Weekly Check In 4/22

lickastick

I have a friend in town and I don't want to forget check in so I am posting it tonight!

How far along are you? 

How are you feeling?

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

Rants/Raves/Questions:

GTKY: In honor of Prince...What is your favorite concert you have ever been to? Do you remember your first concert ever? Have your music tastes change over the years?

Wyattnash00

Morning mommas, happy Friday!!

32+4

rough day yesterday with what I thought was a normal checkup. They were doing an ultrasound to check on baby's size, followed by an appointment with the NP, my dr isn't in on Thursdays, the only day my babysitter can come. I think I mentioned that children are not allowed at my OB office, it's a thing in TN and a huge pain the ass. Ultrasound showed baby measuring small, everything looks great but her weight. Though of course I looked on dr. Google to see where her weight should be and she's on track according to that, 3lb, 10oz. So the NP said I now need to go from every other week to twice a week, have an ultrasound early in the week and a non stress test at the end of the week. I'm normally a pretty laid back person but this shocked me, feel like I've been chugging along with my head in the sand this pregnancy.  And my babysitter leaves for the summer next week, ugh. Plus the way the nurse told me was as if I was the 10th person she told this to today, no big deal. On top of those my glucose numbers were great, according to her, so I assumed pricking finger was done. But as I'm leaving she tells me to continue doing that, huh? I don't think it was clear that I was pricking my finger instead of taking the 3 hr test. Plus the diet is so restrictive, I'm starving and haven't put on weight in 3 weeks....sorry this is long. I'm better today just need to put Google down, if baby doesn't grow then she'll come out early, just read that. I could also just have small babies, my hubs and I aren't big people and my son was only 6.9.


prince:( I'll choose 1999 as it was the year I graduated college and when it came out that year seemed so far away. I saw new kids and back street boys at Fenway, brought out my preteen! I love country, so seeing Kenny chesney and tim
mcgraw was just awesome!

redheadbride15

@Wyattnash00 Sorry for the stressful appointment! I'd call and ask your doctor for a second opinion about the finger sticks. It does seem silly to have to keep doing them after a while, or you should at least be able to cut back on the frequency. As for the size question - babies vary in size enormously during this time of a pregnancy, and the ultrasound is also notoriously bad at estimating weights. It sounds like they're acting out of an abundance of caution. Part of me worries a bit NOT having an ultrasound-based size estimate for my baby, but my OB specifically told me she doesn't do 3rd trimester ultrasounds because they do more to raise anxiety levels than to actually pick up on problems. Also, it's the trajectory that matters more than the actual number. Anyway, is there someone else you can ask to see on Thursday other than this NP? I suspect you'll find getting another opinion will ease your anxiety about both the growth and blood sugar issue.

How far along are you? 33w3d

How are you feeling? Physically, I feel like 3rd trimester is finally catching up to me. Noticing symptoms this week that I know are common but are new to me: getting out of breath with little things, sore hips when I wake up in the morning, swollen feet, trouble picking things up off the ground and tying my shoes. It's all manageable for now though. Emotionally, I've been feeling great this week, which is an enormous relief.

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) My next appointment isn't for a week and a half. There was some concern about my blood pressure at my last appointment but I've been checking it at home and it's been pretty good - 120s/80s. I'm feeling much calmer this week, so I think anxiety was a contributing factor.

Rants/Raves/Questions: It's 70+ degrees both yesterday and today! I'm getting OUTSIDE!

GTKY: Prince: another Class of 1999 girl here My first concert ever was Elvis Costello when I was a teenager. It was a benefit concert and I got to go to it for free because I was volunteering for the Nature Conservancy, who had a booth at the concert. I had never heard of Elvis Costello before that. I've since been to a lot of good concerts, but among my favorites was Austin City Limits music festival with my H a couple years ago. We saw The Cure, Depeche Mode, Wilco, Atoms for Peace, and a bunch of other awesome bands. Plus, Austin is a cool city to hang out in for a few days. And no, I don't think my music tastes have changed much.

Piperella

16w5d

Feeling pretty good although I'm definitely having some bathroom issues that I'm chalking up to pregnancy.  My tummy always feels a bit upset.

Just had my 16w appointment and got to see him kick, although I didn't feel it.  Weight and BP were good, although I really freaked out for the first time seeing the number jump this time.  Trying to keep everything in perspective.  Looking forward to the 20w anatomy scan on May 16th.

