Looks like everyone was up all night long! I only just woke up from my post-pregsomnia coma after being up half the night. Sorry to be late this morning ladies!
How far along are you?
How are you feeling?
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space?
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?)
Rants/Raves/Questions:
GTKY: If all things were made easy, and you could step right into life in a new city in the same circumstances you live in now, what city would you live in for one year and why? Would you live abroad?
How are you feeling? Pretty good, the usual suspects of pregsomnia and hip pain remain. Little man decided to go transverse in my uterus a couple days ago, and I am wishing for him to go back head down or even feet down, transverse is no bueno!
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space? I have done nothing!!!! I am looking at gliders online and that's about it.
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Midwife appointment yesterday but nothing to report. Next appointment is a bunch of blood and urine tests- ye haw.
Rants/Raves/Questions:
GTKY: If all things were made easy, and you could step right into life in a new city in the same circumstances you live in now, what city would you live in for one year and why? Would you live abroad?
I would love love to live in Rio de Janeiro for a year (minus the whole zika thing of course.) I have visited a bunch of times and I am just so in love with the city and the people. I used to speak fluent portuguese from living in portugal for 2 years, but now I have lost most of it. Being abel to speak the language there makes a huge difference in the experience with the people, they love it when you even just try to speak portuguese.
The shopping in Rio is to die for and the beach life is just so amazingly cool. You can go to the beach without a single beach "item" and buy everything you need from the vendors who roam the shores. Swimsuit, chair, umbrella, food whatever you need is on sale at the beach. The food is fantastic, and in Rio they are pretty focused on healthy living. The whole main street that runs parallel to the ocean shuts down to cars on sundays and everyone takes to the street to walk with family all day long. Night life is great, but who am I kidding I never make it past 9pm these days. I could wander that city for days perfectly happy and content. Even though it gets a bad rep for safety I have never once even had a hint of a problem there. However I would NEVER be in Rio during carnival, olympics, word cup ect...that is too much.
I've actually missed the past two weekly check-ins because Fridays are always super crazy for me (as are my weekends). But I'm determined to post this before I forget!!
How far along are you? 28 weeks, 1 day! 3rd trimester!
How are you feeling? Pretty exhausted but most of it's from the show I directed last weekend. I slept most of yesterday and was a total slug for the rest of the day/evening but part of that was from the glucola drink. I hate sugar.
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space? Can't do anything yet since we have a roommate in our spare room. We told him he has to move out by July 1st. I'm itching to start the nesting process. I've just started setting aside some money so I can buy the big items: crib, changing table, rocking chair, etc.
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Had check-up yesterday. Heartbeat was good, my belly measurement was good, blood pressure good, weight good. Midwife says I'm just "perfect". I loved hearing that. I have an ultrasound next week to see if my placenta has moved away from my cervix.
Rants/Raves/Questions: I'm feeling baby kick more regularly. He was very quiet last week from Tuesday-Friday and I totally freaked out and called the nurse. She had me do the kick count thing (after drinking something sweet) and I did feel 10 kicks in an hour, they were just so subtle and soft. But starting Saturday night he's taken up acrobatic kung fu fighting and my belly is like a wave pool. It's so wonderful and makes me giggle, smile, laugh, screech, and/or cry every time. DH LOVES feeling him too and has all of the same reactions as I do. What a truly wonderful experience.
GTKY:
If all things were made easy, and you could step right into life in a
new city in the same circumstances you live in now, what city would you
live in for one year and why? Would you live abroad?
I used to live in New Zealand and I absolutely love the quaint, sunny town Nelson but never felt like I could live there permanently because I wasn't sure how I'd make a living. But I dream of living there all the time, especially because my family still lives there and I miss them a lot. Plus Nelson is one of the sunniest places on Earth. There's also a lot of awesome hikes, lakes, rivers, the gorgeous ocean, and cool, hip little cafes. I just love it there.
ME: 36 (PCOS), DH: excellent SA NTNP since 11/12, actively trying since 8/14
m/c @ 7w (4/22/14), m/c @ 6w (11/19/14) 11/15: Letrozole, Ovidrel, TI = BFP!!! Beta #1(14dpo)=349, Beta #2(18dpo)=2,805 12/17/15: Got to see the heartbeat (105bpm)! 1/25/16: NT scan = normal (HB=163bpm) EDD: 8/10/16 8/8/16: Baby boy born @ 12:25am, 8lbs, 20.5 inches 5/18/17: BFP!!! (11dpo) Beta #1(12dpo)=176.4, Beta #2(15dpo)=607.1
Yay! Glad to see the weekly update. I really look forward to these every week. @createillumination my LO was transverse for a couple of weeks and I agree: NO BUENO!! Grats on viability!
How far along are you? 33 weeks 2 days
How are you feeling? My body is not feeling this whole being active thing. I have been really tired, irritable, and having major back pain off and on all week. I am starting to take naps because I have to, my body literally just says, "nope. You aren't doing any more things for the next half an hour."
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space? Welp, now that I had my shower, I've been reorganizing everything. I did an epic amount of laundry and am sorting thru all the baby clothes. I figure I'll have all the newborn and 3 month stuff easily accessible with the 3-6 month and 6-9 mo stuff at the ready. Everything else seems mostly in order, i have the diapering station set up, diaper bags loaded with thing, the bassinet is ready, all the feeding and bra stuff seems to be worked out. In this sense, I feel really prepared. As far as other baby stuff... slightly less prepared!
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Next OB appointment is next Thursday! In June I will go weekly until Baby Amy's arrival. Hard to believe she will be here soon... sometimes I feel like it's not soon enough!
Rants/Raves/Questions: Some clothing raves: I just got a delivery of nursing bras and tanks from Zulilly. The bandeau bra is comfortable and supportive and still has a little extra give in the cup so that I can grow into it. Also I am thoroughly enjoying the wireless nursing bra I ordered as well, I don't remember the brand name so I'll have to look when I get home from work.
Also, for those of you who have not discovered the wonder of Lularoe, I highly recommend you find yourself a distributor. (You can go to their website and or find someone thru FB. I also don't mind doing referrals if anyone is interested) Their leggings, maxi skirts, and tunics are very comfortable and are excellent for all body types not just us pregnant ones. I plan to LIVE in the maxis this summer as they can double as a maxi tube dress... hence the bandeau bra! All their fabrics are really soft. I would recommend cold water wash and hang dry, but you don't have to do that, because, quite frankly, who has time to hang dry their clothes? Although maybe you prefer to do that in the warmer weather.
GTKY: If all things were made easy, and you could step right into life in a new city in the same circumstances you live in now, what city would you live in for one year and why? Would you live abroad? I would live in either London or Berlin for a year. I spent a significant amount of time in both cities as a young adult and would love to go back and experience them now that I am a little older and wiser. Although, some of my fondest memories of both cities include going to underground dance, jungle, Drum 'n' Bass clubs and dancing my face off... not sure if the ole bod can handle that any more. Berlin was so much fun and so interesting, plus there are some excellent restaurants there and I'd be able to hone up on my German. Plus it's relatively easy to travel to other places like Copenhagen, Vienna, and Warsaw from there... all of which are also pretty cool cities.
How far along are you? 30 weeks tomorrow -- that feels like a milestone
How are you feeling? Insomnia, fatigue, heartburn, Braxton Hicks
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space? I haven't done anything yet.
Any baby news? Just that I've graduated to the every-two-week appointments
Rave: The invitations went out yesterday for my baby shower. I'm getting excited. I'm not going to buy baby stuff until after the shower, but I can't wait to start getting everything set up and organized. I'm even starting to look forward to the delivery. I'm getting very curious about it. And curious about life with a baby.
GTKY: This has actually been on my mind a lot lately. I would love to live in Ireland for a while. Probably in or near Dublin. DH is from there and I absolutely love it there. Fun fact: Our children will qualify for citizenship, and since I'm married to an Irish citizen, I could become one if I lived there for 3 years. But my family is here and we have a beautiful house on a big river that I'm very attached to. And our jobs are here. It's a dilemma.
