Calling all the Pregnant PS''ers

[lili]

Jas12
Haha, I just had my share of "OMG, you are so big" comments today too.

 

[lili]

Tacori--
Is getting induced more painful?
This lady at my lamaze class was induced for her first pregnancy.
I don''t think it went well because she said she would not go through it again this time.

 

[lili]

fisherofmengirly--
gestational period is 266 days (38wks).
most doctor calculates the EDD as 280 days (38 wks gestational + 2 wks prev-ovulation) from your LMP since most period cycle last around 28 days.
if you cycle is longer, then your pre-ovulation period would be longer than 14 days. say your cycle is 35 days instead, you EDD would be 266 gestational
+ 21 days for the pre-ovulation, so making your EDD 287 days from your LMP instead. this means that your EDD would need to be one week later than the standard 280 days that is used. hope that makes sense.

 

[fisherofmengirly]

Thanks, Lili. That makes sense completely. I "get it" now.

 

[LitigatorChick]

I have been out of the loop for a few days - Miller is still coping with the flu. He seems to be getting better, although he had a rough night getting to sleep last night. I have a doctor''s appointment for him today, so we will see what''s up. DH had the same thing, which made him no help, and grumpy (what a lovely combination!). Actually happy to be at work for a day "off"!

Maternity clothes - I hated everything. I had 2 items I could handle. I got some halter tops - I don''t know the brand, but they were awesome! Second, I got some Seven jeans, which had the normal waist band removed and the "fat band" on. I wore these jeans all the time and just loved them! It seems crazy to spend $250 on designer "maternity" jeans, but if you feel good and wear them a lot, they are worth every penny.

Hair loss - watch out girls..... It turns ugly! I had these hideous "baby fuzzies" along the front of my hairline as my hair grew back in, which is possibly even worse than the hair loss.

Induction - I hear that it is a lot more painful. As well, I think the mad rush to the hospital is kind of fun!!

Old Navy - I am a Baby Gap shopper for a lot of Miller''s clothes. Although I just made an order through Knuckleheads - can''t wait!!!

 

[LitigatorChick]

Jas - I''m not a "fit mama", just a mama who does not bother to eat when she is stressed. In fact, I am rather disappointed, as I have been under quite a lot of stress lately at work and at home, so my weight has taken a nose-dive and hit my "number" - the one the doctor says I cannot go below.

 

[Burk]

You can''t miss a day of this thread!! Sorry if I miss someone...

Tacori~ Tessa is absolutely ADORABLE. I just want to kiss her!

Kay~Congrats!

Mrss~Sorry you''re feeling so yucky, hopefully it won''t be long!

Jas~ Sorry for the weird phone call from the Dr. I''m sure it''s nothing.

I was induced, and I agree with Tacori, I LOVED it! I''m a planner so I was able to get everything in order and there was absolutely NO stress involved. I woke up one day knowing I was going to have my baby. It was great. I''ve heard that pitocin contractions are worse than "natural" contractions, but I have no frame of reference, since it was my first baby. The conractions weren''t fun, that''s for sure!

I only contracted with out an epi for a couple hours, though, so it really wasn''t that bad.

Okay ladies, I need some advice. Tayva has been feeling "under the weather" for about a week. She''s been coughing and sneezing. She has sneezed out some of the biggest boogers I''ve ever seen. She sometimes has a hard time breathing because she''s so stuffed up. No temp. I just thought it was a cold, but it''s been a week. I don''t want to over-react, but I just got more snot and boogers out of her than I think one baby should have in her head. She isn''t overly fussy or anything, just not herself. Is there anything I can do for her? Should I call her ped?

 

[ellaila]

Wow, Lili, you know your pregnancy info! It's funny but b/c we weren't really TTC, I am just in the dark about so much preg-related stuff because I wasn't doing any reading up on it beforehand or anything.

Jackie, good luck with the doctor chat today -- keep us posted! You know we're all sending good vibes your way, mama!

March mommies-to-be ... it's March 10 already!! Getting soooooo close ...

