*~*~* The Decemberists! *~*~*

[smawfl]

Sorry forgot to add it just asks you to pick a photo from your phone gallery!

 

[smawfl]

Hi Ladies

Finally got to a PC to be able to post properly!

Pusscat - It was more uncomfortable than anything else, and really exhausted me, felt like I'd done lots of exercise!
I have an itchy belly button and bump at the moment, Baby is having another growth spurt!!
Your bump looks fab
Glad your mummy coffee morning went well! Sounds lovely!

Gaiagirl - enjoy your semi-holidays! Glad you're not stressing too much about the job situation. Sounds like you're doing well with your baby purchases
Love the bump
DH is still convinced my bump is girly, but I'm not so sure anymore. I think I'm carrying as per the traditional 'boy' style all up front but like Pusscat I dont think that's true really!

 

[Shh]

Gorgeous bumps!

Sorry not to reply properly, feeling a bit bleurgh, just got call from MW, failed 2 hour GTT, not sure what the implications are, waiting for a call from the hospital. Does anyone know?

 

[smawfl]

Gorgeous bumps!

Sorry not to reply properly, feeling a bit bleurgh, just got call from MW, failed 2 hour GTT, not sure what the implications are, waiting for a call from the hospital. Does anyone know?

Sorry you're feeling rough I'm not sure what happens to be honest, I think they may monitor you more closely? Do you know by how much you failed it? I've read some people only have it mildly so not too bad.

Let us know how you get on xx

 

[Pusscat]

Gorgeous bumps!

Sorry not to reply properly, feeling a bit bleurgh, just got call from MW, failed 2 hour GTT, not sure what the implications are, waiting for a call from the hospital. Does anyone know?

Shh - sorry to hear that I don't know much about the GTT so can't offer any advice, but hope the hospital are able to give you as much info as you need. Let us know how you get on and what they say

 

[FeelSoBlessed]

Thanks smawfl, I'll give that a try!

Shh, I'm not 100% sure but I think they'll monitor baby's growth more regularly and just ensure you follow a diet where your blood sugar levels are maintained... I think. Hope you're feeling better soon and that they don't take too long to call back so you're not there worrying

 

[seaweed eater]

Happy Thursday! :wave: I typed out this whole long response last night, and then we lost our Internet connection.

Anyway, beautiful bumps, everyone!! What a cute group we are. I have no opinion on pink/blue because I don't feel like I even understand how that's supposed to work. Boys are lower, more to the front/less to the sides, both? I guess mine is low and to the front so that would be consistent...but I'm not as good at seeing it on other people!

I should take another photo soon...when I do, I'll post. I don't feel that much bigger but I guess the bump is growing at the right pace, so I must be. I can still function pretty well, can see all parts of my body, etc.

I had a really odd day yesterday. After lunch Baby was SO active and literally beating me up from the inside. After the mammouth movement session my bump felt really sore and tight - almost bruised even! Not sure if it was braxton hicks but it was quite strange!

How strange...sounds like maybe BH combined with all of that movement? I hope you are feeling better now!

I even said to DH - I'm not sure I'm going to be able to cope with labour! Eeek it's feeling quite close now!!

I had the opposite experience with my contractions or whatever they were I am hoping labor is like that, because while it was uncomfortable, it wasn't all that bad! But I'm sure the real thing will be a million times worse!

I finished work on Friday and got very emotional when it was time to actually leave. I cried a lot! I think it all just hit me that this is actually happening and I'm getting towards the end of my pregnancy. And I don't think I realised how much importance I put into getting up and going to work everyday. I like my routines!

Awww it is a transition, isn't it? A few days ago I sat down and wrote a list of work things I need to get done before the baby comes. It was pretty surreal! Strange to be at the point where I can/need to plan out timelines week to week with my manager. (I'm planning to work as late as I can, since my job is physically easy and quite flexible.)

I'm sure you will be fine on leave even without your routines...I know your place is in good shape already so there might not be much left to do there, but if you really get bored could you read a novel or something?!

Your coffee and cake morning sounds like a great idea! I hope those continue for you, too. I definitely want to find a mother-baby support group after the baby is born. I've heard it's really important and can help a lot with adjusting to motherhood.

The job postings for science and math for September are slim pickings so I am a bit concerned about not having a job in the fall to take leave from. I still have a chance of getting something and there isn't much I can do but wait and see so I am not stressing, but the difference between having and not having a job is HUGE for me! Eeeek!

