Weekly Check-In 2/19

lickastick

Happy Friday Ladies!

How far along are you? 

How are you feeling?

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

Rants/Raves/Questions:

Anyone want to show off their bump or blump? (totally optional)

GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO?
STM- what one item were you surprised that you needed the most with your 1st LO?

lickastick

How far along are you? 11weeks

How are you feeling? It's been pretty smooth sailing symptom wise, breast tenderness completely gone and I can feel the placenta taking over and leveling out the hormones. For this pregnancy at least, I guess I am one of those mama's that don't really feel pregnant.

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) First u/s next thursday!!! Woot woot!
Ist prenatal appointment was on wed and I already shared I got to hear the heartbeat on the doppler and that has been a big turning point for me. The Ob that I saw was recommend by a midwife because he will let me leave the practice whenever I want to go to full midwife care, and he will deliver me in the hospital if I need, even if I've been in midwife only care. All perfect things for my situation.

But....this guy was pretty wacky and hilarious, he has been doing this forever and was totally unfazed by things other doctors might have problems with.

*loss mentioned* I mc immediately after having a pap smear last time and so I will never have a pap smear in pregnancy again. I'll do it before, I'll do it after but never again while pregnant. The doctor was totally fine with that, unfazed, no big deal. Well the nurse was trying to talk me into it and I was not having it, then she took my blood pressure and it was 160/90. If you don't know, that number is scary high, like you might be really sick high. She took it 4 times and it was that high every time. I was alarmed, she was alarmed but the doctor was like ehhh let's she what happens. Of course I bought a blood pressure machine as soon as I got home and have been talking it a bunch of times and it is perfectly normal. I just hope it's not that high next time I go in. 

I'm still interviewing midwives as well and I haven't gotten any further on that front. Yarrrggghhhh

Rants/Raves/Questions: We just got out central AC installed so I can be a beached whale in style when summer rolls around!

Anyone want to show off their bump or blump? (totally optional) I'm all blump but I'll share when I have a bump!

GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO?
I'd like to try to stay as minimal with the baby stuff as possible (easier said than done I'm sure.) I kinda really want the owlet baby monitor. There was a discussion about it on a BMB and if I ever have to bed share out of desperation I'd feel better if the baby had that.  

Ssoccerball

How far along are you?  Almost 11wks

How are you feeling?  Good.  So good, in fact, that it freaked me out.  All week I've had virtually no nausea, my food aversions went away and I've gotten some of my energy back.  I panicked and ended up calling my doctor to ask for an ultrasound.  I'm in awe of you ladies that go awhile in between ultrasounds...I don't know how you do it.  Truly.

Any baby news?   At my neurotic mother ultrasound (see above) both babies had visible heartbeats and Baby A was moving its little arms and legs all around.  Baby B was asleep or just chill'n, leading me to suspect that A is a girl and B is a boy.  

Rants/Raves/Questions:  When are you all going to start working on the nursery or make other baby preparations?  It feels so early and I'm still nervous, but I'm feeling the pressure...my doctor told me that when I hit 30 weeks, I will most likely feel "done" with this pregnancy and might find it very difficult to do anything.  I want to be prepared!

Anyone want to show off their bump or blump? (totally optional)  Eek!  Even though I've already had to move to maternity clothes, I just look fluffy right now...give me another 20 weeks.  Ha!

GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO?  Clothes!  I absolutely love shopping for baby clothes, but won't do it until we find out the sex of the babies.  

STM- what one item were you surprised that you needed the most with your 1st LO?  My first was a boy and I just couldn't see myself putting him in a baby gown, even though they made them for boys.  That lasted a minute.  After doing a couple of nights of diaper changes, I ran right out and bought a ton of gowns...they made things soooo easy in the middle of the night!

Sporty1216

How far along are you? 10w 4d

How are you feeling? Add me to the camp of "freaked out a little because I feel mostly human again"--I had a really rough weekend with a stomach bug and after getting through that, I'm feeling surprisingly normal. I am still tired, but not as totally exhausted. I have some nausea in the evenings, but it is way better than it was. I keep reminding myself that this is all both good and normal.

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) my next appointment is a week from Monday. I can't wait to hear that heartbeat again!

