Weekly check in (EDD 12/1 & earlier - 12/8)

ab_canada

How far along are you? How big is baby?

How are you feeling this week? 

Rants/Raves/Questions/Dear Diary?

GTKY: Are you a type A or type B, planner or non-planner, scientific or artistic? What about your SO?

ab_canada

How far along are you? How big is baby?

26+3, baby is the size of a slow loris

How are you feeling this week? 

Good! Tired, as usual, but that seems the norm (and for the next many years..)

Rants/Raves/Questions/Dear Diary?

I made my own pair of maternity leggings! I had very comfy leggings (well, they look more like pants) from before that only cost $20, so I thought I would adapt them to pregnancy. I found a fabric remnant at Fabricland for only $3 (t-shirt type of material) and made a wide band. Cut off a portion of the leggings more or less down to the hips and attached the band to the pants. Success! I have been wearing them for the last two days because it's been cold and I made the band big enough that I should be able to wear these until the very end.

GTKY: Are you a type A or type B, planner or non-planner, scientific or artistic? What about your SO?

As I am sure is evident if you have been reading my posts, clearly I am type A & planner. Hard to say whether the scientific or artistic side wins - I would say that's pretty balanced for me and probably depends on the situation. My DH is the complete opposite and we've had to work together over the years to not get frustrated with each other. He understands that I have an annoying need to plan and will go with it. I understand that he will always be 15 minutes late for everything, so I always ask if something is on "my time" or "his", and adjust accordingly. 

Activebaby

How far along? 25+5
Feeling? Belly feels bigger/heavier. Not feeling as hungry. I’m thirsty, but get hangry even though it doesn’t feel like hunger. 
R/R/DD? 
GTKY: In between - closest to type A. Im a planner with a calendar, but not to the minute detail. I also get overwhelmed by my plans sometimes. Dh is completely relaxed compared to me - except when he is working on something specific - then that’s all he will do and he won’t notice any other needs going on in the family.

hkom

How far along are you? How big is baby?

26 weeks today! The app says 14 inches and 1.7 lbs, but I suspect he is significantly bigger as they measured him at over 1 pound 5 weeks ago.

How are you feeling this week? 

Pregnant, but normal other than being stuck in the hospital.

Rants/Raves/Questions/Dear Diary?

I'm sure everyone is tired of hearing me blabber about being in the hospital, but it's literally the only thing happening to me so it's all I have to talk about, so sorry not sorry.  I just want to go home.  I want to cuddle with my cats and dog.  I want to see my husband for more than 2 or 3 hours a day.  I want to sleep in the same bed as him and have sex (we are still a long way off from that, and it's killing me and probably him to, although he hasn't complained at all).  I want to enjoy my garden that I've worked so hard on this year.  I want to spend an hour or two in my kitchen fussing over making dinner from scratch.  Yadda yadda yadda.

Anyway, I swear I'm not depressed.  I'm just having a ~moment~

GTKY: Are you a type A or type B, planner or non-planner, scientific or artistic? What about your SO?

I'm a weird mixture of both.  I'm very organized in some ways but not in others.  I let clothes pile up on The Chair in our bedroom all week, but I usually put everything away over the weekend.  My fridge has designated areas for groups of items - all beverages go on one shelf, all the hot sauce goes in a specific shelf on the door, etc. - the same with the bathroom.  But my laptop bag for work is a complete disaster, we have a million junk drawers/boxes in our house, and my car is frequently a mess.  H likes to place things willy-nilly in the fridge or bathroom and I sometimes tease him about it (especially when he then can't find something that he failed to put back in its spot) but would never start an argument about it.  I'll just move it to the "correct" place myself the next time I use it.  I like to plan, but I don't tend to fuss about it or get freaked out if something strays from the plan.  The only thing that bothers me is when people want to help me with something but then don't do what I ask them to.  Had a lot of that at our wedding last year (Hey, MIL and FIL!).  I make lists but they are handwritten in notebooks.   I hate spreadsheets and phone apps.  I use an actual calendar and planner instead of Google Calendar. 

H is much more Type B than I am, in terms of general organization, but he is still a relatively tidy person and always cleans up after himself.  He just has a habit of putting things in very odd places and then he can't find them.  He's actually much better about cleaning up after himself in the kitchen than I am.  He washes dishes as soon as he's finished with them, while I will leave them in the sink til the end of the day (never overnight - kitchen is always cleaned before going to bed).