Tacori, I was thinking of you yesterday b/c I *think* I had a clogged duct. It hurt!! Thankfully between sticking Gabe on there (I've pretty much given up nursing them so I was thrilled that he still latched on successfully. Am still pumping though) and massaging in the shower, I think I got rid of it. I really didn't want to have to get on all fours ...

I loved my summer mat clothes, I thought they were really cute -- baby doll shirts, flowy skirts, etc. But the winter ones I hated! Probably partly b/c I was still cute and small in my summer clothes and was a whale in my winter stuff. But I gotta say that I loved how comfy they all were, even when I hated how they looked on me. BUT I am VERY happy to announce that I fit into my pre-preggo pants again!!

I swear I have no idea how this happened, as I ate a 1 lb. bag of peanut M&Ms last week, but somehow I still lost a few lbs. For the first time in ages, I sort of feel like myself again, which is a pretty cool feeling.

Burk, no advice -- my babies haven't been sick yet (knock on wood), but wanted to send healthy wishes to little Tayva! We've seen a few big things come out of these guys too (both top and bottom!), and you just shake your head in amazement that that came out of such a little person! Hope she's feeling better soon! Same for Miller, LitChick! Poor little guys ...

Gotta post some new pics of my lovely babes ... these were put into personalized frames for Grandma as a very belated thank you gift for my baby shower ... The colors in the actual photos are much brighter. You can't tell here how blue blue K's eyes are, but in the printed photo, they just jump right off the paper!

 

[LitigatorChick]

Burk - Tayva is pretty young for a cold. I might go to her ped for a check-up. You can''t give them much at that age. Have you tried the good old saline and "snot-sucker" to help???

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Burk, thanks! Tayva is a sweetie too. Tessa just had her first cold a few weeks ago. Her symptoms were just like your little one. She was still in a good mood and no fever but coughing and sneezing (a lot of snot). We did the saline nose drops for awhile, ran the humidifier all night, also vicks makes a plug in on their medicine (BRU has it) try that. She is too young to have any OTC stuff. After her breathing seemed a little weezie DH took her to the docs. They sent us home with an enebelizer (sp?) and we got a script for medicine. It mists it and she breathes it in. Seemed to help so I guess I would give it a few days and then go to your docs.

RE:inductions Like Burk I have no frame of reference and I don''t feel comfortable saying it was more painful, longer, worse etc....I will just speak on *my* experience. I heard the rumors it hurt more but I was always planning on having an epi. I actually never needed the pitocin. The cervidil kicked me into labor so it worked out great for me. I have a few friends that were also inducted who had similar experiences as me (*liked* being induced). My labor was not long at 8.5 hours (the ave. 1st time labor from start to finish is something like 16 hours from our class). Honestly I was so uncomfortable in the end I was *grateful* to be induced. Also like I mentioned Tessa would have gotten sick if we waited much longer. I would like to be induced with my next one so obviously it was not *that* bad. I do not like stressful situations and am laid back. To me rushing to the hospital would be stressful and more complicated now that we will have Tessa to worry about. I like picking a date/time. Showing up. Joking around. Relaxing. Eating Ben&Jerry''s for DH and my last meal before becoming parents (the nurse suggested ice cream....okay!)

Ella, sorry to hear about the clog. I just get on all 4s for the nasty ones that will not go away.

LC, sorry to hear Miller is still sick! What a bummer. Hope he feels better soon. Can''t wait for the hair fuzzies!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Oh ella the twins are getting so big!


RE: Laughing
So last night DH FINALLY got to hear her laugh. I got her going pretty good (was doing a silly dance) and she was hysterical. Giggles, belly laughs, squeals...she was loving it. DH said he felt a little jealous b/c even though she gets excited to see him, it is nothing compared to when she sees me. He understands it''s b/c I spend all day, everyday with her, and am her food source but I still felt a little bad. I am sure one day soon he will be her favorite.

 

[Skippy123]

Ellaila, the twins are adorable. I just adore them; they are little darlings!!!

Tacori, Tessa is beautiful; she is getting so big. What a sweetie pie; I bet you enjoy her company and yay for baby laughs. I think a little baby laugh is the cutest thing ever!!

