Any appointments? Questions?: Regular OB tomorrow. No questions!
Rants/Raves?:Rave: Nailed a presentation this morning to Senior Leadership. Great to get so many opportunities and support at work. Rant: I feel like there is so much to do, and so little time. And when I do have time, I just want to relax. Regardless, this weekend is nursery weekend! Must. get. it. done.
How are you feeling?: Been about the same for a month or so. Just uncomfortable, back pain, neck pain, etc. Insomnia is getting a little worse and I really miss drinking all of the coffee. But nothing out of the ordinary, and for that I am very thankful.
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now): Yay! I love this question. My faves were Goodnight Moon, Where the Wild Things Are, and The Velveteen Rabbit (sorry, can't pick just one!). I became a reader very early in life, and really hope my daughter enjoys books, as well.
Due Date: March (probably scheduling a C-Section between 38-39 weeks)
Appointments: I have an NST and regular Prenatal appointment this Thursday.
Rave: I had my ultrasound last week and baby is looking good. He's measuring in the 38th percentile and already has some hair!
Rant: My blood pressure keeps creeping up but I feel fine. Really trying to watch my diet but it's so hard!
Feeling: Alright, pelvic pain is off and on but really bad when I've been cleaning or doing anything too active. I am also pretty sleep deprived. The insomnia is pretty bad, I'm averaging 2-4 hours of sleep a night.
GTKY: Well since I'm a Pre-K teacher, I have a ton of books in mind, but I really enjoy reading classic Dr. Seuss books, Pete the Cat, and the Pigeon books.
Any appointments? Questions?: Next week and then I start weekly appointments.
Rants/Raves?: Rave: I donated 4 bags of clothes this weekend. I also got a lot of my house organized and I’m looking forward to doing more this weekend. Another rave- I’m starting to really get into my Hynobabies home study. The tracks are super relaxing.
How are you feeling?: Normal pregnancy stuff- some back pain, some insomnia, and a constant need to pee. I feel lucky, though, because I know many of us are feeling a lot worse.
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? Little Owl’s Favorite Uncle by Constance Boyle was a favorite of mine along with The Giving Tree, The Missing Piece, and the Little Engine that Could. My son loves Goodnight Construction Site and Harry the Dirty Dog and many others. I usually start off loving his favorites, but after reading them 600000 times in a row, I get tired of them.
Any appointments? Questions?: Regular appointment next week
Rants/Raves?: Rave: I think I am pretty much done buying and organizing things. Besides some missing bolts for the crib that we are waiting on, things are wrapped up as much as they can be. Even if we don't get the bolts in time she will be in our room for a few months anyways. Rant: MIL took DD1 out yesterday because they are headed out of town for a few weeks. We specifically said we would pick her up before 7pm because it was a school night, asked that they don't take her out to eat (because they always take her to McDonald's), and asked that she doesn't buy anything for her if they do go out because it's been a huge issue recently. First she attempted to argue with us about buying her things and told us she cannot tell DD no and that she is grandma. She at least didn't buy her anything that I'm aware of but they still took her out to fast food. Then, went to go pick her up about 6:45pm and they were just going out to get dinner and said they would drop her off later. DH was furious and I just don't understand what part of that convo she didn't get?! Rave though is DH totally agreed with me and backed me this time, typically he will give in to his mother.
How are you feeling?: Sore, uncomfortable, lots of pressure and hip pain, some random painful contractions. sleeping is meh. I've been feeling somewhat better this past week but still have some moments where I know my bp is up there. I was also told by my provider last week that DD2 has already dropped and is engaged...bring on all the pressure and pelvic pain!
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? I was not much of a book person when I was a child but DD1 has tons of books and loves reading. When she was a baby our favorite to read was On the Farm, it's a touch and feel book. She got such a kick out of that thing. Now she really enjoys the educational Usborne books, but she will be 5 beginning of March and loves anything about learning or trying to read and write currently.
Rant: my new manager scheduled our first team meeting roughly two weeks before I am due (when I was planning on working from home to avoid something like my water breaking happening at work) and the Kaizen that I got selected to participate in that was supposed to be at the end of Jan / beginning of Feb is now also scheduled for that same week. Alllll week long. I've decided I will not feel one bit bad if my water breaks at work while I'm there!
Rave: We found and matched with our au pair! We all love her, and can't wait. She will get here 3/8, so the timing is a little dicey with my due date, but nonetheless...
How are you feeling?:
Oh boy...everything just hurts. So ready to be done, but no complications so far so I shouldn't complain.
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now)
That is such a hard question! My favorite is Le Petit Prince, but that's for kids a little older than mine. My other favorite is Bob and Jack, a Boy and His Yak, but I have never been able to get through the whole book (even not pregnant) without crying!
@lalalauren15 congrats on nailing the presentation. That is such a good feeling!
@purplepirate09 my girls are learning how to read in the 1st grade and loooove the Pigeon books (I do, too!)
@chocolatelemons I am jealous of your organization purge. I still need to do that!
@novelblessings that is so frustrating about your in-laws. We had a rough time with my husband's parents not following our rules (and then catching them lying about it!) and it made my blood boil. It's been 6 years but it's finally under control (or they have really stepped up their lying game).
@BuckeyeNut05 The lying would really get to me! My MIL is more passive aggressive about everything and then she will call DH and cry if she doesn't get her way. It's probably the first time in over 10 years DH has ever backed me and then even been upset that they didn't follow through. Very manipulative. But with DD2 on the way and my MIL being a huge reason my marriage almost ended 2 years ago, I'm not messing around this time.
