PgAL check in 1/9/15

ikrystal

Hi ladies.  I hope you and baby have been well this week!  Please feel free to post any questions you may have for each other.  

How far along are you? 

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones?

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions?

QOTW: Is there anything special that you do for yourself to calm your fears or anxiety?  

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week?

ikrystal

How far along are you? 32 weeks

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? Increasing NSTs and Bios to three times a week... growth scan in three weeks

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? Eat all the food! and lots of swelling

QOTW: Is there anything special that you do for yourself to calm your fears or anxiety?  Read. I've also been splurging and mani pedis because it helps me relax - it's also great for the swelling in my hands, legs, and feet! Plus, you know, its hard to reach my feet nowadays to paint my toes

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week? SO MANY THINGS. First, Conner and Ben's birthday is tomorrow.  I don't think I need to explain how overwhelming that is... how sad I am, how angry, frustrated, etc. that we have to celebrate without them. I had so many visions of what this day would be like, and none of them included a cake that they couldn't eat and a balloon release in memory of my boys gone too soon.

Also, update on baby girl (copied from my blog, so apologies if this is repeated for some of you): In Baby C news, she had a growth scan today.  She has dropped drastically in size.  My doctors thought originally that this might just be genetic, but every time she is measured, her rate of growth decreases.  This signals that something is wrong, probably with her placenta. It could be aging prematurely, and we don't know when it will decide to stop working. She definitely has IUGR. My OB called the MFM today for a consult, and they have decided that they are going to monitor her three times a week now instead of twice.  In addition, she will have another growth scan in three weeks (January 29th ish).  At that time, my OB and MFM will decide when to deliver her.  We could deliver as early as 35 weeks, or as late as 39 weeks.  Of course, I hope it is 39 weeks.  However, it may be safer for baby girl to be on the outside than on the inside right now.  She needs nourishment to grow, and she is not getting enough from my crappy placenta.  What I fear is, although 35-39 weeks is good (great?) gestation, she will be small - so she will have more problems that the average NICU baby at her age.  She'll have more trouble regulating her body temperature, etc.  And they won't let her go home until she reaches a goal weight.  I'll probably deliver her, and they'll take her straight to the NICU. I fear I won't even get to hold her right away.  

hsabyan

How far along are you? 7w 6d

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones?

My first OB appointment is next Wednesday (1/14) and it can't come soon enough.

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions?

I've had low back pain for a few weeks- unsure if it's pregnancy related at all, but it definitely hasn't helped the fatigue I feel.  I've had some nausea and vomiting, but nothing overwhelming.  I've been worried at my lack of symptoms.  

QOTW: Is there anything special that you do for yourself to calm your fears or anxiety?  

I've really just tried not thinking about the pregnancy at all.  I'm avoiding thoughts of the future altogether.  It sounds terrible, but until I have seen a heartbeat, I'm just trying to ignore everything... 

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week?

I've been thinking (as hard as I try not to) about the possibility of us actually bringing home a baby this year.  It makes me think of Georgia and miss her even more.  She would be 9 months old. Last night I watched all the videos I had taken of her in her five weeks in the NICU and I just cried.  I feel like I'm betraying her by anticipating another baby, and I feel like once everyone knows our news that they will assume that we're all good- and Georgia won't matter. It's gotta be the hormones that are making me so emotional... 

@ikrystal- Happy Birthday to your boys tomorrow, this first anniversary will likely be really hard on you.  Mine is coming up in a few months and I anticipate being a wreck.  Good luck, I'll be thinking of you. I'm sending all the positive thoughts and vibes I have to you in hopes for the best outcome for your baby girl.  My Georgia was taken directly to the NICU after she was born, and because she was so critical (CHD) I didn't hold her until she was 12 days old- BUT the nurses were amazing and wheeled me in my bed after my CSection to her NICU room to see her as soon as possible. It was so hard not to be able to hold her, but in those moments-youre just thankful to have what you are able to.  FX for baby girl plumping up as much as possible!

