All trimester check in week of December 30! (Last check in for 2019!!)

PoeMasque

Happy Monday! As always let me know if your info needs to be updated or if I’ve missed you all together. 

• How far along/EDD?
• How are you feeling this week?
• Rants/Raves? Questions?
• Any upcoming appointments?
• GTKY: Is there anything about you that people are often surprised to learn? (For example: you grew up “off the grid” or you can juggle)

Also! Feel free to post pics of nurseries and bumps.

Calling!!

@PoeMasque EDD 2/8 (boy)

@emmasemm EDD 3/7 (girl)

@cigaline EDD 2/10 (boy)

@celticknotfire EDD 2/27

@ivfsurvivor EDD 3/3

@love112314 EDD 3/9

@sincethelastday EDD 3/9 (boy)

@bluguitarhannah EDD 7/1 (girl)

@caitiemae EDD 1/30 (boy)

@akak23 EDD 3/27 (boy)

@wifeinraleigh28 EDD 4/4 (boy)

@sanpelligrino EDD 4/12

@laurajon2015 EDD 3/25

@jolo1241 EDD 2/2 (girl)

@hanshotfirst77 EDD 6/21 (girl)

@knockupthestock EDD 7/23

@cirrra EDD 8/4

@wildrainbow EDD 8/16

@angelina1919 EDD 7/29

@cashewchicken EDD 8/8

@businesswife EDD 8/21

hanshotfirst77

• How far along/EDD? 15+1, 6/21
• How are you feeling this week? I'm exhausted. I have not been sleeping well at all. I just toss and turn all night. I just bought a pregnancy pillow hoping that will help. I've also been getting the worst headaches every night. 
• Rants/Raves? Questions? It's feeling more real now that I know it's a girl. Starting to think about the nursery and names.
• Any upcoming appointments? OB appt on Friday 1/3
• GTKY: Is there anything about you that people are often surprised to learn? (For example: you grew up “off the grid” or you can juggle) Probably that I'm a single mom by choice. Most people that know me already know that I am a single mom to my son from my ex H, but a lot were surprised to recently learn that I had been continuing to try for #2 by myself. I don't hide it but I don't advertise it either. If people ask I tell them or if it comes up naturally. Like for example, My son had a playdate from kindergarten this weekend. And the kids were playing and I was talking to the parents. And idk how we got to it but we ended up talking about summer camp and I mentioned I would be home this summer on maternity leave. Then there was a lot of the usual questions, Ohh you're pregnant? Congrats, when are you due, etc. And I wasn't going to tell them I was a single mom (Although it might have been obvious, school functions have only just been me) But then the mom asked something about my husband, so I explained the choice mom thing.

emmasemm

@hanshotfirst77 my pregnancy pillow has been a life saver. I don’t know how I would have managed without it so hope yours helps.

• How far along/EDD? 30+2 due 7th March 
• How are you feeling this week? Feeling big but still measuring the same. Everything is just more effort. I can nap morning and afternoon quite easily. She’s got some great kick boxing moves going on which quite take my breath away from time to time. And the BH can also be really intense!!! 
• Rants/Raves? Questions? I’m so happy I don’t need to go back to work now that I’ve had the first week off - keeping going was one thing, but going back after the break would have been really hard. We had our “booking in” appointment at the hospital on Friday and baby girl now has an eviction date! That’s making it suddenly very very real!!! 
• Any upcoming appointments? Back at the OB on Thursday morning for regular 2 week appointment 
• GTKY: Is there anything about you that people are often surprised to learn? (For example: you grew up “off the grid” or you can juggle) That I’m a certified PADI advanced diver - as I’m terrified of being under water! I actually got certified to give myself the tools I would need in case I ever am in an accident and find myself under water. Before I just would have panicked.

sincethelastday

@hanshotfirst77 - hope you get some relief soon with a pregnancy pillow! I can imagine some of the comments/discussions you’ve had with people about your choice to try for #2 and I’m sure you’ve received not-so-understanding responses. I’m always inspired by women who just go for what they want, even if it’s not the “conventional” way or going about things.

