Ten Things Tuesday!

KH826

Happy Tuesday, friends! Please share with us any 10 things on your mind today -- from TTC to pregnancy to parenting to any old thing you feel like, we want to hear about it! Ready, set, go!

trisholio

1. It looks like it is going to be a slow week on the boards due to the holiday.  I am glad for it to be a short work week for my wife.

2. We had a good weekend together.  My wife took Friday off work to attend a Foster Parent appreciation lunch at our agency on Friday.  She doesn't attend many meetings or visitations due to her working full time, but she helps me so much with behind the scenes stuff.  We filled out the paperwork at the lunch to get a free membership to the Columbus Zoo.  Which is one of the top zoo's in the US (so I have heard)  and we are lucky enough to have it just minutes away!

3. Friday afternoon we picked up a little boy to keep for the weekend for emergency respite.  He is 17 months old and was a sweetheart.  He was pretty timid, didn't talk much and cried a lot, but I would expect that from a baby that doesn't know us :-(  We got a few smiles out of him and our little girl K took him under her wing and called him her buddy all weekend.  The good part is that he was a good sleeper and slept thru the night and was knocked out for almost 14 hours both nights.

4. We got a little taste of how crazy our life is going to be with 3 little ones.  Right now I have a routine when leaving the house with the girls and when my wife is with me it is even easier.  But having three is a whole new ball game!  Especially since they were all under the age of 2.5 yrs old.

5. I am really hoping that we get the double stroller we registered for!  When baby Adalyn gets here I plan on on wearing her a lot and using the double stroller for M and K.  By the time Adalyn gets to big for the carrier then M will be big enough to listen better and walk more on her own.  

6. I know that my mom loves the girls to death, but she doesn't realize that us being at her house is so much more work for us.  It is not super kid friendly and it is much bigger than ours, with no baby gates!  I love spending time over there, but it is so exhausting!

7. We went over to some friends house last night.  They have a pool (it wasn't quite ready yet) fenced in yard and a nice play set.  M played with their kids and ran around the back yard all night and K explored in the grass.  It was awesome to have an actual play date where the kids were able to play instead of us chasing them around worried about them breaking something.

8. We took the girls swimming for the first time yesterday.  They both did great.  We need to get better swim vests for them, but they both enjoyed it a lot!  M is so tall and skinny that she has no fat on her, the water was chilly and she kept shivering.  So we had to take lots of breaks and warm her back up, which wasn't always easy because she just wanted to stay in the water.  I will be glad when the water warms up some more.

9. We think that M is hitting a growth spurt.  She has been eating more lately (she is a pretty picky eater) she is also complaining that her feet hurt a lot and seems to be more tired, which equals more tantrums but also more cuddly time.  I am just happy she is eating more and I have been giving her little foot massages, its so cute!

10. We went to a local LGBT picnic with other parents and their kids on Sunday.  We have followed the group for almost two years but never attended events before having kids (we didn't want to feel like creepers).  It was great to connect with other couples and just be, we didn't have to answer a millions questions about who the bio parent is, or how we got pregnant or other stuff that people feel the need to ask.  I don't ask straight people how they got knocked up, so why do people always feel the need to ask me?  It usually doesn't bother me too much, but it does get old after awhile.  Anyhoo, it was nice to expand our LGBT family/friends circle and look forward to more events this summer.

Jazibel

1. Owen is sleeping in the swing.  He wasn't fond of the swing until yesterday, so here's to hoping that he likes it and takes a long nap. Of course Kaden running in every five minutes to try to pay Owens head of give him kiss isn't helping. Somehow Owen is still sleeping though - I guess second kids really have no choice but to be more resilient.

2. We had such a great weekend, I'm really looking forward to the next few summer months.  EV and I need a break from school to spend time as a family, doing fun family activities and just hanging out.

3. Yesterday we packed the kiddos up and headed to our gym/club.  There are five or so pools, a great lawn with shade, a really nice resort style lounge, and pool side tables and chairs.  We dragged a chair onto the lawn in the shade.  The club was having a Memorial Day BBQ, and there were jumpies on lawn.  EV and Kaden went swimming a few times and she said he had the most fun ever. I stayed in the shade with Owen who eventually took a nap so I even got to read a little of a book I have on Kindle that has "grown dusty" from being ignored.  Then last night we packed up the boys again (after Kaden's late nap) and headed to the drive in movies. 

4. The Mom's of the Babysitting Co-op I belong too (a sub-group of the town Mother's club), are doing a meal train for us. It has been so helpful, and taken a huge weight off my shoulders since preparing dinner can be super time consuming.  We have meals coming through Thursday of this week (and maybe 1 day next week).