BrittianyM

ikrystal     Still praying for your baby girl. Also, happy heavely birthday to Conner and Ben!

erinel

ikrystal said:

How far along are you? 32 weeks

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? Increasing NSTs and Bios to three times a week... growth scan in three weeks

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? Eat all the food! and lots of swelling

QOTW: Is there anything special that you do for yourself to calm your fears or anxiety?  Read. I've also been splurging and mani pedis because it helps me relax - it's also great for the swelling in my hands, legs, and feet! Plus, you know, its hard to reach my feet nowadays to paint my toes

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week? SO MANY THINGS. First, Conner and Ben's birthday is tomorrow.  I don't think I need to explain how overwhelming that is... how sad I am, how angry, frustrated, etc. that we have to celebrate without them. I had so many visions of what this day would be like, and none of them included a cake that they couldn't eat and a balloon release in memory of my boys gone too soon.

Also, update on baby girl (copied from my blog, so apologies if this is repeated for some of you): In Baby C news, she had a growth scan today.  She has dropped drastically in size.  My doctors thought originally that this might just be genetic, but every time she is measured, her rate of growth decreases.  This signals that something is wrong, probably with her placenta. It could be aging prematurely, and we don't know when it will decide to stop working. She definitely has IUGR. My OB called the MFM today for a consult, and they have decided that they are going to monitor her three times a week now instead of twice.  In addition, she will have another growth scan in three weeks (January 29th ish).  At that time, my OB and MFM will decide when to deliver her.  We could deliver as early as 35 weeks, or as late as 39 weeks.  Of course, I hope it is 39 weeks.  However, it may be safer for baby girl to be on the outside than on the inside right now.  She needs nourishment to grow, and she is not getting enough from my crappy placenta.  What I fear is, although 35-39 weeks is good (great?) gestation, she will be small - so she will have more problems that the average NICU baby at her age.  She'll have more trouble regulating her body temperature, etc.  And they won't let her go home until she reaches a goal weight.  I'll probably deliver her, and they'll take her straight to the NICU. I fear I won't even get to hold her right away.  

Praying for your baby girl! I'll be thinking about you and your boys tomorrow! I'm with you on the feelings about their birthday, but hopefully they and Q will have great birthdays in heaven and can eat cake together two days in a row!

shandorfml2

@ikrystal I am sending so much positive growth vibes for your little girl. I hope she is able to stay in long enough that she doesn't need a NICU stay, or a long one at that. Happy birthday to the boys, we will be thinking of all of you!

@hsabyan I think your feelings are totally normal. I am sure Georgia would want you to be happy and focus on this new little life. GL at your first appointment! 

How far along are you? 25w3d

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? Next OB is on Friday. Will be getting my slip for my GD test and discussing the next step with appointments and testing

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? Just tired

QOTW: Is there anything special that you do for yourself to calm your fears or anxiety?  Hot showers, foot soaks, reading, cross stitching, talking with friends/family

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week? I am starting to get more excited, and more nervous!

schulme2

@ikrystal‌ continuing to think of you and send so many prayers that little lady continues to grow! Have they given you an estimate measurement yet? Prayers today goes well and saying lots of birthday wishes for Conner and Benjamin!

@hsabyan‌ good luck at your appt next week! I know how you feel about trouble accepting this pregnancy and you and Georgia both know that she can never be replaced by this new baby.

@erinel praying for Qs birthday and for the strength to make it a day full of love and Rememberance of your sweet boy!

@shandorfml2‌ Good luck at the OB and I'm So glad you're starting to get the excitement!

How far along are you? 14 weeks!

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? Just had second NT scan... And baby still didn't cooperate! Next appt will be 16 weeks for cervical check and first of weekly progesterone shots!

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? I want nacho cheese right now!

QOTW: Is there anything special that you do for yourself to calm your fears or anxiety? Using my doppler really seems to be the biggest thing that helps. Just hearing the rhythm of that little heart beating is so comforting! Also reading my daily devotionals on my phone tend to help as well.

