I haven't read all the responses but wanted to chime in to @auntieraindrop I can tell by your post that you are NOT going to love your animals any less. Honestly, I've come to appreciate my dog (first child) MORE now that I have a daughter... not only is she patient and loving with Emily, but she's still so loyal to me and forgiving of my stress etc. One thing I did do was subscribe to a Bark Box for her when I was pregnant--and I have it still!--I think it is fun to know that there is one night a month that's special for her. I also make sure every Friday is special treat night for my dog and cats. Also, as others mentioned, I did keep my dog and even my cats (they get their way no matter what I want) in my room with DD. Whatever, it worked for us! I promise you'll see your animals in a new light that is anything but less... I can say without a doubt that the love for my dog grew and I even enjoy snuggles with my cats a bit more
This is is my 3rd pregnancy and I've never had my milk come in early. It usually is in by the 24 hour mark after delivery.
I didn't buy nursing tops with DS and regretted it. I did invest in a few good underwire nursing bras (personal preference) and was happy for that but pumping at work was a pain having to pull my shirt all of the way up (or take off top layers when layered and then pull the bottom layer up). I will be buying nursing tops this time around.
I saw someone say say they were doing the mini pill. Just be careful! We've had like 3 mini pill pregnancies on our J13 fb group!
6th cycle of meds/iui combos = BFP!! - EDD 1/21/13 Born via emergency c-section - 8lb, 19.75 in, 100% stubborn
BFP Chart 8 cycles of unmedicated trying = BFP!! - EDD 1/10/18 *Waiting for Baby Eags 2.0*;
+1 for BarkBox! Our dogs love it and it's nice for them to have a monthly surprise. Although now every time we get a package they think it's for them so there's always that possibility
I'm less concerned with loving ours less and them feeling abandoned than I am with just how to get them to be gentle without shelling out a ton for training. One of our dogs is very gentle but very persistent when she wants to show love and the other is the absolute sweetest but does not know how to be gentle and his claws are always painfully sharp even when we get them clipped. He also always has to be touching me or be half in my lap to be happy so I'm not sure how well that will go.
@auntieraindrop our dog is 80 pounds of thinking she’s a lap dog, so I get it. We started really concentrating on training her not to jump and to be gentle once we found out about baby. She’s so darn sweet and patient with DS and it’s adorable. I would set up the bassinet and just emphasize that it is a no go zone. The earlier he’s used to it the better!
@auntieraindrop my cat loved DS's crib until he was actually home and in it. Now he likes to play a game of hide under it and I can't see him. Once since then he got stuck in DS room without me knowing, and scared the living daylights out of DS who was sleeping by jumping at the foot of his bed.
It's so nice to hear all of you talk about how your pets adapt because our dogs are our babies currently and I've been sort of having a panic attack thinking about how it might change. So thank you all for the reassurance!
Not exactly sure what my question is, but I'm starting to think about what the heck I'm going to do once I have a newborn and this feisty toddler. She watches maybe an hour-hour and a half of TV a day (broken up in chunks, some in the AM before nap and some in the afternoon waiting for DH to get home) but I'm worried about how much screen time she's going to have once I'm stuck on the couch nursing her brother all day. Anybody have any other ideas for things I can have for her to do, or did screen time work best for you? She'll be almost 19 months old when he's born.
@schaze I'm in almost the identical situation. DS will be a little more than 19 months when DD is born, and he isn't too into tv plus I try not to let him watch too much. Right now our plan is to get him some toys we think he'll be more distracted by. For example we are getting him a play kitchen for Christmas, every time we visit someone who has one he spends a ridiculous amount of time playing with it. I also want to keep back some Christmas presents to give him later so there is new interesting stuff to play with. However, this will probably all fail horribly and I plan to wear the new baby as much as possible so I still have hands available for DS. I also would love to hear how others have made it work!
@schaze@maueraa07 One small idea: something I've done is having a special box of toys they can only play with during nursing time. It's also a good time to read to them once you and new LO have the nursing down pat.
maueraa07 I've definitely been thinking about how to proceed with birth control, because we're about 97% sure we're not having anymore kids -- but I get sort of weird about being like "YES, THIS IS THE END OF THE REPRODUCTIVE PHASE OF MY LIFE." It's very odd to me. And I think I'd feel more comfortable if it weren't my husband's first -- like, I don't want to get my tubes tied (in the event of c-section, one may as well) and then in six months have him realize that he loves being a dad and wants another one.
