PAL - February 2013 rainbow babies

[shocker]

Awww i think theres nothing better than the feeling of someone recognising your little person, it really helps it all sink in and helps on the nervous/scared days because here is there stuff and they are really going to use it and be home with you if that makes sense? Having some things set up around the house is lovely it makes me smile going into a room and seeing something of his! Its fantastic that your mom is coming to visit! and i know my sister told me that when she had her daughter after she lost her son at a few days old she couldnt bare to have nursery because she wanted her to be near her at all times so it was quite some time before my niece was put into her own room but it helped them get through the first few months and thats all that matters!

Yeah I am definatly excited to be induced early, he had his steroid shots for his lungs weeks ago and have been told hes absoloutly thrived weight wise recently which i find mad considering ive gone the opposite and been losing weight again, but hes resilient so getting his nourishment from wherever he can and its very reassuring to hear hes a little chunky monkey even measuring a week ahead! They have said it will be 25th january, thats the date theyre hoping for as the best outcome but they'll be reviewing it weekly til then. To be honest its the first time i dont feel overwhelmed this entire time, i have the end in sight and feels like im coming to the end of a marathon because im not worried about the birth, ive already told them my birth plan is to get him out as safely as possible and everything else is irrelevant to me, i just want the sickness to end so I can get my strength back and be a proper mummy! We're not all set at all, we havnt bought a single nappy yet but we have most of the main bits and anything else OH will be sent out for, i used to panic about us not being ready but at this point he has a place to sleep and be changed and clothes so hes all he really needs and the rest can come later

 

[PerpetualMama]

Awww i think theres nothing better than the feeling of someone recognising your little person, it really helps it all sink in and helps on the nervous/scared days because here is there stuff and they are really going to use it and be home with you if that makes sense? Having some things set up around the house is lovely it makes me smile going into a room and seeing something of his! Its fantastic that your mom is coming to visit! and i know my sister told me that when she had her daughter after she lost her son at a few days old she couldnt bare to have nursery because she wanted her to be near her at all times so it was quite some time before my niece was put into her own room but it helped them get through the first few months and thats all that matters!

Yeah I am definatly excited to be induced early, he had his steroid shots for his lungs weeks ago and have been told hes absoloutly thrived weight wise recently which i find mad considering ive gone the opposite and been losing weight again, but hes resilient so getting his nourishment from wherever he can and its very reassuring to hear hes a little chunky monkey even measuring a week ahead! They have said it will be 25th january, thats the date theyre hoping for as the best outcome but they'll be reviewing it weekly til then. To be honest its the first time i dont feel overwhelmed this entire time, i have the end in sight and feels like im coming to the end of a marathon because im not worried about the birth, ive already told them my birth plan is to get him out as safely as possible and everything else is irrelevant to me, i just want the sickness to end so I can get my strength back and be a proper mummy! We're not all set at all, we havnt bought a single nappy yet but we have most of the main bits and anything else OH will be sent out for, i used to panic about us not being ready but at this point he has a place to sleep and be changed and clothes so hes all he really needs and the rest can come later

I have not been on much...are they inducing you because of you being so sick all the time?

I have the boxes of baby stuff all out, but have yet to have a chance to go through them. I am not prepared at all for her arrival. I'm sure a day of concentrating on just that would help. She's still about 7 to 8 weeks away -giving my history of late babies, and my doc's assurances that she won't let me go over by much. Ordinarily I'm a staunch believer in letting the baby come when it's ready, but at my age I am worried for her safety and just want her here safe and sound. I am enjoying the last 2 months of being pregnant and trying to memorize every moment since this is definitely my last.

 

[EchoMyke]

Hello ladies!
I went in this afternoon to my o.b.'s office for my first non stress test only to be told by my midwife that I've got an angry uterus. No surprise there, i told them around 28 weeks that my BH's had kicked into high gear in both frequency and intensity, not really painful but sometimes uncomfortable. They had my cervix checked by the specialists at my 29 week ultrasound and all looked normal. After seeing it on paper my midwife decided to check my cervix herself and turns out I'm 2cm dilated. I was then sent to the hospital for further monitoring. They did another ultrasound to check length and thickness of my cervix and it's shortened to where I'm not quite in preterm labor, but I'm borderline. I was given a shot to stop contractions, which seems to have slowed things down but not quite completely alleviated things so far. And another shot of steroids to help baby's lungs mature. They've kept me overnight and are wanting to do some more tests tomorrow. Will keep you all updated as i won't be able to rest much here in the hospital anyway lol. He doesn't like the monitors... Keeps kicking at them and waking me On a very personal reassuring note for me, i feel my caregivers are doing everything in their power this time around to take care of the both of us. Really works at restoring my trust. And seeing how this little guy's heartbeat reacts to each and every tiny contraction is some major peace of mind regardless of the rest of this craziness.

