Calling all the Pregnant PS''ers

[oshinbreez]

Jaders,

I''m so sorry to hear about your friend. My prayers go out to her and her family and to you. God has a new angel.

 

[E B]

Jadelyn Rose has a beautiful flow!

A few more you might like?

Jadelyn Blair
Jadelyn Paige
Jadelyn Sage

 

[ellaila]

Yeah, I think I''m partial to Jadelyn Rose too -- I think it looks very romantic and pretty written out and it flows really beautifully! I also like Jadelyn Sara.

TGal, I know you have a great boy name all picked out already, so I''m not suggesting this as an option but I had another night of being awake last night (watched Erin Brockovich - thank God for cable!), and I realized that Liam Eric has the AustraLIA and AMERIC thing both together

I know I and someone else had already thought of the Liam thing but I thought it was pretty cool how it could flow right into AMERICa lke that.

(I really need sleep.)

How''s everyone doing today?

 

[Kaleigh]

ellaila, I love Jadelyn Rose, it''s a beautiful name!!

 

[ellaila]

Seems like Jadelyn Rose is the winner here! Ms. Lili, I can''t wait to see what name you wind up going with!

Our cosleeper arrived yesterday, and I''m all excited to get it together

I''m really starting to feel like these babies are going to come *before* December 13 ... I don''t know why, I guess call it maternal instinct or something! Either that or paranoia.

But I''ve been having some stomach issues the past few days, I''ve been a touch crampy (nothing to write home about), and I''ve had a few brief episodes of different back pain. No contractions, no discharge, and the cramps and back pain have both been brief, so I don''t think it''s preterm labor or anything, but ... well, I''m just looking forward to Tuesday''s appt. so I can get my cervix checked out and check in on the babies!

We need to take a 33 week photo, so if we get a good one (that''s a big IF these days! I asked my hubby if I look like a huge whale and he said no, but then I said "a baby whale?" and he smiled, so I think that means yes) I''ll post one here so you can all see what a MONSTER belly I have!!

 

[lili]

Thanks Ella and Ebree for all the suggestions!!
I''ll run it by hubby and see what he thinks.
I think Jadelyn Rose is really pretty as well.
I was actually toying with the idea of calling her Jadelyn April if she comes out on her EDD

As you all can see, I''m not too creative here

Ooo...new pictures. I would definitely love to see.

 

[DivaDiamond007]

For those of you that have not been lurking on the TTC thread - I just wanted to pop in and let you know that I will be 8 weeks preganant tomorrow!! I had a urine test done at my doctor''s office on Friday since AF still hadn''t showed up and it was positive. I took another before bed just to see the BFP myself (hehehe). My husband and I are so excited and happy to be embarking on this most wonderful journey together. My due date is July 4, 2008 and we are not finding out the sex. Add me to the list!

~Jess~

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 11/17/2007 4:49:56 PM
Author: DivaDiamond007
For those of you that have not been lurking on the TTC thread - I just wanted to pop in and let you know that I will be 8 weeks preganant tomorrow!! I had a urine test done at my doctor''s office on Friday since AF still hadn''t showed up and it was positive. I took another before bed just to see the BFP myself (hehehe). My husband and I are so excited and happy to be embarking on this most wonderful journey together. My due date is July 4, 2008 and we are not finding out the sex. Add me to the list!

~Jess~

YAY!!!! That''s sooo exciting!! Congrats!!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

congrats jess! I just added you!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Ella asked me to post this. I sent this list to my cousin who is expecting their first child this winter.

***10 things to get you through L&D (and the first week)***

1. Remember the pain is only temporary.
No matter how bad it hurts (and it will) I promise it will be worth it in the end. Keep your eye on the prize and try to sleep in between
contractions. You will NEED all the engery you have.

2. Don''t be in any more pain than you have to!
I came very close to missing my epidural window. If you are in pain speak out. I did and 20 mins after I got my epi I was 10 cm! Take the advil 800 (at a min.) during recovery. I took a mild pain pill as well while in the hospital even if I thought I could tough it out. B/c otherwise as soon as the nurse walked away I knew I would regret it!