A bit of a rant/question:  I'm not a morning person... this morning a secretary was like "Good morning, it's going to be a great day because it's Friday!", etc.  I looked at her and said good morning while adding that I was not a morning person like her.  She then said, "Well when you have an 8yo in the house you become a morning person... maybe one day when you have children you'll learn to be a morning person, too."  She obviously didn't know I was pregnant, but I just scowled and walked away.  Any BTDT moms still not a morning person?  I can't imagine becoming one and I'm staying disillusioned and hoping that my baby will want to sleep in the morning.

GTKY: In honor of Prince...What is your favorite concert you have ever been to? Do you remember your first concert ever? Have your music tastes change over the years?  My favorite concert was the Tibetan Freedom Concert held in DC in 1998.  It opened my eyes (and ears) and to this day, I still favor the messages and beliefs of Buddism because of what I began to learn there.  My first concert ever was The Beach Boys at Kings Dominion when I was little.  My parents loved that concert.  My musical tastes have definitely changed over the years, but they always come back around, too.  I still listen to Disney Park background music like I did as a child, as it makes me feel more creative when working.  During my early high school days, I went into an easy listening fix... think Chris de Burgh (Lady in Red), Enya, etc.  I still love my 80s - mid 90s music.  Give me Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, The Police, Phil Collins, Hootie and the Blowfish, Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam any day of the week!

Piperella

@Wyattnash00 I'm so sorry you had a crummy appointment, but I think it was smart of you to put Dr. Google away.  I'm sorry the NP was so nonchalant about it all, that really isn't cool nor helpful when you are the one pregnant and being told something wasn't "normal".

@redheadbride15 I know what you mean about the weather!  This has been our first solid week of the 70s and I'm loving it!!  Enjoy it!

redheadbride15

@Piperella I don't think becoming a mother turns a non morning person into a morning person. It's not that simple. That secretary sounds annoying as hell. I'd scowl at her too!

Wyattnash00

Thanks ladies:)

I thought the same thoughts @redheadbride15, called back in the afternoon yesterday to see if I could speak with my dr, spoke to a different nurse. She went over everything again in a much better way, said my dr had a cancellation this am if I wanted to come on...no babysitter. I put a call in this am to dr. The nurse did say if they were super worried i would hear from my dr, this is merely precautionary, put me at ease a bit.

@piperella, I've never been a morning person, the thing that changes when you have kids is that you're just now responsible for someone else at terrible hours:) got to love unwanted advice!

lillebowski23

I love the weekly check in! It's great to hear how everyone is doing and I love the GTKY questions!

How far along are you? 29+2

How are you feeling? My energy level has wildly fluctuated all week and so has the baby's. I felt pretty good most of this week but W + Th i was WIPED OUT! Today I feel very energetic and the baby is moving around quite a bit. Heart burn is startingto be a thing and the intermittent pain in my mid-back really stinks. Still keeping up with my gym routine and yoga. Started my garden too... trying to figure out what I want to plant in addition to the perennial herbs I already have.

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) My next appt is in 3 weeks and after that I'll be going every 2 weeks or so.  DH and I are working on some of the logistical things like drs, insurance, child care etc. We are taking a birthing class starting the 2nd week in May. 
LO has been very active and while the kicks and jabs are a bit painful at times, I love it! Sometimes it feels like she is doing Tai Chi in there!

Rants/Raves/Questions: a little rant about DH: he is really looking forward to traveling a lot with both me and LO but it's his primary focus. I get frustrated because while I do look forward to traveling, there are other things I view as a priority. I always feel like I'm busting his balloon when I try to refocus him to the more mundane stuff. I feel like I am not the fun one but I am loads of fun!!

GTKY: In honor of Prince...What is your favorite concert you have ever been to? Do you remember your first concert ever? Have your music tastes change over the years?

GREAT QUESTION again, @createillumination! My favorite show was the B-52s in 2012. I LOVE shows: bands, DJs, orchestras whatever! After my sister died I lost a lot of that visceral feeling I'd get when I'd see live music. The B-52s put on a GREAT SHOW and their performance really moved me.

My first concert was +Live+ in 1994 when I was 14. My dad drove me and a bunch of friends down to the show venue (Great Woods!) And it was the first time I ever smelled weed. 

