Randoms and Questions 12.19 - 12.25

pshaortao

Less than a week until Christmas! How is it going this week? Are a lot of working ladies getting time off before or after this weekend for Christmas?

ETA: Mobile bumping is hard

mcvgal

I bought DH a TV online last week and originally planned to pick it up on Saturday while he worked. Well thanks the bad weather and ice, he did not work and we didn't leave the house. Now I am trying to figure out a time to pick it up without him knowing. I purposely did not want it delivered on the off chance he would be home. The funny thing is after I bought it, he was telling me about a friend's TC and wall mount in his office and how something like that would be perfect for our bedroom. Now he's going to think I only bought it because he mentioned it.

I am working 1/2 day on Wednesday and no work on Thursday. So I am ready for the short week.

chickyclg

Just sitting waiting for my A/S, I'm still a little shocked that I'm already to this point.

onebadmotha

@chickyclg - Hope all goes well with your scan and you enjoy seeing a healthy baby! I also can't believe the halfway point is approaching- this pregnancy is flying by!

Today is my 30th birthday, and all I really want is a McFlurry. It's currently -10 degrees out...perfect ice cream weather! T-minus 8 hours until work ends and McFlurry begins. 

MrsFox2008

Wow! These months are flying by. I have to work the 23rd, but luckily for Christmas Eve I got the day off and on Christmas we're closed. We have just a little bit of shopping to do tomorrow then we're all ready for Christmas! We plan to bake cookies, might just do those tomorrow after our shopping. 

@kayemjay2
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! 

CCNellans

We get out at 12 on Friday, and have Monday the 26th off - DS' daycare is closed the entire next week so we'll be doing the family shuffle since my lovely co-worker took the entire week off so I can't even take a personal day (only 2 in the dept).  I think we have him figured out with family though. 

We have presents sorted, just need to wrap the last couple that we did last weekend.

Gender ultrasound is 1/9 - cannot come fast enough. I'm betting on a boy, I will die if it's a girl. 

Kipperoo

@kayemjay2, Happy Birthday!!

I am working all week but off all next week. I really have very little to ACTUALLY do this week, but the rest of the senior management team is off, so I'm here to make sure the wheels don't fall off and that everyone is working. Not a bad gig...I plan to do some baby room planning and work on my son's photo album for the year end. 

I got a call from my MFM doctor over the weekend that all of my other liver tests came back clear, so they do still think it's the cholestasis just back REALLY early--it typically pops up in the third trimester and is basically unheard of this early in pregnancy. I'm relieved because I was worried it was going to be a more serious condition that would affect me post pregnancy (liver disease, etc). But the doctor is "unsatisfied" (her words, not mine) with the results because it seems so unlikely. Good news is, they can start me on treatments now. Bad news is, I will officially be induced at 36 weeks on April 11th (unless something changes between now and then, which is unlikely), so I'll probably be one of the first of us to go. The planner in me is THRILLED to have an actual date, but I feel a bit like a failure for having to evict baby girl so early. :-/

Jens_Hoes

@kayemjay2 Happy birthday!!

I worked out this morning for the first time in like 11 days (Yes I counted) and I am so proud of myself.  It took so much to get out of bed at 5 but I did it!

I have maybe 5 presents bought and I have the 22nd off so I'm going to the mall to buy the rest.  Work is crazy hectic so I'm happy to have a 3 day week this week plus next week.

I REALLY want to feel this baby move.  I'm a FTM and about 17 weeks and I'm super anxious to start feeling this thing in here.

KMD1106

kayemjay2 Happy Birthday!
@CCNellans- Die as in be so excited or die as in be bummed?

I teach Monday-Wednesday of this week. My students are just finishing up some projects and/or working on cultural holiday traditions stuff. We have a fun holiday party on Wednesday. Starting Thursday I'm off until the 3rd. This is a good thing because I still have DH to shop for!

mcvgal

Kipperoo said:

@kayemjay2, Happy Birthday!!