@BuckeyeNut05 congratulations on the au pair! Glad everything worked out! Also, I love seeing the word "kaizen" used! Haha. I work in process improvement and project management, so I have ran a few of those events myself. But, ugh, I am sorry it's so close to the due date. Not fun.
@novelblessings it sounds so stressful dealing with that situation and that your in-laws refuse to respect your wishes. I hope things improve, but definitely good to have support from the husband. I have family members already upset because we asked that baby's pictures not be shared to social media. I don't understand why people can't follow simple requests involving YOUR child...
Any appointments? Questions?: Had an ultrasound last week and the tech said baby is still measuring big and I have just enough amniotic fluid to still be considered polyhydramnios. She wants me to come back in another 4 weeks to check on growth and fluid. I made an appointment but am really thinking I will cancel it before it gets here unless something comes up in my prenatal checkups. Next routine checkup is Friday.
Rants/Raves?: Rave: Nursery is painted and we put up the curtains and put together the crib last night! I walked into the room this morning and felt very emotional seeing the crib in there. Still so much to do but it's getting there! Rant (sorta): I have my first baby shower this weekend and I'm not looking forward to it. I have no idea who all my MiL invited and I'm anticipating non-stop comments about how I look, questions about how I am feeling, reminders of how little sleep I will get when the baby is here, etc. Also, it doesn't look like many people ordered off the registry so I'm hoping we're not about to receive a lot of 'stuff' that we really don't need.
How are you feeling?: Oddly enough, I have been feeling better lately than I have in awhile! It's almost unsettling but LO is still moving as normal. Sleep is still spotty but I have more energy during the day and my hips don't seem to be aching as much. I have been feeling more pressure on my bladder all day today. I know some mom's have mentioned their LO has dropped already so I don't know if it's that or if he just repositioned himself in a way that adds pressure or if he had a growth spurt.
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now): Chicka Chicka Boom Boom was my favorite as a young child! It got so much love, my parents had to get me a replacement copy!
Appointments/questions: Every two weeks and then every week after the next appointment!
Rants/raves: Baby and I are healthy. Unfortunately, at my most recent appointment, the baby is breech! Head and feet up, butt down. I did have a very quick ultrasound just to double check that the midwife was correct with how she thought the baby was laying (she was.) So, that's not great at this point! I'm supposed to do inversions, on my knees with my head on the ground, whenever the baby is moving to encourage the baby to turn. Hopefully, that will work, but if that fails, I'll have to go in for an ESV later on. And of course if that fails, I'll have to go the hospital to have the baby and potentially need a CS. So right now, I'm going to be religiously doing inversions and praying really hard that the baby turns!
Feeling: Pretty good. My daughter was sick last week, so we stayed home almost every day except one. I except just not doing much is what did it, but I had very little achiness and pain last week. This week will be busier, but hopefully it stays away.
GTKY: I like local books the best - ones that are unique to your area or state. We have a bunch of Alaska books that I really like. Besides that, First 100 Words is great. And my daughter's absolute favorite was Corduroy.
Any appointments? Had my follow up ultrasound this afternoon to check on a potential kidney problem and got the great news that it has resolved!
Rave: No more monitoring and baby boy is healthy. I have been worrying over that one since they found the issue at 20 weeks!
Rant: This baby is already estimated over 6 pounds and above the 90th percentile, and I have roughly 8 more weeks to go! I’m not surprised exactly, but also not looking forward to arguing my case for a VBAC with another 10+ pound baby.
How are you feeling? Overall still feeling well. Starting to swell a little at the ankles and hands, but it’s still very mild compared to my first pregnancy, so I can’t complain. I did have to get out of bed 4(!) times to pee last night though!
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now) This is so hard for me. Both myself and my daughter are big readers. A favorite of mine from childhood is In the Night Kitchen. My daughter loves Little Blue Truck.
@lalalauren15 Congrats on rocking your presentation!
@novelblessings Ugh, I think you have every right to be upset with your in-laws. Being grandparents does not give them license to ignore your rules and wishes. I could see possibly running into that with some of my in-laws too. Hopefully not, but if it goes that way, they'll find they are asked to baby sit less and less...
@lovesclimbing FX your LO takes the hint and turns around!
@maggiemadeit So glad to hear LO's kidneys are no longer a concern! That must be quite the relief!
Any appointments? Questions?: routine check up today - - we are both healthy!
Rants/Raves?: I ordered nursery curtains and a dresser this weekend! Now all we need is a changing mat, bookcase, mini fridge/freezer and glider (that my DH and dad are supposed to be making! ) I'm so excited/ready to have it be done...I have been working on our house clean up/purge slowly since October and it is very hard to get DH to chip in.
How are you feeling?: like I can't get off the couch, some low back pain at the end of the day, some trouble sleeping deeply and still with the back acne (can't wait for that back facial next week!!)
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now) I loved the Winnie the pooh books!
Any appointments? Questions?: Routine appointment on Thursday
Rants/Raves?: Rant: I fell on black ice at work today, ended up in the ER on workman’s comp. and after a nonstress test found out baby is all good but I’m going to be more sore than I already have been ugh! Rave: My co-workers were awesome and not one of them made me feel bad or guilty for taking time off to deal with all this.