Rants/Raves/Questions: not much--just hoping a trip to see the MIL this weekend goes well. I'm mostly looking forward to it, but my blump is definitely bigger than it was last time. I've gotten some sweet comments on my "bump" from a couple of people who are in the know and that's fine. But my MIL can be really weight conscious and said some pretty dumb things to me last time I was pregnant. I am mentally preparing myself for comments about "how big I am already" or worse. I want to respond with kindness but firmness. I am actually pretty a-okay with my body and what it is doing and I don't need anyone shaking that. If anyone has good ideas for how to respond if an out-of-line comment is made, I would love some suggestions!

Anyone want to show off their bump or blump? (totally optional) soon! Give me another week or two. I never took bump pics weekly the first time and don't plan on it this time either, but I'd be up for sharing here and there with you lovely ladies.

GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO? 
STM- what one item were you surprised that you needed the most with your 1st LO?

I'm excited to come up with a good co-sleeping option. I really want an awesome co-sleeper that attaches to the side of the bed, but all of the really great ones seem to be European and super pricey. Kind of contemplating seeing if I can get my DH to make us one... I think he could do it!  the owlet baby monitor is totally tempting too, @createillumination !

i wish I had bought a video monitor right away last time. We waited until he was almost 1. It is so nice to be able to peek at them. I also wish I had bought a baby carrier I loved sooner. I love wearing my kiddo and am excited to start from day 1 with this one. 

@createillumination -- my BP has gotten super scary high like that in the ob's office too. I'm glad your guy was chill. Mine OB is good about it too. She has me monitor at home because the office tends to be a place that makes my BP rise. Last time I checked it it was a cool 117/70 or something like that. But it can skyrocket if I am anxious about something to do with the baby. It makes all the sense in the world that yours went nuts when they were trying to talk you into the pao smear. Good for you for standing your ground. I also hope that you find your midwife soon. And I'm so excited for you to see that little baby next week!

@ssoccerball-- I think we are due pretty close to each other too.  I'm grateful to read that symptoms are lessening for both you and @createillumination and you both have seen/heard baby recently. It is such a long wait between appointments! Just over a week to go for me, but it can't come soon enough. I have seriously contemplated calling and seeing if I can pop in for a quick Doppler check but then keep talking myself out of it. Sometimes I feel crazy. Haha. 

Glow360

I'm midway through my seventh week. This was the worst week yet. Extremely sick, extremely emotional. It was a difficult decision to put off nursing school until next year. This was my last semester before applying. I puked through my AP2 lab final, (cadaver veins and artery lab) cried all the way home as labs have never bugged me before. I manage to pass with a B- Tough, tough week not to mention how sick I've been. I posted earlier about vitamin B6, it's helping today and OB is giving me something more. My first real OB appointment is March 22, I'm super excited about that. I'm hoping week 8 goes better

mthoomom

How far along are you? 34 weeks +

How are you feeling?  
My midwife okayed zantac for me, and it has changed my life. No more waking up a dozen times a night because of heartburn. 

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?)  
Not much here. Measured 33.5 at my appointment this week. At this point it's just a waiting game. 

Rants/Raves/Questions:  
Rant: Everything in my house is breaking. We had to call a plumber for the second time this month because the toilets backed up AGAIN. Now Dh has to dig up the septic tank to make sure that's not the problem. We've had a lot of rain (Oregon, what can you do?) so our drain field might be saturated, causing our tank to fill up with water. I'd list all the other things that have broken/need repair, but that would just be sad. Rave: tried on my pre-prego jeans, and I can still fit them over my butt. Maybe because it's my third pregnancy my body knows we don't need to go there? Either way, I think I will be able to start the postpartum recovery period with a positive attitude knowing that either all my exercising paid off, or I just totally lucked out this time. I gained almost 60 pounds with my first pregnancy and was so swollen that feeling this good is a real blessing. 

GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO? 
My mom and I made crib sheets out of material that dh and I chose together at the fabric store. I selected colors and patterns that match the decor in my room. I'm in love with them. 

STM- what one item were you surprised that you needed the most with your 1st LO? 
I discovered that Robeez were the only thing that would keep my baby's feet covered without falling off all the time. I also loved the fact that they are soft leather, so they don't impede foot movement at all. It seemed like regular shoes made learning to walk more difficult, and these were the closest you could get to being barefoot. The only downside is that they are not waterproof. 

