first time mom check in 3/1 (plus second time mom+ questions)

BecauseLove · March 2017

First Time Mom CHECK IN:
What is your due date?

Are you having a singleton or multiples?

Upcoming appointments this week?

What is 1 thing you love about being pregnant?

What is 1 thing you dislike about being pregnant?

Rants/Raves/Questions?

GTKY: Have you started talking baby names with your SO?

Once you have a name will you be keeping it a secret or sharing that name with friends and family before birth?

Questions for Second Time Mom+?

BecauseLove · March 2017

First Time Mom CHECK IN:
What is your due date? 9/27

Are you having a singleton or multiples? Singleton

Upcoming appointments this week? Nope

What is 1 thing you love about being pregnant?

What is 1 thing you dislike about being pregnant? Heartburn

GTKY: Have you started talking baby names with your SO? Yes...though he has vetoed most of my names that I have collected since I was like 12 years old. So we are pretty much starting over from scratch trying to find names we both agree on.

Once you have a name will you be keeping it a secret or sharing that name with friends and family before birth? I would think we would keep it a secret but maybe not depending on how solid we are about the name.

Questions for Second Time Mom+?

Tell me about Baby Bjorns...I know some moms that love them and many are worried that it doesn't hold kids right?

Creating a baby registry...any must have items to add?

Being it will be late fall/winter when we have our kiddo....might it be worth holding off on buying the expensive stroller until the next spring when I would know better what has been working for my kid or what my needs might be?

How soon after having your baby would you have been willing to travel on vacation?

Did you do a baby moon and if so where and for how long? Did it feel like it helped you relax/connect before you had your kiddo?

mrs_tacos · March 2017

What is your due date? Sep. 10th.

Are you having a singleton or multiples? singleton

Upcoming appointments this week? Monday. So the rest of this week needs to hurry up!

What is 1 thing you love about being pregnant? No one judges me when I cry because the store is out of blueberry bagels, and DH gives me foot rubs whenever I want them.

What is 1 thing you dislike about being pregnant? Pick a symptom, any symptom. Chances are, I have it, and I dislike it.

Rants/Raves/Questions?

GTKY: Have you started talking baby names with your SO? Yes. We're 95% sure a boy will be William Tyler. A girl will 100% be Ramona, but we haven't picked a MN yet.

Once you have a name will you be keeping it a secret or sharing that name with friends and family before birth? We'll tell family and close friends for sure (in fact, my parents and brother already know all the names we've discussed). We're not big into social media announcements, though, so we probably won't announce on there, and I can't imagine us just tell anyone we talk to the name.

Questions for Second Time Mom+? What were/are your favorite places for maternity clothes? Also, did you do anything in particular to help your pets get ready for baby, or transition smoothly into having baby at home?

cmar1006 · March 2017

@BecauseLove we had a Bjorn, but didn't use it as much as our Ergo. It made my back hurt too much. Plus, the more I read about them and the potential hip issues they cause I decided the Ergo was the better option for us.

Baby registry.. one of the best things I got was a rock'n'play. Or something similar to that. It's nice and portable and you can bring in bathroom while you shower, etc. Burp cloths, swaddle blankets. Also, I heard mixed reviews on the soothe and glow seahorse (or something similar) but never had issues with ours.

We flew with DD at 2 months. Honestly, they are so easy to travel with when they are younger. She practically slept the whole time.

We did a babymoon to St. Thomas because DH job basically paid for it as part of a company trip. It was nice, but I feel like I really need one more now as a STM.

@amandarene112 I don't have pets, so can't help with that one. As for maternity clothes, I love H&M and Gap. Also, I did consignment stores for some maternity clothes and was happy.

labby18 · March 2017

What is your due date?
September 17th

Are you having a singleton or multiples?
Singleton

Upcoming appointments this week?
Next Week

What is 1 thing you love about being pregnant?
That I am currently performing the miracle of life, and that my nails are actually growing.

What is 1 thing you dislike about being pregnant?
The entire first trimester.

Rants/Raves/Questions?
I am so tired, so so tired.