How are you feeling?: Ehhh ... a bit more sore than normal after the fall but trying hard to just focus on the positive and that it could have been much worse.
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now)
Well being a primary teacher for several years “Tiger can’t Sleep” was always my favorite read aloud but I also love Kevin Henkes books. As a mom I love reading “Ill love you forever” and DS favorite books at the moment are “peek-a-boo books”, ABC books, and “Just me and my Little Brother”.
Any appointments? Questions?: I have my ultrasound scheduled Friday, they’re worried she’ll be big as my son was 7 lbs and 4 weeks early I’m hopinh she is in position and the right size.
Rants/Raves?: Rave: I did it! We made it through our Disney week! (Well one day left but I’m still happy). I took it easy but still managed to get my 4yo on all the rides and experiences he was looking forward to. Rant: My mom and my sister got to do the Disney marathon (the full dopey challenge) and I’m just feeling salty I didn’t get to join them in running.
How are you feeling?: really good all things considered. Mostly exhausted but that’s normal for a vacation.
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? Rainbow Fish. I loved that book so much, and that color scheme defines most of my childhood
Any appointments? Questions?: Nothing until next week. I have a growth US due to measuring ahead and an OB appointment.
Rants/Raves?: I was such an irritable bitch yesterday, and my students seemed to push all of my buttons. I’m hoping for a better day today.
How are you feeling?: Sore, round, and waddle-y
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now)
I love reading Nancy Tillman books to DD. The Christmas one recently made me all weepy! When I was a kid, my mom signed me up for this Little Mermaid book club. I had a little cardboard treasure chest and would receive a new book every month or so. I was obsessed.
@PhillyBelle Disney week sounds awesome! We went over the summer when I was 7 weeks pregnant (of course when we planned it we didn’t realize I’d be pregnant). It was rough “food wise” for me but we had a great time! I love Disney!
@swanbrooner DS has a small collection of Nancy Tillman books from chic-fil-a. They were recently featuring her (I’m kinda embarrassed with how many he has). But if you ask them for an “under 3” toy in their kids meal you’ll get a small book. Recently they were all from her collection.
@navete thanks! I’m off work for it today to rest. I’m not the great “rester” but I just woke up and my lower back is in quite a bit of pain. I have a regular check up with my midwife scheduled for Thursday so I’m going to call and see if she’s available to squeeze me in today just to double check everything.
@maggiemadeit My son loves Little Blue Truck too!m. Such a good book.
@ashley14598 Sounds like a scary fall. I fell on ice (on my stomach) when I was 6 months pregnant with DS. Everything was perfectly fine. Thankfully, they’re pretty well protected in there.
@lovesclimbing Sorry about the breech news. You should look at the Spinning Babies website. There’s some great exercises to get your baby turned. I used it with my son. He was breech at 32/33 weeks but ended up turning so there’s still time! Think positive thoughts!
@lalalauren15 good job with the presentation!! I always get such a huge confidence boost after nailing a presentation so I hope you can feel good about that for a while.
@maggiemadeit That's such a huge relief that the kidney problem resolved! Having one less thing to stress about must feel good.
@ashley14598 I'm glad everyone's OK after the fall!! I was really worried about being in the third trimester during winter but it's been very mild so far where I am and there hasn't been much ice to worry about. I study environmental issues and can't say I'm happy about the warmer-than-average temperatures, but I selfishly wouldn't mind if I could get through the rest of the winter without dealing with ice!
Due date: 3/1
Any appointments? Questions?: Routine appointment Thursday. Also, going to our second birth class tomorrow night (it's once a week for a month).
Rants/Raves?: I had my first meeting with my full graduate committee yesterday which consists of four professors. The goal was to discuss my progress and how my research is going to move forward after the kid is born. My advisors are very "hands off" and I need to manage myself on a daily basis which isn't always good, so I always feel like I haven't done enough when I finally do update everybody. I like everyone on my committee but I just felt really flustered and overwhelmed and had a really hard time articulating where I wanted my research to go. I was beating myself up a little bit when the meeting was over, but overall it was a good conversation and I left feeling more confident in knowing what I need to get done.
How are you feeling?: More and more uncomfortable but that seems like par for the course! I've also been pretty emotional and have been getting very tired. The tiredness reminds of me of the first trimester when I felt like I need to nap mid-afternoon every day. My husband and I went for a long (and cold) beach walk yesterday for the first time in a while and I felt like I got hit by a truck when I got home. I didn't have bad contractions while walking which was nice but it zapped every ounce of energy out of me and I couldn't get off the couch for the rest of the evening.
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? Hmm.. I read a lot as a kid, but I absolutely loved Harold and the Purple Crayon when I was really young.
@bug_hunter My DS was born at the end of March so I honestly didn’t even question it being pregnant around the same time of year again but I guess I should be more cautious/careful! I definitely learned my lesson! We got about 8-10 in of snow here over the weekend and my school had a 2-hour delay Monday. Hopefully they have learned their lesson and will salt the parking lots better! I work with 3 other pregnant ladies and pregnant or not a fall like that is scary. Here’s to hoping you and all of pregnant mommies don’t have to deal much with ice this winter.
I missed a few updates but I'm so glad it sound like everyone is getting along pretty well
Due date: 3/1
Any appointments? Questions?: Appt next Wed
Rants/Raves?: Rant: I'm an emotional mess. I hate when you know our being emotional for no reason but you cant stop. I think I've cried like 4 times this week already. I wasn't even this emotional first trimester.