Professionally, I'm a scientist and have a lot of scientific interests.  But I would also consider myself an artist / art enthusiast as well.  I can draw and paint well, even though I'm very much out of practice at the moment.  I love to garden.  I love to cook and don't tend to follow recipes unless I'm baking.  I love design, especially older (pre-WW2) architectural styles.

I think there is a false stereotype about scientists being Type A.  Both H and and I are scientists, so we know a lot of other scientists, and while most of them are organized where it matters, the large majority are pretty sloppy outside of work.  

temmetime

@ab_canada I'm jealous of your legging making skills, way to go!

How far along are you? How big is baby?

26+5, baby is large enough to kick under my ribs already. 

How are you feeling this week? 

Good! I don't have a lot of complaints at the moment so I'll relish in that fact.

Rants/Raves/Questions/Dear Diary?

DS is still doing very well with no binky after 2 weeks of not having it. He doesn't even ask for it anymore and finally stopped crying so hard when we lay him down for bed. The last two nights, he said 'lay down' when we started to take him into his room. It melted me, I am so proud.

GTKY: Are you a type A or type B, planner or non-planner, scientific or artistic? What about your SO?

I am definitely more of a type A in that I love to plan/have a plan & stay organized. I am working on being more flexible to things as they happen (ahem, team green). I am more artistic, but without a drop of actual talent

ab_canada

@Activebaby maybe you've reached the stage when the baby is squishing your stomach. So you don't feel hungry because there is no room, but get "hangry" because that's the hormone/sugar/whatever response to hunger.
@hkom I am sorry the hospital stay is starting to get to you.. Have you considered asking for a day pass? I know they would want you close in case things started happening, but maybe you could go home for a few hours and cuddle with your pets and husband..
@temmetime That's awesome progress for your DS! I am sure it wasn't easy at first but it looks like it's going very well. And props to you for being team green even though you're a planner! I couldn't do it. My hands would be itching to get things done in the nursery, and while gender neutral stuff is great, you still want to be able to get some personalized things.. And to pick a name! We pretty much picked one on the same day, even though we've both said we will keep considering other names until the baby comes.

kristah2

Sorry I've been absent since Friday - crazy home life this weekend.

How far along are you? How big is baby?

26+2. Size of a bowling pin.

How are you feeling this week? 

Good minus the heart burn. I'm basically a fire breathing dragon these days. 

Rants/Raves/Questions/Dear Diary?

Rant: DH just found out his fall trial is going ahead so he's now going to miss every other appointment and ultrasound and may not even be able to get out for the birth. 
I start a new job in Sept and I'm worried about starting a new job, going into 3rd trimester and having no emotional or physical support with pregnancy or dealing with DS.
I don't need replies just needed to rant - I know I'll figure it out I'm just overwhelmed right now. 

GTKY: Are you a type A or type B, planner or non-planner, scientific or artistic? What about your SO?

Probably type A. I'm a little crazy. 
I am definitely not scientific or artistic. 

H is type A with his work but when it comes to planning he lets me take control and prefers to step back. Even when we book vacations the day before (after I've packed his suitcase) he will ask me where we're headed. Italy was especially bad for that since he knew we were going to different places in Italy but didn't really know where or what day. 

Jens_Hoes

How far along are you? How big is baby?

26+2, no clue lol

How are you feeling this week? 

My back has been really bothering me, and I just feel uncomfortable in my skin.  Doesn't help that it is 95 degrees here   

Rants/Raves/Questions/Dear Diary?

I can't believe we're almost in the 3rd trimester!

GTKY: Are you a type A or type B, planner or non-planner, scientific or artistic? What about your SO?

Definitely type a and a planner.  But I can be spontaneous.  I definitely like having all the details.  DH is the complete opposite.  And it is terrible.  I can't rely on him for anything related to being organized, that all falls on me.

temmetime

@ab_canada we have both names picked out, so that's done! DS was born Dec. 20th, so if it's a boy we have all of our clothes already. If it's a girl, I feel like we have enough neutral things. It has been difficult for me to know that I could find out any time I want, but I've made it this far and I think it's good for my planning self to have some patience! 
I'm banking on ordering the personalized things when I'm stuck under a nursing baby

hkom

@ab_canada I've never heard of a day pass.  Not sure that's a thing in America haha.  But it wouldn't hurt to ask I guess.

