AMA check-in 1/15

Texafornian

Stupid cell keeps clipping messages! Trying this again! Lol

How far along are you? 

In which city/state do you reside?

Do you have any thoughts or concerns weighing on you this week?

Any new symptoms come along...or did any go away?

Any weird dreams?

GTKY AMA edition: 
Tell us about this pregnancy...how did you become AMA? What's the reason you waited until you were older to get going or to continue growing your family? What are the pros/cons you've found in starting later in life? 

jillibean0871

Hi! 

Texafornian

Clearly I need to cut and paste on a laptop as my phone just clipped 90% of my responses grr! Will answer my own questions in a bit lol

GhanimaAtreides

How far along are you? 6w1d. Risk of loss down to 7.5%.

In which city/state do you reside? NW Denver suburbs, Colorado

Do you have any thoughts or concerns weighing on you this week? My first ultrasound is Thursday. This is after 3 consecutive losses. I know even if we see a heartbeat and on track growth we are not out of the woods.

Any new symptoms come along...or did any go away? I'm starting to get that my-whole-brain-is-sliding-off-stage-right feeling that is a precursor to passing out over the past 2 days. During times when I'm completely sedentary, which is weird.

Any weird dreams? I covered this in the PGAL thread, I don't think you want to know.

GTKY AMA edition: 
Tell us about this pregnancy...how did you become AMA? We started trying for this 4th baby when I was 34, after many setbacks we are hoping for a sticky baby to deliver at 36.

What's the reason you waited until you were older to get going or to continue growing your family? I got pregnant with DS1 at 19, DS2 at 23, and DD at 28. It's not so much waiting as knowing that I am not built to have/tolerate children close together in age. I like them to have only-child levels of my attention when they are most needy because my older ones are pseudo-independent. The older children are also emotionally secure when I add to the family, there is no jealousy or major regressions to deal with. There's a really great breakdown of child spacing here that goes into detail as to why:https://www.thealphaparent.com/2012/07/what-no-one-tells-you-about-child.html?m=1 I originally planned on a second 5-6 year gap, but my losses threw that considerably by an additional 2 years.

What are the pros/cons you've found in starting later in life? The biggest benefit is I can be a SAHM. I was active-duty for my first two and turning them over to daycare (albeit, lovely in-home daycares run by SAHMs) ate me up inside. It killed me. Now that I've done both ways I feel like I missed out on so much bonding with my older two. We are also much better off financially and can afford memberships to get out to all the cultural hotspots vs. just literally staying at home. But the drawback to AMA is that these pregnancies are a bit rougher, I don't have the energy I used to... hence the age gaps in between getting wider, so I can manage it.

Texafornian

How far along are you? 
5wks

In which city/state do you reside?
Friendswood, TX...about 30 minutes south of Houston 

Do you have any thoughts or concerns weighing on you this week?
No real concerns...trying to stay away from articles listing statistics about loss at various stages of pregnancy and trying to remain upbeat. Will feel better after my 2/1 ultrasound at 7.5wks....but like @GhanimaAtreides said, I know the possibility of loss doesn't end with that one. BUT...I'd certainly feel better hearing a strong heartbeat!

Any new symptoms come along...or did any go away?
Didn't really have many first tri symptoms with my first and right now all I have is sore boobs and a little bloat...both wane and come back. Every time I feel totally "normal" I find myself moving my bra to check and see if my boobs still feel heavy lol...they're only sore really right when I take the damn thing off.

Any weird dreams?
I had a dream last night that my OB office called and left a message stating that both me and my DH had a BUNCH of genetic markers and they wanted to know if we wanted to proceed with the pregnancy...wtaf!?! I already know we don't have any markers for stuff based on our last kiddo but what an odd dream to have...stressed me out.