Wyattnash00

Awesome that you both are feeling great @createillumination, sporty1216 and @ssoccerball!! Score for the old mama's!! I had a hard time waiting in between appointments too, so I bought an at home Doppler, there are mixed feeling on this as sometimes people can't find the heartbeat which obviously sends them into a meltdown, but I found it very relieving for weeks 10-20 befire I was feeling baby move a lot.
fitting into you're pre pregnancy jeans at 33 weeks @mthoomom?!!! Please share your secret!! Way to go!! Sucks everything is breaking in your house, being an adult and dealing with that stuff so sucks at these times:(


23+4, just a few more days until baby could be viable outside of me, not that I ever want that, but a small milestone.


no baby news, my week of appointments isn't until March. Just enjoying feeling good. Though by the end of the day I feel 29 months pregnant, good times.


raves: it's 70 here, bbq tonight, bbq in February is good for the soul:)


gtky: I'm the worst!! 2nd time around I'm sort of not facing reality that we're having another baby.  I'm seriously just taking out 5 or so things that we used for DS and calling it a day. I went nuts with the clothes, toys, furniture with DS, and used none of it until months later. Plus we live in a tiny house with no where to put this baby, so that sort of takes away the fun of doing a nursery. Plus plus, we're going to move in 18 months, another reason to just go with the flow.


stm: hmmm, I think the owlet monitor might drive you more crazy @createillumination?!  You'll check on your baby's breathing every other hour regardless. I second the video monitor, we can't live without it. I will say the pack n play, as it's the baby's bed for months, changing table in there, everything in one place right next to our bed. I'm also going to say the nose frida, we learned very quickly those bulbs don't get any snot out. And though my child hates all things near his nose, it's saved us from many sleepless nights and likely saved a few colds going into something worse.

mthoomom

@createillumination @Sporty1216 The owlet seems like such a neat idea. I considered buying one, but decided not to because I think it will just make me more neurotic. 

@Wyattnash00 I'm happy to hear your positive review of the nosefrida. We bought one ($17 whaaa?) and I'm hoping it will be one of those life-changing products. The pointy blue nose bulbs aren't the best. We don't  have a nursery for this baby either, but I've been having fun getting the baby's "corner" of the room ready. I bought a nice lamp for his dresser and we have pretty sheets and bedding for him, so it feels "nursery-ish." 

Wyattnash00

It is worth every penny of that 17$ @mthoomom. And the filters do NOT need to be changed every time, maybe every 10th.  Maybe I could get into a nursery 'corner'...ill put that off another couple months;)

redheadbride15

I'm 24+3 weeks and I feel good. Getting larger, but no aches and pains yet. Baby's movement has picked up like CRAZY this week. Like I feel him all the time. And DH is getting so excited to be able to place his hand on my belly and feel the kicks. He squealed with glee the first time he felt one! I have an appointment on Monday. I haven't seen my OB for 6 weeks due to vacations (first mine, then hers). I suspect a glucose screening test is in my near future. I'm dreading it because I hate sweet drinks. I also really don't want GD (another thing to possibly get anxious about, dammit!).

GTKY: We're buying a HOUSE for our little one! Well, hopefully... We live in a tiny apartment right now and my H just got a new job so we're beginning the hunt in earnest, hoping to find something and move before my due date in June. Otherwise I've been really minimal in what I'm buying and/or putting on my registry. I want only the bare essentials until we know where we'll be living, and we're not currently setting up a nursery. Right now all we have on the list is a few clothes, carseat, pack'n'play, feeding supplies, and diapers/wipes.

@createillumination As @Sporty1216 mentioned we totally had this conversation a few weeks ago about high BP. Mine gets crazy high like that (always 160/90) when I'm anxious at a medical appointment. I started asking them to take my BP at the end of the appointment instead of the beginning, and it's always normal then. I have a home BP monitor too and haven't had a single high recording on it ever.

@Glow360 Sorry you're having such a lousy week! I'm glad you talked to your OB about the nausea and I hope it starts to improve. And I know putting off life plans sucks, but good for you for taking on nursing school! You'll be so focused and awesome at it when you can focus fully.

To all those feeling good at 10-11 weeks - yay! Second tri is just around the corner! That's exactly when I remember feeling better too. I went through a long period of "not feeling pregnant" (like from weeks 11-20), because it took me so long to show and feel the baby. Thank goodness for the NT scan and A/S or else I wouldn't have believed there was a baby growing inside me.

lillebowski23

How far along are you?  20w + 2

How are you feeling? Uh-mazing. Except for the gas. That can stop

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) No news still waiting around for my fetal anatomy scan on 2/29!

Rants/Raves/Questions: i just had a rootbeer float. It was worth it!

