PgAL check in 1/23/15

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: Do you plan on getting professional maternity pictures done?  If so, do you think you'll incorporate your angel baby in them?  

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week?

ikrystal

How far along are you? 34 weeks. I almost typed in 24 - nope, definitely further along than I thought. 

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? Growth scan next Friday - we will determine an induction date then!

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? I can eat dairy again, so I'm eating it like crazy! 

QOTW: Do you plan on getting professional maternity pictures done?  If so, do you think you'll incorporate your angel baby in them?  Yep!  I almost decided against them, but I regret not having them with the boys (we had them scheduled, but the boys were born before we were going to have them).  We will have the letters "C" and "B" in the photos somehow - I bought some cute letter props.  DH also has a tattoo with the boys footprints on his arm so I'm hoping we can get that in the pictures as well. 

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week? Her name!  I can't decide.  I have some middle names in mind that are made from only the letters in her brother's names, but I don't know if I should do that or not - she'll need her own identity, but I think it would be a nice sentiment to have her middle name "sort of" after them. Also, I'm approaching the end of my pregnancy (although hopefully we have some weeks left).  If anyone would like to take over the check-in, please let me know.  It is a very rewarding experience and I have loved doing this check in, but I think it is getting to be about the time to pass it on. 

Mel&John2013

How far along are you? 29 weeks 5 days 

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? Regular OB check in on Monday. I've never talked to a counselor before, but I'm going to ask the OB if he has any suggestions on grief counselors. I figure it can't hurt to be in the best place possible before Harrison gets here.

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? Still love sweets, but can barely force down chicken or pork. Only red meat for me.  

QOTW: Do you plan on getting professional maternity pictures done?  If so, do you think you'll incorporate your angel baby in them?  I don't think so. I think they're beautiful when other people have them done, but since we didn't for Lincoln and he was full term it feels weird to do it for Harrison. 

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week? I feel like I'm in a holding pattern, this is a tough point in the pregnancy for me. I feel like there is a lot to do but it's almost too early to do some of it, like baby laundry or packing my hospital bag. So I'm just waiting and worrying. I need to try to focus on baby and enjoy being pregnant but I need a project. I may get started on the planning for the next Lincoln Classic, the golf outing we're going to do annually in Lincoln's honor, so I can feel productive.

Mel&John2013

@ikrystal Enjoy the maternity photo shoot! I think photo sessions are a lot of fun.

We had a hard time with a middle name, too. We wanted Harrison's middle name to be Lincoln, but didn't want the new baby to feel burdened or like he didn't have his own identity. A message a coworker sent me after Lincoln passed away, before I was pregnant, helped us a lot so I hope you don't mind if I share his story. 

Coworker told us his parents lost a son before coworker was born and were of course absolutely devastated. He talked about his older brother and how they incorporated him into the family, and that his (the coworker's) middle name was his brother's first name. He said he always felt honored and proud to carry that middle name, and hearing that really helped me feel better about using Lincoln's name for his brother's middle name.

I don't think there's a right or wrong for naming future children, but wanted to share his story in case it helps you feel better.

schulme2

@ikrystal‌ 34 weeks! So exciting! I think whatever you decide for a middle name will be wonderful but like Mel said... I think she would be honored to carry a little bit of her brothers with her!

@mel&john2013 I think that's a great idea to ask for a recommendation for a counselor! How awesome to have such a great event to plan for Lincoln! I think that would be a perfect project to keep you busy!

How far along are you? 15 weeks, 5 days

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? First cervical lengthy check this coming Monday and I will also get my first progesterone shot sometime next week!

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? Not really! I'm waiting for an official bump. Right now I still just look fat!

QOTW: Do you plan on getting professional maternity pictures done? If so, do you think you'll incorporate your angel baby in them? I would like to! Whenever got to with the twins because they came so early but we were planning on it. I really regret not having them for that pregnancy so I'd like to do them this time!