I am working all week but off all next week. I really have very little to ACTUALLY do this week, but the rest of the senior management team is off, so I'm here to make sure the wheels don't fall off and that everyone is working. Not a bad gig...I plan to do some baby room planning and work on my son's photo album for the year end. 

I got a call from my MFM doctor over the weekend that all of my other liver tests came back clear, so they do still think it's the cholestasis just back REALLY early--it typically pops up in the third trimester and is basically unheard of this early in pregnancy. I'm relieved because I was worried it was going to be a more serious condition that would affect me post pregnancy (liver disease, etc). But the doctor is "unsatisfied" (her words, not mine) with the results because it seems so unlikely. Good news is, they can start me on treatments now. Bad news is, I will officially be induced at 36 weeks on April 11th (unless something changes between now and then, which is unlikely), so I'll probably be one of the first of us to go. The planner in me is THRILLED to have an actual date, but I feel a bit like a failure for having to evict baby girl so early. :-/

You are not a failure. I had such a hard time coming to terms with being a preemie mom the first time around especially since it's my body that simple can't handle a full term pregnancy. However, I am sure you do everything you can for your child and that is what is most important.

BeachMommy2B

@kayemjay2 Happy Birthday!!!! 

I am off Thursday/Friday this week and only work Tuesday next week. We each had to pick a day next week to work because not everyone can be off at once. I have a feeling not much will get done on Tuesday 

Tonight we are making gingerbread houses with DD and my mom. I can't wait, hopefully DD will be in a happy mood and have fun with it. 

nda_roxybabe

Happy big 3-0 @kayemjay2!

I'm at work, slacking so far. I mean, there's nothing I need to be doing, but yea.

This weekend flew by. We got a new washer/ dryer Friday (omg yay!), did Christmas with my parents on Saturday (Hellloooo Kate Spade diaper bag and purse and a dresser for nursery), spent most of yesterday putting together the dresser (Ikea) and thats it. Still haven't baked cookies, still haven't wrapped gifts...
All my LLR stuff comes in today so I know that'll occupy a lot of time. I just feel like I'm slacking/ phoning it in and I'm not entirely happy about that.

Kipperoo

@mcvgal, thanks for the kind words! I know that there is nothing I can do about it, it's still just so frustrating. With my last pregnancy, protocol was to induce at 37 weeks (which we did, on the nose) and everything was fine. The medical protocol has changed in the past 2 years, so now it's 36 weeks. For some reason, the 36 week mark makes me extra nervous. We knew it was a possibility from the beginning, so they adjusted my due date from May 4th to May 9th based on the initial dating ultrasound just to give her a little time. I'm hopeful we'll be able to avoid a NICU stay, but who knows. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude! I am well aware that there are FAR worse things I could be dealing with, but it still bums me out. 

nda_roxybabe

@Kipperoo Will they have you do amnio's to make sure her lungs are ready? I know SIL had to do that with the last 2 high risk pregnancies. You're so not a failure! You're going to get baby out in this world where we can monitor her better than while she's still inside. You'll have kept her safe and growing for a full 36 weeks and that's amazing!

mcvgal

@kipperoo it definitely is a bummy situation. I hope your LO does not have any NICU time. DS1 was a 30 weeker and DS2 36 weeker. I know each baby is different, but luckily DS2 had no NICU time at all. Everyone thinks of taking a baby home right away, and after having DS1 in the NICU for so long, I was scared I wouldn't know what to do bringing DS2 home so soon. My family all laughed that I was scared to bring home a healthy baby when I brought home a preemie on an apnea machine this first time around. Now looking back I laugh at myself too.

Good thing the adjusted due date allows your little girl more time on the inside.

onebadmotha

Thanks for the birthday wishes, y'all!

@Kipperoo - I have no experience, but just want to say that your attitude is admirable! You're doing what's best for your baby girl, and it sounds like the doctors have a solid plan. One of my best friends was diagnosed with cholestasis, and had to fight to get her doctors to even test- apparently it's notoriously under diagnosed. Glad they were able to catch it early and will be prepared. 

