Weekly check-in 1/8

lickastick

Is everyone ok with the weekly check-in on Friday?

This is the weekly check-in for pregnant after 35 aka the geriatric mama's board. If you haven't introduced yourself yet, tell us a little about yourself along with the check-in.

How far along are you?

How are you feeling?

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?)

Rants/Raves/Questions

GTKY: What is a favorite childhood memory of yours that you hope your LO(s) will get to partake in some day?

Wyattnash00

I didn't officially introduce myself but I wrote a blurb on one of these threads this week.  Quick recap, stm with an 18month old DS, live in Tn, hubs is military which has allowed to enjoy living in the south the last 3 years.  Hoping to get back to our 'other' life in a couple years back in the Boston area.  I just turned 39 a few weeks ago, we're having a little girl and this will definitely be our last.



i feel good.  I had terrible MS weeks 6-10, had zero symptoms with my DS, and sort of eye rolled at all those who were sick.  Well I got what I deserved, all day long barf feeling but never barfing, opening the fridge was terrible, I didn't cook for that time, and hated all foods I loved, existed on peanut butter.  Happy to have appetite back the last few weeks, im 17+4.



have my anatomy scan next Thursday, anxious as my son has a vsd (hole in his heart).



no rants today.



im looking forward to vacations/time on the beach, just remember those simple times of going as a family, spending the day, no devices, just sand castles and ocean!  Of course my son needs to learn how too swim, small details.  And of course driving onto the beach with friends, having bonfires and cocktails!! Kiddos need to be a bit older tho:)

redheadbride15

Geriatric mom checking-in! For those who don't know me, I'm a 38 year-old newlywed New Englander and this is my first pregnancy. I'm also a human geneticist and birth defects researcher - so forgive me if I jump in with lots of technical stuff from time to time.

How far along are you? 18+3

How are you feeling? I feel great. Starting to get large, but only just barely.

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Anatomy scan was yesterday and went well! I have a routine appointment with my OB next week.

Rants/Raves/Questions: I got nothing.

GTKY: What is a favorite childhood memory of yours that you hope your LO(s) will get to partake in some day? SO MANY! I want to take him hiking in the mountains of NH (we're already doing that!), swimming in the lake near my dad's house, camping, roasting marshmallows, holiday traditions (baking cookies, trimming the tree, singing carols, dancing), catching bugs, playing in mud, and so much more.

Krisdee123

If being 38 makes one geriatric, I must be 6 feet under at 42.

I'm due any day now at 39 weeks, FTM.

I feel ready and nervous all at the same time. Can my body do this? It's done so well up until now, will it know what it's supposed to do during labour? Will I ever go into labour? Will my placenta hold out long enough? You know, the usual concerns.

Wyattnash00

@krisdee123!! Ur so close!! Ur body will know what to do and if it doesn't ur dr/midwife is there! Good luck momma!


@redheadbride15, all of those memories sound perfect!! You should register for the backpack I have (I feel like I may have said that to you before;) or one similar, my son loves it,hates the stroller, granted we didn't but til he was 8 months but worth every penny!!

lickastick

Wishing you all The strength, grace and ease you need right now @krisdee123 ! You got this and your body knows exactly what to do, and if you have questions that's where your care providers come in. Good luck!!

How far along are you? 5 weeks

How are you feeling?
Alternating between feeling mostly normal to feeling like i'm being punched in the uterus from the inside and lightning attacks of pain through my nipples. Fun times. I peed 10x in 2 hours yesterday. Whaaaaaaaatttttttt????

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?)
Nada on this front

Rants/Raves/Questions
How many of you quit caffeine/coffee before getting KU or when you got KU?

GTKY: What is a favorite childhood memory of yours that you hope your LO(s) will get to partake in some day?

We had s big trampoline in our back yard growing up and we loved it! So many memories with my siblings causing trouble on that thing. My brother and I covered it in dish soap once, i bet my parents were pretty happy about that!

My grandma would make pancakes on her back patio during the summers and we'd fight the bee's off as we ate.