3. Be your own advocate.
If you think something isn''t right speak out. You know your body best. If you think something is wrong tell the nurse/doctor. Now is the time for you to heal and recover. I had to spend 2 extra days in the hospital (b/c of complications). But better that then having to come back! If you aren''t healthy you cannot take care of a newborn.

4. Don''t feel guilty
Send your new bundle of joy to the nursery at night. I felt like a neglectful mom at first. But you need to rest and recover. At our hospital people starting coming in at 6 am til close to midnight (take your blood pressure, temp, nurse checking our your recovery, peditrician updating you on baby''s health, ob checking on yours, food being delivered, hospital admin, baby nurses, lactation specialists) It is never ending.

5. Take all the help you can get
If someone offers to help you, accept it. You are both going to be tired. They say things get easier once you have a routine. I''ll have to let you know on that one. Also for breastfeeding moms take advantage of the lactation specialists. BF is hard and painful but I have every faith it will get easier. Everyone says the first 3 weeks are the hardest.

6. Be prepared for the love.
You and your DH will discover that you love each other more than you thought was possible! As cheesy as it sounds you both will learn new things about each other (maybe he will be inspired by your strength and you will be surprised by his tenderness...) Whatever it is that you learn about each other remember it during those 4 am cries. Because the frustration will wear you down but remembering how much you love each other really helps.

7. You have to give each other some slack
On the otherside of #6 you cannot take anything said in frustration and exhaustion personally! You are both tired and this is a new experience. Newborns cannot tell you what they need so remember you love each other no matter what.

8. Nap when you can
Enough said! You will no longer sleep, only nap.

9. Your baby will be perfect
Enjoy discovering all the cute noises and faces your baby will make. It makes it harder to be angry (when they cry) when they are so adorable! Everyone says how fast they grow up. It is overwheming to know that she was the one inside you for all those months. It truly is a miracle. I remember holding Tessa at the hospital and thinking to myself "how did she fit inside me?!?"

10. Try all the tricks in the book
There are a few things we could not live without. The baby swing is awesome and really soothes Tessa. Also learn the art of the perfect swaddle. Another baby favorite. Calms her right down. She loves her pacifiers. Even though they are contraversal just do what you both feel comfortable with. Tessa nurses so fast the nurse said they were fine since she doesn''t get enough "suck time." After all this is all about not only her survival but yours! Anything that will calm the baby will calm you.

Hopefully these tips will help (someone). Most of it is common sense. I''m just trying to take it one day at a time.

 

[ellaila]

Thanks for posting, Tacori! Even though some may seem like common sense at the time, it''s still helpful for us mommies-to-be to get the perspective from someone who''s been through it!

Jess, I already said this on the TTC thread, but CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Such exciting news!! July 4 seems so far away right now, doesn''t it? But trust me, once you get to about 20 weeks, it''s going to FLY by!!

 

[Jaders731]

Thank you ladies for all of your thoughts and prayers...

My sister delivered on Friday evening around 8pm. Her baby boy was 2lbs 2oz, 14 inches long... and was and will forever be a perfect little angel. 10 fingers 10 toes, momma's chin and daddy's nose...

I know it is going to be a long road for her and her husband, but the outpouring of love and support that her family and friends have shown through this whole thing is a miracle in itself. Its amazing what a strong woman she is being in spite of this horrible tragedy.

I went to Tiffany's and bought her a heart shaped locket. My husband is editing the photos they took and she will place his picture and his lock of hair in it to keep with her always.

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you all about a non-profit org. that provides photography services for familes who have experienced still birth or similar tragedies. It is called Now I lay me down to sleep. They have a website: www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org and it is a site asking for photographers to volunteer their professional services to the familes like my sister's who are going through such a tough time. If you have friends who are photographers who would be interested, please have them look at this site and consider offering their time. It is a beautiful and compassionate opportunity to help! My sister and her family did not call upon this organization, I just wanted to let you all know about it.. as it is wonderful. Diver, I know you mentioned that your girlfriend is a photographer, maybe you can mention this to her.

I found comfort in this quote, and I know my sister did too: "There is no foot too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world."

Thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers...

 

[lili]

Jaders,

I am so sorry again for your sister''s loss.
I hope she remains strong through this.
I love the quote you found.
Would you be able to engrave it onto the locket that you are giving her?