If/when we do decide definitively that this one is our last one, I'd like him to just get a vasectomy, because I don't want to spend the next 15+ years on hormonal birth control and it's an easier procedure for him than it would be for me. Until then, I suspect we'll use condoms and complain and waffle about making the big decision.
@scatteringashes haha that was our method between kids. It is kind of a weird decision because it seems so final. But I get super sick in early pregnancy and we decided that going through all the ER trips with 2 kids will be too much, we want something more final so we're not tempted. We've agreed that if we want a 3rd that we will foster/adopt.
@auntieraindrop I have an 8 year old corgi and a 2 year old mixed breed dog who are my babies! I’ve had both of them since they were babies!! The corgi sleeps on a bed in our room and the other pup sleeps in our bed. I don’t plan on changing this sleeping arrangement as I don’t see a need to. They are both good sleepers and I don’t see why they need to get kicked out just because a human baby is coming home. I’m terms of getting them ready, we’ve let them be involved every step of the way. They get to check out all the new baby gear, hang out in the nursery while we clean it, etc.
@auntieraindrop our dog Molly is our baby puppy, even though she’s almost 3. When DD was born, she went from sleeping in our bed with us to sleeping in her kennel, which we moved in our bedroom, next to DH’s side of the bed. She did fine, but I’m glad I did that because she would try and cuddle with DD in her bassinet. She’s only 12 lbs but still.
After DD moved to her nursery, Molly was allowed back on the bed. She definitely gets less attention, but we play and cuddle her while DD naps. Its funny because when she hears DD stir in the morning through the baby monitor, she panics and asks for last minute cuddles! This time around, we plan on having her sleep in her kennel, in our room. Molly definitely knows that I’m pregnant though! The only times she ever waits outside the door when I shower or use the toilet is when I’m pregnant!
Overall though, as DD got older, she asks to go to the playground more often, and Molly gets to go to the park with us. We didn’t use to go that often when we just had Molly. DD will be 2 in January and she throws the ball for her all the time now, and that keeps them busy for a while. I’m actually afraid that when both girls are old enough, Molly will want to spend time with them more than with me So yes, it will all be fine, the fur babies will understand!
@auntieraindrop my dog is a 65 lb shepherd mix. She is around 8 or 9 years old. I used to be obsessed with her! Now I'm on baby #3 and I'm all... "stop getting your dog hair on my baby's face!" And "quit climbing on the high chair to lick it!" But at the end of the day this dog is our family member, albeit the stinkiest most-sheddingist member. I do still love this dog, even though I get annoyed by her dog ways, she is my ride or die and she isn't going anywhere, till death do us part. We made a lot of changes though. She isn't allowed in the kids' rooms and she no longer sleeps on the floor or my room, she wakes me with her annoying nail biting, plus it's crowded since the babies always slept in my room for the first few months. But the kids love her and the dog tolerates them pulling her tail and poking her eyes. She gets less attention from me, but special (ear pulling) attention from the kids.
@maueraa07 I had the paraguard before I had my first baby. My uterus kept expelling it so eventually I had to have it yanked. I'm heading into mid 30s and this is 3rd baby. Pregnancy is hard on me, (that first tri ya know?!) and I had to work hard to convince my H for a 3rd. He is fine with getting a vasectomy and I think I will be ready (and a tiny bit sad) for that to happen.
Also about the nursing tops, I had some nursing bras and nursing camis for sleeping but I never bought specific nursing tops. Usually it is up with the regular shirt and down with the cami so my belly didn't hang out. I even just used regular camis from kohls and loosened the straps all the way to pull down. It kind of roughed them up but it worked.
Also, does anyone’s doc have a protocol for sending you to l&d if you’re so many centimeters (not in labor)? A friend of mine just had her second. She said she was 7 cm and 90% effaced at her last appt but was sent home. Barely made it to the hospital for delivery a few days later.