@emmasemm - sounds wonderful not having to go back to work! I’m still on holidays, but going back to work on Thursday and dreading it already. My last day of work is Feb 24th and it couldn’t come soon enough! Also, awesome about being an advanced diver - you must have seen some pretty awesome sea life! 

• How far along/EDD? 30w 3/9
• How are you feeling this week? Been getting more discomfort in the evenings. Just feeling tired and sore. Mornings have been a bit rougher lately with just feeling queasy, but no actual sickness so that’s good. I’ve been sleeping relatively well, but the dreams have been a lot more vivid and weird lately! I had a dream where my baby was born but only wanted to be held by a female friend and didn’t want to be held by me. Not a great dream to say the least.
• Rants/Raves? Questions? Raves - just had a nice week of family get togethers but also days of relaxing. My 30th birthday is coming up in January. DH is planning something for just the two of us, but I’m thinking of just doing brunch with some friends to celebrate. Any other ideas would be appreciated as my original plan was to go to an outdoor hot tub/sauna place and go for dinner and drinks (obviously can’t do that anymore lol). 
• Any upcoming appointments? OB appointment this morning. I’m literally waiting in my car right now since I got here way too early; I guess rush hour isn’t near as bad this week due to people still being on holidays. 
• GTKY: Is there anything about you that people are often surprised to learn? (For example: you grew up “off the grid” or you can juggle) Funnily enough, I can juggle lol. But the one fact that most people are surprised to learn is that I’ve been skydiving. I’m really scared of heights, but my DH and I had the free opportunity to go and it was AMAZING!! I’ve also been deep cave spelunking and pretty intense white water rafting, so most people are surprised to hear that as well since I’m really not much of an adrenaline junkie. 

wildrainbow

• How far along/EDD? 7+1/ Aug 16
• How are you feeling this week? I finally got a few pregnancy symptoms, so I feel a lot better.  It's only some random bloating and intermittent nausea, but it makes me feel better. 
• Rants/Raves? Questions? 
• Any upcoming appointments? Jan 9th for another u/s to make sure things are still progressing.
• GTKY: Is there anything about you that people are often surprised to learn? (For example: you grew up “off the grid” or you can juggle) Mine isn't nearly as cool as everyone else, but I sang opera in college. I never had voice lessons until a month before I left for college.  I was offered scholarship for my singing ability.  I used to have a 5 octive range

emmasemm

@wildrainbow 5 octaves!!!!!!! Woah!!! When I was singing regularly I was pretty happy with my almost 4 - but that was really pushing it for me and as I’ve got older I’ve never got close to that again 

@sincethelastday hope all goes well at your appointment. And just 8 weeks left at work! I’m 11 years older than you - but I still remember my 30th quite clearly as it was just before I moved to China so the party we had was partly birthday, partly farewell! 

hanshotfirst77

@sincethelastday Thank you. Yes there has been some backlash. Oddly enough mostly from family. My dad and sister were not on board and made their opinions known. But both seem to have since come around.*TW I originally told them after my 2nd MC. End TW* but since my successful FET they seem happy and excited for the new addition. I was actually surprised at how much support I received from people when I announced on social media. 

I’m a few years older than you but I remember my 30th was very low key but still fun. We went out to a hibatchi restaurant. The food is great and it’s fun to watch them do the cooking and all the little tricks they do. Brunch with your friends sounds fun too. Enjoy!

wildrainbow

@emmasemm I'm nowhere near 5 octaves now. I don't sing much anymore except for in my car with the kids, so, I lost a lot since I'm not actively exercising it. 

[Deleted User]

@wildrainbow I'm a trained opera singer too! :)

PoeMasque

@hanshotfirst77 i hope the pillow helps! I have noticed I will have a few days of bad sleep/discomfort, then it improves for a week or so. I think it’s just all part of the growing process! 

@wildrainbow and @BusinessWife that makes three of us who trained in opera! Although my opera skills were pretty terrible and I only did it to get to the jazz singing

@sincethelastday I got some local bands together and had them play a show for my 30th birthday. It was a free way to “rent” a venue where I could enjoy the music I liked and still gather all my friends together. Not sure I’d do it again while pregnant though. Also - skydiving is crazy to me. I get physically sick just thinking about it! How did you sit in the plane as it climbed to altitude?? I would have passed out! 

