Upcoming appointments: Today I've got the Pap, a breast exam, and a blood draw. It's also a big care plan appointment where we will set up a plan for the rest of my pregnancy and review the medical history from my previous pregnancy. I'm sad I'll have to take my 5 year old with me to it, but I'm sure with her headphones and a few new episodes of Magic School Bus downloaded on her tablet and I'll survive.
How are you feeling?: The nausea WREAKED me this weekend. I woke up so queasy Saturday that I rolled out of bed and barely made it to the bathroom before I was puking. I have no idea where that came from. I'm otherwise feeling pretty okay though. I'm still really tired and I tend to need a nap on days that have been extra busy, but things are slowly becoming more manageable.
Raves/Rants: Raving: We still are at one vehicle for now so this means on days I have appointments I have to fight traffic to take my husband to work so I can have the car. Traffic was a nightmare but it provided me with the excuse that I deserved an iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts, first coffee I've had since December. I'm sipping slowly and loving it. Rant: A last minute surprise trip from MH's big wigs from NYC have really thrown some wrenches in our plans. Not only can he suddenly not leave work the 30 minutes early to have DD while I have my appointment today (even though he goes in early enough that he will have worked his 8 hours today, he is expected to stay until 4:30) but now he's got a mandatory after work dinner so our Monday night routine of Karate class then eating out as a family has been scrapped completely. DD looks forward to these dinners and she's already sad about it, despite my promises that she and I can still eat out together wherever she wants.
Questions: Are you guys experiencing an ache in your lower abdomen already? I'm already in a lot of pain when I get up and sit down, and it's very achy. I don't remember having this so early last time and I am trying to decide if I should bring it up today when I go to the Dr's.
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby?: MH and I are big giant Nerds, and we were very excited to take DD to her first convention this summer(We went to Dragon Con). We had plans to take her to another one in August (Gen Con), but this baby is due too close to the convention so it wouldn't be safe to travel to it. I'm really excited to raise this child in our little nerd cult and take them along with us to the gaming conventions. We're already thinking that even though they will be very little next year, we will still do our best to make it happen since we have VERY good friends who also go yearly and have little kids. We figure we'll just take some turns trading off who takes care of the kids and hanging out in the hotel with the little ones and probably pick an afternoon to skip convention things and go to the zoo or children's museum near by one day.
@RedBaramid I've been having pain. Most of it is because babe has been in a funky position and it's uncomfortable as hell. He refuses to move and I'm not sure I appreciate his already stubborn attitude. I will say that my aches and pains started a lot sooner with ds2 and it's even sooner with this babe. My dr said that everything just starts sooner in the subsequent pregnancies because your body already knows what's happening. You think it would be easier, but apparently that's a big fat lie!
EDD/weeks+days: Aug 16/15+1
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Blue
Baby is the size of a(n): an Eggo waffle
Upcoming appointments: Tomorrow for a regular OB. I need to talk to them about my heartburn and the fact that I'm itching like crazy and starting to look a little crazy scratching frantically at myself. Really hoping Cholestasis isnt back.
How are you feeling? Ok other than heartburn and the itching.
Raves/Rants: Rant: The heartburn is really hindering my appetite. Of course, it could be Cholestasis as well. Either way, I dont think I've gained a single pound and may have lost some based on loose my pants have become.
Questions:
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? So, both boys have their own song that I have sang to them since the day they were born. I sing it to them every night, when they are sad, whatever. I cant wait to pick out a song for new baby and have it ready for when he's born.
How are you feeling? Pretty good minus some moments of feeling tired
Raves/Rants: I just took one of my dogs to Pet Valu for a bath and man that was so hard. I have another dog to do, but that won’t happen until at least the afternoon.
Also, I fee like this boy is poking my organs and it’s getting old. And no I have not felt anything with my hand yet 😑 also, when I believe that he is poking my organs, he is also poking on something that is poking into my ribs and he won’t stop. No matter what position I move into or try and push back nothing works.
Questions: None
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? I’m looking forward to doing something with him on the day of his birthday, just him, me, and his dad. I didn’t get one on one time like that with my parents, and I hope to give my kids that attention especially on their birthday.
Married: August 2012
TTC #1: July 2015
BFP 1: October 30, 2015; EDD: July 6, 2016- Team Pink
Upcoming appointments: March 2nd for a regular checkup and then scheduling an anatomy scan for the middle of March!
How are you feeling? Tired mostly
Raves/Rants: I'm exhausted from dealing with issues at work. My employees are being incredibly nasty to each other and it's making the whole department run rough.
Questions: None
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? I can't wait for him/her to start coming to livestock shows with our family. We have three kids already and we show goats, poultry and rabbits competitively.
@RedBaramid I love a good car beverage No abdominal pain here yet, but I'm also a couple weeks behind you. Sorry you're experiencing such discomfort - doesn't hurt to ask your OB about it, and hopefully they have some helpful suggestions.
EDD/weeks+days: August 26 / 13+5
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Green
Upcoming appointments: Not for a few weeks
How are you feeling? Still good. I have random moments like this morning when I panic that I'm getting sick, and I have to remind myself "oh wait, no, I'm pregnant. I get randomly woozy/achy/nauseous and that's just a part of life now.
Raves/Rants: Tiny rave: I woke up this morning before my alarm to the sound of a rainstorm rolling in. That hasn't happened in a while, and it was so nice to hang out in the warm bed for 10 minutes with that natural white noise all around.
Questions: N/A
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? Baby won't be a true participant for a while, but we have breakfast tacos as a family every Saturday morning and I'm excited to start bringing him or her to the table with us. We all feel so bright and shiny at the outset of a weekend, and it's a chance for DH and I to properly catch up on the week; too many of our Mon-Fri conversations are centered on logistics. DS doesn't have much to contribute yet, but I look forward to both kids directing all the conversation topics one day.
Baby is the size of a(n): A folded up pair of sunglasses (so specific!)
Upcoming appointments: March 16th for my anatomy scan
How are you feeling? Tired but otherwise good!
Raves/Rants: Rant: I had dinner with my parents last night and they made several annoying comments (see the Randoms thread for my dad’s contribution). My mom always compares DS to my brother, who was an extremely volatile and violent child. DS is nothing like that and it really bothers me when she acts like DS is going to be the same as my brother.
Questions: What is a normal resting heart rate while pregnant? I wear a watch that tracks my HR and it’s seemed really high lately. I’m not sure if the watch is wrong or my HR has really gotten that high. I feel fine, so I’m not concerned, just curious and Dr. Google is no help.
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? We’ve been taking DS to this awesome music class for the past year, and I’m excited to start taking DS2 as well. It’s all ages so we will be able to do it as a family.
Upcoming appointments: 3/5 - gender scan and check up
How are you feeling? Tired. All. The. Time
Raves/Rants: I think my interview went well on Thursday. I really enjoyed the process, at least. Unfortunately I won't know anything until at least the end of March. Also I finally booked our summer beach trip. I looked for places for two days and finally found an amazing kid friendly resort and ended up getting a condo for $1500 less than the next cheapest price. I was so excited and secretly really proud of myself. My mom and sister were very pleased with the price and the place so it made me happy.