Anyone want to show off their bump or blump? (totally optional)
I'll bite! Attached!

GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO?  I had a friend make some custom baby shoes that I can't wait to see in person!

lickastick

Wyattnash00 I'm not sure how crazy it might make me, but it does have that potential. I don't think I'd use it all the time, and the thing I'd want it for the most would be sleeping arrangements. I am someone who does not tolerate lack of sleep well. If I get so desperate for sleep that I have to bed share I want the baby to be monitored. I don't want to bed share but I have seen too many people have to do it out of desperation to say "I'd never" do it. Oh and I'll probably get a video monitor too. ha!

@redheadbride15 white coat syndrome is real! I always get a little high but I have never been that high on a reading. 

@Sporty1216 it's so weird to get to this point right? The only thing that made it bearable at all (so I didn't go to full panic mode) was that symptoms went away slowly over time, it wasn't a one day it is gone thing. That is way more scary to me. Glad you are feeling better and are over the stomach bug. 

@lillebowski23 Cute bump and haircut!!!You look great 

Mamafesto

How far along are you? 13w

How are you feeling? Great other than continuous, insatiable hunger!

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Had my first midwife appt on Tuesday and heard a strong heartbeat on the doppler so that's nice. Because of my mc this summer and the bleeding scares earlier in this pregnancy I was seeing an OB, but I'm happy to be released to the midwives. Got my Harmony blood draw a week ago and am having a little anxiety (usually surfacing between 3 - 5am) about the results. I am waiting to share with work and the general public until I know there aren't any chromosomal issues, but I did tell a few more close friends over the past couple of days which has felt very liberating. We're also really excited to tell our 3-year-old DS who's always talking about his "baby sister or brother" but can't say anything to him until we're ready for the world to know. Should get the results by end of next week. Please keep you fingers, toes and everything else crossed for me! Regular midwife appointment in another 4 weeks - seems like eons away.

Rants/Raves/Questions: My rave is that the birthing center where we had DS and are having #2 is undergoing a major renovation that will be done in June 2016. I'm due in August, so we will definitely benefit from the "garden view rooms" and "spa-like birthing tub rooms." The food is also amazing there! We joked that it was like staying at an inn other than the moans of birthing women reverberating through the halls.

Anyone want to show off their bump or blump? (totally optional) I'm gonna hold off on this one, even though I am definitely starting to bump out (much earlier than with DS).

GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO?
I knit a beautiful sweater when I was pregnant with DS and would like to get my act together to do the same for this LO. As a STM, I am not really planning on buying much of anything for #2 as we have everything we need from DS and then some.

STM- what one item were you surprised that you needed the most with your 1st LO?
The fisher price rock n play sleeper. That thing was a lifesaver when DS was teeny tiny and colicky and wouldn't sleep for more than 1/2 hour stretches. I don't know why it works so well, but seriously people, that thing is miraculous when it comes to baby sleep. Apparently, it now comes with an auto rock function, so I lied above when I said I wasn't going to buy anything for #2. I am definitely upgrading the rock n play and will just plan to use that from the get go in lieu of a bassinet or co-sleeper.

Piperella

@lillebowski23 - Your bump is sooo cute!  I can't wait to get my bump!!!
@createillumination - I'm so excited you got central a/c!  I think I will be hovering beside my vents when the summer hits. Also, congrats on finding what sounds like a great ob!  Sounds like nothing out of the norm phases him.  That's awesome.
So glad @Ssoccerball and @Sporty1216 have gotten some of your energy as you two are in the home stretch of the 1st trimester!  Gives me home for my exhaustion.
To those of you in your week 20s and 30s... I am in awe of you!  I'm still in single digits and can't even imagine being that far along yet.  I don't like adulting some times either.  

----AFM---
How far along are you? 7w5d
How are you feeling?  Feeling pretty good.  Exhaustion is still very real and I'm looking forward to not complaining about that.  I've only had 2 days where I had moments of MS/nausea and food aversions.
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) This felt like my first week with no appointments, but next week makes up for it.  U/S and intake ob/gyn nurse appt on Monday morning and then another U/S with my RE on Friday.  I can't wait to see my LO grow before my eyes on the screen.
Rants/Raves/Questions: Already freaking out about infant day care.  Because of a new law in VA, many day cares and individual private homes are no longer accepting infants due to the infant/caregiver ratio that begins in July.  We were told that most places nearby were already reserved through sept/oct for infants.  My next door takes care of children and has an opening in December and has offered us the space in January if we want it.  Decisions, decisions.
Anyone want to show off their bump or blump? (totally optional)  You'd see nothing but a chickfila blump.  Give me another 7-14 weeks.
GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO? I can't wait to find out the sex of the LO, but both ideas I have for the nursery/guest room are both neutral.  I still want to wait to find out for sure the sex before settling on a theme.  I'm going to be a disney imagineer when creating it (hopefully).  Not too over the top, though.  Etsy and Pinterest are my friends.