My tastes have definitely changed. I love almost all forms of Electronica from Brian Eno to Deadmau5 to Underworld to Aphex Twin to Flying Lotus. I like weird stuff. I swear when LO is born the only way to calm her is goong to be to play some bass-y "boots-n-pants" dance music.
Since Lou Reed died last year I've been digging into the psychedelic, classic, glam rock stuff. And like other have posted love me some 80s and 90s pop for the nostalgia factor!

@WyattNash00 glad to hear you are more at ease now. I often find that when information is relayed in a terse and unkind manner, I am more apt to get anxious.

@Piperella i wish I could give you some of my morning person-ness to you.... I am always energetic first thing!

Sporty1216

I love the weekly check in too!

@wyattnash00--that's crazy that you can't bring your kids! I don't know what I would do if that was the policy at my ob's office.  I try to bring my DH when there's an ultrasound--mostly because it's fun for him to be there, but also to watch LO. But the office is great about kiddos being there and they get it that there aren't other options for everyone. Blergh. I hope you can chat with your actual doctor and get some reassurance. I also hope that you don't have to start going twice a week. And, if you do, maybe your babysitter will have a recommendation for a friend who could help out? Ugh. I'm really sorry you're dealing with this.

@piperella--i do NOT think having kids makes you a morning person. More what @Wyattnash00 said. You do it because you have to. But, I will say, I have really started to enjoy my mornings because I love the quiet time with my LO. In fact, when he sleeps late and we get up at the same time as my DH, I get grumpy because I feel rushed and sad that we didn't have our morning time. It was even better back when I was drinking coffee. But however it goes, that secretary needs to keep her chirpiness to herself (I pictured her as an annoying bird from a Disney movie when you described her).

@lillebowski--I'm sorry your DH is so focused on the future. I'm sure traveling as a family will be loads of fun. But, in the meantime, there are nurseries to set up, diapers to buy, doctors appointments to sort through, etc. I think we all know you're fun! I mean, Elvis face for HDBD! I'm sure he knows you are fun too. But I hope you can find a way to bring him into the present because, really, this mundane stuff is pretty exciting too! It's all about preparing for a brand new life and I don't think there's any bigger or more exciting adventure than that!

@redheadbride15--slip on shoes may well become your best friend. I love my birkenstocks. they saw me through the last trimester of my pregnancy with my son and I've been wearing them whenever it is warm enough this time around.

How far along are you? 19w 4d

How are you feeling? Today, I am exhausted. But it's been a busy week. Otherwise, I feel really good. I wish I was feeling baby more consistently, but I am SO glad I know about the anterior placenta. That is keeping me from going crazy.

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) A/S on Monday at 9:00am! I can't wait! I am doing pretty well with keeping anxiety at bay, but I have a feeling Sunday could be a long day and a restless night. I just want to know that things are going well in there. And I'm excited to find out the sex. It's hard to believe I'm already at the halfway point. This first half has flown by. I'm excited to slow it down a little for the second half and enjoy the pregnancy and my toddler more fully/intentionally before September.

Rants/Raves/Questions: I kinda did those above, I guess. I have two weeks left before school is out. I can't wait for freedom. I am burned out and exhausted from doing my job full time and doing childcare mostly full time (I get 10 hours of childcare a week while I am actually on campus teaching). It's hard to be split in two all day every day. I am looking forward to just focusing on my kiddo for a while, even though I love my job and I love being able to juggle things. I'm grateful it's finishing up before the third tri hits, for sure.  

Also, I have a colleague who just had her baby on Monday and they have had an awful time with the NICU staff not being communicative, etc. Please be advocates for yourselves, friends! Get a good sense of what the nurses and staff doctors are like at the hospital where you plan to deliver, make sure you know how your OB feels about advocating for you, and do the same with your pediatrician. I've felt so bad for them because they just can't get information and have been incredibly stressed out because of it. So, anyway. I just feel so fortunate that I had awesome nurses the last time around and my OB was absolutely in communication with me even though it was her day off on my long day of labor.  Little PSA there, I guess.

GTKY: In honor of Prince...What is your favorite concert you have ever been to? Do you remember your first concert ever? Have your music tastes change over the years?

