TTGP Grad Check-in | Feb 2

BigBadWolf12

ETA: PSA!!! The February TTGP Grad Check-in is posted on TTGP now. Click here since a lot of tags in the original post weren't working..but don't forget to come back here for this check-in too

How far along are you? Singleton, multiples? other kids?

Anyone have an appointment this week?

Cravings/Symptoms?

Rants/Raves/Randoms?

Questions?

pregnancy GTKY: what's your 'stuff' philosophy? what are the things you're willing to spend a chunk on?

NBR GTKY: what is your favourite season of the year? do you think it matches your personality?

BigBadWolf12

How far along are you? Singleton, multiples? other kids?
6+3 singleton (not 100% confirmed yet, but pretty sure based on the tiny, single speck I saw at 4 weeks)

Anyone have an appointment this week?
nope less than 2 weeks now!

Cravings/Symptoms?
shortbread cookies on Monday :P changing boobs, constipation, mild nausea that doesn't last long yet, very tired...

Rants/Raves/Randoms?
**TW***
constipation made me flash back to miscarriage cramps yesterday on 6+2 which is the day when I lost the last one. not fun! I think things are ok though.

Questions?
not right now!

pregnancy GTKY: what's your 'stuff' philosophy? what are the things you're willing to spend a chunk on?
minimalist and 'multi-use' items (for now, at least ) I AM willing to spend a chunk on a good baby carrier and a good stroller since we live in a city and use public transit instead of our own vehicle.

NBR GTKY: what is your favourite season of the year? do you think it matches your personality?
autumn, I just wish the nice part of autumn lasted longer!...time to start getting cozy, but it's not TOO cold yet. pretty colours in the trees, etc.
I think it matches my personality because I'm quite introverted, so a a season of 'turning in' makes sense to me.

icecubeinthedesert

How far along are you? Singleton, multiples? other kids? 5+5, Pretty sure it's a singleton, but not 100% confirmed. One angel baby and one doggie baby.

Anyone have an appointment this week? After some short-lived spotting on Tuesday, I went in for my first appointment yesterday. They weren't concerned at this point, and I'm pretty sure the bleeding was from a sore spot that rubbed on my underwear (sorry, TMI), but I'm having betas drawn just in case. Won't get the results until Monday though. Next appointment is on the 13th.

Cravings/Symptoms? Not a whole lot different from last week.

Rants/Raves/Randoms? **TW loss related** I finally contacted the lab where my blood work was done in August for my previous pregnancy. They never sent a bill, and for filing taxes I need to itemize OOP medical expenses. I knew this was coming base in my claims summary, but insurance didn't cover one of the tests in the thrombosis panel they ran (MTHFR), which is somewhere in the neighborhood of $400-500. So now I have the joy of making calls between the previous OB, the lab, and my insurance company to see if anything can be done about it. The insurance company makes it clear that that test want covered as part of a thrombosis workup (insufficient evidence that it is a good marker). But I want told what tests they were running and assumed the panel should be covered. On top of this, this test required 22 vials of blood (while fasting and are sitting in office for 2 hours, BTW), from which I nearly passed out (no joke), and baby stopped growing 2 days later. Of course it might not have been related, but still all pisses me off. **End TW, sorry for the rant**

Questions? Nothing, unless anyone has some advice on the above rant.

pregnancy GTKY: what's your 'stuff' philosophy? what are the things you're willing to spend a chunk on? I'm generally a thrifty person and am really good at sale hunting. I don't like a lot of useless items, but would be willing to spend more on heavily used items (like car seat and stroller). Especially if they can be used over a longer period of time. But I'm sure as a FTM, I won't really have a clue what I'll really need (but I'll research the crap out of it!)

NBR GTKY: what is your favourite season of the year? do you think it matches your personality? Where I live now, spring (which is like summer where I grew up). I love the warm, sunny days, which I guess suits my personality.

starla

@icecubeinthedesert Wow that seems a bit excessive. Did you ever ask your doctor about it or was he/she the one that did the tests?

