June Angel Baby Mommas Hoping for Rainbows!!

[Meli_H]

Hi everybody,

Ds came to work with me today so I'm unable to respond properly right now.

Vegas,

At my last appt, my dr told me it was time to start taking calcium supplements with vitamin d. I believe he mentioned the vitamin d was to avoid muscle cramping (Although I never mentioned cramping or anything of the sort). He said caltrate, or citracal, or such otc's that contain vitamin D. I bought the generic version from Walmart.

 

[vegasbaby]

Meli: thanks, I'll buy some extra calcium and vitamin D and see if it helps. I'm also trying to exercise a bit. I was quite active before this pregnancy (and before I started working), but I've been super lazy since about week eight. Perhaps I just need to get my blood flowing again!

 

[angel2010]

Stef, great news on the car!! I wanted so badly to bf Carter and was very distraught when it didn't work. I do plan to try again. I am trying not to put so much pressure on myself though.

Vegas, I have heard that standing up as soon as you feel it can help. Luckily I haven't had them yet, but I did with Carter and would lay in bed pitifully moaning until it passed!

Tomorrow is dh and I's first wedding anniversary, although we have been dating since I was 16. We may go out if my mom will come to watch Carter, but no biggie if she doesn't. I also get to see little Larry tomorrow! I am very excited and refuse to have such a full bladder so I can enjoy it!

 

[StefNJunk]

Meli: that's not too bad, I thought you'd found a bug in there or something.

Vegas, eww! That would be worse than a scab or food!

I haven't read about vitamin D being good for cramps, but I've been taking it since I found out I have a deficiency last November when I had blood taken for last pg, and I've had less muscle cramping since then (I used to get leg cramps pretty often), so it may be helping that.

The shower is set for September 15th. Blake invited a ton of people... with all the FB invites plus family, we're looking at 90-100 invited. He doesn't expect most people to attend because most of who he invited he hasn't seen in years (I say thank god for that, that's TOO MANY people).

Angel, happy late anniversary!

Yesterday was 1 year since our first mc. Doesn't feel like it's been that long... That also means it's been a year since I've seen my brother; he was here when it happened. That makes me sad! So excited that he'll be here in September.

 

[Meli_H]

Angel,

Thanks for the vote of confidence, but if ds is anything like me, the only thing that will loosen him up is alcohol

I think Stef’s interpretation of your weird dream makes sense.

Ya know, I heard that when you have a leg cramp, you should stretch your foot towards you, not away from you. My instinct is always to stretch my foot away from me. Hopefully I can remember to do the opposite when I get those cramps.

Belated congrats on your wedding anniversary

How was your appt? What was Larry doing when you peeked at her?

Stef,

We didn’t go for the 3d ultrasound My dr recommended 26-30 weeks, and dh remembered him having said that Maybe we’ll go then, maybe not!

Awesome that your baby shower has been scheduled, and that it will be co-ed. I wish we could do that instead of a traditional shower.

Yeah, my mom has some precog ability, but she also has good luck at casinos (gambling) and raffles. If there’s a raffle, my mom will be one of the winners, count on that.

Ha ha your dream was a weird one too

YAY to getting a car with AC AND getting cash on top of that

You know, I did some more research on the calcium/Vit D thingie, and I found that the calcium is what helps the cramping, the Vit D is to help your body absorb the calcium. I suspect that my dr had me start taking it since LO's cartilage is turning into bones, and so we preggos definitely need extra calcium at this point.

Sorry that your first mc anniversary just passed Thank God that you have Sienna to concentrate on and to take away some of the sorrow.

I’m excited for you that your brother is coming soon

Have I ever told you that Sienna’s EDD is my mom’s bday?

Vegas,

Congrats! I think you outdid all the rest with your guess of a bug in ma belly button

How are you doing? I suppose today you are at work (you said no more 4 day work weeks for you for a while? )

Jasmine,

I hope all of you and your family are doing ok

AFM,

My week has been crazy. ds came to work with me for a few days. It’s such a treat for him and he looks forward to it. I think his fav part is the Einstein bagels and hot chocolate in the morning (for him, not for me!) and the lunch truck He started school so I’m now back to flying solo.

My throat has been so sore for the last 3 days. I have no temp or anything, so I suspect that it’s throat irritation caused by post nasal drip? I wake up with a congested nose, I think it’s due to the A/C and the ceiling fan that we never seem to turn off. By the time I have been walking around for a while, my nose is no longer congested. But yet my throat still hurts and my voice sounds like I’m getting sick.