Questions: None right now
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? I'm really excited about cloth diapering and baby wearing again. I love doing those things.
Upcoming appointments: March 16 for a routine appointment
How are you feeling? Fine! Still tired. Ive been getting heartburn more often the last few days.
Raves/Rants: Rant- It's driving me nuts not knowing if baby is okay in there! I think I feel flutters sometimes but then I always second guess it. Hopefully March 16 gets here quick! It's making me hesitant to tell people because I just want to be sure! Rave- I'm somehow totally on top of laundry and it feels wonderful to not be drowning in dirty clothes!
Questions:
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? We don't have any traditions yet! My son just turned one so we haven't had a lot of time to make our own family traditions. I am a teacher so I have my summers off. I guess I am most looking forward to summers home with them. This last summer with my son we went to the zoo every week and spent a lot of time at my dad's lake house on his boat so hopefully those are things I can continue every year with both kids.
EDD/weeks+days: 8/28, 13+ 3; I'm still stuck on whether to use LMP or ovulation (my OB is going with LMP so I guess I will as well since I am most likely going to be induced this time around).
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Finding out. Hoping to get my NIPT results back this week!
Baby is the size of a(n): Lemon
Upcoming appointments: 3/11 for a routine check. Just scheduled my AS for 4/13 which seems SO far away.
How are you feeling? Finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! Food is actually starting to taste good again. I'm still SO tired, but can actually kind of function now. Oh yeah, I'm also feeling VERY FAT. Current mood:
Raves/Rants: Rave: DH made calzones for dinner and it was so tasty! Also DD's language has exploded in the last month, every day she is saying new words. Some of the stuff she comes up with is so hilarious.
Rant: I covered that pretty thoroughly on the Randoms thread, lol.
Questions: Nothing this time (I'll probably think of something as soon as I post this... preg brain).
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? We're still working on creating family traditions with DD. One thing that I guess is a tradition is that we always try to sit down for meals together. Even before DD was eating solids we would prop her at the table so she could hang out.
Upcoming appointments: chiropractor twice this week for sciatica
How are you feeling? Feeling pretty good lately. 😃
Raves/Rants: my skin is out of control. In the past 2ish weeks I’ve had massive hives, a rash, and an outbreak of my rosacea. This pregnancy is wrecking havoc on my skin
Questions: nah
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? i sing “you are my sunshine” every night with my daughter. I want to find a song to sing with this new one but not sure what. Hers developed organically at bedtime and so we’ll see
TTC1: May 2015
Primary IF May 2016; Failed HSG; Scheduled Lap Sept. 2016
Sorry I've been MIA for the last week-- I was on vacation in the Canadian Rockies! I've been scrambling to catch up with what I've missed!
EDD/weeks+days: 13 w 6days
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: finding out
Baby is the size of a(n): Lemon
Upcoming appointments: Not until 3/12
How are you feeling? a bit more energy overall but still having bouts of nausea and sickness.
Raves/Rants: Rant: My job isn't making me incredibly happy right now. It's just really hard work and there's not enough of a team atmosphere. Everyone seems out for themselves. Not cool.
Questions: Maybe this is not really a question-- it's more of a concern-- I am about to tell my job about the pregnancy today! For my 1st baby I took the 12 weeks FMLA but was only paid for 6 weeks. I've been with my job now for 10+ years and DH wants me to take 6 months off but I am really scared to ask for anything beyond say 14/15 weeks! I do understand that bonding with my baby is so important and valuable and I know how hard it is to come back to work at 12 weeks. But, I don't trust that my job will be waiting for me when I get back. I have been busting my ass at my career just to let it all go-- all of these client relationships I've been trying to build. Regardless of any savings, I don't like the idea of being unemployed and not contributing/saving financially. Also, it might not be so easy to find another job! Any perspective you guys have is appreciated.
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? We are a winter sports family and I am looking forward to taking both kids on trips into the mountains.
How are you feeling? Randomly lightheaded, annoying back stuff, and wishing time would move a little faster, but mostly okay.
Raves/Rants: Rave: My SIL had a healthy baby girl this weekend! Baby was on the small side at 5 lbs 4 oz, but we're all so happy she made it through the other side of her (med-free ) first birth and that everyone is home and resting. Rant: Took my kids for more vaccines yesterday. DD got three, and DS received four, then developed a fever overnight. His little legs are so sore, it's hard for him to walk. Every time he needs to get up and go to the bathroom, he cries about just having to move. Breaks my heart. DD is handling hers a little better, but still keeps pointing to her sore thighs as if to tell me they're bothering her.
Questions: N/A
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? Looking forward to having another little one to dress up this Halloween. Halloween is a major love of my life, and baby will arrive just in time! DS and I have SO much fun decorating and celebrating together. Hopefully my other kiddos grow to enjoy it as well!
@radiohd18 Legally, they only have to hold that job for you for that 12 weeks, and you know that. I say it can't hurt to ask and talk to them. If you've been there for 10+ years you have a lot of experience and knowledge. They may be willing to let you go and come back. Maybe if they don't feel good about doing it you could work out a deal to go back part time for that 3 months after the maternity leave ends. Just be open and honest about what you want. What is the worst that can happen? You work until you have the baby, then you lose your job. You stay home with the little one for a while, and then start looking for work. If you get hard up, you might take a less than desirable job for a while while you continue looking for something else. I'm a really firm believer in the idea of "where there is a will, there is a way" especially when it comes to able bodied people looking for work.
I'm in a weird boat, for the first time in my relationship I'm not working. I've recently transitioned to being a SAHM.. and I feel so awkward about it. I hate not contributing.. but I have to remember that it's not my opinion on what "contributing" means that matters right now. My spouse sees me being at home as valuable. He and I have set expectations of what he thinks I need to take care of verses what he'll take care of. It's been a HUGE adjustment for me.. but what works in your partnership and family is between you and them and try not to let yourself get hung up on the idea that if you aren't adding financially that you aren't adding anything.
@radiohd18 I would look into your state and local laws for protected leave. In some states, it’s more than FMLA. Regardless, it doesn’t hurt to ask. My company has a generous 3 month paid leave but I’m planning to take 6 months. I haven’t told them yet (also haven’t told them I’m KU, so I should probably do that first). I’ll be the first person at the company to do so (it’s a smallish company), so I’m also super nervous to bring it up. But in my case I know I’ll be job protected the whole time.
I think @RedBaramid’s suggestion of coming back part time is also a good one, or at least a place you can negotiate to if they aren’t open to you taking a longer leave. Good luck with the conversation and let us know how it goes!
How are you feeling? Tired. Sore eyes. Low energy 💤
Raves/Rants: Rant - Struggling to find clothes that fit. I have one pair of maternity jeans I bought that have a full belly panel. I like them but the jeans are SO thick. I’m just uncomfortable in them, i haven’t even worn them. I can still wear my Levi’s which is pretty sweet. Anything else with a button, I’m totally winging the hair tie trick. My hips are getting wider and my yoga pants are getting tight on my lower belly.