HopeRoseTal

How far along are you? 10 weeks today.

How are you feeling? Like a blump. Today was a little better-pregnancy wise: but our funky weather has replaced the bad taste in my mouth with horrible upper respiratory allergies, sigh.  On the plus side: at least it was a different type of miserable today. Still some N&V. Water aversion is finally letting up, thank goodness. But overall, just so genuinely happy to be experiencing all of this, tough as it is.

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Still a little more than a week out from my first appointment.  I haven't really let myself get too excited about all this yet... I want it confirmed by a doctor.

Rants/Raves/Questions.  My only one right now is that I asked my husband to pretty please bring me home a special salad from a restaurant downtown, where he works (read:a good hour away), on his way home. He just got home and went and sat in the recliner and is checking scores on the laptop. (I've conveniently had to walk past a few times, so I can see!) And there's no salad here. He's so great. (Seriously, he usually is, but this has annoyed me)   it's just that I was actually looking forward to eating something....

Anyone want to show off their bump or blump? (totally optional). Girls, I'm all blump right now and that's better left to the imagination. Also, I'm already in pj's, at 6pm, on a Friday. 

GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO?  I am excited to buy all the things, but like I said before, until I actually go to the doctor and get the rundown, I'm not letting myself get too excited.

mthoomom

@HopeRoseTal There is nothing sadder than expecting food and not getting it. I feel your pain! 

lickastick

@Mamafesto your birthing center sounds awesome!  All the good luck for your test results, I'm sure they will come back fantastic. 

@HopeRoseTal  I might've been known to make my DH go back and get something if he forgot it,  no matter how far away it is!

Sporty1216

Made it to the MIL's and no blump comments yet. Phew! Also, very little food. Like a small bowl of soup for dinner and some sandwiches I couldn't eat! FEED THIS PREGNANT LADY! I am so wishing I had packed a secret food stash. When will I learn? Drat. (More responses to other posts coming--I am loving the updates! But I had to vent that)

@lillebowski-I love your bump! Woot!

emgee27

@Mamafesto the birthing center sounds awesome!!! Wow! Also someone just bought the rock n play off my registry so now I'm extra excited!

@createillumination I'm glad your home-testing of your BP is showing normal numbers now! Maybe the Pap smear convo brought up all your fear and caused tension? Glad you're good

@lillebowski23 cute bump, mamma!

Weeks: 31+5 aka large and in charge!

How are you feeling: pretty good actually! I have some discomfort in bed and wake up with a sore back and hips but for the most part, it's because I've been in the same position while sleeping like a rock! 

Baby news: it's definitely getting cramped in there. There's less kicking and more rolling around/stretch action. I love feeling the baby, it's my favorite thing right now, even when a foot makes its way underneath my ribcage. Ow. Midwife check up next Tuesday. 


Rants/Raves: rant - I'm just over work and stupid office bureaucracy. I'm just keeping my head down and avoiding all drama. Rave - Girl Scout cookie season!

GTKY: I'll be sewing a quilt for the baby but I'm not in a rush to finish it before baby is here. I'll also be sewing some flannel wipes since we are cloth diapering so those are my priority. We are team green so I'm looking forward to buying some specific boy or girl outfits once baby is here, even though I prefer the neutral stuff in general. 

Have a lovely weekend, ladies! 

BernieRae

How far along are you? 8 weeks 4 days

How are you feeling?   Same stuff as last week. Fatigue, sore boobs, mild nausea. Also a bit of gas /constipation due to not eating well. All of the above has been pretty manageable though so can't complain. 

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

the week after next. Hope it comes quick! I think I felt this way before my last ultrasound, but I just think I'll feel a lot more confident after this appt. 

Rants/Raves/Questions: rant: Just opened one of those "this is not a bill" notifications from my insurance and they've decided not to cover the dr portion (over 1k)  of a surgery I had in September. This makes no sense since they covered all the other portions and I made sure the dr was in network ahead of time. Grrrrrrr. Fun phone calls for me on Monday. Rave: it was DH's birthday yesterday and I managed the energy to bake a cake and stay out until midnight! somehow I still feel kind of hungover even though I was only drinking water. 

