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January 2020 Moms
marebear15
member
Weekly Check-in Groups 3&4 (Jan 17-30) - w/o 10/7
marebear15
member
EDD/Weeks + Days:
Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green:
Baby is the size of a(n):
Upcoming Appointments:
How are you feeling?:
Rants/Raves:
Questions:
GTKY: Where would your ideal home be and why?
Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green:
Baby is the size of a(n):
Upcoming Appointments:
How are you feeling?:
Rants/Raves:
Questions:
GTKY: Where would your ideal home be and why?
Re: Weekly Check-in Groups 3&4 (Jan 17-30) - w/o 10/7
Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: PINK
Baby is the size of a(n): cauliflower
Upcoming Appointments: 10/30 and 11/30
How are you feeling?: Tired. My sleep schedule is all sorts of fucked up right now. I fell asleep on the couch at like 9:30 last night, woke up at midnight, couldn't fall back asleep until 3:30, alarms went off 2hrs later. Poor cat didn't get his 3rd meal until 2am. oopse. I feel like a bad fur mama right now.
Rants/Raves: I had an amazing weekend this weekend. Eagles won, went pumpkin picking, we got a new top for our kitchen table (our glass one broke in an accident. New top is solid oak from an antique store), organized the guest bedroom so it's actually functional now, my vanity is organized, dining room table is cleaned off (it's right by our front door so it kinda becomes a dumping ground during the week. Our home is feeling homier after a year of living there. I just need to finish painting the damn kitchen.
Questions: I'm sure I have some but sleepy stash can't remember them.
GTKY: Where would your ideal home be and why? The beach! I could definitely wake up every day being that close to the water and just hanging out every day.
PG #2: EDD 8/15/23 Miscarried 9w1d 1/11/23
PG #3: EDD 12/15/23
Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: Blue
Baby is the size of a(n): Pack of Oreos
Upcoming Appointments: 10/22, regular OB
How are you feeling?: Energized now that the Summer has finally lost its grasp on South Texas (for a couple of days). High today, 82. SO HAPPY!!!!
Rants/Raves: My Not-A-MIL is really starting to irritate me. Now, she's going on and on and on about how we don't have a plan (we do) and the county is going to take the house (they might) and we're going to end up homeless (we won't) and living with her (definitely not a chance in hell) and that we don't make enough money (Ok, so we're not top 1%, but we can afford to lose an income and be alright for a while, soooooooo) and FFR needs to stay home that's her job to take care of the kids (yeah, this woman works) and the state is going to take away the baby (um, just no) because you can't buy food (I'm lost on this one, what additional food do I need to buy for a newborn who will be EBF and why would it substantially increase my food bill?) and pay for electricity (lost again) or water (Ok, so my water bill might go up a couple of bucks a month) and SO won't be able to study because a baby takes so much attention and demand (where will I be during this time?!). On top of ALL this, what she SHOULD be doing is focusing on the massive amount of drama my Not-A-SIL has caused that requires a mid 5 figure financial bail out. But NOOOOOOO she's perfect and we're the failures. It's hard to keep my hormonal mouth shut, but what I want to say is...While you were busy bragging about Not-A-SIL's success (counted chickens before they hatched), I was figuring out the solution to all those issues.
Questions: Are you doing a pack-n-play or crib to start? I'm so ambivalent about buying baby-stuff, I haven't even STARTED getting it together. And nothing, NOTHING is motivating me to do so...except SO is freaking out about putting a car seat in his Mustang, so we can get the travel system now and I can show him it's a pain, but not hard, with a 2 door car. (I had a 2 door Accord until DS1 was 5). But, mostly, I'm just so MEH about the impending birth. Is it because it's my 3rd and I'm like...what's the rush?
GTKY: Where would your ideal home be and why? I loved living in Tulsa, OK. The summers were HOT, the winters cold, and Spring and Fall were BEAUTIFUL and languid...plus, living in Tornado Alley, we had so many gorgeous storms. But, I can't stand being land locked...so, it's the Pacific Northwest for me. Oregon would be my choice. New Zealand and Taiwan would be a close second.