 

[shocker]

Perpetual yeah they are, its been getting worse since 30 weeks so at this point im constantly having to get fluids and anti emetics through IV and even then it doesnt stop me being sick or feeling faint, they mentioned a possible section but im hoping it wont be necessary as ive heard that you can just summon up the strength for childbirth no matter how exhausted you are, i think its more to do with my blood pressure constantly being so low though that theyve mentioned that though. Im in again at the moment but at least i had christmas at home and my consultant will be back again monday for a chat so looking forward to seeing what she says! It could be that your last one surprises you by being just on time!! hehehe

Echomyke sounds like you've got a great team looking after you and so fantastic that you are comfortable with their care and feel reassured, i think this is incredibly important! Its great that hes kicking off the monitors hehehe it always makes me giggle when they do that! I was given the injections and steroids at the end of the 31st week and am still here, another friend of mine had hers at 28 weeks and has just had her little man at 36 weeks so they are very good, im sure the steroids gave him some super human strength though as his kicks went into hyper gear after Please let us know how you get on tomorrow

 

[PerpetualMama]

Hello ladies!
I went in this afternoon to my o.b.'s office for my first non stress test only to be told by my midwife that I've got an angry uterus. No surprise there, i told them around 28 weeks that my BH's had kicked into high gear in both frequency and intensity, not really painful but sometimes uncomfortable. They had my cervix checked by the specialists at my 29 week ultrasound and all looked normal. After seeing it on paper my midwife decided to check my cervix herself and turns out I'm 2cm dilated. I was then sent to the hospital for further monitoring. They did another ultrasound to check length and thickness of my cervix and it's shortened to where I'm not quite in preterm labor, but I'm borderline. I was given a shot to stop contractions, which seems to have slowed things down but not quite completely alleviated things so far. And another shot of steroids to help baby's lungs mature. They've kept me overnight and are wanting to do some more tests tomorrow. Will keep you all updated as i won't be able to rest much here in the hospital anyway lol. He doesn't like the monitors... Keeps kicking at them and waking me On a very personal reassuring note for me, i feel my caregivers are doing everything in their power this time around to take care of the both of us. Really works at restoring my trust. And seeing how this little guy's heartbeat reacts to each and every tiny contraction is some major peace of mind regardless of the rest of this craziness.

Please keep us posted Hoping all goes well and he gets to stay put as long as he needs to to be safe

 

[EchoMyke]

So fat everything's fine. The test they ran came up negative so they're not as worried about my going into preterm labor but it's not ruled out because of the cervical changes they've seen so I'm on pelvic rest and have been told to take it easy. Will do so long as that means Riot stays put and we stay out of the hospital for extended stays for a few more weeks. The doctor said that after 34 weeks I can go back to my usual life a bit more, won't need to be as cautious. Although, by that time my Mama will be here to help me out with things and I doubt she'll let me do very much. She's just as anxious for this baby to arrive fat and healthy as I am lol.

 

[Diamonddust]

Happy new year lovelies! Seems I've missed out on loads! Hardly get on now days I'm keeping myself so busy with being off work now and just preparing the house, we've officially got everything we could possibly need and I'm pretty much ready for him to come, no sleep and constant heartburn is crap! And we won't get into the leg cramps! Can't grumble really!

Shocker - I'm so sorry your having to go through all of this I have been reading up on your journal, hoping to find some free time to write to you soon! Can't wait to hear te news of Alex's arrival and your speedy recovery!

Perpetual Mama - sounds like everything is coming along for you now, when do you return to school? Have you sewn the bedding yet? Can't wait to see your creations!

 

[PerpetualMama]

Happy new year lovelies! Seems I've missed out on loads! Hardly get on now days I'm keeping myself so busy with being off work now and just preparing the house, we've officially got everything we could possibly need and I'm pretty much ready for him to come, no sleep and constant heartburn is crap! And we won't get into the leg cramps! Can't grumble really!

Shocker - I'm so sorry your having to go through all of this I have been reading up on your journal, hoping to find some free time to write to you soon! Can't wait to hear te news of Alex's arrival and your speedy recovery!

Perpetual Mama - sounds like everything is coming along for you now, when do you return to school? Have you sewn the bedding yet? Can't wait to see your creations!

I start an on-line class in 3 weeks that has absolutely nothing to do with the ultrasound program. I'm going off in a completely different direction to see if I like it better. I'm not sure if I will return to u/s or not. I actually have to write a letter of withdrawal and submit it to the head of u/s sometime next week.
I have not even touched the fabric, with school just ending, then Christmas...no time. I have been cleaning out my room to make room for the baby's bassinet, and trying to declutter and dejunk the house. I hope to get to the quilting by the time she arrives or maybe sometime shortly after that. DD (22) now tells me she may not move to Nevada, which means her room won't be vacated, which means I can't take it over, which makes the plans for the nursery on the top floor unrealistic. We've also been considering a move-buying a house- but after the weekend we've had I'm not sure I even want to get into such a major endeavor
For now I am getting off the computer, taking out my dogs, and starting back in on cleaning the house. DS (6) is home with a bad cold (again..5th one since the start of school). Hoping to still get something done!