How far along are you? Singleton, multiples? other kids? 6w+3d! I think it's single because twins don't run in my family. We shall see during my dating U/S!

Anyone have an appointment this week? Dating U/S this week. I can't wait!

Cravings/Symptoms? Symptoms are down to occasional bloat, sore boobs (not as bad), sore back, constipation, and gas.

Rants/Raves/Randoms? Really excited for the ultrasound!

Questions?

pregnancy GTKY: what's your 'stuff' philosophy? what are the things you're willing to spend a chunk on?
I love this question. We have a small house and I try to be minimalist so we're going to tell people not to get us anything unless we ask for it. I have to figure out how to say that tactfully. I think we'll invest in furniture that the kid can use for a long time. For example, a good quality dresser that doesn't look like a baby dresser and a crib that turns into a toddler and a kid bed.

NBR GTKY: what is your favourite season of the year? do you think it matches your personality? 
I love spring, especially when it stops raining and starts getting warm. I love being outside in nature and like change. Seeing all the flowers start coming up makes me happy. Summer and early fall are great, too!

ColoradoHiker

How far along are you? Singleton, multiples? other kids?
8+6, and u/s this confirmed only 1.  Thank goodness.  ETA- DS is 14m old, and we have three cats!

Anyone have an appointment this week?
On Monday.  Everything looks great, baby is measuring right on target, and was super wiggly on the u/s.  Heartbeat was beautiful.

Cravings/Symptoms?
No cravings, bc I don't want to eat very much.  Most of it is the same as last pregnancy, a lot of nausea that gets more and less intense; super super tired and on and off hungry (but still nauseous).

Rants/Raves/Randoms?
DH has been a saint the last week.  We all had the stomach bug that's been going around, but he had it 'less' badly, so he was watching DS while I was puking every hour.  I love this man to death, and he deserves an award.  I might try to see if I can get him out for dinner and a movie this weekend.

Questions?

pregnancy GTKY: what's your 'stuff' philosophy? what are the things you're willing to spend a chunk on?
We lived in a rowhome in Baltimore when DS was born, so we really tried to keep 'stuff' to a minimum.  We have a vibrating chair, but no swing, etc.  I'm willing to spend money on long term use items, like strollers.  Even though we had to get a regular stroller after we left Bmore, we got the frame stroller to go with the infant seat, and it was totally worth it for how easy it is to use.  I was very sad when DS outgrew the infant car seat.  Now that we have another LO on the way, we will probably put down for a nice double stroller.  Other than that, I don't see a lot of huge expenses from this one.

NBR GTKY: what is your favourite season of the year? do you think it matches your personality?
I love spring-fall!  Any time of year that we can be outside and active is my favorite.  I really love late spring and early fall for the beautiful weather.  We hike, bike, kayak, run, etc.

icecubeinthedesert

@Starla I think I signed something at the OBs office acknowledging that labs would be billed separately, but I might call to see how the tests were actually ordered. I feel like if was really a panel, wouldn't the insurance company have to accept that? Maybe not, but with a try. I anticipate lots of calls back and forth, and unfortunately will ask have to be during work hours.

Cats*in*space

How far along are you? Singleton, multiples? other kids? 7 weeks today.  No idea.  1 loss, 3 kitties.

Anyone have an appointment this week? My first appointment is Thursday next week.

Cravings/Symptoms? Craving sweeter items.  Sore boobs, fatigue, bloating, & I've been having the opposite issues than the majority in regards to digestion.    

Rants/Raves/Randoms?  We have a guy coming to talk about a home addition today.  Should be interesting.

Questions?

pregnancy GTKY: what's your 'stuff' philosophy? what are the things you're willing to spend a chunk on?  I like this question.  I come from a family that has lots of stuff that they don't use....That just takes space.  DH and I live in a smaller house and that's really made me focus on "do we need that?".  I'm really drawn to the idea of minimalism, though I don't think I could do it to the extreme.  But I want to make sure I make deliberate, not impulsive, purchases and spend more on items that will last.  I don't like the idea of 'disposable lifestyle'.

