First Time Mom's - Due March/April 2013

[I Love Lucy]

MrsHippo, your bump looks great. I always look bigger with my top up then down. I feel like in clothes my bump isn't as noticeable.

Amanda, congratulations on being team blue! I'm also glad you're private scan went so much better. Did you ever complain about the u/s tech at your first appointment?

Hayley, after DH suggested Rhidon I suggested Rylan but that sounded girly to my DH too. Most of the names he suggests come from video games so I'm sure that's where those two names came from. We did decide we're going to go with Aiden Michael for our son. I really liked Jayden when I first suggested it but knowing that DH was so against it kind of put me off. I don't want to name my son something that DH was so strongly against you know. It's hard though since DH and I have such different tastes in names. I like traditional names and DH likes very unique names.

I feel like I need to see my baby before his name will really fit him. Even when I thought I was having a girl, our chosen name Emily didn't really feel like it belonged since we didn't have a face to put with the name.

I really like McLean-Glass for the last name. Will you be double barreling your name if you and Jon decide to get married?

DH and I are planning to go see the new Twilight film on Sunday. Definitely hoping to avoid all the screaming girls since that drove me nuts when I went and seen the last one on opening day.

 

[MrsHippo]

I've been in a discussion on the 2nd tri forum about flu vaccinations they are offering pregnant women. I personally won't be going for one unless my mw insists I do, if she doesn't mention it then I won't either. What are your thoughts on it?

Surely our own immune systems should be good enough to build a protective shield when we have a good balanced diet and good lifestyle ect? But I'm no healthcare professional so who am I to say what is good and what isnt?

 

[I Love Lucy]

I've never gotten the flu before so I never bothered with the vaccine but my ob/gyn insisted that I get the shot so I had it at my 12 week appointment. I thought the same way you did MrsHippo. I wasn't going to get it unless my ob/gyn told me to.

 

[LiverpoolLass]

Laura - Lol! Yep, the bending over problems have most definitely begun! I'm finding I have trouble if I drop something on the floor in the car too - its not so easy to retrieve anymore lol.
If I was having a girl I would just use Jon's name too, but I'm thinking the fact that this is the first boy my family has produced for 28 years means I should add ours in too :/
Lol - I'm wondering now if Jon would go for Glass-McLean instead? Seems to work a little better?!

Eeek! The belly button popping thing freaks me out I'm hoping I get away with that particular delight - my belly button is rather deep soooo maybe?! hehe.

Amanda - I think Mazotti-Watson would work? It would depend on the babies other name/names though I suppose.
We are determined our son will have two middle names (After both of our fathers) so if we double-barrel it will mean he has FIVE names lol. But then again, I don't think middle names matter much - he can always just use his middle initials on forms etc after all, and when else do we ever use our middle names?!
I also think it would work for you to use Watson as a middle name. I wish one of our names did, but Glass and McLean just don't work! :/

Brittany Aww well you've decided so thats good! Fingers crossed that our babies suit the names when they're born lol! Aiden Michael is cute Is Michael to honour anyone or just a name you like?

Don't you think McLean-Glass sounds like "My Clean Glass"?! lol thats all I think of when I hear it. So I'm considering Glass-McLean instead.
When we eventually get married I wouldn't want to double barrel, but I think it would still be ok for our first born to have both names. If he wants to drop one he can I guess.

Lauren Has your midwife not mentioned the flu vaccine to you yet?
Mine told me about it at my booking in appointment and told me all the dates that my clinic were doing it to make sure I got it.
I know its optional but my condition is risky enough anyway and means I have a low immune system, so I definitely want any vaccine I can that protects my baby. I had the flu vaccine a few weeks back - I didn't have any side effects at all from it. I plan on having the whooping cough one when I can too.

 

[doggylover]

Lauren your bump pics are great!! And I think your bump is very photogenic! And thanks for the next info - I need some new work trousers definitely!

