October Pumpkins 2016 [47 Pumpkins - 3 Boys, 2 Girls]

[JCh]

JCh I'd be interested in joining the facebook groups! I can easily access those on my phone, and I access this one when on a PC. Balance lol.

Blessed I had leg cramps in my calf while sleeping had to get DH to rub away. My god the residual pain lasted a couple days!

I'm now 30 weeks and feel like I'm finally in the final countdown lol. Lots of braxton hicks, and hiccups happening recently.

Been back to the gym last few weeks so haven't gained any weight! Even if I start gaining again the 1/2lb per week they say happens in final trimester I'll finish at the same weight I did with both the boys. Not too shabby

Slowly chipping away at what we need to do for the baby's room. But with DH's Grandpa in hospital it's not going fast at all. Did some yard work etc. though yesterday to just try and catch the house back up into order. My boys have been on vacation with their dad. Which turned out to be good timing since we spent so much time in hospital. But I've missed them a lot so not a lot of "work" happening tonight lol. Some big brother and laundry folding

This is the October 2016 group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1559955644327684/?fref=nf

This is the other, with some less people
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1686940544919655/?fref=ts

This is the group from the Lost7 group... had lots of drama originally
https://www.facebook.com/groups/997567740318255/?fref=ts

If you can't manage to access these, then perhaps you can PM me and we will connect on Facebook so I can add you.

 

[JCh]

Managed to get swelling under control after keeping feet up several days and seeing if I could move baby by going on all fours to reposition her.

Trying to find a place to live and REALLY hoping one works out.... it's horrible right now and super expensive.

Feeling really tired again these days, anyone else had serious slow down?

On a huge plus, I'm thrilled I've only gained 3.5 lbs - I'm bigger so don't need to gain much.

 

[ajarvis]

Thanks JCH! I'll take a look from home.
Kat I have an air mattress so could be worse lol. This will be interesting though. Hope your hubby likes his gift

Camp may not make the gym today. Got to work and realized I forgot my gym bag. So depends on how quickly I can get home and then back to the gym.

Still super nauseous here and so tired. Been having an afternoon tea recently to keep me going. 9 more weeks....

 

[Blessedbaby]

I also have 9 weeks left but that's cause Im having a repeat csection ...

Jch Im super tired lately but I cant get comfortable enough at night to sleep ...

I have 49 days of work left ...

 

[KatO79]

Thanks guys, I hope so too Although he's not happy about now turning 40 next year Noticed today on FB that my enabler cousin wished him a happy birthday yet she ignored mine back in May It'll be fun to see if my toxic siblings write to him as well.

JCh glad that your feet are better now!

ajarvis yep an air mattress should help. Still I wouldn't relish the idea of getting up from that low on the ground Hope it goes well though and is a fun trip!

 

[JCh]

I totally spoke too soon, I think the heat is causing it... Another weekend of feet up. I think they swell while I'm at work sitting all day. Drank lots of water and gonna try to elevate them a bit under my desk.
I do technical support and customer service for a manufacturer of electric radiant heat.

Curious what some others do for work? And how it is with reference to your pregnancy.

 

[KatO79]

I'm unfortunately unemployed despite 2 educations (took the 2nd one to open up for more job options which failed miserably) Planning on being a SAHM and doing some volunteer work at an animal shelter once baby is older plus start horseback riding again. There should be plenty of options so will need to find a riding school as buying my own horse is just not an option, way too expensive

 

[FaithyJ]

@JCh - I work for General Motors and am a team leader on the motor line. I have a team of 7 people I'm responsible for; breaks, repairs, covering them when they miss, etc.. So some days aren't terrible and other days I spend upwards of 9 hrs on my feet walking about 10-20 miles on concrete while repairing things on truck engines... Anytime I can I sit and put my feet up bc lately they've been swelling and hurting quite a bit..

 

[MissCassie]

I did my 2hr glucose test on tuesday and found out yesterday that i failed the test so i now have gestational diabetes

 

[ClandestineTX]

Kat: One of my TWW groups used to roll over and get a new name each month - three years ago a group of us ladies not having an easy go just kept at it so, we just kept carrying on. There are only four that haven't had babies; one of them lost a pregnancy at 28 weeks to HELLP, another the other had a MC (so technically even they had BFPs), I am one of two who were the holdouts on BFPs who are currently pregnant. None of us really do journals, we just check in that thread every couple of weeks or so. Honestly, it's been much nicer having a small group I really 'know' rather than a large group that I don't. I feel that way about this one, the ones of us who have kept up and posted regularly, like I actually am getting to know you all and genuinely care about what's going on for each of you.

Regarding your mother - honestly - every post you make about her increases my gratitude that my MIL passed years ago and that I don't have to deal with her finding ways to make my pregnancy and this baby all about her. She was exactly like you describe your mom and the best advice I can give you with respect to well-meaning folks like your MIL is to not talk about your mother with them. Unless someone has dealt with a true narcissist, they honestly do not (and likely cannot) understand. Trying to defend yourself for setting actual or emotional boundaries, because that's the healthiest thing to do, just won't make sense to them. Politely change the subject or directly tell them it's not up for discussion with them and move on in conversation.

