Hellobee Boards

@LindsayInNY: Oh that's awesome! I had no idea!! Small, small world this is!!

@LindsayInNY: @MrsBrewer: @cascademom: I love all of this talk about Milwaukee and Chicago - 2 of my favorite cities!

So exciting to see that we'll be starting birth classes soon! I was worried that mine was early, but it looks like I'm on track with some of you. I signed up for the one day express class on March 14.

I've been awful about updating - anatomy scan was the beginning of February - it's a boy! They may have seen a small ventricle defect, so we have another ultrasound next week to check on that. The good news is the MFM doc said it's fairly common and will probably heal on its own. We also had an uneventful OB appointment today, everything was peachy. Glucose testing next month - yay

How far along: 26w2d
Total weight gain: 20 lbs
Stretch marks: maybe on boobs, not sure
Gender: Girl
Names picked: We're having trouble agreeing!
Nursery theme/progress: Updating the nursery with navy accents to make it a little different for baby #2. I ordered some new prints and added a few things... I'll post pics soon. DD#1's big girl room it set up but totally undecorated at this point.
Birth plan: Debating about getting a doula, but probably want an epidural again regardless. It took the edge off and really seemed to speed my progress.
Are you taking classes: Not this time.
How long are you taking off: 12 weeks.
Baby shower plans: 2 friends have offered to throw me "sprinkle" showers...one is a long-time friend and the other is a mom in playgroup that I joined after having LO. They don't know each other, so not sure it I will have two small spinkles or if I should try to get them to combine? They both asked me for guest lists. I'm thinking I will just let them do their own thing and keep things separate?
Where did you register (or plan to register): I wasn't planning to register... not sure if I will now that there is talk of these sprinkle showers. I think I probably won't register and will discourage gifts...I don't need anything but I like the idea of just gathering to celebrate baby.
Milestones: Was relieved to hit viability... now I'm looking forward to the 3rd tri next week.
Struggles: Sleep is a little bit of a struggle, but not too bad. Overall, feeling good.
What are you most fearful/concerned about: Not too fearful these days! A little worried about being able to handle two kids!
What are you most excited about: Coming down home stretch...having another newborn to snuggle! Seeing DD with her baby sister. Getting to spend the summer on maternity leave with my other mommy friends and their kiddos (usually I miss out on the fun due to work).
What else is going on in your life (non-baby): Working on getting LO#1 potty-trained and into her new room. STILL working on decorating the new house (2 years later)! Trying to find time to get together with friends.
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From LO#1 (just for comparison! )
How far along: 27 weeks today! Hello third trimester!!!

Total weight gain: OMG a lot. I think ~25 lbs already!

Stretch marks: For some reason, my poor left boob has some. Not the right though!

Gender: Girl

Names picked: Most likely Julia or Holly. We like the following middle names – Kathryn, Elise, Marie, Ann, and Claire. It’s so hard to decide!

Nursery theme/progress: Purple/yellow/magenta with white furniture. Land of Nod’s “Not Your Grandma’s Crib Bedding”. http://www.landofnod.com/baby-crib-bedding/kids-bedding/not-your-grandmas-crib-bedding/f10997 An elephant accent or two. We’ve purchased a dresser, glider, changing pad, and bedding. We need to buy a crib but we’re waiting until after we move. We won’t be able to put anything together until then!

Birth plan: Prepare myself for a natural birth and see how things go. Most likely I will try to hold out as long as I can and then will end up getting an epidural. I’d really like to avoid a c-section, but will of course do whatever is best for baby.

Are you taking classes: Yes, 3 nights of childbirth class starting next Tuesday, 9/11

How long are you taking off: 12 weeks total… if I take a week or two off before baby’s birth, I’ll have to go back after 10-11 weeks.

Baby shower plans: Trying to figure this out! I may have two small showers… one in October with friends and one in November (right before or after Thanksgiving) with family. I’ll a little worried though that baby might come before then, as right now she is measuring at 11/27, though my due date is 12/5.

Where did you register (or plan to register): Amazon and BRU

Milestones: I was so excited to reach 24 weeks/viability. Then I was looked forward to entering the 3rd tri! Now I am looking forward to getting past 33/34 weeks, when the likelihood of NICU time drops!