Anyone want to show off their bump or blump? (totally optional) I'm so looking forward to having a bump. Thanks for sharing @lillebowski23! I've been online window shopping for maternity clothes.

GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO?  

I admire all you crafty moms!

We've got a secret Pinterest board we're adding things to, but nothing I'm overly excited about yet. 
@sporty1216  I am also looking at a good co-sleeping/bassinet option for our small bedroom. looking at the arms reach co-sleeper and the halo. I used to think I'd just do a pack n play since it would get more than a few months use, but now I'm thinking I want to make those early weeks (especially after a c-section) as easy as possible. 

I'm taking note of all of these product ideas. Will definitely have to pin the nosefrida! 

mthoomom

@emgee27 I will be cloth diapering for the first time with this baby, and I have purchased cloth wipes. What are you planning to use with them as a cleaning solution on baby's bottom?

von1976

How far along are you? Nearly 8 weeks.

How are you feeling? Awful. Headaches, fatigue, nausea, aversions to everything except french fries and fruit bars.

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) We have our first u/s scheduled on Thursday morning!

Rants/Raves/Questions: I seriously can't take the morning sickness any more. It's been constant the last two weeks, but I never actually throw up. It's like the world's worst and longest hangover. I don't know how anyone gets through the first trimester and then decides to do it all over again. I have tried everything and I can't shake it. This may be our only child! 

Anyone want to show off their bump or blump? (totally optional) Nothing to see here, move along.

GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO? I already bought the bedding set because it was being discontinued. My mother is peeved at me, but it was getting difficult to find and I didn't want to have to settle on something else.

tiffanyhr

How far along are you? 11w4d

How are you feeling? Tired. Tired all the time!

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) 12 wk ultrasound Monday. Looking forward to it!  Also, we've been breaking the news slowly to family and close friends. Our DS has been outing us, but we knew that would happen. He's telling everyone he's going to be a big brother! Glad he's excited and hope he stays receptive to it...

Rants/Raves/Questions:  any east coasters planning a baby moon? We went to cape may before DS was born. Just looking for a weekend getaway!  



Anyone want to show off their bump or blump? (totally optional) yuck not yet!

GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO?  Looking forward to decluttering the office and stripping it of the plaid wallpaper from the previous owners. 

STM- what one item were you surprised that you needed the most with your 1st LO?  The snap n go stroller. I was sure we'd use the jogger more but the snap n go was so easy those first few months. 

Sporty1216

Those are the two options I've been looking at too, @BernieRae ! I was totally sold on the bassinest, but the more I think about it, the more I want a co-sleeper. I'm not sure if the arms reach will work with our bed since it's a low platform bed... I need to do some measuring! I did ask DH last night if he thought he could build one for us, and he said he would be game. So maybe we'll go that route!

carrieandr

How far along are you? 17 weeks -- baby girl is the size of an onion

How are you feeling? Aside from the cold and the hemorrhoid, fine. I get headaches sometimes.

Any baby news: I *think* I might be feeling her now. Some twitches and once it felt like the amniotic fluid shifted while I was laying still. Like a water balloon that got bumped.

Anyone want to show off their bump? Happy to! All firm bump, no more blump.


GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO? I'm not allowed to touch the future nursery/current guest room, so it's hard to get excited. Also, I would love to buy her a huge teddy bear (because I love them) but I think she'd like it more if she gets one for Christmas when she's older rather than having it from the time she was born.

redheadbride15

Okay as long as others are showing bumps, here's me! 24w4d today. I took a long time to start showing.

Wyattnash00

Ttoo much skin showing?! Sorry if so, feeling large at the end of the day! I second the snap and go stroller, best thing ever!!

Sporty1216

Ohmygosh. You all with your bumps are the cutest ever!

lickastick

You guys are all fabulous!!! Love the bumps!!!

lillebowski23

Thank you ladies for the compliments! Nice to see everyone else's bumps too!

emsmama15

You guys all look GREAT!! Thanks for sharing!

tiffanyhr

Love the bumps! You're all too cute!

skooterblenny

How far along are you? 10 wks, almost 11?

How are you feeling? some days GREAT, some days AWFUL. M/S this time around has been completely different, not nauseous really but feel SO gross some days, with almost no energy/motivation to do anything. 