Hayley for a girl we are pretty set on Isabelle, and for a boy it's from the list Alex, Alfie, Freddie or Noah. It will most likely be Alex I think, going on our feeling at this stage anyway! And my LO is kicking away like made all the time now! It's so cool!
Hope the move goes well!!!

Amanda I'm so pleased your scan was a more positive experience. The U/S photos are great, and have me really excited for Wednesday! And congrats on being confirmed as team blue!!

Brittany aiden Michael is a beautiful name! Congrats on choosing!

Double barrelling is a great idea, but I know when my sister gets married she is giving our maiden name (Gray) to any sons she has. I can't as my last name is now Jay, so Alex Gray Jay would sound so silly!!! And us double barrelling would have been hilarious! Jay-Gray? Gray-Jay?!

I had my flu vaccine in September, no side effects to me other than a sore arm, and not even so much as a sniffle yet, thank goodness. There is a vomiting bug going round here (my brother, SIL and nephew all have it) so I am very worried about getting that.

 

[Cherrybump]

Me and Ryan aint together and hopefully next year i'll get another flat and so we wont be living in the same house no more. (this is currently my house but it's one bedroom i need a 2 bedroom now. so it's better if he keeps this one)
Anyways i was going to put his last name for my baby last name to but im having second thoughts. Since we wont be together i dont see the point no more but its still his baby to so i feel like i should. Plus his last name goes alot better with the first name we have chosen. And i think it would mean alot to his family also. I think giving it few more months and seeing baby again (Wednesday to lol) might put my mind at rest.

The cinema was packed and because we didnt booked tickets we were in second row right at the front lol so there heads looked huge. I'm not going to spoil anything for you but i do thing the other ones where so much better this coming from a big fan lol.

Ive had my flu jag to. was sick 2 days after and then i got sore arm lol but nothing huge. Ive got a cold now which i which they had a jag for that to lol cause i always get the cold lol.

Does anything else surfer from cramps in there legs yet. I get it when i sleep and it bloody hurts like hell only last like a minute and the other day on the couch, i couldnt stretch my leg out of the cramp so i had to jump up and walk around still didnt help so i had sat on the floor pushing my foot off the couch which finally gave me relief lol but it hurts like afterwards to

 

[MrsHippo]

I'm really surprised you were all told about the flu jab, my mw hadn't ever mentioned it.... I'm due to see her again a week before Xmas so we'll see if she says anything then.
I completely understand why people choose to have them though... Hmm I might have to say something to my mw when I see her. I used to always get colds but for the last couple of years I have hardly had anything. I also work at a hospital... Yeah I'll definitely mention something. If I get sick for Christmas though I will not be happy lol!!

As for surnames I've never thought about double barreling ours, it wouldn't sound very good at all so baby can just have Adam's

Sorry to hear you aren't with the father of baby anymore Cherry. Are you both still currently living together then?

I can't believe how much I slept last night, must have fallen asleep around midnight and I didn't wake up until 12 today!!! And I don't think I would have woken up unless Adam hadn't rang me (he is at work). I must have needed it haha!!

 

[I Love Lucy]

My DH doesn't even know how to spell his middle name because it's used so rarely here. He was filling out a form last week and was asking me how to spell "Michael".

Hayley, Michael is my DH's middle name though we didn't really choose it in honor of him or anyone else. Matthew was our other choice. We're more so wanting to give all our babies middle names that start with M since both DH and I have middle names that start with M. We thought it would be a kind of unique thing to do.

Now that you mentioned the "My Clean Glass" it definitely makes me look at McLean-Glass differently. I hadn't noticed that before but I can imagine why you don't want to use that now. DH suggested the name Ezequil for a son awhile ago and all I thought of when I heard that name was "easy kill" Definitely not going to name my son that.

Cherrybump, I'm sorry you and FOB are no longer together. As for the last name dilemma, if DH and I split up before baby was born I'd either go with my name or double barrel the name. I'd hate for my son to only have DH's last name, especially if DH never did anything with his son iykwim?

