Weekly check-in:5-2-15

jerseygirl227

1. How far along are you? What is your EDD? What size is baby?

2. Age at delivery?

3. Any other children or fur babies?

4. How are you feeling?  Any recommendations for dealing with MS, aches, pains, etc?

5. Upcoming appointments or milestones? Rants or raves?

QOTW: For our non-FTMs, what's one thing that you think LO should have that maybe the FTMs might not realize or think about, and what item do you think can be skipped?  And FTMs, what are you most looking forward to purchasing for the nursery or for our LO?  (Sorry if these questions stink .... am having a hard time coming up with something fresh.  If you have suggestions, please let me know.  Thanks!!!!)

supersarah77

1. 38 weeks, May 17, baby is the size of a pumpkin

2. 38

3. A toddler and a dog

4. Anxious more than anything! Baby flipped from head down to breech between my 33 and 37 week appointments. Since then I've gotten moxibustion from an acupuncturist, the Webster technique twice from a chiropractor, an external cephalic version from an OB, played music low to my belly, gone swimming and done handstands in the pool, and spinning babies positions at home every day. Baby is still breech but does seem to move around a lot. I swear yesterday he moved head down, and today he is transverse. I have another chiropractor appointment tomorrow and another version appointment on Tuesday. i have a scheduled c-section for next week but anything can happen between now and then. Turn, baby, turn!

5. This week is full of appointments with chiropractor tomorrow, version on Tuesday, prenatal appointment on Friday, and then a c-section next week. Rant: I'm sad that I might have to give up the birth that I wanted. Rave: baby boy is healthy and I'm going to meet him very soon!

QOTW: Meh, LOs don't need much beyond diapers, food, clothes, and a place to sleep. Most everything can be skipped IMO. DD took her longest naps in the swing and then I could get things done, so that would probably be my most useful luxury item. Who knows with this kid though, maybe he'll hate the swing. I do remember feeling like I had to have everything ahead of time and that's just not true. You can - and should! - leave the house with your LO to buy things later. 

beanie1977

1. Due on Halloween, 14 weeks, baby is the size of a lemon!

2. 38

3. No babies or fur babies

4. I'm sick of being sick. I still have MS (hyperemesis) and threw my back out. I'm hoping to go to the chiropractor tomorrow but honestly I haven't felt pain like vomiting with your back out before! No advice. I'm being very cranky and emotional today!

5. I have an appointment a week from Monday.

6. I'm excited to get our nursery finished! We just bought bedding but the room for our baby is currently filled with junk. My fabulous wife said she would clean it out for me! (I was stressing about finding time to do it!) I can't wait to have a cute little crib set up!

niknak1208

Almost 36 weeks. EDC 06/03/2015

2 kids. DD is 2 and DS is 6. One dog.. he's 10.  

37

Feeling ok over all. Just ready to have a baby. Pretty uncomfortable. Sciatic pain is driving me nuts. especially while sleeping.  Or trying to sleep I should say!  I'm a little overwhelmed by the amount of cleaning I need to do. My house just always seems a wreck and that's driving me nuts! 

Next appt. is Wednesday. Probably just for my makena injection though. 

Crib bumpers.. I bought them with DD and DS and never even used them.  Actually, my entire crib set I hardly ever used aside from the crib skirt and the sheets.  I bought pottery barn for both kids and it literally sat in the closet until I sold it. I never really used the play mats that you lay on the floor either. We used to have 2 dogs.. now we have 1 but the dogs always laid on them and go them hairy and then I never wanted to lay my baby on them so I never really used them.  Those rock and play basinet things.. I can't remember if that's what they are really called??  I had one with DD and it was cute but mine didn't vibrate or play music or anything and she never slept in it.. ever.  I'm going back to the pack n play this time.  

I always preferred the diaper champ over the diaper genie because you can use regular garbage bags in the diaper champ.  We've had ours since DS was born 6 years ago and it's still perfectly fine.  I liked having extra changing pad covers since they have accidents and get them dirty easily.  Boppy pillows.. I love those things and I liked having an extra cover for the pillow as well.  Swing-  I really like the swings that swing and vibrate. My babies took better naps in them.  Snack traps.. these you'll use a little bit later on but I love those things! I can't find the original snack traps that Babies R Us used to sell.. but might be able to online! I think they work better then the ones they stock now. 

browneyes_326

1. How far along are you? What is your EDD? What size is baby?

6w 3d
Christmas Day
Sweet pea

2. Age at delivery?

39

3. Any other children or fur babies?

DS 5
DD 2

4. How are you feeling? Any recommendations for dealing with MS, aches, pains, etc?

Last check in nothing ... The day after check-in it all hit ... MS throughout the day. Waves of feeling lightheaded, dizzy & super weak that don't go away when I lay down. Tired & cranky ... And bloated ... Lovely

5. Upcoming appointments or milestones? Rants or raves?

Had our first sonogram, saw and heard the heart beat (109). Measured spot on 5W 6d at the time.