 

[Burk]

Ella~the twins are so cute! Can you believe how fast they grow?? thanks for the healthy wishes!

Well, I went ahead and called the ped and we''re heading in to see him in about a half hour. Better safe than sorry. Keep your fingers crossed for us. I''ve been using the snot sucker all day and I''ve gotten more gunk out of her little nose. I feel so bad for her. I think she got it from my in-laws. They are ALWAYS sick. They have a 2 year-old in day care and he''s always bringing something home. I told DH that I worry about being around them...looks like I was right!

 

[mrssalvo]

ella- the twins are just too adorable...

burk- glad your going ahead and taking tayva to the dr. let us know what they say..

jackiejas- thinking of you today and hoping everything is ok...update us when you can.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Skippy, thanks sweetie! She is getting so big!

 

[jas]

Hi everyone. Exhausting day, but it''s over.

First thing this morning, I had to withdraw from my Second City class. I just can''t take the chances with how physical it gets...I was really sad about this and worried that it''s going to isolate me from the real world. I don''t have a lot of friends IRL, although I do have some good ones. I will just have to find ways to increase my little bubble that don''t involve things like "Butt Tag"

Started out with the Nuchal Fold screening, which has the side benefit of a longish US. Baby B (the "top bunk") was quite cooperative...hands folded on chest, facing the right way. Baby A was squirming all about and it took us about 15 minutes to get a good picture of his/her nose. The tech was pushing and prodding and pressing to get Baby A to face the right way, and ended up smooshing my fibroid (she was very apologetic) but it was hysterical to see all the water aerobics going on in there.

She said that they measure 13 wks, 1 day (not 12w1d, like the "charts") say. Apparently, that''s not enough of a discrepancy to change the due date, but I wouldn''t be surprised.

We saw toes and fingers and hearts and tummies and little tushies. Very cute.

Then the tough one...off to the dr.

First off, I gained 5 pounds since the last visit, and they didn''t say boo about it. Thank goodness. I''ve gained 9-10 pounds so far, but I read somewhere that with twins, you should gain about 1 lb a week the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Apparently, the "issue" was that I had a problematic pap smear. I have HPV and have had a number of procedures to deal with it in the last few years, culminating with a LEEP. Well, it seems to be back and the doctor wanted to do a colposcopy (biopsy of the cervix). I got into position (DH left the room) and Lord love her, Dr. said (once she swabbed the area with vinegar) that it seemed very minor and that they will repeat the pap in a month and again after that. At that point they will do a coloposcopy if there is not a change or if it gets worse.

That''s good. Colpos are really unpleasant. Even just getting the swab and the extended time with the speculum has left me feeling icky today.

My belly measures 18 cm, which is equivalent to 18 wks pregnant, I believe. Dr. said it''s because of the twins and the fibroid. I wonder if that means I won''t feel the babies until later on, as they may have more room to maneuver in there, or if it means I will feel them soon, as the fibroid is sharing space in there.

I''m just glad they didn''t find a third baby today!

Dr. is of the belief I can deliver "From the v-zone" as DH calls it.

So I''m still worried about the pap, and, on another level, my COBRA insurance runs out in December and abnormal paps will make it REALLY difficult to get my own insurance. But I have to trust it will all work out.

On a happier note, my SIL gifted me her very top-o-the-line double pump and a bassinet (still need another) and a ton of bottles. And a boppy! She said it''s machine washable...anyone know?

Ella -- those are the most adorable babies. Even if the color is off, what beautiful eyes! Yea on the pre-preggo pants. What is it, like four months? Five? That''s AWESOME! Can I have some M&Ms?
MrsSalvo and Tacori and Lili and Ella-- Thanks for the kind thoughts. I appreciate it!
LitChick -- Ugh about the "magic number" -- have you tried the Cakesters?

I hope Miller is feeling better. Has your husband returned from his trip yet?
JAS12 -- that is very sweet about your sister, minus the "You''re so big"
Burk -- I hope Tayva is better soon. Yikes on the gigantic boogers.
Tacori -- a lady in the waiting room (also preggo w/ twins) was singing the praises of the Snap n Go -- I thought of you!