Rolling down a grassy hill with complete abandon- second only to a slip and slide!!!!

alitria

I've posted a couple responses here but haven't done any intros/check-ins until now.

How far along are you? 15+3

How are you feeling? I thought I was done with morning sickness because it was better for a couple weeks but this week it's been back with a vengeance.  Not cool, body, not cool.  I was sick for a solid five months with my son and I was hoping to avoid that this time. 

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Check-up yesterday that looked good, found the hb without any problems. We've really just started telling anyone but our closest friends and family and but I have a feeling I'll be wearing at least my maternity pants in the next couple weeks and it will be obvious.  I start H17 (progesterone) shots next week to try to prevent another preterm labor and I'm feeling like a big scared baby about going because people have told me horrible stories about the pain but it would be worth it to be able to stay pregnant longer this time. 

Rants/Raves/Questions

Supposedly I'm supposed to have a big burst of energy about now but I've been dragging more this week that I have before and I feel like a zombie at my desk.  I'm slow and sleepy and forgetful and hoping my magical 2nd tri will be starting any time now. 

GTKY: What is a favorite childhood memory of yours that you hope your LO(s) will get to partake in some day?

I grew up on the opposite side of the country and married someone from a family that was very different from my own.  I'm happy with the life I have but I do get nostalgic for things I'll never share with my kids at times, especially since my son doesn't have any cousins on either side and my husband and I had quite a few of them.  I have just tried to find ways to create new (similar) traditions where we are now and to enjoy how magical everything is when you're still small.   This was the first year my son "got" Santa and it was so much fun to be part of making that magic for another person.  I also have wonderful memories of being small and cooking with my grandmother so I'm already teaching my son to cook with me and I love watching him learn and get excited about every small thing he learns to do.  He got Montessori knives and choppers for Christmas so we're working on cutting skills right now and it takes FOREVER but his excitement and pride is priceless. 

redheadbride15

@krisdee123 good luck to you! And yes, your body's got this under control!

@Wyattnash00 Remind me what the backpack is... I'm looking for one!

@createillumination I didn't quit caffeine (because I love it and I don't think there's any evidence of it being harmful) but I did cut back from 2-3 cups coffee/day to just 1 cup/day. That wasn't hard, but I do really like the little energy boost I get from that one cup, especially first trimester when I felt like a slug all the time.

Sporty1216

Good luck, @krisdee123 ! Baby will indeed come out one way or the other! I totally remember feeling that way.

4w 4d here.

Feeling good. Sometimes a little crampy, which I know is normal, but it's not my favorite. I have taken a million tests--I know that little bean is still there!

No news other than that we told all of the grandparents last night, which was really fun. They have all been praying for us as they have known we've been ttc#2 for the last year. They are all thrilled, of course! It's nice to be able to talk with them about it. That was a long week of not being able to, especially since I am really close with my mom. Definitely makes it all feel more real. And also a little scarier, but I'm trying to focus on the real and exciting part.

I quit caffeine back when I was TTC LO--so in 2013. I've had it on and off since then, but have mostly just stayed away. I think I do better without it.

Rant: why does time move so slooooooowly?!?!

Memories--I'm excited for LO and this baby to have awesome sibling memories like I do with my brother. Hours of imaginative play, building forts, running around the yard, etc. I hope for lots of good family trips too--we had a great time on road trips when I was growing up.

Wyattnash00

@Alitria, I cut down to one cup of coffee a day when I had terrible MS, but back up to my normal 2, and on the weekends I splurge with a nice fountain Diet Coke, I'm a bear without caffeine, there's the 200-300milligram guideline, and of course way too Much research in this. But my DS turned out ok I my opinion;)


@redheadbride15, we got the osprey poco plus, it's the middle of the line with a few bells and whistles, I can't say enough good things about it, both my husband and I wear it.  We did a ton of research and I read a billion online reviews.  Also suggest going to rei and trying a few on, everyone's bodies are different.

redheadbride15

@Wyattnash00 Yes! I've had my eyes on the Osprey packs. We'll definitely try a few on. Thanks!

lickastick

@Sporty1216 good for you! That's awesome you gave up caffeine!