QOTW: For our non-FTMs, what's one thing that you think LO should have that maybe the FTMs might not realize or think about, and what item do you think can be skipped?

Skip:
Crib bedding
Wipe warmer
Pacifiers! Well buy 1 and see ... Neither of my kids would take them
Then if they do you can stock up
Shoes (until they walk of course lol)
With my 1st LO I bought all these cute outs with tiny matching shoes b/c they were so adorable. YA, never worth the trouble!

Must have: (for my LO's anyway)
I swing and or a bouncer.
Both my kids preferred the bouncer for naps as infants and they make a self bouncing bouncer now ... Amazing! Considering a Mamaroo this time around (used hopefully b/c they are expensive).

For us a baby hammock. This is a personal preference but for us it is a must, must, must have. We have a Hushamok.

I'm sure there's more but that's all that came to mind

KaLikeAWind

1. How far along are you? What is your EDD? What size is baby?
33 weeks, Durian Fruit (what the heck IS a durian fruit?), due June 18

2. Age at delivery?
37

3. Any other children or fur babies?
2 kitties - Silt the Old, Big Man (15 in Sept) and Samurai the Ewok Praetorian Guard (7ish years old)

4. How are you feeling?  Any recommendations for dealing with MS, aches, pains, etc?
I have had a cold for the past 12 days, so while.I feel better today than I did this time last week, I still feel pretty crappy. I Cannot. Stop. Coughing. I can't find any cough suppressants that meet the criteria set out on my safe meds list. Planning on calling the Dr tomorrow (I had an appointment on Friday and they told me to call mid week if I'm not improved) and asking them to RX me something to suppress the cough. Its not a cough stuff up cough, its a dry, bug in my throat cough. But its literally CONSTANT

5. Upcoming appointments or milestones? Rants or raves?
Rant - constant dry, hacking cough! I hate you! ~X(
Rave - Spring is here!

QOTW:   And FTMs, what are you most looking forward to purchasing for the nursery or for our LO?  
I was ridiculously jazzed to purchase the wall decals for the baby's room. Totally useless item, but they made me happy. Practically, I'm looking forward to buying some more crib sheets (I only bought 2 or 3), as it means the kid is old enough to now be using the crib, and not sleeping in the pack n play in our room.

ewenner

jerseygirl227 - I think this QOTW is awesome - I am loving reading all the tips from STM!

mellymar - So sorry you're feeling sick.  Have your tried Mucinex (the plain kind in the blue box)?  My OB has it on the safe list and it really helps to make your coughing more productive so you can cough up all the yucky stuff and get it out of your system.  And Cepacol cough drops are the best to help sooth your throat after coughing a lot.  Maybe ask your OB about those.  Feel better!

1. How far along are you? What is your EDD? What size is baby?
36 weeks, May 31st (i.e., way too soon!)
2. Age at delivery?
37
3. Any other children or fur babies?
One cat
4. How are you feeling?  Any recommendations for dealing with MS, aches, pains, etc?
 Feeling stressed out.  Like I have eight million things to do and definitely not enough time to do them.  
5. Upcoming appointments or milestones? Rants or raves?
Had my 36-week app't today.  Had to see a different OB, because mine got called away on some emergency.  I don't like the other OB.  She definitely makes me feel more rushed than my regular doc.  

Also, they did they strep culture today, and I'm really nervous about getting the results, because I am seriously trying to avoid having an IV during L&D.

QOTW: And FTMs, what are you most looking forward to purchasing for the nursery or for our LO?  

I don't really have anything that I'm looking forward to purchasing - I just want to get the essentials and be done with it.  DH, on the other hand, is super-excited about picking out art to hang on the baby's walls.  

cneiding

1. How far along are you? What is your EDD? What size is baby?
Due June 24    32 weeks
2. Age at delivery?
42
3. Any other children or fur babies?
7 other children
4. How are you feeling?  Any recommendations for dealing with MS, aches, pains, etc?
Good
5. Upcoming appointments or milestones? Rants or raves?
Rave: School is done at our house.  Now I can turn my attention to projects etc I can not get to when teaching my schooled at home children. Started redoing one of the boys' rooms.  I will do a whole room painted mural.  Got the initial color on the walls today.  We got the new liner in our pool this past weekend. Went better than expected.  Will be heading to Chicago in a few days for a long weekend.