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week? Kinda nervous for my Anatomy scan. I scheduled it yesterday for Feb 13th but DH wants me to reschedule because that's Friday the 13th!

stefuge

@ikrystal - thinking of you! I think I've mentioned this - my first son was small, was diagnosed with IUGR due to my placenta aging prematurely. He was delivered by emergency c-section and was taken immediately to the nursery, and actually had to be taken to a different hospital because the hospital we were at didn't have a NICU. I won't lie - it was hard. I didn't get to see my son or hold him until almost 48 hours after he was born. (I blogged through all of his NICU stay, if you're interested). But, I will never forget the first time I did see him. I walked into the NICU, and said his name, and he woke up, hearing my voice and turned, looking for me. He knew my voice and could tell I was there and had been waiting for me. Thinking of you and baby girl (and the boys today!) and praying baby girl keeps growing.

Bgirma

@ikrystal‌- thinking about your boys today and praying for baby girl!

@hsabyan- good luck at your first appointment! This is a tough journey and your feelings are completely valid. I'll be thinking of you, Georgia and this LO.

How far along are you?
25 weeks, 5 days

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones?
Appointment and GD test on Monday.

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions?
I've started vomitting again but it's manageable.

QOTW: Is there anything special that you do for yourself to calm your fears or anxiety?
Taking a bath, talking to husband/mom/friends, repeating mantras (I often remind myself that the only thing in my control is my attitude and I can choose to be positive. Corny but it helps).

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week? I'm finding myself getting anxious and questioning if I'll actually get to bring this baby home. I want to work on the nursery but I'm having trouble getting started.

GymSpaz26

How far along are you? 18 weeks 6 days

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? Anatomy Scan and Midwife appointment on Thursday. I'm excited to hopefully find out if baby is a boy or girl, but am getting more and more nervous to see that everything is okay. It scares me because everything looked fine at our Scan with our son, he was supposedly completely healthy at birth, but yet something was wrong and he passed away in his sleep. I wish that I could have some way to see that everything is how it should be for real, but I know that there is no way to know it. 

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? I just don't have a very big appetite and haven't really been gaining weight. I lost some at the beginning and am still below where I started. I got some serious questions a month ago about my eating, but I'm nervous that I'm going to get more of a talking to this time. I've been eating though! I've been consciously trying to eat more and eat things that are more filling and have more protein. It just doesn't seem to be making much difference though. It is so weird! I gained 40 pounds last time!  

QOTW: Is there anything special that you do for yourself to calm your fears or anxiety?  I started taking guitar lessons in March as part of my "therapy". It is great to have something regular in my schedule that is just for fun and just for me. It helps to keep me calm. Also, coffee dates with a couple close friends who've walked with me this last year. I can tell them what I'm really feeling and experiencing. It really helps being told that my fears and anxiety are normal and that's okay.

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week?  My husband finally decided he was ready to tell his family today (his dad's birthday) that we are pregnant. Other than that, only my family and a couple close friends know. Somehow (the whole not gaining weight thing has helped) I've managed to hide it so far. It has been really good to not have everyone know. But now I feel like I'm just putting it off and dreading it becoming public knowledge. I was at the dentist the other day and of course they know. It was just so overwhelming being stuck in a chair while having to deal with the hygienists questions and advice.

ikrystal

Its been a big weekend, so I'm sorry I am just catching up now! Thank you all for your support, especially with Conner and Benjamin's birthday being yesterday and with Baby C's IUGR diagnosis and probable early arrival.  It means so much to me

hsabyan I felt the same way when I got pregnant after we lost Conner and Benjamin.  I didn't want people to think that I was "over it" or I was "good" now.  That is so far from the truth.  But I have found that while some people don't understand that this new baby isn't a replacement, most of them were supportive of us.  I hope you find the same, or better support. Don't feel guilty - your baby knows that you can love both an angel baby and a baby here on earth. Good luck on Wednesday, please keep us posted. And thank you for your support and sharing your experience  - it is so true, even if she ends up in the NICU, I will be so grateful for what we do get with her. 