Echo, glad your LO seems to be staying put

 

[LilyLee]

Hi ladies, haven't been on for a while but thought I'd update- currently in hospital after a fluid leak this morning + bloody show. Scan shows still plenty of fluid around baby, so need to stay overnight to see if I leak any more, otherwise can go home tomorrow although they may not let me go past 37 weeks. Bit of excitement for an otherwise non-eventful pregnancy. Both me & bub are fine so no reason to worry. Will update again tomorrow x

 

[PerpetualMama]

Hi ladies, haven't been on for a while but thought I'd update- currently in hospital after a fluid leak this morning + bloody show. Scan shows still plenty of fluid around baby, so need to stay overnight to see if I leak any more, otherwise can go home tomorrow although they may not let me go past 37 weeks. Bit of excitement for an otherwise non-eventful pregnancy. Both me & bub are fine so no reason to worry. Will update again tomorrow x

getting down to the wire then keep us posted!

 

[Blue eyes 81]

So glad you and your lo are ok lily!

 

[AllMacsNow]

Glad that everything seems to be going ok, Echo and Lily... will be thinking of/praying for both of you.

Shocker, I'm sorry your MS is so bad again. That's really awful. I'm glad they're watching you, though, and taking care of everything they need to. I wonder if any of the rest of us will be early too, and end up Jan. babies after all... sounds like Lily might.

Perpetual, it sounds like you've had a crazy busy few weeks. I hope you find what you're looking for in your schooling, and that things work out for the best, whatever that means, for your eldest DD.

AFM, I'm starting to panic that we're not ready... I have had 4 cousins pregnant at this same time... 2 have delivered, one's due in a few weeks, and the other a month after us. They were all super anxious to have their babies, and wanted them as soon as they could after that 37 week mark. Me, not so much. Don't get me wrong, I can't WAIT to meet him. But I still feel like I've got tons to do, and would rather that he stay in there and bake for as long as possible, to reduce complications and whatnot.

 

[LilyLee]

Thanks ladies for your kind words.
As at last night the dr seemed to think I'd be going home in the morning as I had no more leaking and scan showed heaps of fluid, but it's 4am here now and just had another gush when I went to get up to go to the bathroom, so we'll see what he says when he's in in a few hours. Trying to just get a couple more hours sleep now but it's hard with so much on my mind.

AllMacsNow- I know what you mean I am not 100% prepared for this! I was meant to finish work tomorrow and have 5 more weeks to get organized amd relaxed! Oh well, whatever happens happens!

Much love ladies xx will update again when the rest of the hospital is awake x

 

[rosebud111]

Lily - So glad to hear everything is fine. How exciting at the same time that your LO will be here soon!

The same goes for all of us, I can't believe it's almost here!!!!! It's been quite a journey filled with every emotion I can think of. Especially all of the worrying in the beginning. I just want to fast forward to having my baby in my arms already! These last few weeks are going to be filled with anxiousness!

Keep all the updates coming ladies. Love reading how everyone is coming along.

 

[PerpetualMama]

part of me is ready any time now (although she probably isn't), the other part is perfectly fine waiting a little longer. I have nothing washed or really ready for her arrival, but I'm rather uncomfortable and anxious to meet her. If I knew she wouldn't be overdue like my other 5, I'd gladly wait a few more weeks to meet her without complaining. I just dread going over my 6 more weeks. At least my doctor won't let me go over too much. I usually want them to come on their own but at my age I am more worried for her safety.

Lily, good luck! I hope it all goes well for you and your little one!

 

[Lulu]

Happy New Year ladies, just been catching up on all the news. Echo, Shocker & Lily, fingers crossed everything is ok now and babies stay cooking for a little while longer.

The run up to Christmas for me was pretty busy with one thing and other. I had hoped to spend some time when I was off getting the baby's room organised but both me & DH have had the cold and what with visiting relatives we've had no spare time. So that is next on my list and starting to freak me out a little!!!

I had a little scare weekend before Christmas, didnt feel much movement for about a day and a half so ended up in maternity triage to get checked out. I wasn't very impressed with the midwife on duty as apparently she wasn't expecting me, even though I'd phoned in about an hour earlier. Then she said she could see the baby moving my stomach, which I have to say was impressive as I was looking down at my belly and couldn't see or feel anything. But all was ok and baby started kicking away once I was hooked up to the monitors - sod's law eh!!