 

[lili]

Jess,
Congrats again! Yep, I agreed with Ella, you''d be half way through before you know it.
I can''t wait for you to go to your first "official" prenatal. You''ll be so blown away when you see your little bean on the u/s

Ella,
Good luck with your appointment tomorrow.
I''m so jealous of you since you get to see your little ones at almost all the visits

 

[mrssalvo]

jaders, I knew i shouldn't click on that link

the photos are beautiful though, yet absolutely heartbreaking. I could see how one might find comfort in them. I don't think I could do it though.

I think the locket is a wonderful, thoughtful gift and i'm sure your sister will treasure it forever.

 

[mrssalvo]

so, not much new to report here. BabyS is kicking up a storm and i feel them all the time. hubby has yet to be able to feel them though, i guess they just are strong enough because there are times I grab his hand and say feel this and the baby kicks and hubby says he feels nothing. in all due time though, i know those kicks are going to get stronger. i''m feeling good, keeping up with walking and excerise and just seem to be getting bigger and bigger each minute. I''m hosting thanksgiving this year so i''m trying to get the house ready and food prep ready ahead of time for the 14 total that will be here this year. hope all the rest of you are doing well.

 

[lili]

MrsS,

I did that too with hubby a few times and he gave up after having his hand on my belly for like 5 seconds.
However, last night as soon as he placed his hand on my belly, the baby gave him a good kick.
His hand couldn't recoil fast enough

and remarked "ooo, it feels like there's an alien in there".
He said it felt like when his muscle spasms.

Wow, hosting for 14 people? It's a good thing you are in your honeymoon stage.

 

[ellaila]

Jaders, that''s really lovely that you got that heart-shaped locket for your sister -- I''m sure she''ll cherish it always. I agree with Lili -- that quote is really touching, and I hope you can find some way to pass it on to your sister and her husband for them to always have.

MrsS, WOW to you for hosting Thanksgiving! I hope to be able to feed me and my hubby this year without passing out somewhere between cooking a turkey and making a sweet potato casserole. We''re actually staying home, just the two (well, FOUR) of us and keeping it nice and unstressful. Just doing a turkey breast, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a good stuffing. Nice and easy (I hope!), and I plan to do what I can on Wednesday so Thursday hopefully won''t be all cooking and no relaxing.

Lili, yeah, one nice thing about a twin pregnancy (at least with my doctor) is the extra ultrasounds! I''ve had them every four weeks, and this one is just two weeks since the last. Not sure if dr. will have me doing weekly u/s now that my appts. are going to be weekly or not? I''m at 34 weeks on Wednesday, so I keep wondering if this is our last u/s before we meet the babies!

Yay to baby kicks! This is going to be a special thanksgiving for us preggos and new mommies as we all have a lot to be thankful for!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

We are having 12 for thanksgiving/weekend. Luckily I am basically doing nothing

Between our moms, my grandma, my sister, etc...they will have the cooking under control. MIL already cleaned our house for us. I am so spoiled. Tessa has entered her fussy stage. Honestly I am amazed people get through the first few months. I am SOOOOOOOO tired! I just hate when I have no idea why she is crying or how to calm her. Too bad she can''t talk yet

Her nose is so stuffy. Any sugestions? DH surprised me and bought me roses today. I seriously cannot remember the last time he bought me flowers.

He said they are a thank you for giving him a baby.

Ella, you are so close girl! Hold those babies in as long as you can.

MrsS, Tessa did that too. Kicked up a storm UNTIL someone else tried to feel them. It was only until the 3rd trimester that other people could feel her kicks.

 

[mrssalvo]

Hi tacori, that is just so awesome you've got all the help right now. I have family in town, including my mom so I never felt alone when my girlie's were newborns and it was so nice to have extra help from time to time. as for the crying, you'll eventually figure out what tessa is after and be able to quiet her quicker, there are also just times they will cry, for no reason and there really is nothing you can do. if she's stuffy, she might just not be feeling well. i'd ask your pediatrician if there is anything that you can give her, maybe some saline drops to loosen it up??, you might have to suction out her nose too. I don't know that they'll suggest anytype of cold medicine, but they might if it will help calm some of her symptoms. you might also do some of the Johnson's menthol baby lotion, it smells a bit like vicks (they make vicks for baby's now too) but not nearly as stong of a scent and my girls always seems to do better when I bathed them in the Johnson's menthol baby soap and then put some of the lotion on their chests. A humidifier is another great thing to have on in your room with her, if you're not doing it already.

how are you feeling? is your body starting to feel more normal? how's the nursing coming along?