Anybody have any special plans for the weekend? Ours will be busy, but boring. So many household chores to be done! I want to help ds clean out his closet, and he wants to switch his bedroom for the office. I hope we can get most of the chores over on Saturday, so that Sunday we can go to church and relax the rest of the day.

 

[vegasbaby]

Meli: ha! I actually had to stay home today as Charlotte's daycare had teacher inservice (whatever that means for daycare). DH was going to stay home, but had too any meetings he couldn't get out of. Makes me mad as he has a month of vacation stored up and I had two days.

Sounds like your ds had a fun week with you.

Sorry about the sore throat. Have you tried gargling warm salt water and/or using some saline spray? Both are safe in pregnancy.

Afm: I have nothing planned for the weekend and happy to do nothing for a change!

 

[Meli_H]

Vegas,

Daycare has inservice? I have never heard of that. Let's just call it what it is. ..a day off for the teachers

Yes, I tried the gargle thing once, a couple of nights ago. I will try it again in a few min. That's about the only natural cure I have heard of, I guess I should be consistent and give it a fair shot.

I hope u enjoyed your day off!

 

[StefNJunk]

Meli, honestly, I wouldn't pay for the 3d ultrasound so early on, since baby still looks alienish. I got the pic because our tech gave us a 5 or so minute sneak peek with the 3d. It's probably worth waiting (I know you don't want to hear that!).

I think I need to start taking extra calcium in that case, because I definitely spoke too soon about the cramps. Been waking up every night with them starting in my legs.

I don't think you did tell me that Sienna's EDD is your mom's bday! That's awesome No one in my family is around that day, except one of Blake's brothers is early December.

Are you feeling better? I know there was something going around here that involved sore throat, hope you aren't actually sick!

Jasmine, Vegas, Angel - Hope you're all doing well!

AFM, busy weekend. Went out to dinner with Blake on Friday, we had planned to go to a movie, but it started pretty late, and we changed our minds to go with friends on Saturday instead. Saturday we went with them and their 4 year old to an outlet mall and did a lot of window shopping. Then we went to the regular mall down the street and did more window shopping (I don't think I've ever walked into so many stores and not bought a thing). Then we went to dinner and to the movie (Elysium, sort of a disappointment). Was sooo tired by the time we got home, almost 1 in the morning.

Sunday I went to brunch with a few of my friends at a famous cupcake shop / cafe here. Later yesterday we checked out Goodwill (where Blake magically found a brand new pair of Nikes in his size, the exact style he was planning on buying soon, for $9... why can't I find deals like that?!). Then we went grocery shopping, went home and he cooked dinner (yay! Bonus - he tried something new and it was delicious). We watched Breaking Bad and Dexter and went to bed.

Blake's decided Sienna is going to be just like him - an insomniac. I'm starting to question if she ever sleeps. Her least active time is usually 9-noonish, but even then I still feel here every now and again. From noon to bedtime it seems almost constant, then every time I wake up at night I feel her. And she's still super low, there was maybe one time I felt her by my belly button.

 

[vegasbaby]

Meli: hope you are feeling better.

Stef: brand new shoes from Goodwill?! Well done, Blake! Gee I really want to see Elysium, so I hate to hear that it wasn't great. I'm a Dexter fan too, but didn't watch last night as dh is an episode behind. He's even suggested Dexter as a name, but I feel odd about it.

If you think Sienna is an insomniac now, just wait till she's born! Although babies sleep a lot, it's never when you want them to sleep. She is probably not really awake all the time in your tummy, but moves a lot in her sleep.

Afm: I'm 23 weeks now. Feeling pretty good. We finally moved our treadmill out of our storage room and into the house yesterday. I'm hoping this will encourage me to walk more as I just feel so out of shape. I'm aiming for 30 minutes three or four times a week.

I started cleaning out the closet and dresser in the guest-soon-to-be-baby's room this weekend. Ben and I have too much stuff and not enough storage. Arg! I also went through Charlotte's toys and removed some of the things she no longer play with, in order to create more space in her room and put the items away for baby. She didn't notice at all.

How's everyone else doing?

 

[StefNJunk]

Vegas, Elysium has good reviews, so it might just have been us. I know I had horrible heartburn the entire movie, felt like throwing up and was extremely uncomfortable. Blake and his friend were unimpressed, but to be fair, they have really high standards with these kinds of movies. If I could do it again, I'd wait and rent it. Hmm... I'm not sure about the name Dexter. I like Dex, but Dexter really only makes me think of the show!