How are you feeling?: Seems we are all about the same. I feel like my baby grew so much last week. I have trouble eating dinner everything gives me indigestion. Back pain, on and off headaches and rib pain. Anyone else have rib pain?
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? I'm blanking on the name of the book. I know I read a lot as a child and my mom read to us a lot but I cant think of a single book title.
@bluebell08 I feel ya on being an emotional mess. I don't know if there has been a shift in hormones or if it's just life stress + stress of being so close to the due date but it's not fun for me or those around me!
I've also been dealing with rib pain due to the baby's position. It's extremely sharp pain when I get a good kick but I almost always feel some kind of general discomfort. If it's really bad and not going away, I stand up and put my hands over my head and stretch against a wall which sometimes relieves the pain (at least temporarily..).
Any appointments? Questions?: Weekly appointments. Monday I had a BPP ultrasound, next week is the second NST.
Rants/Raves?: Rant: LO got all of his "points" for the BPP in about 10 minutes, so he is doing great. They've dropped my insulin dosage again because of how well I am maintaining my blood sugar. Rant: I had my baby shower this weekend. I feel completely ungrateful but hardly anyone actually went off my registry and just bought what they wanted. So I have lots and lots of clothes for LO and tons of duplicates of other stuff. I hate having to return stuff.
How are you feeling?: I hate saying it but I'm so ready to not be pregnant anymore. I still have about 5 weeks before I am induced but I am so done. I want him to stay in an keep "cooking" until he is ready... but I am so uncomfortable.
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? I can't really pick one that is my favorite as I've always been an avid reader and my mother read to me in womb and beyond. I'll say that so far my favorite of the books that I received from my baby shower for the little guy would be "The ABC's of DnD". Hoping he will be just as nerdy as the rest of us .
@cancer2988 I understand your frustration with getting things not from your registry. I mean, I understand the registry includes a lot of things that aren't "fun" and everyone wants to get fun stuff, but then it's not as useful!
Any appointments? Questions?: Had an OB appointment today, and will have a prenatal meeting with our doula this Saturday, which I’m looking forward to!
Rants/Raves?: Rave: I worked up the courage to talk to my OB today about my birth plan / ways I want this birth to (hopefully) differ from my first and she was very understanding! She reassured me that the hospital I’ll deliver at completely supports natural birth, unmedicated birth, has birth balls, squat racks, tubs to labour in, intermittent fetal monitoring capabilities and that she doesn’t know of a single delivering OB at the hospital who isn’t supportive of allowing a woman to labour and give birth in any position of her choice. Phew! She even said she’d deliver my baby crouched or laying on the floor if that’s what I wanted at the time. I’m relieved that I didn’t get any patronizing talk or an eye roll when talking about birth positions, no IV, intermittent monitoring, etc. I’d been nervous to even ask!
How are you feeling?: About the same. Tired, very stiff and achey back and pelvis, peeing a lot at night. I went to the gym on Monday for the first time in awhile and I’m paying the price. My pelvis has been so sore ever since. My Dr today said baby is head down and engaged/low in my pelvis which explains all the pressure I’ve been feeling!
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now) Dr Seuss, and Charlotte’s web are the only ones that come to mind.
Any appointments? Questions?: Had regular prenatal checkup yesterday; all looks good. Doc gave referral to get a growth scan at a nearby specialist clinic (where I had my anatomy scan). The growth scan doesn’t appear medically necessary, it was just suggested as an option after the AS ( everything looked normal). Anyone else have a growth scan that wasn’t medically required?
Rants/Raves?: Rave: It looks like I’ll be having a baby shower after all, woo! I’m so grateful for the two friends who offered to host because it has become a bigger event than originally thought. Rant: I had a really ugly fight with MH the other night. Lots of tears shed (by me) and feelings of “poor me” (also me 🤪). I’d like to attribute it all to pregancy hormones but I’m also starting to get nervous about our dynamics once baby is here and we’re both stretched to our limit emotionally, mentally, physically.
How are you feeling?: Lots of Braxton Hicks and waddling, but otherwise feeling good. One thing I’ve come to realize (mostly bc all the people touching my bump point it out), is that my bump feels hard most of the time. Not as hard as when I have BHs but it does feel like I’m carrying an actual watermelon rather than a cuddly soft baby lol. I’m assuming this falls in the range of normal since OB has never mentioned anything; anyone else have a similar situation?
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now). Most of my favorites are from an older age since I didn’t learn English until I was 8, and before that all my literary exposure was bible stories and folklore (mostly oral). But I have great memories of being read/reading Roald Dahl books, Shel Silverstein poems/short stories, Ramona Quimby and Pipi Longstocking, Chronicles of Narnia, Calvin & Hobbes, and my all time favorite Archie Comics 😆. My dad was a librarian and my step-mom an English teacher so reading was quite the pushed activity in our household...also TV was highly rationed 😭.
@navete What's your native language? I have always been slightly jealous of people growing up with multiple languages. Being multilingual is so cool to me!
My stomach feels hard too. Someone pointed it out to me around week 20 or so and I hadn't thought anything of it until then. My midwife definitely never mentioned it. I think it's just because everything is all stretched out.