 

[chrono]

A couple tips for stuffy noses for tiny noses:
1. Elevate the top half of the bed (so the sinuses can drain)
2. Humidifier
3. Squirt a saline solution then suction with a small syringe bulb.

 

[DivaDiamond007]

I''m having my first brush with m/s today. I woke up this a.m. and had to cough and that turned into some heaving so I went into the bathroom but nothing came up (thank you, God). I''ve felt nauseaous all day now and I barely made it to work without losing it. I''m so emotional lately too so that doesn''t help at all.

Some TMI questions for the preggo experts:

1. Is it normal for your breasts to be more sensitive on some days than others? Yesterday I could hardly move because they hurt so bad but today its tolerable - still growing larger though

2. Is it okay to have period-like cramps? Every now and then I get some cramps in my lower back/abdomen like I used to get before/during my period but I''ve had no bleeding or spotting. I''m pretty sure it''s from my uterus stretching to accomodate bean but I want to be sure.

3. Anyone else notice a different scent down there? Not bad just different. I notice it mostly in the a.m.

I picked up Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy yesterday while I was browsing baby stuff at Target and read it last night. Very funny! If you are preggo and haven''t read it yet then go buy it. It made me feel better about how I''ve been feeling lately - the emotions, bloating, crying, everything.

~Jess~

 

[chrono]

Diva,
Yes, the ladies do get extra sensitive due to growth and hormonal changes. I also used to get some on-off cramping but nothing bad and only for a day or two. If you are concerned, please call your doctor''s office. They are experienced enough to know if you need to be seen and can put your mind at ease if it is normal. No clue about the scent though...

 

[regalada]

Diva, I''m 7 weeks now and my boobs have gone through various degrees of soreness, some days I can barely move my arms without wincing, others I have to press them to see if they still hurt. I know, crazy, but it''s reassuring to me when they hurt.

My m/s started about a week and a half ago. I haven''t thrown up yet, thankfully, but have had to run to the bathroom with heaves about 4 mornings now. The hardest part for me is being at work like you said, trying to act normal when I''m sure I look green with nausea. I''ve discovered that eggs help immensely, something about the protein I read. So now I have eggs for breakfast at the cafeteria at work every morning, and that gets me through lunch without barfing and allows me to eat something light at lunch. Evenings are the worst for me. I have to do food checks when I envision myself eating a food and see how my tummy reacts, if it tumbles in disgust, I have to keep searching. If it does not, I grab that food as quickly as possible before the window closes

.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Thanks for all the ideas. I am hoping she is not sick. She is so young!

MrsS, I still have some pain/discomfort. I thought my recovery would go faster. Oh well! I can''t even really walk long distances. I also get cramping which my doctor says is normal. I am looking forward to the stitches to disolve (I can''t see them since they are under the skin but I can feel them sometimes). My belly seems to shrink a little everyday so that is fun. I still have 25 lbs to go

Nursing is hard. It is frusterating b/c she seems to want to eat every hour (plus she spits up sp much). Also I am still using the shield which I really want to get off of. When I try sometimes she does latch w/o it but she gets frusterated and angry (and probably confused) so it is just easier to put it on. It still also hurts. No where near as bad as the begining but they are so sore! I think I might go back to the lactation lady for help with the shield issue.

Ok Tessa is crying. Hope everyone is doing well and have exciting thanksgiving plans!!!