Glad you're feeling good and starting to get stuff organized! We still need to start working on the nursery... We have A LOT to do in there... I really wanted to get started decorating it in September when my brother is here, but that requires waiting until Blake does the work he wants to do in there (he wants to build a seat type thing along the wall that also hides that he's running some cables through the wall from the living room) so that it can be painted and cleaned. Do you know what you're doing in your nursery?

 

[vegasbaby]

Stef: I like the idea of the built in seat. You could add lots of little storage cubbies that way.

As far as the baby's room is concerned, I'm really not doing too much in advance of the arrival. I want to repaint the piece of furniture I'm using as a changing table (I should post a photo so you guys can help me pick a color). Anyway, I want to empty that thing so I can start packing it full of baby clothes, diapers and other baby supplies. I want to redo the closet so I have room for all the other baby supplies (blankets, etc). If the baby is a boy, I plan on keeping the decor as it is: blue walls, beige curtain, boat artwork. If it's a girl, the boats come down and I'll make some cute curtains. For now, the queen size bed stays as Ben or guests will be using the room for the first six weeks or so and baby will be in my room in a pack-n-play.

 

[Meli_H]

Stef,

Yah, I think we’ve pretty much decided no 3d until at least 26 weeks or so, even then I’m not sure that I will want to, when it comes down to it.

I’m not actually sick-thank goodness! Just the same stupid throat irritation. I tried gargling a few times but it didn’t seem to help. I woke up Saturday morning around 2am, with a horrendous coughing/gagging fit. I woke up dh and scared the crap out of him!. I drank a cup of decaf tea with lemon and honey and miraculously, it worked!! I HATE tea, it grosses me out (have hated it since I was a little girl and my babysitter forced me to drink it for a cold. I hate the ‘herbal’ or ‘grassy’ flavor). Anyways, I was so desperate and was willing to try anything natural and it worked. Every night, right before I go to bed, I drink a cup (minus the tea-I just heat up the water and add the honey and lemon. I’ll keep doing that until the irritation goes away.

WOW your weekend sounds like it was busy!! If I stayed out late like you did on Saturday, there is no way I would have gone to brunch the next day.
Dh and ds went to see Elysium on opening weekend. They loved it.

Vegas,

Gl to walking on the treadmill! Keep up the good work! We slacked off on our evening walks last week as it was so hot. So not in the mood to be outside when it’s hot, even when the
sun is down.

Ugh we have the same problem. Too much stuff and not enough storage. And this is after dh fixed the attic for storage, AND bought a shed and installed it in the backyard. First world problems, huh?

Yay to Charlotte not noticing your clean out of her toys!

afm,

I had my second appt with the endocrinologist today. She upped my thyroid meds from 25 mcg to 75 mcg. Other than that, she says everything looks good.

OH and I mentioned the belly button scabs to her As I suspected, she had never heard of that before and wanted to take a look

 

[angel2010]

Sorry I haven't been on much. You guys know I am already stressed about our job and living situation. Well I went to the dr last week and didn't get the best news and I just didn't feel like talking about it. Here are some clips from my journal and another thread to tell you about my appointment.

~I had my scan and it was wonderful to participate and not have to pee so bad! My scan showed her at 2lbs 8oz. My doctor says he doesn't go by percentiles, so I am unsure where she sits, but all of her measurements were around 29 weeks, but her abdomen was measuring pretty behind at 26+something. I have to go back on the 26th to start biophysical testing. They will do an ultrasound to check things and have monitoring. I have to go the 26th, the 29th and the 4th. I am trying to be optimistic, but it is scary that her belly is measuring three weeks behind. I want a healthy baby in the end no matter what, but it seems my chances of a vbac are dwindling. If there is no growth when I go back, he will probably take her. I don't think that will be the case, because she has grown, just slowly or not enough. She has gained roughly 1lb 12oz in 9 weeks or 3-ish ounces a week. If he takes her, it will just be by scheduled c-section. No induction or anything. I am now trying to change my ways of thinking. That a vbac would be the icing on the cake, but to only expect cake. I want to expect to have another c-section. And get my mind around it and go ahead and accept it. Hopefully she starts to big bigger faster. Also, my ob is going to do the scans that week and he said that the ultrasound tech tend to measure smaller, so that is giving me hope too.