NBR GTKY: what is your favourite season of the year? do you think it matches your personality? I love fall.  I live in CA, so we don't have a ton of trees that change.  But I went to university in IL and fell in love with the season.  But I'll pass on the pumpkin lattes. 

PurpleRains

How far along are you? Singleton, multiples? other kids? 9+1, singleton and we have an angel.

Anyone have an appointment this week? First u/s and appointment with OB tomorrow after graduating from the RE

Cravings/Symptoms? Just hungry, evening nausea, constipation like whoa, sore nipple and everything is ... shifting.

Rants/Raves/Randoms? H is being wonderful, my family is checking on me and we are starting to discuss how to announce. 

Questions?

pregnancy GTKY: what's your 'stuff' philosophy? what are the things you're willing to spend a chunk on? It's just my nature to want all the stuff. I mean, I want it NOW. But we don't have a ton of room so we will have to be somewhat minimalists. 

NBR GTKY: what is your favourite season of the year? do you think it matches your personality? I live on the Gulf Coast so the summer is sub tropical. It's. so. hot. Fall/spring (what little we have) are where it's at (and football season!)

Cats*in*space

@purplerains what do you mean "shifting"?  Boobs wise?  I feel like mine are pointing a different direction than normal. 

wannabeamongoose

@BigBadWolf12 I'm sure 6+2 was not the easiest day. I'm glad it has come and gone. Keep on growing sticky bean.

How far along are you? Singleton, multiples? other kids? 5+5, not sure how many yet.

Anyone have an appointment this week? Not for a couple more weeks.

Cravings/Symptoms? Only symptom I have right now is constantly being thirsty. I had a tiny bit of spotting Monday and a bit more yesterday. I'm trying not to freak out and took a test this morning just to ease my anxiety.

Rants/Raves/Randoms? Rave: We had friends from grad school come over last night for a "breakfast for dinner" party. We all wore PJs and ate waffles, donuts, scrambled eggs and McDonald’s all day breakfast. It was the best. Rant: my friends are merciless about the whole “when are you having a baby” shenanigans. Every time we get together everyone picks a couple and gangs up hoping they'll spill the beans that "yes we really are, in fact, KU and aren't you so clever for figuring it out and getting an admission of guilt." It’s this stupid group mentality that everyone seems to get all caught up in. I wasn’t the focus of the attention this round but it still drives me insane every time.

pregnancy GTKY: what's your 'stuff' philosophy? what are the things you're willing to spend a chunk on? When we had our first I was very intentional about only getting things that I thought we would be able to use with future kiddos. I also got almost every big item second hand (I think car seat and stroller were the only things I got brand new). I'm a minimalist and I'm constantly trying to simplify.

NBR GTKY: what is your favourite season of the year? do you think it matches your personality? Fall for sure. But I don't get the whole pumpkin spice thing. Why is everything pumpkin spice in the fall? Gross.

bswishe4

*TW loss mentioned*

thank you guys for your support on the TTGP board and here. After an ER visit last night and seeing my OB today I will be benched for a while and will be back on TTGP eventually. I wish all of you so much luck and I am so happy for all of you. I will lurk and can't wait to see your pregnancies progress and turn in to happy healthy babies. 

Becky012016

@bswishe4 I'm sorry for your loss! Please take care of yourself and take all the time you need for healing. 

PurpleRains

jmn1985 said:

@purplerains what do you mean "shifting"?  Boobs wise?  I feel like mine are pointing a different direction than normal. 

Actually everything but my boobs. I'm a curvy size 12 and things just don't seem to be where I am used to having them - hips, thighs, belly, etc.!