Struggles: My 2nd trimester was a joy. Right now, sleep is my only real struggle. I toss and turn a lot and wake up randomly. I’m starting to get tired again more easily and my ankles swell a little at times. Not too bad though.

What are you most fearful/concerned about: I worry about something happening to baby (cord issue, stillbirth, Downs Syndrome, etc.). Part of me is afraid to believe I will really, truly, get to be a mom in just a couple months! I don’t think I’ll believe it’s 100% real until baby is in my arms… and then of course I’ll find other things to worry about! Besides worrying about the baby, I am concerned about how my husband will handle having a newborn… he doesn’t do well with sleep/schedule disruptions. I am a little worried about feeling overwhelmed once the baby comes if I don’t have help.

What are you most excited about: Getting settled in our new house, setting up the nursery, having my parents and sister’s family visit for Thanksgiving (I’ve never gotten to host before!), my showers, and GETTING TO MEET OUR DAUGHTER! I’ve wanted to be a mom for as long as I can remember and I tear up just thinking about how amazing it will be!

What else is going on in your life (non-baby): We just bought a house (we close in 3 weeks) and are in the process of selling our house. I’m also gearing up to take a licensing exam for my profession and trying to finish a book chapter and two publications I am writing before baby comes. Things are a little crazy!

How far along: 25 weeks

Total weight gain: 14 lbs.

Stretch marks: I think I do have some, but my excema has been really bad on my belly, so sometimes it's hard to tell if it's stretch marks or
excema.

Gender: It's a girl.

Names picked: We haven't given the name a ton of thought because we aren't sharing the name before she's born to avoid unwanted opinions.

Nursery theme/progress: We have painted the room grey and trim white. I've picked fabric for curtains and the crib skirt. Colors are grey, white, navy, and lavender.

Birth plan: The plan in natural, unmedicated childbirth with as few interventions as possible.

Are you taking classes: Yes, we are taking Bradley Childbirth class.

How long are you taking off: I am taking 8 weeks. I am a nanny, so I'll just be bringing her to work with me after that.

Baby shower plans: my best friend in AL is throwing us one at the end of March, and my local friends are throwing on in May.

Where did you register (or plan to register): BuyBuyBaby and BabyList (I love BabyList because I can add stuff from Etsy and cloth diaper stuff)

Milestones: First viability milestone was last week, so that's exciting!

Struggles: I struggle with what kind of mother I will be to baby girl. Long story, short... I have a complicated relationship with my own mother and I'm terrified I'll end up being like her.

What are you most fearful/concerned about: Of course, I'm nervous about actually giving birth. I'm also nervous about how her arrival will change my relationship with DH.

What are you most excited about: I cannot wait to meet her, and I am really looking forward to watching DH with her. I'm positive it will make me fall more In love with him.

What else is going on in your life (non-baby): We bought s house and moved into it in November. So, we've been so busy trying to get everything done before she gets here. We found out that we owe taxes this year, which is a HUGE bummer. I had a come to Jesus with my mom about respecting boundaries and that she's the only one that will be responsible for pushing her way out of my life.

So, that just got really serious. Sorry! Just trying to keep it real.

@78h2o: You look amazing!! I loooove your bump!! Great idea on starting this little list too, I think it's a great idea!

How far along: 25w5d

Total weight gain: 12 lbs.

Stretch marks:Yes, so many. I am prone to stretch marks the way it is, so I figured I would get them, but I never imagined that my belly would look like this already

Gender: It's a surprise!

Names picked: We have our boy name picked out, but we are still working on a girl name. We aren't sharing with anyone though, even though I'm DYING to tell someone!!

Nursery theme/progress: We are going with grey and orange walls, then we are having sort of an alphabet theme

Birth plan: My goal is to birth naturally without any medical interventions or pain medications. I totally get that sometimes things are out of control, and I will always decide to do what's best for baby and I!

Are you taking classes: Yep, just a generic one that our hospital offers. Nothing special. I'm reading a ton of childbirth books though!

How long are you taking off: Probably 8, I would love to take 12 weeks off, but I don't think we could financially swing it.

Baby shower plans: I am having one in the middle of April It's just 1 big combined one that my mom and MIL and throwing.

