This is a weekly check in for anyone pregnant over 35. If you are new to the board please feel free to jump right in!
How far along are you?
How are you feeling?
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?)
Rants/Raves/Questions:
GTKY: Did you have a favorite toy growing up? What do you do/ hope to do when providing your kids toys: the more the merrier or minimize that shiz?
Re: weekly check in 6/17
How far along are you? 37 weeks 2 days
How are you feeling? Happy that a lot of the logistical things that had been hanging over my head for the last few weeks are finally resolved: gave my notice at work, DH is getting the health insurance stuff going as well as getting our new minivan purchased (yes, a minivan... ladies, we have arrived), all of the paperwork is done... now all we have to do is wait for baby!
Other than that, physically I'm feeling pretty uncomfortable and tired but it's all part of it, right?
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) I'm into the homestretch so having weekly appointments. Baby Amy is still growing and is still head down and in a great position for delivery. I have another appointment next week so it will be maybe more of the same although I am hoping that there will be some positive changes!
Rants/Raves/Questions: I found a new Mexican restaurant near my house and it is DELICIOUS! I decided that I am going to take myself out for a meal as often as I can until baby is here. I LOVE going out for dinner and I know that it will not be as easy once Baby Amy is here. Today, I'm going for Thai food before I hit up my errands.
Despite the fact that I've been more fatigued, I've been walking the dogs which has been nice and they both seem to get a lot out of that. Of course, given that they weight 130# each, I don't walk them at the same time, but it's all good because then I actually get 2 walks in a day.
Another rave: the local Stop and Shop carries Ben and Jerry's Empower-mint ice cream AND a seasonal Polar Seltzer called Raspberry Pink Lemonade which is amazing! I am very into my food and beverage!
GTKY: Did you have a favorite toy growing up? What do you do/ hope to do when providing your kids toys: the more the merrier or minimilze that shiz?
My favorite toy(s) growing up were always our computer or game system. Someone got us a Commodore 64 and I used to play all kinds of games on it. We got an NES when I was 8 or 9 and I've really been hooked on gaming ever since. I go through phases with it, and I don't play a broad range of games, mainly RPGs and of course the old classic Nintendo franchises (Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong).
There are currently more books in my house than toys. As far as what kind: I figure we'd try blocks, Duplos/legos, game consoles (when older obvi), and maybe some play animals or My Little Ponies... I guess I'll just have to see what her interests are... all of those things were my interests but I can't really expect her to be just like me. I think we'll try to stay minimal because it is less to clean up, but we'll see!
How are you feeling? Have had 2 really bad sleep nights in a row. boo
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Had my 28 week appointment yesterday where she took blood for my GD screening- Please please let it be in normal range, I really want it to be normal!
Rants/Raves/Questions: ugggggghhhh I am still trying to figure out if I want a doula or not and it is making my batty! I also can not believe it is the 3rd tri- WTF?????
GTKY: Did you have a favorite toy growing up? What do you do/ hope to do when providing your kids toys: the more the merrier or minimize that shiz?
We had this heman castle that I LOVED and alot of cabbage patch dolls and barbies. We also loved playing dress up and we had a chest of costumes and clothes. I would love to keep toys to a minimum simply because I don't want them all over the house. My nephew has so many freaking toys, and they have been giving us their hand me downs, but it's just too much the amount he has. Do kids really need so much?
How are you feeling? Pregnant. Grunting a lot, can't really bend over, get really winded, can't sleep for crap. But hey! I'm feeling movement and that is awesome. And I really feel pretty good--just pregnant! It's hotter and more humid than hades here right now, so I'm having to keep LO and myself inside way more than I'd like, but hopefully we'll get more reasonable temps eventually?
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) 28 week appointment on Monday, including the GD test. Yay Glucola! Haha. LO has an appointment a couple of hours before I do, so I need to remember to bring the glucola with us and keep it in a lunch cooler or something so it's not gross when I drink it.
Rants/Raves/Questions: @lillebowski23 -- i loved all of your raves! I want good food and good ice cream near to my house! My big rave is that my parents will be here in two weeks. I CANNOT wait!
