STM+ Check in 6/21

missblaze

How far along are you? 

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? 

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: 

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: 

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why?

IrishPiratess

How far along are you? 

10 weeks 

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? 

Annabelle Lee is 3

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  
don't really have any yet. We just roll with whatever comes along, and don't really worry too much.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: 

Happy Thought: Miss Belle is already excited and gonna be an awesome big sister. Granted, I also think she's gonna be a total instigator and get her sibling into trouble...

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: 

Rant: Didn't have a lick of morning sickness with Miss Belle. This time around, I feel seasick all day, and I swear I can feel my hips spreading already!

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why?
I'm an only child, so it was just Me, mom and Dad (sounds like a Ramones song, eh?!) I think we'll be done after this one. I am working towards going my first Figure Competition when I turn 40, and after this baby arrives, it will still give me two years to work hard towards being stage ready for competition. 

jakobaby

How far along are you? 12 weeks today!

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? DS is 2.

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  DS is not sleeping great lately. He is killlllling me. He's never been a great sleeper, but I thought we were finally getting into a routine.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: Excited to see the love DS and this LO show each other.

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: Ready for the second tri and to feel this LO move! Also, getting super nostalgic about the holidays coming up (what is wrong with me?). I KNOW they are still in the distance, but once Labor Day arrives, time goes so fast.

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why? I was an only child. There are perks, but I remember being lonely sometimes. I felt super left out because all my friends had siblings to do things with. I also see how close they are now that they're adults. Currently, we are a family of 3 going on 4. I think that our family will be complete after this LO arrives.

leeeahyo

How far along are you? 10w6d

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? DS (Weston) is almost 21 months!

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  My DS is high energy ALL of the time! So that's all I'm really worried about when this little one comes along is keeping up with him!  Luckily we live on a lot of land and around family so he can basically run free (with my supervision of course )!

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: DS is obsessed with any baby he sees anywhere so it makes me so eager and excited to see how he interacts in his big brother role! 

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: I am still SO bloated and constipated  and I miss my coffee which would probably help the constipation issue but I still can't bring myself to drink it yet--ugh aversions!!!

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why? I have one sister, but our parents divorced when we were young and I lived with my dad, she lived with our mom so a lot of what I can remember from childhood was just me!  However, my mom remarried into a big family where I gained 4 step siblings, so it feels like I was able to somewhat experience both sides.  I actually have always wanted 2 kids and hoped for them to be closer in age than my sister and I were.  We are 3 years apart but we were never close as children--we are the best of friends now though!  My DS and this LO will be 2 years and 4 months apart!

hesitantrenovator

How far along are you? 10 Weeks today!

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? boys, 6 and 3

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  We are moving to a new house next week that needs some renovations and the boys will share a (tiny) bedroom while the work gets done. I'm pretty worried about it. While they love to sleep in the same room they don't sleep well when they do and they fight a lot. I might try bunk beds to get them to have some separation. 

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: We leave for vacation right after we move and I can't wait to relax with my kids on the lake! 

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: I had hoped to feel better by now, and I do a bit. But the exhaustion is overwhelming. I have packed three boxes and we move in eight days. I'm just too tired! 

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why? I grew up with one sibling, a younger brother, and MH had one older sister. We aren't close with our siblings. We always wanted a bigger family. If we could afford it we would have four or five! But I think we are done with three. I'm stressed about paying for college as it is, I can't imagine how we'd do it with more children.

tacosandtums

How far along are you? 
I'm 9w+3d today. 

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? 
My daughter is 2, she will be 3 in October.

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  
DD has had a lot of screen time lately because I'm been so nauseous and tired, and it's been affecting her general behavior/mood. I need to cut back and do more with her, but I'm just never up for it.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: 

I'm just excited to have another baby, and for all that comes with it.

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: 

I started Diclegis 2 days ago and am praying for a miraculous turnaround from my morning sickness

missblaze

How far along are you?  11+4

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? Eva will be 3 next month.