I've been having about 1/4-1/2 a cup of coffee a day of weak brew. But i read somewhere you have to count chocolate toward your daily count- scandalous I know! I'm not sure if i'll keep drinking coffee, i've been trying to give it up completely for years but always go back. Only because overall i feel better without coffee. But I love it! Groan.....

Thanks ladies for telling me your coffee/caffeine practices!

alitria

@Wyattnash00 I cut back on my caffeine but I didn't stop completely!  I drink a cup of coffee in the morning and soda occasionally. I completely understand the love of fountain soda, no other kind tastes as good.  If I find a place that has Coke Zero on the fountain, I'm totally in splurge heaven.  I normally take medication for ADHD and had to go off of it (obviously) when I decided to try to get pregnant again.  Coffee isn't nearly the same, but without it, I'd still be in my living room trying to find my shoes and get out the door.  I just keep a running total in my head and try not to go over about 200mg.  I know a lot of women who cut it completely and I respect their decision but it wasn't what worked best for me.  I'm also a person who will drink decaf because I actually like the taste of coffee and if I make café au lait, it's a good way to get in some milk, which I can't stand plain.  I've loved coffee all my life and my three year old would steal mine and drink the whole cup if I didn't keep an eye on him.  Fortunately I live in the Seattle area where I can always find a sympathetic barista to accommodate my pregnant lady needs. 

Good to get a recommendation for a pack too, my son HATED his stroller and we barely used it so I'm keeping my eye out for other good options.  I know every kid is different but I'd much rather carry a pack than a stroller anyway.  My son wasn't too fond of baby wearing either once he started taking his first steps, he's been Mr. Independent his whole life but at least he seemed to tolerate that better.  I think he just liked being up higher where he felt like he could be in the middle of everything. 

Wyattnash00

I don't think I could live in the coffee Mecca @alitria! I wouldn't be able to avoid the temptation.  I think ergo makes a backpack like pack as well that isn't as structured as the one I have, which is more for walks/hikes. Though we did use it for DS through the airport over the holidays!  I'm praying this baby will like to be worn, I tried to late with the moby, and we both hated it. I swear the amount of fabric in a moby could stretch across a football field...I need to find something else, suggestions welcome!

Sporty1216

I loved living in Seattle for 6 years--the coffee. Amazing.
And now, I find myself drinking store brand decaf. Haha. I do love the taste of coffee though, and the ritual of it too. So even fake coffee works for me. But there really is no substitute for a truly good cup of the real deal!

And, regarding babywearing--this is something I've gotten pretty passionate about with LO. If you want a stretchy wrap for the early months, there are less warm options like the solly wrap. I've already decided that will probably be my first purchase for this baby. I also love my ring slings and plan to use those from birth. Woven wraps are great and there are a ton of soft structured carriers out there. Babywearing international has a great and informative website and there are great FB groups too, like babywearing 101 and everyday babywearing.

alitria

When my son was tiny, the K'tan worked pretty well for us.  As he got bigger, it wasn't such a great fit.  I had a ring sling and I used it but I never loved it.  I never bought the Moby because I am way, way too uncoordinated for that business in a place where it rains most days in the winter and I'm short.  That's actually how I came across the K'tan, it had a lot of the same qualities as the Moby, but for people who never mastered the art of babywearing origami. The biggest drawback for some may be that it does come in sizes so my husband and I couldn't use the same one.  For those in a warmer climate, the K'tan Breeze looks like it would be great, but I just had the regular one.  I'm back on the search this time because when my son was about 9 months old, I took him to a family gathering, left it, and my SIL promised to get it and bring it but forgot.  By that time, he was old enough the ring sling worked a bit better anyway so I never replaced it.  I could get another one, but I'm open to other ideas as well. 