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Had blood drawn for the AMA genetic testing (maternit21, panorama, whatever its called). Have another u/s in a few weeks. Not finding out gender.Finally found baby's heartbeat last night... was worried, since we found it around 9 weeks with DC1. 

Rants/Raves/Questions: my house is chaos. laundry, dishes, sticky countertops. it's disgusting. But i know i will be back to normal in a few weeks.

GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO? at this point in time, not enough energy to think about this or be excited about much. Can't wait for 2nd tri!

STM- what one item were you surprised that you needed the most with your 1st LO? Hmm. I guess the brest Friend nursing pillow. Luckily one was given to me by a sweet friend (hand-me-down) otherwise I don't think I would have dropped the $50 on one. It was a lifesaver and I credit it with saving our bf'ing experience. The boppy was worthless. Also burp cloths. SO MANY burpcloths. You can never have enough. seriously.

emgee27

mthoomom said:

@emgee27 I will be cloth diapering for the first time with this baby, and I have purchased cloth wipes. What are you planning to use with them as a cleaning solution on baby's bottom?

I'm planning to start with just water and seeing how it goes. There are so many 'recipes' for solutions online but I'm usually a less-is-more kind of person and I know I can always reevaluate later on. How about you?

bgf1

How far along are you? 17w4d
How are you feeling?  Gradually better and better.
Baby News?  Went for my appointment at 17 weeks, and found out all my IPS came back as low risk .  Feeling movements now once or twice a day.
Rants/raves/questions?  Rant, I seem to have gone from wearing my own clothes to feeling massive in the last 2 weeks... This may warrant it's own post
GTKY?  Any thing you are excited to make, but our decorate for your little one.  We are buying a new to us vehicle that will fit three car seats do that is exciting.  I am not at all crafty but have started replacing the elastics on our cloth diaper stash, just getting this done makes me feel quite domestic.
STM:  what one item were you surprised you needed with your little one.... Soothers (multiple add they disappear under the crib in the night) and tonnes of swaddling blankets, when I'm opened them at my shower I thought we'd never touch 1/2 of them, but they were invaluable.... I had late fall/winter babies though and we often double swaddled.... Might not need as many in the summer?

@mthoomom & @emgee27 this will be out third in cloth, and never had need for anything but water on wipes

Cute bumps ladies.  This is my best shot at posting a picture, feeling like it's definitely a bump, but I am feeling like a blump....

Goldsgirl9

How far along are you? 30+5 

How are you feeling? I feel good minus random symptoms here and there

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) 32 week next week and we're starting to talk about my rcs date...how did that get here so fast? 

Rants/Raves/Questions: Feet swelled for the first time on Saturday. So random that it happened overnight. Thankfully all back to normal now. 

Anyone want to show off their bump or blump? (totally optional) Cute bumps ladies. 

GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO? I never purchased a glider with DS and I didn't regret until he got older and on nights when he was sick and needed to sleep upright on my chest the glider would have have made life SOOOO much easier. Def buying one this time around.  

STM- what one item were you surprised that you needed the most with your 1st LO? hmmmm, we used the bumbo a ton and the nose frieda. DS wasn't prone to a lot of colds but that nose frieda was amazing when he needed it. Oh the Rock n Play! Hands down!!!! He refused to sleep in anything else. I highly recommend.  

emsmama15

Late to the party this week!!

How far along are you? 13 weeks today!

How are you feeling? Pretty good.  Still SO TIRED and occasional heartburn (right now, actually), intermittent nausea and not wanting certain foods.  My daughter was diagnosed with influenza and a sinus infection last week so now, of course I'm sick after spending most of the week at home with her.  UGH!  

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Harmony blood test this Thursday, NT scan on Friday, 14 week OB visit next week.   When we get the Harmony results back, I think we'll do the big reveal on Facebook and at my work (we have a baby train in our break room, each mama has a train car with her info on it).  

Rants/Raves/Questions: Just really, really hoping the second trimester comes with an improved immune system for this mama.  Being sick is getting really old...  Maybe that's my trade-off for no morning sickness?  I'm also having this weird foot pain that's been waking me up at night.  It's not my heel or back of my leg, like plantar fasciitis usually is, but I think it may be related.  I'm chalking it up to my rapidly expanding uterus and maybe a change in my gait?  Who knows.  It's annoying though.  Wow!  Two rants this week...  Sorry guys!!