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  DD and I are so close, I worry that she'll feel left out somehow after baby comes.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: Every night DD asks to hug "her baby," and she snuggles up to my belly and talks to the baby, saying things like, "I love you so much baby!"

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: DD's new favorite thing to watch is the Wizard of Oz. The other day she (very seriously) asked me if the Tin Man has a vagina. The conversation begins...

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why? My father had two children from a previous marriage, so I was born having two half siblings. My parents also had my younger sister. My parents ended up divorcing and my dad remarried, gaining three stepsiblings (all much older than me). I'm close with my sister and I have a good relationship with my half siblings. I never really related to or go along with the step siblings, they already were out of the house and had their own lives. I never really had cousins when I was little to hang out with, but every Thanksgiving we would travel out to Indiana where my great Aunt and Uncle had a large family gathering and I LOVED IT. I always wanted a big family. However, already being AMA, I believe we'll be done with two.

mauera07

How far along are you? 
11 weeks

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? 
DS Ellis is almost 13 months

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  

My poor baby is not getting enough attention.  I'm trying but it's so hard right now. Thankfully he's content lying on the couch with me recently.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: 

I'm so excited to see DS as a big brother.  My sister and 3 month old nephew came to help me when I was sick and DS LOVES that baby. He constantly tried to grab his hands and cuddle with him. 

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: 

I still haven't had an ultrasound or heard a heartbeat and it's driving me crazy! 

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why?
I grew up with both parents and 3 sisters. There was always something going on. But now my sisters are my best friends and I wouldn't change it for anything.  This will be the last baby for us.  This is my second hyperemesis pregnancy and NEVER AGAIN. I knew I wanted more than one, just because I cannot imagine being an only child. Thankfully this pregnancy my HG hasn't been as bad and they got me on a good combo of meds early.  DH has already be informed that he will be getting a vasectomy after the baby is born. 

bainidhedub

How far along are you? 

10+4

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? 

Z will be 3 in September

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  

I hope we can get potty training solidly finished well before baby comes. We're off to a pretty good start thanks to school, he's actually wearing big boy underwear to school today, but he's not yet telling us when he has to go. I just can't imagine trying to potty train with an infant too.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: 

I love seeing Z's personality and abilities continue to grow. It'll be fun to see Thing 2 turn into their own person too.

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: 

If I could just figure out what I'm so hungry for and eat it, that would be great.

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why?
I'm the oldest of 3, my sisters are 2.5 and 4 years younger than me. DH's sister is also 2.5 years younger than him, but they didn't have a surprise #3 like my family did. I liked having 2 sisters and we're all pretty close now, but I don't think we will try for a third due to financial concerns.

KateT10

How far along are you? 

8w3d

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? 

2.5 (will be 3 in October) Eli

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  

I just worry how Eli will do in the beginning because he's been in a mommy phase since like January. I'm hoping he's over it by next January but if not, I KNOW he'll be fine - just mom guilt you know?

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: 

We tried for over a year (with a fertility dr) to get pregnant this time so it feels SO GOOD to be done with all the ultrasounds/needles/appts/blood draws...I feel like I have my life back.

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: 

All I want is damn tacos in the morning after my workouts - it'd be greaaat if I craved like fruit or something.

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why?
I'm an only child & only have 5 cousins (who I don't live near) so my immediate family is really all I have. We have lots of friends in our support system so that makes up for it. I think we'll probably stop at 2 due to the fertility stuff but a 3rd isn't out of the question but we would stop after 3!

[Deleted User]

How far along are you? 10+5

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? DD E is 1 on the 26th

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now? I can't believe it, but we have STTN 5 nights in a row. E was a great sleeper until she was 4 months old, and ever since then it's been wakeups at least every 2 hours, sometimes more. This is out of nowhere and it's amazing. Just hoping it continues! 

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: She's becoming more aware of what's going on around her which I love, so I'm wondering how long it's going to take until she realizes something's going on and she's going to be a big sister.