Wyattnash00

Thanks @sporty1216 and @alitria! I get overwhelmed with all the babywearing options, I might head down to Nashville and see if I can try a few on, I've heard good things about the k'tan as well, we have an ergo but I'm petite and have the hardest time getting that back strap. I also read about this, www.nestingdays.com, no hard work!

Sporty1216

@Wyattnash00 -- if you can go to a local babywearers meeting in your area, I super recommend it! Folks have been so helpful and hands on help is the best! Most babywearing groups will also have a lending library so you can try a bunch of different things before spending money on your own!

Ssoccerball

How far along are you? 4wk+1d. Almost there

How are you feeling? I still have my horrible cold, so I still feel like I was hit by a train. Otherwise, just a few pregnancy symptoms, including a sore chest and a bottomless pit stomach

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?). I did two betas this week, which came back at 139 for 12 dpo and 310 for 14 dpo so I was ecstatic that they were nice, strong numbers. I have my first ultrasound scheduled in two week!

Rants/Raves/Questions. None right now, but I can almost always find something to rant about if I try hard enough!

GTKY: What is a favorite childhood memory of yours that you hope your LO(s) will get to partake in some day? My family is Swedish and at Christmas, we eat all of these Swedish foods, including the stinkiestfish (lutefisk). It was always so fun for me and my cousins to have to try this and we would laugh and laugh. Then one male member of our family dresses up as Santa and all of the kids have to perform a talent or trick (for the adult's entertainment). Such a great night.

emsmama15

I gave up caffeine during IVF and have mostly stayed away from caffeinated drinks.  This morning I had a half caff latte because I was SERIOUSLY constipated (along with 3 colace, it did the trick), but have been doing decaf mostly because I do just love the taste of coffee!!

How far along are you? 6w4d - it's flying by!

How are you feeling? Exhausted and like I've been hit by a truck.  Holy tiredness!!  Nausea comes and goes.  Boobs HURT today.  Cramps off and on.  Hunger seems to be decreasing a little bit, but I've been ravenous!  Constipation (see above).

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Ultrasound next week to confirm pregnancy and find out how many babies in there.

Rants/Raves/Questions I've gained 4 pounds!  I only gained 12 total with my DD, so this is freaking me out a little bit.  I'm thinking it's because I went from a high protein/low carb diet to kind of eating what tastes good (which happens to be carbs).  Yikes.  

GTKY: What is a favorite childhood memory of yours that you hope your LO(s) will get to partake in some day?  Hmm.  So many great ones mentioned here.  Winter type stuff - I remember going sledding with my cousins and neighborhood kids all the time.  Skating on the lake.  Decorating for Christmas.  Making cookies.  Spending time with my brothers and sisters.  So many good things I want to do with my kids.  

Sporty1216

Oh, the constipation. I hear ya on that, @emsmama15 ! Add bloat and it's good times. excited for you to have your ultrasound and see how many babies you have in there!

skooterblenny

37 yrs old with a 3.5 yr old kid, excited to be pregnant again... didn't know if we were going to have a #2 (on the fence for a while) but we think we're ready.

How far along are you? barely pg! 4w2d but I've known for a week!!!!

How are you feeling? Still feeling barely any symptoms. Can tell my body is slowing down other normal processes (intestines!!!) and my boobs hurt a little bit. 

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) none yet. Need to make a ob/gyn appt. 

Rants/Raves/Questions HOW do you meet other mamas of similar age/interests? We recently moved to a new area and am having the hardest time meeting other moms of young kids. We both work full-time and our daycare isn't a warm&fuzzy type of place where all the parents sit around and chat at pick-up. Everyone is in a huge rush and dealing w/ commutes, etc.

GTKY: What is a favorite childhood memory of yours that you hope your LO(s) will get to partake in some day? Hmm. The water (ocean) and everything to do with it. Boating, skiing, fishing, hunting for hermit crabs, sandcastles, living in a swimsuit all summer, sand between my toes, salty hair, sunglasses, the smell of sunblock, flip-flop tan lines, afternoon naps on a beach towel, BBQs at the beach pavillions, beach volleyball, etc. We have already incorporated some of these things w/ our current LO, but hope to add in more fun with the next one! They can build sand castles together!!!

redheadbride15

OMG pregnancy constipation is REAL. No one warned me about that. I've never been constipated before in my entire life but I think I pooped like 4 times total during 1st trimester. It has eased up a bit after about 10-11 weeks.