 

[saysib]

Happy New Year guys! So much to catch up on! Fingers crossed for you ladies who've had scares recently. Cant believe how close we all are now. Christmas and New Year festivities are over so its baby coundown
I was feeling so unprepared but we went shopping on Wed and bought a crib mattress and some bits in NB size just in case and I feel better that I at least have some nappies and somewhere for him to sleep. He'll stay in with us for a while of course, but his room is still being used as a dumping ground so I need to get on that next week once school is back. How is everyone else's preperations coming along?
We are still undecided on a name. We were going between 2 for the longest time but its now up to 3 so I guess it'll be like DD and we'll just figure it out once we meet him.

 

[PerpetualMama]

Happy New Year ladies, just been catching up on all the news. Echo, Shocker & Lily, fingers crossed everything is ok now and babies stay cooking for a little while longer.

The run up to Christmas for me was pretty busy with one thing and other. I had hoped to spend some time when I was off getting the baby's room organised but both me & DH have had the cold and what with visiting relatives we've had no spare time. So that is next on my list and starting to freak me out a little!!!

I had a little scare weekend before Christmas, didnt feel much movement for about a day and a half so ended up in maternity triage to get checked out. I wasn't very impressed with the midwife on duty as apparently she wasn't expecting me, even though I'd phoned in about an hour earlier. Then she said she could see the baby moving my stomach, which I have to say was impressive as I was looking down at my belly and couldn't see or feel anything. But all was ok and baby started kicking away once I was hooked up to the monitors - sod's law eh!!

That's pretty scary! I get nervous when I realize I haven't felt her for a while. Depite how uncomfortable I get lately I still marvel to watch the belly morph before my eyes. I am torn between being anxious for her to be here and being totally ok with relishing in the little miracle happening inside me for just a while longer.

 

[PerpetualMama]

Happy New Year guys! So much to catch up on! Fingers crossed for you ladies who've had scares recently. Cant believe how close we all are now. Christmas and New Year festivities are over so its baby coundown
I was feeling so unprepared but we went shopping on Wed and bought a crib mattress and some bits in NB size just in case and I feel better that I at least have some nappies and somewhere for him to sleep. He'll stay in with us for a while of course, but his room is still being used as a dumping ground so I need to get on that next week once school is back. How is everyone else's preperations coming along?
We are still undecided on a name. We were going between 2 for the longest time but its now up to 3 so I guess it'll be like DD and we'll just figure it out once we meet him.

My first batch of baby clothes is currently in the dryer but other than that we are just starting to get things organized. My basement has been dumping ground for friends' hand-me-down donations towards our "oops we're expecting again" dilemma, but now I have other friends asking what do we need and I have no idea! I am not having a shower, and probably don't really need one. We're holding off on painting the nursery now since we decided we'd like to move this year (and why spend money on paint twice?) The room we would use is semi-empty, but has Christmas and baby stuff in it. Next week my best friend will come by and help me get some of the baby stuff from the basement up the 3 flights of stairs to the room. She won't sleep up there, but it'll be where we store her stuff.
What names have you chosen, saysib?

 

[saysib]

My first batch of baby clothes is currently in the dryer but other than that we are just starting to get things organized. My basement has been dumping ground for friends' hand-me-down donations towards our "oops we're expecting again" dilemma, but now I have other friends asking what do we need and I have no idea! I am not having a shower, and probably don't really need one. We're holding off on painting the nursery now since we decided we'd like to move this year (and why spend money on paint twice?) The room we would use is semi-empty, but has Christmas and baby stuff in it. Next week my best friend will come by and help me get some of the baby stuff from the basement up the 3 flights of stairs to the room. She won't sleep up there, but it'll be where we store her stuff.
What names have you chosen, saysib?

Glad its not just me then! To be fair our dumping room is just Christmas bits and everything leftover from our daughter too, but its quite a small room so it looks so much worse than it is! I cant wait to be able to get in there and make it at least organised. We dont need to paint as the room was pale green anyways and it matches all the baby stuff we have
Awww, I cant wait to get the tiny clothes washed. I've sorted the majority of them into sizes back when we found out it was a boy and got rid of a load of DDs old stuff so at least thats done.
For those having a different sex, would you keep things like a pink bouncer seat/swing etc for a boy or sell and buy in a different colour? I was happy enough to keep the pink but my mother keeps mentioning it and how I need to just dye the fabric or something (which I dont really want to do as I'm worried I'll spoil the fabric) and now I'm feeling paranoid about it.

Perpetual, the names we like are Calum, Hamish and Dylan. I've always thought I would use Calum as I've loved since I was a child but it just doesnt feel right now I'm having a son. My DH loves Hamish as we have an H surname and our daughter is Isabel. Dylan just sort of came up over Christmas but we all like it. Not sure now, lol. What names are everyone else using?