TTC#1 since Jan 2015 BFP 2/19/15 • MMC found at 9 wks • D&E at 11 wks (age 36) BFP 8/29/15 • CP (age 37)
BFP 11/18/15 • DD born at 41 weeks (age 37/38)
TTC#2 since May 2017 BFP 10/18/17 • MMC found at 8 wks • Misoprostal at 10.5 wks (age 39) BFP 2/16/18 • CP (age 39) BFP 4/13/18 • CP (age 39) BFP 5/07/18 • MMC found at 10.5 wks • D&E at 11.5 wks • Testing showed it was a girl with Trisomy 22. (age 39/40) 9/5/18 Diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (4-5 follicles, one ovary had none and was very atrophied) RE says the low egg count is likely causing my recurrent pregnancy loss. Less eggs results in more aneuploidy. BFP 9/24/18 • CP (age 40)
BFP 5/11/19 • Fraternal twins • MMC found at 10w5d (Baby A 6w, Baby B 10w) • Misoprostal at 11 weeks (age 41)
@lillebowski23 - I totally want to know what brand nursing bra you ordered! I'm still struggling with finding a comfortable bra and have given up momentarily. I'm basically living in $5 cotton sports bras from Walmart but that won't work when baby is here and demanding the boob all the time.
*update: I failed the glucose test. I need to go in on Wednesday to do the 3-hour test. I'm seriously so bummed about this because I've really made a point to eat super healthy this pregnancy - no sugary treats, lots of protein, minimal carbs, etc. Blah.
ME: 36 (PCOS), DH: excellent SA NTNP since 11/12, actively trying since 8/14
m/c @ 7w (4/22/14), m/c @ 6w (11/19/14) 11/15: Letrozole, Ovidrel, TI = BFP!!! Beta #1(14dpo)=349, Beta #2(18dpo)=2,805 12/17/15: Got to see the heartbeat (105bpm)! 1/25/16: NT scan = normal (HB=163bpm) EDD: 8/10/16 8/8/16: Baby boy born @ 12:25am, 8lbs, 20.5 inches 5/18/17: BFP!!! (11dpo) Beta #1(12dpo)=176.4, Beta #2(15dpo)=607.1
@jilligan14 oh noooooooo I'm sorry I really don't do well with sugar on an empty stomach either so I talked my midwife into an alternative test. I'm doing the H1c test as a screening and fingerpricks for 2 weeks if I need to for diagnosis. That sucks to have to do 3 hour it's one of my biggest nightmares hopefully you will pass with flying colors!!
Ugh @jilligan14 I feel ur pain on not passing the glucose. I did the finger pricks for 2 weeks and was fine. But even with eating healthy, there's sugar secretly in so much plus I learned you need a certain balance of carbs. It all just sucks:(
Wow, @jilligan14-- I didn't see that coming! I hope the next test goes better!
TTC#1 since Jan 2015 BFP 2/19/15 • MMC found at 9 wks • D&E at 11 wks (age 36) BFP 8/29/15 • CP (age 37)
BFP 11/18/15 • DD born at 41 weeks (age 37/38)
TTC#2 since May 2017 BFP 10/18/17 • MMC found at 8 wks • Misoprostal at 10.5 wks (age 39) BFP 2/16/18 • CP (age 39) BFP 4/13/18 • CP (age 39) BFP 5/07/18 • MMC found at 10.5 wks • D&E at 11.5 wks • Testing showed it was a girl with Trisomy 22. (age 39/40) 9/5/18 Diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (4-5 follicles, one ovary had none and was very atrophied) RE says the low egg count is likely causing my recurrent pregnancy loss. Less eggs results in more aneuploidy. BFP 9/24/18 • CP (age 40)
BFP 5/11/19 • Fraternal twins • MMC found at 10w5d (Baby A 6w, Baby B 10w) • Misoprostal at 11 weeks (age 41)
@createillumination -- baby girl has been transverse each time we have gone for an ultrasound. It's not my fave either... Hope your guys flips around for ya!
@jilligan14--shoot! I hope you pass the 3 hour... I didn't see that coming either!
at the in-laws now. Hiding in the bathroom for a minute of me time. Haha. Will do the whole check-in tonight. Maybe while I'm up with pregsomnia. Ha! I don't think I have slept a whole night more than a handful of times in over three years. Insomnia started when I was pregnant with LO and he wakes up almost every night still. With no caffeine, I sometimes wonder how I am still standing, let alone remaining mostly cheerful. Mama-miracle or something!
Oh @jilligan14 - that sucks. Did you fail by a lot or just barely? I hope you pass the 3 hour. The three hour was DREADFUL for me when I had to do it with my first pregnancy - but I also HAD gestational diabetes, so my sugar went pretty high and then bottomed out after the fact. I hope yours is not so dreadful. I know you're at increased risk due to PCOS, but I honestly thought with your healthy eating, you'd be fine. Total bummer. BUT, you know if you need any tips, I'm your girl!
*** Child & current pregnancy mentioned ***
Me - 41 (PCOS), Hubby - 43 (healthy)
7/2013 - Sweet baby girl born (Clomid + TI)
3/2014 - TTC #2, return to RE 7/2014
12/2015: IVF #1 transferred two great looking embryos - BFP!
First ultrasound: TWO beautiful little heartbeats!!
Harmony: negative; level 2: babies look great and are boy/girl!
How are you feeling? Pregnancy wise I'm feeling okay. Still with aches and pains (hips, round ligament, pubic bone), heartburn is still controlled with meds, blood sugars have been good on the same dose of bedtime insulin (even after I stress ate three servings of cheetos yesterday - oops!), babies are moving like crazy. Overall health wise, I'm shocked at the amount of snot that one person can blow from their nose (TMI?). Still having a frequent cough too. I'm hoping this doesn't linger for weeks. Sore throat is gone though, so the antibiotics for Strep must be working.
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space? Ugh! These poor kids. Seriously though, we need to get a second crib. I'm torn between keeping the jungle animal theme we had for Emmy or trying to make it even a little different. I'm thinking it will be the same. They won't know, right?
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) OB appointment on Monday with ultrasound. I don't have anything scheduled beyond that, but I'm due for a growth scan at 28 weeks and then I think I start every 2 week appointments.
Raves: We ordered and received our second car seat. It's sitting in our entryway. It's getting real that I'm going to have two babies. I keep reading about how awful the first 6 months are with twins. I need to stop reading blogs and stuff. It's starting to scare me.
Rant: My hubby is on a long weekend trip to Montana with his dad and two brothers. It's been planned since before we even got pregnant. It's just such crappy timing with me being sick and SO freaking pregnant. My daughter is also firmly in the terrible twos and I'm not very patient these days. Not a good combination. My hubby can sense when I've come to the end of my rope and just steps in and takes over with her, but now he's not here. Hopefully we both survive.
GTKY: If all things were made easy, and you could step right into life in a new city in the same circumstances you live in now, what city would you live in for one year and why? Would you live abroad? I'd probably want to live somewhere in Ireland or Scotland. I've only been to each once, but I loved the people, the scenery, the whole vibe of both countries.
*** Child & current pregnancy mentioned ***
Me - 41 (PCOS), Hubby - 43 (healthy)
7/2013 - Sweet baby girl born (Clomid + TI)
3/2014 - TTC #2, return to RE 7/2014
12/2015: IVF #1 transferred two great looking embryos - BFP!
First ultrasound: TWO beautiful little heartbeats!!
Harmony: negative; level 2: babies look great and are boy/girl!
@createillumination and @lillebowski23 how could you tell when baby was transverse? Maybe it's too early for me to tell, but she was transverse at my a/s last week. I do feel kicks up top and center so figured she was head down, but she just had her legs reaching up.
Looks like everyone was up all night long! I only just woke up from my post-pregsomnia coma after being up half the night. Sorry to be late this morning ladies!
How far along are you? 23w 5d
How are you feeling? Physically, pretty good! I'm pretty tired from traveling, but loving my belly and loving when I feel baby girl. I can't wait until movement is more consistent. It really is my favorite thing.
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space? Baby will use lo's crib, eventually, and will share a room with him....so that's all done. still deciding what I want to do in our room for the first several months. I'm thinking of sidecar-ing a mini crib to our bed.
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) regular appointment on Monday. I'm curious to hear my OB's take on the info from our a/s redo with the MFM. We left there feeling so encouraged. I hope she has the same take on things that he does!
Rants/Raves/Questions: I LOVE travel and adventure, but I feel like DH and I have different styles and are still working out how to travel and adventure well together. This trip has been mostly fun, and we have seen amazing things, but there have also been bumps. At this point, I'm just ready to be home and finish getting my summer course prepared.
GTKY: If all things were made easy, and you could step right into life in a new city in the same circumstances you live in now, what city would you live in for one year and why? Would you live abroad?
I have been been thinking about this all night! My first instinct was Dublin. Then, London. But then I thought more and I think I'd love to go back to Moscow. My heart was so captured by that city when I visited in '89 and I think the challenge would be fun. Plus, @redheadbride15 could give me tips! I definitely hope to get back there someday! Not sure about the food though. If I was deciding just on the basis of food, I'd move to Paris in a flash! Give me all the awesome cheese and bread and wine!!!!!l
love these updates! Maybe this is weird, but I've missed you all while I've been in the boonies!