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week? I'm actually getting really nervous/anxious for my anatomy scan on Feb 12th. I'm nervous to see that the baby is healthy but also to find out the sex. I know I will be overjoyed to have a healthy baby that I get to keep but I'm so worried about emotionally processing finding out the sex.

shandorfml2

hi ladies!

How far along are you? 27w4d

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? we are now doing weekly u/s. I saw the doc today, and will see my OB in two weeks. I am doing my GTT tomorrow. yuck

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? Pressure on bladder, and baby boy has been kicking my cervix...not fun! Confirmed today he is breech, hence why I am so uncomfortable! 

QOTW: Do you plan on getting professional maternity pictures done?  If so, do you think you'll incorporate your angel baby in them?  I've thought about it. I have a friend who does professional pictures and was thinking of asking her. Yes, I want to include Ana..either with butterflies or her teddy bear. We also got our rainbow a onsie that says "Hand picked by my sister Anastasia in Heaven"

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week? I don't know why but I worry about my water breaking. Everything is going well, and I always feel much better after seeing the doctor. Was really happy to get an u/s today! Got some cute pics, he's doing his practice breathing and he is 2lbs 9oz, right on target! 

dadalou

How far along are you? 27 weeks 5 days

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? OB appointment on Tuesday

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? Hips are still hurting a lot. This week I also am having trouble breathing a lot. Baby girl is up in my lungs a lot. It's not fun. I'm really tired lately too, but if have been staying up too late and I might be getting a cold.

QOTW: Do you plan on getting professional maternity pictures done?  If so, do you think you'll incorporate your angel baby in them?  No. I've never done them before. I don't plan on doing them this time either.

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week? Mostly just thinking and working on projects for Nathaniel's birthday. It's going to be here soon.

hsabyan

shandorfml2- We got a onesie that says "hand picked for earth by my sister in heaven" too, it is the one things (besides a couple of books) that we have bought for the new baby.  I think we'll incorporate it into our announcement somehow...  

schulme2- good luck at your A/S! Mine is a long way away and I can hardly wait! 

Mel&John2013- I love that you honor Lincoln with the golf outing, such a great idea! 

How far along are you? 10 weeks! Double digits! 

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? My next appt is Feb 10th.  I'll get to meet with my doctor (my first appt was just an ultrasound and to meet with NP).  I'm looking forward to discussing how this pregnancy will go as far as closer monitoring for baby's heart (as our first had a CHD) and to hopefully touch on how I would like things addressed with us going forward (long story- but I am going to the same doctor/clinic that I originally went to before they diagnosed Georgia's CHD.  They referred us out to a level 2/high risk clinic after our A/S and we were blindsided at our level 2 ultrasound.  We weren't given a heads up about anything being wrong, but rather they told us they "couldn't get a good view of the heart".  I am so thankful that the clinic and my doc were able to detect that something was wrong, but I am upset that they didn't warn us and we were completely blindsided once we were referred out. It was the most terrible appt ever- not just because we received bad news, but because the doctors went about the ultrasound discussing the "abnormalities" and "defects" they were seeing for an hour before someone finally asked us what our clinic had told us was wrong with our baby.  We had to say nothing.  They didn't tell us anything was wrong with the baby).  Anyway, I trust my doctor and want to continue to see her, but am looking forward to opening conversation for continued open honesty. 

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions?
My sinuses are right back to where they were when I was pregnant the first time.  I suffered through a cold the last couple of weeks and I've decided that the cold is gone and what is left is just what I have to live with for the next 7 months.  I have a constant runny/stuffy nose.  I'm disgusting.  
QOTW: Do you plan on getting professional maternity pictures done?  If so, do you think you'll incorporate your angel baby in them?  

I don't think professional, as we're a little tight on money.  My brother in law and I are amateur photographers, so I will likely enlist him in taking a few pictures for us. Georgia will definitely be included in some of them.  

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week?

Getting closer to 12 weeks.  We plan on announcing to the world at 12 weeks (or after my 12 week appointment on Feb. 10th).  My world will change a lot once people know our news... it's intimidating, and I'm not nearly as excited to announce as I was the first time around. 