@bswishe4 Please take care of yourself, dear. I will say prayers for you

ColoradoHiker

@bswishe4  I'm so sorry for your loss.  *creepy internet hugs*

wannabeamongoose

@bswishes4 I'm so very sorry. I'm sure you Will be in everyone's thoughts.

Cats*in*space

oh @bswhishes4 I'm so very sorry. You're in my thoughts.  Hang in there.  

starla

@bswishe4 So sorry... hugs.

icecubeinthedesert

@bswishe4 I'm so sorry. Thoughts and prayers for you. Take care yourself.

jillibean0871

@bswishe4 I'm so sorry.   Thoughts and prayers!  

jillibean0871

How far along are you? Singleton, multiples? other kids? 7+1 according to Monday's ultrasound, singleton.  I have one DS and a pup!

Anyone have an appointment this week
nothing until 2/16

Cravings/Symptoms?
nothing new really actually feeling decent.  Craving sweet potatoes with sour cream and ice tea! 

Rants/Raves/Randoms?
Not to much,  last week there was a huge blow out amongst family bc I'm pregnant.  SIL is a drama queen so that was annoying.  We were trying to keep pregnancy a secret for like ever so this situation didn't occur but I had to say something bc of childcare concerns.

Questions?
No real questions..
pregnancy GTKY: what's your 'stuff' philosophy? what are the things you're willing to spend a chunk on?
Less is more really.   My DS was happy with a cup and a spoon.  We have just about everything big from him and by the time baby is here DS will be 3 1/2. We might invest in a double umbrella stroller but nothing else really.  We wore our son a lot and I loved it! 

NBR GTKY: what is your favourite season of the year? do you think it matches your personality?

Summer is my
favorite season!  I live in the northeast so it's not super hot here in the summer.  I think it matches my personality well! Before I was a mom I had a lot of fun(not that I'm not now...just different fun)  I feel like summer is FUN! 

ChefRamsay

@BigBadWolf12 I'm sorry your previous loss is causing stress in this pregnancy. I'm glad your 6+2 day is over now, hopefully that will make you feel better!

@Starla you know identical twins are spontaneous right  

@Lizlann your friends sound annoying, but the breakfast for dinner party sounds amazing lol

@bswishe4 I'm so sorry to hear that. Try and be kind to yourself 

@jillibean0871 I'm pretty sure I've said it before, but your SIL is a TW! Answers sweet potatoes sound amazing now.

How far along are you? Singleton, multiples? other kids?
7 (tomorrow) hopefully a singleton and 1 DD (11 years old)
Anyone have an appointment this week?
Not til next week
Cravings/Symptoms?
I thought I wasn't having any symptoms, but then my H made pulled pork and it seriously smells like poop. So yay for things smelling weird! But boo for it being pork.
Rants/Raves/Randoms?
I've been having weird aversions too. Not for specific food but for dinner. I'll be hungry all day, feeling good but as soon as 4:00 hits I feel gross and nauseous. It's really bothering my H because then he never sees me eat.
Questions?
Anyone else having nightmares about having triplets? 
pregnancy GTKY: what's your 'stuff' philosophy? what are the things you're willing to spend a chunk on?
I like stuff, but I also like money so it's a stuggle. I will definitely spend a good amount of money on a vehicle though. I commute to work so spend at least 6 hours a week in my car (more if I go anywhere besides work). To me it's worth spending more to get something decent that DH and I both fit it (we're both kinda tall).
NBR GTKY: what is your favourite season of the year? do you think it matches your personality?
Autumn! It's so beautiful, I love it. It always seems like the fastest season though. It will be summer and then Boom snow everywhere.

jillibean0871

@ChefRamsay I'm telling you sweet potatoes are da bomb!  Also I'm having the same aversion to dinner!   By 4-5 pm I can't even think about food, except maybe sweet potatoes  

ChefRamsay

@jillibean0871 Oh, you don't have to tell me how great sweet potatoes are, I love them! Whenever I buy some my H says 'oh, sweet potatoes for you NOT to share?' I'm glad I'm not the only one having issues with dinner. My H keeps saying it's because I'm hungry but I really don't think that's it. 