I've definitely been researching baby wearing. I think for the newborn period I'm going to start with a K'tan, maybe a ring sling too. I'm not feeling brave enough to try a wrap.

tiffanyhr

@skooterblenny it's hard to make mom friends! My town has a moms group on Facebook which has been great, and we've met a few from my 3yr old son's daycare. When I first had DS I didn't know anyone in town. It was tough! Maybe also look into children's events at your local library or through a church. Usually there's postings for family events through those forums. Good luck!

Jenniferk08

How far along are you?
9 weeks

How are you feeling?
Exhausted and wishing they could remove my nipples for the next 9 months. They freaking hurt. And this tapeworm has me starving.

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?)
I am going for the harmony blood work next week. That's about all for now.

Rants/Raves/Questions
Tired of hubby bitching that I lay around all weekend. I'm freaking tired. I work full time and spend 10+ hours commuting each week. We also have an almost 5 year old who is testing my patience this week. Even my OB said this is normal and sleep if I need to.

GTKY: What is a favorite childhood memory of yours that you hope your LO(s) will get to partake in some day?

Favorite memory would be going to Disney for the first time. We are taking our son next month for his 5th birthday. But I can't wait for when this lo is old enough to go back.

Wyattnash00

Constipation is so real!!! It was one of the reasons I dreaded getting pregnant again, grrrr. I take 2 colace daily, and usually a dulcolax once a week, it helps but it's still not normal.


@skooternlenny, we moved when DS was 6 weeks, I joined a moms group on 'meetup', check that out as option. Though can be tough as you work too, but they're could be parents groups?!

lickastick

For all the constipated mamas you might also add the suppliment "calm" to your routine. It's fizzy magnesium you take in water and helps both sleep and constipation. I take it every night before bed and it works for me.

emsmama15

Helping sleep would be an added bonus.  Thanks @createillumination!  I'll look for it.

Sporty1216

Is "calm" a brand name, @createillumination? Would I find it at a nutrition store or online? I'm a supplement newbie.

Sporty1216

Ok. Nevermind. Google quickly found me this:

https://mobile.naturalvitality.com/natural-calm/?url=http://naturalvitality.com/natural-calm/&utm_referrer=https://www.google.com/

Is that it?

lickastick

Yes that's it! Sorry i should have included a link but i'm mobil this week and lazy get the one with magnesium only for pooping!

redheadbride15

This thing about "calm" makes sense - it should be similar to milk of magnesia, which is generally considered safe to take in pregnancy. I may consider this if my constipation comes back. Right now I'm just snacking on loads of dried fruit (apricots and dates are my faves) and things are pretty good.

Sporty1216

Dried apricots always do the trick for me, @redheadbride15 ! I need to put some on my shopping list. Also, stay hydrated and just being patient has made things better this time than with my LO. Anyway....

@createillumination --are you on your vacation in Mexico?! Or was that last week? How is/was it?

lickastick

Mexico right now! We go home tomorrow, it's been mostly great, we are here teaching yoga. The resort we are at is a little high octane with the party/noise/drinking so I'm excited for time with my kitten in quiet after a week here.

Sporty1216

Oh my word! Amazing! It's something like 7 degrees outside here today. I am jealous! But I also get being ready to be home and be in a more chill environment. And kitty snuggles are awesome.

carrieandr

How far along are you?  11 weeks, baby is the size of a lime

How are you feeling?  Knock on wood, the nausea/bad taste is improving, but I keep reading about people who get it back after it goes away. Didn't sleep well last night due to a backache and headache and have felt like laying down all day today.

Any baby news: Waiting on MaterniT21 test results.