• How far along/EDD? 34+2, 2/8
• How are you feeling this week? Last night I started getting this “my pelvis is splitting in two” feeling that took my breath away. But I’m so close to the end and I know it’s all just part of my body preparing. 
• Rants/Raves? Questions? Rave! I get another massage tomorrow morning! Rant - having to go back to work for another 3 weeks.....super jealous of @emmasemm right now haha. 
• Any upcoming appointments? Waiting to hear back from the OB. I called this morning and requested they do the recommended NSTs, but my OB was out today. They will call to schedule tomorrow, so I should start going in twice per week for monitoring. 
• GTKY: Is there anything about you that people are often surprised to learn? (For example: you grew up “off the grid” or you can juggle) I wish I had something daring or adventurous like everyone else, but people are usually surprised by how many “careers” I’ve had. I was a scout for a major record label in my early 20s. I also worked for MTV in NYC editing audition videos. Then I was a hairdresser at Bumble and bumble, before moving back to the west coast where I worked as a grants coordinator for the biochemistry department of a medical school. While there I also did freelance graphic design work. I left the university to get my RN license and have worked as a nurse in emergency, maternal/child health, research, and care manager roles. I know it’s often thought of as “bad” or disloyal to switch jobs, but I love learning and am so happy with the person I’ve become because of my varied experiences, so I see it as an asset. 

[Deleted User]

<ul><li>How far along/EDD? 6+4 / Aug 21</li><li>How are you feeling this week?  Excited to see my baby and hear the heartbeat! + Scared poopless!!! 🤣</li><li>Rants/Raves? Questions?  I was just looking up information about early heart rate ranges and now I cannot get over there and get scanned soon enough!  Wish DH could be there tho... :/ They don't normally, but maybe they will let me get a short recording.... Better have my ap ready!</li><li>Any upcoming appointments? I was able to bump up my HB scan from Thursday to this morning... I'm bummed I won't be seeing my own doctor, but it's just too stressful trying to go before work in a rush, if I don't have to (since I have a late start today.)</li><li>GTKY: Is there anything about you that people are often surprised to learn? (For example: you grew up “off the grid” or you can juggle). Anyone who knows me already knows about my singing, so maybe that doesn't count.  But a lot of people are surprised to learn we attend traditional Latin Mass!  You have to kind of look for it, but it's out there. 😊</li></ul>

[Deleted User]

<b>Update</b>:  Our second scan went great!  🎉Baby is measuring perfectly at 6+4 and beautiful heartbeat! 123 bpm

I see my own doctor next week, and then my first OB / midwife apt is scheduled for 1/15!  Pinch me.  It feels like it's all happening so fast now. 

emmasemm

@businesswife so relieved to read this update! 

sincethelastday

Wow! I’m amazed with all the ladies on here who are obviously have pretty amazing singing voices! 

@PoeMasque - I think it’s actually a lot more common now for people to change careers and not be “loyal” to just one company or organization. I think it’s amazing how many different careers you’ve had and the variety and skills you’ve learned at each one must come in handy at any job you now have. And, yeah, the flying up in the plane before actually jumping out was the worst part because you just sit there watching yourself get higher. When they actually open the door and you place your feet on this little platform and lean out of the plane, I legitimately felt like I must have lost my mind lol. But the free fall is just the most amazing feeling!! 