Have a good week ladies  

ikrystal

I'm glad not everyone here has jumped ship (yet).  I've been lurking the other boards and everything is pretty quiet around TB. 

Mel&John2013 Good luck Monday at your appointment.  FX all is well.  I was also thinking of asking my OB for a recommendation on a grief counselor.  Couldn't hurt, right?  I hope your OB can guide you to the right person.  The Lincoln Classic sounds so great - I think that is a positive project to focus your energy on! Also, thank you for sharing that story.  It really puts things into perspective for me - I love the idea of middle names being meaningful and possibly being after someone (or two someones).  We are still going back and forth on the name, but I am hoping that when we see her, we will just know what her name is.  And if we dont... well, worse things can happen than a baby being nameless for a couple hours, right? 

schulme2 Thank you  and good luck with the progesterone shots - I get them every week and theyre not so bad.  Are you having a nurse do them?  I've found that when the nurse does them, they hardly hurt. FX for a great anatomy scan - and I know processing the gender will be emotional.  I had the same feelings - if this baby was a boy, I would have felt so upset because we were supposed to have two boys and I wouldn't be able to look at him without thinking of his brothers.  If we had a girl, I would have to totally change my thinking of being a "boy mama." I think you will find a way to process the information, and hopefully you get great news at the A/S. Let us know if you need anything. 

shandorfml2 How did your GTT go?  I love how you are incorporating Ana into the pictures.  So cute!  I know they will turn out awesome if you decide to do them. I worry about my water breaking too without knowing it, or my mucus plug passing a little at a time... and like you, always feel better after I go to the OB.  I am glad that are taking good care of you and that you got cute pictures!  Almost third trimester for you - yay!

dadalou FX for a great appointment on Tuesday. You're almost third trimester as well - congrats!  I hope baby girl moves a little and starts letting you breathe easier.  I'm in the same boat.  Not comfortable, for sure. Thinking of you as Nathaniel's birthday approaches.. I know you will have a perfect way to celebrate him, you are always so great at things like that!

hsabyan Congrats on being in the double digits!  I understand not being as excited about this announcement.  We waited until 19 weeks to tell everyone and it was overwhelming. I hope you get a lot of happiness and support when you announce in a couple of weeks.  I'll be thinking of you as you and your doctor set up a plan on monitoring this pregnancy and baby. Your story of how you were referred to the high risk clinic just breaks my heart.  I hope you never have to go through something like that again. 

GymSpaz26

How far along are you? 20 weeks 4 days

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? Next appointment won't be until February 12th. Hopefully we will be moved by then, in which case I need to find a new provider and will meeting someone totally new.

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? Baby is quite active. I think in another week or two he'll be big enough that his nighttime parties start keeping me up and/or waking me up. I realize more and more how calm our son was! Other than that, starting to like more foods again. Or really just starting to have more of an appetite. I think I may have finally passed the weight I started the pregnancy at this week! So weird! I think I'd already gained 15 pounds or so by 20 weeks last time.

QOTW: Do you plan on getting professional maternity pictures done? If so, do you think you'll incorporate your angel baby in them? My brother is a professional nature photographer. He was visiting when I was around 34 weeks with Zedekiah, so he took my maternity pictures. I don't know if I'll do them again this time, it would be nice, but only if my brother or one of my friends who do photography can take them for free-ish. One of my good friends just took some announcement type photos for us on Monday. They turned out really cute and we tried to include our son in them as well as his little brother. I'll attempt to attach a couple that show how we included Zedekiah. (I just found one on this computer to attach. Hermanito is "Little Brother" in Spanish. We also took some in English. The turtle was given to Zedekiah in the hospital by my parents. It has magnets in the hands and feet, so we had it connected to the side of his bassinette, watching over him. It was also the perfect size to hug/hold in the months afterwards.)

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week? We finally made our pregnancy public after getting the photos taken. I feel kind of naked. It was so nice not having people know and not having to worry about what things they might say. I haven't seen many people this week, but know I will on Sunday at church. I hope it won't be too overwhelming!