 

[chrono]

Tacori,
A few other hopefully helpful tips on nursing:
1. Use lansinoh (in a purple box) to help with scabs, after nursing soreness, etc.
2. Do use breast compressions while nursing to help Tessa get more milk. This will squirt more milk into her mouth as she is feeding so hopefully she won''t get hungry too soon.
3. If she isn''t getting enough milk, try switching sides. Are offering both sides or just one?
4. I still support the breast as I am nursing (even though he''s a pro by now). It helps baby get a better latch.
5. When latching on little babies who seem to have the cutest but tiniest rosebud mouths, compressing the aerolea into a C shape helps with latch on.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Date: 11/20/2007 11:25:34 AM
Author: Chrono
Tacori,

A few other hopefully helpful tips on nursing:

1. Use lansinoh (in a purple box) to help with scabs, after nursing soreness, etc.

2. Do use breast compressions while nursing to help Tessa get more milk. This will squirt more milk into her mouth as she is feeding so hopefully she won''t get hungry too soon.

3. If she isn''t getting enough milk, try switching sides. Are offering both sides or just one?

4. I still support the breast as I am nursing (even though he''s a pro by now). It helps baby get a better latch.

5. When latching on little babies who seem to have the cutest but tiniest rosebud mouths, compressing the aerolea into a C shape helps with latch on.

Thanks Chrono. I do use lansinoh (lifesaver to use before I shower! Ouch!). I usually only offer one side. She can clear 3 oz in about 15 mins (we weighed her at the lactation place) so she IS getting enough food. I do breast compressions (it works when she falls asleep or get distracted) keeps her focused. I''ll try the "c" shape. I was more squeezing it on top and bottom. But "c" does make sure sense. She gets so frusterated without the shield. I always forget to support so I will try that as well. You support it under right? Like where an underwire would be?

 

[chrono]

By support, I mean holding the breast in a C hold, where my hand does the letter C, with the thumb on top and my 4 fingers underneath. Does that make sense?

Why is Tessa frustrated without the shield? She seems to be taking milk well, so is it still the latch or is it something else? Could it that you have a very strong let down and the shield is helping to slow the milk floodgates?

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 11/20/2007 4:30:00 PM
Author: Chrono


Why is Tessa frustrated without the shield? She seems to be taking milk well, so is it still the latch or is it something else? Could it that you have a very strong let down and the shield is helping to slow the milk floodgates?

i am wondering that too. also, have you offered both sides to her? she may just still be hungry and need the second helping. it might help keep her full a while longer too.

 

[ellaila]

Well, I don''t have any firsthand knowledge to offer up on the BFing, but I hope it improves soon, Tacori! Like you said, they say the first few weeks are the hardest, and you''re already partway through it, so hopefully it''ll just get better from here on in!

Jess, my boobs were SO sore early on and yes, some days were worse than others -- just like with any other symptoms, you have your good days and your bad days. And yep, I remember getting abdomen pain too (not necessarily cramps, but pain) -- get used to it, sweetie

Regalada, I hope the m/s doesn''t get too bad for you and that it ends quickly! That''s great that you can eat eggs though -- good protein and Omega 3s (if you get the enriched ones).

Diver, how are you feeling? Did the infection clear up? I hope so!

We had a good appt. this morning

The babes are looking good -- he''s ~4lbs, 3 oz, and she''s ~3lbs, 11 oz, so he''s put on 12 oz. in 2 weeks, and she''s put on 9. Singletons are "supposed" to put on 1/2 lb. a week, but it''s less for twins, so their weight gain is pretty good. There''s a 16% difference between their weights (last week was 13%), and they said that it''s OK until it gets up to 20%, so let''s hope that our little girlie packs on some weight this week! Now that I''m not working anymore, I plan on trying to eat/drink lots of protein and lie on my left side more -- two things recommended to preggos on bedrest to plump up their beans.

The doctor said we def. won''t go past 37 weeks, so we''re still looking at Dec. 13 as our scheduled date -- or earlier if the babies decide it''s so!! Cervix is still closed, so that''s good. I''m on to weekly appts. AND u/s appts now!! As much as I love seeing the babies, I gotta say that the u/s appts are definitely getting more and more uncomfortable. I think a video of me trying to get off the table could go on America''s Funniest Home Videos! I''m like a turtle stuck on its back.

So if you could all send some PS dust for two things, I''d really appreciate it! One, that the babies put on a good amount more weight in the next few weeks -- I want two 5 lbers!! And two, that we can hold out till December 13 because we really really really want to make sure that we get our doctor and not whoever is on call. The wacko doctor that we met a few months ago when we did an emergecny trip to the hospital could wind up delivering the babies if we go early, and we are both SO not into that!!