GTKY: Did you have a favorite toy growing up? What do you do/ hope to do when providing your kids toys: the more the merrier or minimize that shiz? I loved my baby dolls (they had to look life-like) and my horses. Also, books. I lived for my books. Still do! Haha.
As for toys with my kiddo now...well, we are probably minimal by today's standards, but have more than i thought we would. Part of it is that *I* get bored playing with the same things day in and day out. It helps me stay more engaged if we can change things up a bit. We also play with a lot of unconventional things--for instance, right now, LO is bringing me spices from the spice drawer. We open them, smell them, and say "aaaahhhhh!" and then he takes them back and puts them in the drawer again. Haha. He loves doing this. He also spend a lot of time playing with water and measuring cups in the kitchen sink. The other piece of sanity-making for us is that toys are mostly limited to a small sun room that used to be my office but is now the play room. It's a small little room, but big enough for toys and a comfy chair. I try to tidy it regularly, but if it's a mess, at least it's contained! I also invested in one of those shelves that has the little bins that sit on an angle (do you know what I mean?) so it is super easy to sort toys to put them away and LO can see what he has to play with. In a conventional toy box, stuff just kept getting hidden and I hated digging through it. I'm starting to pull out the infant stuff--and get a few small things that will be new for baby girl--and it all fits in a little bucket. Haha. Infants don't need much! A few things to hold on to and mouth and then a little play gym thingy comes in handy too. We also have a Little Einstein jumper/activity center that will come out when she's old enough, but that's about it for the little one!
Also, DH recently injured his shoulder (tendonitis with calcification, oy!) so he has limited range and use of his right arm... oy. He told the scheduler at his drs office that we were expecting and they seem to have moved him to the top of the list. Needless to say, we've stalled on the minivan project. We're looking at a Honda Odyssey. What's your DH's dream minivan?
@Sporty1216 that is so cute about your LO and the spice drawer!!
@lillebowski23 Enjoy all the pre-baby meals out! I teated myself to a solo lunch yesterday at a nearby pho place and was trying to think about how I would do that with a little one in tow. Slurping hot broth and noodles is probably a no-no while baby wearing!
@createillumination congrats on 3rd tri!
How are you feeling? Overall ok, but a bit emotional today.
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Nothing until July.
Rants/Raves/Questions: Feeling extra ranty today. We leave tomorrow for a one week trip "back home" to Chicago & surrounding area. Neither of us are feeling excited about it and that's a bummer. I think part of it is that over half of my trips back in the last 3 years have been marred in some way. One weekend trip was totally canceled when a worker at an airline control center set himself on fire and grounded nearly all flights for the day. Another trip I was dealing with an emerging health issue. Another trip was immediately preceded by an unexpected death in DH's family. This morning I started crying because I don't feel great about the person house/dog sitting for us while we're gone. We usually just leave her with her doggy sister's family. DH decided it would be good to also have someone watch the house. It's my dog's mom's person so I know he loves her and my dog loves him and will enjoy having her mama here. It's just something different and for some reason I don't feel totally comfortable with it.
GTKY: Did you have a favorite toy growing up? What do you do/ hope to do when providing your kids toys: the more the merrier or minimize that shiz?
I hope to keep things minimal. I feel like I had a ton of toys growing up and remember it feeling overwelming. We also don't have a ton of space. Growing up I loved stuffed animals and any kind of dolls/animals/figurines that allowed for story telling. I like baby toys that don't have too many bells and whistles.
Anyway. I hope things start looking up for you!
I also want a Honda Odyssey. It would be SO much easier with three kids. I'm too nervous to buy one now though because I want to see how things go financially with daycare/nanny for three kids before I commit to a car payment (we don't have one right now). I'm hoping I can fit all three kids in my car in the second row - I suppose I should check that out soon - but if not, my hubby has a Buick Enclave with a third row so we'd just have to have that be the kid car.
How far along are you? 29w4d
How are you feeling? Feeling decent - just really emotional about EVERYTHING! Time has slowed now that I'm not working in the unit anymore. But, really only 8 weeks and 3 days to go!!!