5. There are a bunch of little repairs that need to be done around the house.  I hope I can get to some this week..

6. I'm slowly trying to get ready to be on a weight-loss plan, I downloaded an app to track food and exercise, and ordered a scale. EV's participating in a challenge at her work and is wearing a step-counter. She received two so I'm wearing one too.  We're going to start walking in the mornings together and hopefully by six weeks postpartum I'll be cleared to go back to the gym.  I have a long way to go to reach my goal (my per-pregnancies weight and level of health) but I'm willing to focus on the journey.  It's a little challenging to figure out what a healthy number of calories to eat is though.  Anyone have an experience with trying to lose weight while breastfeeding?

7. Kaden loves wearing his bike helmet around the house.  He's super safety conscious...

8. We're cutting back our water use because of the drought, so our lawn in the backyard is turning very brown.

9. I really do love my life

10. Juggling two kids is the most challenging gift I've perhaps ever received. There are moments when I'm not sure how we're going to survive the next ten minutes. But mostly I just love our time together. I thought after being a mom for almost two years that I had my sh$t together.  Well along comes Owen to prove how chaotic life really can be, and how OK I need to be with that chaos. So here's to learning how to be a mom all over again.

firstcomeslove2013

Okay folks, let's see if I can get through my TTT!!!

Shout Outs: @KH826- I can't believe you are so close! I can't wait to "meet" your little person! So exciting! My heart, thoughts, and good energy go out to @manada and @healz413 during this time. You folks are strong...I admire you!

1. @doodah1013 mentioned our weekend full of unsolicited advice. I had some friend we told IMMEDIATELY rub my belly...WHAAAAAAAT? #1 that's so rude, #2 I'm not the one who is pregnant...needless to say...it was not as pleasant as I would have liked. We had a lot of great time to relax and it was awesome to spend time with C's parents...but geez people...

2. We heard Squinter's heartbeat last week...it was magical...we have 199 days left which seems long...but I know it will fly!

3. I am so behind on housework, it isn't even a joke...so much needs to happen...

4. My job is going so well and I really love the direction it is taking me.

5. A friend of ours is going to paint some murals for Squinter's room...I am so excited, she is so talented!

6. I really need to get some stuff done but I am feeling ultra lazy...too much relaxing this weekend I guess!

7. My domperidone (for induced lactation) SHOULD be coming to my house today...I am so excited and will start that tomorrow. I have been on BCP for over a week (so exciting).

8. I know all we need is to add another thing to our plate but I really want to work on buying a house. I'd love to be in a bigger place by the time Squinter gets here but that might be a pipe dream.

9.The reason #8 may be a pipe dream is that our savings is tanked...it will get back where it needs to be but DANG...I certainly won't complain as we have our little squinter on the way!

10. I cannot find a happy medium temperature wise in my house today. I went from sweating to freezing...

 

Have a good day everyone!

 

 

indianaCaz

1. I'm very excited to get to know everyone on here. I'm dying to be more connected to other queer parents.

2. I'll be trying out an educational playgroup tomorrow that's centered on Waldorf teaching methods and a commune house. There are other queer families going.. I'm stoked!

3. I'm still very anxious about our last round of AI at home. I do believe it was contaminated and on top of that in second guessing about my timing -maybe a bit early.

4. I have a terrible yeast infection related to the above, I believe!

5. We got a 10ft wide x 2ft deep swimming pool for Dyl but even with the filter and chemicals the water in it is dark brown because we have TERRIBLE well water. It's so frustrating!

6. My heart is seriously breaking thinking that we'll probably have a long road figuring out how to ttc if things don't straighten out with current donor.

7. I wanted our children so close in age but Dyl is already 17 months.

8. I don't think I have 2 more things to write.

redrockmama

1. I posted about it in the pregnancy check in last night, but we had a follow up u/s on Friday and still have complete placenta previa so we'll be having a c section around June 19th, at 37 weeks. 

2. I'm pretty bummed, that about sums it up.

3. The good news is that our midwife will for sure be here for the birth She is moving in July and possibly wouldn't have been here for a home birth. I'm really glad she will be there and will advocate for us in the hospital to have a family-centered c-section

4. Bubbles apparently still has a big head, big tummy and little legs. During the u/s J said the short legs came from here. The tech thought it was hilarious. 

5. I haven't been sleeping well at all. I have to pee 5 times, am really uncomfortable and am experiencing insomnia again. So fun! 