Raves: my bestie says she still has her maternity stuff and she wants to give them to me since her and her H are done having kids.
Questions: I can’t think of anything at the moment ..
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? H and I don’t have any traditions really. I am most definitely looking forward to all the holidays and celebrating them as a family making new traditions.
I’m with @lachnessmomster when it comes to Halloween! Oct.31 is actually my birthday and what I loved most was dressing up, trick or treating, the decorations and just all the kids having so much fun. I was sad the day I had to stop trick or treating. I remember as a kid, telling everyone I would trick or treat until I was old and grey because it was my birthday so I’m allowed to! lol.
I’m excited to share that with my future kiddie. 🥰
Upcoming appointments: early glucose test, AFP labs and cervical us at 16w
How are you feeling? Sick. I just can't stop coughing. Which turns into cough-peeing. Which is awesome. :s
Raves/Rants: I will be staying home and starting an FMLA leave next week, which has me feeling surprisingly bittersweet, not only about taking a break from work, but also about bringing DD home from daycare. She has so many friends there, and loves her teachers, so I know it'll be a big adjustment for us both.
Questions:
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? Singing!
Baby is the size of a(n): Folded pair of sunglasses
Upcoming appointments: March 16th-AS and first US finally!
How are you feeling? FULL but hungry. Like I can't stop eating but it physically hurts.
Raves/Rants: I'm so burnt out at work! I'm not sure if I've said that a million times here, because I feel like I say it a million times to everyone I know lol. I get my hair done on Saturday which I can't wait for and then the following weekend DD and I are taking a mini vacation! Can't wait.
Questions: Do you talk to you LO's? My daughter will say "I love you and I always will!" into my belly button and it's super cute. I talk to myself in my head alllll day, but when I try to talk out loud my voice cracks and I feel so awkward.
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? Boating/Sandbar visits! And other summer time activities: grill outs, bon fires, etc. Dreaming of summer right now.
@mrs_sheddy I've been trying to do this more but I also feel a little silly! I read that this is around the time they can start hearing you so I want to be more intentional about doing it.
@sarah0985 I'm trying to find a song for this little guy too! I read that it has calming effects if they hear you sing a song to them that you sung often while they were in the womb. I'm not the best singer but I'm going to try
@charhar0820 my plan is to live in leggings and dresses the next few months... thinking both will transition well to postpartum life too. I bought a pair of maternity leggings that I was not a fan of, and so this weekend just went out and sized up in my favorite lululemon leggings. They are pricey but I'm not planning to buy any other pants so I felt like I could justify it.
@radiohd18 good luck and let us know how the convo goes!
@gomillis sorry about the inappropriate comments from your family.... I would have been really frustrated too. In general I don't like any comments (positive or negative) about my weight.
@wildrainbow and @blackgirlmagic this FTM is curious how I can tell where the baby is hanging out. Is it something you can feel from the outside, or more about where you are feeling movement on the inside? I *think* I've felt movement but am ready for it to be consistent/know for sure.
EDD/weeks+days: 8/7; 16w4d
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Blue
Baby is the size of a(n): Tall as a grande coffee!
Upcoming appointments: Tomorrow... finally! Last appointment was on 2/28 and have been feeling a little anxious to get in and get confirmation he's doing okay. Will just be a regular appointment tomorrow but will get to hear the heartbeat.
How are you feeling? Overall pretty good! A bit more emotional than normal and I've been waking up in the middle of the night and having trouble getting back to bed
Raves/Rants: Rant: It's my busy season at work and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. It will all get done, but I've been working long hours and weekends and just putting a lot of pressure on myself to juggle it all. Rave: Just spent five days in Palm Springs and it was sooo nice to see the sun and warm up for a bit. I was traveling with my partner and he kept telling people I was pregnant and I found it kind of fun and celebratory.
Questions: My cross-country flights this week have been really painful for my low back area. Any tips for dealing with low back pain? I'm taking yoga classes and try moving around as much as I can, but sometimes it's just not possible.
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? I love seeing everyone's ideas (especially the Saturday morning breakfast taco tradition, @emiliadkay) and can't wait to start some of my own.
ETA: Heartburn! How could I forget I have heartburn all the time? Just flared up and reminded me. Flying definitely makes it worse.
Thanks for the support all. I had my meeting with my boss and he was so nice and happy for us. It feels like such a relief to see him smile about it. I don't know what I was expecting but I am always afraid that people at work won't be happy for us.
@BusinessWife If you're not already, could you add a few of YD's parents on Facebook? I'm sure once you're on FMLA you both could use playdates!
@charhar0820@lachnessmomster Halloween is big for us too. We love doing family costumes and may be Little Mermaid this year. LO will likely be Flounder because it will be easy and I think I can pull that off while baby-wearing.
EDD/weeks+days: 17w+2d
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Finding out
Baby is the size of a(n): cassette tape
Upcoming appointments: March 17th (St. Patrick's Day) for the A/S which makes me think an Irish name is even more appropriate now!
How are you feeling? Tired. Full after 2 bites of something and then it just hurts if I eat anymore (like you, @mrs_sheddy). I played Just Dance with DD last night and I think that LO either loved it or was severely pissed off hahah Because it was super active once I sat down. DH was even able to feel a few kicks on my tummy!
Raves/Rants: Rave - We have our girl name picked (no middle name) and the boy's list is dwindling. A few winners are rising to the top
Questions:
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? Family trips, pumpkin patches and outings in the Fall. Weather permitting, we like going to the Drive-In to see movies and is a cheap way to go out in the Summer.
@radiohd18 You mentioned that YH wants you to take six months off of work to stay home with the baby -- question is, do you?
To me, that's the most important question here. Only you know how you felt going back to work after 12 weeks last time, what your career and this particular job each mean to you, and what the risks might be within your organization and field in signaling that you'd like a longer leave. Staying at home with baby is NOT something that you are supposed to do or not; there is not a right and wrong answer here. Maybe YH could take all or a part of his own FMLA leave at the end of your 12-15 weeks, so that the baby is home with a parent for a longer period of time without all the burden of that following on your own career? Things to think about. And most importantly, good luck talking to work today!
@rivercitynik Which pair of leggings is your go-to? I just bought my first pair of align leggings after reading over and over again that pregnant people love them, and I am obsessed. All of my other leggings are years old and so much lower-waisted than current styles. I'm loving the thicker/higher waistband.
@BusinessWife I feel you on the cough-peeing. I had a rough week of that recently and it brought me to tears a few times. I'm excited for you and DD and the next chapter, and hope you both have wonderful, memorable final weeks!
@emiliadkay the align! I love them so much, and they are so soft that I keep petting my own leg I just found out they make them in shorts too so will probably get a pair for walking around the neighborhood once it warms up.