GTKY AMA edition: 
Tell us about this pregnancy...how did you become AMA? What's the reason you waited until you were older to get going or to continue growing your family? What are the pros/cons you've found in starting later in life? 
I always thought i'd have a family unit by the time I was 30...35 at the latest but I didn't get married until I was 36 and then my hubby was working in TX and flying back and forth to CA where I was working and where we lived. So the long distance thing made me question the timing etc. When we decided to try, I got KU'd on the 2nd month of trying at age 40. Gave birth at 41 and had always planned on being one and done...especially being older. I ended up with an unplanned pregnancy last year that sadly ended in a loss at 8 wks in April. After that devastation, we realized we really did want another child and thusly went to work trying again. I gave myself util the end of the year and then I planned on throwing in the towel...after 7 months of temping and OPK's, I conceived on 12/25 in the nick of time lol. SO here I am at 43, pregnant for the third time...will be 44 at birth. Craaaazy.
Pros: I feel like I lived A LOT...traveled, extra schooling, worked up in my profession, more mature, can be a SAHM which has been the hardest thing and the best thing ever. Cons: It saddens me that by the time my children are my age...I might not be here! That's weird. Also, it's just WAY harder on the body going through pregnancy after 40 compared to say when my mom did it at 21. I'm keeping my expectations lower this time around in terms of the body bouncing back the same...I need to get an IV of collagen going lol. Hmmm...I think AMA'ers should get discounted plastic surgery after birthing this late

Sprite2012

How far along are you? 
I think I'm 5 weeks 3 days.

In which city/state do you reside?
I live in Denver, Colorado.

Do you have any thoughts or concerns weighing on you this week?
None, really.  More curious how this AMA pregnancy will compare to my non-AMA pregnancy 5 years ago.

Any new symptoms come along...or did any go away?
The only real symptom yet is fatigue.  I could nap any time of the day now, which is so not me.  But I remember being exhausted with my first pregnancy during the first trimester. 

Any weird dreams?
Not weird, just vivid.

GTKY AMA edition: 
Tell us about this pregnancy...how did you become AMA? What's the reason you waited until you were older to get going or to continue growing your family? What are the pros/cons you've found in starting later in life? 
I found out I'm AMA via another thread on this BMB!  I'm AMA because I'll be 35 a month before this baby is due. I "waited" because 1) I didn't even know if I wanted another, 2) I wasn't ready for another, and 3) I love the idea of watching DS understand, embrace, and enjoy his new sibling.  I'm so glad I waited until I was fully ready for another, and that my kids will be far enough apart that I won't have to compromise my focus/time/money on either of them.  I didn't necessarily start "later" in life, at least I don't think.  My first baby was born when I was 30.  I can't imagine having babies in my 20s.  Those were sacred years.  I grew up in my 20s.  I was selfish, focused on doing whatever I wanted to do.  I was committed to my education, my career, and life experiences.  I've traveled this planet over and over.  I've lived abroad, backpacked across continents, blew money I didn't have on myself.  My 20s were vital to who/where I am today.  I am a better mom because I've lived my own life, selfishly, irresponsibly, and I can say I did everything I wanted to do.  For that reason alone, I can't think of a single con for having babies "later" in life....

Sprite2012

@GhanimaAtreides  Thanks for posting that link!  I love it!

Texafornian

@Sprite2012 amen to the 20's! I feel like I've had two completely different lives...the one before having a child and the one I have now. Both equally cool and rewarding but oh so different...but I wouldn't be who I am now without first having had the life before children!

@GhanimaAtreides interesting article. This kiddo is three years to the date apart from my first (same due dates!). Ought to be interesting...

MySallyGirl

5 wks 4 days.   Live in Ohio.   Concerns are just that I'm really scared because this will be my 4th child and was a surprise.   I'm hoping there is just one baby in there and that he/she is healthy!  Main symptoms are fatigue and anxiety.   

I didn't get married until I was 30.  We got pregnant with our first right away and had each of our pregnancies about 2 years apart. The cons of AMA are my energy level and worrying I'll be super old when grandkids come.  Pros are in just more settled in life.  I'll be 38 when baby is born. 