 

[doggylover]

I agree cherry I would stick with your own last name as you and fob have broken up. I'm sure it would cause some friction, but at the end of the day far too often you hear of fathers just fading out of a babies life. I hope to heck that never happens for you though.

Brittany that's so funny about oh not knowing how to spell his middle name!! I hope he doesn't forget once aiden has it in his name, and teach him to spell it wrongly! I love the idea of having a family with middle names beginning with M, very sweet! My dh's family have three of their names starting with S (not the dad!) and I also obviously do, so we have an inadvertent family tradition there! I don't think we'll continue that one though - too many S Jays gets confusing with the mail!!!

So just back from seeing my also pregnant friend. And she baffles me. She told me she doesn't see the need to read anything about labour or the birth. This is her first child, like us, so obviously we have no idea what is going to happen, but I just feel like outright refusing to read anything (rather than just not getting round to it etc) is setting yourself up for a scary time. She won't know what to expect at all, or what her pain relief options are, or anything like that. I'm worried she'll regret it, but she gets so defensive when I mention anything and I think I probably come across as a 'know it all' to her, but just because I am genuinely surprised at how little she has read up on or researched.

 

[linzylou]

Wow, I have a lot to catch up on!

Congrats, Amanda and Brittany, on your little BOYS!! I'm also excited for the gender scans that (I think??) are happening this week. Also, everyone's bumps are looking great. I can't believe we're already this far into our pregnancies. Seriously, some days I feel like I just POAS and then other days I feel like I've been pregnant forever - it's crazy.

I had my flu vaccine at 15 weeks. I've never had one before (I don't normally get the flu anyway) but my OB strongly recommended it. So far, I haven't had any negative effects apart from a sore arm. I've seen it being debated on the forums a lot, though, so . Forget the flu, I'm just hoping to avoid the double ear infection that I seem to get every winter!

Sarah, I couldn't imagine not reading anything about labor. Maybe some people think that knowing what to expect will freak them out even more? Or is your friend just indifferent?

Last night we ran into a family friend who has two grown children. It was the first time anyone has asked me what type of birth I wanted, and if I was going to get an epidural or not. I said that I was going to aim for as little medication as possible. Well, she literally laughed at me and said that I would be begging for drugs before too long. She kept going on and on... saying that I have no idea what kind of pain I'm in for since I've never even experienced a broken bone, and that it's near impossible unless you have a high tolerance (basically assuming that I don't). She's had two unmedicated births herself and it's just disappointing that she was so negative about it. Trying not to let it get to me. I mean, I plan on attending childbirth classes and learning relaxation techniques and I'm not even completely ruling out the epidural but still!

Anyway, OH and I tied on the knot on Tuesday so he is now my DH! We had a small outdoor ceremony and then took off to the beach for a few relaxing days. I'm excited for the holidays but wishing that time would slow down just a little bit. MIL will be here Monday for Thanksgiving, then it's my SIL's birthday, and then DH wants to drive out to California to see family and friends before Christmas. So I'm making the most out of days like today and just sitting around in PJ's listening to Christmas music.

 

[I Love Lucy]

I hope DH will learn how to spell his own middle name now that it's Aiden's middle name too. I still can't believe he doesn't know how to spell his middle name. I get that you don't use your middle name hardly ever but how can you not be sure how to spell it.

I also get what you're saying about the first names starting with S getting confusing with the mail. That's one reason I'm glad the whole M thing will be with the middle name so it shouldn't cause any problems.

Also, I'm surprised your pg friend hasn't read anything. I mean, I know a lot of that kind of stuff can be scary and so I understand wanting to avoid that. But if you read nothing, how do you even know what kind of options are out there for you?