@BusinessWife - great update!! 

wabash15

@BusinessWife so glad your scan looked good!

cashewchicken

• How far along/EDD? 8w5d/Aug 8
• How are you feeling this week? Great! Still no pregnancy symptoms, but that’s just how I am apparently. I’ve been feeling occasional nausea the last few days but it’s probably from all the greasy high calorie foods I’ve consumed over the holidays. My body is craving something light and lots of veggies!!!
• Rants/Raves? Questions? Back to work today. So wanted to stay in bed and catch up on my sleep. We had busy holidays. 
• Any upcoming appointments? Just had one this morning. The baby is measuring right on track with 180 bpm heartbeat. Graduated from the IVF clinic today. Off to my OB appointment next week!
• GTKY: Is there anything about you that people are often surprised to learn? (For example: you grew up “off the grid” or you can juggle) You ladies are AMAZING. How can I follow with all the amazing skills and hobbies you have? Mine is lame, but people are always surprised how much I can eat. I somehow give off an impression that I eat like a bird. Once people get to know me, they remark that I have a hollow leg. 

knockupthestock

@hanshotfirst77 hopefully the pillow will help you sleep! ive also been having a hard time sleeping so maybe i should invest in one too haha. yay for a girl! do you have any names picked out?

@emmasemm im sure it is nice to not have to go to work! and how exciting about getting things scheduled! 

@sincethelastday i hope the pain and dreams get better! ive been having weird dreams too (when i can sleep). hooray for your 30th! i tried to plan a party for my 30th last year but hardly anyone showed up and i realized im now to old to have birthday parties hahaha. hope the OB appt went well!

@wildrainbow i was trained in opera too! impressive range. 

@PoeMasque that is awesome how many different kinds of jobs youve had! i hope these next few weeks go well for you.

@BusinessWife yay for a good scan! im glad some of your fears could be relieved.

@cashewchicken congrats on graduating! i graduated from my RE today too hope your first OB appt goes well next week

knockupthestock

• How far along/EDD? 11 weeks , EDD July 23
• How are you feeling this week? pretty crummy. i've had a head cold for weeks and every time ive gone to the doctor theyve said to just let it run its course, but im so miserable. went to urgent care for the third time with the same cold and they finally gave me some antibiotics so hopefully ill start feeling better. 
• Rants/Raves? Questions? Raves - we told my parents and inlaws over Christmas about our pregnancy so that was really fun! Rants - we flew out on a red eye for the holidays, and i started having some bleeding that afternoon so of course i start freaking out and we go to the ER and turns out i had a UTI then with this cold, it was a pretty uncomfortable Christmas. but as long as baby is okay, its worth it!
• Any upcoming appointments? we had our last appointment with our RE today, so we've graduated! baby was measuring well and was dancing away, it was so cute! we have our first appointment with the OB next week and hoping to get the NIPT bloodwork done then.
• GTKY: Is there anything about you that people are often surprised to learn? (For example: you grew up “off the grid” or you can juggle) hmm this is a hard one. maybe that im an only child? many of my friends come from large families, so being an only child is foreign to them haha. for example, my husband is one of 7, and has 50 cousins just on his mom's side.....pretty nuts haha. 

emmasemm

@knockupthestock YH is one of 7? Wow! That is wild! And congrats on graduating! 

@cashewchicken congrats on graduating! 

@poemasque personally I like to employ people who have “experienced life”. I’ve also done quite a few jobs and you would laugh at how much I use from my time as a horse riding instructor in my current role managing a global finance team! 

I feel a bit guilty not working already, but then when I see my blood pressure I know it’s the right thing to try to avoid an early eviction. And I’m now taking both morning and afternoon naps, which is definitely not possible when working full time lol 

AFM we had our Bi weekly OB appointment yesterday and all looks great without girl. She was mega pissed about the first full length NST though - she kicked the entire time so hard against the sensor that I had to hold it in place with both hands. She does not like her comfy little home disturbed!!! Main things we need to watch right now are my blood pressure and immune markers, as both are on the rise. 

hanshotfirst77

@knockupthestock Congrats on graduating and I hope that cold goes away. As for the pillow it has been amazing I highly recommend getting one. I'm still not sleeping great but it's a vast improvement. 

cigaline

Hello all!

Happy Christmas and Happy New Year!
Started composing this on NYE but didn’t get that far so have had to rewrite bits of it...

@hanshotfirst77  I've been using the massive Queen Rose pillow that a friend gave me as a present. It was really comfortable at the beginning, but after a week at my parents' I found coming back that I had back pain in the morning, so have gone back to using a simple pillow between my legs, and and didn't have any discomfort when I woke up this morning. So maybe the best solution may not always stay the same throughout depending on the stage of pregnancy. 