Wow, I can imagine how that would feel like a lot of uncertainty right now I really hope something comes through for you! Please keep us posted!

Shh, I'm sorry about the GTT. That sucks I think they will probably talk to you about managing it with your diet (I believe you have to monitor your carbs in particular, not cut them out entirely but just make sure you have a slow and steady intake over the course of the day). They probably will also want to keep an eye on your baby's size and maybe do some growth scans. I'm not sure, though. Please keep us posted.

AFM, I had a bit of a nesting frenzy yesterday for some reason. I think we have almost enough newborn clothes now, and I packed some of them to be Munchkin's coming home outfit! Also started packing some of my own clothes in the hospital bag!! Eek

Our travel system and bassinet will be here in a few days, and I have maybe about half of a cloth diaper stash, so it's starting to feel like we are getting there...! There's still tons to get, but it feels like we're much closer now.

Can't wait to see the doctor next week and ask about induction date. I have to find a way to become less impatient, because it makes time go reallllly slowly!

 

[gaiagirl]

I am doing my GTT in a few weeks...not looking forward to it at all! I am so sorry it didn`t go well...I think it just means monitoring blood pressure, weight gain, and baby size more closely...and possibly inducing early if things are looking dodgy. I do think there are food choices you can make to lessen the impact though! Definitely do some reading...

I should mention, after being so dire about the job...that I am still qualified for 12 month leave in Canada and will likely still get about $1200 per month minimum because of how much I have already worked. However, having a job would mean 95% of my leaving salary for the first 17 weeks and then more like $1400 per month after that...so it isnt all doom and gloom if I dont get a job, it is just MUCH nicer if I do!!!!!!!! Fingers crossed for me ladies

I am SO obsessing over the stupid glider for our nursery. It is a bit ridiculous but we are doing grey, white and teal in the nursery and finding a nice glider that goes is IMPOSSIBLE for under $500! Seriously. It is insane how expensive the nice ones are...I am going to have to just accept that it will not match exactly but I am having a hard time accepting, lol. What have you ladies gone with for glider?

 

[ds0910]

Pusscat- There is NO WAY we will run out of things to do! Next Sat is my shower so there will be organizing all that stuff, thank you cards, AND still painting the nursery........oh Lord!!!

Smawfl- That's crazy!! I know my little man has been moving around like crazy too and sometimes it does hurt when he kicks a little too hard especially in my ribs, but he hasn't made me sore yet. Maybe it was movement and BH together like seaweed said?

AFM- I'm really starting to get nervous now with labor coming up so fast!!! Only a little over 7wks left IF he doesn't come a little early!!! Im SO excited yet SO PETRIFIED at the same time!!
And anybody else feel like they are CONSTANTLY peeing?!?!?! It is driving me insane! lol Although I have noticed that hubby seems to wake up a little once in a while when I come back to bed after one of my many night trips, cuz he will put his arm back over and will put his hand on my side so he can feel the baby move for quite a few minutes before he relaxes and goes back to sleep. So sweet. Anyway, hope all you ladies have a great day!!

 

[Pusscat]

Seaweed - I have done a lot of reading the past couple of days! Baby books and a novel and I've really enjoyed it I love reading so the next month or so is my time to enjoying being able to spend an hour or so just reading a book. Glad to hear everything is coming together for you. Getting together a hospital bag is my next major thing to do. What size bag/bags have you gone for? Think I'm going to use my small suitcase for my things and then a large-ish bag for baby's bits and pieces. I've been thinking about my hospital bag quite a bit actually and have been wondering what you do about the things that you will need right up until before the birth and don't want to pack away ie slippers, dressing gown toothbrush etc. I think I'm going to have to make a list for myself of things that will need quickly collecting from around the house before we set off for the hospital!

Gaia - that maternity pay sounds great even without the extra if you have a job, does it continue at that rate throughout the 12 months? That's great if it does. My mat pay gradually decreases and the last 3 months are completely un-paid, hence my decision to probably go back just before the summer holidays next year. Still hope you find a job though, I'm sure it would make a big difference.

As for the glider, I would love one after trying one out at the Baby Show but we just couldn't fit one in our nursery. I'm currently on the lookout for a comfy armchair instead and will have to provide my own rocking if the baby needs it! Your colour scheme sounds gorgeous so hope you find a glider that fits!