Lindsey, I'm sorry about the family friend. That seems to be the kind of thing a lot of people who are wanting a natural birth/no medicine have been experiencing around the forum. I don't really get why people think they have the right to criticize your birth plan. It's not THEM giving birth so at the end of the day I think they should choose to support you in whatever you decide. Or maybe offer some advice to help you stick to your birth plan. Not laugh at you. Very childish in my opinion.

 

[doggylover]

Sarah, I couldn't imagine not reading anything about labor. Maybe some people think that knowing what to expect will freak them out even more? Or is your friend just indifferent?
.

Also, I'm surprised your pg friend hasn't read anything. I mean, I know a lot of that kind of stuff can be scary and so I understand wanting to avoid that. But if you read nothing, how do you even know what kind of options are out there for you?
.

I'm so glad that you ladies think its a bit weird as well. I wasn't sure if maybe I was being too judgemental (probably am!!!) or if I was reading too much. I honestly don't know what the deal is with her. She said she might read something just before the birth, but she won't be going to any classes as "that's what midwives are for after the birth"...but it's how she's going to get to the after the birth part without any knowledge that worries me! She said she doesn't need to read about breastfeeding as the midwives teach you that (didn't listen when I said they don't) and if she tries and it doesn't work she will just move on to formula. I guess in one way that's a healthy attitude - not getting hung up on it not working - but she isn't very committed to the idea of breastfeeding clearly if she isn't willing to work at it. I tried to explain how reading about different latches can help, and she again said that's what midwives do for you. Then she also said they would let her out in 6 hours...so when does she suppose the midwives have time to teach her all this stuff?!?!

Lindsey congrats on your marriage!!! Wonderful news! I hope you and dh have a very long, happy life together with you little girl. I find it so strange that your friend has had two natural births yet is still somehow against it? Surely if it didn't work for her she wouldn't have done it second time? Surely she should be championing anyone who wants to go this route? Not shooting them down?

 

[wannabwatkins]

20 weeks Until Monday!

 

[doggylover]

Your bump is so neat Teresa! Can't wait to find out which team you are!

 

[MrsHippo]

Lindsey I can't believe your friend said that. Some people really piss me off (excuse my French). End of the day everyone is different and no two births are exactly the same are they. I do think we should go in to it open mindedly as we don't know how we're going to feel on the day but I hate it when people tell you how you will or won't cope. I've not thought too much about the birth, will write a small birth plan (as I'd like a water birth and preferably not much medical intervention) but then I might want everything under the sun on the day!!

Congratulations on getting married too I really want to get married but I can't see Adam agreeing to it for a while yet. It WILL happen one day though, he won't have a choice in the matter if he keeps me waiting too long lol.

I'm so excited for my scan tomorrow, I can't believe how quick it's come around!!! I was watching telly yesterday and on this programme there were people walking around a park (in summer) in their shorts, dresses and sandles and I suddenly realised that when summer is here and I break out the dresses and pretty sandles there will be three of us :O

Is anyone thinking about holidays for next year yet either? I'd like to book a holiday for maybe late next year but don't know whether to wait until LO is born before booking. My friend who is due in a couple of weeks have already booked their holiday for August...

 

[LiverpoolLass]

Sarah - Aww Isabelle is so pretty. I like it soooooo much better than Isabella, which is becoming SO over used now in the UK! (No offense if anyone is considering it, its pretty I just know about 20 Isabella's under the age of 5!). Isabelle sounds so classic.
I obviously love Noah too hehe....Alex is cute, not very common these days either I love Freddie - I think coz one of my best guy friends is a Freddie, and so I see it as a name you can grow up with easily - suits a guy in his 20s as much as a little boy

Cherrybump - I had my first leg cramp last night! It was horrible - would NOT go away! I had to stand up and do the stretching thing for 5 minutes before it eased. Hope it was a one off!!!

Brittany Aww the M initial idea is really cute, I like those sorts of traditions
Lots of nice name options starting with M too!


Linzy - Aww congratulations on your wedding! It sounds like it was a lovely ceremony!