Kipperoo

@nda_roxybabe , likely not. They will start me on steroid shots at some point, but because the risk of cholestasis is still birth after 36 weeks, they likely wouldn't keep her in there even if her lungs still needed time. I am SO not a dramatic person and trying not to let the pregnancy hormones get me worked up about it. We've been talking about a potential repeat cholestasis and 36 week induction since the beginning, I just didn't expect to have it "finalized" so early in the pregnancy. I was hoping it would be later when I was totally over being pregnant and secretly happy about it, haha...

@mcvgal, I'm glad to hear that even your 30 weeker turned out just fine! It's very comforting. The doctors have assured me that we will do everything we can early and she'll likely be fine, it's still just nerve wracking. And, again, I know that 36 weeks is really nothing compared to some of these early deliveries! 

nda_roxybabe

@Kipperoo Gotcha! SIL's last pregnancy she had such a scare we were like can't we just get baby out even if her lungs aren't ready?! We'd rather have her outside!
You got this, don't feel like you can't be upset or get worked up, you certainly can

chickyclg

Every thing looked great with the baby!  Since DS has a spinal deformity they made it a point to get a really good look at at the spine and got measurements by section of the vertebrae, and since this has so for been the perfect scenario we are able to cross an amino off of our list which is a huge relief.

We are finding out the sex on Christmas 

Kipperoo

kayemjay2 , yes I've heard it is very under diagnosed and it's really scary. During my last pregnancy, I mentioned serious itching totally casually at my 36 week doctor visit--it wasn't on my palms/soles of my feet (which is what they tell you to look out for), and I had no other symptoms, so it just wasn't even top of mind during my check up. They ran the blood work and SURE ENOUGH! This time, I had itching all over my body and hives (which is not typically indicative of cholestasis)--morale of the story: if you are itching for any prolonged period of time SAY SOMETHING. Even this go around, I thought I had just used too much lotion (I have normally sensitive skin). 

rkstro2

@chickyclg how exciting that your anatomy scan went well!! 

@kayemjay2 happy birthday!  My 30's have been some of my very best years and I hope yours are too!

rebecca517-2

@kayemjay2 Happy Birthday!

@chickyclg I'm glad your A/S went well!

I have short days until Wednesday and then i'm off until Jan 3rd. Work is going to be crazy from January til the end of April right before i'm due. I am looking forward to this break. Calm before the storm. 

Squirtgun

@kayemjay2 happy birthday!! 

@Kipperoo I am glad to hear that it isn't a more serious liver issue!!  That's great!!  And I totally understand the feelings about having baby early, but especially with late term preemies like that, it's super based on the individual baby how well they do. Older daughter was born at just shy of 37 weeks, and spent a week in the NICU. Younger daughter was born at 35 weeks and was just fine!! It's great that you actually know, so that you can plan by having the steroid shots to hopefully help with lung development- that will be huge in helping her do the best she can as soon as she's born!!  With the risks being so bad if she does stay in longer, a little NICU time isn't really THAT big of a deal . You're doing what's best for her, even if it's a bit scary for you- you're an awesome mom!!! 

@chickyclg I'm so glad to hear that little one is looking good!!  It's great that they are able to see such details in an ultrasound to know that the spine is looking perfect! That always amazes me!  

achays11

Happy Birthday @kayemjay2!!! 

I still have some shopping to do since we just found out my sister's in-laws are coming. Over in Christmas. Most of my wrapping is done, except for DD's gifts. 

I'm off Friday-next Wednesday and I am so excited!! We're taking DD to Disney on Ice on Friday and she is so excited! 

Kipperoo

@Squirtgun, so comforting to hear stories like yours! I know it is always unique from baby to baby. And I have a pretty phenomenal group of doctors on my side and one of the best children's hospitals in the nation (Boston), so I'm sure it will all work itself out. Knowing this early is obviously great for a number of reasons. :-) 

newmamaro

@kayemjay2 Happy Birthday! Welcome to the 30 club! Enjoy that McFlurry later. 