GymSpaz26

Well, for some reason the photo doesn't want to load. I'll have to try later from the other computer where I have the actual files.

schulme2

@GymSpaz26‌ it worked on the second one, I could see it! Super cute! I love it!

shandorfml2

@GymSpaz26‌ Cute pic

@ikrystal‌ seemed to go well. Didnt taste as bad as I remembered. Should get results next week

GymSpaz26

Thanks @schulme2 and @shandorfml2 . I came back on to try uploading the photo again, but it appears as though everyone can see it but me!

msunshine123

@ikrystal - you must be getting so excited. Your little girl will be here soon. I love how you are planning to incorporate her brothers into your pics and possibly her name.
@Mel&John2013 - it's hard just waiting sometimes. I wish we could fast forward. I love how you are using Lincoln as Harrison's middle name.
@schulme2 - Hope your appointment goes well on Monday and at your Anatomy Scan in a few weeks. I think having emotions with finding out the gender of your baby is normal after a loss - for so many reasons - you miss that their older sibling is not present, you miss the relationship that child would have with their older sibling, you remember the experience of finding out the gender with the child you lost...; The sadness you may feel is because you miss the child you lost, but you are very happy for the child you have.((hugs))
@shandorfml2 - I love how you plan to incorporate Anna into your maternity pics. I also like the onesie. I'll need to find one like that - where did you order it? Hugs for your fears with your water breaking. I know that my going into labor will be my biggest fear because that is when I lost my son.
@hsabyan - I was very nervous with sharing this pregnancy. We only just announced now at 20 weeks. I think it's good you plan to talk with your provider. I'm so sorry you had the experience you did when you were referred and were so blindsided.
@GymSpaz - good luck with your move and I hope your new provider is amazing. I hope the responses you hear from people are positive. People have been really amazing upon hearing our news as we just announced too. ((hugs))

msunshine123

How far along are you? 20 weeks

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? I have to go back this week for a follow up ultrasound because our little girl was so active. They couldn't get all of the images they needed.

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? eating all the food

QOTW: Do you plan on getting professional maternity pictures done?  If so, do you think you'll incorporate your angel baby in them?  I hadn't actually even thought about this. We didn't do these with our son, but if we do decide to do any I'm sure we would want to incorporate our son.

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week?So many things. Now that we know we are having a girl we are excited to prep, but I'm scared. Now that I know more about this child and love her even more it's hard not to worry. I figure one of the 1st things I'll need to do will be to go through my son's clothes and I know it will be hard. So I'm going to hold off on it for now.

ikrystal

GymSpaz26 EEEP I couldn't see the picture (the bump really hates doing anything picture related for me - I can rarely see pictures or upload them), but I'm sure they are adorable.  That turtle sounds adorable.  We have stuffed animals we gave the boys as well in the hospital and they hold a lot of meaning for us. I hope you had a ton of positive support when you announced your pregnancy and I hope that it continues. 

msunshine123 Thank you. Congrats on 20 weeks!  It seems like such a big milestone - that halfway point. I love hearing when babies are so active that you have to get another ultrasound.  I know sometimes people think this is a pain, but I think its adorable - like you already have such a wild one!  I went through the twins' clothing a couple months ago.  It was difficult, for sure, but it gave me some time to connect with them in a way that I don't usually do anymore.  I hope that when the time comes and you gothrough your son's clothes, it will be therapuetic for you. 

shandorfml2

@msunshine123‌ i ordered it from Baby Boards on facebook!

bunnybun4

so late to the game again...

how far along are you?  8 weeks 4 days

any upcoming appts or milesstone?  final RE appt on Friday...eekkkk!  they wanted to release me friday and I asked for another week.  I can't imagine not getting weekly ultrasounds.

symptoms?  huge boobs...can't stay awake past 7-8pm...tired.  that's really it though.

qotw:  maternity pics are really NMS so no.  I would rather do really nice infant portraits.

what's on your mind?  starting to relax a little bit more.  also trying to decide if we want to do an NT scan or any of the blood tests they offer around 13 weeks.  Bunny's condition would not have been caught on any of those tests but I feel like since my amh is so crappy I am at a higher risk for baby having something chromosomally wrong...I feel like if I could see that it was ok I could relax a little before the AS.  DH doesn't want me to do it. 