@BernieRae i was having some unusual discomfort in my sides around the time of a monthly OB appt and she said the baby was tranverse. I think I was 27/28 weeks. My last appointment she was head up bum down. So the kid moves a lot!
@jilligan14 the wireless bra is from Q-T intimates. I got it theu Zulilly and I think it was via the LLL seller. I am wearing it now as I am about to head out for a walk so we'll see how it feels after that! The bandeau is from LLL.
@createillumination- Agggghhhh! I'm so jealous that you get to take an alternative test! I actually just wrote to my midwife seeing if there was any possible alternative to me having to take the sugar drink again (such as finger pricks/daily monitoring). We'll see what she says but my practice seems pretty traditional, even the midwives like to stick to the rules/protocol. Blah!
@emsmama15 - My level was 167 and the midwife said she wanted to see it below 135. So it was definitely above the threshold but not sure if that's super high in the scheme of things? Sorry you still aren't feeling 100%! I agree that having twins can seem super overwhelming - just take one day at a time. I think you're really doing great with it all!
Thanks all for the support. I really think this glucose test is insane since I don't EVER eat or drink refined sugar products. I mean, I avoid refined sugar like it's the plague - I check all labels (even things like salsa, spaghetti sauce, etc.) so of course this drink was a total and complete shock to my system. I seriously had to sleep the whole day and I wasn't that much fun to be around that evening. So I just have this feeling that my body will keep responding poorly just because it's not used to such a high level of sugar at once. I'm so dreading losing another day to a "sugar crash" and I really hope my midwife will just let me move straight to daily monitoring.
ME: 36 (PCOS), DH: excellent SA NTNP since 11/12, actively trying since 8/14
m/c @ 7w (4/22/14), m/c @ 6w (11/19/14) 11/15: Letrozole, Ovidrel, TI = BFP!!! Beta #1(14dpo)=349, Beta #2(18dpo)=2,805 12/17/15: Got to see the heartbeat (105bpm)! 1/25/16: NT scan = normal (HB=163bpm) EDD: 8/10/16 8/8/16: Baby boy born @ 12:25am, 8lbs, 20.5 inches 5/18/17: BFP!!! (11dpo) Beta #1(12dpo)=176.4, Beta #2(15dpo)=607.1
feeling pretty good. Morning sickness is gone, need to get back to the gym now I think. DD woke up with a fever so nervous about what she has and catching it
We will move DD into a big girl room and re-purpose her nursery for a boy. It's already green so maybe just need to get a few blue things and we will be done
Had my early anatomy scan and everything looked good. Was re-tested for the big E antigen and it came back positive again but when we repeated the tieter they couldn't detect anything again so I guess that's good news. Means my blood isn't producing enough antibodies to be a problem so my hope is baby boy does not have a blood type that will be an issue.
no rants or raves
if I could go anywhere I think Id actually stay where I am. I love Santa Cruz. I can't think of anywhere else that would be as perfect for us. I wish we had a bigger shopping mall but I guess that's not a big deal ha ha.
How are you feeling? People ask me this all the time now. It's everyone's new "hi". Pregnancy wise I'm doing well. I do think I have a little cold though.
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space? It is thought out and we have a pile of baby shi stuff in a spare room. We have the glider and dresser, but still need the crib. We also want to get a rug and a footstool. Everything needs to get moved to what will be her room and then move all of that guest room stuff out. I hope we can do this soon. I think once we have things set up I will be easier to see what we still need/want.
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Nope
Rants/Raves/Questions: mood *ETA ha! This was supposed to say nope.
GTKY: If all things were made easy, and you could step right into life in a new city in the same circumstances you live in now, what city would you live in for one year and why? Would you live abroad?
I like Portland, but I guess I'd try a lot of different places for a year. It would be hard to pass up an opportunity like that. Nothing specific comes to mind, but a warmer and sunnier climate would be nice as long as it wasn't very humid. @createillumination -maybe San Diego I'm also curious about what it would be like to be back in the Chicago area. I don't really want to move back there, but I wonder how it would be, being back there married with a child.
@BernieRae San Diego makes a great babymoon destination!!! Come visit anytime!
re: transverse baby- for some reason it just doesn't feel right when I walk and move around like when he is vertical. He stretches out like a cat and that hurts. Also he was kicking my bladder forever, but now the kicks and punches are on the sides like lillebowski said.
My kicks and punches are mostly on the sides, but at my u/s's the baby is always vertical. Which is why I'm convinced she has legs sticking out from her sides. That's going to make for a difficult delivery.
TTC#1 since Jan 2015 BFP 2/19/15 • MMC found at 9 wks • D&E at 11 wks (age 36) BFP 8/29/15 • CP (age 37)
BFP 11/18/15 • DD born at 41 weeks (age 37/38)
TTC#2 since May 2017 BFP 10/18/17 • MMC found at 8 wks • Misoprostal at 10.5 wks (age 39) BFP 2/16/18 • CP (age 39) BFP 4/13/18 • CP (age 39) BFP 5/07/18 • MMC found at 10.5 wks • D&E at 11.5 wks • Testing showed it was a girl with Trisomy 22. (age 39/40) 9/5/18 Diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (4-5 follicles, one ovary had none and was very atrophied) RE says the low egg count is likely causing my recurrent pregnancy loss. Less eggs results in more aneuploidy. BFP 9/24/18 • CP (age 40)
BFP 5/11/19 • Fraternal twins • MMC found at 10w5d (Baby A 6w, Baby B 10w) • Misoprostal at 11 weeks (age 41)
How are you feeling? I have a cold with runny nose/congestion/cough/headache which is really annoying, especially in light of concerns about my BP and ruling out pre-eclampsia... as I've detailed below. I need it to go away so I can actually tell if I'm having any concerning pregnancy-related symptoms.
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space? We shoved a pack'n'play in the corner of our bedroom. That's it!
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) I'm okay now, but I had a terrible appointment yesterday which resulted in almost a full day of testing and me reaching a point of full-on hysteria. My regular OB
was out so I had to see someone else. I got a call half an hour before
my appointment saying that the other OB wanted me to come in early for
an ultrasound because my BP had been high at the past two visits and she
was concerned. I was like "well, my regular OB isn't concerned because
my home BPs have been fine and I haven't been having any concerning
symptoms" but nope, she still wanted the ultrasound. So, I go in but the
ultrasound is running over an hour behind schedule. The ultrasound is
generally fine but baby is measuring slightly small - 15th percentile.
I'm starting to freak out a bit now.. I go back out to the waiting room,
wait another 30 min to see the OB (have been in the office for 2.5
hours at this point). By the time I finally get into the room I'm in
tears and my BP is (of course) 150/100. 2 other people come in and check
my BP so by this point I'm having a full-on panic attack. The OB comes
in, barely introduces herself, and tells me she's going to call the MFM
(high risk doctor) to come talk to me about induction because baby is
too small and my BP is in a dangerous range. I'm like "hell no" and
through my sobs try to explain to her everything that my regular OB
knows - that my BP gets high when I'm anxious in the office. My BP that very morning at home had been 124/82, and that a single reading of 15th percentile without a
worsening trend is basically meaningless (some babies have to be small, right?). Please just let me go home. Eventually we compromise on
getting blood work and doing a 24 hour urine collection to rule out
pre-eclampsia, starting modified bed rest at home, and following up with a
non-stress test for Monday. Blood work was normal. My BP has still never
been higher than 130/90 at home. Tomorrow I get to spend the day peeing in a giant jug. I'm just happy I'll be able to see my
regular OB next week. Above everything I want baby to be safe, but I would also really like to make it to 38 weeks, and better yet I'd like to avoid an induction altogether.
Rants/Raves/Questions: I think I covered that above...
GTKY:
If all things were made easy, and you could step right into life in a
new city in the same circumstances you live in now, what city would you
live in for one year and why? Would you live abroad? I wouldn't live in a city! I'd live in a little log cabin in the mountains in Montana, Idaho, or Wyoming and spend all of my time hiking, backpacking, rafting, snowshoeing and skiing.
Me: 40 DH: 43 Married 5/30/15 TTC #1 June 2015 BFP #1 9/28/15, EDD 6/10/16. DS born 5/23/16! TTC #2 May 2017 BFP #2 m/c 11/18/17 5w5d BFP #3 12/17/17 EDD 8/25/18. It's a boy!