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: She STILL hasn't fully cut this tooth! This is unreal. It's been a month now. Also I can't believe she's going to be 1 in a few days. Thankfully we aren't doing a party, just cake and presents at our apartment on her birthday. 

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why? I have 5 younger siblings and always wanted a big family. DH has 3 siblings. We both kind of agreed on 4 or 5 kids, but now that both of my pregnancies have been high-risk, we may just have 3. We'll see how the rest of this one goes though. We're still really young and the more I think about it, the more I'm liking the idea of being done before we're 30!

hwoodmama

How far along are you?  9w2d

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? 5.5, 4.5, 1.5

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  The kids are catching on.  They asked why I was growing a baby in my belly since it was growing 

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: Nothing special, other than my kids being abnormally awesome lately. 

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: None

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why? I have 2 siblings,  2 half siblings,  3 step siblings.  We are undecided how many we want, between 4-6 most likely,  although mu husband has been saying we could do a "best of 7" and stop when we have 4 of one sex.   Ive just always felt like I was meant to have a large family. 

burnsmommy27

How far along are you? 

I don't know anymore, between 10w3d and 12w2d. They will officially change my EDD in 2 weeks at the next scan.

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? 

DD A just turned 1

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  

We are in the middle of a leap and DD has just been miserable. She's crying like never before. I went to get gas today and just me leaving the car to pump the gas resulted in a major meltdown hysterically crying. 8 more days til the end of this leap.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: 

I'm kind of happy they are moving my EDD back
 I really didn't want a holiday baby. Although if it goes like last time at 37 weeks I'll have a Christmas baby. Poor kid.

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: 

Rave: I am finally back to feeling like my old self. I have been to the gym, eating better and not exhausted all the time. 

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why?

I am the middle of 5. Two older brothers and two younger sisters. I think we may be done after this one. I think I family of 4 is great.

GraceUponGrace09

How far along are you? 

8 weeks

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? 

7, 6, and 4

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  

I'm really excited for this baby but have random moments of feeling overwhelmed to have 4 kids! 

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: 

Cannot wait until we tell the kids about the pregnancy and it can be part of our every day discussions!!

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: 
My DS is going to be 3ish months away from being 5 when this baby is born. We would have never spaced them this far had it been planned and hope they can still be close.

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why?
I grew up with two siblings and am super close to both of them now (a brother and sister). I always wanted a big family but man, these guys are a lot of work, lol! I can see us adopting another one or two, making 5 or 6 kids total. DH is actually more confident in it than I am. We'll see, one thing at a time.

Lizbeth86

How far along are you?

9w 1d

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? 

DD just turned 1

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  

Definitely nervous about having 2. Feeling sorry for DD already because I'm sure it will be a complete shock to her, I don't think you can prepare her since she'll only 19 months old.

I'm also not really looking forward to having a brand new newborn again, that was a really hard time for me with DD. Hopefully this time goes better.

Currently struggling with getting DD to eat real food, she'll only eat purees. Not the worst thing to have to deal with, I know.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: 

DD is at a super cute age right now, I just want to eat her up! Looking forward to her talking. She is pretty much walking, but her only word right now is "yeah".

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: 

I guess related to the above, is there any way to prepare a child for a sibling when she'll only be 19 months when #2 is born?

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why?

I'm the youngest of 7. My age prevents me from having a big family. I do feel badly that my kids won't have what I had. It's definitely a lot of work for the parents, but I attribute most of my success in my career to growing up in a big family. To quote Clint Eastwood in In the Line of Fire... "I know people"... haha!

agalvarado

How far along are you? 8w

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? 

Emilia is 17 months today!

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?
 DD is getting bored of just being home all day. I usually take her to play dates on mondays but I have been feeling so nauseous lately! I feel so bad for her. But we are doing mommy and me gymnastics classes starting next month and I think she'll love it!

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: 

Earlier this week, DH watched her while I went to an appointment. It was so refreshing because I felt like i spent some "alone" time with LO. It was nice to think about what his/her personality will be like, etc. I'm so excited to meet him/her!