My favorite concert was a Gillian Welch concert in a small venue. It was the first time I had heard her and David Rawlings live and it was amazing. At the end, my friends and I moved out of our seats and sat on the floor in front of the stage. For the last song, they turned out the lights and sang in front of the microphones. It was incredible. I'm not sure any other concert experience will match that one.

My first concert was in college (maybe 1994?) for Brooks and Dunn.  Haha. It was at a big amphitheater in Southern California--can't remember which one.

I'm pretty open to enjoying a lot of kinds of music, but I definitely go more towards the roots rock/Americana/folk line.  I love stuff that is pared down and where you can really focus on the lyrics. I miss going to concerts...

Wyattnash00

Thanks for all the support ladies, I heart you guys. I'm letting this go until I go in Tuesday, just can't deal today and will say my peace at my appointment. 


Yay yay for anatomy scan @sporty1216! And for finding out the sex, big day!


i too love this thread, I love how different everyone is but we join together here, so many views, such great advice!

rspalding001

@Piperella like others have said you just do what you have to do. My daughter gets up routinely between 5:30 and 6 daily (she is 2 1/2) and thats an improvement. When she was younger being up for the day for her was sometimes as early as 4:30. It sucks if you are not a morning person, but you make it work. Im not ashamed to admit I've brought her out to the couch turned on the cartoons and fallen back asleep while she snacks on cheerios

How far along are you? 9 weeks 4 days

How are you feeling? feeling better these last few days, Monsignor sickness seems to be fading some but I guess the placenta starts to take over around now so that's to be expected to a degree.

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) - I had another ultrasound today and everything looks good! I'm so relieved I think Ill go buy some maternity pants to celebrate. I also had my Panorama test done today so we will have those results in the next 7-10 business days. Yay for finding out the gender early!

Rants/Raves/Questions: Still in limbo about having the Big E Antigen in my bloodwork (RH Desiese), but they did more bloodwork and it came back as "An antibody has been detected in the patient's plasma that reacts
weakly with the identification cells used for testing. We are unable to determine the specificity of the antibody at this time and recommend that the antibody screen be repeated in 4-6 weeks". So my Dr says thats good news since it probably means there isnt enough whatever in my blood to cause a problem. I will still need to get tested every month to moitor it but so far so good I suppose.

GTKY: In honor of Prince...What is your favorite concert you have ever been to? Do you remember your first concert ever? Have your music tastes change over the years?
I think my first concert was one of those all day things that have multiple bands and multiple stages. I think Green Day was one of the bands playing there. I think the concert I liked going to the most was a Neil Young concert. It was just such good music.

lickastick

How far along are you? 20 weeks!! Halfway party woot woot!

How are you feeling?
Back to pregsomnia sleep was glorious while it lasted. I felt kicks for a couple of days last week but now nothing for awhile (anterior placenta) 

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

 Anatomy scan on tuesday went well, baby was perfectly average and they got all the pics while we were there, and he is still a boy. 

Rants/Raves/Questions: My friend has been in town visiting which has been fun, I have been reading everything but not having time to comment. So lots of love to all! @wyattnash00 That sucks that that nurse was so bad, when I encounter situations like that I just keep asking new people until I get the answers I want. I hope you are done with the finger sticks if possible!  Sorry for you guys having budget issues, I hate feeling money stress with a baby on the way! 

GTKY: I remember going to the moody blues with my parents when I was like 5 or 6, I just remember lights and a lot of people. One of my favorite concerts was Michael Franti acoustic at this really small venue in san diego, he is an incredible incredible man and soul, the light he shares with the world is really special. I'm not even that into his music but the things he shared during that concert had a profound impact on me. I much prefer concerts where I can sit down and enjoy the music.

I went to coachella one year when it was Tool, Rage against the machine and dave mathews, I accidentally passed out because I couldn't get enough air while in the crowd. Since then I really don't like crowded standing concerts.  My DH and I have randomly gotten into these day parties here in san diego where they have house DJ's play either at a park or in a bar from like 2pm until dark. I love being able to go out during the day!! I can not hang with night life anymore and the music is usually really great, it reminds me of going out when I lived in europe but I get to dance in the sun.  

MollySm

I agree with everyone else, I love these weekly check ins.  It gives me hope to see you all who are so much farther along, and also is helping me to get to know everyone.  