Oh my goodness, @redheadbride15 ! I'm so sorry about your experience. I know you know this, but the MFM I saw said he doesn't worry unless babies are below 10%. Ours was measuring 15th and then 21st and he said he thought growth was looking great! Some babies do, indeed, have to be small!
i hope the Urine collection isn't too awful and that you get the all clear next week. The bookends of pregnancy can be so stressful. But you're getting so close to baby in your arms, which makes it alllll worth it.
Take good care and I hope you can get some good rest. Keep us updated on how things go next week..:
Ugh @redheadbride15, what a terrible day yesterday, I'm so sorry you had to meet with a different dr., and how unprofessional. Is your practice the kind that shares dr's, i.e. If you go into labor and your dr is unavailable you have anyone from the practice? I would make that known that you are not interested in seeing this dr again...ever. And as you know my babe measured in the 7th%, 2 weeks later was 14%, and also as you told me, these tests are inaccurate. Do you have an appointment to see your dr this week? It sounds like your OB is not worried so I'd go with that feeling for today, hang in there momma.
feeling...done. I've caught the cold my son had, my husband caught the cough, I've been using afrin at night, no comments, I need the little sleep I can get.
still need to set up her pnp in the corner of our room, to be honest if my husband comes home from the hospital and sets it up that's cool with me. I don't want to stare at it for 2 weeks and have it take up a large chunk of our room. All clothes are washed though, progress. If car seat base gets put in tomorrow I'll feel accomplished:)
this his is a rant. I'm sick of my husbands job and schedule, grrrr. One more year, but the army just give us zero control. He's had to work the mast 2 weekends, and late mon-wed this week. I had a full meltdown yesterday when he told me this, I'm just done, having contractions, more then tired. I haven't had a breakdown yet, so I was due. Poor guy, not his fault but who else to take it out on? Plus he gets TWO days off for my CS, I'll be in the hospital for 4, and the a week off starting July 1, family planning in this life is just a joke.
hmmm, live for a year, and it's a place we've been? I love Charleston, sc, also lived in SF for a couple years after college, if it wasn't so damn expensive, I'd say there, it would be such a different experience with a family.
@redheadbride15 man oh man that sucks! And with all the house hunting stuff you must be stressed to your limit! Don't let that OB bully you and listen to your body and intuition. I know this might sound corny, so only take what you want from my statement: this could be a great opportunity to practice breathing, relaxing, and surrendering. I always look a tough situations as opportunities to get to the next level of where I need to be. That doesn't mean that I'm not horribly uncomfortable and stressed, but if I can step back even just a little bit and see how ridiculous everything is, that usually helps me. And again you do you- you don't have to listen to a word I say!!! I would highly recommend the Bhramari meditation for you right now. Just practice three minutes and see if it changes anything. It's a sweet meditation that can be practiced with a stuffy nose and is specific for reducing stress in pregnancy.
Let us know if there's any other way we can help you out! Sending you all the good thoughts and vibes!
@Wyattnash00 I think it's criminal that you can't have your DH's support at such a precious time! And 2days post C-section is nowhere near adequate, I'm angry for you! Let us know if there's anything we can do for you
@Wyattnash00 -- sounds like you totally earned that breakdown. Dang! The military really does need to do better for its families. Will you have your parents or in-laws there to help? Wish we were all nearby and could lend a hand.
Awwww. Really heart you guys!!! Wish you could all be here:) My mother in law will be here the week im in the hospital then mine for 2 weeks, thank heavens. But most likely hubs will have 2of4 days off I'm in the hospital. I've learned a lot in these 5 military years, will make us appreciate the 'real' works SOOO much more!
@Wyattnash00BOO for your hubby's terrible working hours and leave policy. I'm glad you two only have a year left. Hugs for you! Hang in there! We are both SO CLOSE! And yes, my OB is a sharing practice but it's a HUGE practice (like 30 docs) so the chance of seeing her again is pretty low. Honestly I think she's probably a good doctor, but her style is WAY more cautious and I had gotten used to my OB who is very minimal in her approach - I have actually been surprised by the lack of extra monitoring or tests that she has recommended. So I was totally taken off guard.
Thanks for your support, everyone. I'm not gonna lie... these last few weeks of pregnancy are the pits. I'm letting DH take on the house hunt for now. Despite everything going on we're still going to put in a bid on another house... we can't really afford to stop the fight.
@createilluminationI LOVE your meditation recommendations. DH and I have actually been meditating daily for the past month or so - basic deep breathing mindfulness stuff. It's really hard, but I do think it's helpful. The Bhramari technique is new to me though - thanks for sharing! I'll give it a whirl.
Me: 40 DH: 43 Married 5/30/15 TTC #1 June 2015 BFP #1 9/28/15, EDD 6/10/16. DS born 5/23/16! TTC #2 May 2017 BFP #2 m/c 11/18/17 5w5d BFP #3 12/17/17 EDD 8/25/18. It's a boy!
I'm only 30 weeks, but with this feet/ankle swelling and general achiness and malaise today, I'm feeling so done. @redheadbride15 and @Wyattnash00 I can't imagine what you guys feel like right now. I'm sorry you're both dealing with unpleasant stuff. Me and my hobbit feet wish you well!
TTC#1 since Jan 2015 BFP 2/19/15 • MMC found at 9 wks • D&E at 11 wks (age 36) BFP 8/29/15 • CP (age 37)
BFP 11/18/15 • DD born at 41 weeks (age 37/38)
TTC#2 since May 2017 BFP 10/18/17 • MMC found at 8 wks • Misoprostal at 10.5 wks (age 39) BFP 2/16/18 • CP (age 39) BFP 4/13/18 • CP (age 39) BFP 5/07/18 • MMC found at 10.5 wks • D&E at 11.5 wks • Testing showed it was a girl with Trisomy 22. (age 39/40) 9/5/18 Diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (4-5 follicles, one ovary had none and was very atrophied) RE says the low egg count is likely causing my recurrent pregnancy loss. Less eggs results in more aneuploidy. BFP 9/24/18 • CP (age 40)
BFP 5/11/19 • Fraternal twins • MMC found at 10w5d (Baby A 6w, Baby B 10w) • Misoprostal at 11 weeks (age 41)
Oh, the hobbit feet. Seriously my least-favorite pregnancy symptom. Can't wait to have them in July and August Which, I'm guessing, is what it is already like for you in Florida!. hang in there, @CarrieandRoy !
I was hoping I'd have normal feet when I woke up, but one of them is still puffy. I'm sure they will swell up to hobbit size as soon as I walk around. It is hot in Florida, but not in the a/c, so I can't blame it on that.
TTC#1 since Jan 2015 BFP 2/19/15 • MMC found at 9 wks • D&E at 11 wks (age 36) BFP 8/29/15 • CP (age 37)
BFP 11/18/15 • DD born at 41 weeks (age 37/38)
TTC#2 since May 2017 BFP 10/18/17 • MMC found at 8 wks • Misoprostal at 10.5 wks (age 39) BFP 2/16/18 • CP (age 39) BFP 4/13/18 • CP (age 39) BFP 5/07/18 • MMC found at 10.5 wks • D&E at 11.5 wks • Testing showed it was a girl with Trisomy 22. (age 39/40) 9/5/18 Diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (4-5 follicles, one ovary had none and was very atrophied) RE says the low egg count is likely causing my recurrent pregnancy loss. Less eggs results in more aneuploidy. BFP 9/24/18 • CP (age 40)
BFP 5/11/19 • Fraternal twins • MMC found at 10w5d (Baby A 6w, Baby B 10w) • Misoprostal at 11 weeks (age 41)
Shoot, @CarrieandRoy It happened to me with my son when it was still snowing out, so I hear ya that the heat isn't always the culprit. Mine pretty much stayed puffy for the last couple months of the pregnancy. Now that I'm thinking about it more, though, one thing that helped--and just felt good!--was doing Epsom salt soaks for my feet. I would get a little tub and mix Epsom salts into lukewarm water and just soak. It seemed to draw away some of the swelling.
@redheadbride15 - sorry you had to go through all that. It's tough when each doctor has a different approach. Glad you worked out a solution for now until you can talk to your regular OB.
@Wyattnash00 - I so wish we could organize a team of us to travel around and help support each other. Glad you're going to have some support from MIL and your own mama.
@CarrieandRoy - oh no, hobbit feet! You are always a few steps ahead of me so I always know what's to come. I actually tend to have hairy toes (I know, gross) and imagine I won't be able to shave them once I get bigger so I really will have true hobbit feet. Fun times.