@ajarvis: well done on maintaining your weight and getting the room ready despite the challenges with your family/ schedule. I also think it's great that you are getting out for the gym and especially for camping!!!

@Blessed: happy early birthday to you, LOL, or maybe just happy birthday, given the time difference between us!

@JCh: thanks for the FB links, I think we are almost ready to post something on there, but still not sure about joining a group. I am also bigger to start with, swelling included, I'm only up 5 pounds (2.27 kg) and that's after a nearly two week trip, eating my way through it!

Are you moving in your local area or moving far away? Not like it really makes a difference, as packing up all of your things is basically the same, regardless of how far they are going once you get outside.

As far as work goes, right now, I am a researcher and instructor at an academic institution in biological/ medical science/ genetics. I am applying for jobs all over the US to return to government laboratory work with the same specialty. It just takes forever for them to hire and do background studies before you can start work. There are a few chemical hazards that we have made minor accommodations to avoid me being exposed to, thankfully we work with a small collection of chemicals and the ones with reproductive hazards are well know and their avoidance is commonplace.

@FaithyJ: your job description gave me a mental image of a pregnant Rosie the Riveter from WWII and I think it's badass. I am just now starting to have feet swelling issues, but before I went on my trip they were only problematic on days I didn't work out in the mornings, I'm hoping that returning to that schedule tomorrow will get it back under control!

@MissCassie: you are at least the third one of us, so you are in good company! What are you doing for monitoring/ treatment?

AFM... apologies for all that catching up - two weeks away and this board came back to life while I was gone! I did the two weeks of monitoring for the GD and other than baked goods/ pastries, which I really don't eat, I didn't have anything above 120 mg/ dL at two hours post-meals and all my fasting tests were less than 95 mg/ dL (honestly most of my two hour levels were back to fasting). I also got results of blood work from before I left and my HbA1C was only 5.5, so I am curious if they are going to keep the GD diagnosis or not. I see the midwife tomorrow morning and the specialist next week, so we'll see.

Our trip was awesome - we walked 4 to 8+ miles per day - I wasn't given restrictions for eating, so I ate what I wanted, but I generally eat very healthy. The time away was great, I feel like I have a lot better perspective on getting my professional stuff in order. Hubster and I are still completely in love with each other and enjoy as much time together as we can get - even after ten years together! I actually bought some clothes and two stuffed animals. The quality of 4.50 EUR onesies (~5.00 USD) at a drugstore are better quality that a lot of things I see for 2-3 times as much in the US. I climbed 299 steps in 30+C (nearly 90F) weather with no air conditioning and felt good mostly! I have some swelling going on and a dull ache in the joint between my pelvic bones in the front (like someone is slowly ripping apart my legs), but it hurts no matter what, so I haven't avoided anything because of it. We got some great photos, including ones of me and my belly, and visited one of my friends who is overseas and another stateside, who is a professional photographer, who did photos for us - I'll try to post at least one in my journal with the purchases by the weekend. Still tired from the last few days of travel home, so not moving quickly at the moment! Baby is a bouncy boy, for sure, he danced for me all the way across the Atlantic Ocean this weekend, which is incredibly reassuring. We see the midwife tomorrow, so hoping for a good report!

 

[Blessedbaby]

thanks Clandestine ... Im glad you enjoyed the trip and got to spend some quality time with your hubby ... I cant wait to see your pics in your journal will check in sometime next week ... take care and rest as much as possible

AFM: I had my 30 week appointment yesterday according to my OBGYN even though Im only 29.5weeks LOL ... anyways all is well just my weight gain she is concerned about as well as my BP being borderline ... Im seeing her at 33weeks, 36 weeks and then my last appointment will be at 38 weeks ... cant believe I only have 3 appointments left ...

 

[KatO79]

Clandestine so true! My MIL seems to be a very naive person that constantly wants to believe in the good in people. Plus she has such a close and great relationship with her mother, I don't think she can imagine things being any other way for people. But my mother is also a great actress so probably has her believing that she's been such a doting and loving mother - hurl I admit I'm having issue telling her in the most polite terms to butt out because I feel like she's already seeing me in a negative light because of my mother's constant victim act. I would hate for her to see me in an even worse light. I can clearly see my mother has recruited her as a Flying Monkey, that's what narcs do yet my MIL seems to want to live in ignorancy. She does have a narcissistic older sister herself (although I don't think the sister is a full-blown NPD case like my mother is) who in turn has 2 equally narcissistic sons (e.g. none of them show up to the annual gardening work at DH's grandmother's house who's 94 and can't do it on her own). Plus DH's older brother's now ex-wife is definitely a full-blown NPD but it's like my MIL doesn't want to see that either although my FIL sees it pretty clearly (he's less naive than her). I think just changing the subject wouldn't work, I'd probably have to tell her straight out that it's not open for discussion although I'm not looking forward to having to do that but it seems like it's reached a point where it's become necessary. Although I'm sure DH won't like it much, he probably would tell me to just let it go and ignore it.