Jens_Hoes

@hkom you are more than entitled to complain!! I'd be complaining much more lol
@kristah2 what does your DH do that he can't be there for the birth?!?!

ab_canada

@hkom I am sure that has to be a thing! Basically, you'd get to go home for the day and just have to be back for the night. I am sure that depends on how often you need to be checked and when you get medication, and maybe it's more paperwork for them? I would still ask. They might not understand how much you miss home because they've never had to go through it..

binxybaby

How far along are you? How big is baby?
26+1, slow loris bowling pin lol

How are you feeling this week?
Good so far! My heartburn hasn't been bad for the past few days! Actually, minus some mild back pain, I'm feeling great right now. I've got a big, active boy in my belly who loves stretching and kicking. I can feel him on both sides of my belly simultaneously. He's getting tall!

R/R/Q/DD?
While I'm feeling great physically, emotionally has been another story. I had a major meltdown on Friday and said something I'm ashamed of. I might have said that I didn't want baby to my husband...I know that's awful. I'm just getting scared and anxious and realizing how imminent birth really is. My husband was not a happy camper. At all. As terrible as it was, it felt nice knowing how protective my husband already is of baby. I don't always feel that my husband is all that excited or invested in baby, but I also know that he doesn't have the same connection I do feeling him kick 24/7. Anyway, I apologized. Then, on Sunday, we got into a fight about the glucose screening. So, bad weekend.

GTKY: Are you Type A or Type B, planner or non-planner, scientific or artistic? What about your SO?
I would say I'm Type B, planner, artistic? I'm not competitive at all. I enjoy winning a game against my husband, but beyond that, I really don't care. I do love planning and list-making though. I'm also very future-oriented. As for scientific versus artistic, I guess I'm artistic. Maybe a combo of both?

My SO is very Type A, but he also tends to not be a planner. He's also a blend of artistic and scientific. Maybe we work well together because we are both such blends of different things. I will say we are complementary people. We're very different, but our differences make us stronger together. Not this weekend though lol

mag1cbeli3ver

@ab_canada Nice job with the leggings! I feel like I should totally steal your idea!

@jens_hoes I'm right there with you - how can the 3rd trimester be so close?

@hkom I would definitely ask about a day pass! I know it wouldn't be a lot, but a few hours at home would probably feel so amazing to you after being stuck at the hospital for so long. And I'm sure your fur babies want some cuddle time too!

How far along are you? How big is baby?

26 + 3, baby is as big as a bunch of kale!

How are you feeling this week? 

Tired, but I think that's moreso from the semester starting yesterday. Last week was busy with getting everything prepared and yesterday and today have been non-stop! Pregnancy-wise, feeling okay overall, though!

Rants/Raves/Questions/Dear Diary?

Not really a rant, just some minor whining. So, everyone is back on campus since classes started yesterday. I'm normally so excited for back-to-school - it's my favorite time of year! But for some reason I just didn't get into it this year. And I'm super annoyed there are so many people around and now the bathroom I had almost exclusively to myself over the summer is always full and/or disgusting! Seriously, what is up with women's bathrooms?! Since I go every hour or two, I just want a decent bathroom to use! Grumble!

GTKY: Are you a type A or type B, planner or non-planner, scientific or artistic? What about your SO?

I am definitely type A - everything has a place and it is supposed to be in its place!! DH is most certainly type B and it drives me crazy. I can't stand the way he puts away dishes or laundry b/c it's just NOT right! lol! 

In general, I am a planner. I like to be prepared for things and to know what to expect (as much as possible). But I also cannot micro-plan (is that a thing?) everything. When ever my parents go on vacation, they plan ev-er-y-thing - where they're going to go on which days, where they're going to eat and when, which nights they're going to go down to the pool, etc. I feel like there's so much they don't get to experience b/c they have every minute detail planned ahead of time. DH is kind of in the middle. Some things he likes to have a plan for (this is coming out a lot more with baby bean on the way), and some things he will just wing.

I think both DH and I are a mixture of scientific and artistic. I am a math nerd and do a lot of quantitative work, but I'm also pretty crafty and musical, so...

hkom

@binxybaby I don't want to pry or try to diagnose you, that certainly isn't my intention, but have you talked to your doctor about all the emotional struggles you're having?  Even if they don't think you have antenatal anxiety/depression issues, it might just help to talk to them about it?  I hate to hear that you're still feeling this way. *hugs*

Jens_Hoes

@binxybaby I was going to say the same as @hkom. And it’s something to keep in your mind after baby. The hormones can do crazy things to us, and I hope you have someone in real life to talk to if you need support. 

countrygirl624

How far along are you? How big is baby?