@chickyclg Happy to hear all went well at the A/S.

@Kipperoo Sorry to hear that you are having to deal with baby girl coming early. But at least you know now and can have time to plan/wrap  your head around. And hopefully there will be no NICU time. My best friend's sister had to deliver her little girl a couple months ago at 36 weeks due to cholestasis and she luckily didn't need NICU. 

I'm off work Friday and Monday. Can't wait for my 4 day weekend. I'm not very productive at work lately, so it'll be nice to be at home. Also going to work on sleep training with DS, the anti-sleeper. Of course I have only gotten a couple of Christmas presents, so am stressing about getting that accomplished this week. I will probably be out shopping Friday morning. Hate that I procrastinated again because being out with all the other last minute shoppers is so stressful! I hate the crowds/traffic.

chickyclg

@Kipperoo definitely get the steroid shots!  I swear that's the only thing that kept my twins from being intubated.  

CherryBananas

@Kipperoo I don't know anyone that has been in your situation before, but it sounds like you have an amazing team of doctors and a solid plan going forwards. Fingers crossed for no NICU time!

@kayemjay2 Happy Birthday!!

I'm glad the anatomy scan went well @chickyclg

I have about 1000 things to do today and I've been laying in bed reading for the last two hours. I just have no motivation or energy for anything right now.

RainyDays86

Happy birthday @kayemjay2!

Sorry you're dealing with this @Kipperoo but I'm glad you guys have a plan in place.  Just to echo what others have said, you are definitely not a failure!  You're doing what is best for your little girl.

RainyDays86

A question for you all.  I totally stalk to BMBs that are having their babies right now and read the birth announcements.  I have noticed that a handful of women on the December board at least will put periods in their child's name.  So for example if the baby's name was John Smith they'll say "J.ohn S.mith was born on 12/19 at 11:31 am."  Does anyone know why this is?  Is there some concern about writing out your child's full name or first and middle name that putting a period would alleviate?

pshaortao

It's DD's naptime so I'm catching up now and eating a mug cake with only four ingredients: melted butter, dark chocolate hot cocoa mix, wheat flour and some milk. Nommmm DH has to work all this week, but I think he gets next Mon and Tues off. He would have gotten Wed-Fri off too but they asked some people on his team to work it and take the days off in Jan instead. It worked out well since we close on our house on the 19th (one more month eeks!) and he will do a 5 days weekend afterward so we can focus on cleaning and moving and have some time to settle in before he goes back to work.

@kayemjay2 Happy dirty thirty! I hope it's wonderful and that you get your McFlurry
 

@kipperoo Sorry you have to deal with such an early induction! While I get that knowing already can be disappointing, I hope the extra time help you come to term with it? I don't know what the risks are if you were to wait longer, but it sounds like a good game plan is set and all the necessary preparation will be done to ensure your LO is completely fine with no or minimal NICU time.

@nda_roxybabe  Yay for LLR! are you starting out as a consultant? Like 10-15 mamas in my last BMB became consultants in the last year! It's been fun watching them get started and grow.

@chickyclg I'm glad the scan went well and that they took extra care to check your LO's spine. And how exciting, waiting until xmas to find out the sex!

I have my scan on Thursday and keep debating whether to find out right there and then or wait til xmas. Or if I go alone, if I can even keep the secret to myself, I will pick up a little sister or brother onesie and wrap it.

CherryBananas

@RainyDays86 I believe (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) that it is so the name isn't searchable through the Internet. I wouldn't want my family doing a Google search for my kid's name and discovering my entire posting history.

jlonie614

Well I am taking vacation next week so of course my brain already thinks it is on vacation so it is hard to stay focused. Also, I have my Anatomy Scan this afternoon, so yea, getting like almost no work done today. Hoping tomorrow is a better day of getting things accomplished at work because I have plenty to do. 

We are team green so I'm really hoping I don't see anything on the U/S...I have had three dreams now where the technician tells me the gender of the baby...really hoping that does NOT come true. 