As for cars tell him we have a 2019 dodge challenger as our daily, and DH has a 2017 mustang. We are gonna do just fine with a car seat (cuz I ain't no mini van mom and my challenger is AWD thank you very much). We are getting a convertible from the start so I worry about the newborn configuration fitting in the back seat of the stang, but it'll be winter, that car won't see a whole lot of action (it's a pretty powerful mustang with a supercharger so it and snow do not mix), but other than that we will manage. Also, DH grew up in coupes and they did just fine too. It's manageable. I feel like we have been sold this idea that we have to get SUVs or Mini Vans now a days to be a functional family unit or we will all just never go anywhere.
We have our crib set up, but Imma assume that she's just gonna sleep in the pack and play in the first couple months until she gets on a sleep schedule where I don't have to wake up every two hours to feed her.
PG #2: EDD 8/15/23 Miscarried 9w1d 1/11/23
PG #3: EDD 12/15/23
Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: Pink
Baby is the size of a(n): cauliflower
Upcoming Appointments: Oct 22, 27 week; GD test (before 28 weeks); Nov 4, 29 week
How are you feeling?: Great! Nesting is strong. I really want to go out and buy all the things! But I'm also trying to be frugal and waiting to see what my family decides to get us.
Rants/Raves: So after my OB told me I'd gained too much weight in 4 weeks (8lbs!), I've been watching my food choices more closely. A lot of veggies, good protein, complex carbs, and two treats for the week and I've maintained my weight all week! I'm hoping I can keep this up.
Questions: Can't remember if I've asked this, but does anyone have tricks on how to get out 2 year old set-in stains out of baby clothes? Mostly spit up stains and a few poop stains.
GTKY: Where would your ideal home be and why? Probably in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Somewhere that has a nice 3 months of each season, but also close to a city. I hate being out in the middle of nowhere.
@FyreFlyeRush - We have both a crib and a pack n play, but neither of them will be in our room. DD2 will sleep in her crib in her room from day 1. The pack n play is going to be in a corner of the living room for naps during the day, that way I can keep an eye on her. Last time I used a rock n play for naps, but unfortunately that got recalled.
PG #2: EDD 8/15/23 Miscarried 9w1d 1/11/23
PG #3: EDD 12/15/23
@FyreFlyeRush wow, your Not-a-MIL sounds like a piece of work. I definitely wouldn't be able to keep my mouth shut. Mind your own damn business lady. Unless you're paying the bills, your opinion doesn't hold weight.
@marebear15 yay for maintaining a healthy diet and weight! Good job! That's my biggest struggle in life always lol. Also, don't have specific advice for baby stains, but oxyclean is my jam. Works great on old stains I've had though mostly food.
EDD/Weeks + Days: 24wks2days
Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: Blue
Baby is the size of a(n): corn on the cob
Upcoming Appointments: Oct 16th
How are you feeling?: pretty good. My cough has gotten significantly better after taking OB recommended cough syrup Delsym. It's almost completely gone!
Rants/Raves: I officially put in my 4 week notice this past Friday and am beginning to look forward to the extra time I'll have to finish prepping for baby. Soo much to be done around the house still!
Questions: I know I have some but can't think of one right now.
GTKY: Where would your ideal home be and why? Gosh, I dunno. I've heard New Zealand is gorgeous and I would need to be somewhere that gets all 4 seasons. Somewhere remote but within an hour of a metropolis because I love big cities but don't want to live IN one again.
Edit: typo
PG #2: EDD 8/15/23 Miscarried 9w1d 1/11/23
PG #3: EDD 12/15/23
@stashattack like @marebear15 said, as long as you have a baby monitor, you don't need to be on the same floor when she's sleeping. It can be easier said than done those first few days. ☺️ We put DD in her crib in the nursery across the hall from day 1. The travel crib was set up on the first floor. Honestly, I barely used the travel crib. It was easier to put her in the crib with my c-section.
@marebear15 Shout free does an amazing job! It's free from dyes, etc. so I like using it for baby clothes.