 

[Pusscat]

AFM- I'm really starting to get nervous now with labor coming up so fast!!! Only a little over 7wks left IF he doesn't come a little early!!! Im SO excited yet SO PETRIFIED at the same time!!
And anybody else feel like they are CONSTANTLY peeing?!?!?! It is driving me insane! lol Although I have noticed that hubby seems to wake up a little once in a while when I come back to bed after one of my many night trips, cuz he will put his arm back over and will put his hand on my side so he can feel the baby move for quite a few minutes before he relaxes and goes back to sleep. So sweet. Anyway, hope all you ladies have a great day!!

I feel the same! So so excited but pretty scared about how this big bump is going to get out through quite a small space

I've been lucky with my bladder I think! I haven't had to get up once in the night so far! I do need to pee more in the day time though. Although sometimes it feels like I have less sensation in my bladder, like I know I have to pee but can't feel it as well as I used to?!

 

[gaiagirl]

Thanks Pusscat, I am sure we will find something that I dont *hate* haha but whether I will love it...who knows.

Yes, the pay continues until 52 weeks after baby is born...we are very lucky here to have that coverage (although I have been paying into it my whole life so it isnt just coming from nowhere, lol).

It is basically calculated as 55% of your income in the 26 weeks before you go on mat leave OR maximum of $460 a week which sadly this year I dont think I will quite hit. But you could possibly be getting $1600 per month, as I did when I was unemployed for 3 months last year. This year I only worked part time all year though which was lovely when I felt like puking all morning but not so great when you go on leave! Oh well!

I wonder if we will find we actually spend less $$$ in the year with baby? DH and I do often spend money on restaurants and going out, so obviously that will be gone and we will be home a LOT which could actually mean spending less. Plus we are using cloth diapers and breastfeeding so after the initial CD cost that will be cheap too!

 

[seaweed eater]

UGH, Gaiagirl, the glider is a total thorn in my side too. We don't have a color scheme to match, really, but all the reasonably priced ones seem to squeak, according to their reviews. I think like you we will have to bite the bullet and just get an expensive one. Your color scheme sounds lovely though!

I know most of you are better prepared than I am at this point, but is anyone else finding furniture buying stressful due to being unable to lift/move the pieces? For my control freak self it's hard to depend on other people so much for this

DS, I've been peeing more than usual but not that much more...if anything I think it was worse around 14-15 weeks. I was reading though that baby can drop as early as now (which I didn't know) so maybe your boy has dropped!

That's so sweet about your hubby. Mine has told me that he has noticed the baby kicking while I'm asleep, which isn't surprising at all (or I'd be up the entire night!) but kind of funny to think about.

How's everyone sleeping these days? I have been sleeping pretty well until this week. Now I'm finding it a little harder to fall and especially to stay asleep. Baby is always so active when I lie down...plus, maybe it's excitement, I just don't feel like sleeping as much! But then I'm tired during the day of course.

 

[smawfl]

Good morning lovely ladies!

My favourite day of the week has arrived! Woohoo! I finish work early today as I'm off to a waterbirth class and then I have Monday off so long weekend for me!!

Not entirely sure I want to labout in the water but I'm going along to see what it's like. And also as I get to have antenatal appointments whilst at work I'm getting paid to go so even better!

Seaweed - I think your'e carrying Boy style. Post another pic!
How does induction work over there? I'm not sure that they do here either so I will add it to my list of questions for my next midwife appointmnet!
I've found furniture buying stressful, but only because we're limited size wise by what we can fit in the room!!

Gaiagirl - what is a glider?

DS - It's scary how time is flying isn't it!! I'm 31 weeks tomorrow, 6 weeks until full term, and 9 weeks until EDD!! Exciting!

I'm not constantly peeing - I think I am carrying very high up so I have the opposite end ailments.. squished lungs and stomach! Luckily I haven't had to wake up at all in the night.

Pusscat - I've gone for a weekend holdall for me, and I'm taking my changing bag to put Baby's things in. I haven't actually done a trial pack yet but I hope it will all fit! It's currently all piles on top of the spare bed along with all my other baby purchases!
In terms of things you will need up until before birth.. I've been buying duplicates so for example when my deoderant is coming to the end but still enough left, I'll stick that in my hospital bag and just buy a new one for everyday use. I can't think of anything else I'd have to leave out until the end (except for my straighteners ) but anything I need DH can always bring it to me.
I've bought a new dressing gown, slippers and nightie (I needed them anyway) so they have gone in already.

 

[seaweed eater]

A glider is like a rocking chair...I don't know if they are technically the same thing or not, but I think of a rocking chair as being a chair on curved runners where the whole thing rocks back and forth, whereas gliders are usually on a base that stays still and have parts that allow the seat part to rock.