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: for STM+, also, what's the best way to prepare DD for LO? She'll be exactly 24 months. I was thinking of getting her a baby doll so learns that it requires constant care. So far she knows what a baby is if she sees one. I tried putting a diaper on her favorite stuffed animal but she got very upset lol! I just want her to be gentle and understand LO will need a lot of attention from mom, maybe I'm not being realistic?

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why? I'm the oldest of 6, and my husband is the oldest of 8! Depending on how this pregnancy goes, just 2 or 3. We really want to become foster parents though, so I think eventually we will have a large family 

agalvarado

@GraceUponGrace09 I have 5 younger siblings and we are all spaced out 5 years, with the exception of one brother. I'm 28 and my youngest sister is 8. I loved playing with my brother when I was 5 and he started to be mobile! Now he looks up to me so much We are actually all really close, don't worry

missblaze

@arzrocks I've been reading my DD a number of books about having a new baby in the family. Her favorites are the Berenstain Bears one, and the one with Little Critter. There are a number of different ones out there.

agalvarado

@schaze that was me at my first birthday party! My grandfather would scare my mom and tell her I'd need dentures  but all my teeth came in eventually. Babies grow at different rates, it will be ok

agalvarado

@missblaze thank you! I'm going on amazon right now to check them out

[Deleted User]

@Lizbeth86 I'm in the same boat-DD will be almost 19 months when this one's born. She has dolls but she isn't quite getting how to play with them nicely yet. We've also been reading the Berenstain Bears New Baby and I plan to get the Little Critter book @missblaze mentioned. We make a point too to point out babies when we're out and about, so I'm hoping soon she'll be able to make the connection. I was 20 months old when my sister was born and apparently took to being a big sister pretty well despite some eye jabbing nonsense in the beginning   I think they'll all be ok when the time comes!

missblaze

Hey ladies! I was thinking today -- there are so many different check-ins at this point, what do you all think of doing the STM+ check-in every other week, and alternating with a thread where FTMs can ask us questions? I have seen this type of thread on other BMBs. Thoughts?

burnsmommy27

@missblaze I think that is a good idea. I am starting to have a hard time keeping up with everything going on around here.

bainidhedub

@missblaze I like it! I don't feel like there's enough changes with Thing 1 week to week to really need another check-in on top of the ticker change.

mommaa1615

How far along are you? 
8w 6d

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? 

 2 Maddie

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through?

i need to start potty training!!!! Any tips that you found work best??

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: 

so so so excited for those baby snuggles and watching DD become a sister!

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: 

Had to do a 24 hour urine catch and I'm still gagging thinking about the jug  in our fridge, disgusting!!!

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why?

i was the second oldest of 5!! I think we are going to be done at 2, maybe 3. Not sure how my Mom did it, she said she would scream in the woods a lot, haha!!!!

huskymomma94

How far along are you? 

12w5d

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? 

5 and 3

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  

Definitely need to get my 3 yo out of pull-ups :-| We haven't told the boys yet about the baby but will next week as soon as my bloodwork comes back. Nervous about how they will react but I think they will be excited!

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: 

Had our NT scan yesterday...seeing the baby made me SO excited to hold that sweet little face!! 

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: 

I want to have a bump, damn it. Isn't the third baby supposed to pop right out?!

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why?
I grew up with one sibling (a sister). I always thought it would be nice to have one more sibling. I guess we'll see what its like! lol. 

EmilyLove25

How far along are you? 12 weeks and 1 day (sorry for being late!)

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? Just about 21 months!

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  With DH traveling for his new job, I’m just curious how the nighttime routine will go with two…

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: Since we found out we are having a boy, I’ve just been piecing together what life will look like, and it’s wonderful. Even though I assumed/thought I wanted another girl, I’m excited about getting to experience one of each (likely our last child).

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: Rant: After over a week of feeling great, I threw up in my car on my way to work this AM. Rave: I had a Kroger bag with me, so I could puke in that!