PG #2: EDD 8/15/23 Miscarried 9w1d 1/11/23
PG #3: EDD 12/15/23
PG #2: EDD 8/15/23 Miscarried 9w1d 1/11/23
PG #3: EDD 12/15/23
@persnickity - Shout was what I used before I washed them 😬 I mean, it probably wouldn't hurt to do a repeat, but idk if it would help. These might just be beyond help.
@marebear15 yes, I'll be a SAHM. I'm really looking forward to it! I've always wanted to after growing up with my always working single mom. Plus, I just don't make enough to justify the cost of daycare. If basically be working to pay for daycare. Daycare costs are outrageous!
EDD/Weeks + Days: I think I'm officially just going to change this to Jan 9th from Jan 23rd since the doctors told me 38 max for twins? LOL. But officially, I'm 24W4D
Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: double pink
Baby is the size of a(n): basketball
Upcoming Appointments: Hematologist today, MFM for growth scan tomorrow, OB for glucose test on Wednesday- busy week for me
How are you feeling?: generally really good! Not sleeping through the night, but who is these days? Otherwise, I can't really complain, other than the first words out of everyone's mouths when they start a conversation with me is "how are you feeling". Kinda tired of saying, "fine, thanks". LOL so stupid and hormonal but whatever.
Rants/Raves: See above. and also- I had a good amount of relaxing free time this weekend and put WAYYYY to many items on my baby registry and also spent a little too much money on nursery decor and a hospital robe/loungeware for me. Oops. Perils of online shopping. I also had a minor panic attack reading stories on twin births and how so many people had babies before 32 weeks and how to be prepared and I had a full blown emotional meltdown thinking there's no way I can do this. Which leads me to....
Questions: Does anyone have a good template/checklist with like yes/no questions to help me formalize a birth plan? TBH I was just going to go in being flexible and letting the doctors take charge, but it's probably a good idea to think of things in advance
GTKY: Where would your ideal home be and why?- is it weird to say I actually love New Jersey? Sometimes I wish the traffic wasn't so bad, but we get seasons, close to major cities, close to beach/farms/mountains/ etc. Plus all my family is here, so I like it.
@FyreFlyeRush Your MIL sounds like a piece of work! It definitely seems like it's time to sit her down and talk about boundaries. Her unsolicited opinions are not welcome or accurate. You're amazing for not snapping at her already.
I haven't really started getting baby stuff together yet, and this is my first. I just don't see the rush, don't want to be tripping over the stuff before we need it, don't know exactly what's needed to begin with (again, FTM) so want to see what the needs are and address them at that time, and want to wait until after my baby shower in 6 weeks to see what's given then fill in the gaps. All that said, I'm a little worried that something terrible could happen and my son could be born tomorrow and we aren't ready.
@marebear15 Great job on nutrition! I gained quite a lot in the last month too (6 lbs). My dr wasn't concerned because I've only gained 8 lbs total, but I'm anxious to see how it's been this month. Plus I have the GD test coming up, so nutrition changes might be in my future too.
@peppyj9 Congrats on putting in your notice! I'm jealous and wish I could work less and focus on Baby. Enjoy!
EDD/Weeks + Days: Jan 17/ 25+4
Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: Blue
Baby is the size of a(n): Cauliflower
Upcoming Appointments: glucose tolerance test Oct 24
How are you feeling?: My lowrr back pain has suddenly become out of control. When I've been sitting or lying down for awhile, it hurts so much to stand and get moving again.
Rant: I don't get my MIL. She talks about being so excited about this baby (first grandkid) and offered to help with anything and everything and go to appts. Then a couple weeks ago I invited her to my ultrasound that my husband couldn't attend, but she said she couldn't go. Then yesterday she was invited to a lunch to plan my baby shower (with my best friend and my husband's aunt and grandma) and she didn't go. We were both at a family member's birthday party last Friday, and she didn't hug me and barely talked to me. I don't know what's up, but I'm thinking she's not as into this baby as she said she was.