~He says that hypothyroidism can cause IUGR, but so can MTHFR, the clotting thing I have. Carter was taken at 36 weeks due to IUGR and it was found that I had a clot on my placenta. I can only assume her lack of growth can be contributed to the MTHFR, because my thyroid has been controlled all of the pregnancy. I am feeling extremely discouraged right now, but haven't actually let myself really think about it because I know I will fall apart.

~They said they were going to start the biophysical testing on the 26th, but he called me and said he wanted to sneak one in this Thursday. I am hoping he measures bigger than the ultrasound tech, but at least for this first scan, we won't know if her growth would be due to a different person measuring or actually from growth. He also hasn't mentioned any doppler scans, so I think I will ask about that next time. Also I have decided to start drinking some whey protein drinks, just protein and whole milk. I can't really see a down side and thought it was worth a try. What do you guys think?
I thought I was so prepared for everything. Ready to stand up for myself, but I feel exactly the same as last time. Completely helpless and like a bobble head because I don't know the right answers.

Anyhow, he called me this past Friday out of the blue. I guess that my case was on his mind and he made a few calls. The colleagues he spoke with agreed that there wouldn't be any real benefit from the heparin injections at this time and all that we can do is to play the waiting game. It is all up in the air. I have decided to cancel the natural childbirth classes we were supposed to start tonight. If it looks like we are headed for a c-section, I don't want to waste $200 on classes that might not even be beneficial.
Also, Jeff's mom's surgery is scheduled for Saturday. He is driving back to Memphis for it.
Also, I am feeling SUPER pregnant now. My back always hurts and I get so tired. But at night I can't sleep. My belly hurts when I lie on my sides and the pillow doesn't help much. I get up about 10 times a night to either roll over or pee.

On a positive note, we went to Silver Dollar City Sunday and had a great time. Carter behaved very well, it wasn't too hot and it wasn't too crowded. I am sorry for my downer post. Everything is just happening at once. Hopefully I get some good news on Thursday at my next ultrasound.

 

[angel2010]

Stef, I am sorry about your first angel baby. I am glad the day went okay and glad you get to see your brother soon. Sounds like you had a great weekend! Awesome deal on those shoes!!
I also love the storage seat idea! It will be so helpful. I love the pin with an Ikea shelf on it's side with baskets inside for toys and a cushion on top.

Melissa, I do believe that Stef's interpretation of my dream may be correct as well. I am glad your throat is doing better.

Vegas, I am glad you are feeling good, hopefully the treadmill visual will motivate you! I have also been trying to get some stuff out of the house. Some I just took to storage because I thought Carter would be fine without them until we move, but three crappier toys that he was never all that interested in I sold. Well he remembered that and when I was putting away some Elmo stuff for storage he started getting pretty upset saying "don't sell my Elmos!!!". Broke my heart, made me feel so bad!

Jasmine, I hope you are doing well. Jeff and I have went through some relationship struggles and trust issues in the past three years, so please feel free to pm me.

Sweetmomma, if you are reading- when are you due? Should be pretty close now, keep us updated. Hope all is well.

Jen, we are still thinking of you too. I hope your cycles are still improving and hope to hear from you soon.

 

[vegasbaby]

Angel: I am so sorry that things aren't going as smoothly as they should be. The good news is that they are monitoring the situation and will be able to make the right decisions so that you have a healthy baby. The first tech's measurements could have been off so I think it's great you are getting a new scan this week.

I know you were really looking forward to the vbac, and it's possible you could still get it, but the important thing is getting the baby here safely. I was pretty disappointed that I didn't get a natural birth with Charlotte, and have since shifted my focus not to what my experience should be, but what I want as the end goal and my answer is always a healthy baby. The birth experience lasts a few hours, whereas you will have your child forever. On the other hand I believe you can even make a c-section more pleasant. Perhaps you could work on an alternative plan that makes it where that experience is more in line with your goals. This way you are prepared for whatever happens.

I had to lol about Carter telling you to not sell his Elmos. Typical that a kid won't ever want to play with something until it's gone.

 

[Meli_H]

Angel,

I am so sorry to hear of these latest health scares I would be so freaked out if I were you. I don’t think I can add much more than Vegas eloquently posted. I completely agree that what is most important is the health of Larry. Like, forget about the birth plan and all that stuff. As vegas said “and have since shifted my focus not to what my experience should be, but what I want as the end goal and my answer is always a healthy baby. The birth experience lasts a few hours, whereas you will have your child forever”. Don’t be down on yourself. I think you HAVE educated and prepared yourself as much as possible, but sometimes these things just happen. They cannot be foreseen or controlled. Just concentrate and put out good vibes that Larry gains more weight and gets better and is born happy and healthy. I think your idea of drinking protein shakes and stuff can’t hurt and can only help. That is one way you can be proactive.