@navete I had a growth scan that wasn't medically necessary. I wouldn't have asked for it but it was offered and insurance covered it so I had a hard time saying no! It gave me extra confidence that everything is going well but it really didn't give me a ton of new info and the ultrasound photos are way less cute than the 20 week photos (my kid had his face pressed up against my placenta and it was hard to even tell what I was looking at!). If insurance covers it and you want reassurance then go for it, but it felt way less eventful than the anatomy scan!
@navete@mayoduck Your stomach is supposed to feel hard! What you’re feeling is a big strong muscle (your uterus) underneath your skin. If you are overweight you will feel more fat under the skin and on top of the uterus but your uterus should still feel firm under there. Maybe hard is the wrong word.... firm is how my belly (and any pregnant belly of any of my family/friends) has always felt (note I was a bit overweight when I got pregnant this time around but due to stretching of the fat/skin my belly is still very firm). When I have BH it definitely feels more hard vs firm, that’s really the only way I know I’m having BH, because of the extra hard feeling in my belly. Maybe I misunderstood the question, but I think what you’re describing is totally normal and how a third trimester belly should feel
@laur84ns Thanks for that explanation! I didn’t think much of it until people kept commenting so I thought maybe it was unusual (what I get for being so open to belly rubs 🤣).
@bug_hunter Good point on checking to make sure it’s covered by insurance, thanks!
ETA: Forgot to answer your question @mayoduck. Birth language was Babatana (Austronesian language family) and a pidgin that’s based on the English lexicon. Unfortunately I’m no longer fluent in Babatana and have a terrible accent in Pidgin lol, so English is my current primary language. Definitely wish I was still multilingual though
Re: Week 1 Check-in 1/14
Due date: 3/7
Any appointments? Questions?: Regular OB tomorrow. No questions!
Rants/Raves?: Rave: Nailed a presentation this morning to Senior Leadership. Great to get so many opportunities and support at work. Rant: I feel like there is so much to do, and so little time. And when I do have time, I just want to relax. Regardless, this weekend is nursery weekend! Must. get. it. done.
How are you feeling?: Been about the same for a month or so. Just uncomfortable, back pain, neck pain, etc. Insomnia is getting a little worse and I really miss drinking all of the coffee. But nothing out of the ordinary, and for that I am very thankful.
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now): Yay! I love this question. My faves were Goodnight Moon, Where the Wild Things Are, and The Velveteen Rabbit (sorry, can't pick just one!). I became a reader very early in life, and really hope my daughter enjoys books, as well.
Appointments: I have an NST and regular Prenatal appointment this Thursday.
Rave: I had my ultrasound last week and baby is looking good. He's measuring in the 38th percentile and already has some hair!
Rant: My blood pressure keeps creeping up but I feel fine. Really trying to watch my diet but it's so hard!
Feeling: Alright, pelvic pain is off and on but really bad when I've been cleaning or doing anything too active. I am also pretty sleep deprived. The insomnia is pretty bad, I'm averaging 2-4 hours of sleep a night.
GTKY: Well since I'm a Pre-K teacher, I have a ton of books in mind, but I really enjoy reading classic Dr. Seuss books, Pete the Cat, and the Pigeon books.
Due date: 3/1
Any appointments? Questions?: Next week and then I start weekly appointments.
Rants/Raves?: Rave: I donated 4 bags of clothes this weekend. I also got a lot of my house organized and I’m looking forward to doing more this weekend. Another rave- I’m starting to really get into my Hynobabies home study. The tracks are super relaxing.
How are you feeling?: Normal pregnancy stuff- some back pain, some insomnia, and a constant need to pee. I feel lucky, though, because I know many of us are feeling a lot worse.
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? Little Owl’s Favorite Uncle by Constance Boyle was a favorite of mine along with The Giving Tree, The Missing Piece, and the Little Engine that Could. My son loves Goodnight Construction Site and Harry the Dirty Dog and many others. I usually start off loving his favorites, but after reading them 600000 times in a row, I get tired of them.
Any appointments? Questions?: Regular appointment next week
Rants/Raves?: Rave: I think I am pretty much done buying and organizing things. Besides some missing bolts for the crib that we are waiting on, things are wrapped up as much as they can be. Even if we don't get the bolts in time she will be in our room for a few months anyways. Rant: MIL took DD1 out yesterday because they are headed out of town for a few weeks. We specifically said we would pick her up before 7pm because it was a school night, asked that they don't take her out to eat (because they always take her to McDonald's), and asked that she doesn't buy anything for her if they do go out because it's been a huge issue recently. First she attempted to argue with us about buying her things and told us she cannot tell DD no and that she is grandma. She at least didn't buy her anything that I'm aware of but they still took her out to fast food. Then, went to go pick her up about 6:45pm and they were just going out to get dinner and said they would drop her off later. DH was furious and I just don't understand what part of that convo she didn't get?! Rave though is DH totally agreed with me and backed me this time, typically he will give in to his mother.
How are you feeling?: Sore, uncomfortable, lots of pressure and hip pain, some random painful contractions. sleeping is meh. I've been feeling somewhat better this past week but still have some moments where I know my bp is up there. I was also told by my provider last week that DD2 has already dropped and is engaged...bring on all the pressure and pelvic pain!
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? I was not much of a book person when I was a child but DD1 has tons of books and loves reading. When she was a baby our favorite to read was On the Farm, it's a touch and feel book. She got such a kick out of that thing. Now she really enjoys the educational Usborne books, but she will be 5 beginning of March and loves anything about learning or trying to read and write currently.