Hopefulmommy1980

How far along are you? 3w6 days

In which city/state do you reside?  Columbia mo

Do you have any thoughts or concerns weighing on you this week? Just nervous about being pregnant and hoping everything goes smoothly 

Any new symptoms come along...or did any go away? Sore boobs and extremely tired

Any weird dreams? Lots of work dreams but I am in the process of transitioning to a new position 

GTKY AMA edition: 
Tell us about this pregnancy...how did you become AMA? What's the reason you waited until you were older to get going or to continue growing your family?
I am currently 36. I met dh when I was 30 we got married when I was 33.  Couple of reasons we waited. One I was in school until I was 28 and so school took a lot of time. Also just didn't meet the right guy until dh. After the guy I was dating in grad school broke up I was single for 2 yrs. Also something happened to me and dh while we were engaged and he was unsure if he wanted to have more children (he has two from his previous marriage). So it took sometime to ease him in to ttc. 

What are the pros/cons you've found in starting later in life? Pros we will be more financial stable and we just bought our house. Con I feel like I will be the old mom. Also my step kids will be 10 yrs older than this baby. 

daisy62103

How far along are you? 7+1

In which city/state do you reside? NY

Do you have any thoughts or concerns weighing on you this week? No real concerns.... first ultrasound is this afternoon so a little bit of nervousness!

Any new symptoms come along...or did any go away? the nausea.... ugh... It's worst in the morning and at night. I can't stand constant nausea... 

Any weird dreams? I've been having weird dreams every night. The other night was with Tarek El Moussa from Flip or Flop. I'd seen an article about him at the grocery store so he was in my dreams! Weird!

GTKY AMA edition: 
Tell us about this pregnancy...how did you become AMA? What's the reason you waited until you were older to get going or to continue growing your family? What are the pros/cons you've found in starting later in life? I didn't wait. *TW* I had my first at 28, second at 30, then mc's at 31 and 33, and brain surgery which delayed babies for a good year. By that point I was 36 and then had another mc followed by 17 months of secondary infertility. We lost our little girl at 14 wks in July '15 which was devastating. I couldn't imagine ending my child bearing years on such a sad note, so we pressed on for 17 months. Hopefully this little one sticks and will be our last. *END TW* I never wanted/planned to have kids this late. We were trying to have our kids about 2 yrs apart, but that didn't end up happening with 3 and 4 after events beyond our control. My oldest, a dd, will have just turned 10 when this little one comes, and my ds will be 8. DD2 will be 3 1/2. My oldest are 22 mos apart and have always been super close and the best of friends. I worry a little about the age difference between the two oldest and this youngest, but it is what it is. I know my dd especially will be an awesome help to me. Hopefully 8 and 10 years won't be a huge different as they grow into adulthood.

Texafornian

@daisy621 sending you lots of sticky baby juju...hope this pregnancy ends on that up note you deserve! 

BecauseLove

How far along are you? 3+6

In which city/state do you reside? MN

Do you have any thoughts or concerns weighing on you this week? My Beta Draw is tomorrow so hoping it all goes well and we have good HCG numbers. 

Any new symptoms come along...or did any go away? I was starving at the end of last week and now I am just normal hungry. Nipple sensitively comes and goes. 

Any weird dreams? Always

GTKY AMA edition: 
Tell us about this pregnancy...how did you become AMA? IVF/FET

What's the reason you waited until you were older to get going or to continue growing your family? I got married older after having a fair share of long term relationships that just didn't evolve further. We also have been ttc with assistance since 2014....so that delayed things a bit. 

What are the pros/cons you've found in starting later in life? I would never trade my fun and interesting 20's and even early 30's for being pregnant earlier. I thoroughly enjoyed my time dating, focusing on my job, living a life based around my friends etc. It was the very best of times and such fun adventures! 

The con's have been that I will be an older parent. There was more pressure on TTC and time lines...not wasting time. I get tired easier than I did in my 20's. That I weigh more than I did in my 20's. That I will be almost 60 when my child graduates from HS etc. 