GTKY: Have you started talking baby names with your SO?
Yes, and we haven't gotten to far. I think once we know the gender it'll be an easier conversation. Also, he hasn't been at an U/S appointment yet, so although I have sent him pix of the U/S it isn't completely real for him as he is clear across the country **until next week when he comes home!**

Once you have a name will you be keeping it a secret or sharing that name with friends and family before birth?
I'm not sure. I kind of like the idea of keeping it a secret as I don't want to deal with the judgement from family (my grandma doesn't like anyone's names, my mom keeps pushing her name ideas down my throat, and I don't really talk to his family), but I kind of want to just be like THIS IS THE NAME GO AWAY.

Questions for Second Time Mom+?

When did you let your work know you're pregnant? I've told my boss and administrative assistant, just not the whole office, when did you announce it to all?

mightymcqueen · March 2017

What is your due date? September 13th

Are you having a singleton or multiples? Singleton

Upcoming appointments this week? I have a blood draw on Friday, doesn't really count as an appt though

What is 1 thing you love about being pregnant? I dunno, the fact that I'm making a baby?

What is 1 thing you dislike about being pregnant? The aches and pains are getting to me, especially my bosoms. I guess I should get used to the pain, since I plan on breastfeeding and all.

GTKY: Have you started talking baby names with your SO? We agreed on baby names long before we got married, but of course we're rethinking them now that we're actually pregnant. We're still 100% set on our boy's name, but think that there might be a better option for our girl's name.

Once you have a name will you be keeping it a secret or sharing that name with friends and family before birth? We won't be keeping it a secret, necessarily, but I also don't want to broadcast them everywhere. People are harsher on baby names when they think they can change the parents' minds.

BigBadWolf12 · March 2017

What is your due date? Sept 24

Are you having a singleton or multiples? singleton

Upcoming appointments this week? 1st appointment with midwife on Friday now that my gyn has passed me on.

What is 1 thing you love about being pregnant? just knowing that (s)he is with me all the time and imagining him/her growing in there.

What is 1 thing you dislike about being pregnant? that it's not September yet!

Rants/Raves/Questions? not now

GTKY: Have you started talking baby names with your SO? we've had our girl name picked out since September 2015 and our boy name picked out since July 2016. They haven't changed in that time, so I think they will probably stick.

Once you have a name will you be keeping it a secret or sharing that name with friends and family before birth? we shared initials with my parents and they guessed most of it (with a few hints and adjustments). Once we know the sex, we might share the name, especially if it's a girl, because part of her name is to honour my great grandma and I would hate it if she were to pass away before we could tell her that. Actually, we might tell her the middle name 'if it's a girl' even before we know the sex just to be extra sure.

Questions for Second Time Mom+? nope, I'll just stalk everyone else's questions

@becauselove not btdt, but my friend has a bjorn and LOVES it. I will not be getting one though because I think there are better carriers out there that distribute the weight and pressure better and also position the baby in a healthier way. We are planning to travel across the Atlantic back to Canada for Christmas in mid December, so baby will be 2.5-3 months old by that point, assuming there are no issues with passports or health problems.

@lahearn18 not btdt, but we've announced to parents, siblings, and a few close friends. Grandparents in early March (we'll be skyping for birthdays so we figured we'd wait until then), bosses when I'm 12 weeks along and other friends at 13 weeks along (a lot of our friends here are coworkers, so we sort of have to announce to our bosses the week before, otherwise we'd probably try to keep it secret longer, but we want to tell friends lol) Not sure if we'll do a facebook announcement at 14 weeks or wait until the anatomy scan or our anniversary (May) or something. The problem is, my extended family is on fb and has no filter. Whenever we have news we're trying to save to share later, SOMEONE blows it on our facebook wall, so that's disappointing.

mrsmarygs · March 2017

First Time Mom CHECK IN:
What is your due date? September 18th

Are you having a singleton or multiples? Singleton

Upcoming appointments this week? Next Wednesday

What is 1 thing you love about being pregnant? Getting to see the baby moving around made it so so real. And now when I look at the u/s pictures, I'm just filled with so much love for my tiny LO.

What is 1 thing you dislike about being pregnant? Morning sickness.