I know I've brought up bra issues many times, but was reading that you should measure yourself at 8 months and then go up a cup size (to account for when your milk comes in) when shopping for a nursing bra. But what about the expanded rib cage? I mean, won't my rib cage shrink back down after baby is here, which will affect my band size? My band measurement has definitely increased by at least 3 or so inches during the pregnancy and I have no idea how quickly it will take to go back to my pre-pregnancy band size. Do any moms have any experience with this? I kind of want to have at least one nursing bra on hand so I'm not stuck having to walk around completely topless. Although I'm sure DH wouldn't complain about that
ME: 36 (PCOS), DH: excellent SA NTNP since 11/12, actively trying since 8/14
m/c @ 7w (4/22/14), m/c @ 6w (11/19/14) 11/15: Letrozole, Ovidrel, TI = BFP!!! Beta #1(14dpo)=349, Beta #2(18dpo)=2,805 12/17/15: Got to see the heartbeat (105bpm)! 1/25/16: NT scan = normal (HB=163bpm) EDD: 8/10/16 8/8/16: Baby boy born @ 12:25am, 8lbs, 20.5 inches 5/18/17: BFP!!! (11dpo) Beta #1(12dpo)=176.4, Beta #2(15dpo)=607.1
@jilligan14The nursing bras that I got (Bravado) have SUPER adjustable bands that can easily accommodate a difference of 3 inches. I don't know about other brands, but I'd specifically look for ones that have multiple sets of hooks (I think these have 5 sets). I've also gone up a band size (34 to 36) during pregnancy and I'm currently wearing them at one of the loser settings but I know I can tighten them if needed later.
Also, I have hairy toes too. But amazingly NO swelling even now pushing 38 weeks and having BP problems. I was also cracking up at the image of hobbit feet @CarrieandRoy
My regular OB was kind enough to give me a call this morning, and it made me feel much better talking to a familiar voice. Still planning a bunch of tests for the week, taking things one day at a time. I'm coming around to the idea of a possible induction. Honestly, I think I may welcome it so that I don't have to worry any more.
Me: 40 DH: 43 Married 5/30/15 TTC #1 June 2015 BFP #1 9/28/15, EDD 6/10/16. DS born 5/23/16! TTC #2 May 2017 BFP #2 m/c 11/18/17 5w5d BFP #3 12/17/17 EDD 8/25/18. It's a boy!
@jilligan14-- I stopped in at a local store that does lactation consulting and sells nursing bras, etc and their recommendation was to come in about 6-8 weeks post-partum to get fitted. That allows some time for ribs to move back and for milk to regulate. That said, so long as the band is pretty adjustable, I bet you'd be fine to do the other thing too. Last time, I just used some bras I had from motherhood maternity that we really stretchy, along with nursing tanks and then bought some cheap nursing bras. This time, I will probably start out the same, but then go invest in some really good ones once my supply regulates since I nursed my son for almost two years.
also, a traveling support team sounds awesome! I wish we could do that!
@redheadbride--I'm so glad you got to talk to your regular OB. And, I absolutely found that I was more and more willing to do whatever I needed to in order to ensure baby's safety and mine last time around. At some point, the worrying is totally worse than the doing the thing you didn't think you wanted to do. I'm glad you have an OB you like and trust as you work through making these choices. Trust your gut. Mama instinct is real.
Finally got a break from conference stuff to post!
26 weeks
I no longer walk, I waddle. Muscles are a bit sore from all the walking around SF over the past few days and not having all my sleep props from home, but otherwise hanging in there! Still freaking a bit about early preterm labor, especially after lurking on my bmb and seeing a few of the women had 25-26 week preemies. Terrifying...
Our nursery is basically a converted walk in closet with a window. It just barely fits a crib and changing table, so it's small but sufficient. My dad painted it a lovely sea blue-greenish color and I threw a yellow rug in. I'm calling it pretty much done! At some point I'll put shelves and prints on the wall, but LO will be in our room for a couple months anyway, so no rush.
next midwife appointment is in a couple weeks. I get to do the dreaded GD test then. It's also my last 4-week appt. can't believe how fast everything is moving!
my rant is that I'm tired and ready to go home after more than a week of travel (some with the toddler, some without). My rave is that SF is beautiful! I went to a taqueria in the Mission bc we can't get decent Mexican in VT and the proprietor gave me a flower "for the baby." It was very sweet. I'm sitting in Dolores park now with an incredible view of the city! Life could be worse!
I think of the places I've been, I'd pick Cape Town to live in for a year. I studied abroad in South Africa and it has such a complex history and diverse population. The city is stunningly beautiful and it just seems like the kind of place you could explore every day for a year and still find something new and interesting to see or do.
@redheadbride15 I'm so sorry to hear about your awful ordeal with the BP. I'm glad you're such a good self advocate; I've seen too many women get pushed into unnecessary interventions. 15th percentile sounds totally fine. My guy was in the 3rd and did great - natural birth, no complications, no NICU time. As you know, their methods of determining baby weight are notoriously unreliable anyway. Sounds like you have a good plan going forward!
@Wyattnash00, so sorry you're struggling with DH's schedule. Pregnancy + toddler to chase is hard enough without the added stress. I hope you find the support you need to get through those critical first weeks. I won't go too political on you , but this just underscored why we need a major political shift (you might guess what my political leanings are given where I'm from ! Anyway, it's just criminal that there is not mandatory paid family leave for at least the first few months!
@CarrieandRoy, look in the bright side...at least you can't see your hobbit feet bc of the bump!
Also, forget to say I'm sorry about failing the GD test, @jilligan14! I have a very strong suspicion you'd pass the longer one and your blood sugar is probably fine. But what a pain! Fingers crossed your providers don't make you do the 3-hour!
Re: Weekly Check In 5/20
How are you feeling? Pretty good, the usual suspects of pregsomnia and hip pain remain. Little man decided to go transverse in my uterus a couple days ago, and I am wishing for him to go back head down or even feet down, transverse is no bueno!
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space? I have done nothing!!!! I am looking at gliders online and that's about it.
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Midwife appointment yesterday but nothing to report. Next appointment is a bunch of blood and urine tests- ye haw.
Rants/Raves/Questions:
GTKY: If all things were made easy, and you could step right into life in a new city in the same circumstances you live in now, what city would you live in for one year and why? Would you live abroad?
I would love love to live in Rio de Janeiro for a year (minus the whole zika thing of course.) I have visited a bunch of times and I am just so in love with the city and the people. I used to speak fluent portuguese from living in portugal for 2 years, but now I have lost most of it. Being abel to speak the language there makes a huge difference in the experience with the people, they love it when you even just try to speak portuguese.
The shopping in Rio is to die for and the beach life is just so amazingly cool. You can go to the beach without a single beach "item" and buy everything you need from the vendors who roam the shores. Swimsuit, chair, umbrella, food whatever you need is on sale at the beach. The food is fantastic, and in Rio they are pretty focused on healthy living. The whole main street that runs parallel to the ocean shuts down to cars on sundays and everyone takes to the street to walk with family all day long. Night life is great, but who am I kidding I never make it past 9pm these days. I could wander that city for days perfectly happy and content. Even though it gets a bad rep for safety I have never once even had a hint of a problem there. However I would NEVER be in Rio during carnival, olympics, word cup ect...that is too much.
How far along are you? 28 weeks, 1 day! 3rd trimester!
How are you feeling? Pretty exhausted but most of it's from the show I directed last weekend. I slept most of yesterday and was a total slug for the rest of the day/evening but part of that was from the glucola drink. I hate sugar.
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space? Can't do anything yet since we have a roommate in our spare room. We told him he has to move out by July 1st. I'm itching to start the nesting process. I've just started setting aside some money so I can buy the big items: crib, changing table, rocking chair, etc.
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Had check-up yesterday. Heartbeat was good, my belly measurement was good, blood pressure good, weight good. Midwife says I'm just "perfect". I loved hearing that. I have an ultrasound next week to see if my placenta has moved away from my cervix.
Rants/Raves/Questions: I'm feeling baby kick more regularly. He was very quiet last week from Tuesday-Friday and I totally freaked out and called the nurse. She had me do the kick count thing (after drinking something sweet) and I did feel 10 kicks in an hour, they were just so subtle and soft. But starting Saturday night he's taken up acrobatic kung fu fighting and my belly is like a wave pool. It's so wonderful and makes me giggle, smile, laugh, screech, and/or cry every time. DH LOVES feeling him too and has all of the same reactions as I do. What a truly wonderful experience.
GTKY: If all things were made easy, and you could step right into life in a new city in the same circumstances you live in now, what city would you live in for one year and why? Would you live abroad?