erinel

ikrystal : I almost didn't do maternity pics this time either, but decided to after they were offered for free.  I think you'll be really happy that you did them.  And as far as the name thing goes, we are actually naming our baby girl Q's middle name.  I don't know if I said this on this board already, but my husband is the fourth and Q was the fifth, so they obviously shared a middle name.  The middle name is traditionally more of a masculine name or a last name, but has a cute girly nickname that we plan on using.  I love that our daughter will get to carry on part of the family name and also honor her brother with her name   I hope that made sense haha.

Mel&John2013: I love that you are doing a Lincoln Classic, such a cool idea!  And funny that your co-worker's story is just like mine!  L's name was Q's middle name. 

shandorfml2 : I definitely want a onesie like that!

erinel

How far along are you? 34w5d

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? Appointment this Friday.  Week 35 was when Q was born, so that's a pretty big milestone for me.  He was healthy when he was born, so I'm not too concerned about that part, but I am paranoid about my water breaking in the next few days.  For some reason DH and I are convinced that L is coming this weekend.

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? TERRIBLE heartburn, tired, and my hips are killing me.  Oh, I've also been swelling pretty badly lately.

QOTW: Do you plan on getting professional maternity pictures done?  If so, do you think you'll incorporate your angel baby in them?  I did get pictures done, and we did incorporate Q into them.  I'll find a pic and post it in a bit. 

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week?  Just crazy that baby girl is going to be here so soon!  I'm so emotional about having her, especially since Q has been gone almost a year.  I can't imagine what it will be like to see her, hold her, etc.  I cry just thinking about it!

erinel

Here is one pic from our maternity session that included Q

shandorfml2

@bunnybun4 why doesn't your H want you to do the NT test?

bunnybun4

shandorfml2 said:

@bunnybun4 why doesn't your H want you to do the NT test?

He says that we just need to trust that things are ok and be positive...he isn't absolutely against it but just wants me to "relax".  My OB never offered it my first pregnancy and I don't know if she will this time (I'm still with my RE)...I think that is part of it, that I am the one bringing it up (if that makes sense) and not the dr.  He thinks I am being crazy

msunshine123

@bunnybun4 - glad your LO is continuing to do well. I think if having the NT or any of the other testing can give you peace of mind it's worth considering. We all need to do whatever it is that can give us some peace of mind during these months because it is not easy.
@erinel - so many hugs to you as your little girl will be here before you know it. I hope and pray both you and your daughter have a smooth labor and delivery.

shandorfml2

@bunnybun4 oh silly husbands:)

schulme2

Had my first cervical length check yesterday and everything looked good! And I also got to peak at the baby and definitely, unexpectedly found out it's a boy. Had quite a melt down on my way home from the appt. then of course felt horrible for being anything but happy and relieved to see a healthy baby. Ughhhh this is so hard.

shandorfml2

@schulme2‌ im glad your cervix looks good...sending hugs as you wrap your head around it being a boy.

So I found out I failed my GTT.:( i know it doesnt mean I have GD but im freaked out as it increases the chance of stillbirth. They are going to schedule my 3 hour test tomorrow.

ikrystal

bunnybun4 I hope they let you do another week!  My RE basically said I could go whenever I wanted and I could stay as long as 10 weeks.  I understand wanting the NT scan - I decided against it with the twins, then against it with this little girl - then at the VERY last second, I decided to get it and the quad screening.  Those days waiting for results were very hard, and like some people have said, didn't necessarily make me feel better. But I know you will make the right choice as to have the NT scan or not. I hope if you do, you get good news!

erinel I love that you are using Q's middle name!  I think it is a nice way to keep the name in the family and I'm sure your LO will love the significance. I hate that I cannot see these pictures!  I wasn't able to see yours or any other pictures posted here, but I am sure they are great!  FX for a great appointment on Friday. 

