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So we had our 34 week scan today and everything looked great! Baby boy has super chubby cheeks already, very long legs and spiky hair! I know the weight predictions aren't always accurate, but he is estimated to be 5 lbs 7 oz right now, which makes him exactly the same size prediction as my DD (who ended up weighing 9 lb 2 oz at birth - at 41+2). I find great comfort in this, because I've been convinced this whole time that he was going to be gimungus!

@Mrs D: She told you she didn't love you? That's terrible but also makes me smile. Toddlers are so absolute. My son has started saying "I no like Daddy" and it makes me feel so bad for my husband.

@Lilbear: They can tell that he has hair? That's amazing! I am starting to feel seriously ripped off by my ultrasounds, I just keep getting things like "That's his spine. Those are his kidneys."

@Mrs D: Great news! It's funny, I know that the dilated/effaced really doesn't tell you anything but hearing you say that makes me go "Wow, it's all really happening!"

I saw the naturopath yesterday - I expected her to do the moxa in her office but instead she did acupuncture and gave me the sticks to use at home. Then she told me they "make a lot of smoke and smell like pot" and that most people use them outside. Except that it's February, and I'm supposed to do it for 40 minutes every day for 10 days! So I think I might chalk this up as not worth the hassle. Otherwise, my husband is working from home today and I've instructed him to put up the new light fixture, install the dimmer switch, and put the handles on the closet door, so we'll see. Plus the decal came yesterday and the bookcase comes tonight! And I went to the drug store this morning and bought some post-partum stuff, and then met with my HR person about filling out all the mat leave forms - starting to feel more prepared.

@erinbaderin: Yes - in her defense I had just cleaned her ears which she HATES and sobs through...but yes - it was awful! You just cant trust what comes out of their mouths - its crazy!

And yes - I agree...I know 2cm may mean nothing...but holy sh!t was my first thought...

Fingers crossed DH accomplishes his list...so are you going to be walking around smelling like a pot smoking mama for the next 10 days? Thats fun

@Navy_Mommy: Ugh, sorry about the pinched back - that does not sound fun. My pelvic pain has gotten real bad these last few days and it has me thinking the same thing..."how am I going to do this for another 4 weeks"...especially with K! I hope you find some comfort/relief soon...

1) due date - March 24th

2) Birth Plan - vaginal birth. Epidural if I feel I need it.

3) Name - Finnegan (still undecided on a middle name)

4) Biggest remaining "To-Do's" wash and set up baby clothes & gear.

5) What are you most nervous for - not knowing WHEN I will go into labor and how the different possible scenarios effect our child care strategy for my DD.

6) What are you most excited for - meeting this new little member of our family and soaking up all the baby snuggles.

1) Due Date: 22 March
2) Birth Plans: Vaginal with an epidural
3) Name? Still undecided!
4) Biggest Remaining "To-Dos": Pick a name. Hang floating shelves in nursery. Pack for hospital. Finalize my work maternity leave stuff.
5) What are you most nervous for? Depending on when I go into labor what DD will do...hopeful my dad will be in town since that will be least stressful for her.
6) What are you most excited for? Big sister to meet the baby She's soooo excited.

1) Due Date: Mar 11 - may opt for induction earlier.

2) Birth Plans: Now that I know she is head down I feel confident in a vaginal. As far as meds - I am totally open to an epi if/when I need it. However, if this labor is much quicker than my last one maybe I wont? I officially wrote down my only "birth plan" items last night a) local before any stitching please b) make me ask for an epi twice before giving and c) DH holds DD first. Last time I didnt write anything down...this time I am writing these few things down so I dont forget!

3) Name: Still deciding between Emily and Abigail

4) Biggest Remaining "To-Dos": Guest Bedroom ready for K's support, things moved to the right location of the house (swing, rnp, basinett, etc), Car seat in (and JJ Cole liner washed), Wrap purchased, Meal prep. Feeling pretty good.

5) What are you most nervous for? When she will come. We are in the "perfect storm" right now for Grandparent back up - they are all in Florida. My dad will be home Mar 10, My ILs wont be here for the birth - they'll be coming home late March/Early April and my Mom is scheduled to fly home Mar 1. My mom and grandma were in the labor room with me for hours last time - it was great. We have our babysitter lined up to be on call to come stay with Kate...and DH will go home to be with her after the first night. Just a little worried about my support system (during labor and our second night in the hospital). My mom is freaking out now that she knows I am making "progress"...I think if I am more dialated and effaced next week she may move her flight. Who knows.

6) What are you most excited for? K to meet the baby...excited and nervous! I'm also excited and hopeful about doing this whole newborn thing without the sheer terror of the first time mom thing. There was so many panic attacks and anxiety moments early on with K related to being a first time Mom...I am hoping at least some of those are gone for this one!

@Navy_Mommy: Your maternity pictures are to die for!! You look gorgeous!