Ok, I need to rest for awhile. Long, tough day.

 

[fisherofmengirly]

I''m so glad the babies are doing good (and you, too), Ms. Jas!!

Yay!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Jackie I hope your pap comes back good. I''ll be thinking of you! I am glad the twin snap ''n gos work well too. I love both of mine...yes I have two

Ella, I am so jealous you are back to your old size! I can *almost* go down a size but even then I will be 1 size bigger than normal. Someday....

 

[mrssalvo]

jackiejas, thanks for giving us the update. I hope everything comes back normal for you the next time. I don''t know a lot about HPV but I assume you can still go on and have a normal pregnancy no matter right? I hope the NS comes back with good results too. isn''t it fun seeing your little beans? won''t be too long until you can find out what sex they are. (are you going to find out?)

 

[snlee]

Jas12, your sister is so cute. Every time my brother sees me he pats my tummy, which is so funny cause I'm not even showing yet! I know he's excited to be an uncle. For Christmas last year, he made my husband and me a card. It said "happy, snuggly holidays to you!" and he cut out pictures of our heads and pasted them on a baby's body! The gift was a baby hat and socks! I was shocked he gave us baby clothes! Can you give us a bigger hint??

I hope Miller and Tavya feel better soon!

ella, the twins are adorable! Great job on getting back into your pre-pregnancy pants! Wow, 3 months? I'm impressed!

jackie, i'm glad the twins are doing well! It must have been exciting seeing your little ones. I hope your pap comes back normal.

On Saturday, DH and I went snowshoeing with friends. We walked about 10 miles in about 6 hours. I can't believe I did it. I am exhausted and super sore. It was fun being out in the snow and enjoying the scenery though. It was a gorgeous day! The sun was out and it was perfect weather.

Here are few pictures.

 

[snlee]

Taking a break...

 

[jas]

Thanks everyone for the kind thoughts.

I just heard from the genetic counselor --

1 in 2900 chance (for each baby) for Downs Syndrome
1 in 4300 chance (per baby) for Trisomy 13 and/or 18.

Really good news. This makes me think I might skip the amnio...but we''ll see...

I am pooped and will write more tomorrow.

G''night. I''m off to curl up with Ben & Jerry (Cherry Garcia FroYo. Life is good)

 

[mrssalvo]

snlee- you go girl...beautiful pics, wow!!

jas- now that is some GREAT news...enjoy that Ben and Jerry''s, you totally deserve it!!

 

[qtiekiki]

LC & Burk - Hope Miller and Tayva feel better soon. The bugs going around are quite bad this year.

Jas12 - What a trip you had. At least you had a good time with your sis.

ella - The twins are adorable. What did you do to get back to your pre-pg weight so fast? Tell us the secret. hehe.

Jackie - Hope the second result of the pap come back ok. Baby A was playing peek-a-boo with you. Isn''t it fun seeing them?

snlee - 10 miles in 6 hours. That''s awesome.

We are excited about having a little girl. I am pretty sure she is going to be daddy''s little princess. I can see DH spoiling her. Now we deciding on her name. I gave DH a whole list to go through. hehe.

 

[lili]

Ah LC, sorry to hear that Miller is still sick. Poor thing. Hope he''s on the mend quick.
Then he can model his Knuckleheads outfit when they arrive

Sorry to hear about your Tayva being under the weather too Burk.
Glad you are seeing the doctor about it. It''s always better to be safer than sorry.

Tacori,

the silly things we''ll do to get that one giggle and laughter from our child.
Fortunately for me, my DH is good with being silly, so I''ll have him get our baby to laugh.
That''s great that DH got to see Tessa laugh.

Ella
Hehe, that''s from years of reading and understanding about my fertility when we were trying.
Since I''ve read so much on TTC and pregnancy, I''m all read out for the real test -- Baby''s first year.
Got to get a start on the reading for that pronto -- time is ticking.