I used to live in New Zealand and I absolutely love the quaint, sunny town Nelson but never felt like I could live there permanently because I wasn't sure how I'd make a living. But I dream of living there all the time, especially because my family still lives there and I miss them a lot. Plus Nelson is one of the sunniest places on Earth. There's also a lot of awesome hikes, lakes, rivers, the gorgeous ocean, and cool, hip little cafes. I just love it there.
NTNP since 11/12, actively trying since 8/14
11/15: Letrozole, Ovidrel, TI = BFP!!!
Beta #1(14dpo)=349, Beta #2(18dpo)=2,805
12/17/15: Got to see the heartbeat (105bpm)!
1/25/16: NT scan = normal (HB=163bpm)
EDD: 8/10/16
8/8/16: Baby boy born @ 12:25am, 8lbs, 20.5 inches
5/18/17: BFP!!! (11dpo)
Beta #1(12dpo)=176.4, Beta #2(15dpo)=607.1
How far along are you? 33 weeks 2 days
How are you feeling? My body is not feeling this whole being active thing. I have been really tired, irritable, and having major back pain off and on all week. I am starting to take naps because I have to, my body literally just says, "nope. You aren't doing any more things for the next half an hour."
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space? Welp, now that I had my shower, I've been reorganizing everything. I did an epic amount of laundry and am sorting thru all the baby clothes. I figure I'll have all the newborn and 3 month stuff easily accessible with the 3-6 month and 6-9 mo stuff at the ready. Everything else seems mostly in order, i have the diapering station set up, diaper bags loaded with thing, the bassinet is ready, all the feeding and bra stuff seems to be worked out. In this sense, I feel really prepared. As far as other baby stuff... slightly less prepared!
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Next OB appointment is next Thursday! In June I will go weekly until Baby Amy's arrival. Hard to believe she will be here soon... sometimes I feel like it's not soon enough!
Rants/Raves/Questions: Some clothing raves: I just got a delivery of nursing bras and tanks from Zulilly. The bandeau bra is comfortable and supportive and still has a little extra give in the cup so that I can grow into it. Also I am thoroughly enjoying the wireless nursing bra I ordered as well, I don't remember the brand name so I'll have to look when I get home from work.
Also, for those of you who have not discovered the wonder of Lularoe, I highly recommend you find yourself a distributor. (You can go to their website and or find someone thru FB. I also don't mind doing referrals if anyone is interested) Their leggings, maxi skirts, and tunics are very comfortable and are excellent for all body types not just us pregnant ones. I plan to LIVE in the maxis this summer as they can double as a maxi tube dress... hence the bandeau bra! All their fabrics are really soft. I would recommend cold water wash and hang dry, but you don't have to do that, because, quite frankly, who has time to hang dry their clothes? Although maybe you prefer to do that in the warmer weather.
GTKY: If all things were made easy, and you could step right into life in a new city in the same circumstances you live in now, what city would you live in for one year and why? Would you live abroad? I would live in either London or Berlin for a year. I spent a significant amount of time in both cities as a young adult and would love to go back and experience them now that I am a little older and wiser. Although, some of my fondest memories of both cities include going to underground dance, jungle, Drum 'n' Bass clubs and dancing my face off... not sure if the ole bod can handle that any more. Berlin was so much fun and so interesting, plus there are some excellent restaurants there and I'd be able to hone up on my German. Plus it's relatively easy to travel to other places like Copenhagen, Vienna, and Warsaw from there... all of which are also pretty cool cities.
How are you feeling? Insomnia, fatigue, heartburn, Braxton Hicks
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space? I haven't done anything yet.
Any baby news? Just that I've graduated to the every-two-week appointments
Rave: The invitations went out yesterday for my baby shower. I'm getting excited. I'm not going to buy baby stuff until after the shower, but I can't wait to start getting everything set up and organized. I'm even starting to look forward to the delivery. I'm getting very curious about it. And curious about life with a baby.
GTKY: This has actually been on my mind a lot lately. I would love to live in Ireland for a while. Probably in or near Dublin. DH is from there and I absolutely love it there. Fun fact: Our children will qualify for citizenship, and since I'm married to an Irish citizen, I could become one if I lived there for 3 years. But my family is here and we have a beautiful house on a big river that I'm very attached to. And our jobs are here. It's a dilemma.
BFP 2/19/15 • MMC found at 9 wks • D&E at 11 wks (age 36)
BFP 8/29/15 • CP (age 37)
TTC#2 since May 2017
BFP 10/18/17 • MMC found at 8 wks • Misoprostal at 10.5 wks (age 39)
BFP 2/16/18 • CP (age 39)
BFP 4/13/18 • CP (age 39)
BFP 5/07/18 • MMC found at 10.5 wks • D&E at 11.5 wks • Testing showed it was a girl with Trisomy 22. (age 39/40)
9/5/18 Diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (4-5 follicles, one ovary had none and was very atrophied)
RE says the low egg count is likely causing my recurrent pregnancy loss. Less eggs results in more aneuploidy.
BFP 9/24/18 • CP (age 40)
*update: I failed the glucose test. I need to go in on Wednesday to do the 3-hour test. I'm seriously so bummed about this because I've really made a point to eat super healthy this pregnancy - no sugary treats, lots of protein, minimal carbs, etc. Blah.
NTNP since 11/12, actively trying since 8/14
11/15: Letrozole, Ovidrel, TI = BFP!!!
Beta #1(14dpo)=349, Beta #2(18dpo)=2,805
12/17/15: Got to see the heartbeat (105bpm)!
1/25/16: NT scan = normal (HB=163bpm)
EDD: 8/10/16
8/8/16: Baby boy born @ 12:25am, 8lbs, 20.5 inches
5/18/17: BFP!!! (11dpo)
Beta #1(12dpo)=176.4, Beta #2(15dpo)=607.1
BFP 2/19/15 • MMC found at 9 wks • D&E at 11 wks (age 36)
BFP 8/29/15 • CP (age 37)
TTC#2 since May 2017
BFP 10/18/17 • MMC found at 8 wks • Misoprostal at 10.5 wks (age 39)
BFP 2/16/18 • CP (age 39)
BFP 4/13/18 • CP (age 39)
BFP 5/07/18 • MMC found at 10.5 wks • D&E at 11.5 wks • Testing showed it was a girl with Trisomy 22. (age 39/40)
9/5/18 Diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (4-5 follicles, one ovary had none and was very atrophied)
RE says the low egg count is likely causing my recurrent pregnancy loss. Less eggs results in more aneuploidy.
BFP 9/24/18 • CP (age 40)
@jilligan14--shoot! I hope you pass the 3 hour... I didn't see that coming either!
at the in-laws now. Hiding in the bathroom for a minute of me time. Haha. Will do the whole check-in tonight. Maybe while I'm up with pregsomnia. Ha! I don't think I have slept a whole night more than a handful of times in over three years. Insomnia started when I was pregnant with LO and he wakes up almost every night still. With no caffeine, I sometimes wonder how I am still standing, let alone remaining mostly cheerful. Mama-miracle or something!
How are you feeling? Pregnancy wise I'm feeling okay. Still with aches and pains (hips, round ligament, pubic bone), heartburn is still controlled with meds, blood sugars have been good on the same dose of bedtime insulin (even after I stress ate three servings of cheetos yesterday - oops!), babies are moving like crazy. Overall health wise, I'm shocked at the amount of snot that one person can blow from their nose (TMI?). Still having a frequent cough too. I'm hoping this doesn't linger for weeks. Sore throat is gone though, so the antibiotics for Strep must be working.
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space? Ugh! These poor kids. Seriously though, we need to get a second crib. I'm torn between keeping the jungle animal theme we had for Emmy or trying to make it even a little different. I'm thinking it will be the same. They won't know, right?
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) OB appointment on Monday with ultrasound. I don't have anything scheduled beyond that, but I'm due for a growth scan at 28 weeks and then I think I start every 2 week appointments.
Raves: We ordered and received our second car seat. It's sitting in our entryway. It's getting real that I'm going to have two babies. I keep reading about how awful the first 6 months are with twins. I need to stop reading blogs and stuff. It's starting to scare me.
Rant: My hubby is on a long weekend trip to Montana with his dad and two brothers. It's been planned since before we even got pregnant. It's just such crappy timing with me being sick and SO freaking pregnant. My daughter is also firmly in the terrible twos and I'm not very patient these days. Not a good combination. My hubby can sense when I've come to the end of my rope and just steps in and takes over with her, but now he's not here. Hopefully we both survive.
GTKY: If all things were made easy, and you could step right into life in a new city in the same circumstances you live in now, what city would you live in for one year and why? Would you live abroad? I'd probably want to live somewhere in Ireland or Scotland. I've only been to each once, but I loved the people, the scenery, the whole vibe of both countries.