BrittianyM Thank you. We can use all the prayers we can get! I hope you and baby boy are doing well. 

erinel Thinking of you and Q... I hope the day is easy on you. I know how overwhelming it is... Please let me know if you need anything. Happy birthday to your LO in heaven.  Sending love. 

shandorfml2 Thank you. And hot showers and reading work for me too!  I also found that the further I got, the more excited and anxious I got as well.  I think that is to be expected. FX for a great next appointment!

schulme2 Thank you for the support and birthday wishes for the boys!  Right now, baby girl is measuring two weeks behind (about a pound behind at 32 weeks).  Her head, arms, and abdomen are measuring in about the 3rd percentile.  What is really frightening is that with every growth scan, her rate of growth decreases - for example, while she was in the 10th percentile for head, arms, and abdomen at 28 weeks, now she is in the 3rd. Not sure where her legs are measuring right now. Her rate isn't stable, which is signaling a placenta problem.

Also, daily devotionals help me as well!  My boys were fussy with ultrasounds (so is baby girl), so I kind of smile when I hear that babies aren't cooperating for theirs - I think it is sorta cute, although frustrating for an NT scan! Good luck with the A/S (although not for another month) and with the progesterone shots.  I'm doing the shots now, and they're not bad

stefuge Thank you so much for sharing that.  I do remember you telling me about IUGR, and I've thought about it often - it gives me hope.  I think it is adorable that your son looked for you when you said his name and recognized your voice - that just melts my heart!  I will probably be checking your blog out soon to read about the NICU experience you had. Again, thank you so much for your support for baby girl and for the boys!

Bgirma Thank you.  Good luck with your GD test. I emphasize with the whole starting the nursery thing. We have bought many things for the baby, but I haven't put anything away yet - everything is on the floor, in bags.  My family was over yesterday, saw the nursery - and their jaws dropped.  Yeah... I need to get started on it. But it is hard to do after a loss - I feel like it is almost jinxing the situation we are in, although I know I shouldn't believe in all of that.  I hope that you feel comfortable enough to start working on it soon! 25 weeks (almost 26) is great!  

GymSpaz26 Good luck at the A/S. I know how anxious you must feel.  Please keep us updated - and cant wait to find out the gender (if you are sharing it with others)! I also had an issue gaining weight until I reached about 24 weeks (then I started gaining a pound a week!). My OB was also concerned, but its just how my body was reacting - I ate when I was hungry, but I guess I don't gain much (I didn't with the twins, either).  Don't sweat it too much yet. You still have time to gain a healthy amount Guitar lessons sound awesome - I don't know too many people who use music as therapy, but it sounds amazing! We also put off telling people until about 19 weeks. There are alot of conflicting emotions when announcing a pregnancy after loss, and I hope that you find a lot of support when you do decide to tell everyone. 

bunnybun4

so late to the game but here I am

@ikrystal - hope the boy's birthday went well and was full of sweet memories of them.  praying for sweet little girl!!!

How far along are you?  6 weeks 4 days

Do you have any upcoming appts or milestones?  we saw the HB on Friday but it had just started so he couldn't measure it....we go back Thursday to see a good heartbeat.  I "feel" like after I see a strong HB I can chill a little bit...though I am sure I won't.  We just haven't seen a HB at all with our last two losses so I am just ready to be out of scary 1st trimester.  then onto scary anatomy scan time...

Symptoms or Aversions?  big, sore boobs, I fall asleep if I sit still longer than 30 minutes, cuh-ray-zee dreams every night, occaisional cramping...which is not fun.  With Bunny I never really got lots of symptoms so this pregnancy feels on par with that one which I am taking as a good thing.

QOTW: pray and meditate, read, exercise.

What's on your mind this week?  just constantly going between being so excited about this baby and then being terrified of losing it.  I'm just so ready for a take-home baby.

dadalou

How far along are you? 26 weeks

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? Glucose test tomorrow morning. I thought it was on Wednesday. Good thing I looked at the reminder card on the refrigerator today and realized that the 13th is Tuesday, not Wednesday.

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? My hips are still hurting and I have an enormous appetite. Surprisingly with how much I have been eating I have not gained anything in a few weeks which is fine with me. 

Yesterday I had a weird pain down the front of one leg. I had been walking around a lot on Saturday while shopping with DH. I think that's what the problem is. I really need to start exercising more. I know it will help. I just have no motivation right now.