Rave: This weekend was wonderful! The weather was perfect and I got to spend time with friends and loved ones. I was even productive and cleaned out our bedroom to make room for a bassinet and baby stuff.
Questions: When does the nesting instinct usually kick in. I need it desperately! So far I'm going through the motions and forcing myself to do what needs to be done (I'm tired most of the time), but it would be much easier if this nesting motivation kicked in!
GTKY: Where would your ideal home be and why? It's cheesy, but I love where I live now. The PNW is beautiful with mild weather and so many outdoor activities. I absolutely love being near the beach (maybe having a second home ON the beach would make it even better). Plus all my in laws live here. I've never in my life lived in the same city as my family, and it's been just the richest experience I could imagine. Being in a mid-sized city is perfect, with all the cultural activities, art, resources, shopping, theater, history, music, restaurants, parks I could ask for. My house was built in 1906, our neighborhood has tons of character and I can walk to everything. I'm staying put!
I don't have a checklist but these are the questions I plan on asking my OB about birth planning next visit:
1) how soon do you induce after the due date? I don't mind waiting 1.5 weeks after the due date but any longer and you might see me shoving an eviction notice up my who-ha soooo maybe around then we can induce?
2) Before the 1.5 week mark, how do you feel about membrane sweeps? maybe 5-7 days past the due date?
3) I would really prefer a natural birth. What pain options do you have that aren't an epidural? I would like to be able to move around, dance, and possibly kick my husband in the shins during labor to make me feel better.
PG #2: EDD 8/15/23 Miscarried 9w1d 1/11/23
PG #3: EDD 12/15/23
@persnickity - I use Shout spray. I'm not sure if it's the Free or the Original. Sometimes I've treated it twice and the stain has disappeared, but I'm not sure how many times these particular ones have been treated. Or how bad the stain was when I put them away. I didn't remember so many baby clothes having stains, so I'm thinking some of them appeared because of storage?
@amb0924 - I'm always at a lost as to how to respond to the "how are you feeling" questions. Like, do you really want to hear about the back aches and whatnot? or should I just say "fine, thanks" and we move on with the small talk?
My hospital has a printable birth plan in there Monogram Maternity program. Not sure how many hospitals do that, but we also got a checklist at our birthing class. Other than that, I just looked on Google for checklists.
I had IV medications (something akin to morphine, I think), but no epidural. It keep the edge of the pain off for about an hour each dose. The jets in the labor tub was also amazing for pain, and counter pressure applied by DH.
@FyreFlyeRush your NMIL is starting to make me crazy lol. Not sure why she feels she gets so much input with you and your finances or really anything. We are doing pack and play for both of them together and have the cribs ready to go when ready to put them in their own room. Ds got moved at 8 weeks.
@amb0924 I really need to talk to my ob and figure out what the plan is as far as when I will be delivering. I’m also over the “how are you feeling” question. I’ve started telling people the truth, huge and uncomfortable lol.
Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: Purple
Baby is the size of a(n): cantaloupe
Upcoming Appointments: growth scan with mfm tomorrow
How are you feeling?: huge and uncomfortable. My feet are so swollen from the car ride they are the size of Christmas hams.
Rants/Raves: We got back from our trip for my sisters wedding. We had a great time but are happy to be home again. I’m officially traveled out and refuse to go anywhere until after the babies get here. Riding in a car for 9 hours is a special kind of hell when your 6 months pregnant. I’m hoping my swelling goes down quickly.
Questions: I don’t think so
GTKY: Where would your ideal home be and why? Somewhere it is a constant 75* year round and not close to people but close to things I need. Anyone know where that is?? 😆
PG #2: EDD 8/15/23 Miscarried 9w1d 1/11/23
PG #3: EDD 12/15/23
PG #2: EDD 8/15/23 Miscarried 9w1d 1/11/23
PG #3: EDD 12/15/23
Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: blue
Baby is the size of a(n): action figure
Upcoming Appointments: tomorrow for 24 weeks and then first week of November is glucose test.