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why? I had two brothers… I thought I wanted three kids, but two seems right (right now)… and all the pets! Two cats and a dog now, which is great. Hoping to add chickens and a bunny and maybe a kitten for the kids when they are a bit older!

 @missblaze  I worry about that with my DD too. I also think that is a good idea--every other week makes more sense to me! 

crizz13

How far along are you? 11 + 3

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? L (DD) is 2.5 (3 in November)

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  naptime strikes and attitude are killing me right now. I also have th random emotional moments of thinking how my relationship with DD will change once the baby comes.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: We told DD and our immediate families last week about this baby. It was so great to see everyone's reactions. 

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: 

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why? I'm the oldest of 3 and DH is the middle of 3. I also have quite a large extended family (my mom is one of 9) so I've always wanted a large family. We just found out that baby #2 is also a girl, so I know DH will want to try for a 3rd down the road. 

mindaa

How far along are you? 
10 weeks

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? 
DS just turned 2

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  
Like @bainidhedub, I've been thinking about potty training. I really don't want to rush ds and was planning on waiting until he was close to 3, but now we'll have a newborn at that time. 
@EmilyLove25, my DH also travels regularly, so I've also been thinking about solo bedtime with two. I've been solo with one for two weeks and it's exhausting.

Current successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: 

Pregnancy and childbirth is such a miracle that I'm blessed to have the experience that I wasn't wasn't surr I was going to have even once, as both of these pregnancies have been unexpected miracles.

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: 

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why?

Just me and my brother. This will definitely be our last at our age, which is perfect, four is a nice even number.

fishee333

How far along are you? 10 weeks

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)?  17 months, will be exactly 2 in January

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  DD is going through a random food strike and will only drink milk this week. She's always been a difficult eater but this is just frustrating/concerning. She's happy otherwise

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: Looking forward to more snuggles

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: Any thoughts about having a baby and a 2yo share a room? The new one will probably sleep in our room til about 3 months, but then we gotta figure something out. They either will have to share, or we have to move to our small guestroom that has no closet and one of the kids will get our current master bedroom (which is small too, just not as small as the guest room). It's an old awkward 1920's craftsman house so it's difficult.

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why? I have 2 older brothers, one 5 yrs older and one 9 yrs older. I have no idea what I want. I can see us stopping after 2 kids, but I can also see us having more. I'll just have to take it 1 at a time for now

scatteringashes

How far along are you? 

Nearly 11 weeks.

How old are your other kids (Share names if you would like)? 

My son is 8.

Current challenges/concerns about being a STM or questions about things your children are going through now?  

I'm in the midst of feeling like all my careful lists for how planning this baby was responsible were based on naivety. Between feeling overwhelmed by daycare (there's a 9 month wait list for my preferred care center, and I really need to consider home daycares right now but they make me nervous) and this whole insurance thing, my excitement has been overwhelmed by my sense of failure.

Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: 

I am excited to go through the baby years without the sense of overwhelmed and lost, and also knowing my own depressive/anxiety triggers and habits. I feel like it'll make it easier to cope with.

Rants/Raves/Randoms/Questions: 

Holy shit round ligament pain, y'all.

GTKY: How big of a family did you grow up in? How big of a family do you want? Why?
I was the eldest of three for a while; my sister is 3 years younger, my brother is 8 years younger. Then my dad died, my mom remarried a few years later, and I got two older brothers about 1 and 4(?) years older. I can never remember how old my oldest brother is. They lived with us on and off.

There's a part of me that would like three kids, but we might be done at two. We're not going to make any hard decisions about it right now, for obvious reasons. Another baby after this would possibly interfere with my career goals, and there's the money thing.

GraceUponGrace09

@arzrocks That's good to hear! If we end up adopting 1 or 2 more hopefully this one won't feel left alone at the bottom. Also, I highly recommend becoming foster parents! It's so challenging and so rewarding. 

@missblaze I think E/O week is a good idea! Or swapping for FTM questions would be fun! I kinda feel like I say the same thing every week.