@princessandthebee: I actually enjoyed/liked my 1st labor. We had a scare at the very beginning which made me get an epidural much earlier than I planned, but overall, I can't complain. I'm hoping DD's birth will go just as smoothly. It's something I'm a bit worried about.

@erinbaderin: At my MFM appt on Monday, my fluid levels dropped from 12 to 7cm so I got admitted to the hospital to have an IV drip put in. They made that drip super high at 250ml for 24 hours. Fortunately, that helped bring it back up to 12cm again, and I was released Wednesday. At first, the on call OB didn't think I'd be leaving at all. That I'd be staying until I deliver. Cue total freak out mode. I have nothing prepared for DD! and I don't want to be away from DS that long either. Fortunately, MFM was okay with me going home. Phew. Just need to make sure it doesn't drop again.

For my OB and MFM doctor, 9+cm is good. Less than 9cm is worrisome. And yes, there's 2 way to measure fluid. So glad my MFM dr described them to me. Since DD is measuring small (albeit healthy) and her fluid level fluctuates all the time, I'll probably be induced around week 37/38.

@Mrs D: With DS, I was 2cm dilated and 75% effaced at 35 weeks, but didn't advance any 2 weeks later. I go for another ultrasound with my MFM dr on Monday for growth and previa check, so I'm going to ask to see if they can tell that way vs getting a cervical check!

@erinbaderin: aww on the rings! mine are starting to get a bit snug also. I've been wearing them still, but I think I'm going to start leaving them off so they don't get stuck if I swell midday or something.

@Navy_Mommy: I had a pinched nerve or something between my shoulder blades last week that wouldn't go away no matter how much heat or stretching I did. I couldn't even sleep because it hurt so bad. Made an appt with my chiro to get adjusted and by that evening, hallelujah!! I was painfree and could sleep. Hope yours goes away soon. So close to the end, you don't need any additional discomfort!

1) Due Date - March 26 but may opt for induction earlier for planning purposes if my cervix is favorable

2) Birth Plans - Vaginal with Epi

3) Name - Theodore Daniel

4) Biggest Remaining "To-Dos" - Packing my hospital bag

5) What are you most nervous for? - Progressing really fast. Last time it was a long time to get things moving but once I was in active labor I progressed from 3-10 in 2 hours. Since its the second time and he's already super super low I'm worried I won't get the warnings I did the first time.

6) What are you most excited for? To not be pregnant and to be a family of 4

@Alivoo01: Sorry for your hospital stay but so glad you were able to get released. How frequently will you have to go in for fluid checks? just weekly or more frequently?

I have been trying to explain to my mom that these numbers really mean nothing...and certainly the first one means nothing - its really just a base line. I think when you start having a pattern to look at you can make a little more sense about them. Her husband (a former OB) told her "she wont make her due date" which I know is also rattling her...

@sailgrl18: Before my first check - DH and I had talked and I said basically if I am not progressed on my own I am not inclined to force it. He agreed. Well now that I have been checked and am 2cm and 50% (35w5d) we know that wont be the case. We are about a 40 min drive (no traffic) to the hospital (although there are others along the way) and while I did not progress as quick as you I know it generally is quicker this time around.

My sister was basically urged to induce...she had her first contraction at 6pm and DD was born at 9pm...her Drs said they were just afraid she would never make it to the hospital.

Last time around I progressed gradually and by 40w1d was 4 cm and all but completely effaced - she did two membrane sweeps on me. I ended up scheduling an induction for the next day - both Drs I spoke with felt confident that my cervix was very favorable for an induction and I loved the idea of knowing when I was going to the hospital.

Now this time around with K to worry about, the drive, our dog, etc I am thinking it would be really nice to schedule it. Just worried about rocking the boat bc I really had a nice l&d experience last time...

1) Due Date: March 24/25

2) Birth Plan: vaginal delivery, medication-free. He's been flipping a lot, though, so if he isn't head-down by a certain point it could be a scheduled c-section

3) Name: Oliver Ford

4) Biggest Remaining "To-Dos":
- Pack hospital bag
- install car seat
- baby shower thank you notes
- instructions/info for DD's care

5) What are you most nervous for?
- The possibility of being pregnant for another 2 months
- Slight chance of c-section
- Being away from DD for 2+ days/nights!

6) What are you most excited for?
Not being pregnant anymore! Completing our family and meeting our sweet son!

@Mrs D: I see my MFM doctor and OB on a weekly basis, so my fluid levels will be checked twice a week.

@sailgrl18: @Mrs D: Are y'all picking a weekday or a weekend day (Fri-Sun) to be induced? I can't decide what's best for DS! Either get induced during a week day and have DH drop him off at daycare like usual so we can get acquainted with DD for a day or two, or try and juggle both kids on the weekend.