How are you feeling?: I'm feeling pretty good most days. I'm a little more tired some days. I actually feel bad responding to this question each week, since so many of you are dealing with issues.
Rants/Raves: Rant-dealing with anemia and trying to figure out a glass on for fixing it. Raves- got to see my bff and her family this past weekend! We see each other in person about once a year.
Questions: None right now.
GTKY: Where would your ideal home be and why? I love the Midwest. Maybe Tennessee, but I like where I am.
@noranorabobora that is weird about your MIL. Maybe she has something personal going on and is preoccupied and doesn't want to bother you with it? Also, I don't know if I ever got a "nesting" boost. I just had fun shopping for baby because shopping, and have been in house improvement mode since we moved in a year ago. I'm sure you'll have a better idea and maybe more excitement for baby things after your baby shower.
@kbrown2385 glad you had a nice time at the wedding, but that's a lot of travel! Hope you're able to rest and damn right people can come to you for the next few months!
@amb0924 I also went a little overboard with the registries. I received the advice to do so. Plus we can always exchange items to get larger/older sizes to make things last longer before coming out of pocket.
@stashattack I also plan to ask my MD about timing. I'm considered advanced maternal age and I hear they generally like to induce by 39 weeks.
@marebear15 it is so cool that your workplace offers (relatively) free daycare!! My workplace offers it but it's definitely not free. Waitlist is like a year long, plus it's about 30 min away from where we live. Will be looking closer to our house preferably because I work from home several days out of the week.
EDD/Weeks + Days: Jan 24/ 24+ 3
Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: Pink
Baby is the size of a(n): cantelope
Upcoming Appointments: 10/21 I think is the next monthly appt.
How are you feeling?: Pretty good, but SUPER TIRED...that move took a lot out of me. Plus with the weather changing slightly, my sinuses & allergies are acting up. Also moderate heartburn. Ugh...
Rants/Raves: I feel like with the holidays coming, time is moving quickly!
Questions: Not really, but appreciate the advice @persnickity and @marebear15 about using the crib at the onset and the pack and play for downstairs.
GTKY: Where would your ideal home be and why?
My ideal home would be near an urban center but on the beach with a year-round outdoor market and a full service fitness center in walking distance. Also the childcare and cost of living would be reasonable. Where I live now its not! #Tooclosetothenationscapital 🤯
Edit - unless, of course there are other complications. Realistically, I could deliver as early as 35w without them thinking twice. Christmas baby!
BFP 3.8.16 EDD 11.20.16
@kbrown2385 glad you had fun at the wedding! And who would actually expect someone pregnant with twins to travel that distance so close to the due date??? And in winter?? They have to be crazy to expect that.
@amb0924 There are a ton of birth plan samples in the internet. Biggest thing is to keep it short and simple. You don't want it to be too complicated. I stuck to the basics of minimal cervix checks, being able to walk around the floor, things like that. I also knew my preferences on pain meds and DH could voice that for me if needed. One last thing, confirm it with your OB. I asked to be allowed to eat and drink during labor. My OB approved it and the nurses at the hospital tried to deny it. I had to push to have them check with my OB, since it wasn't standard.
@persnickity - Most days I feel pretty good too. Don't feel bad about talking about how good you feel! You could always mention other symptoms like cravings or nesting.
@ivyphotoop - I'm very blessed to have amazing job perks. That's crazy that your work offers care but it's 30 minutes away! Is there any perks to using that facility?
@FyreFlyeRush ugh, sorry to hear your MIL is being such a piece of work! In answer to your question, baby will be in our room until he/she isn't waking at night anymore (so maybe 8-18 mo based on my previous kids) and we're doing a bedside cosleeper for the first few months. We had one with DD and it was an absolute game-changer regarding ease of breastfeeding and night and the quality of sleep we both got. We'll likely have a pack-and-play downstairs for naps as others have mentioned.
EDD/Weeks + Days: January 27/24+1
Team Finding Out/Blue/Pink/Green: Green
Baby is the size of a(n): Pomegranate
Upcoming Appointments: 24 week MW appointment on Thursday
How are you feeling?: I'm having pretty bad sciatica down the back of my left leg. Yoga last night seemed to help, and I'm also thinking of picking up some Epsom salts to take a bath and see if I can reduce the inflammation somewhat.