Your twinsy are so cute. Can''t believe they are getting so big.
So is MsK still a good pound lighter than bigG?
Great job on getting into your pre-preggo pants! And you didn''t even need to cut back on the junk food too!
What''s your secret?

 

[lili]

JackieJas
That''s great results from your NT.
With numbers like that, it makes it harder for you to decide on the amnio...especially when you are going to be pricked twice!
Anway, hope the results from your pap smear comes back favorable.

And great job on the weight gain.
9-10 lbs for 13 wks is awesome considering that you are making 2 of everything.

snlee
Wow, 10 miles hike in one day? I''m tired just hearing about it.
Love the pictures.

 

[Jas12]

Lili--i have not dropped an inch either-ppl remark about how high i am all the time. Maybe we wont. I think it was Tacori that mentioned she never did either.
How are you liking your lamaze classes lately? Are you meeting any moms to be that you think you''ll stay in contact with later on? That''s the main reason i wish i had taken something.

Tacori and Burk-- it’s great that you guys had good experiences with induction—puts my mind at ease a bit. I have to admit I am nervous about them b/c I have mostly heard the opposite (isn’t that always the way with L&D--it''s annoying –we always hear the bad) I know of 4 woman who had them one said the labor was fast but brutally intense compared to her first birth, the other 2 ended up with c-sections b/c the induction wasn''t working (stalled labor)--the other one didn''t say much about it so it was probably good and that''s why i can''t remember her story--ha. In some ways I would luv to know when I was going to go into labor—I think I would be more relaxed and mentally prepped and I think that’s an advantage—but I think there is a reason why they come on their own so I am sticking with the ‘wait and see approach’ unless i am told there is a risk.

jackiejas--glad you had your appointment and the news was good, the low risk of downs and possible delivery from the v-zone esp! You haven''t gained much at all--i was up a hefty 12 lbs by the end of my first tri.
That''s too bad about your class, but maybe you can find something else fun to replace it with? I know the feeling--i have few close friends nearby to share outings with--everyone is at least 3 hours away from my city--I too need to look for something new to do.

MrsS.-- hang in there! I feel for you--crummy that your last pregnancy (i think you mentioned that it would beyour last, right?) has to be the most difficult!You''ve had it all this time around.

Hope your Dr. appoint goes well....keep us posted. I think you''ll be the first to go into labor out of the 3 of us.

Snlee--beautiful hike pics! What a climb!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

snlee, wow you are in great shape lady!!!

Jas, no Tessa *NEVER* dropped so she had a long way to go. I went into my induction with NO progress. Nada. I was like a vault. I went 0 to 60 very fast.I hear a lot of horrible natural birth stories too so I think it goes to show, do what is best for your body & baby (what your doctor says) and leave the rest up to fate. What will be will be.

 

[Jas12]

Forgot to post my latest ''keep me busy'' project--i made cookie announcements about 2 weeks ago and designed some sticker labels on the computer (had to make boy and girl ones of course, so i''ll be throwing out a bunch of one or the other) The giant cookies are frozen right, taking up all the room in my freezer -- someone will be ''volunteered'' to assemble them when the time comes. Thought they were more unique and health concious than cigars

(sorry about the funny pic--i tried to blur the names but i am photoshop challenged!)

 

[LitigatorChick]

Mornin'' ladies.

Miller is feeling much much better!!! Must have been all the PS get well dust being sent his way! It was very nice to go home yesterday and see my happy little boy again. And although bed time was a bit of a nightmare (he was over-tired!), he slept all night. I felt like that may never happen again!

I was at a grocery store yesterday that previously had cakesters, but none were to be found. Maybe all the preggos took them!

JackieJas, good luck on the pap. Post baby, I had had my share of colopscopies, Leep, etc. I know it sucks, but we have to do this crap to stay healthy (or so that''s what I am told - right, eat breakfast......)

Tacori, your comment on the goofy dance to make Tessa laugh made me think of the same thing with Miller. He was maybe 6 months old, and was cranky with teething. We would put him in his jumperoo and dance like idiots - cracked him up!!! Nothing better than baby laughs!