schulme2 Big hugs - the gender can be hard to take in for many people.  Don't be hard on yourself.  You will love this baby and be a great mother

shandorfml2 Sorry to hear about the GTT.  I know you already know this and it may not ease you concerns after all you have been through, but even if you have GD your baby may still be born healty  FX that your testing goes well and you do not have GD. Big hugs - it just sucks that after everything, things this time around can't just be easy. 

erinel

schulme2: Glad your cervix length is looking good!           

msunshine123 : Going through things is definitely really hard.  I don't know that I would have really done it if we hadn't moved.  Put it off as long as you need to.

msunshine123

@shandorfml2 - I'm sorry the GTT did not go well. I hope the 3 hour one goes better. Good luck!

shandorfml2

Thanks ladies ((hugs))

dadalou

everyone-

I just saw that @ikrystal went into labor last night at 34 weeks 5 days. She was asking for prayers for baby C. I'll update if I find out anything.

shandorfml2

Ok, sending prayers @ikrystal‌ !!!

BrittianyM

Sending prayers for @ikrystal!

 

shandorfml2    Sorry about the GTT. Sending prayers that the 3-hour one goes much better.

schulme2

@ikrystal‌ sending lots of prayers! Can't wait for an update on your sweet girl!

@shandorfml2‌ good luck on the 3 hr., hope it goes better! Keep us posted!

erinel

Sending prayers for @ikrystal!  Hope you and baby girl are doing ok!

Maybe Joleisa

Thank you for sharing that @dadalou! Prayers for you & baby girl @ikrystal!

@Mel&John2013: The Lincoln Classic is such a sweet way to memorialize your son.

@schulme2: Hooray for a long, closed cervix! I'm sorry for your meltdown. I had one, too, after I found out we were having twin boys. My mom passed away in 2012, but even before that I knew I wanted to use her middle name as my girl's middle name. 2 boys =/= girl (thanks infertility) and I felt so guilty for crying about 2 healthy boys. My friends helped me solve my issue and Anthony's middle name was to be her maiden name. Oddly now I can't imaging having a girl, so your meltdown sounds totally legit to me. #pregnancyhormones Be kind to you, my dear.

@shandorfml2: I have a pic of one saved that says "hand picked by my brothers..."; I've never seen a personalized one--very sweet! Sorry you are moving on to the 3 hr GTT.

I can't see any pics on my iPad; definitely need to open TB at work tomorrow!

The one symptom I've always hoped for, but have yet to experience:huge boobs. @‌

How far along are you? 11w

Do you have any upcoming appointments or milestones? NT scan on 2/4 at 12w

Any pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy cravings or aversions? Pregnancy 1 w/ID twins = aversion to sweets; pregnancy 2 w/frat twins = felt absolutely zero symptoms aside from a little nausea here and there...nothing crackers couldn't help with; THIS singleton pregnancy= unlike either of the others. I feel nauseous, but not enough to vomit. I feel better if I eat, but all I want is all the bread in the whole wide world. I'm Burpy McBurperson, as well. Oddly, it makes me chuckle as at my graduating u/s at 8w with my RE I told her I would feel better if I was doubled-over with m/s. LOL?

QOTW: Do you plan on getting professional maternity pictures done? If so, do you think you'll incorporate your angel baby in them? I feel like I look awful and NOT glowing, but I will probably have them done and will definitely incorporate the boys somehow. (Pic of their feet? Their Molly Bears? Something.)

Open Topic. What is on your mind this week? My Doppler was on my mind, so I finally busted it out and used it! It has been 14 days since my last u/s and I have 7 more days to go until the next one. It is hard moving from my RE to an OB. It took a few minutes, but I found the HB which reduced my anxiety a bit.

jonahsma

@ikrystal‌ prayers!!!!!

stefuge

@ikrystal - praying for you and baby C!

msunshine123

@ikrystal keeping you and your baby girl in my thoughts and prayers!
@MaybeJoleisa - I'm with you with the doppler it just gives me peace of mind. Appointments just seem so far apart sometimes and it does help to calm me down. Glad it helps you too.