Rants/Raves/Questions? I cannot wait for the first trimester symptoms to die and move on to the second trimester glow and energy and nesting!

GTKY: Have you started talking baby names with your SO? We'd talked a lot while we were TTC, and we had loved the name Felicity. After I got my BFP, we decided on Felicity Rowena for a girl and Vincent Carl for a boy. I'm not 100% sold on the boy name though...

Once you have a name will you be keeping it a secret or sharing that name with friends and family before birth? We've already discussed names with my family, so they know. We probably won't make an announcement on social media or anything, but not keep it totally a secret. So if friends ask, we probably will tell them.

Questions for Second Time Mom+? Where can you find good fitting maternity pencil skirts? (My office requires skirts and I prefer the classy look of pencil skirts.) What is an essential baby item that a FTM might not think to buy? Best brands for a good pump?

mercury94 · March 2017

What is your due date? 9/22

Are you having a singleton or multiples? Just one.

Upcoming appointments this week? Next week. Can't get here soon enough.

What is 1 thing you love about being pregnant? The excuse to nap basically all day on the weekends. Also, the excuse to send DH to the store without me.

What is 1 thing you dislike about being pregnant? Currently, headaches. My head has hurt for 4 days now.

GTKY: Have you started talking baby names with your SO? Yes. Lucy or Frederick. We agreeed on names about 2 weeks into dating. Both are family names.

Once you have a name will you be keeping it a secret or sharing that name with friends and family before birth? We told close family before we were pregnant. Lucy was my grandmother's name and I wanted to make sure DH's sister wouldn't use it if she got pregnant first. We were both trying at the same time. I will probably tell close friends once we know the sex, but won't advertise all over the place.

sugarrush · March 2017

@BecauseLove
Creating a baby registry...any must have items to add?
My #1 used item was the boppy. It helped me with the breastfeeding and holding my DD, since I had a csection.

Being it will be late fall/winter when we have our kiddo....might it be worth holding off on buying the expensive stroller until the next spring when I would know better what has been working for my kid or what my needs might be?
To be honest, I think getting one before is better. Depending on where you live, October and November can be relatively mild weather months and you may want to do outdoor activities like walking the neighborhood, or just going out shopping in general. We used our stroller heavily, everywhere we went. And if you are alone with baby and need to go to doctor for follow up visits and stuff, you may need that extra set of "hands" for baby to sit and sleep in while you are doing other things. We used our stroller a lot to walk around the mall too during the winter too.

How soon after having your baby would you have been willing to travel on vacation?
Internationally, after major vaccinations happen. Domestically, probably 3 months

Did you do a baby moon and if so where and for how long? Did it feel like it helped you relax/connect before you had your kiddo?
Vegas and Wisconsin, both for 4 days each. It was fine, Vegas was early and Wisconsin was about 6 months in. After 6 months I was pretty tapped out on wanting to go anywhere else since things were getting more uncomfortable.

@amandarene112

What were/are your favorite places for maternity clothes?
Old Navy, pretty much for everything.

Also, did you do anything in particular to help your pets get ready for baby, or transition smoothly into having baby at home?
I tried to leave out some of the stuffed animals we got for the baby because he had trouble differentiating what he could play with and what wasn't his. Otherwise, it was a total shock to him when we brought baby home. Not in an aggressive way, but he is a lapdog by breed and he struggled not being allowed on my lap as much anymore.

@lahearn18

When did you let your work know you're pregnant? I've told my boss and administrative assistant, just not the wholeoffice, when did you announce it to all?

First time I got found out because I was throwing up in the office bathroom, about 9 weeks. This time pretty much almost immediately due to having to declare my pregnancy due to nature of work.

cmar1006 · March 2017

@mrsmgsee I was just browsing H&M. This looks nice and won't break the bank!

https://m.hm.com/us/product/68137?article=68137-A

ColoradoHiker · March 2017

@BecauseLove Bc we lived in a small rowhome when DS was born, we got the frame stroller for DS' infant car seat, rather than the full size ones. We also don't really have cars big enough for the bigger strollers, something to keep in mind if you have a small car. I have an older Jetta and DH has a Fiesta. Anyway, it was totally worth it when DS was sleeping and we were out doing errands to have a stroller, I definitely recommend it. Especially bc it is not safe to put the infant car seat in/ or balanced on the shopping carts. Also, if you plan to start with a convertible car seat, the stroller is a must, unless you plan to almost exclusively baby wear when you go out.