Rants/Raves: I took the day off work tomorrow since the kids are off school and have so much that I think I'm going to get accomplished (we'll see how the day actually goes, though). Bringing the cat to the vet, the kids are getting flu shots, DS is going to a school club meeting, cleaning, cooking. I'm pretty excited to have a "bonus day" to get stuff done that I couldn't manage over the weekend. Weekday appointments are also so much easier to make!
Questions: Anyone have any tried and true tips to help with sciatic nerve pain?
GTKY: Where would your ideal home be and why? I love the town we currently live in, it's super-walkable and has that warm "small-town" feel, but if we had the finances, a bigger/nicer house would be great (we live in one of the smallest/cheapest houses in a really nice neighborhood). So my ideal would be a 4-bedroom house with a finished basement and a nice backyard in the same neighborhood/elementary school that we currently are in.
PG #2: EDD 8/15/23 Miscarried 9w1d 1/11/23
PG #3: EDD 12/15/23
Sorry if formatting is funny, this is copy/pasted from word. I formatted it to fit on one side of one page and bolded key terms to make it easier to read. I'm planning to review this with my midwives this week and will likely take out anything that is entirely standard for the practice/hospital I am delivering at.
Name: **** Support Person: My husband, *****
Care Providers: ******
We are looking forward to the birth of our third child at *******. Our first child was a high-intervention hospital birth complicated by preeclampsia. Our second child was a low-intervention, unmedicated birth at a freestanding birth center. Based on these experiences, we have the following wishes for the birth of our third child:
1) During Labor: we have prepared for an unmedicated childbirth. To help us achieve this goal:
- We would appreciate being assigned nurses who have experience with and/or prefer to work with unmedicated laboring mothers if one is available.
- If labor is clearly established, I would like to waive the initial 20 minutes of continuous fetal monitoring in favor of intermittent auscultation throughout labor.
- I would prefer the use of intermittent auscultation with fetal doppler. If continuous monitoring is necessary, I would like to use a telemetry unit.
- Please do not offer pain-relief medications. I understand the options and will ask if I desire pain relief medications. Suggestions for non-medication pain relief techniques would be appreciated (I found deep, focused breathing and hip squeezes to be helpful during previous births).
- To aid in mobility, I would prefer the placement of a saline-lock.
- I would like to wear my own clothes (or no clothes) during labor and delivery.
- I would like to be able to eat and drink freely during labor.
2) During Delivery:
- I would like to wait to push until I feel an urge to do so and practice self-directed pushing.
- Please recommend alternative pushing positions that may facilitate delivery and prevent tearing (side-laying was my favorite with previous babies).
- If safe, I would like our baby to be placed directly on my stomach after birth. This is very important to me and, if at all possible, I ask that our baby be placed on my stomach, even for a very short time, before he/she is cleaned off.
- Postpartum Pitocin for management of the 3rd stage of labor is OK.
- Please delay cord clamping and cutting until the cord stops pulsing.
- Please encourage my husband to cut the cord and announce the baby’s sex, if possible.
3) After Birth:
- Please complete newborn vaccinations/procedures in our room whenever possible.
- We plan to waive the routine administration of antibiotic eye ointment.
- We choose to postpone the Hepatitis B vaccine to be given by our pediatrician at a later date.
- I plan to breastfeed exclusively. Please do not give our baby any bottles or pacifiers without consulting with us first.
- We would like to give the baby their first bath and/or delay bathing.
4) In the Event of a Cesarean Section:
- Please allow my husband to hold our baby as soon as safely possible. If our baby should need to leave the operating room, my husband will accompany.
Please help me in initiating skin-to-skin (in the operating room, if possible) and breastfeeding as soon as possible after the birth.PG #2: EDD 8/15/23 Miscarried 9w1d 1/11/23
PG #3: EDD 12/15/23