How far along are you? 9w 5d

How are you feeling?  My symptoms for the most part have really subsided, which though I know it's normal, makes me nervous.  I have a dopplar that a friend sent me when I was pregnant with my 2nd, because I'd had a miscarriage before her, but H made me promise not to try until a doctor can find the heartbeat because he knows I'll freak myself out.  

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) My next appt is on Thursday.  I saw the heartbeat 2 weeks ago, but of course I don't feel confident now.  I also have no idea if they will try the dopplar at 10.5 weeks or not.  We'll see I guess.  

Rants/Raves/Questions: My best friend from college told me she sent a little gift in honor of seeing the heartbeat after the scare of the empty sac.  It was little plants (Italian basil, Italian parsley and oregano) with a little note that said, "'Tis the season for growing Italian things", because my husband is Italian :-) It was such a cute gift.  
GTKY: In honor of Prince...What is your favorite concert you have ever been to? Do you remember your first concert ever? Have your music tastes change over the years?

My favorite concert ever was an Avett Brothers concert.  My H (my bf at the time) and I drove to LA to see them because a friend had tickets she couldn't use.  We had never heard of them.  But they were so amazing, and it was such an awesome date.  We ended up using one of their songs for our first dance at our wedding.  

Sporty1216

@createillumination -- so glad your a/s went well! Hooray! A huge milestone. Also, thanks for sharing that you were feeling movement and then hadn't for a while due to the anterior placenta. That has been happening to me too. I logically know it is due to the anterior placenta, but it still messes with my head a little. 

@MollySm -- LOVE the avett brothers. Jealous!

BernieRae

@sporty1216 I'm not too familiar with Gillian Welch, but I love her song "Time(The Revelator)". I actually just had to YouTube it and listen to it. Sounds like an amazing show. 

gemini2005

How far along are you?   36 weeks

How are you feeling?  Pretty good besides occasional pelvic pain/pressure.  Everything takes more work lately but I'm making an effort to stay active and take the kids on play dates and to the park.  I keep planning activities (swim class, t-ball, trips to the zoo/museums) to make the most of the time before baby #3 gets here.  I'm absolutely terrified that our lives will be a disaster with a newborn thrown into the mix so I guess mom guilt is self-motivating!  

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?). I have my GBS test on Tuesday and a cervix check so I'm excited to see if all this discomfort is actually helping me progress.  I had some pink/brown spotting today along with sharp cervical/bladder pains so maybe something is going on in there?!?

Rants/Raves/Questions:  No rants but my rave is that I'm getting a new (used) car tomorrow and I'm thrilled.  It's a Honda Pilot with enough room to fit all three kids no problem.  I have been worried about fitting car seats in my CRV this whole pregnancy so I'm completely relieved now.  

GTKY: In honor of Prince...What is your favorite concert you have ever been to? Do you remember your first concert ever? Have your music tastes change over the years?  My first concert was Nine Inch Nails in 1994 (I was 15).  Marilyn Manson was the opening band and we were simultaneously horrified and enthralled by them.  He actually signed our bras after the show!  

BernieRae

How far along are you? 17 weeks 3 days. 

How are you feeling? Pretty good. 

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) still waiting for the anatomy scan in 3 weeks. 

Rants/Raves/Questions: like @createillumination I've been keeping up with reading posts, but haven't replied. I just haven't had anymore energy for writing in me. Parent teacher conferences are next week and I've been working on the write ups and observations that go with it. I feel like I've been working on them forever. 

GTKY: In honor of Prince...What is your favorite concert you have ever been to?

I'm sure I'll think of others, but what first comes to mind is a free outdoor Stevie Wonder show at the Taste of Chicago in 2008. It was so exciting to see/hear this legend live. I was there with a large group and we picnicked on a blanket beforehand and then danced and danced. It was a beautiful night with the Chicago skyline in the background. It was at a point where I was very much in love with the city. 

 Do you remember your first concert ever?
Red Hot Chili Peppers '95 or '96 

Have your music tastes changed over the years? 
My music taste has always been varied. That hasn't changed. What has is that for whatever reason (maybe I'm just not fun anymore) I don't listen to music or go to shows like I used to. I used to always have headphones on when I was commuting to work on the bus. Now I don't even remember them for a plane ride. I used to work hard to get tickets to shows and go see local music and now I could take it or leave it.  My husband still makes a point to go see live music and of course I still enjoy it when I tag along. He wants me to go to an outdoor Phish show with him this summer though. Not sure I'll be up for that! 

carrieandr

How far along are you? 26 weeks

How are you feeling? Bigger, and hot all the time

Any baby news? Next u/s is May 11th

Rants/Raves/Questions: Finances. Argh. New washer, dryer and air conditioner this week. Things have been breaking like crazy lately.