BecauseLove · March 2017

Pretty sure we are planning on getting a Chicco key fit car seat and looking at getting a Snap-N-Go stroller that just pops in the infant car seat for the basic needs of a stroller. Winter hits here mid October (snow on the ground unless we are having a strange warm year with snow on the ground with snow storms sometimes still in April). I just am not sure if I should pay the big bucks for a BOB stroller (my friends have all recommended this as a really hearty easy to go over rocks stroller) to find out that actually we prefer baby wearing or actually I have used the Snap-N-Go stroller a lot and maybe we don't actually need a more expensive stroller until the baby has grown out of the Snap N Go.

Baby Wearing: I have a fair share of carriers cause I bought a few before we got news of baby and then some friends have given us some of theirs (so now I have 4). 1 older ergo, 1 bjorn (would need to by the infant insert), and 2 off brand (but 1 that looks like it fits my husband perfectly).

margareth-2 · March 2017

What is your due date? 9/4

Are you having a singleton or multiples? Just one.

Upcoming appointments this week? Next week to hear the heartbeat, so the appointment will literally be 2 minutes long (if that!). I'm really happy my OB offered, though.

What is 1 thing you love about being pregnant? I loved seeing the baby kick around at the NT. Since s/he's the size of a lemon it's been hard to actually "believe" it in general, but seeing ultrasounds remind me and tug at my heartstrings.

What is 1 thing you dislike about being pregnant? The nausea/vomiting was so beastly. I just hate feeling that way, and after throwing up I always feel like I've "been through war." Sorry for the melodrama lol!

GTKY: Have you started talking baby names with your SO? Yes. So far Isabelle is set for a girl (decided that before I even got pregnant), and Samuel for a boy, though we're more into Isabelle as a name. They're both family names, so they're special.

Once you have a name will you be keeping it a secret or sharing that name with friends and family before birth? We haven't told anyone the names yet but the plan is to be "team green" and to tell friends and family (especially if they ask) that it'll be Isabelle if it's a girl and Samuel if it's a boy.

HollyGolightly09 · March 2017

First Time Mom CHECK IN:
What is your due date? sept 7

Are you having a singleton or multiples? singleton

Upcoming appointments this week? elective ultrasound at an ultrasound boutique on Friday!

What is 1 thing you love about being pregnant? Just knowing that a tiny human is growing inside me!

What is 1 thing you dislike about being pregnant? It is just overall much harder than I really anticipated... the nausea has to be the worst, though.

Rants/Raves/Questions? Just hoping this 2nd trimester is as magical as I keep hearing....

GTKY: Have you started talking baby names with your SO? Yes... I think we've pretty much decided on our names, I'm going to kick them around in my head to be sure. But, they're the names I've wanted from the beginning, and he likes them to, so... FX they stick

Once you have a name will you be keeping it a secret or sharing that name with friends and family before birth? I think we'll tell people in a "his/her name is....." so that there (hopefully) isn't much room for discussion.

Questions for Second Time Mom+? For those of you that work, how did you go about finding child care when you went back after baby was born?

jutondreau · March 2017

@HollyGolightly09 I used the infant room in the school where DS 1 was in K-4. I have friends who have set up nannies and childcare through word of
mouth prior to baby being born/shortly after for the simple fact that it'll give them/you/baby a chance to get to know each other.

@amandarene112 for maternity clothes-Old Navy, Gap, H&M, motherhood

@BecauseLove I don't know if you need a full blown stroller that you'll use after baby is out of the baby car seat, but a snap n go type system is awesome to have initially. Lightweight and relatively inexpensive

kaylaakosua · March 2017

@BecauseLove. There are much better carriers to invest in that will last you longer as well as have some resale value. The Bjorn is usually not recommended for safe babywearing. Especially the older ones.
Make sure with the older ergo there is no tears, not too much wear and the buckles are still sturdy. The ergo, beco or boba is a great intro carrier for soft structured styles and very good fit between users. I would also double check is the other ones to make Sure they were made safely for babywearing standards if a brand is not visible. If you have a picture we might be able to help. Ring slings are great for newborns, travelling with young ones and getting use to wearing as well.