Sugargirl1019

@bswishe4I am so sorry take care of yourself, and all the hugs.

How far along are you? Singleton, multiples? other kids? 9+1, One gummy bear!

Anyone have an appointment this week? Not for me!

Cravings/Symptoms? I want all the food. Yesterday it was king cake and stuffed shells. I've gained so much weight already Nausea today, sore boobs. I've had a terrible pain in my tail bone and I guess I'll assume it's pregnancy related but it's 100% worse today to after my 3 days of rest.

Rants/Raves/Randoms? I think we're telling the parents (separately) this weekend!

Questions? Can someone massage my butt please? I asked dh to make me asked chiropractor appt since I'm a nurse and work all day tomorrow.

pregnancy GTKY: what's your 'stuff' philosophy? what are the things you're willing to spend a chunk on? I'm totally not rational right now and want to buy an uppa baby Vista convertible stroller (?!) And all the expensive nursery items and boppys. And cloth diapers. 
Normally, I'm very frugal and stick to budgets and make sure we have a good chunk go into savings every month. Pay yourself first!

NBR GTKY: what is your favourite season of the year? do you think it matches your personality?
I love fall!! Idk that it matches my personality, I'm probably more of a spring personality. But I love the cool crisp air, the sounds of leaves rustling on the ground, the cool wind blowing, and the colors. I love Halloween too, think Halloween Town. It's just magical! 

ChefRamsay

@Sugargirl1019 you mean your H doesn't want to massage your but? Lol 

Sugargirl1019

ChefRamsay said:

@Sugargirl1019 you mean your H doesn't want to massage your but? Lol 

Ugh he has the dreaded man flu and hid under the covers and asked me to bring him medicine -.-

ChefRamsay

@Sugargirl1019 We'll, he'll be bummed when he realizes he miss out on giving a butt massage. 

Hehe 'bummed' I'm so funny.

mrsvp614

@bswishe4 So sorry for your loss.

How far along are you? Singleton, multiples? other kids? 10w+1d, Singeton, FTM

Anyone have an appointment this week? I'm getting blood drawn for the Counsyl Informed Pregnancy Screening Tuesday. Still 3 weeks until my next actual appt.

Cravings/Symptoms? Today's craving is mexican food. I already told DH to plan on that for Friday night dinner. Symptoms haven't been bad. Just bloated blump, tired, and vivid dreams.

Rants/Raves/Randoms? Finally told my parents last weekend, but they apparently knew something was up. We're waiting until our test results come back and 13 week appt before we tell work and the rest of the world. But I don't think I can hide it much longer... pants are so tight. 

Questions? Nope!

pregnancy GTKY: what's your 'stuff' philosophy? what are the things you're willing to spend a chunk on?
Since this is our first, I'm sure we'll overdo it, but since we're team green, I'm hoping that keep the clothes cost down. We are willing to pay for quality furniture, car seat, stroller, and other staples that can be used again for another LO.

NBR GTKY: what is your favourite season of the year? do you think it matches your personality?
Definitely Fall. Love the cooler weather, the colors, the fact that you can still be outside, but in sweaters/scarves. Just the most comfortable and easy-going time of the year, IMHO.

RedBreast35

@bswishe4 I'm so sorry for your loss   Please take care of yourself and let us know if we can do anything  ::hugs::

BecauseLove

How far along are you? 6 weeks 4 days
Singleton, multiples? Trick question. We had our 6 week (6week2day) US last Friday and surprise..there were two sacs. We only transferred 1 egg. They were able to see the heartbeat for the sac (the top one in the picture) but because the bottom sac was higher up in my body the transvaginal US just couldn't quite see in...so they asked me to come back next week to figure out if it is a sac that might have an eggo in it (it is currently measuring at 5w6d) or if it is a sac of fluid or a vanishing twin. I had really expected this US to tell us a ton and get us in the know and now I feel more confused then before...but super happy to have one healthy eggo growing right on track. 

other kids? None

Anyone have an appointment this week? I wasn't suppose to but now I have another US scheduled for Friday (requiring another 10 hour drive to get the US) 

Cravings/Symptoms? Nipple sensations, heartburn, headache last week. slept all day today. Hungry. My breats feeling super full. 