@emiliadkay If it does not eventually devolve into the truly pathetic cough-pee<b>+cry... </b>#youredoingitwrong #momlifethebestlife #humblebrag 🤦🤦🤦 I was so happy to be done with liners when I stopped the Endometrin, but I feel like I might have to bring them back at least until the plague subsides. :/ (((Hugs))) I'm sorry you've been struggling, too.
How are you feeling? Pretty good. So fat though. I definitely am gaining more weight than last time and I hope my MD doesn’t give me a hard time. Last pregnancy I gained 40lbs and he never said a word about it, but I feel like it was at a better pace than this time.
Raves/Rants: DD has been making me pretty crazy lately. When I pick her up from school I just want to get home already, but it takes us at least 20 mins to get out of school. She wants one more time on the swings, let’s look at some pictures, drink some water, etc. Same thing with bedtime: one more bathroom trip, last sips of water, one more story, etc. I’m trying to be patient but I’m so tired!
Questions: no, unless you have advice for see above rant!
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? I’m looking forward to celebrating holidays together. Right now we do decorations, crafts, and fun food for minor holidays and go all out with decorations for big holidays. We celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas so it’s a lot, but I’m really excited to do it with our whole little family.
charhar0820 I think that my husband officially stopped trick or treating around 21 yo. He tired to take his little cousin with him as an excuse, but people were not having it, lol. I have also found some super comfortable pants at motherhood maternity. I might pick up a couple more pants. They are work pants but they feel almost like yoga pants. But I won't go crazy buying more because I plan on getting a doctors note saying that I need to reduce my days in the office. I currently only come in the office three days a week and I would love to only come in two. My hips and now tailbone are hurting so much when I walk or sit and this one sofa we have is my only comfortable spot in my house.
BusinessWife what made you leave work now? I know that you have spoken about it in the past, but I just can't remember. But enjoy your time at home with you DD.
mrs_sheddy I talk in my head, rarely out loud. I feel like once I can actually feel the kicks I would speak out lout more. But I do have my daughter talk to him and give him hugs and kisses. Well not give, but as if she wants to. She has also told him that he loves him as well. I like having her involved with him now to hopefully help when he is actually here. She can be jealous of me with other kids and I don't want her to be like that with her brother.
rivercitynik it's funny because after I pee I can feel him more hanging out pretty low. And when I feel like it is poking something to touch what feels like my rib area I know what side he is on. In the evenings sitting up in bed I can feel him around my belly button area. To me it's more where I feel the pressure or pokes. I cannot say that I have felt movement from the outside yet. The inside feels are getting stronger each week though.
Married: August 2012
TTC #1: July 2015
BFP 1: October 30, 2015; EDD: July 6, 2016- Team Pink
@blackgirlmagic LSS it originally stemmed from childcare. I work Saturdays and it's a non-negotiable part of the schedule. SIL had been picking her up to hang out Saturdays, but then her girls got busy with sports and she couldn't really tag along, so the plan was MIL would come over to SILs and watch DD while SIL did all the running around, and then I could pick DD up from SILs, because MIL couldn't drive after dusk. Well since her condition has worsened unfortunately, she can't drive AT ALL, or watch the baby. So it had become a very stressful thing, because DH is self-employed, but he can't just take Saturdays off! So being home, I will be able to go out and help MIL with errands and things, which had all fallen on SIL before. And we won't have to worry about finding coverage for her on the weekend, or someone to pick her up on my late night which had been Fridays, I would work till after her school closed, so that was making it tough, too. MILs doctor is able to complete the paperwork honestly, bc she does need a lot of help right now, so hopefully it will be for the best all around.
@emiliadkay I don't really want to stay home for six months with the baby but I know when I get to the end of the 12 weeks I won't be ready to put the baby in daycare. It was hard the first time. I would have DH consider staying home, but I'm not sure it's going to work with my nursing schedule. I was really lucky the first time to find a daycare near my office so I could nurse on my lunch hour. It was a challenging time/energy commitment but I remember being so happy that I did it. Not sure DH can get more than 2 weeks paternity with his company. Maybe I can find a happy medium between his 6 months and my 3 months. I think right now I am hoping for 14 weeks with my company and maybe his 2 weeks after that....?
Anyway, I told my work and my manager will tell the rest of my department next week. Boss was smiling and seemed happy so it really relaxed me. I am always surprised that people are happy to hear that we're having a baby. I didn't know anyone gave a crap.
@BusinessWife that is a lot going on. I'm happy that you can stop working to help your family. @radiohd18 your husband is also legally allowed to use FMLA for up to 12 weeks as well, if he has been at his job for at least a year. All six months do not need to fall on your shoulders if you do not want it to. I know it's going to be hard to drop this baby off at daycare one day, but I love and trust my daycare, now that we have been there for almost four years, but I know that I will be looking forward to the adult interaction that comes with working. Hopefully you can work something out between your husband and you and your future work schedule.
Married: August 2012
TTC #1: July 2015
BFP 1: October 30, 2015; EDD: July 6, 2016- Team Pink
thanks @blackgirlmagic for your comment. I will talk to DH about FMLA for him. I think it would be great if we could split the time off as long as we didn't lose too much money. It sucks that we have to make these decisions, choosing between income and childcare/bonding.
Upcoming appointments: 2nd tri blood work appt 3/9; A/S 3/23
How are you feeling? My lower stomach is achy, especially when I walk or sit a certain way for extended time periods. I am still really tired
Raves/Rants: I was upset Friday because I had to wear real pants to work (aka maternity jeans) as I was planning to be in meetings all day only for all of them to be cancelled. I wanted to just wear comfy leggings.
Questions: N/A
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? IDK. I enjoyed baby wearing with DS1 and I want to BF baby #2 for a year (if I can) so I will do both of those again, I am interested to see the dynamic change having 2 kids. DS1 we have a book before bed routine I would like to continue with baby #2 but it might be hard to do both, we will see.
@radiohd18 100% agree, I hate that in the U.S. families still have to make these impossible trade-offs But also yes, explore the option of FMLA with YH, it's there for dads too! I honestly wish more fathers would take it, and have this nagging suspicion those 12 weeks would magically no longer be unpaid if men were equally impacted...
I remember feeling the same way you did about 12 weeks just not being quite enough. I have a lot of friends in a field where 4-5 month maternity leaves are common, and it was hard to watch them happily go back to work at that point while I had felt so rushed and unready. Those extra few weeks seemed to make such a difference, and I hope you're able to take them this time!
Upcoming appointments: March 18th Doctor appointment and US appointment
How are you feeling? Pretty good, I'm finally getting my energy back. Except that I wake up a lot during the night. Not to go to the bathroom but I just wake up every 2/3 hours and usually fall right back to sleep. I'm usually the type of person that once I fall asleep I'm out all night.
Raves/Rants: Rant- I'm a hairstylist, so I only with 6 other people in my salon. I feel like my hormones are causing me to be more irritable towards the other women I work with. A few times I've had to just walk away and tell myself that my hormones are in overdrive so that I don't say things I don't mean or that I'll regret. But some days they just drive me crazy.
Questions: None
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? Trips to the beach. I grew up going to the beach very regularly with my parents and grandparents. I've gotten my SO into it, so hopefully this will continue with our little one.