RainyDays86

@pshaortao that sounds amazing.
@chickyclg I forgot to add congrats on a good anatomy scan and a healthy spine!
@CherryBananas that makes perfect sense.  Thanks!

kns1988

Had a great weekend in Philly, but now I'm doing the thing where I worry if everyone else had a good time (stupid anxiety brain). The problem is that the people we were with never say what they want to do and don't give a lot of feedback, so it's hard to tell if they're having fun. I've realized that I love travelling solo or with just my husband, but I'm not a big couple-traveler. There's only 1 couple that I travel with that I'm really comfortable with, and I think it's because they're so vocal about what they want and what they like. 

Still, had a really good time and I'm happy to have the day off. 

softsoprano

As a former preschool teacher the practice of closing the school for a week made me crazy. We weren't paid for the week but could use vacation time. But we only got a weeks vacation time each year so it was use it for an actual vacation or to cover your pay Christmas week.  And the teachers at least heard complaints from the parents because they had to figure out a week of childcare. It just never made actual sense to me. 

nda_roxybabe

@pshaortao Yup, just starting out!

@rosemarylaff We're team green too and were really worried about it! She did legs to start so she turned off the screen and did her thing then turned the screen back on for waist up. She just always said "baby" or things like "I see 2 arms, just the number we want!". See said the sex does not get recorded anywhere only she knows, and she will forget by the time she moves onto the next pt. She doesn't even tell the Dr, so my Dr. doesn't know which I love!

Yiggle09

@kayemjay2 Happy birthday!
@Kipperoo never feel like a failure! Your making a baby and the drs are making the safe decisions for both of you!

I had to EP last pregnancy and will give BF a chance this time around again but I am always getting updates from medela and I was watching an advertisement for their new home bp called the Sonata. Any thoughts on it from anyone I know it doesn't come out till january but im hoping that by may it'll at least be offered as an upgrade to the free one insurance gives us. I honestly need a pump in style advance like I need a hole in my head so I am looking forward to the Sonata if its a strong as they say it is.
Anatomy scan thursday and I still have a ton to do for christmas. Hoping to get things done while ds is in his daycare since he cant come to ultrasound!

diann21

@kayemjay2 Happy Birthday! 

@Kipperoo Am sending good thoughts and vibes your way. And you are in no way a failure. 

@chickyclg  Yay for a good scan!!!

Winter break for me begins Friday and goes through the 3rd. But I'll be helping DH with setting up some admin stuff for his new business while he continues to work away on our house construction. And I'll probably do some lesson planning and as much sub planning as I can for the end of the school year.  No huge Christmas plans this year. 

Does anyone have experience with or know someone who has had a septate uterus? I was diagnosed with "possibly" having one at my 8 week ultrasound. But the doctors say because of pregnancy it's hard to diagnose. I had my high risk consult along with my a/s on Thursday. Baby is currently perfect, but they want to monitor her closely for the rest of the pregnancy to make sure she's growing normally. The other concerns are pre-term labor and a breech position. As a FTM it all sounds so scary, but I'm trying to keep positive knowing that stressing about it won't do her any good at all. 

emilyalso

@rosemarylaff - I was very worried too, and it made it worse for me that she started out by asking what I THOUGHT it was. I just knew she would take a 'tone' once she knew and either confirm or contradict what I thought. 

Turns out, it went GREAT. She started at the top and I got to watch her look at the brain, spine, heart, arms... When she was ready to go down south, she told me to look away and it was similar to what @nda_roxybabe said. She left the screen on, but I stayed strong! She just told me as she looked at the kidneys, bladder, and measured the legs. Then she told me I could look again, and we had a little fun watching the baby and she got me some good photos. 

I think the horror stories you hear where people find out on accident are isolated incidents. Mine totally knew the drill and there was no chance for a slip up. Good luck!

chickyclg

@Yiggle09 I haven't heard of that one so now I have something to look up during nap time.  I was planning on getting the spectra 2 this time.

ETA: looks like this will be a retail only pump but I'm super curious for what the user reviews will look like on it.  It seemed really cool.