QOTW: Is there anything special that you do for yourself to calm your fears or anxiety? Write in my journal or on my blog, read other people's stories of being pregnant after a loss, pray.  

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week? Birthday party plans for Nathaniel and who to invite. It's causing me a bit of anxiety. I want a lot of people there, but at the same time I don't. I have a feeling that there might be more people invited than were invited to our wedding. If we invite everyone that is important to us and has been there for us through the last year the list is going to be huge. Even if we just keep it to people who are in the area I think we are still going to be easily inviting over 100 people. 125 came to his memorial service and almost all of those were local.

CheesyPeas

@ikrystal, sending so many T&Ps for your little girl!  I hope she can stay put and keep growing steadily for the next several weeks.  I really hate that after all you've been through you can't just be handed the easiest most stress-free pregnancy imaginable.

@hsabyan, I'm right there with you in trying to ignore the fact that I'm pregnant most of the time.  I did see the heartbeat but then I just shifted the feeling of doom and gloom until the next appointment that I felt would surely bring bad news.  Hopefully there's a point in the near future when both of us start to feel more hopeful and happy.

@shandorfml2, good luck at your appointment later this week, and good luck with the GD test!  I'm glad you're starting to get more excited!

@schulme2, I'm sorry your LO wasn't cooperative at the NT scan.  Hopefully he/she will be more agreeable at the A/S, whenever that might be.  Are you contemplating rescheduling or do you think DH is being silly?

 @Bgirma, good luck at your appointment and with your GD test today!  I'm sorry that you're finding yourself questioning whether this is your take-home baby.  I have a feeling I'm going to have a lot of trouble getting there too down the road.

@GymSpaz26, good luck at your A/S this week?  Are they doing a level 2 ultrasound or just the normal A/S?

@bunnybun4, I'm so glad you got to see the heartbeat last week but I'm hoping time flies by so you can again see it and measure it later this week!

 

CheesyPeas

How far along are you? 7w5d today

 

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? Wednesday is my 8 week ultrasound.  Hoping for solid growth and steadily increasing heart rate from my ultrasound at 6w2d!  I keep thinking maybe I can feel a little more optimism if we get a good report this week.

 
Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions?  I have been having some night nausea, so hopefully that's a good sign.  I've been pretty tired too but aside from that I feel pretty normal.

QOTW: Is there anything special that you do for yourself to calm your fears or anxiety?  I try breathing techniques to help lower my heartrate and calm me down when I start to panic.  I sometimes try positive imagry too of a healthy growing baby.  I'm guessing I'm going to need to find some ways to step things up when I near my loss milestone though.  For now, those two things seem to be working okay.   Open Topic. What is on your mind this week?  I'm mostly just trying to pass the time until Wednesday with an empty mind.  I'm having lots of pessimistic thoughts and am trying not to dwell on them too much.

Mel&John2013

@ikrystal I'm so sorry you didn't get great news about baby girl. I'm sure it must have been stressful to get that news on top of the boys' birthday. But I'm glad you were able to enjoy Conner and Ben's birthday to some extent. I think you honored them beautifully.

@hsabyan I understand the fear that people will think a new baby makes things "ok". But Georgia will always matter, and will never be forgotten. I get so afraid of betraying Lincoln by loving his little brother, but I try to remind myself that I have room in my heart for both. This new baby will know Lincoln through me and my husband. We have control over making sure Lincoln is remembered.

@shandorfml Hope you have a great appointment on Friday!

@erinel I'm thinking of you as you get through Q's birthday. Hugs for you and I asked Lincoln to send a hug along to Q.

@schulme2 What a little stinker, not cooperating twice in a row! At least you get to keep trying, I love excuses to spy in on baby

@bgirma Hope your appointment today went well! 

I'm sorry you've started vomiting again, I was hoping you were in the clear. But I'm glad it's manageable and that you're trying to keep a positive outlook. You're a strong mom!

@gymspaz26 Good luck on Thursday!