Upcoming appointments: AS 3/11, midwife appointment 3/23
How are you feeling? Good. My lower stomach has been a little crampy today. I think it depends on how long I sit in one position. I also have occasional back pain, which I think is caused by my work bag because it's on the same side that I usually carry it. I'm going to have to work on lightening my load and switching shoulders.
Raves/Rants: Rant: I slept terribly last night even though I took a Unisom before bed. And then this morning my boy cat peed in our bed. So I'm tired but can't go to bed until the sheets are done washing and put back on the bed.
Questions: N/A
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? Staying home for the holidays! For the last 8 years ever since I met my DH we have done the mad dash around for Christmas, and it's exhausting. We are both in agreement that we are staying home for the holidays because it sounds miserable to be driving all over with a newborn. Plus my ILs have dogs that are not well-behaved, so I'm glad I won't need to deal with keeping a baby safe from them.
@radiohd18 Definitely explore the option of FMLA for both of you! It sucks that it's unpaid, but at least it's something. I am talking with my HR next week and hoping that they will let me be out for a few months, because I know I won't be ready at 12 weeks to hand my baby off to strangers. Let's be real, I probably still won't feel ready after a few months either! Are you able to put a little money aside from your paycheck to offset the loss of income when you're on leave? We've been doing that but I know it's not easy.
How are you feeling? Pretty good, although insomnia is no fun. I'm trying to hold off on taking unisom for the time being though.
Raves/Rants: None right now, unless you count trying to figure out maternity leave options 🤯 GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? I would say Halloween too!! I love a good family costume!!
Question: So to all the ladies who are preparing to put their child in daycare, are you concerned about starting them at 12 weeks old since that will be the beginning of cold/flu season? I'm having some major anxiety about it! It could be stemming from the fact that when we put DS in daycare when he was 8 months he had a really hard winter with RSV/Broncholitis/colds(you name it) and he was able to get a flu shot. I am literally trying to figure out how to keep my 3 month old out of daycare for as long as possible!! So, just wondering if I'm on the freak out train alone??😂
@gsmomplus1 DD was born end of July and this LO is due exactly a week later so I can tell you my experience with her: She started daycare at 14 weeks, full time. Outside of the minor sniffles/cold, she didn't have any problems acclimating with the germs. However, it seemed like all the sicknesses really hit the next year. So maybe between breastfeeding, my antibodies, the vaccines I got, etc. she was protected for a little while until the following cold & flu season. That was just what happened for us.
I didn't even check-in this week because I was feeling so crappy but wanted to join the FMLA discussion and how Hs should take the time if they can. @radiohd18 I agree with the other girls that you should check out YH's paternity and state's FMLA options. Many states give more than the federal, with NJ being one of the better ones. Unfortunately, since I work for a small company, I'm not eligible. Butttt, MH is! So I'm planning to take as much time as I can then MH will take his FMLA time once I go back to work. He'll likely take two weeks to be there initially once our daughter is born. Funny thing is that three other guys on his team at work are expecting... and all within one month of each other - one four days before me! His coworker already said that he plans to take the full three months off. I think it is becoming more common for men to take their leave and be with their family. Keep us posted on how YH feels on this. I hope he's on board and you guys can make it work.
BTW - I'm loving all the traditions and songs
ETA @emiliadkay Yumm to breakfast tacos. I've never had them and not quite sure what constitutes a breakfast taco but yesterday I needed cheesy eggs on a tortilla with salsa... and it was glorious. Thanks for the craving!
Me: 33 DH: 36 Dating 4/2008 Married 6/2016 TTC #1 9/2019 BFP 12/13/2019! EDD 8/27/2020 Baby Girl
Re: Check In w/o Feb 24
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Finding out.
Baby is the size of a(n): Magic 8 Ball!
Upcoming appointments: Today I've got the Pap, a breast exam, and a blood draw. It's also a big care plan appointment where we will set up a plan for the rest of my pregnancy and review the medical history from my previous pregnancy. I'm sad I'll have to take my 5 year old with me to it, but I'm sure with her headphones and a few new episodes of Magic School Bus downloaded on her tablet and I'll survive.
How are you feeling?: The nausea WREAKED me this weekend. I woke up so queasy Saturday that I rolled out of bed and barely made it to the bathroom before I was puking. I have no idea where that came from. I'm otherwise feeling pretty okay though. I'm still really tired and I tend to need a nap on days that have been extra busy, but things are slowly becoming more manageable.
Raves/Rants: Raving: We still are at one vehicle for now so this means on days I have appointments I have to fight traffic to take my husband to work so I can have the car. Traffic was a nightmare but it provided me with the excuse that I deserved an iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts, first coffee I've had since December. I'm sipping slowly and loving it. Rant: A last minute surprise trip from MH's big wigs from NYC have really thrown some wrenches in our plans. Not only can he suddenly not leave work the 30 minutes early to have DD while I have my appointment today (even though he goes in early enough that he will have worked his 8 hours today, he is expected to stay until 4:30) but now he's got a mandatory after work dinner so our Monday night routine of Karate class then eating out as a family has been scrapped completely. DD looks forward to these dinners and she's already sad about it, despite my promises that she and I can still eat out together wherever she wants.
Questions: Are you guys experiencing an ache in your lower abdomen already? I'm already in a lot of pain when I get up and sit down, and it's very achy. I don't remember having this so early last time and I am trying to decide if I should bring it up today when I go to the Dr's.
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby?: MH and I are big giant Nerds, and we were very excited to take DD to her first convention this summer(We went to Dragon Con). We had plans to take her to another one in August (Gen Con), but this baby is due too close to the convention so it wouldn't be safe to travel to it. I'm really excited to raise this child in our little nerd cult and take them along with us to the gaming conventions. We're already thinking that even though they will be very little next year, we will still do our best to make it happen since we have VERY good friends who also go yearly and have little kids. We figure we'll just take some turns trading off who takes care of the kids and hanging out in the hotel with the little ones and probably pick an afternoon to skip convention things and go to the zoo or children's museum near by one day.
EDD/weeks+days: Aug 16/15+1
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Blue
Baby is the size of a(n): an Eggo waffle
Upcoming appointments: Tomorrow for a regular OB. I need to talk to them about my heartburn and the fact that I'm itching like crazy and starting to look a little crazy scratching frantically at myself. Really hoping Cholestasis isnt back.
How are you feeling? Ok other than heartburn and the itching.
Raves/Rants: Rant: The heartburn is really hindering my appetite. Of course, it could be Cholestasis as well. Either way, I dont think I've gained a single pound and may have lost some based on loose my pants have become.
Questions:
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? So, both boys have their own song that I have sang to them since the day they were born. I sing it to them every night, when they are sad, whatever. I cant wait to pick out a song for new baby and have it ready for when he's born.
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: blue
Baby is the size of a(n): large onion
Upcoming appointments: March 19 aka anatomy scan!