@lmmjd I love the little boys' clothes at Janie & Jack, but it's crazy expensive. Also gymboree seems to have a decent selection of clothes that look like little man clothes (as opposed to baby clothes). Mostly we shop Cat & Jack at target.
@jakobaby I went from 1 to 2 while my husband worked during the day and went to school in the evenings. We survived! Don't feel guilt about leaning on screen time. Just be sure to supervise them both and not worry about household chores. The baby will grow in a flash and you will have plenty of time to cook and clean later.
Just curious...but have any other moms been eating hotdogs? I know your not really supposed to, and I didn’t for my first pregnancy, but right now money is tight and hotdogs make for a cheap meal. We’ve had them probably at least once a week for the last month or so. Is that super horrible? Should I stop eating them all together?
@steph30032 I had hotdogs periodically throughout my first two pregnancies and probably a few times this pregnancy. I haven't really liked them lately anyway. One reason I tried to avoid them is they aren't the healthiest choice and the sodium can contribute to swelling which becomes an issue in the third trimester. I wouldn't lean on them as a staple but I think the occasional hotdog will be fine. Try to counter it with some spinach salads or some other super food haha!
@jakobaby I had it in my head 3cm was kinda the cut off for my Dr? Anything less they'll send you home, anything more they'll admit you. Obviously if you went super fast for the first they might keep you before 3. Every Dr is probably different and it's possible I'm remebering wrong.
@steph30032 I wasn't even aware we aren't suppose to eat hot dogs while pregnant. I probably eat them every few weeks, and have zero intention of stopping. They are cooked and heated, so I don't see the problem.
@steph30032 I have eaten a hot dog, cold cuts, sushi (cooked because I live in TN there’s no way that ish is fresh), drank all the coffee and would probably even have a glass of wine or beer but I’ve given myself a rule where I have to drink x amount of water that day and it has to be something that is worth it to me. I’m sure there are other rules I’m missing that I’ve probably done too. I wouldn’t worry about the hot dogs as much, especially if they are up to temp.
Thanks ladies! I was feeling pretty guilty about the hotdogs, but I’m happy to know that others are also breaking the rules and eating other stuff too.
Yes! I ordered a California roll last weekend and it was so great! I felt like it was pretty safe and I had been wanting something like that for a long time. No regrets about that one!
@trudytudy I had a spicy tuna roll a couple months ago and it was amazing. I had them throw it in the deep fryer to tempura it for a little bit just in case, but it was still delicious
@steph30032 I didn't know about the hotdog issue either until after I found out I was expecting, and then spent my entire first trimester craving them! The issue is the nitrates found in them, but my local grocery store (Publix) sells a few nitrate-free brands, so they are guilt-free! Check your local store and you will likely be able to find some nitrate-free options too!
I'm usually a MAJOR rule keeper when it comes to food and pregnancy. I'm just a rule keeper in general, honestly. I don't think I ate one thing I shouldn't have when I was pregnant with DD. This pregnancy? Not so much! I've been eating lunch meat the entire pregnancy. I HAVE been staying away from hotdogs, but when we were in Hawaii, everyone recommended a place called "Puka Dog." I ate there twice in a three day time span. Poor second kid!
@steph30032 I was the same as @cyanope the first time I was pregnant. Followed ALL the rules. This time I've been much more relaxed and will eat whatever I'm craving, within reason. I've been staying away from lunchmeat (unless heated) and other processed meats as much as I can, but every now and again I can't help myself. I had a pepperoni pizza craving for a bit. I've had bites of ham and bacon, but a real weakness of mine is hot dogs. I probably have a few a month, but I would love to eat more! I know they're horrible for me but they taste so good. We buy the "healthy" kind with nitrates/nitrites from celery juice, too, but then I read that those might be worse for us than regular hot dogs. So, whatever. We can't win. As long as I'm not eating them ALL the time, I figure it's okay.
I'm sick of all the things they tell us we can't eat while pregnant. Did you guys know about the listeria risk from soft serve ice cream machines? Oh HELL no. You are not keeping me from my McDonald's sundaes, DQ Blizzards, or self-serve frozen yogurt. I will cut a B.