@erinbaderin: Complain away girl! Each person and situation is different. My OB scares me a bit with her drastic attitude. Thank goodness I love my MFM dr and he provides more reassurance. Even if the prognosis could be bad, the way he explains it and delivers the message is so different from my OB! I've been seeing both of them on a weekly basis since 26 weeks because DD started measuring small during my 2nd trimester so they wanted to monitor her closely. This includes measuring my fluid level and keeping an eye on my previa since that showed up at my 20 week appt. DS was an IUGR baby so we were kind of prepared for that.

@Mrs D: We did the same thing with scheduling the c section - the OB originally said Sunday and I asked if it could be a weekday instead so B could go to daycare and still have some semblance of a routine.

@Mrs D: For vans, we're looking at the Chrysler town and country and the Dodge grand caravan. Any experience/advice?

Yay for being 2 cm and very effaced! I was so pumped to hear I was 1 cm and 50% because last time it took me hours and hours of contractions to get to 1 cm. I know it means nothing but still exciting!

@Lilbear: My baby boy has spikey hair too, based on this week's ultrasound, fun!

@Navy_Mommy: sorry about your pinched nerves/herniated discs. I've had a ruptured disc and then back surgery in 2011, I'm always worried about when my nerve pain will come back. I hope you find some relief soon!!

1) Due Date: March 6th

2) Birth Plans : Vaginal, half the time I'm hoping to go med-free, half the time I'm thinking I'll get the epi earlier than last time...

3) Name? Undecided

4) Biggest Remaining "To-Dos"
Ideal: buy a mini-van and a new couch (my old one is so crappy for nursing in), freezer meals, Sam's Club run
For sure: install car seat, pack hospital bag

5) What are you most nervous for? Honestly, it's slightly neurotic, but my family and everyone around me (including myself, hubby, and DS) have been sick a lot this winter. My nephew is in daycare, just 12 months old, and he's been out 4 out of 5 weeks for a fever or throwing up, etc. It's insane and I just want everyone to be healthy when our new little guy shows up!

Also worried about missing DS while in hospital but I know at the time it won't cross my mind as often.

6) What are you most excited for? To meet my new son, and to see my older son become a brother! To grow our family.

Cant believe how close its getting! Im def most nervous for their health esp hers.. Losing her is my biggest fear im a rcs so dont have to wonder when will happen which is nice and scary at same time lol

@Mrs D: Interesting - I think I'm actually more worried about weeknights. On weekends I feel like there's enough time that we can each pay B some solid attention, but on weeknights I worry that the baby's schedule is going to overlap with his, and we won't get to spend any time together because I'll be nursing or something during dinner/bath/bedtime. I'm also a little worried because usually I pick B up around 4:45 so we're home by 5, and my husband doesn't get home until 5:30ish. If I'm going to transfer pick-up duty to him it's going to be probably 5:45 before the two of them get home, which is a really long day for him! I guess now that I think about it I'll just have to make an effort to go get him myself and have both kids for an hour? Oh good, something else to worry about.

@Navy_Mommy: The back pain sounds terrible! Is there anything you could do for it? Chiropractor, acupuncture, a massage? And ALMOST 39 WEEKS! That is crazy! It's funny, I keep thinking "It's only early-February, and I'm not due until lateish March, I have lots of time" and then I realize that it's mid-February, and realistically this baby is coming mid-March at the latest, and there is NOT A LOT OF TIME. Every so often the thought pops into my head that my fluids might drop and they might deliver me even sooner than that and I freak out a little bit. Definitely definitely the baby needs to stay in until the end of February because my childcare plans are in Hawaii until then.

Sorry I haven't posted much, but I've been following! Here's my survey

1) Due Date: 3/25. I don't know though: I feel like I'll go to 38 weeks. Also, baby has consistently measured big all pregnancy. I know it doesn't really mean anything. I'm "at-risk" for insulin resistance. And I ended up having pre-e with LO1 right at 40 weeks.

2) Birth Plans : baby was head down at my appt yesterday - yes! Definitely meds. I have a feeling I'll need an induction again. I was induced with my first though, and it took FOUR DAYS. FOUR. I went in on Tuesday and didn't have her until Friday really really late (like midnight, technically Saturday). Nightmare.

3) Name? Not sure!

4) Biggest Remaining "To-Dos": washing 0-3 month clothes, getting a diaper supply

5) What are you most nervous for? Leaving LO while I'm at the hospital! This is seriously stressing me out. She's 2 and has never been away from me for the night. We also bedshare. Maybe I'll check myself out as soon as I deliver. ha!

6) What are you most excited for? Holding new baby and nursing. I loved nursing!

I'm going to catch up on posts!

@Mrs D: @erinbaderin: If everything continues to go well, and my fluid level doesn't drop again, I'll be induced on March 7th!

@princessandthebee: @MrsLilybugg: Thanks, ladies!!