I had the same feeling about our a/s. I wanted that reassured feeling that everything looked good and that meant everything would be ok. It's been hard to come to terms with the fact that I won't have that feeling again. But I'm glad you've been able to find something to to keep you calm, guitar lessons sound like fun!

Also, I hope things went well with telling your husband's family. I hope they were nothing but excited and supportive, like they should be!

@bunnybun4 Good luck to you on Thursday, too!

I've just started with the crazy dreams, I don't remember having them with Lincoln. I'm not sure how I feel about it!

@dadalou Sorry about the leg pain. I've been having nerve pain this time around as well. If it makes you feel any better my OB said it doesn't have anything to do with exercise, just baby sitting on nerves and pushing things around. I hope the pain went away!

I'm sure the thought of hosting so many people for Nathaniel is overwhelming, but I do think it's wonderful that so many people love him and you.

@cheesypeas Good luck Wednesday! I'll think positive thoughts for you so you don't have to Can't wait for a good update!

erinel

How far along are you? 32w5d

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? Regular appointment on Friday

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? Just the usual, heartburn and fatigue.  Nothing too bad.

QOTW: Is there anything special that you do for yourself to calm your fears or anxiety?  Not really.  I did bust out the Doppler a week or so ago because I hadn't felt L move in a while, but usually I just try to remain calm and wait it out.

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week? Well, Q's first birthday was yesterday, and that was tough.  Now that the day has passed, I feel like I can focus more on getting ready for L.  It occurred to me today that if she comes early like he did, I may only have a couple of weeks until her arrival.  Better get on some things!

Mel&John2013

@erinel I'm sorry I had Q's birthday wrong, I thought it was today. I'm sorry it was a tough day.

I hope once you get started on the nursery you can enjoy the process. Little girl is going to be here so soon!

How far along are you? 28w2d

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? Had an ultrasound Monday and a check-in with the OB today. All looks good! Harrison kept up his growth and is now measuring in at an estimated 2lb 9oz, 50th percentile. So happy about that!

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? Craving everything this week. Last week the cravings lessened a little, but are back with a vengeance. I can't stop being hungry!

QOTW: Is there anything special that you do for yourself to calm your fears or anxiety?  Now that Harrison is moving consistently I find I can usually relax if I lie down and just hang out with him while he rolls around and has a dance party.

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week? We went through almost all of Lincoln's things this past weekend so now the nursery is almost done. Just have have two boxes left, we were out of emotional energy by the time we got to them and had to take a break.

I've been thinking a lot about that this week, and what it's going to be like once Harrison is here. We love Lincoln so much, and I'm so scared we won't love our new little guy enough.

ikrystal

bunnybun4 Thank you!  And FX for Thursday and measuring the HB.  I'm so glad that you were able to see it, though. Wishing you a happy and healthy 9 months... I know the fear of the first trimester and then the A/S is tremendous, but know that we are all here for you!

dadalou How did your glucose test go?  I also had conflicting emotions on who to invite to Conner and Benjamin's birthday.  I wanted to keep it intimate but at the same time there were so many people we didn't want to leave out.  It is so great though that you know you have such a tremendous support system.  I'll be thinking of you as Nathaniel's birthday comes up. 

CheesyPeas Thank you I heard breathing techniques really work, although I have never been able to master them.  Good luck tomorrow.  Please keep us posted... until then, I'll be thinking of you!

Mel&John2013 Thank you You are such a great support!

erinel I thought of you all day on Q's birthday. I know how difficult it must have been.  I hope that you had a lot of love and support yesterday.  Hugs and and prayers to you. Also, I know that feeling of being able to really focus on getting ready for baby... countdown is ticking

CheesyPeas

@dadalou, I hope the GD test went well!  Sorry to hear about the leg pain.  Hopefully it's just a temporary thing and you get some relief soon.

@erinel, big hugs to you.  I hope Q's birthday was reasonably gentle on you.  I'm glad that you're feeling ready to prep more for L's arrival!  I hope you're able to feel some excitement about the big day on the horizon!