@emmasemm Totally with you on feeling relieved not to be going back to work after Christmas! It's the only thing keeping me from panicking with only 6-7 weeks left and loads still to do... honestly when I realised yesterday it was only 6 weeks to the English date I still wondered how I'm going to do all the things I had planned before baby makes his presence known! Quite apart from the things still to buy, the house is in a mess and I know I need to clear the clutter and set up some good systems beforehand in order to retain my sanity over the following weeks when I won't be getting anything done! Sorry I've forgotten what your birth plan was - does an eviction date mean a planned C-section, or just the expected due date?

@sincethelastday My 30th is now a long time ago, but I remember it well haha! I was slightly dreading it, imagining I'd be single and (having spent most of my 20s single) it being just another reminder of how distant my life goals were... so I planned a weekend away with friends in a former Scottish castle (!) which had been turned into a holiday home with lots of self-catering apartments for rental. Well as luck would have it I met DH on the walking holiday just 3 weeks beforehand, and he ended up coming as well! But anyway, to get back to suggestions: I think brunch with friends sounds great, and if you want to do something special with YH too, maybe going on a day trip to a beautiful place (I imagine there must be lots not far from you!) could be a good way to celebrate? We tend to do that for birthdays now and it feels more memorable to me that just going out for a nice meal (though we try to factor that in too :-))

@wildrainbow 5 octaves is definitely impressive :-)

@PoeMasque As well as due dates we have a patchwork career (ending in healthcare) in common! I’ve also done a number of odd things before ending up in speech therapy, starting off with a very brief stint as a headhunter, then processing international trademarks, working in translation, English teaching and now speech therapy in France! I definitely think all the different experiences contribute to whatever job you’re in, but all the more so if it’s dealing with people in a caring role...

@BusinessWife Glad to hear all went well with your scan. 
@cashewchicken and @knockupthestock Congrats on reaching the next stage of the journey! Hope you feel better soon. 

I’m intrigued to hear about so many of you having trained in opera. Do you mean classical singing, or specifically in opera? Because in the UK opera training is something that generally classical singers only go on to do as a professional specialisation after many years at music college. I have also done a lot of classical singing and had lessons for a number of years, but wouldn’t call it opera, although I may occasionally have learned short excerpts from operatic works within lessons.

cigaline

AFM:

• How far along/EDD? 34w4d/ 10 Feb
• How are you feeling this week?

Quite tired and taking plenty of naps as night sleep isn’t what it used to be. Starting to feel a bit stressed about how much I have to get done over the remaining weeks - even without going to work it’s looking tight!

• Rants/Raves?

Refluxy - aaargh! It has taken on a new level over the last few days. It’s pretty much there all the time even though I discovered melt in the mouth Rennies at home over Christmas (calcium carbonate tablets) which are much more palatable than the ones you have to chew. Last night it woke me up twice with that burning sensation below the oesophagus and stopped me getting back to sleep. My own fault for eating too late probably, but I didn’t anticipate it being that bad. 

On the plus side, I had a lovely time at Christmas despite having to finish a big translation project over Christmas week (finished at 3am on Boxing Day night - eek). It wasn’t that relaxing for that reason, but it was still lovely being at home and having lots of nice meals cooked for me. And DH has been really good at doing the cooking since we’ve been back, as I’ve been being a bit pathetic and not feeling up to it.

• Any upcoming appointments? 

Nothing medical until 13 Jan but midwife hypnotherapy appointments start on Monday, so I’m looking forward to getting on with the prenatal classes at long last.

• GTKY: Is there anything about you that people are often surprised to learn? (For example: you grew up “off the grid” or you can juggle)

Hmm, I’m now curious to know what growing up off the grid means! We had a question similar to this a while back and I think I put something boring like speaking several languages. Trying to think what special skills I might have forgotten about haha! Depending on what country they’re from, people seem to find different things surprising. Given that I grew up surrounded by classical music and somewhat lacking in popular culture, even DH was surprised to discover a few years in that I’d attended a concert by the French reggae band Sinsemilia (they’re quite famous here) and even got their autograph!