6. Our baby shower is this weekend. I'm pretty excited to celebrate our baby with our friends and family

7. My sister was able to schedule flights to come see Bubbles when he is born and be here for the naming ceremony. I'm really excited and continue to hope she'll decide to move back here. I really want Bubbles to know his auntie. 

8. I haven't told my mom about the placenta previa because she would freak out. I am thinking I should tell her now though. I'm such a bad daughter. I also have to tell her we don't want visitors at the hospital, this convo isn't going to go very well

9. Sorry to be so pregnancy focused today. There is more to me than my pregnancy, it's just so overwhelming right now. 

10. One non baby/pregnancy related thing, the weather is so nice and warm and sunny, I love it! I really hope we can get in a good hike or two in the next few weeks. 

healz413

1. Thank you all for all your thoughts and good wishes.

2. Today was a much better day than Friday (see AH post)

3. Speaking of the "AH post," @2mamazinseattle asked me today what AH stands for. I explained that while many people mean "attention wanted" when they say "AW" some people explain that AW means "attention wh0re." I don't like that phrase and so I didn't want anyone to think that's what I meant, so I started writing "AH" to mean "attention hog" with the added benefit that it could also mean "Amanda Healy."

4. Our cribs arrived today. @Manada's mom ordered them for us last week before we had the bleeding and cervix issue and I was terrified that I was going to have to arrange delivery of them while we were still really scared that we were going to lose the babies. I'm relieved that they came today (and just got left in our hall--odd, but helpful) after the news is looking more hopeful rather than coming yesterday.

5. The full time contract that I'm working got moved up to a June start from a July start. I'm planning to start next Wednesday. They're being flexible about my hours, so I'm hoping to be able to attend all or almost all of our Tuesday appointments with the MFM/twins specialist. (Friday's are just a cervix scan and no meeting with the MFM unless there's a problem with the ultrasound).

6. The air conditioning in our apartment got turned on this morning. I'm so happy. It was sooo hot yesterday. The dog is also happy.

7. Parking at the hospital is sooooo expensive. Twice a week will get pricey. But at this point, I don't really care what it costs to keep those babies baking; I just want them to bake for a long time more.

8. I'm trying to decide if I'm going to go do my paper presentation this Friday. I already cancelled the one that was on Sunday (two days ago) because I wasn't going to leave M when we didn't know what was going on. It's a panel at an academic conference. The panel is at 9:15 am and the conference is 2-3 hours away (depending on traffic). I'd miss the Friday appointment (which is just a cervical scan), but more than that I'm worried about being so far away if something goes wrong or there is bad news. Plus I'd have to either get someone to stay with M overnight on Thursday, or I'd have to leave at about 5:30 am.

9. I moved our small dining room table into the office/guest room where our daybed is. M can lie on her side on the daybed and I can sit across the table from her and we can play games.

10. Snack time.

StacyLH24

1.  @Manada & @ Healz413 - I'm so glad to hear that things are looking better.  While I know it isn't the ideal situation, I hope those Rockies get as much baking time as possible.

2.  CD 32 over here.  You would think after my progesterone draw last week, that a nurse would have called and told me that I didn't ovulate.  Nope...had to call myself to find out what the deal was.  My RE got stuck in surgery today, so no plan of action yet.  I should hopefully have one tomorrow morning.  

3.  I had my annual pap smear today...only two months late..ooops.  Anyway, she said everything looked good.  I gave her a run down of the past year.  Semi-depressing.  On a good note, the pap smear was a piece of cake in comparison to everything else my vaginal area has endured.  I used to think that the cervix scraping was a little harsh.  Today, piece of cake.  It didn't feel like much of anything at all.   

4.  Buffalo Pride is this weekend.  Usually C and I get a hotel room, go up Saturday and come home Sunday.  This year there is a benefit for a coworker on Saturday, so we are skipping the block party on Saturday to attend that.  We are going up for the parade and party after on Sunday. Our rainbow flag that we got two years ago finally bit the dust.  We're looking forward to getting a new one this year.  

5.  I wish that I would have remembered about World Pride being in Toronto this year.  C has a passport but I do not.  I don't have an enhanced license either, so I can't cross the border  I would have loved to have gone, especially with it being so close.  

6.  I was telling C about the scare that @Manada & @ Healz413 had.  I told her that we better start financially planning now in case we end up in any type of situation like that.  I had figured out how much paid time off I could potentially get and how much I could save up between now and then.  It ended up coming out to be that I could probably be off of work safely (financially) for 15 weeks.  I want to make a better plan so that if I end up on bed rest, then we will be ok.  I could probably negotiate to work a bit from home, but it wouldn't be anywhere near full time work.  We depend of both of our incomes to make ends meet.  Time to go into super saving mode.