How are you feeling? Pretty good minus some moments of feeling tired
Raves/Rants: I just took one of my dogs to Pet Valu for a bath and man that was so hard. I have another dog to do, but that won’t happen until at least the afternoon.
Questions: None
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby?
I’m looking forward to doing something with him on the day of his birthday, just him, me, and his dad. I didn’t get one on one time like that with my parents, and I hope to give my kids that attention especially on their birthday.
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Finding Out
Baby is the size of a(n): Avocado
Upcoming appointments: March 2nd for a regular checkup and then scheduling an anatomy scan for the middle of March!
How are you feeling? Tired mostly
Raves/Rants: I'm exhausted from dealing with issues at work. My employees are being incredibly nasty to each other and it's making the whole department run rough.
Questions: None
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? I can't wait for him/her to start coming to livestock shows with our family. We have three kids already and we show goats, poultry and rabbits competitively.
EDD/weeks+days: August 26 / 13+5
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Green
Upcoming appointments: Not for a few weeks
How are you feeling? Still good. I have random moments like this morning when I panic that I'm getting sick, and I have to remind myself "oh wait, no, I'm pregnant. I get randomly woozy/achy/nauseous and that's just a part of life now.
Raves/Rants: Tiny rave: I woke up this morning before my alarm to the sound of a rainstorm rolling in. That hasn't happened in a while, and it was so nice to hang out in the warm bed for 10 minutes with that natural white noise all around.
Questions: N/A
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? Baby won't be a true participant for a while, but we have breakfast tacos as a family every Saturday morning and I'm excited to start bringing him or her to the table with us. We all feel so bright and shiny at the outset of a weekend, and it's a chance for DH and I to properly catch up on the week; too many of our Mon-Fri conversations are centered on logistics. DS doesn't have much to contribute yet, but I look forward to both kids directing all the conversation topics one day.
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Blue
Baby is the size of a(n): A folded up pair of sunglasses (so specific!)
Upcoming appointments: March 16th for my anatomy scan
How are you feeling? Tired but otherwise good!
Raves/Rants: Rant: I had dinner with my parents last night and they made several annoying comments (see the Randoms thread for my dad’s contribution). My mom always compares DS to my brother, who was an extremely volatile and violent child. DS is nothing like that and it really bothers me when she acts like DS is going to be the same as my brother.
Questions: What is a normal resting heart rate while pregnant? I wear a watch that tracks my HR and it’s seemed really high lately. I’m not sure if the watch is wrong or my HR has really gotten that high. I feel fine, so I’m not concerned, just curious and Dr. Google is no help.
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? We’ve been taking DS to this awesome music class for the past year, and I’m excited to start taking DS2 as well. It’s all ages so we will be able to do it as a family.
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Finding out
Baby is the size of a(n): avocado
Upcoming appointments: 3/5 - gender scan and check up
How are you feeling? Tired. All. The. Time
Raves/Rants: I think my interview went well on Thursday. I really enjoyed the process, at least. Unfortunately I won't know anything until at least the end of March. Also I finally booked our summer beach trip. I looked for places for two days and finally found an amazing kid friendly resort and ended up getting a condo for $1500 less than the next cheapest price. I was so excited and secretly really proud of myself. My mom and sister were very pleased with the price and the place so it made me happy.
Questions: None right now
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? I'm really excited about cloth diapering and baby wearing again. I love doing those things.
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: green
Baby is the size of a(n): lemon
Upcoming appointments: March 16 for a routine appointment
How are you feeling? Fine! Still tired. Ive been getting heartburn more often the last few days.
Raves/Rants:
Rant- It's driving me nuts not knowing if baby is okay in there! I think I feel flutters sometimes but then I always second guess it. Hopefully March 16 gets here quick! It's making me hesitant to tell people because I just want to be sure!
Rave- I'm somehow totally on top of laundry and it feels wonderful to not be drowning in dirty clothes!
Questions:
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby?
We don't have any traditions yet! My son just turned one so we haven't had a lot of time to make our own family traditions. I am a teacher so I have my summers off. I guess I am most looking forward to summers home with them. This last summer with my son we went to the zoo every week and spent a lot of time at my dad's lake house on his boat so hopefully those are things I can continue every year with both kids.
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: green
Baby is the size of a(n): I can’t remember 🤷♀️
Upcoming appointments: chiropractor twice this week for sciatica
How are you feeling? Feeling pretty good lately. 😃
Raves/Rants: my skin is out of control. In the past 2ish weeks I’ve had massive hives, a rash, and an outbreak of my rosacea. This pregnancy is wrecking havoc on my skin
Questions: nah
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby?
i sing “you are my sunshine” every night with my daughter. I want to find a song to sing with this new one but not sure what. Hers developed organically at bedtime and so we’ll see
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: pink
Baby is the size of a(n): Box of crayons
Upcoming appointments: next Tuesday
How are you feeling?
Still tired!
Raves/Rants:
Questions:
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? Baby wearing and camping
Craft Blog
EDD/weeks+days: 13 w 6days
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: finding out
Baby is the size of a(n): Lemon
Upcoming appointments: Not until 3/12
How are you feeling? a bit more energy overall but still having bouts of nausea and sickness.
Raves/Rants: Rant: My job isn't making me incredibly happy right now. It's just really hard work and there's not enough of a team atmosphere. Everyone seems out for themselves. Not cool.
Questions: Maybe this is not really a question-- it's more of a concern-- I am about to tell my job about the pregnancy today! For my 1st baby I took the 12 weeks FMLA but was only paid for 6 weeks. I've been with my job now for 10+ years and DH wants me to take 6 months off but I am really scared to ask for anything beyond say 14/15 weeks! I do understand that bonding with my baby is so important and valuable and I know how hard it is to come back to work at 12 weeks. But, I don't trust that my job will be waiting for me when I get back. I have been busting my ass at my career just to let it all go-- all of these client relationships I've been trying to build. Regardless of any savings, I don't like the idea of being unemployed and not contributing/saving financially. Also, it might not be so easy to find another job! Any perspective you guys have is appreciated.
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? We are a winter sports family and I am looking forward to taking both kids on trips into the mountains.
***TW***
****trigger warning****
1 LC, girl 5 years old
TTC #2 Summer 2017
BFP 1/5/2018, MC (D & E) 2/23/2018
TTCAL May 2018
BFP 9/20/2018, MC (D & E) 11/16/2018
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Green
Baby is the size of a(n): Peach
Upcoming appointments: March 11th
How are you feeling? Randomly lightheaded, annoying back stuff, and wishing time would move a little faster, but mostly okay.
Raves/Rants: Rave: My SIL had a healthy baby girl this weekend! Baby was on the small side at 5 lbs 4 oz, but we're all so happy she made it through the other side of her (med-free
Questions: N/A
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? Looking forward to having another little one to dress up this Halloween. Halloween is a major love of my life, and baby will arrive just in time! DS and I have SO much fun decorating and celebrating together. Hopefully my other kiddos grow to enjoy it as well!