I know we mentioned that movie “the business of being born” and it has lots of scary stories of how the medical establishment/md’s push the c-section business, and all that. BUT I don’t know if it can be said that babies born via c-section have more health probs than those born vaginally, and perhaps went through fetal distress. All I know is that I am paranoid (prob due to my advanced maternal age) and if my dr sees even a hint of fetal distress, or any other health probs pop up with either baby and I, I will go with what he recommends, whatever that may be. I am not the expert, he is, so if he says something needs to be done, then I will defer to him. Perhaps I am just a sucker and the type of patient dr’s want to have (go along with the flow) but I have educated myself to a certain extent, and know that I can only educate myself so much. Unfortunately, I have to rely on my dr’s expertise and counsel. Again, forgive me if you don’t agree with me. This is just my opinion. I have never been through the birth experience myself so perhaps it is my naivete speaking

I will keep you in my prayers and hopefully the good news will start flowing after Thursday’s appt. I will continue to keep Jeff’s mom in my prayers.

On the one teeny tiny positive side, at least you found out in time to cancel the childbirth classes and not possibly waste the $ (Sorry, not trying to be glib, I’m trying to look for something positive)! And yay to having had a great time at Silver Dollar City!

Vegas,

I think you have a talent for writing You’re so eloquent. I could not have put it any better myself.

Jasmine,

As Angel so bravely mentioned about her and Jeff, myself and dh have also gone through relationship and trust issues (as have many of my friends and family’s relationships). I think all couples’ relationships are tested at one point or another, for various reasons, whether it’s relationship struggles like Angel and I, or OCD/mental health issues, whatever it may be. It’s up to the couple to decide if they want to, and if they can/have the desire and strength to fight for their love and their future. I am glad we fought through it and, I know it sounds trite, but we most definitely are much stronger for it. It wasn't easy, not by a long shot, and it took time, and it was exhausting many times, but it was worth it for us.

 

[StefNJunk]

vegas, we had planned on getting the nursery done before she's born, but may end up doing what you're doing and waiting, since she won't be in there right away, anyway. As for repainting the piece of furniture for the changing table, going sight unseen of it, I'm always a fan of white for painted furniture, since it goes with everything.

Meli, why wouldn't you want the 3d? It is pretty neat, although all I tend to see a lot of the time is blob, lol.

Glad you're not sick! Hope your throat is feeling better. What about regular black tea? Would that be less gross for you? I personally love tea, though.

Angel, I know I pinned that Ikea shelf sideways thing, but I completely didn't even think about it being an option in place of what Blake is talking about (building it in by hand). That would be easier... although I'm not sure if it would be less expensive, and that's more important right now. Although I do love that idea... I'll have to look into the costs.

I agree with vegas and Meli, the most important think is that Larry is healthy. I can't add much more to what they said. Just be sure to keep us updated on anything you find out!

Jasmine, like Angel and Meli, I've been through the relationship issues in the past, with my ex. I'm on the other side that they are - working through issues is right for some relationships, but sometimes it's just not right to continue on, and it wasn't for me. I tried working through problems for many years, and I just couldn't do it anymore, it wasn't right. After sleeping on the couch for over a year, I knew there was no fixing the problems. I hope that you and DH can work things out for the best, whatever the best may be. I'm also here to talk if you need to!

 

[sweetmommaof2]

Hey everyone!I don't have a working computer and my phone is not the greatest so it is hard to go on this site...but here is a quick update I am 36 weeks and due September 14th but paying he comes before that...I am bigger than what I was with both girls, ankles and knees are swollen, ribs are killing me and so is my back lol but other than that everything is great...just got back from vacation in Oregon we went to Tillamook, seaside and to Rockaway beach! It was nice to spend some much needed time with the girls and Hubby...I go on Facebook a lot more than I am able to go on here...if you guys have a Facebook look me up! Natashia Ripp I have a pic of me in a black and blue flower tank preggers and the other pic is of my two girls in a pink dress holding little bundles lavender...hippie to see some requests...I have a Facebook app so its easier to access it....

 

[sweetmommaof2]

Praying and hoping*

 

[angel2010]

sweetmomma, I am sorry it is getting rough. I think I felt okay with Carter at 36 (had him at 36+2) but I can't really remember. Now I am only 31 weeks and feel like poop! I am glad you had a good time on your vacation. Do you have a name chosen for your little man?