26 weeks 3 days - 6 months!!

How are you feeling this week? 

My feet and knuckles are swelling - I think mostly due to heat. But I took off my wedding rings Saturday- boo!! Moving around a lot at night and baby girl’s movements are definitely stronger. Equally exciting and annoying! Haha!

Rants/Raves/Questions/Dear Diary?

So a new position at work is about to open up that I’m going to apply for and am the most qualified for. I’ve been at my company for seven years but it feels weird to apply for a manager position when I’m about to go on maternity leave. At least the month of Dec at work is pretty much nonproductive due to holidays and vacations so I’d really only be missing about 6 weeks of real “work”. Fingers crossed - I really want this promotion - I’ve been working towards it for the past four years. And we could really use the extra money with baby!!

GTKY: Are you a type A or type B, planner or non-planner, scientific or artistic? What about your SO?

Type A all the way! Very organized and love to plan! I’m very logical in my thinking but definitely more artistic. DH is more type B and his planning has improved but only because he’s owned his own business the past 3 years. He had no choice but to get it together! Hahaha! We make a great team though even if he drives me crazy leaving his shit everywhere! Still learning to love his flaws!

kadeephd

@binxybaby I have had feelings of panic and sadness about having a baby and I think that's normal.  If it's happening a lot though, maybe others are right and you can find someone to talk to about it.

@mag1cbeli3ver I hear you on back to school madness.  Campus has been quiet all summer and now it's just crawling with undergrads.  And yes, the bathrooms are much grosser!  If you are going to BLEED on the toilet seat, can't you just wipe it up?

How far along are you? How big is baby?

25+ 4, cauliflower

How are you feeling this week? 

Eh.  I'm with @kristah2 on the heartburn.  It is horrible sometimes, like right now.  I have managed not to exceed the max Tums dose for pregnancy (10 in a day), but it's been tempting.  Sleep hasn't been great either.  I also have a super sore throat that is not pregnancy related, but it's not helping with my energy levels.

Rants/Raves/Questions/Dear Diary?

I'm worried I won't be able to keep up this semester, or next semester, or ever again.  I lack motivation and am also just not feeling great.  I don't want to fail out of my PhD program :-/

GTKY: Are you a type A or type B, planner or non-planner, scientific or artistic? What about your SO?

I'm definitely more Type A, though I can still be disorganized about things and lose stuff a lot.  I am trying to be less plann-y about things like vacations since I tend to over-plan and that makes trips stressful.  I'd also say I am more scientific than artistic.  My husband is Type B.  It's rather frustrating to have to remind him to do a lot of basic things, like make dentist appointments for himself.  I guess I'll be managing all our kids' stuff to, in addition to my own and his.

hkom

@mag1cbeli3ver I feel you on being annoyed about the students coming back.  When I was in grad school it was my least favorite time of the year.  We had rush week immediately followed by move-in week followed by first week of classes. I can't even count how many sorority girls I yelled at to get the hell out of the bike lane this is a traffic lane not a sidewalk or having to slam on my brakes and blare my horn after an oblivious headphoned student stepped into the street in front of the department's F-250 that I had to drive. Like dude/bitch I cannot stop this vehicle in 25 feet!  I will run you over! WHY are undergrads so dumb?! Luckily I'm not there any more, but H is and he haaaaates it. 

texas_t

@abcanada I love that you made your own leggings! I wish I could sew.  FYI - Walmart has maternity leggings on clearance for $3!

@hkom Girl, have all the moments you need.  You're in a really sucky situation.

@temmetime Awww!!! Yay for easing out of the binky!

@kristah2 Hugs.  Pregnancy is hard even without all that other junk.

@jens_hoes I'm so tired of it being hot!!

@binxybaby There were times in my first successful pregnancy where I second guessed the whole process.  It is such a huge step and huge change that of course it's going to be intimidating and overwhelming.  Also, I gotta ask, what in the world was the glucose screen argument about? I can't even fathom?

@mag1cbeli3ver Apparently we have the same people at our office using our bathroom.  WTF? I've taken to commenting really loudly about how disgusting people are in hopes that that offender is in the bathroom and hears me.  

@countrygirl624 Good luck on the new position! Sounds like a really cool thing to motivate you to come back to work after maternity leave!

@kadeephd I feel ya on motivation.  Soooooo.  Distracted.

How far along are you? How big is baby? 26w3d

How are you feeling this week? I'm feeling pretty good! I feel like my uterus has given up and is insisting on making me look 36 weeks instead of 26 weeks.