GTKY:
Favorite concert: Built to Spill
First concert ever: Dave Matthews Band in college
Have your music tastes change over the years? My favorite song when I was 5 was "Eye of the Tiger," so yeah, I'd say my tastes have changed. I tend to like indie bands as well as my Irish husband's music -- a lot of British stuff and other things I never heard before I met him.

jilligan14

How far along are you? 24 weeks, 3 days

How are you feeling? A bit emotional lately, a bit tired (but I've been working too hard and not sleeping enough), and getting bigger every day.

Any baby news? Appointment on Thursday and guess what?? I get to drink that nasty orange drink!! Ugh. Bleh. Gross. Can't wait until that's over and hopefully I pass the test.

Rants/Raves/Questions: Sometimes baby kicks a lot and it's SOOOOO exciting but then I don't feel any movement for a good day or two. I have a posterior placenta so I just don't get it. Is he just being chill during that time or punching my placenta (which I imagine I can't feel)? It gets me so worried.

I found a doula that I absolutely love and she's available in August as well. Yay!! We also switched from seeing the OBs at the clinic to the midwives after hearing lots of good things about the midwives and some not-so-good things about the OBs (they tend to be more pushy to do early interventions at our hospital). I'm feeling really good about this decision and am glad that DH is on board with it as well.

GTKY:
Favorite concert: I loved seeing Gillian Welch in concert too @Sporty1216! She's so great and down-to-earth. It was a wonderful show.
First concert ever: Um, I think U2 when I was like 12?
Have your music tastes change over the years? Somewhat. I still like to listen to old favorites. I tend to spend a lot of time listening to music to dance/perform to and that changes a lot based on the theme of each show.

carrieandr

@jilligan14 I had the clear drink (lemon lime flavored) and it really wasn't bad. It just tasted like flat Sprite with too much syrup. Very disappointing if you ordered Sprite, but not bad at all for something medical. I had to drink it in the car on the way to the doctor, so I was so worried it would make me nauseous. When I tasted it, I was like, "that's what I was so worried about?"

Sporty1216

Finished the anatomy scan at long last. We are 99% sure we are having a girl!

However, they also found some troubles. It looks like she may have a hole in her heart and also a cyst in her brain. Additionally, the umbilical cord only has one artery instead of two. Together, these things may point toward a chromosomal issue--perhaps downs. She is also measuring quite small. 15th percentile. We are obviously praying that baby girl is healthier than it appears right now, but we are trusting that God is in control and has chosen her specifically for our family. 

I have an echocardiogram scheduled for two weeks from now so we can take a closer look at the heart. So, we'll know more then. 

We are struggling to know how to feel. Obviously, we are thrilled to have a baby girl and we are absolutely in love with her. But these are some things we didn't anticipate (who does, right?) and we're just trying to figure out how to feel for now. Lots of waiting and praying. 

lickastick

@Sporty1216 congratulations on your girl! And I'm so sorry they found a couple of things to be concerned with. I'm praying for you both and i hope the echo gives you some better answers. I think your positive attitude will help carry you through and I think you are right that she has come to you for whatever reason and I pray for the best possible outcome for you. Reach out if you need anything in the meantime. Hugs!! 

Wyattnash00

So much information @sporty1216. Awesome news about baby girl!! My son has a hole in his heart, wait until you get all the information at the echo.  Did you guys know of any possible  issues before the a/s? Praying for all good things for baby girl, always here for questions and venting, DONT Google anything!

Piperella

I'm so excited you're pretty sure it's a girl, @sporty1216!  I'm sorry they have found some potential issues, I can only imagine the feeling once you hear it. I'm hoping at your future scan you'll get more information and a better picture of what is going on with her.  I have a friend who was told a bunch of things at her a/s, and today he is the happiest little baby ever (with almost none of the issues brought up from the a/s).  I'll be thinking about you the next couple of weeks, and hoping that your little girl continues to grow strong.

MollySm

@Sporty1216  - That is a lot to take in!  I hope the echo helps give you some clarity.  