Literally hadn’t heard the hot dog thing until right now.....and all I can think of is that for a week (when I was working Hurricane Matthew) that was my only option for lunches and I’m kinda freaked out. Ive done sushi several times, only cooked or deep fried rolls though even though nigiri is usually my jam lol. First tri only ham and cheese sounded good forcabout 2 weeks so I just made sure DH ran it through the oven at work before he brought it home to me.
Re: Questions for STM+ 10/11
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
This is is my 3rd pregnancy and I've never had my milk come in early. It usually is in by the 24 hour mark after delivery.
I didn't buy nursing tops with DS and regretted it. I did invest in a few good underwire nursing bras (personal preference) and was happy for that but pumping at work was a pain having to pull my shirt all of the way up (or take off top layers when layered and then pull the bottom layer up). I will be buying nursing tops this time around.
I saw someone say say they were doing the mini pill. Just be careful! We've had like 3 mini pill pregnancies on our J13 fb group!
Born via emergency c-section - 8lb, 19.75 in, 100% stubborn BFP Chart
8 cycles of unmedicated trying = BFP!! - EDD 1/10/18
*Waiting for Baby Eags 2.0*;
I'm less concerned with loving ours less and them feeling abandoned than I am with just how to get them to be gentle without shelling out a ton for training. One of our dogs is very gentle but very persistent when she wants to show love and the other is the absolute sweetest but does not know how to be gentle and his claws are always painfully sharp even when we get them clipped. He also always has to be touching me or be half in my lap to be happy so I'm not sure how well that will go.
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
If/when we do decide definitively that this one is our last one, I'd like him to just get a vasectomy, because I don't want to spend the next 15+ years on hormonal birth control and it's an easier procedure for him than it would be for me. Until then, I suspect we'll use condoms and complain and waffle about making the big decision.
After DD moved to her nursery, Molly was allowed back on the bed. She definitely gets less attention, but we play and cuddle her while DD naps. Its funny because when she hears DD stir in the morning through the baby monitor, she panics and asks for last minute cuddles! This time around, we plan on having her sleep in her kennel, in our room. Molly definitely knows that I’m pregnant though! The only times she ever waits outside the door when I shower or use the toilet is when I’m pregnant!
Overall though, as DD got older, she asks to go to the playground more often, and Molly gets to go to the park with us. We didn’t use to go that often when we just had Molly. DD will be 2 in January and she throws the ball for her all the time now, and that keeps them busy for a while. I’m actually afraid that when both girls are old enough, Molly will want to spend time with them more than with me
@maueraa07 I had the paraguard before I had my first baby. My uterus kept expelling it so eventually I had to have it yanked. I'm heading into mid 30s and this is 3rd baby. Pregnancy is hard on me, (that first tri ya know?!) and I had to work hard to convince my H for a 3rd. He is fine with getting a vasectomy and I think I will be ready (and a tiny bit sad) for that to happen.
Also about the nursing tops, I had some nursing bras and nursing camis for sleeping but I never bought specific nursing tops. Usually it is up with the regular shirt and down with the cami so my belly didn't hang out. I even just used regular camis from kohls and loosened the straps all the way to pull down. It kind of roughed them up but it worked.
Also, does anyone’s doc have a protocol for sending you to l&d if you’re so many centimeters (not in labor)? A friend of mine just had her second. She said she was 7 cm and 90% effaced at her last appt but was sent home. Barely made it to the hospital for delivery a few days later.
I use Hypnobabies! http://www.hypnobabies-store.com/link.cgi?affiliateID=472
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies!
EDD: 1/6/2018
Eva Jane: 7/23/2014
I use Hypnobabies! http://www.hypnobabies-store.com/link.cgi?affiliateID=472
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies!
EDD: 1/6/2018
Eva Jane: 7/23/2014
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
I'm sick of all the things they tell us we can't eat while pregnant. Did you guys know about the listeria risk from soft serve ice cream machines? Oh HELL no. You are not keeping me from my McDonald's sundaes, DQ Blizzards, or self-serve frozen yogurt. I will cut a B.
Ive done sushi several times, only cooked or deep fried rolls though even though nigiri is usually my jam lol. First tri only ham and cheese sounded good forcabout 2 weeks so I just made sure DH ran it through the oven at work before he brought it home to me.
Together Let Us Seek the Heights