Rants/Raves/Questions: I wish my husband understood how crappy I've been feeling. We're sprucing up some rental property and I just can't handle all day physical activity anymore. We put off working on it for months while he was having a colitis flare-up, and now that he feels fine and I don't, he wants me to "walk it off."

GTKY: What is a favorite childhood memory of yours that you hope your LO(s) will get to partake in some day? Christmas is the first thing that comes to mind. And I'd love to take my kids to Put-n-Bay (an island in Ohio) and get Frosty's pizza. I grew up in Ohio and moved to FL when I was 13.

carrieandr

This got me thinking about all the memories from my childhood that my kids won't have -- mostly involving boating or Ohio -- because those things aren't a part of my life anymore. But then it occurred to me that my kids will have experiences that I didn't. For instance, DH is from Ireland, so I'm sure we'll take many trips there. Not to mention trips to other countries. I didn't have a passport until I was in my 30's.

Sporty1216

@CarrieandRoy --I hear ya on the renovating. When I was pregnant with LO, we re-seeded our entire yard and totally renovated our basement. I was always amazed at the fact that DH thought it odd that I couldn't put in super long days. Even at 9 months, I was down there helping. When his back hurts, on the other hand....

Dumb bump erased this part of my post:

We watched a movie a few months ago in which a girl finds out she is pregnant. A few scenes later, she chases down a runaway kid while her co-workers just stands there. This happens a few times. DH kept a saying "why are they letting the pregnant woman do all that running?" I did not bring up all the manual labor I did with him while pregnant with LO, but I sure am keeping this movie example handy when/if he wants me to do something I don't feel up to this time!

lillebowski23

Hello all! I'm a little late with this and bummed to miss out on the poop talk (uhuhuhuh... bummed!) Anyway, my 2 cents: i have not had much of a problem with constipation but gas and bloat are my companions these days. I Hope you ladies find something that works... my hemerrhoid flares up just thinking about constipation!
Anyway...

How Far Along 14w 4d

How Are you Feeling? I'm pretty damn good actually! My energy seems to have mostly returned, I'm in full on nesting mode, I can enjoy cooking again, and finally went out on a Saturday for the first time in FOREVER.
A friend and I went to the BSO for some classical music and it was amazing. I don't get to do that stuff often as regular Symphony tickets are out of my price range, but it was nice to experience it. I'd like to think my little peanut got something out of it too because it was so relaxing!

Baby News I had a surprise ultra sound at my appointment on Monday! I didn't know they'd be measuring baby to double check my due date: 7/6/16... let's see how that works out lol! It was so cool and interesting to see baby's heart beat, fingers and bones! THE BONES! Wow, all of the vertebrae and unfused pelvic bones! So neat! I was infinitely more fascinated than emotional but I'm glad everything is looks good and there really IS a baby growing in there.
A side note, doc was concerned about my weight gain and if it continues the way it has I will have to see a nutritionist. Fine by me! I wouldn't mind some education!

Rants, Raves, etc No rants. Raving about the warm weather we've been having in MA lately. It beats the hell out of last winter in Eastern MA when we had over 100 inches of snow!

Favorite Childhood Memories i loved going hiking with my Aunt and to the theater with my grandparents. I also loved going to museums with my Dad. The man and I can't wait to share these things with our new wee one!

redheadbride15

@lillebowski23 hasn't the weather been amazing?!? I'd be happy if it stayed this way. Glad to hear your good baby updates. I felt really amazing from weeks 14-16 too. Still feel great just starting to be larger and that's a bit less comfortable. Also, I can't recall your age (this is the 35+ board after all), but do if you're under 40 do you know about the BSOs 20 under 40 program? I kept meaning to take advantage of it but we never got around to it... and now my DH is too old

Wyattnash00

Love all the MA ladies on here!! Talk about home a lot, I miss it, in case I haven't said that in every post! We actually got a dusting down here in TN, and the whole starte shuts down, no one knows how to drive, grrrrr:( @lillebowski23, so awesome to see your baby growing, still feels unreal to me, have anatomy scan Thursday, hoping reality hits then!