Rant:  SUppose to rain like the whole time we are in Chicago.  Painting killed my body today.  Its a huge room and takes 6 gallons of paint.  I did 2 coats and started a little after noon and finished at nearly 9 pm.  All that bending, squatting, stretchinng...ouch...so sore!  My husband poured a bunch of drywall compound in my laundry tub and then left for the week.  It totally blocked the drain up.  I spent like an hour trying to clear it with boiling water and also baking soda and vinegar to no avail.  Now I can not do laundry all week.  THat is severely tragic around here.  TO keep up I need to do 7 or more loads a  day EVERY SINGLE DAY.  Not at all happy.
QOTW: For
our non-FTMs, what's one thing that you think LO should have that maybe
the FTMs might not realize or think about, and what item do you think
can be skipped?

Before my first was born I bought a super duper expensive fancy beautiful crib.  Its been slept in enough nights to count on one hand since then.  My babies just always end up sleeping with me.  I don't even set it up anymore.  I know most people use them...but for me it was a total waste of money! 

Those tiny little flannel receiving blankets...useless. 

The only way I can ever get a shower is by taking a bouncy seat into the bathroom with me.  My babies like to hear the water and if I put them anywhere else they would end up wailing by the time my shower was done. 

I loved the Aiden Anais muslin swaddle blankets.  THey are great for hot weather...Loved using them as a nursing cover...much less hot then heavier, not as breathable fabric ones. 

Go ahead and splurge on a diaper bag.  It will be your constant companion for years to come...it will go everywhere you do.  An inexpensive one will not hold up well.  you should have one that you really love and enjoy carrying!

Expensive strollers are so worth it.  Especially if this is not your first child.  Regular type strollers, especially double strollers, will not hold up well, they do not maneuver well, they can not hold much weight etc.  WHile spending as much as $1,000 or more can seem like a lot, when you are effortlessly pushing 2 toddlers one handed while wearing a newborn and holding the had of a preschooler, you will be so glad you spent the money!!

Ladies who want a Mamaroo...I will say I got one a couple babies ago when they were first coming out.  Well that child liked it and I used it a lot.  My next one after that did not enjoy it!  I might have used it twice for her for very short periods of time.  Then she would be crying.  They are not cheap so you might want to wait until baby is actually here to try one out and see how your baby likes it.   I hope this one likes mine!  They are also not real portable as they are heavier and larger than other options.  It also must be plugged into an outlet (no batteries) to work.  So if you want something you can take outside with you or move from room to room with, this is not a good option!

jerseygirl227

1. How far along are you? What is your EDD? What size is baby?
30 weeks + 3 days, July 11, cucumber (which seems weird)
2. Age at delivery?
43
3. Any other children or fur babies?
Three cats, one of which is 21 pounds and has taken up residence in the bassinet
4. How are you feeling?  Any recommendations for dealing with MS, aches, pains, etc?
Feet have started to swell, which I don't enjoy.  I usually feel pretty good, but every so often I have a bad aches and pains day.  
5. Upcoming appointments or milestones? Rants or raves?
No appointment until May 14.  Rave: Had a baby shower at work.  Was overwhelmed by all the wonderful gifts.  Plus, I received a good deal of gift cards, which will definitely come in handy.

QOTW: For our non-FTMs, what's one thing that you think LO should have that maybe the FTMs might not realize or think about, and what item do you think can be skipped?  And FTMs, what are you most looking forward to purchasing for the nursery or for our LO?  (Sorry if these questions stink .... am having a hard time coming up with something fresh.  If you have suggestions, please let me know.  Thanks!!!!) Really, I am just happy that we will actually have a nursery for our Chloe.  Am looking forward to putting up some family heirlooms, including the wall hanging that hung in my nursery way back when.

KateLouise

1. How far along are you? What is your EDD? What size is baby? 20 weeks, due Sept 24th, the size of a banana

2. Age at delivery? 37

3. Any other children or fur babies? 2 girls age 3 and 5 yrs, 2 dogs

4. How are you feeling?  Any recommendations for dealing with MS, aches, pains, etc? Feeling pretty good, but have this strange sharp pain in my side. Not sure if it's RLP or something else.

5. Upcoming appointments or milestones? Rants or raves? Just had our 20 week scan yesterday. Everything looked good, and baby is a boy. I'm a little disappointed to be honest, I wanted another girl, but DH is pretty happy, and I'm sure I'll get over it.