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) No baby news. Next appointment is July 5th. I finally got my pre-registration and birth certificate stuff in to the hospital. I'm pretty sure since I've been seen there twice this pregnancy, I was already pre-registered, but I did it anyway.
Rants/Raves/Questions: None. Surprisingly.
GTKY: Did you have a favorite toy growing up? Barbies and books.
What do you do/ hope to do when providing your kids toys: the more the merrier or minimize that shiz? Oh my goodness, toys have a way of multiplying. I thought I'd be a minimalist but they just keep coming. People buy toys as gifts a lot too. It's crazy!!
How are you feeling? Pretty good. Starting to get some lower back pain if I stand for too long. Wearing the belly brace seems to help. I start all day camps this Monday and I'm really worried about being on my feet and tending to children all day long. I guess we'll see how it goes...
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Last appointment was on Wednesday. Baby is doing great. I'm still doing daily blood sugar monitoring but all of my levels have stayed below 130 for the past two weeks (except one reading at 135). I had to see the doctor to check up on all this to make sure I can still stay with the midwives. The doctor said that my numbers were looking really good and that I don't need to go on medication (which means I can stay with the midwives!). She said for me to continue with testing 4 times a day for the next two weeks and if everything continues to stay within range I can just do one finger prick test in the morning to check my fasting levels (for the rest of the pregnancy). So yay!
Rants/Raves/Questions: Had first official prenatal visit with our doula today. DH hadn't met her yet and he absolutely adored her. She is soooooo incredibly wonderful. She spent around 3 hours at our house going over all sorts of things and helping me come up with a solid birth plan (and even gave me a free lavender eye pillow she made herself!). I feel so comfortable around her and so lucky to have her assisting me with the birth. Seriously, she has helped so much with some of my birthing anxiety stuff.
GTKY: Did you have a favorite toy growing up? What do you do/ hope to do when providing your kids toys: the more the merrier or minimize that shiz?
Cabbage patch doll and lots of Barbies! I'd like to keep things minimal with our boy but we'll see how it goes. I really don't like the baby toys that light up and make a ton of crazy noises. I feel like they are way too stimulating and make me want to bang my head against the wall. Other than that, I'm open to anything. I'm hoping we get some cool toys at the baby shower.
@createillumination - have you interviewed some doulas? I think if you find the right one, it makes a world of difference. I'm really glad I'm having one, but it's mainly because I just love her energy so much.
NTNP since 11/12, actively trying since 8/14
11/15: Letrozole, Ovidrel, TI = BFP!!!
Beta #1(14dpo)=349, Beta #2(18dpo)=2,805
12/17/15: Got to see the heartbeat (105bpm)!
1/25/16: NT scan = normal (HB=163bpm)
EDD: 8/10/16
8/8/16: Baby boy born @ 12:25am, 8lbs, 20.5 inches
5/18/17: BFP!!! (11dpo)
Beta #1(12dpo)=176.4, Beta #2(15dpo)=607.1
@jilligan14 I 100% agree with you on the right person. I've set up some interviews and I really like one gal i spoke too on the phone. I was just really hung up on having to pay for the midwife completely out of pocket and a doula. I think we might ask DH parents to pay some portion of the doula as our baby gift. So happy you get to stay with the midwives!!!!
@jilligan14--yay for the good GD report and the awesome doula!
And we got a Toyota Sienna in April, and I absolutely adore it. It's been really perfect so far :-)
How far along are you? 18w
How are you feeling? I'm doing pretty well. I feel like I finally got some energy back, which is nice. I feel tiny pokes and movement, usually only at night when I can concentrate, but I love it.
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) My next appt is next Thursday. And then my a/s is July 5th. I am impatient for the u/s!! We've been making lists of boy and girl names.
Rants/Raves/Questions: This weekend I am flying across the country with my 2 year old to have a long weekend with my college friends. And leaving my 4 year old with H. I don't know if I'm more nervous about being alone with my 2 year old on a trip (she is a piece of work), or leaving my big one alone with dad (they are psyched and have lots of plans).
GTKY: Did you have a favorite toy growing up?My dolls and my books probably.