I found one yesterday on the Walmart website for only $100 US that seems to have mostly good reviews. It won't go with your color scheme, though, Gaia. Would you ever consider getting a dust cover that matches your colors, or covering the chair with a blanket or something?

My hospital bag is a medium-sized rolling suitcase. It's big, but I figure there's no reason not to have plenty of space, and since it's just one roller bag it should be easy to transport. Our hospital supplies baby clothes, blankets, diapers, pumping equipment, etc so there's not actually much to bring for baby. Just a five-night stay (hopefully shorter; that would be for the worst case, a relatively long labor + C section) for me and DH. The doula will have her own stuff too for the labor (essential oils, etc).

I think for a normal pregnancy here they generally induce at 42 weeks or close, although since everything is private I am sure it depends on the doctor. I'd been assuming that as long as my BP stayed ok I would just be under the normal protocol, in which case I would choose not to get induced until 42, but I read recently that many doctors induce at 39 or 40 for chronic hypertension even if it's under control, because it's seen as too risky to leave it later than necessary in mothers with a fairly high chance of developing complications.

If induction is scheduled for 39 I assume that's probably when the baby will come since I doubt I'll go into labor spontaneously before then, and even if it's scheduled for 40 I guess there's a good chance that will be the day. If it's 39 then I also want to avoid my mother's birthday, which is around then, so that the kiddo can have his own birthday!

 

[gaiagirl]

Yah, a glider has more of a back and forth motion...but pretty much like a rocker. Are you talking about the storkcraft ones? A friend of mine ordered the Lily model and hated it so returned it and is getting the Tuscany model. She said the Lily one wasn't tall enough so you wouldn't be able to rest your head, which I imagine would be pretty important!

My only concern with the Storkcraft ones is that I have read how quickly they turn to crap and pretty much fall apart...they don't seem to last which wouldn't be ideal because we would want to have it for years...

I would definitely go for a light beige and light wood or white and just get a grey blanket and teal pillow or something, so that is definitely an option!

Came across a good article today, thought it was worth sharing:

https://babycalm.wordpress.com/2012...y-your-newborn-is-only-happy-in-your-arms-30/

 

[seaweed eater]

Yah, a glider has more of a back and forth motion...but pretty much like a rocker. Are you talking about the storkcraft ones? A friend of mine ordered the Lily model and hated it so returned it and is getting the Tuscany model. She said the Lily one wasn't tall enough so you wouldn't be able to rest your head, which I imagine would be pretty important!

That's good to know. It's called the "Hoop Glider," and I can also see the Tuscany one on the website, but no Lily. For some reason yesterday I thought the reviews for the hoop glider one were better. I get the same sense about the quality not being good...we'll probably be moving in the next few years but I would at least like for it to last that long. Who knows. I don't understand why this one piece of furniture has been so much harder to shop for than everything else!

Came across a good article today, thought it was worth sharing:
https://babycalm.wordpress.com/2012...y-your-newborn-is-only-happy-in-your-arms-30/

Yes, I think the 4th trimester idea is from Harvey Karp (The Happiest Baby on the Block)...they have taught that stuff in ALL of our prenatal classes, and it makes a lot of sense to me! Several of my friends who have babies have recommended The Happiest Baby (particularly the DVD, not so much the book) as well.

I think the theory behind it is pretty interesting too...that human babies have to be helpless and underdeveloped because we have both big brains and small pelvises that allow us to walk upright, so if the baby were to stay in the womb for long enough to allow him to be less helpless at birth, his head would grow large enough to be dangerous to the mother. At least, that's my understanding of it.

 

[gaiagirl]

Absolutely! Attachment parenting ideas make a lot of sense to me, and just *feel* right so we will be practicing a lot of those principles. Co-sleeping, baby wearing and lots and lots of holding!

My favorite book so far was Our Babies, Ourselves (https://www.amazon.ca/Our-Babies-Ourselves-Biology-Culture/dp/0385483627)

It was written by an anthropologist and talks a lot about the evolution of human babies (which is right up my alley being a biologist and all, lol) and also parenting cross-culturally and how babies are cared for all around the world. VERY enlightening book!

 

[seaweed eater]

Ok, I took some bump pics for you ladies.
https://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q178/tamarkreps/32w1_crop.jpg
https://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q178/tamarkreps/32w1_crop2.jpg
I guess when I look at it next to Pusscat's or Smawfl's it does look quite low!

 

[gaiagirl]

You look gorgeous Seaweed! Love that top!