How far along are you? 23w 5d
How are you feeling? Physically, pretty good! I'm pretty tired from traveling, but loving my belly and loving when I feel baby girl. I can't wait until movement is more consistent. It really is my favorite thing.
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space? Baby will use lo's crib, eventually, and will share a room with him....so that's all done. still deciding what I want to do in our room for the first several months. I'm thinking of sidecar-ing a mini crib to our bed.
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) regular appointment on Monday. I'm curious to hear my OB's take on the info from our a/s redo with the MFM. We left there feeling so encouraged. I hope she has the same take on things that he does!
Rants/Raves/Questions: I LOVE travel and adventure, but I feel like DH and I have different styles and are still working out how to travel and adventure well together. This trip has been mostly fun, and we have seen amazing things, but there have also been bumps. At this point, I'm just ready to be home and finish getting my summer course prepared.
GTKY: If all things were made easy, and you could step right into life in a new city in the same circumstances you live in now, what city would you live in for one year and why? Would you live abroad?
I have been been thinking about this all night! My first instinct was Dublin. Then, London. But then I thought more and I think I'd love to go back to Moscow. My heart was so captured by that city when I visited in '89 and I think the challenge would be fun. Plus, @redheadbride15 could give me tips! I definitely hope to get back there someday! Not sure about the food though. If I was deciding just on the basis of food, I'd move to Paris in a flash! Give me all the awesome cheese and bread and wine!!!!!l
love these updates! Maybe this is weird, but I've missed you all while I've been in the boonies!
@jilligan14 the wireless bra is from Q-T intimates. I got it theu Zulilly and I think it was via the LLL seller. I am wearing it now as I am about to head out for a walk so we'll see how it feels after that! The bandeau is from LLL.
@emsmama15 - My level was 167 and the midwife said she wanted to see it below 135. So it was definitely above the threshold but not sure if that's super high in the scheme of things? Sorry you still aren't feeling 100%! I agree that having twins can seem super overwhelming - just take one day at a time. I think you're really doing great with it all!
Thanks all for the support. I really think this glucose test is insane since I don't EVER eat or drink refined sugar products. I mean, I avoid refined sugar like it's the plague - I check all labels (even things like salsa, spaghetti sauce, etc.) so of course this drink was a total and complete shock to my system. I seriously had to sleep the whole day and I wasn't that much fun to be around that evening. So I just have this feeling that my body will keep responding poorly just because it's not used to such a high level of sugar at once. I'm so dreading losing another day to a "sugar crash" and I really hope my midwife will just let me move straight to daily monitoring.
NTNP since 11/12, actively trying since 8/14
11/15: Letrozole, Ovidrel, TI = BFP!!!
Beta #1(14dpo)=349, Beta #2(18dpo)=2,805
12/17/15: Got to see the heartbeat (105bpm)!
1/25/16: NT scan = normal (HB=163bpm)
EDD: 8/10/16
8/8/16: Baby boy born @ 12:25am, 8lbs, 20.5 inches
5/18/17: BFP!!! (11dpo)
Beta #1(12dpo)=176.4, Beta #2(15dpo)=607.1
feeling pretty good. Morning sickness is gone, need to get back to the gym now I think. DD woke up with a fever so nervous about what she has and catching it
We will move DD into a big girl room and re-purpose her nursery for a boy. It's already green so maybe just need to get a few blue things and we will be done
Had my early anatomy scan and everything looked good. Was re-tested for the big E antigen and it came back positive again but when we repeated the tieter they couldn't detect anything again so I guess that's good news. Means my blood isn't producing enough antibodies to be a problem so my hope is baby boy does not have a blood type that will be an issue.
no rants or raves
if I could go anywhere I think Id actually stay where I am. I love Santa Cruz. I can't think of anywhere else that would be as perfect for us. I wish we had a bigger shopping mall but I guess that's not a big deal ha ha.
How are you feeling? People ask me this all the time now. It's everyone's new "hi". Pregnancy wise I'm doing well. I do think I have a little cold though.
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space? It is thought out and we have a pile of baby shi stuff in a spare room. We have the glider and dresser, but still need the crib. We also want to get a rug and a footstool. Everything needs to get moved to what will be her room and then move all of that guest room stuff out. I hope we can do this soon. I think once we have things set up I will be easier to see what we still need/want.
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) Nope
Rants/Raves/Questions: mood *ETA ha! This was supposed to say nope.
GTKY: If all things were made easy, and you could step right into life in a new city in the same circumstances you live in now, what city would you live in for one year and why? Would you live abroad?
I like Portland, but I guess I'd try a lot of different places for a year. It would be hard to pass up an opportunity like that. Nothing specific comes to mind, but a warmer and sunnier climate would be nice as long as it wasn't very humid. @createillumination -maybe San Diego I'm also curious about what it would be like to be back in the Chicago area. I don't really want to move back there, but I wonder how it would be, being back there married with a child.
re: transverse baby- for some reason it just doesn't feel right when I walk and move around like when he is vertical. He stretches out like a cat and that hurts. Also he was kicking my bladder forever, but now the kicks and punches are on the sides like lillebowski said.
BFP 2/19/15 • MMC found at 9 wks • D&E at 11 wks (age 36)
BFP 8/29/15 • CP (age 37)
TTC#2 since May 2017
BFP 10/18/17 • MMC found at 8 wks • Misoprostal at 10.5 wks (age 39)
BFP 2/16/18 • CP (age 39)
BFP 4/13/18 • CP (age 39)
BFP 5/07/18 • MMC found at 10.5 wks • D&E at 11.5 wks • Testing showed it was a girl with Trisomy 22. (age 39/40)
9/5/18 Diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (4-5 follicles, one ovary had none and was very atrophied)
RE says the low egg count is likely causing my recurrent pregnancy loss. Less eggs results in more aneuploidy.
BFP 9/24/18 • CP (age 40)
How are you feeling? I have a cold with runny nose/congestion/cough/headache which is really annoying, especially in light of concerns about my BP and ruling out pre-eclampsia... as I've detailed below. I need it to go away so I can actually tell if I'm having any concerning pregnancy-related symptoms.
Where are you at with your nursery/baby space? We shoved a pack'n'play in the corner of our bedroom. That's it!
Any baby news (tests results/scans/upcoming appointments?) I'm okay now, but I had a terrible appointment yesterday which resulted in almost a full day of testing and me reaching a point of full-on hysteria. My regular OB was out so I had to see someone else. I got a call half an hour before my appointment saying that the other OB wanted me to come in early for an ultrasound because my BP had been high at the past two visits and she was concerned. I was like "well, my regular OB isn't concerned because my home BPs have been fine and I haven't been having any concerning symptoms" but nope, she still wanted the ultrasound. So, I go in but the ultrasound is running over an hour behind schedule. The ultrasound is generally fine but baby is measuring slightly small - 15th percentile. I'm starting to freak out a bit now.. I go back out to the waiting room, wait another 30 min to see the OB (have been in the office for 2.5 hours at this point). By the time I finally get into the room I'm in tears and my BP is (of course) 150/100. 2 other people come in and check my BP so by this point I'm having a full-on panic attack. The OB comes in, barely introduces herself, and tells me she's going to call the MFM (high risk doctor) to come talk to me about induction because baby is too small and my BP is in a dangerous range. I'm like "hell no" and through my sobs try to explain to her everything that my regular OB knows - that my BP gets high when I'm anxious in the office. My BP that very morning at home had been 124/82, and that a single reading of 15th percentile without a worsening trend is basically meaningless (some babies have to be small, right?). Please just let me go home. Eventually we compromise on getting blood work and doing a 24 hour urine collection to rule out pre-eclampsia, starting modified bed rest at home, and following up with a non-stress test for Monday. Blood work was normal. My BP has still never been higher than 130/90 at home. Tomorrow I get to spend the day peeing in a giant jug. I'm just happy I'll be able to see my regular OB next week. Above everything I want baby to be safe, but I would also really like to make it to 38 weeks, and better yet I'd like to avoid an induction altogether.
Rants/Raves/Questions: I think I covered that above...
GTKY: If all things were made easy, and you could step right into life in a new city in the same circumstances you live in now, what city would you live in for one year and why? Would you live abroad?
I wouldn't live in a city! I'd live in a little log cabin in the mountains in Montana, Idaho, or Wyoming and spend all of my time hiking, backpacking, rafting, snowshoeing and skiing.
Married 5/30/15
TTC #1 June 2015
BFP #1 9/28/15, EDD 6/10/16. DS born 5/23/16!