Blessed Happy Birthday Sorry about your results but glad the appoinment went well otherwise. I also only have 3 midwife appointments left counting the one on Thursday. The next one after will be on September 15th and the last on October 6th which is actually 3 days before my EDD

 

[ajarvis]

Thanks clandestine! But I think this was my last camping trip You seem to be doing pretty awesome yourself! All that walking and stair climbing! So cute that you and your DH are still so in love

Wow blessed! Just 3 appts! Time is flying eh?

So I went on my last camping trip of the year this past weekend lol. I was so sore, and tired after. OMG. I was home all day yesterday and I'm still tired. I have midwife appt. on thursday - first one in last 6 weeks. I think I'm now on every two week appt. But will confirm then. Then ultrasound next week.

Last few days I've been so tired, and light headed just from simple things like standing It's going to be a long 8 weeks I think. But the crazy thing I read is that at 34 weeks they don't stop labor. So 2.5 weeks from now any time it starts could be THE DAY!!

 

[ClandestineTX]

Saw a midwife yesterday, everything here is looking good! We are now on every other week appointments until 36 weeks, then weekly until delivery. I also, after that appointment, decided to hire a doula (birth assistant). I'm super serious about getting this kid out as fast as possible with as little intervention as possible, so we are enlisting help (the midwife questioned my "no epidural" stance in a way that felt really uncomfortable). The doula group I found does formal classes, which I think we are going to try after all (after writing them off previously). The one we love the most from their online profiles isn't available until next week due to vacation - so we are willing to wait to meet her!

I still haven't posted photos of our shopping items or maternity photos - I swear I'm getting around to it! If any of you want to connect on FB, send me a PM. I think we are going to use the maternity photos to post an announcement there soon.

 

[KatO79]

Clandestine glad your appointment went well Wow every other week, here it's 30 weeks, 36 weeks and then 39 weeks. Nope I'm just sticking to having midwives (since I have yet to get a steady one), don't think doulas are a big thing in this country either so it'd be very slim pickings. But I understand you not being happy about your midwife, they should be supportive of your birth plan. I'm more into doing natural pain relief myself but haven't entirely dropped the option of an epidural as I don't know how I'll feel while I'm actually in labor and how intense the pain will be. Looking forward to seeing those pics!

AFM I'm going to my midwife appointment a bit later today and hoping this will be my steady midwife. If not, I'm going to complain. Going to ask her today what to do as DH and I take off for vacation on the 14th and the 2nd childbirth class (on breastfeeding) is on the 16th. So either we need to drop it which I'm loathe to do or I'm hoping she offers I can hop on to another class. We'll see. Going to get a hair cut afterwards as I want to look nice for that wedding we're going to on the 13th.

 

[Blessedbaby]

wow we all so close to the end

Ajarvis take it easy ... are you done working now?

Clandestine glad everything is looking good and I hope you get to have the birth you want ...

AFM - celebrated my birthday by getting takeout and movies to watch with hubby and the kids ... yesterday slept most of the day as DH and Scotty spend the day at his parents house ... much needed break ... last night we had supper with them as my FIL left on a business/church trip this morning (he is a pastor) ... today is my son's birthday and we wont be doing much as tomorrow is school so might do something over the weekend if he doesn't decide to spend the weekend with his dad .... got him his gift and will get him a cake on my way home from work ..

then Im off/working from home from tomorrow until next week Friday and want to try and sort out Scotty's room and get rid of all things not used or worn anymore ...

 

[Blessedbaby]

good luck Kat I hope you get a steady MW and enjoy the haircut

 

[KatO79]

Blessed sounds like you had a pretty good birthday

So just got back and everything is looking good. My BP is normal, the glucose and protein levels in my urine are normal, uterus is again measuring a little bit ahead and baby's heartbeat was fine Funny thing is baby is already head down with his/her butt up and a bit towards my left The midwife feels that if baby is head down, then it means that my placenta has most likely moved up so that's good Got a new day for that breastfeeding class which is also good, don't want to miss that as I'm planning on breastfeeding. The bad news was I got another temp, a vacation temp So only 2 more appointments and at this point, it doesn't matter much anymore I'm just a bit annoyed that I never had a steady midwife from the get go. On the plus that's not baby related, got a nice new hair cut so that helped my slightly negative mood after the midwife appointment

 

[JCh]

Came across this, thought it was helpful for any first time moms, or moms who want a refresher. https://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/first-stage-of-labor/

 

[ClandestineTX]

I see a group of midwives that have rotating schedules at the hospital - so I get whichever one(s) are on shift when I go into labor. I have spoken with two companies that have groups of doulas and I am going to meet with at least three in the next week. They seem fantastic - like you get a birthpro bestie that will hang out with you and is super knowledgeable about natural pain relief and positions, etc.

@Blessed: I'm glad it sounds like you had a great birthday!

@Kat: your appointment sounds like it went very well!!