QOTW: For our non-FTMs, what's one thing that you think LO should have that maybe the FTMs might not realize or think about, and what item do you think can be skipped?  And FTMs, what are you most looking forward to purchasing for the nursery or for our LO?  (Sorry if these questions stink .... am having a hard time coming up with something fresh.  If you have suggestions, please let me know.  Thanks!!!!)

I agree with pp that babies really don't need a lot. Having said that I'm a huge fan of swaddling my babies. I know not every baby loves it, but it's worked great for my two, so I plan to do it with number 3.

sidey1

How far along are you? What is your EDD? What size is baby? 19 weeks, due Oct 1, mango or heirloom tomato, these fruit references crack me up!

2. Age at delivery? 42

3. Any other children or fur babies? 3 cats that are still angry about baby #1, DS 2!

4. How are you feeling?  Any recommendations for dealing with MS, aches, pains, etc? Not feeling too bad but definitely still very very tired!

5. Upcoming appointments or milestones? Rants or raves? Anatomy scan on Monday, so excited!!! It's been a good week so far, no rants, and DS turned 2 today!

QOTW: For our non-FTMs, what's one thing that you think LO should have that maybe the FTMs might not realize or think about, and what item do you think can be skipped?  And FTMs, what are you most looking forward to purchasing for the nursery or for our LO?  (Sorry if these questions stink .... am having a hard time coming up with something fresh.  If you have suggestions, please let me know.  Thanks!!!

Old time yish Cloth diapers for burping and spit ups! We found the heavy duty ones while not that easy to find, were really great at catching spit ups during burping sessions! Also Rock & Play, only thing DS would sleep in for first 3 months and a life saver after that for when he had a cold and needed to have his head elevated. I have to say we were pretty good about not buying until we were sure we needed something. We were convinced we could go without a monitor since we live in an apt, but at the end of the day, I didn't feel comfortable not having one, wish I had put it on my registry! 

journeygirl3

1. How far along are you? 17.5 weeks What is your EDD?  10/12 What size is baby? onion

2. Age at delivery? 37

3. Any other children or fur babies? 3 fur babies

4. How are you feeling?  I feel completely fine, which is making me nervous! Any recommendations for dealing with MS, aches, pains, etc? I just found the solution to Restless Leg Syndrome - place a bar of soap in between the sheets at night, it really works!

5. Upcoming appointments or milestones? Rants or raves? Next appt. is 5/12, it's been 1 month since I've seen this little girl on the screen, and anxious to see her again, and know that all is OK.

mum2lanabelliz

1. How far along are you? What is your EDD? What size is baby?

38.3, 5/17, pumpkin

2. Age at delivery?

43

3. Any other children or fur babies?

3 dd, 1ds, 2 cats, 1 dog

4. How are you feeling? Any recommendations for dealing with MS, aches, pains, etc?

Everything aches. Lol

5. Upcoming appointments or milestones? Rants or raves?

Next appt is Monday 5/11.

Rant - everything hurts! Baby has dropped and walking is a chore, lol.

Rave - my induction is scheduled for Tues 5/12!!! Omg!!! Now I'm freaking out! Also for first time in 5 pgs baby has dropped, I'm 3cm dilated, 50% effaced, and baby is at -2!!! So surprised!

QOTW: For our non-FTMs, what's one thing that you think LO should have that maybe the FTMs might not realize or think about, and what item do you think can be skipped? And FTMs, what are you most looking forward to purchasing for the nursery or for our LO? (Sorry if these questions stink .... am having a hard time coming up with something fresh. If you have suggestions, please let me know. Thanks!!!!)

I LOVE my hoppy! Only had it for my last baby and this one. Wish I had one with all of them.

mindaa

1. How far along are you? What is your EDD? What size is baby?
36 weeks, June 1
2. Age at delivery?

Just under 38
3. Any other children or fur babies?
Nope
4. How are you feeling?  Any recommendations for dealing with MS, aches, pains, etc?
Totally knocked out by a cold this week. boo  

No complaints about my job itself, but I'm definitely suffering from some major "Senioritis" at work, haha  

5. Upcoming appointments or milestones? Rants or raves?

Just trying to stay relaxed and not focus on the fact that things are about to get real!

QOTW:  And FTMs, what are you most looking forward to purchasing for the nursery or for our LO? 

We're both super excited about getting him on his first bike. (I think those balance bikes are the best invention ever!) Grandpa (FIL) has already called dibs on that gift