BernieRae

Hey @Sporty1216. Excited to hear you're having a girl I was so excited to know what you were having even though I would have been happy to hear either result! Sorry that there are some questions left after the ultrasound. It must be hard to process when you really don't know what the answers will be.  Good to know that your faith is strong. Praying that everything is ok and I hope you guys don't worry to much in the next couple of weeks.

redheadbride15

@Sporty1216 congrats on your girl! I'm sorry that there were some concerns that came up with the scan, but I also think your attitude is amazing and admirable. As others have pointed out, these findings only raise the possibility of Downs or another chromosome disorder but they don't mean that for sure. There are lots of babies born with holes in the heart that are otherwise totally healthy, and the cysts in the brain are also nonspecific. All that being said, I know you will love this baby girl no matter what! You'll be in my thoughts!

lillebowski23

@Sporty1216 congrats on your baby girl! I am sorry to hear that there are possible issues with your LOs a/s. And waiting for more tests is nerve-racking especially when they have given you a lot of things to think about. Hoping for the best for you and your family and keeping you all in my thoughts.

Sporty1216

Hi guys--Thanks to ALL of you for your caring and kind responses. I cried over each one--not because they made me sad, but because it is amazing to feel so cared for by a group of people whose faces/names are unknown to each other! It really is a blessing. Thanks for sharing your words of experience, wisdom, and encouragement. They all mean a ton to me. We've cried a lot today, but are also just so grateful that we will have the ability to provide the very best care for our daughter if these issues materialize. We didn't do any first tri screenings, so we didn't have any clue that there might be issues. And who knows what those would have shown (or not shown). Regardless, here we are, and we're doing our best to just trust that as we move forward, everything will work out just as it is meant to be. Thanks again and I'll, of course, be keeping you all updated.

redheadbride15

You're amazing @Sporty1216 and your baby girl is so lucky to have you as a mom! We're here for you!

carrieandr

@Sporty1216 I'm so sorry to hear there were troubles! I really, really hope everything turns out to be okay with your little girl. Can they do a cell-free dna test? I don't know if insurance only covers that in the first trimester. I want answers for you! I know how hard it is to wait and wonder. Sending you lots of love. 

Sporty1216

@CarrieandRoy -- they can do the cell-free test but because it's not actually diagnostic, we decided to skip it. We just aren't sure that hearing a percentage of how at risk we are (or not) will help us much right now, though I can see how for some that would be a comfort. We could also probably do an amnio, but because it does pose a slight risk to mom and baby, we are gonna skip that too. We're feeling, at least right now, that we'll just do non-invasive diagnostic tests and see where those take us.

A friend texted me last night that they had a similar situation with their daughter. In the end, everything turned out fine, but I'm curious to hear more about her experience. I think they took a more "wait and see" approach too, so I'm curious to hear their strategies for keeping calm, preparing for possibilities, etc. 

One day at a time, right?

jilligan14

Oh wow, this is a lot to take in. I'm so sorry you have to go through this and deal with all the uncertainty. I hope everything ends up being okay but it sounds like you have the right attitude in taking one day at a time. I'll be praying for you and your precious little girl!

Mamafesto

@Sporty1216, just wanted to add my support. I am thrilled that you're going to have a baby girl and wish you so much strength as you continue your journey! It sounds like you and DH are feeling all of the emotions and processing this as best as you can. I will keep everything crossed that your girl is as healthy as possible. It sounds like whatever happens, she's a lucky girl to have you as her parents.

 

Mamafesto

How far along are you? 22w+

How are you feeling? Feeling big, but still overall pretty well

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Just waiting for our regular midwife appointment in a couple of weeks at 24w. Scheduled a follow-up u/s at 32w to take another look at baby's brain to check on the cyst.

Rants/Raves/Questions: We have been traveling/hosting visitors a lot over the past several weeks and I'm exhausted. We finally have a stretch of 2 weekends at home before the crazy travel schedule starts up again. Going to soak up as much R&R as possible while it lasts. Also, my DS was out of daycare this past week and he has been acting out the past few days. He's not good with transition or when his routine gets out of whack, so I know where it's coming from, but still, it's been challenging for this tired mama.

GTKY: In honor of Prince...What is your favorite concert you have ever been to? Do you remember your first concert ever? Have your music tastes change over the years?