Rants/Raves/Questions/Dear Diary? Question. Does anyone have advise on how to fix my maternity jeans? I'm short and have a short torso and the jean portion under the belly comes up too high and digs into the lower part of my belly.  I feel like the elastic part should start lower? Halp.

GTKY: Are you a type A or type B, planner or non-planner, scientific or artistic? What about your SO? Um... I am who I need to be when I need to be a certain way, if that makes any sense? LOL  My SO is more a type A scientific planner.

ab_canada

@texas_t You say you wish you could sew and yet the solution to your jean problem is probably sewing You just need to separate the elastic from the jean (not the whole way - I think you should be able to just do the front piece) and either cut or fold over the jean part that is uncomfortable. Then sew the elastic back on. You can do it by hand - no need for a sewing machine. Just keep the stitches close together so nothing rips as you pull them up.

texas_t

@ab_canada I figured that would be what I needed to do, but was concerned that hand stitching wouldn't be good enough.... buttttt, I might try it with your blessing, lol! Thank you!

ab_canada

@texas_t just make sure to use the "blanket stitch". It will hold very well, especially if you make them nice and close together.

texas_t

@ab_canada You are speaking chinese....  Off to google "blanket stitch"

texas_t

We'll see if I end up shelling out monies at the tailor, lololol

ab_canada

@texas_t You're fine. It's like the second stitch anyone should learn YouTube has videos though.

kristah2

@texas_t short problems. Mine do the same thing. I usually just pull them up in an awkward position that cuts into me and makes me look fat. Alternative is baggy ass. 

ab_canada

@kristah2 @texas_t I am almost 5 feet tall, so I get it That's why I decided to learn how to sew in the first place

texas_t

@kristah2 Ugh... I hate baggy ass!!!  @ab_canada Did you teach yourself how to sew?

ab_canada

@texas_t not 100% on my own - we had classes in school (grade 5/6 or so) where we were taught the basics of how to use a sewing machine, etc. My mom and grandma know how to sew so I can always ask them questions. But for some things I just go to YouTube - there are lots of good videos out there. Sewing is pretty great in the sense that the basics skills are all you need to be able to make a TON of different things. Other than that, it's just inspiration and desire/patience to spend time on it.

binxybaby

I appreciate your kind words, ladies. I know I need to see someone. Anxiety has been a constant in my life for years and it's something I've addressed in therapy before. I wouldn't say it's any worse now that I'm pregnant (just more of the same), but it is quickly getting to the point where I need to make some long-lasting changes in my life instead of relying on short-term fixes. I don't know why it's so hard to just pick someone and make a damn appointment. Ugh.

I do worry about postpartum anxiety. I have heard the hormones after birth are much worse than those during pregnancy. I will make an appointment. It's my promise to you ladies. 

@texas_t The argument went something like this:

Me: I want to eat that brownie.
DH: No, your glucose test is tomorrow.
Me: You can't tell me what to do. I want a brownie!
DH: You have to think about the baby. It's not all about you anymore.
Me: BROWNIE!

I'm paraphrasing. It was a lot less silly than that, but that's the basic gist lol

kristah2

@binxybaby I struggle majorly with anxiety and pregnancy definitely can amplify it. Last pregnancy the whole like 8 weeks or so I would have a panic attack come out of no where and I didn't even know what it was over. I struggled because H didn't fully understand. Luckily my cousin copes with anxiety and anytime I would have an attack I would text her and she would be super supportive.
One technique she taught me that if you're having an anxiety attack you should plant your feet flat on the floor as there's something that helps you feel more grounded and in control and can help you get through them. I also like the breathing ap on my apple watch.
I was TERRIFIED of how I would be as a mom. With such high anxiety both myself and my husband were afraid of PPD or being a crazy anxious mom over every detail.
I actually have not been like that at all. H helps to balance me and I trust him with my life. I am not as over protective as I thought I would be. What I found helped was accepting from day 1 that everyone that takes care of DS will do it different then me and that's okay because different doesn't mean wrong. I let go of control early. I let my mom babysit really early on which helped a lot as well. It meant more love for DS but also helped ease my anxiety. I was scared of passing my traits to him but he is SO relaxed so I feel we did something right. 

My methods will obviously not work for everyone but I have learned it is possible to get through it.
I had a few spells where I worried about PPD as I didn't want to get out of bed and cried a lot but I think that was also very much hormone related. Forcing myself out to do things really helped there too.