ColoradoHiker · March 2017

@amandarene112 I honestly stick mostly to places like Old Navy/ Gap for tops, due to price and lots of sales. I just bought a ton of tops (5 or 6) that totaled around $90 but it was closer to $55 bc of the coupon they had on the website. I can't vouch for the pants, as I'm really tall and had to just use the hair tie method when I couldn't find them long enough. I also found a lot of tank tops (I work in a lab and usually wear a cardigan with the tank tops) for around $10 at Motherhood Maternity, and just bought a top from H&M as well for cheap. Zulily and Pink Blush have also been recommended. I think I saw a big link about clothing on August 17 that you might want to check out.

@lahearn18 After the NT scan, and after we announced to our close family and friends who didn't know already.

sparksfly · March 2017

@BecauseLove Everything I've read about the Bjorn is that it has the potential to cause developmental problems since the baby kinda just hangs there and isn't well supported. We have the Ergo and absolutely love it. Even my husband will wear it!
As far as registry, add a baby carrier if you think you want one. They are expensive and while I didn't think anyone would get that for us, 3 people went in on the gift together. It's one of my favorite big ticket items we have.
We vacationed when DD was 7 months old. It was not much fun for me. She did fine, but it feels much less like a vacation for the parent since you'll be doing all the same work of taking care of your infant just in a new location where you have none of your familiar things. I think it totally depends on your personality, where you are going, who you are going with, etc.

@HollyGolightly09 Most daycares will allow you to schedule meetings to see the facilities and meet the director/teachers. I'd advise you to do this much earlier than you think you need to. I had made a logicial decision based on info I found online, but then after we visited it just didn't feel like the right fit. At that point it was too late to look anywhere else. But we had a friend who is a stay at home mom who offered to watch our daughter. That has worked out great - though now that our second is on the way, we'll need to revisit. Her car doesn't have room for her 2 kids and our 2 kids.

cmar1006 · March 2017

@BecauseLove I wanted to also add that I still use my Ergo with DD. She is 3.5 years, about 33 lbs and it's still very comfortable for us both. I carried her all over Manhattan over Christmas to go to Macy's, the Rockefeller tree, etc. Also went to Busch Gardens (amusement park) for their Christmas event and it worked perfectly.

I haven't used it since I've been pregnant, but there's nothing to say you can't use it while pregnant.

mamagabby-2 · March 2017

@BecauseLove

Tell me about Baby Bjorns...I know some moms that love them and many are worried that it doesn't hold kids right?

No to BabyBjorns; they are said to cause hip dysplasia and other issues because babies legs dangle from hips rather than be supported in other soft-structured carriers. I also had one for the first few months of LOs life and I hated it, couldn't wear it more than 30min without it digging into my shoulders uncomfortably. I only used once or twice (this was before I knew about the lack of hip support too). I love my Ergo, and still use it at the airport now with my 25lb toddler! Tulas also get rave reviews, but get a bit pricier.

Creating a baby registry...any must have items to add?
Put a diapers/wipes, big items so if grandparents/relatives want to get a huge gift they know which one you want (add that baby carrier!), I use my NoseFrida every time DD gets sick, thermometer...I added a bunch of little things that I knew we would end up buying. I am particular about clothes so I didn't put a lot of that.

Being it will be late fall/winter when we have our kiddo....might it be worth holding off on buying the expensive stroller until the next spring when I would know better what has been working for my kid or what my needs might be?

It depends on how much you're out; we are out walking at least 3 days a week even in the snow, so it was definitely worth it for us. If you don't think you will, you should be fine waiting. You can always buy whenever you think you'll use it!

How soon after having your baby would you have been willing to travel on vacation?