First concert was U2 when I was 14. Hard to decide on a favorite concert, but a couple good ones in recent years were Neko Case, Anais Mitchell, Carolina Chocolate Drops. Going to see Ani DiFranco in a few months for the first time in years, so I'm excited about that. My music tastes have always been and remain very eclectic. I would pretty much consider myself a music whore. I'll listen/dance to the trashiest pop music but also appreciate folk music, indie rock, rap, classic rock, etc. It's more about how the music makes me feel.

lickastick

@jilligan14 I always see Ani difranco when she comes to town and we just saw her at a great venue in February and she was awesome. I hear ya with visitors in town, I had a friend in town for the week and it was exhausting! Rest up mama! 

Sporty1216

Thought I'd also share a pic! We didn't get many, but here is the profile pic we got--I think she is sucking her thumb! Thanks to all for all of your support. Today has been a better day.

lickastick

Nice one @Sporty1216! Total thumb sucking for sure. I didn't get any good photos at our a/s scan either. His head was snuggled up to my bladder and he wouldn't move it for a profile pic. We got the best photos at the 11 week nt scan.

I've been thinking about you today and sending lots of love your way and feeling everything is going to work out.

Sporty1216

Thanks, @createillumination ! I really appreciate it. I can't say enough how much everyone's support has helped. I think DH and I are both feeling optimistic. I'll be glad to get to our appointment on 5/9 and see what we learn there. Hopefully there is less going on than they suspect. Baby was transverse and not cooperating at all, so the pics they were able to get were not great. Funny that your guy was snuggled up to your bladder! They have minds of their own, even this young. hope you and your friend had fun, even though visits are tiring! 

emsmama15

@Sporty1216 - I'm so excited that you're having a little girl.  I'm sorry there are some questionable areas on her anatomy scan.  I think you have an amazing attitude and I can't imagine how scary this is for you.  I know I'm late to this discussion, but I wanted to chime in that we have had SO many babies, both in our NICU and who never come to our NICU but we "hear" about as potentials with this constellation of issues and nothing is wrong.  These are all issues that can be totally benign and mean nothing.  As you get more and more of them, your risk for a chromosomal issue does increase, but I wanted to let you know that I have personally heard of babies with these issues (and more) on anatomy scans who ended up being fine.  The concerning things for me would be your little girl's growth - I'm assuming they'll watch that closely - and the heart, which you'll find out more about in a couple weeks.  That, too, could be completely benign.  Hang in there.  We're all hear for you.

emsmama15

I'm late this week - I've been so busy and not sure why!

How far along are you? 22w2d today

How are you feeling?  Still feeling pretty darn good.  The hip and pelvic pain continues but chiropractic is helping.  My worst symptom right now is heartburn.  I'm taking pepcid twice daily and may have to move to a prescription strength med at some point.  My blood sugars have been really good.

Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?)  I had an OB appt yesterday with an ultrasound.  Both babies were head down with legs spread open wide, so we confirmed that A is a girl and B is a boy.  Even I could see it.  They're so modest.    I have a growth ultrasound and second part of my anatomy scan next week - they have to finish my boy's echo since he didn't cooperate very well and look at an arm or something that wasn't clear.  

Raves:  My daughter is now in her big girl bed.  I'm feeling cautiously optimistic that we can start getting her room / crib ready for the babies.  Also, my friends and family are amazing.  My friends from work are giving my friend and I a diaper sprinkle. Boy, will I need diapers!  And my sisters-in-law are giving me a shower.  I'd usually feel a little weird about a shower for second baby, but since it's babies, I decided to just go along for the ride.  So sweet.

GTKY: In honor of Prince...  Side note, the state of Minnesota is in absolute mourning over Prince's death.  It's just so sad...

What is your favorite concert you have ever been to?  Strangely, I'm not a huge country music fan, but my hubby bought me Garth Brooks tickets for my birthday last year and it was AMAZING!

Do you remember your first concert ever? Probably New Kids on the Block.    Screaming with all the other little girls.  HAHA!

Have your music tastes change over the years?  I actually did listen to a lot of country music when I was little - that's what my parents listened to, we lived in the country so no MTV for music videos.  Once I got to school, I became a little more into the pop artists.  I went through a more heavy rock phase in my 20s.  Now I just listen to pop/rock/top 40s type music, with a little country like Garth Brooks mixed in.  It's upbeat and my daughter likes it too.