Due date: 3/6
Any appointments? Questions?:
No appointments this week (or questions).
Rants/Raves?:
Rant: my new manager scheduled our first team meeting roughly two weeks before I am due (when I was planning on working from home to avoid something like my water breaking happening at work) and the Kaizen that I got selected to participate in that was supposed to be at the end of Jan / beginning of Feb is now also scheduled for that same week. Alllll week long. I've decided I will not feel one bit bad if my water breaks at work while I'm there!
Rave: We found and matched with our au pair! We all love her, and can't wait. She will get here 3/8, so the timing is a little dicey with my due date, but nonetheless...
How are you feeling?:
Oh boy...everything just hurts. So ready to be done, but no complications so far so I shouldn't complain.
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now)
That is such a hard question! My favorite is Le Petit Prince, but that's for kids a little older than mine. My other favorite is Bob and Jack, a Boy and His Yak, but I have never been able to get through the whole book (even not pregnant) without crying!
@lalalauren15 congrats on nailing the presentation. That is such a good feeling!
@purplepirate09 my girls are learning how to read in the 1st grade and loooove the Pigeon books (I do, too!)
@chocolatelemons I am jealous of your organization purge. I still need to do that!
@novelblessings that is so frustrating about your in-laws. We had a rough time with my husband's parents not following our rules (and then catching them lying about it!) and it made my blood boil. It's been 6 years but it's finally under control (or they have really stepped up their lying game).
@novelblessings it sounds so stressful dealing with that situation and that your in-laws refuse to respect your wishes. I hope things improve, but definitely good to have support from the husband. I have family members already upset because we asked that baby's pictures not be shared to social media. I don't understand why people can't follow simple requests involving YOUR child...
Due Date: 3/2
Any appointments? Questions?: Had an ultrasound last week and the tech said baby is still measuring big and I have just enough amniotic fluid to still be considered polyhydramnios. She wants me to come back in another 4 weeks to check on growth and fluid. I made an appointment but am really thinking I will cancel it before it gets here unless something comes up in my prenatal checkups. Next routine checkup is Friday.
Rants/Raves?: Rave: Nursery is painted and we put up the curtains and put together the crib last night! I walked into the room this morning and felt very emotional seeing the crib in there. Still so much to do but it's getting there! Rant (sorta): I have my first baby shower this weekend and I'm not looking forward to it. I have no idea who all my MiL invited and I'm anticipating non-stop comments about how I look, questions about how I am feeling, reminders of how little sleep I will get when the baby is here, etc. Also, it doesn't look like many people ordered off the registry so I'm hoping we're not about to receive a lot of 'stuff' that we really don't need.
How are you feeling?: Oddly enough, I have been feeling better lately than I have in awhile! It's almost unsettling but LO is still moving as normal. Sleep is still spotty but I have more energy during the day and my hips don't seem to be aching as much. I have been feeling more pressure on my bladder all day today. I know some mom's have mentioned their LO has dropped already so I don't know if it's that or if he just repositioned himself in a way that adds pressure or if he had a growth spurt.
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now): Chicka Chicka Boom Boom was my favorite as a young child! It got so much love, my parents had to get me a replacement copy!
Appointments/questions: Every two weeks and then every week after the next appointment!
Rants/raves: Baby and I are healthy. Unfortunately, at my most recent appointment, the baby is breech! Head and feet up, butt down. I did have a very quick ultrasound just to double check that the midwife was correct with how she thought the baby was laying (she was.) So, that's not great at this point! I'm supposed to do inversions, on my knees with my head on the ground, whenever the baby is moving to encourage the baby to turn. Hopefully, that will work, but if that fails, I'll have to go in for an ESV later on. And of course if that fails, I'll have to go the hospital to have the baby and potentially need a CS. So right now, I'm going to be religiously doing inversions and praying really hard that the baby turns!
Feeling: Pretty good. My daughter was sick last week, so we stayed home almost every day except one. I except just not doing much is what did it, but I had very little achiness and pain last week. This week will be busier, but hopefully it stays away.
GTKY: I like local books the best - ones that are unique to your area or state. We have a bunch of Alaska books that I really like. Besides that, First 100 Words is great. And my daughter's absolute favorite was Corduroy.
Due date: March 5 / March
Any appointments? Had my follow up ultrasound this afternoon to check on a potential kidney problem and got the great news that it has resolved!
Rave: No more monitoring and baby boy is healthy. I have been worrying over that one since they found the issue at 20 weeks!
Rant: This baby is already estimated over 6 pounds and above the 90th percentile, and I have roughly 8 more weeks to go! I’m not surprised exactly, but also not looking forward to arguing my case for a VBAC with another 10+ pound baby.
How are you feeling? Overall still feeling well. Starting to swell a little at the ankles and hands, but it’s still very mild compared to my first pregnancy, so I can’t complain. I did have to get out of bed 4(!) times to pee last night though!
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now) This is so hard for me. Both myself and my daughter are big readers. A favorite of mine from childhood is In the Night Kitchen. My daughter loves Little Blue Truck.
@novelblessings Ugh, I think you have every right to be upset with your in-laws. Being grandparents does not give them license to ignore your rules and wishes. I could see possibly running into that with some of my in-laws too. Hopefully not, but if it goes that way, they'll find they are asked to baby sit less and less...
@lovesclimbing FX your LO takes the hint and turns around!