7.  I should really be getting some housework done.  Right after I finish this...

8.  I'm hoping that tomorrow the nurse will tell me that I can just go ahead and start my BCP.  That is probably unrealistic, but I want to get started.  I'm glad C made the decision to not skip a cycle before we got started.  Though maybe that is what is going to have to happen anyway.  I hate waiting and not knowing exactly, and in detail, what the plan is.   

9.  I received a wonderful compliment over the weekend.  C has a picture of me as her initial screen on her phone.  It is from before we knew each other and also when I weighed about 70 pounds less than I do right now.  A friend saw it and asked who it was.  I told him it was me.  He didn't believe me (he was a bit intoxicated) until he put the phone up to my face and compared.  Then he said that he thought that I had made an improvement - that I looked better now than I did in that picture.  I was very flattered.  That isn't something that normally happens or that you would expect to happen with the emphasis that our society places on thin/skinny equaling beautiful/attractive.  

10.  I wish we could take another vacation.

KH826

1. 39 weeks today! 2. Had an OB appointment this afternoon, and I am happy to announce that I am 3cm dilated! 3. My appointment today was with another Dr, since my OB is on vacation this week. I wasn't a huge fan, but she was nice enough. She was pretty rough though -- the cervical check was wayyyyyy worse than when my Dr has done it in the past. Oh well, it's nothing compared to birth, so I better just buckle up. 4. If I don't end up at the hospital overnight, then I am going to go into the office for a few hours tomorrow morning to tie up a few last minute things, and then that is likely it for me in the office. I will work from home til labor kicks into high gear, but I have no desire to go into full blown labor at my office. 5. My boss sent me an email today in response to something I sent him, and it said "I will do this. I need you to relax and let go." I have mixed emotions about this... 6. I'm pretty sure I am having contractions right now. I am unsure if they have kicked up a little since my internal exam this afternoon, or if perhaps things are gearing up... I guess only time will tell. 7. I am very relieved for the good news @manada and @healz413 shared today. I know they still have a long road to haul, but I am happy that today's news was positive. Thinking of you four! 8. Thunderstorm! Our doggie is not enjoying it... 9. I came home from the Dr and made dinner and frantically straightened up a little. I instructed my wife that I want the house picked up before we go to bed tonight. I also instructed her they no matter what time of day or night we go to the hospital I want the bed made before we leave. I don't know why I am obsessed with the house being neat right now, but I definitely am. 10. Soooo.... Do we think I am having a May baby instead of a June baby? That would be lovely!

ball.and.chain

1. Today I went to a satellite office of my firm that is about an hour away to do some work that is a little more physical than what I usually do.  Lots of standing up, sitting down, bending, reaching...and it wore me the hell out.  I guess I am not the invincible pregnant woman after all.

2. On top of that, I had killer heartburn all day.  My OB told me I could add Zantac into my schedule and I had started taking 1 at night, but I definitely need to start taking it in the morning too.  Plus I didn't have my Tums (because I keep them in my desk drawer in my regular office), so I just suffered.  And my carpal tunnel was bad.  Between those two things and the physical exhaustion (see #1) and BH contractions, I was toast by the time I got home.

3. I did get home early though and put myself to bed for a nap until my wife arrived.  Heartburn is still bad (even with Tums) but everything else feels better.

4. I saw my psychiatrist today and she said she has very little concern about me developing PPD.  I was originally considered high-risk for it so this is good news.  BUT I have her pager number just in case and she is going to check in with me in mid-July.

5. The painter is coming tomorrow to paint the ceiling and trim in our nursery and someone else is coming on Thursday to give us a quote on doing the wallpaper.  HALLELUJAH this boy is going to have a real nursery after all!

6. Heading to NJ this weekend for our first family shower with the ILs.  My wife has scheduled naps into each day for me -- I love her.  I think the weekend is going to be rough on me though -- 5 hours in the car each way and lots of "on" time.

7. Nursing tanks are en route!  And I bought some nursing bras -- the sleep bras are great, the other ones are useless and will be returned.  I have a Bravado one on the way so I'm hoping that does the trick.