@Mel&John2013, yay for steady growth!  Keep it up, Harrison!  I've heard parents expecting a sibling for their living child say similar things about not understanding how they could possibly love a new baby as much as their older child.  And then somehow the heart seems to grow exponentially and make room for even more love than they thought imaginable.  I think that's how it will be when you first hold Harrison.  Your heart will seem to grow and you'll find your love for both Lincoln and Harrison to be stronger than you ever thought possible.  Putting my money down on that now! 

ikrystal

Mel&John2013CheesyPeas has said, many parents state that they dont know if they will love another child as much as their first - and they do.  Love is infinite.  

erinel

Mel&John2013:  Thanks   And glad Harrison is measuring right on track!      

ikrystal : Countdown sure is ticking!  Q came early, and even though I'm getting progesterone shots this time, I think L might come a little early, I need to finish getting ready!     

CheesyPeas : Thanks   Definitely starting to feel excited, and a little terrified!

msunshine123

@ikrystal - hope you had a good day for Benjamin and Conner's birthday. Hoping and praying things go ok for your baby girl.
@erinel - I'm sorry Q's birthday was tough - so many hugs. Good luck prepping for L's arrival - the countdown is on.
@hsabyan - hope you have a great appointment tomorrow! I agree with PPs Georgia would want you to be happy for her sibling too.
@shandorfml2 - good luck Friday! I agree there is an ongoing flux of feeling excited and nervous.
@shulme2 - listening to my doppler helps too.
@Bgrima - I'm sorry you're vomiting again. Hugs I know what you mean about the nursery - I don't know when I'll be ready to either.
@GymSpaz26 - good luck at your AS. So many hugs with your dentist experience - how horrible - you were trapped - so unfair.
@bunnybun4 - so glad you got to hear LO's heartbeat and I hope it's even stronger when you go back tomorrow. I think we all feel that way with the mix between excitement and fear - son many hugs.
@dadalou - I hope your glucose test went well today. I think that's awesome that you and your husband have had so much support for Nathaniel.
@CheasyPeas - I hope your appointment goes well tomorrow and your LO's heartbeat continues to get stronger and they continue to grow well.
@Mel&John2013- so many hugs to you - I can only imagine how hard it must have been to go through Lincoln's things. I am not looking forward to doing that. I'm glad Harrison is growing great and enjoys dancing!

msunshine123

How far along are you? 18 weeks

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? 1 more week for anatomy scan

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? I'm liking all fruity and sugary things at the moment

QOTW: Is there anything special that you do for yourself to calm your fears or anxiety?  I repeat to myself I am happy for this moment, I can not control what happens and worrying about it won't do me any good so I just need to be happy for this moment with my LO.

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week? just looking forward to A/S next week

shandorfml2

@msunshine123 good luck at your a/s next week! So exciting. Are you finding out the sex?

Mel&John2013

Thanks @ikrystal and @cheesypeas That was just what I needed to hear. I really hope you're right!

@msunshine Good luck next week!

I'm not going to lie...it was tough. Both better (because I felt close to Lincoln) and worse (because it sucked) than I expected. It helped us go through the clothes to separate things into 3 piles. 1) Give to Harrison 2) Get made into a quilt 3) Keep whole forever in a box for Lincoln's things.

Letting ourselves keep some things just as they are helped take some pressure off, I would definitely recommend that.

ikrystal

msunshine123 Thank you. Good luck at the A/S!  I was craving fruity sugary things too for awhile - actually, up until a couple of weeks ago.  I found these fruit strips at Target - they are CHEAP and they are so good!  And not bad for you - its like a healthy (ish) fruit roll up. They helped curb cravings and I didnt feel like crap after I ate them. 

msunshine123

@shandorfml2 - yes we plan to find out so we can decide on a name. We were able to call my son by name after we decided on it while he continued to grow and we want the same for his sibling:)
@Mel&John2013 - thanks and thank you for idea with how to sort through the clothes.
@ikrystal - thanks for the info on the fruit strips - I'll have to go pick some up!

dadalou

@ikrystal‌ @CheesyPeas‌ I got my results back from my GD test today. No GD for me, but I do have high platelets so they are going to retest for that at my next appointment. I hope I don't have to go back to the hematologist. I had to do that once a month for almost my whole pregnancy with Nathaniel.