Wannabewatkins - Such a cute bump pic! Can't wait to find out what team you're on!

Lauren - Here's hoping Adam gives in to marriage one day! At least you'll have a little person on your team soon too encouraging Daddy!
I wanna get married too :/ Jon does want to but first he has to get divorced!!! He's been seperated for a good few years and it was only a very short marriage, but its SO expensive to get divorced and we just can't afford it right now :/ We keep hoping SHE will start the proceedings so that it doesn't cost us so much.....

Ooooh how exciting about your scan!!

I have been thinking about holidays with LO too - our thing is cruising. We went on our first cruise last year on the Independence Of The Seas and it was AMAZING!!!!! We can't WAIT to go back again - we've been thinking about going on a 2 day cruise in May with LO if we can talk my parents into going too - that way we can still have time to dine in peace coz my parents could look after baby
I think it'd be good to get a break in while baby is tiny coz lets face it - they don't understand where they are at that age anyway and he's not going to be doing much apart from eating, sleeping and getting changed!

We want a longer cruise too later in the year and my mum has offered to look after baby for us, but it will be hard to know wether we're up for that or not - now I think "Great!" but when baby is here I might not want to be away from him for that long. I don't know :/

We saw tons of people with babies on our last cruise but I don't love the idea of small babies in hot countries and it would make enjoying the evening entertainment very difficult!

 

[doggylover]

Dh just felt the baby kick!!!!!!! I've been getting him over for about three weeks, but our naughty baby always hides when daddy comes near! But I was getting booted today and he finally felt it! I'm really happy, but he seems more interested in the dogs moustache

Hayley I'm so glad you said that about Freddie, as my main concern had been it wasn't a name that is easy to grow with, so that's great to hear! Everyone I know who has ever been on a cruise has LOVED it. I'm not a fan of boats at all, but would like to give it a go. Dh refuses though!

In terms of holidays we are pretty much spending all our holidays in Norfolk for the next twenty years!! That's where dh is from and where his family is, so any time we go away it will be to spend time with them. I don't mind, as its so beautiful there and I love them dearly. So we have planned to go in June/may time, and then again in August as we have a wedding in England so will do a visit to them when we are there

I guess goig when baby is under 2 on any holiday is ideal as that's when they are more or less free to take

 

[MrsHippo]

awww Sarah that is so cute. I want Adam to feel the kicks too but bean goes shy when a hand is on my belly...whether that be mine or his. I felt something for the first time yesterday, had my hand on my stomach for ages though before I felt anything.

Its a shame about waiting for the divorce, I know they can be complicated things!! Hopefully you wont have to wait too long though and you can finally get married I hope my time comes soon too

Just looking online at baby clothes, it will be so much easier to pick things out once I find out whether I am having a bean or beanette. I am so drawn to girls clothes though. I really really want some of those little socks or tights which have prints of little shoes on the ends, they are so cute. You can get them for boys too but they aren't as pretty.

p.s. I like the name Freddie and it is a name they can grow up with )

 

[doggylover]

Lauren I haven't seen those tights with shoes on the end but they sound ADORABLE!! Never mind baby, I want some

My LO has really been booting me lately! I have felt some big ones both inside and out. I'm scared, as I'm not even 20 weeks...what will I be feeling in 20 weeks time?! I'm afraid it means my baby is going to be a giant!

Hayley that sucks about having to wait for oh's divorce. It's ridiculous how expensive it is to do it - you can get married very easily, but divorce is a bitch!

 

[Cherrybump]

Thanks ladies, Yeah we live in the same house just now. We broke up when i was 10 weeks. Seems so far away now. We friends that all that matter i guess and he shall be there in the baby's life if he doesnt make the effort his mum will be on his case lol. She told me to make sure he was doing his part also. So if he starts lacking i know where to go for him to be kick up the back end. lol

Actually cant believe im 20 weeks now feels so weird to be half way. xxx