8. Eating cheese and crackers until dinner arrives.  Yum. 

9. I can't believe @KH826 is going to have a baby, like, any day now.

10. I can't believe I am going to have a baby in 2 months or less!

2MamazInSeattle

1. So happy for @manada and @healz413... FX it's all green lights from here!
2. @KH826 yay for dilation! Take it easy lady - hoping it happens fast.
3. @redrockmama, so bummed for you - it sucks to know for sure you can't have the birth you hoped for. You're handling it well, and your little one will be ok and so will you. My sister's bday is 6/19, not a bad day in my book!
4. I posted in the pregnancy check-in that J and I painted the nursery. She said "honey, it doesn't mean certain divorce if we do it together" LOL - and while I did have one mega meltdown (spilled a good amount of paint on the hardwood floor and all over a big batch of cords for our internet and printer...) she handled me well and after that little hiccup, all was well. Seven hours from start to finish!
5. Like @ball.and.chain, however, I realize I am not a magical pregnant lady. I am SO SORE today from up/down on the ladder, kneeling, squatting, etc. Taking it easy today.
6. I'll post nursery pics once it's done. I bought the letters for her name, but they were out of "E" - since her name is not Simon I want to wait for the E to hang up the rest of the details.
7. We bought a killer recliner/rocker this weekend - arrives next Wednesday!
8. I scored a bit more on Craigslist! We now have the exact two carseats and stroller we wanted for less than 1/2 the price new, and all are in great condition. We're picking and choosing where to spend our money and I'm so glad we think alike - there are just certain things that do not need to be brand new for us. And others that do.
9. I'm doing much better this Tuesday than last! I should be able to make our weekly Mexican food date with a friend, vs. going to the ER with a kidney stone!
10. My birthday is two weeks from tomorrow - I'll be 30w on my bday!!!

Amber&Reva

1.  Officially get to start OPK on June 6.  Can't believe I am starting this journey again when I should be 32 weeks pregnant right now.

2. For some reason the RE wants to meet with me after my next IUI I can't imagine why because we had to meet with him less then a month ago to get cleared to start trying again.

3. I feel like I have so much on my plate right now between yard work, house work, and finishing up my apprentice program so I can sit for the licensing exam at the end of this month.

4. Had yummy romance rolls for dinner tonight.  Best sushi ever sweet potato and avocado rolls.

5. Got off the phone with my dad who is helping us build a deck next month.  We need to have the plans drawn up and all the wood and supplies here before his arrival.

6.  Started planning my 30th birthday party.  I can't believe I am going to be 30 and a couple months.

7.  I am so happy that @manada and @healz (sorry I spelt both your screen names wrong) have a plan.  I have been worrying about you two since I read your pregnancy update this week.  Keep them cooking!

8. I also am thinking about how thankful I am for this community.  Even though I don't always participate that much I am always  following everyone's journeys and you all have given me more support then any of you realize.

9.  Happy for all the summer babies coming.

10.  Have a good night everyone.

Himee33

1. I have an appointment with my RE tomorrow morning at 7:30am. Anxious to see whats going on with my ovaries. They've been feeling funky the last few days. 

2. My headache from all the IVF medication can go away anytime now. Along with my hot flashes, tiredness, crazy emotions and crankiness!

3. I have been a professional nanny/house manager for over 14 years now. The family I moved to Chicago from Portland with are my family now. I was with them for over 6 years. The kids come over for sleepovers all the time. The youngest calls me aunt. I talked to my old MB today for about 45 minutes. About an hour after I got off the phone I received an email letting L and I know that if we need the $950 to freeze any leftover embryos. Then they will loan it to us. They are such a nice and giving family.

4. I'm going home to Portland for a week in July. I'm so excited to see my family and friends. L will fly out a few days after I arrive. Shes still trying to convince me that we need to move there. Shes also trying to convince my old nanny family that they need to move back. L knows I will have a hard time leaving them. 

5. We decided to have Jersey Mike's subs for dinner. Another lazy night for us. Now we are catching up on or DVR shows.

6. L sometimes has a hard time feeling connected to the whole baby making process. I feel bad. I told her she was in charge of picking out the baby stuff when we find out we have a BFP. Like the stroller and stuff for the nursery. She found the stroller she wants, even though its not the stroller I wanted and she found the nursery chair while we were at Land of Nod browsing one day. 

7. We are currently watching Catfish on MTV. I wonder how people fall for the craziest things. How do you date someone for years but never see them in person or on Skype. Shady people!

8. Sunday L and I are going to a ballet recital for the little girl I used to nanny for. She's almost 7 and the one that calls me "aunt." I started taking care of her when she came home from the hospital and her brother was 2. 

9. I'm very tired and my head is pounding but I'm not ready for bed!

10. Once again I have been working on this list for over an hour 

ATXmommas

@KH826‌ - so close! I hope it happens soon! I'm thinking about you.

@Jazibel‌ - regarding BF and working out/dieting, check out these Kellymom pages -

https://kellymom.com/nutrition/mothers-diet/mom-weightloss/

https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/lifestyle/mom-exercise/