I'm in a weird boat, for the first time in my relationship I'm not working. I've recently transitioned to being a SAHM.. and I feel so awkward about it. I hate not contributing.. but I have to remember that it's not my opinion on what "contributing" means that matters right now. My spouse sees me being at home as valuable. He and I have set expectations of what he thinks I need to take care of verses what he'll take care of. It's been a HUGE adjustment for me.. but what works in your partnership and family is between you and them and try not to let yourself get hung up on the idea that if you aren't adding financially that you aren't adding anything.
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Green
Baby is the size of a(n): Folded up sunglasses? 😂
Upcoming appointments: Doc appt today
How are you feeling? Tired. Sore eyes. Low energy 💤
Raves/Rants: Rant - Struggling to find clothes that fit. I have one pair of maternity jeans I bought that have a full belly panel. I like them but the jeans are SO thick. I’m just uncomfortable in them, i haven’t even worn them. I can still wear my Levi’s which is pretty sweet. Anything else with a button, I’m totally winging the hair tie trick. My hips are getting wider and my yoga pants are getting tight on my lower belly.
Questions: I can’t think of anything at the moment ..
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? H and I don’t have any traditions really. I am most definitely looking forward to all the holidays and celebrating them as a family making new traditions.
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Green
Baby is the size of a(n): nectarine?
Upcoming appointments: early glucose test, AFP labs and cervical us at 16w
How are you feeling? Sick. I just can't stop coughing. Which turns into cough-peeing. Which is awesome. :s
Raves/Rants: I will be staying home and starting an FMLA leave next week, which has me feeling surprisingly bittersweet, not only about taking a break from work, but also about bringing DD home from daycare. She has so many friends there, and loves her teachers, so I know it'll be a big adjustment for us both.
Questions:
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? Singing!
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Finding out!
Baby is the size of a(n): Folded pair of sunglasses
Upcoming appointments: March 16th-AS and first US finally!
How are you feeling? FULL but hungry. Like I can't stop eating but it physically hurts.
Raves/Rants: I'm so burnt out at work! I'm not sure if I've said that a million times here, because I feel like I say it a million times to everyone I know lol. I get my hair done on Saturday which I can't wait for and then the following weekend DD and I are taking a mini vacation! Can't wait.
Questions: Do you talk to you LO's? My daughter will say "I love you and I always will!" into my belly button and it's super cute. I talk to myself in my head alllll day, but when I try to talk out loud my voice cracks and I feel so awkward.
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? Boating/Sandbar visits! And other summer time activities: grill outs, bon fires, etc. Dreaming of summer right now.
@sarah0985 I'm trying to find a song for this little guy too! I read that it has calming effects if they hear you sing a song to them that you sung often while they were in the womb. I'm not the best singer but I'm going to try
@BusinessWife good luck with the transition!
@charhar0820 my plan is to live in leggings and dresses the next few months... thinking both will transition well to postpartum life too. I bought a pair of maternity leggings that I was not a fan of, and so this weekend just went out and sized up in my favorite lululemon leggings. They are pricey but I'm not planning to buy any other pants so I felt like I could justify it.
@radiohd18 good luck and let us know how the convo goes!
@gomillis sorry about the inappropriate comments from your family.... I would have been really frustrated too. In general I don't like any comments (positive or negative) about my weight.
@wildrainbow and @blackgirlmagic this FTM is curious how I can tell where the baby is hanging out. Is it something you can feel from the outside, or more about where you are feeling movement on the inside? I *think* I've felt movement but am ready for it to be consistent/know for sure.
EDD/weeks+days: 8/7; 16w4d
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Blue
Baby is the size of a(n): Tall as a grande coffee!
Upcoming appointments: Tomorrow... finally! Last appointment was on 2/28 and have been feeling a little anxious to get in and get confirmation he's doing okay. Will just be a regular appointment tomorrow but will get to hear the heartbeat.
How are you feeling? Overall pretty good! A bit more emotional than normal and I've been waking up in the middle of the night and having trouble getting back to bed
Raves/Rants: Rant: It's my busy season at work and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. It will all get done, but I've been working long hours and weekends and just putting a lot of pressure on myself to juggle it all. Rave: Just spent five days in Palm Springs and it was sooo nice to see the sun and warm up for a bit. I was traveling with my partner and he kept telling people I was pregnant and I found it kind of fun and celebratory.
Questions: My cross-country flights this week have been really painful for my low back area. Any tips for dealing with low back pain? I'm taking yoga classes and try moving around as much as I can, but sometimes it's just not possible.
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? I love seeing everyone's ideas (especially the Saturday morning breakfast taco tradition, @emiliadkay) and can't wait to start some of my own.
ETA: Heartburn! How could I forget I have heartburn all the time? Just flared up and reminded me. Flying definitely makes it worse.
***TW***
****trigger warning****
1 LC, girl 5 years old
TTC #2 Summer 2017
BFP 1/5/2018, MC (D & E) 2/23/2018
TTCAL May 2018
BFP 9/20/2018, MC (D & E) 11/16/2018
@charhar0820 @lachnessmomster Halloween is big for us too. We love doing family costumes and may be Little Mermaid this year. LO will likely be Flounder because it will be easy and I think I can pull that off while baby-wearing.
EDD/weeks+days: 17w+2d
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Finding out
Baby is the size of a(n): cassette tape
Upcoming appointments: March 17th (St. Patrick's Day) for the A/S which makes me think an Irish name is even more appropriate now!
How are you feeling? Tired. Full after 2 bites of something and then it just hurts if I eat anymore (like you, @mrs_sheddy). I played Just Dance with DD last night and I think that LO either loved it or was severely pissed off hahah Because it was super active once I sat down. DH was even able to feel a few kicks on my tummy!
Raves/Rants: Rave - We have our girl name picked (no middle name) and the boy's list is dwindling. A few winners are rising to the top
Questions:
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? Family trips, pumpkin patches and outings in the Fall. Weather permitting, we like going to the Drive-In to see movies and is a cheap way to go out in the Summer.
To me, that's the most important question here. Only you know how you felt going back to work after 12 weeks last time, what your career and this particular job each mean to you, and what the risks might be within your organization and field in signaling that you'd like a longer leave. Staying at home with baby is NOT something that you are supposed to do or not; there is not a right and wrong answer here. Maybe YH could take all or a part of his own FMLA leave at the end of your 12-15 weeks, so that the baby is home with a parent for a longer period of time without all the burden of that following on your own career? Things to think about. And most importantly, good luck talking to work today!
@BusinessWife I feel you on the cough-peeing. I had a rough week of that recently and it brought me to tears a few times. I'm excited for you and DD and the next chapter, and hope you both have wonderful, memorable final weeks!
I was so happy to be done with liners when I stopped the Endometrin, but I feel like I might have to bring them back at least until the plague subsides. :/ (((Hugs))) I'm sorry you've been struggling, too.
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: team pink
Baby is the size of a(n): Magic 8 ball
Upcoming appointments: a week from Friday
How are you feeling? Pretty good. So fat though. I definitely am gaining more weight than last time and I hope my MD doesn’t give me a hard time. Last pregnancy I gained 40lbs and he never said a word about it, but I feel like it was at a better pace than this time.