@maggiemadeit So glad to hear LO's kidneys are no longer a concern! That must be quite the relief!
I loved the Winnie the pooh books!
Due date: 3/9
Any appointments? Questions?: Routine appointment on Thursday
Rants/Raves?: Rant: I fell on black ice at work today, ended up in the ER on workman’s comp. and after a nonstress test found out baby is all good but I’m going to be more sore than I already have been ugh! Rave: My co-workers were awesome and not one of them made me feel bad or guilty for taking time off to deal with all this.
How are you feeling?: Ehhh ... a bit more sore than normal after the fall but trying hard to just focus on the positive and that it could have been much worse.
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now)
Well being a primary teacher for several years “Tiger can’t Sleep” was always my favorite read aloud but I also love Kevin Henkes books. As a mom I love reading “Ill love you forever” and DS favorite books at the moment are “peek-a-boo books”, ABC books, and “Just me and my Little Brother”.
Due date: 3/6
Any appointments? Questions?: I have my ultrasound scheduled Friday, they’re worried she’ll be big as my son was 7 lbs and 4 weeks early I’m hopinh she is in position and the right size.
Rants/Raves?: Rave: I did it! We made it through our Disney week! (Well one day left but I’m still happy). I took it easy but still managed to get my 4yo on all the rides and experiences he was looking forward to. Rant: My mom and my sister got to do the Disney marathon (the full dopey challenge) and I’m just feeling salty I didn’t get to join them in running.
How are you feeling?: really good all things considered. Mostly exhausted but that’s normal for a vacation.
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? Rainbow Fish. I loved that book so much, and that color scheme defines most of my childhood
Due date: 3/9
Any appointments? Questions?: Nothing until next week. I have a growth US due to measuring ahead and an OB appointment.
Rants/Raves?: I was such an irritable bitch yesterday, and my students seemed to push all of my buttons. I’m hoping for a better day today.
How are you feeling?: Sore, round, and waddle-y
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now)
I love reading Nancy Tillman books to DD. The Christmas one recently made me all weepy! When I was a kid, my mom signed me up for this Little Mermaid book club. I had a little cardboard treasure chest and would receive a new book every month or so. I was obsessed.
@abbykwail That is so cool that they are making the glider! Can’t wait to see!
@swanbrooner DS has a small collection of Nancy Tillman books from chic-fil-a. They were recently featuring her (I’m kinda embarrassed with how many he has). But if you ask them for an “under 3” toy in their kids meal you’ll get a small book. Recently they were all from her collection.
@navete thanks! I’m off work for it today to rest. I’m not the great “rester” but I just woke up and my lower back is in quite a bit of pain. I have a regular check up with my midwife scheduled for Thursday so I’m going to call and see if she’s available to squeeze me in today just to double check everything.
@ashley14598 Sounds like a scary fall. I fell on ice (on my stomach) when I was 6 months pregnant with DS. Everything was perfectly fine. Thankfully, they’re pretty well protected in there.
@lovesclimbing Sorry about the breech news. You should look at the Spinning Babies website. There’s some great exercises to get your baby turned. I used it with my son. He was breech at 32/33 weeks but ended up turning so there’s still time! Think positive thoughts!
@lalalauren15 good job with the presentation!! I always get such a huge confidence boost after nailing a presentation so I hope you can feel good about that for a while.
@maggiemadeit That's such a huge relief that the kidney problem resolved! Having one less thing to stress about must feel good.
@ashley14598 I'm glad everyone's OK after the fall!! I was really worried about being in the third trimester during winter but it's been very mild so far where I am and there hasn't been much ice to worry about. I study environmental issues and can't say I'm happy about the warmer-than-average temperatures, but I selfishly wouldn't mind if I could get through the rest of the winter without dealing with ice!
Due date: 3/1
Any appointments? Questions?: Routine appointment Thursday. Also, going to our second birth class tomorrow night (it's once a week for a month).
Rants/Raves?: I had my first meeting with my full graduate committee yesterday which consists of four professors. The goal was to discuss my progress and how my research is going to move forward after the kid is born. My advisors are very "hands off" and I need to manage myself on a daily basis which isn't always good, so I always feel like I haven't done enough when I finally do update everybody. I like everyone on my committee but I just felt really flustered and overwhelmed and had a really hard time articulating where I wanted my research to go. I was beating myself up a little bit when the meeting was over, but overall it was a good conversation and I left feeling more confident in knowing what I need to get done.
How are you feeling?: More and more uncomfortable but that seems like par for the course! I've also been pretty emotional and have been getting very tired. The tiredness reminds of me of the first trimester when I felt like I need to nap mid-afternoon every day. My husband and I went for a long (and cold) beach walk yesterday for the first time in a while and I felt like I got hit by a truck when I got home. I didn't have bad contractions while walking which was nice but it zapped every ounce of energy out of me and I couldn't get off the couch for the rest of the evening.
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? Hmm.. I read a lot as a kid, but I absolutely loved Harold and the Purple Crayon when I was really young.
I missed a few updates but I'm so glad it sound like everyone is getting along pretty well
Due date: 3/1
Any appointments? Questions?: Appt next Wed
Rants/Raves?: Rant: I'm an emotional mess. I hate when you know our being emotional for no reason but you cant stop. I think I've cried like 4 times this week already. I wasn't even this emotional first trimester.