Where did you register (or plan to register): We registered at BRU and Target

Milestones: Umm I guess just viability right now??

Struggles: Ugh money, and the daycare situation. I still have no idea what we are going to do! DH might be getting a new job in the next month or so which would almost double his salary....too stressful!!

What are you most fearful/concerned about: Labor. I think DH is very much pro-epidural. I have an extreme anxiety about needles, and I want to go as natural as possible anyways. I just am pretty fearful that he won't be the best advocate for me during labor....

What else is going on in your life (non-baby): Not much, just trying to pay off as much in student loans as possible before the baby comes, so we are pinching every penny we can!!

I'm a total lurker on this page but thought I would speak up!

How far along: 24w
Total weight gain: Maybe 9?
Stretch marks: Honestly haven't checked. Didn't get them until the very end with LO1
Gender:
Names picked: Callan
Nursery theme/progress: I can't wait to get it started. We need to paint the trim white and paint an accent wall a grassy green. Otherwise the colors are green and navy. Not sure on what else we'll do yet. I need everything set up before I can think about it.
Birth plan: Pray that the epidural works this time
Are you taking classes: Nope
How long are you taking off: 12 weeks
Baby shower plans: None for baby #2
Where did you register (or plan to register): I started a registry at BBB just to keep track of what I need to get and get the completion discount
Milestones: Everything has been going really smoothly so that's a bonus
Struggles: I've been sick for so long and feel like I'm always out of breath. This winter is killing me!
What are you most fearful/concerned about: Hope my BP doesn't spike at the end again. Don't want to be induced.
What are you most excited about: Seeing how DS1 interacts with DS2
What else is going on in your life (non-baby): Work sucks.

How far along: 25wk5d
Total weight gain: a shit ton..over 25 lbs
Stretch marks: none. I didnt get any with ds bit feel with this one its inevitable but my fingers are still crossed.
Gender: everytime I go in I keep asking is she is still a girl!
Names picked: right now we are stick on Lily and Lucas but nothing set in stone yet
Nursery theme/progress:none
Birth plan: RCS on May 22 if these babies stay in that long.
Are you taking classes: nope
How long are you taking off: 4 to 5 months
Baby shower plans: I dont want one but abfriend want to throw a sprinkle
Where did you register (or plan to register):just to have a completion discount maybe BRU
Milestones: Viability
Struggles: in Pain every single day I feel like my skin is on fire up by my ribs due to my stomach stretching out. Having a hard time getting up. Ds still doesnt understand the no climbing 9n mommys tummy. And we are also looking to buy a house which is ridiculous in the neighborhood we are looking at
What are you most fearful/concerned about: NICU time for babies. I really want full term healthy babies
What are you most excited about: uh..for when all 3 of them are on a sttn schedule. but really just seeing these babies and holding them and counting their fingers and toes.
What else is going on in your life (non-baby): trying to figure out the temporary living situation that we will have with me, dh, ds, twins and MIL in our little 2 bedroom cottage

How far along: 26 weeks tomorrow

Total weight gain: 12 lbs last I checked

Stretch marks: No new ones but the ones I already had on my love handles and upper thighs look a little more pronounced.

Gender: Female

Names picked: Kaylee or Eleanor, still can't decide

Nursery theme/progress: Planning a woodland theme. My mom is making a baby quilt and helping me plan and pick out paint colors, curtains, etc.

Birth plan: Prefer a walking/light epidural, as few interventions as possible.

Are you taking classes: We will be taking one 3/7, a full day class

How long are you taking off: Planning on about 4 mos

Baby shower plans: Family shower in another state in April, no word on whether any friends are planning a local one.

Where did you register (or plan to register): Amazon

Milestones: Glucose test in a couple weeks, feeling movement regularly. One more week to third trimester!

Struggles: Currently whining my way through a sinus cold, ongoing insomnia, occasional heartburn.

What are you most fearful/concerned about: Accidentally taking a medicine I'm not supposed to and hurting her. Umbilical cord getting wrapped around her neck.

What are you most excited about: Getting the nursery set up, meeting her, not going to work for a while.

What else is going on in your life (non-baby): We are buying a house! We close in early March and will be moving in March and April. It's been stressful but I'm really looking forward to being in our own space.