What do you do/ hope to do when providing your kids toys: the more the merrier or minimize that shiz? I try hard to minimize. And we're pretty careful about the toys we get. We try and steer clear of batteries, and character themed things. And we get more wood than plastic. We try and think through what we get.
BFP 3.8.16 EDD 11.20.16
How are you feeling? Big. And retaining a lot of fluid. Plus heartburn, acid reflux, pelvic pain, lots of BH contractions. I'm so looking forward to my body recovering after the birth. I don't even need it to happen all at once. Just seeing little improvements every day would mean the world to me. I want to feel human again.
Any baby news: Next appt is Monday, but it's just a quickie. Still no name yet.
Rants/Raves/Questions: I'm feeling very close to being prepared.
GTKY: Did you have a favorite toy growing up? What do you do/ hope to do when providing your kids toys: the more the merrier or minimize that shiz?
I think my favorite was the sketchbook I got when I was 10. But I also loved books, stuffed animals, legos, barbies, etc.
BFP 2/19/15 • MMC found at 9 wks • D&E at 11 wks (age 36)
BFP 8/29/15 • CP (age 37)
TTC#2 since May 2017
BFP 10/18/17 • MMC found at 8 wks • Misoprostal at 10.5 wks (age 39)
BFP 2/16/18 • CP (age 39)
BFP 4/13/18 • CP (age 39)
BFP 5/07/18 • MMC found at 10.5 wks • D&E at 11.5 wks • Testing showed it was a girl with Trisomy 22. (age 39/40)
9/5/18 Diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (4-5 follicles, one ovary had none and was very atrophied)
RE says the low egg count is likely causing my recurrent pregnancy loss. Less eggs results in more aneuploidy.
BFP 9/24/18 • CP (age 40)
How far along are you? almost 31 weeks
How are you feeling? Ugh. I was feeling fine until earlier this week. Baby dropped and is engaged in my pelvis which is making things much more uncomfortable (butt, pelvis and lower back are all suffering). I'm also having a lot of BH's all of the sudden. I've had to cut back on my activity a bunch, which just makes me grumpy.
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Had my 30w appt on Tuesday. Passed my GD test and apparently have amazing iron levels for a pregger. Got the TDAP and heartbeat was sounding good. Mw confirmed that baby's head is in the ready position. Next appointment at 32w plus a follow us u/s on July 8 to check on the brain cyst (which has hopefully diminished at this point).
Rants/Raves/Questions: I'm all about the ranting right now. I guess I had a fairytale pregnancy last time, but I was able to snow shoe and feel good physically up until two days before I went into labor. I hate feeling so limited physically right now and am worried this is the new normal until I deliver. I'm also worried that baby engaging plus increased contractions means I could go into preterm labor. I really, really need this baby to keep cooking for a bare minimum of 5 more weeks.
GTKY: Did you have a favorite toy growing up? What do you do/ hope to do when providing your kids toys: the more the merrier or minimize that shiz? I loved books, cabbage patch dolls, roller skates. We tend toward the minimalist side when it comes to toys. We rarely buy them, but have a fair amount of hand me downs from my sister's kids. We try to spend a lot of time playing outside and avoid plastic toys with bells and whistles. The ones we've gotten as gifts, we just never put batteries in. It's amazing how little kids actually need to entertain themselves.
BFP 2/19/15 • MMC found at 9 wks • D&E at 11 wks (age 36)
BFP 8/29/15 • CP (age 37)
TTC#2 since May 2017
BFP 10/18/17 • MMC found at 8 wks • Misoprostal at 10.5 wks (age 39)
BFP 2/16/18 • CP (age 39)
BFP 4/13/18 • CP (age 39)
BFP 5/07/18 • MMC found at 10.5 wks • D&E at 11.5 wks • Testing showed it was a girl with Trisomy 22. (age 39/40)
9/5/18 Diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (4-5 follicles, one ovary had none and was very atrophied)
RE says the low egg count is likely causing my recurrent pregnancy loss. Less eggs results in more aneuploidy.
BFP 9/24/18 • CP (age 40)