Raves:I had a great weekend of seeing the baby on the US and seeing some friends/family and eating some sushi and mexican food. 
Rant: Uffda...being pregnant for me just never feels easy or like I am able to trust all alright and. I can't imagine the luxury of just feeling secure that all will be ok all the time. 
Random: DH and I were talking baby names today (finally...he wasn't really willing to talk them before we saw the US) and I have been a baby name collector my whole life pretty much. I have a page of my favorite names. He just went through the list and vetoed like 98 percent. He clearly will be needing to come up with some new names.....oy vey! 

Questions?
What are peoples plans for maternity and paternity leave? 
What are you expecting to pay oop and deductible wise to have bebe (and any prep and care)?

pregnancy GTKY: what's your 'stuff' philosophy? what are the things you're willing to spend a chunk on?
I think I am kinda cheap yet sorta a collector of things. I don't mind splurging if I love something (it can be totally impulsive) but I also kinda prefer a pre used pre loved feel about things. I tend to be the person that buys...has stuff...and then purges...donates/gives away. I purge of things at least 2 times a year and sometimes more. 

I love garage sales and hope to be able to get a fair share of baby stuff used or from friends or on sale. However, if I think it will make my life easier when I am tried and help make for a happy bebe then I think it would be an ok splurge. I am going to ask my MIL to make me a sidecar for next to the bed for co-sleeping. I have already started collecting baby clothes and have a few baby carriers. 

NBR GTKY: what is your favourite season of the year? do you think it matches your personality?
MN summer is the dreamiest time of year. It is so busy but every day spent on the lake pontooning or exploring or grilling out or being around campfire with friends, or sleeping under the stars, or just sitting near the lake feels like it refreshes and almost makes the MN winters worth trudging through. Sure...I believe that that good things are worth the work..and that a truly good moment is meant to take your breath away and help all the problems of the world fade away. 


@bswishes4 I am very sorry for your loss! I hope you have lots of love and support during this time and that a sticky bean finds it way to you quickly! 

BigBadWolf12

@becauselove I live in a country in Europe with great parental leave, so I'm probably not a representation...but I'm taking the rest of the school year off. DH will take a bit of time initially and to tag on with Christmas holidays so we can visit Canada for a chink of time. Then the following academic year he'll take any extra time we may or may not have left

BecauseLove

BigBadWolf12 That sounds like a lovely 2017 and 2018 Glad your getting good time off to take care of bebe and settle into parenthood along with time to travel and see family! 

juliebeannn

I'm so sorry @bswishe4! You're in my thoughts!

How far along are you? Singleton, multiples? other kids? 10+1, Singleton

Anyone have an appointment this week? First prenatal appointment on Wednesday!

Cravings/Symptoms? No cravings, just eating what I can.  Nausea has come back with a vengeance, even while taking Diclegis.  I might have to up my dose.  

Rants/Raves/Randoms?  I found out my cousin and his wife are expecting and we're DUE ON THE SAME DAY!! What are the odds of that?! I'm so happy for them!

Questions? Nope

pregnancy GTKY: what's your 'stuff' philosophy? what are the things you're willing to spend a chunk on?
I'm going to try to minimize the "stuff".  Luckily a lot of my close friends recently had kids so they'll be able to tell me what was necessary and what was just "stuff".  I'm willing to spend $$$ on the big items (car seat, stroller, crib) but within reason.  DH will do a good job of keeping me in line.  

NBR GTKY: what is your favourite season of the year? do you think it matches your personality?
My favorite season is Fall.  I think it matches my calm, mellow personality.