We will be flying home for Christmas this year when baby is 2ish months old, with DD we did a 2 week road trip with my family at 3 months, moved at 4 months (flying). She did great with both driving and flying, those I don't know if going on vacation somewhere warm would be great that young, if you're talking tropical I would wait until you can slather on the sunscreen (they can't use it before 6 months).

Did you do a baby moon and if so where and for how long? Did it feel like it helped you relax/connect before you had kiddo?

We did a short weekend at a cabin in Duluth, MN when I was in 3rd trimester...I don't know if I'd call it a baby moon since we do it most years anyways, but it was fun to even get a few hours away from home and relax.

kaylaakosua · March 2017

*disclaimer*
I am not a fan of Baby Bjorn at all, there are much more ergonomic choices.

Though, they have made a new version that does support the W position for babe and no longer is linked to improper seating positions. It still suggests front facing which I am against.

missyrosek · March 2017

Hi friends, been lurking but haven't posted yet!

First Time Mom CHECK IN:

What is your due date?

September 24

Are you having a singleton or multiples?

Just the one

Upcoming appointments this week?

Just had my 10-week initial OB visit and everything looks great! Baby even gave us a little wave on the ultrasound.

What is 1 thing you love about being pregnant?

It's fun for my husband and I to have a secret from most of the world

What is 1 thing you dislike about being pregnant?

Being tired ALL THE TIME (but I hear it's good practice for parenthood!)

Rants/Raves/Questions?

Craving spicy tuna sushi is the worst.

GTKY: Have you started talking baby names with your SO?

We're pretty much set on two options for girls names, boys names are a little more up in the air.

Once you have a name will you be keeping it a secret or sharing that name with friends and family before birth?

Probably not

Questions for Second Time Mom+?

What's your best tip for dealing with pregnancy anxiety?

LosAngelesMama · March 2017

@missykhamvongsa you just made me crave spicy tuna on crispy rice. Ugh do I really have to wait until September!

mrsvp614 · March 2017

What is your due date? Aug 31

Are you having a singleton or multiples? Just one

Upcoming appointments this week? Nope

What is 1 thing you love about being pregnant? Imagining my future family, DH's excitement, and looking forward to feeling baby move more!

What is 1 thing you dislike about being pregnant? Being tired and worried all the time... which will probably not change when I'm a mom!

Rants/Raves/Questions?

GTKY: Have you started talking baby names with your SO?

Once you have a name will you be keeping it a secret or sharing that name with friends and family before birth?

Rant: We got our billing estimate from the doc that we must pay by week 28. But it doesn't cover labs, ultrasounds, or any of the hospital bill. So i'm a little confused what my $2K+ is going to. Meeting with billing at the next appt.

Raves: Finally told everyone at work this week, so it's nice to not try to hide it now. I'm hosting a baby shower for a co-worker tomorrow, and it seems so much more fun since I'm pregnant now too!

GTKY: Have you started talking baby names with your SO? Yep! We're team green, so we plan to come up with a few options for boy or girl, and name them once we meet them to make sure it fits. We like pretty classic names.

Once you have a name will you be keeping it a secret or sharing that name with friends and family before birth? I think it helps being team green, since we won't have one definite name. We may discuss our favorites with those who are super close to us, but I don't want people's opinions, so probably not going to talk about it a lot.

Questions for Second Time Mom+? Any advice for preparing financially for LO and assuring DH that we'll be okay financially?

HeatherArtLife · March 2017

Second the recommendation of Boba. We love ours!

missyrosek · March 2017

I'm sorry @babyschopf !!

CSL522 · March 2017

Another recommendation for Boba! We have a Boba wrap that I used until DS was a few months old, then switched to the Boba 4G. I also have a ring sling and couple woven wraps which I love but have more of a learning curve. My husband also wears our son in the Boba SSC. DS is almost 20 months and still fits comfortably.

jessieR358 · March 2017

Hey! Curious if anyone has used a doula. Would you do it again? I read all the books and everything and then ended up with an induction at 41weeks3days. I'm thinking about hiring one for this baby or is it a waste of money.

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first time mom check in 3/1 (plus second time mom+ questions)

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