Anyone want to show off their bump or blump? (totally optional) Mines just chunk right now, though if I don't try to hold it in at all, it looks like a decent sized bump.  Maybe I'll post a pic in a few weeks, when I'm more 20 week sized - that's when I had a real bump with my first.   

GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO? I'm planning to go to a Moms of Multiples sale in a couple weeks and my list includes: a double stroller (preferably one with a seat for my toddler like the Joovy Big Caboose), Rock N Plays, a baby carrier for twins, and another high chair.  We'll see what I find.   

STM- what one item were you surprised that you needed the most with your 1st LO? Nose Frieda for sure (that was a late night run to Babies R Us for us), Aden and Anais swaddle blankets (pricy but SO worth it and so versatile for many things), and silicone gel nipple pads for sore nipples from breastfeeding.  I know it's three things, but I literally made this list of about 30 things I LOVED for my friend who had a baby 5 months after me, so I've done a lot of thinking about it.  I'm going to have to pull that out.    

carrieandr

@emsmama15  I'm 17 weeks and on the tail end of a two week cold. I don't think the second trimester brings an improved immune system.

Mamafesto

@emsmama15, so sorry to hear you're sick and run down (ditto @CarrieandRoy) . DS has been sick as well and I'm home with him today, even though I really need to be saving PTO for maternity leave. I'm just hoping and praying that somehow I manage to avoid catching it.

While I'm griping...I also slammed my knee on the coffee table so hard this weekend that the swelling has shifted my patella and made walking up and down stairs, sitting or squatting a painful proposition. Always fun to be pregnant, injured and have a toddler that wants to be lugged around.... Thankfully, I saw the PT yesterday and she thinks it will resolve quickly with rest, icing and taping. Anyway, today I'm really feeling like a geriatric mama!

jilligan14

Sorry this is so late! Was traveling in the mountains all weekend and am trying to play catch up with the whole adult life thing. It's exhausting!

How far along are you? 15 weeks, 5 days

How are you feeling? Feeling much better! The nausea is very mild and I feel like I'm getting some of my energy back. Still getting some random headaches, which aren't fun, but overall I'm feeling much better.

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Next OB appointment on March 5.

Rants/Raves/Questions: So glad that everything is okay after my big scare last week!!! It's also been exciting being able to finally share the news with the world. I told one of my kids classes yesterday (ages 8-11) and ended my announcement with: "in case you were wondering why my belly was getting bigger." One girl said, "Oh. I thought you just ate a lot of food!" Hahaha. Well, that's true as well

Went on a fun trip this past weekend with DH to the mountains and got some hiking in. YAY! We also found a Motherhood Maternity store and they were having a big sale. DH was such a trooper - he spent a couple hours in there while I tried everything on. We ended up buying quite a few staples (tank tops, dance pants, etc.). I felt guilty about spending so much but he was like, "You need clothes! You're getting bigger!"

One crazy thing: I pretty much ate nonstop this whole weekend. We did a bit of hiking but I spent a lot of time just sitting in the car as well. I was surprised when I got home and weighed myself to see that I'd lost 3 pounds!! Is this normal? I didn't think I'd be losing weight at this point in my pregnancy, especially after eating SO MUCH FOOD. But maybe weight is supposed to fluctuate a bit?

Anyone want to show off their bump or blump? (totally optional) Here's my little bump! It's definitely firmer and seems less bloat-like these days. Starting to get some comments as well!


GTKY: Is there anything you are excited to buy, make or decorate for your LO? I'm still so overwhelmed by all baby things. I don't even know where to start! @emsmama15 - can you send me that list you made for your friend? I have one of my best friends coming to visit soon as well as my MIL. I'm hoping that either of them will be up for browsing through baby stores and helping me put together a registry list. I just can't handle searching for things online - it's too much. I'm hoping that I get into the groove once I'm in the actual store. Now that I don't feel like barfing all the time I might actually be up for a little shopping.

I'm loving hearing all the updates and seeing the other bumps!!!

carrieandr

@jilligan14 you're lucky -- not only does DH think maternity clothes are unnecessary, he also thinks baby stuff is unnecessary. I think he thinks a couple of onesies and some diapers would suffice. He was shocked that the baby is going to have a room in our house. He said "a whole room??" to which I replied, "yes, we can't keep her in a box on the coffee table." He doesn't want her in our bedroom waking him up, so I don't know where he was thinking she'd sleep. Maybe with the cats?