PurpleRains

How far along are you? 6+6

In which city/state do you reside? Alabama Gulf Coast

Do you have any thoughts or concerns weighing on you this week? I have my next u/s on Friday where we hope for progress and a heartbeat

Any new symptoms come along...or did any go away? Nipple soreness; my evening nausea has become worse although I have yet to actually get sick.

Any weird dreams? Had a pretty bad PGAL dream. Otherwise, I'm sleeping so soundly - which is highly unusual for me - that my dreams are much more vivid and memorable. 

GTKY AMA edition: 
Tell us about this pregnancy...how did you become AMA? What's the reason you waited until you were older to get going or to continue growing your family? What are the pros/cons you've found in starting later in life? We married in college and assumed we would have children within about five years. Grad school happened for both of us which led to demanding careers that were just getting us off the ground. After all that, we were just enjoying life, each other and our experiences and journeys. We decided a little over two years ago that we wanted to have a baby. The biggest con would be having to go through the medicated cycles, procedures, etc. which we assume are due to AMA (but could just totally be me regardless). I have no issues being an older mom - I'm actually ready to embrace that role!

Texafornian

@BecauseLove good luck tomorrow at the doc! I hear ya on the pressure of TTC while older...I wanted to smack my mother in law a few weeks ago when she said, "I think you need to relax and just let things happen and not have timelines." Um NO...that's something you advise to a person in their 20's who DOES have more time on their hands! I'm currently 43...I needed to sh*t or get off the pot so to speak so temping, opks, having tons of sex on specific days was necessary lol

PurpleRains

@Texafornian Oh, the ole "Relax and it will happen" method! Of course! And this whole time, I've been applying science to my life in order to get this baby!

BecauseLove

Texafornian Thank you!

haha the just relax advice was a killer. Let me tell you I would have much preferred relaxing and getting ku'd easily...but not my luck. My mom was always the opposite...she has always been in a rush for me to be trying...even encouraged me and my DH to not wait longer to get married etc. 

When are you telling your family about being ku'd? 

It's nice to be getting to know other ku'd "mature" ladies!  Looking forward to being on this journey with each of you!

jillibean0871

How far along are you?

5+2

In which city/state do you reside?

Northeasten Pennsylvania

Do you have any thoughts or concerns weighing on you this week?
none just waiting to hear our little beans heartbeat at month end 

Any new symptoms come along...or did any go away?
Nothinh new here 

Any weird dreams?
Nope

GTKY AMA edition: 
Tell us about this pregnancy...how did you become AMA? What's the reason you waited until you were older to get going or to continue growing your family? What are the pros/cons you've found in starting later in life? 

i never thought I wanted children, I guess it stemmed from my only dating men who wouldn't make very good fathers!  I met my husband after my divorce and realized kids would be awesome with someone worth while (DH).  I had my DS at 32 and thought I was one and done. But I couldn't get over the itch to try just one more time.  So here I am I'll be 35 my whole pregnancy, so I guess I'm barely AMA! 

Texafornian

@PurpleRains best meme for that

lexyraejay

How far along are you? 
4w, 6d

In which city/state do you reside?
Woodbury, MN

Do you have any thoughts or concerns weighing on you this week?
Not really!

Any new symptoms come along...or did any go away?
Insomnia. I don't usually start feeling sick until 7 weeks.

Any weird dreams?
I'm hardly sleeping, so no

GTKY AMA edition: 
Tell us about this pregnancy...how did you become AMA? What's the reason you waited until you were older to get going or to continue growing your family? What are the pros/cons you've found in starting later in life? 
This will be my second AMA pregnancy. I'm not concerned! There are plenty of women in my family who have had babies in their 40s and I'm only 37 I did missionary work for almost a decade in my 20s and dating wasn't part of that lifestyle. I got married at 32 and had my first right before turning 34. Breastfeeding keeps my fertility away for at least a year, almost 2 this time, so there wasn't an opportunity until now!

Texafornian

@lexyraejay I had my first at 41 and will turn 44 a week before this LO's due date.

BecauseLove

lexyraejay Nice to see another MN lady.