TTC #2 May 2017
BFP #2 m/c 11/18/17 5w5d
BFP #3 12/17/17 EDD 8/25/18. It's a boy!
i hope the Urine collection isn't too awful and that you get the all clear next week. The bookends of pregnancy can be so stressful. But you're getting so close to baby in your arms, which makes it alllll worth it.
Take good care and I hope you can get some good rest. Keep us updated on how things go next week..:
feeling...done. I've caught the cold my son had, my husband caught the cough, I've been using afrin at night, no comments, I need the little sleep I can get.
still need to set up her pnp in the corner of our room, to be honest if my husband comes home from the hospital and sets it up that's cool with me. I don't want to stare at it for 2 weeks and have it take up a large chunk of our room. All clothes are washed though, progress. If car seat base gets put in tomorrow I'll feel accomplished:)
this his is a rant. I'm sick of my husbands job and schedule, grrrr. One more year, but the army just give us zero control. He's had to work the mast 2 weekends, and late mon-wed this week. I had a full meltdown yesterday when he told me this, I'm just done, having contractions, more then tired. I haven't had a breakdown yet, so I was due. Poor guy, not his fault but who else to take it out on? Plus he gets TWO days off for my CS, I'll be in the hospital for 4, and the a week off starting July 1, family planning in this life is just a joke.
hmmm, live for a year, and it's a place we've been? I love Charleston, sc, also lived in SF for a couple years after college, if it wasn't so damn expensive, I'd say there, it would be such a different experience with a family.
here is a link: https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/yoga/breathing-techniques/bhramari-pranayama
Let us know if there's any other way we can help you out! Sending you all the good thoughts and vibes!
@Wyattnash00 I think it's criminal that you can't have your DH's support at such a precious time! And 2days post C-section is nowhere near adequate, I'm angry for you! Let us know if there's anything we can do for you
in the hospital then mine for 2 weeks, thank heavens. But most likely hubs will have 2of4 days off I'm in the hospital. I've learned a lot in these 5 military years, will make us appreciate the 'real' works SOOO much more!
Thanks for your support, everyone. I'm not gonna lie... these last few weeks of pregnancy are the pits. I'm letting DH take on the house hunt for now. Despite everything going on we're still going to put in a bid on another house... we can't really afford to stop the fight.
@createillumination I LOVE your meditation recommendations. DH and I have actually been meditating daily for the past month or so - basic deep breathing mindfulness stuff. It's really hard, but I do think it's helpful. The Bhramari technique is new to me though - thanks for sharing! I'll give it a whirl.
Married 5/30/15
TTC #1 June 2015
BFP #1 9/28/15, EDD 6/10/16. DS born 5/23/16!
TTC #2 May 2017
BFP #2 m/c 11/18/17 5w5d
BFP #3 12/17/17 EDD 8/25/18. It's a boy!
BFP 2/19/15 • MMC found at 9 wks • D&E at 11 wks (age 36)
BFP 8/29/15 • CP (age 37)
TTC#2 since May 2017
BFP 10/18/17 • MMC found at 8 wks • Misoprostal at 10.5 wks (age 39)
BFP 2/16/18 • CP (age 39)
BFP 4/13/18 • CP (age 39)
BFP 5/07/18 • MMC found at 10.5 wks • D&E at 11.5 wks • Testing showed it was a girl with Trisomy 22. (age 39/40)
9/5/18 Diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (4-5 follicles, one ovary had none and was very atrophied)
RE says the low egg count is likely causing my recurrent pregnancy loss. Less eggs results in more aneuploidy.
BFP 9/24/18 • CP (age 40)
BFP 2/19/15 • MMC found at 9 wks • D&E at 11 wks (age 36)
BFP 8/29/15 • CP (age 37)
TTC#2 since May 2017
BFP 10/18/17 • MMC found at 8 wks • Misoprostal at 10.5 wks (age 39)
BFP 2/16/18 • CP (age 39)
BFP 4/13/18 • CP (age 39)
BFP 5/07/18 • MMC found at 10.5 wks • D&E at 11.5 wks • Testing showed it was a girl with Trisomy 22. (age 39/40)
9/5/18 Diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (4-5 follicles, one ovary had none and was very atrophied)
RE says the low egg count is likely causing my recurrent pregnancy loss. Less eggs results in more aneuploidy.
BFP 9/24/18 • CP (age 40)
@Wyattnash00 - I so wish we could organize a team of us to travel around and help support each other. Glad you're going to have some support from MIL and your own mama.
@CarrieandRoy - oh no, hobbit feet! You are always a few steps ahead of me so I always know what's to come. I actually tend to have hairy toes (I know, gross) and imagine I won't be able to shave them once I get bigger so I really will have true hobbit feet. Fun times.
I know I've brought up bra issues many times, but was reading that you should measure yourself at 8 months and then go up a cup size (to account for when your milk comes in) when shopping for a nursing bra. But what about the expanded rib cage? I mean, won't my rib cage shrink back down after baby is here, which will affect my band size? My band measurement has definitely increased by at least 3 or so inches during the pregnancy and I have no idea how quickly it will take to go back to my pre-pregnancy band size. Do any moms have any experience with this? I kind of want to have at least one nursing bra on hand so I'm not stuck having to walk around completely topless. Although I'm sure DH wouldn't complain about that
NTNP since 11/12, actively trying since 8/14
11/15: Letrozole, Ovidrel, TI = BFP!!!
Beta #1(14dpo)=349, Beta #2(18dpo)=2,805
12/17/15: Got to see the heartbeat (105bpm)!
1/25/16: NT scan = normal (HB=163bpm)
EDD: 8/10/16
8/8/16: Baby boy born @ 12:25am, 8lbs, 20.5 inches
5/18/17: BFP!!! (11dpo)
Beta #1(12dpo)=176.4, Beta #2(15dpo)=607.1
Also, I have hairy toes too. But amazingly NO swelling even now pushing 38 weeks and having BP problems. I was also cracking up at the image of hobbit feet @CarrieandRoy
My regular OB was kind enough to give me a call this morning, and it made me feel much better talking to a familiar voice. Still planning a bunch of tests for the week, taking things one day at a time. I'm coming around to the idea of a possible induction. Honestly, I think I may welcome it so that I don't have to worry any more.
Married 5/30/15
TTC #1 June 2015
BFP #1 9/28/15, EDD 6/10/16. DS born 5/23/16!
TTC #2 May 2017
BFP #2 m/c 11/18/17 5w5d
BFP #3 12/17/17 EDD 8/25/18. It's a boy!
also, a traveling support team sounds awesome! I wish we could do that!
@redheadbride--I'm so glad you got to talk to your regular OB. And, I absolutely found that I was more and more willing to do whatever I needed to in order to ensure baby's safety and mine last time around. At some point, the worrying is totally worse than the doing the thing you didn't think you wanted to do. I'm glad you have an OB you like and trust as you work through making these choices. Trust your gut. Mama instinct is real.
26 weeks
I no longer walk, I waddle. Muscles are a bit sore from all the walking around SF over the past few days and not having all my sleep props from home, but otherwise hanging in there! Still freaking a bit about early preterm labor, especially after lurking on my bmb and seeing a few of the women had 25-26 week preemies. Terrifying...
Our nursery is basically a converted walk in closet with a window. It just barely fits a crib and changing table, so it's small but sufficient. My dad painted it a lovely sea blue-greenish color and I threw a yellow rug in. I'm calling it pretty much done! At some point I'll put shelves and prints on the wall, but LO will be in our room for a couple months anyway, so no rush.
next midwife appointment is in a couple weeks. I get to do the dreaded GD test then. It's also my last 4-week appt. can't believe how fast everything is moving!
my rant is that I'm tired and ready to go home after more than a week of travel (some with the toddler, some without). My rave is that SF is beautiful! I went to a taqueria in the Mission bc we can't get decent Mexican in VT and the proprietor gave me a flower "for the baby." It was very sweet. I'm sitting in Dolores park now with an incredible view of the city! Life could be worse!
I think of the places I've been, I'd pick Cape Town to live in for a year. I studied abroad in South Africa and it has such a complex history and diverse population. The city is stunningly beautiful and it just seems like the kind of place you could explore every day for a year and still find something new and interesting to see or do.
@Wyattnash00, so sorry you're struggling with DH's schedule. Pregnancy + toddler to chase is hard enough without the added stress. I hope you find the support you need to get through those critical first weeks. I won't go too political on you , but this just underscored why we need a major political shift (you might guess what my political leanings are given where I'm from ! Anyway, it's just criminal that there is not mandatory paid family leave for at least the first few months!
@CarrieandRoy, look in the bright side...at least you can't see your hobbit feet bc of the bump!
Great reading everyone else's updates!