How are you feeling?: Seems we are all about the same. I feel like my baby grew so much last week. I have trouble eating dinner everything gives me indigestion. Back pain, on and off headaches and rib pain. Anyone else have rib pain?
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? I'm blanking on the name of the book. I know I read a lot as a child and my mom read to us a lot but I cant think of a single book title.
I've also been dealing with rib pain due to the baby's position. It's extremely sharp pain when I get a good kick but I almost always feel some kind of general discomfort. If it's really bad and not going away, I stand up and put my hands over my head and stretch against a wall which sometimes relieves the pain (at least temporarily..).
Due date: 3/3
Any appointments? Questions?: Weekly appointments. Monday I had a BPP ultrasound, next week is the second NST.
Rants/Raves?: Rant: LO got all of his "points" for the BPP in about 10 minutes, so he is doing great. They've dropped my insulin dosage again because of how well I am maintaining my blood sugar. Rant: I had my baby shower this weekend. I feel completely ungrateful but hardly anyone actually went off my registry and just bought what they wanted. So I have lots and lots of clothes for LO and tons of duplicates of other stuff. I hate having to return stuff.
How are you feeling?: I hate saying it but I'm so ready to not be pregnant anymore. I still have about 5 weeks before I am induced but I am so done. I want him to stay in an keep "cooking" until he is ready... but I am so uncomfortable.
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? I can't really pick one that is my favorite as I've always been an avid reader and my mother read to me in womb and beyond. I'll say that so far my favorite of the books that I received from my baby shower for the little guy would be "The ABC's of DnD". Hoping he will be just as nerdy as the rest of us .
@ashley14598 I hope you are feeling better now!!
@bug_hunter definitely agree about the rib pain, and also have a hard time getting a full deep breath sometimes
Due date: 3/3
Any appointments? Questions?: Had an OB appointment today, and will have a prenatal meeting with our doula this Saturday, which I’m looking forward to!
Rants/Raves?: Rave: I worked up the courage to talk to my OB today about my birth plan / ways I want this birth to (hopefully) differ from my first and she was very understanding! She reassured me that the hospital I’ll deliver at completely supports natural birth, unmedicated birth, has birth balls, squat racks, tubs to labour in, intermittent fetal monitoring capabilities and that she doesn’t know of a single delivering OB at the hospital who isn’t supportive of allowing a woman to labour and give birth in any position of her choice. Phew! She even said she’d deliver my baby crouched or laying on the floor if that’s what I wanted at the time. I’m relieved that I didn’t get any patronizing talk or an eye roll when talking about birth positions, no IV, intermittent monitoring, etc. I’d been nervous to even ask!
How are you feeling?: About the same. Tired, very stiff and achey back and pelvis, peeing a lot at night. I went to the gym on Monday for the first time in awhile and I’m paying the price. My pelvis has been so sore ever since. My Dr today said baby is head down and engaged/low in my pelvis which explains all the pressure I’ve been feeling!
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now) Dr Seuss, and Charlotte’s web are the only ones that come to mind.
Due date: March 8th
Any appointments? Questions?: Had regular prenatal checkup yesterday; all looks good. Doc gave referral to get a growth scan at a nearby specialist clinic (where I had my anatomy scan). The growth scan doesn’t appear medically necessary, it was just suggested as an option after the AS ( everything looked normal). Anyone else have a growth scan that wasn’t medically required?
Rants/Raves?: Rave: It looks like I’ll be having a baby shower after all, woo! I’m so grateful for the two friends who offered to host because it has become a bigger event than originally thought. Rant: I had a really ugly fight with MH the other night. Lots of tears shed (by me) and feelings of “poor me” (also me 🤪). I’d like to attribute it all to pregancy hormones but I’m also starting to get nervous about our dynamics once baby is here and we’re both stretched to our limit emotionally, mentally, physically.
How are you feeling?: Lots of Braxton Hicks and waddling, but otherwise feeling good. One thing I’ve come to realize (mostly bc all the people touching my bump point it out), is that my bump feels hard most of the time. Not as hard as when I have BHs but it does feel like I’m carrying an actual watermelon rather than a cuddly soft baby lol. I’m assuming this falls in the range of normal since OB has never mentioned anything; anyone else have a similar situation?
GTKY: What's your favorite children's book? (Either from when you were a child or reading to your children now). Most of my favorites are from an older age since I didn’t learn English until I was 8, and before that all my literary exposure was bible stories and folklore (mostly oral). But I have great memories of being read/reading Roald Dahl books, Shel Silverstein poems/short stories, Ramona Quimby and Pipi Longstocking, Chronicles of Narnia, Calvin & Hobbes, and my all time favorite Archie Comics 😆. My dad was a librarian and my step-mom an English teacher so reading was quite the pushed activity in our household...also TV was highly rationed 😭.
My stomach feels hard too. Someone pointed it out to me around week 20 or so and I hadn't thought anything of it until then. My midwife definitely never mentioned it. I think it's just because everything is all stretched out.
Maybe I misunderstood the question, but I think what you’re describing is totally normal and how a third trimester belly should feel
@bug_hunter Good point on checking to make sure it’s covered by insurance, thanks!
ETA: Forgot to answer your question @mayoduck. Birth language was Babatana (Austronesian language family) and a pidgin that’s based on the English lexicon. Unfortunately I’m no longer fluent in Babatana and have a terrible accent in Pidgin lol, so English is my current primary language. Definitely wish I was still multilingual though