just feel awful about three hours after I eat. I often stay up late, hoping the heartburn will go away before I have to lay down. Other times, like last night, I just crawl into bed while strategically mapping my sprint to the toilet. It never happens, and I usually wake up just fine. Those hours between dinner and bed are the WORST, though! Thanks for asking about me, and sorry for the looooong response. I have an appointment on Tuesday, so I'll have an update then. It's the only time in a woman's life that she looks FORWARD to going to the gynecologist!!!

[AsmallerME]

Good afternoon!

Nik - I'm so glad you're doing good right now. Maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones who feels great the rest of the pregnancy. I think it's funny about what you said about the only time we want to go to the gyno. So true! I wanted to go so badly when I had my BFP and once that ended then I hated the place again. haha

Katy - Tuker is so cute in that picture with the glasses!! I love it! I'm glad the pain has subsided and you're almost back to normal. And I'm glad your husband is stepping into the role of being a fantastic daddy.

We're going to go shopping today to get some new throw pillows and a throw for the living room. Ours are old and dingy and we need some spiffing up for that room. We are also going to get a few more plants for our flower bed. I've managed to kill the last few we planted so hopefully this will work out better. Other than that, nothing else is new. I've discovered that I'm extra hungry today too and realized it may just be a hunger on the weekend kind of thing. I think work distracts me and being so close to my kitchen of food makes things worse. My weight is just jumping up and down between 249 and 250. I can't wait for it to start moving down away from the 250s in their entirety.

I'll BBL to catch up.

[Nik]

EXCITING NEWS!
I think I told you the story of my dear friend who went through clomid and hormone injections and lots of heartache only to find out that DH's swimmers weren't up for the job. If not, there's the story. Last year, we spent lots of time sharing our TTC woes with one another.

Well, she just called me today and they are going to be adopting a new born baby boy on August 15! I'm so excited for them. This is just perfect and awesome. I can't wait to have babies together with my friend!

[AsmallerME]

Oh that's so exciting Nik. Where is she adopting from?

[Nik]

Thanks Amber! I couldn't stop thinking of my friend all night last night. I fell asleep to thoughts of her and her husband holding their newborn baby boy! I'm excited to share more details here, because I don't want to run my mouth to anyone who knows her. It's her news to share, so I'm going to BITE MY TONGUE and not gossip! It will be hard, because I'm so excited AND I'm having lunch with my English teacher friends this afternoon. (She's a teacher at the middle school.)

They went through an agency in Indianapolis (I think). They are SOOO much more responsible than I, so they have already PAID OFF the entire agency fee. Now, they can enjoy their baby worry-free!

The baby is Guatemalan, but the mother is living here in Indiana. Apparently, she has two children in Guatemala, living with her mother. She came here on a work visa and is sending money home. The baby's father was here illegally, and was deported to his OTHER FAMILY in Guatemala, so he has no interest in the child. My friend is unsure of whether the woman is married, but she is definitely not married to the baby's father.

It sounds complicated, but I think it's going to be a pretty simple situation in which the mother gives up all her rights. She seems to be doing what she thinks is best for her child. At first, she wanted to know nothing about the adoptive parents, after having only selected their profile from a selection of parent profiles. Then, she changed her mind and asked that they be present at the birth. She said, "I want to see the looks on their faces when they become parents." I thought that was the greatest thing ever!

Birth Mom was a little worried that they, as white folks, would be unable to bond with a baby who does not look like them. My friend asked the counselor at the agency to explain that their niece is half Nicaraguan, they LOVE her, and the baby will have someone in the family who looks a little like him. PLUS, the adoptive dad works in Mexico often and speaks fluent Spanish, so the baby may be able to learn the language, too!

I can't wait for him to arrive! Birth Mom had an appointment on Friday, so my dear friend will find out today if the due date has been moved at all. It's so amazing that we've been through this journey together, and we're both going to be parents again so soon! Her baby's name will be either Daniel Ray or Isaac Ray, depending on how he "looks" when they meet him.

[Potaty]

Nik~That is so awesome for your friend! It gave me goosebumps! Yay for babies!!!!!

[shanidy]

Life has been rough lately...busy times, job switch, flood house for sale...

But I had to run and tell you all my news...because you know the struggle...



We're pregnant

Okay, now I'm going back to read all of your latest posts...I need an update!
Shanidy

[Nik]

Congrats, Shanidy! I hope I get a chance to know you better over the next few months.