How far along: 26weeks plus
Total weight gain: 20 pounds
Stretch marks: yep, still there from last time
Gender: boy
Names picked: no idea, but middle name will be either Timothy or James (leaning towards James)
Nursery theme/progress: not really working on it. May work on it after we move. We have a crib and all of the gear, so it's a matter of getting a big boy bed for LO and preparing a room for him.
Birth plan: Medicated like last time
Are you taking classes: no
How long are you taking off: 12 weeks, so the summer off hopefully
Baby shower plans: none, no sprinkles or diaper party
Where did you register (or plan to register): none, but will get a Tula and baby K'tan carrier for this LO
Struggles: sciatica pain and winter colds. The winter colds have been really tough.
What are you most fearful/concerned about: baby being okay in general, easy labor versus hard labor, managing two kids in general
What are you most excited about: having LO meet the new baby
What else is going on in your life (non-baby): busy with work, selling condo, and buying a house out in the burbs

Here's my 25 week photo. I made the mistake of comparing it to my 20 week picture and woah, I look huge.

@badwolf: Love your sweater/outfit! I always want to try a belt like that but feel like it looks weird on me!

@LindsayInNY: We're going to talk to them today. My mom suggested a claim against their homeowners insurance. This isn't the first time that they've leaked water into our unit either. They're the worst owners ever. Stuff like this makes moving much more desirable. What also sucked was that the wife was unapologetic about the whole thing as our LO was up way past his bedtime from their errors.

@LindsayInNY: They're pretty awful. He hires the worst repair/installers. We have to do some repairs related to previous incidences before selling the place. We had water damage before from the roof. Then, there was toilet water damage that one of his repair people attempted to fix which made our ceiling look worse for wear. I'm thinking about getting that fixed. I'm really ready to leave this condo. We've sucked it up for 3 years with them here. The previous owners barely lasted a year because the upstairs neighbors were so bad.

@LindsayInNY: Ugh, we always feel bad when LO is throwing a screaming tantrum, etc. We feel less bad about it sometimes because this couple has all out yelling matches. They just don't fight, they yell and yell. It's really unsettling. The husband is aware of it, but they don't know how to break the cycle. If they ever divorce (they were separated once), I'm sure that the kids will be relieved to no longer grow up in that environment.

@78h2o: Ugh! That would be frustrating. So sorry. Hormones have been crazy for me this weekend as well!

@78h2o: Wow, you and me are already in our third trimester!?!? Crazy.

I'm on my second cold. I did a week of Mucinex and cough syrup. I got an email from my OB after I wrote to them about the constant cough, mucus, etc. I'm going to my primary physician for the second time in less than a month today for another cold. I worry about doing Mucinex for too long to stop this awful cold. I made the mistake of looking into it on the Internet. I just want to feel better and have my baby be okay. I did kick counts and such during the week to make sure that he was okay.

I slept really well last night, so much so that DH slept on the couch because of my snoring. It's not the first time for us. I woke up at 3am and noticed he wasn't there. Then, I had a dream about him and something around 10:30pm, but knew that it was early, early morning. I had a total dream inception last night.

@78h2o: They're so annoying during pregnancy. I hoped that this pregnancy would remain smooth. Winter colds really knocked the wind out of me this time. I also coughed and peed my pants while we were hanging out with LO. LO promptly grabbed my hand and walked me to the bathroom to go potty. We have him trained a little too well.

@78h2o: I feel you. Do your pelvic floor muscles feel less able to handle the weight or the low baby this time? I swear, it feels like I pee myself way more now than I did with LO. I try Kegels, but need to do more because this one is happy sitting low on my bladder.

So, I had Monday off and I worked like a maniac in our house. I scrapped joint compound off the tub and sink in our guest bathroom (doing some renovations) because my inlaws are coming this week, cleaned the entire house, painted doors, and scrubbed the kithen. Needless to say, I WAY over did it and I was so sore last night. I couldn't get comfortable all night, so I got almost no sleep. I cried about it at 2:00am and then this AM I spilled my entire cup of coffee before even having a drink of it. I've been a hot mess today. I want to go home and just go straight to bed but we have birth class tonight. Womp womp. Sorry for the big complaining post. I hope your Tuesday has been better than mine!!