Raves/Rants: DD has been making me pretty crazy lately. When I pick her up from school I just want to get home already, but it takes us at least 20 mins to get out of school. She wants one more time on the swings, let’s look at some pictures, drink some water, etc. Same thing with bedtime: one more bathroom trip, last sips of water, one more story, etc. I’m trying to be patient but I’m so tired!
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? I’m looking forward to celebrating holidays together. Right now we do decorations, crafts, and fun food for minor holidays and go all out with decorations for big holidays. We celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas so it’s a lot, but I’m really excited to do it with our whole little family.
BusinessWife what made you leave work now? I know that you have spoken about it in the past, but I just can't remember. But enjoy your time at home with you DD.
mrs_sheddy I talk in my head, rarely out loud. I feel like once I can actually feel the kicks I would speak out lout more. But I do have my daughter talk to him and give him hugs and kisses. Well not give, but as if she wants to. She has also told him that he loves him as well. I like having her involved with him now to hopefully help when he is actually here. She can be jealous of me with other kids and I don't want her to be like that with her brother.
rivercitynik it's funny because after I pee I can feel him more hanging out pretty low. And when I feel like it is poking something to touch what feels like my rib area I know what side he is on. In the evenings sitting up in bed I can feel him around my belly button area. To me it's more where I feel the pressure or pokes. I cannot say that I have felt movement from the outside yet. The inside feels are getting stronger each week though.
Anyway, I told my work and my manager will tell the rest of my department next week. Boss was smiling and seemed happy so it really relaxed me. I am always surprised that people are happy to hear that we're having a baby. I didn't know anyone gave a crap.
***TW***
****trigger warning****
1 LC, girl 5 years old
TTC #2 Summer 2017
BFP 1/5/2018, MC (D & E) 2/23/2018
TTCAL May 2018
BFP 9/20/2018, MC (D & E) 11/16/2018
@radiohd18 your husband is also legally allowed to use FMLA for up to 12 weeks as well, if he has been at his job for at least a year. All six months do not need to fall on your shoulders if you do not want it to. I know it's going to be hard to drop this baby off at daycare one day, but I love and trust my daycare, now that we have been there for almost four years, but I know that I will be looking forward to the adult interaction that comes with working. Hopefully you can work something out between your husband and you and your future work schedule.
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1 LC, girl 5 years old
TTC #2 Summer 2017
BFP 1/5/2018, MC (D & E) 2/23/2018
TTCAL May 2018
BFP 9/20/2018, MC (D & E) 11/16/2018
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: finding out
Baby is the size of a(n): cupcake
Upcoming appointments: 2nd tri blood work appt 3/9; A/S 3/23
How are you feeling? My lower stomach is achy, especially when I walk or sit a certain way for extended time periods. I am still really tired
Raves/Rants: I was upset Friday because I had to wear real pants to work (aka maternity jeans) as I was planning to be in meetings all day only for all of them to be cancelled. I wanted to just wear comfy leggings.
Questions: N/A
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? IDK. I enjoyed baby wearing with DS1 and I want to BF baby #2 for a year (if I can) so I will do both of those again, I am interested to see the dynamic change having 2 kids. DS1 we have a book before bed routine I would like to continue with baby #2 but it might be hard to do both, we will see.
I remember feeling the same way you did about 12 weeks just not being quite enough. I have a lot of friends in a field where 4-5 month maternity leaves are common, and it was hard to watch them happily go back to work at that point while I had felt so rushed and unready. Those extra few weeks seemed to make such a difference, and I hope you're able to take them this time!
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Pink
Baby is the size of a(n): can of soda
Upcoming appointments: March 18th Doctor appointment and US appointment
How are you feeling? Pretty good, I'm finally getting my energy back. Except that I wake up a lot during the night. Not to go to the bathroom but I just wake up every 2/3 hours and usually fall right back to sleep. I'm usually the type of person that once I fall asleep I'm out all night.
Raves/Rants: Rant- I'm a hairstylist, so I only with 6 other people in my salon. I feel like my hormones are causing me to be more irritable towards the other women I work with. A few times I've had to just walk away and tell myself that my hormones are in overdrive so that I don't say things I don't mean or that I'll regret. But some days they just drive me crazy.
Questions: None
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? Trips to the beach. I grew up going to the beach very regularly with my parents and grandparents. I've gotten my SO into it, so hopefully this will continue with our little one.
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: finding out
Baby is the size of a(n): avocado
Upcoming appointments: AS 3/11, midwife appointment 3/23
How are you feeling? Good. My lower stomach has been a little crampy today. I think it depends on how long I sit in one position. I also have occasional back pain, which I think is caused by my work bag because it's on the same side that I usually carry it. I'm going to have to work on lightening my load and switching shoulders.
Raves/Rants: Rant: I slept terribly last night even though I took a Unisom before bed. And then this morning my boy cat peed in our bed. So I'm tired but can't go to bed until the sheets are done washing and put back on the bed.
Questions: N/A
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? Staying home for the holidays! For the last 8 years ever since I met my DH we have done the mad dash around for Christmas, and it's exhausting. We are both in agreement that we are staying home for the holidays because it sounds miserable to be driving all over with a newborn. Plus my ILs have dogs that are not well-behaved, so I'm glad I won't need to deal with keeping a baby safe from them.
Team Finding Out/Pink/Blue/Green: Blue!
Baby is the size of a(n): avocado
Upcoming appointments: Doc and Anatomy Scan 3/19
How are you feeling? Pretty good, although insomnia is no fun. I'm trying to hold off on taking unisom for the time being though.
Raves/Rants: None right now, unless you count trying to figure out maternity leave options 🤯
GTKY: What is one tradition you are looking forward to starting or continuing with the new baby? I would say Halloween too!! I love a good family costume!!
Question: So to all the ladies who are preparing to put their child in daycare, are you concerned about starting them at 12 weeks old since that will be the beginning of cold/flu season? I'm having some major anxiety about it! It could be stemming from the fact that when we put DS in daycare when he was 8 months he had a really hard winter with RSV/Broncholitis/colds(you name it) and he was able to get a flu shot. I am literally trying to figure out how to keep my 3 month old out of daycare for as long as possible!! So, just wondering if I'm on the freak out train alone??😂
She started daycare at 14 weeks, full time. Outside of the minor sniffles/cold, she didn't have any problems acclimating with the germs. However, it seemed like all the sicknesses really hit the next year. So maybe between breastfeeding, my antibodies, the vaccines I got, etc. she was protected for a little while until the following cold & flu season. That was just what happened for us.
BTW - I'm loving all the traditions and songs
ETA @emiliadkay Yumm to breakfast tacos. I've never had them and not quite sure what constitutes a breakfast taco but yesterday I needed cheesy eggs on a tortilla with salsa... and it was glorious. Thanks for the craving!
Dating 4/2008
Married 6/2016
TTC #1 9/2019
BFP 12/13/2019!
EDD 8/27/2020 Baby Girl