KU PAL Check In

[cgmb]

Happy Friday-Eve ladies! I apologize for saying I would start this check-in and then bailing for a week. I had an audit that consumed my life, but hopefully I'm back to play for a while!

So let's get this check-in started for anyone who wants to participate! If there is anything you would like added, removed, or changed, PLEASE let me know.  (Full disclosure I took these check in questions form PGAL)

1. How far along are you? Week/Fruit?

2. How are you feeling physically and emotionally?

3. Other updates? Thoughts, vents, baby preparation, etc.?

4. Upcoming milestones or appointments?

5. Do you need T&P's for anything?

QOTW- What are your valentines day plans? Are you doing anything for s/o? or for your kiddo(s)?

[honeylemon]

Can I play here? I posted on PgAL during my last pregnancy, and on PAL a few times, but haven't been around since my rainbow was a baby. I had a 9 week miscarriage in 2012 when we were TTC#2. I'm on my fourth pregnancy, hopefully third take home baby.

1. How far along are you? Week/Fruit? 26 weeks, butternut squash I think?

2. How are you feeling physically and emotionally? Physically I feel as expected heading into third tri. Emotionally I'm not doing well. I feel unable to control my emotions and how I respond to things and I've been getting upset over things that really shouldn't upset me so much. I've been thinking a lot about our lost baby recently. I think it's related to my prenatal depression starting up. I'm going to talk to my midwives about it at my next appointment.

3. Other updates? Thoughts, vents, baby preparation, etc.? We got a double stroller this week. That's starting to make things feel very real.

4. Upcoming milestones or appointments? My GTT is in a week and a half. Blech.

5. Do you need T&P's for anything? Just the depression stuff. With my other pregnancies, I didn't notice it starting until closer to the end of pregnancy, but it's much earlier this time. It makes me anxious about how severe my PPD will me.

QOTW- What are your valentines day plans? Are you doing anything for s/o? or for your kiddo(s)? We're planning on taking the kids "hiking" on Saturday. The weather has been gorgeous and I'm excited to get out of the house and have some family time. DH and I don't have anything romantic planned. Maybe we'll have a mini at home date after the kids go to bed.

[cgmb]

Feb 12, 2015 11:09:43 GMT -5 @boxerific said:

1. How far along are you? Week/Fruit? 4w6d. Poppyseed about to turn Appleseed!

2. How are you feeling physically and emotionally? Tired, sore boobs, and just had my first wave of nausea this morning. Emotionally I'm okay because betas were good. For now at least.

3. Other updates? Thoughts, vents, baby preparation, etc.? Posted a beta update yesterday. They doubled in 29.08 hours so YAY to that. I hope to pick up my progesterone supplements today from the pharmacy.

4. Upcoming milestones or appointments? My first appointment isn't until March 4th. THAT IS SO FAR AWAY!

5. Do you need T&P's for anything? Mostly just to be able to keep the nausea at bay at work. Last time, I worked somewhere else and my coworkers were dear friends, so I felt comfortable telling them all early on. This time, it's different. I do love them but we don't have that same relationship so I'm not comfortable revealing yet. But if I have to, I will.

QOTW- What are your valentines day plans? Are you doing anything for s/o? or for your kiddo(s)? Nothing really. We're serving a meal to the community at our church that afternoon, but it just happens to fall on valentine's day so we're going to kind of theme it for that, but that's it. We've never been celebrators of this holiday so the rest of the day will just be norm. (Plus my second loss happened on that date 3 years ago so I don't really care for it anymore.)

Congratulations again!
I'm glad you're feeling great about everything. Good betas are always such a relief. And yes, March seems so far away! Hopefully you will be so busy that time will just fly by.

I will be thinking of you this Saturday. Sending you so many (((hugs))) and love.

[cgmb]

Feb 12, 2015 11:29:13 GMT -5 honeylemon said:

Can I play here? I posted on PgAL during my last pregnancy, and on PAL a few times, but haven't been around since my rainbow was a baby. I had a 9 week miscarriage in 2012 when we were TTC#2. I'm on my fourth pregnancy, hopefully third take home baby.

1. How far along are you? Week/Fruit? 26 weeks, butternut squash I think?

2. How are you feeling physically and emotionally? Physically I feel as expected heading into third tri. Emotionally I'm not doing well. I feel unable to control my emotions and how I respond to things and I've been getting upset over things that really shouldn't upset me so much. I've been thinking a lot about our lost baby recently. I think it's related to my prenatal depression starting up. I'm going to talk to my midwives about it at my next appointment.

3. Other updates? Thoughts, vents, baby preparation, etc.? We got a double stroller this week. That's starting to make things feel very real.

4. Upcoming milestones or appointments? My GTT is in a week and a half. Blech.

5. Do you need T&P's for anything? Just the depression stuff. With my other pregnancies, I didn't notice it starting until closer to the end of pregnancy, but it's much earlier this time. It makes me anxious about how severe my PPD will me.

QOTW- What are your valentines day plans? Are you doing anything for s/o? or for your kiddo(s)? We're planning on taking the kids "hiking" on Saturday. The weather has been gorgeous and I'm excited to get out of the house and have some family time. DH and I don't have anything romantic planned. Maybe we'll have a mini at home date after the kids go to bed.

Welcome! You can absolutely play here!
I'm so sorry to hear about the PPD and the anxiety of it starting up again. I think talking to your midwives is a great idea, and it's good that you can recognize the signs about what's happening. I had awful PPA after my son was born and I worry that it will happen again with this little guy. Did you take medication for it last time? Please keep us posted on how you're feeling. If you need to talk out some scary thoughts or vent (about anything!) we are always here and you can PM me!!

Your V-day plans sound awesome! I love hiking and I think I will go on Sunday with some girlfriends. The weather here is great (West coast, Best coast!) so that sounds like a perfect day! How old are your other kids? Hopefully you and your husband can make some date time that evening!

[shmee]

I hope it's okay if I jump back in! It's been a while but I'm happy to see some familiar faces over here


1. How far along are you? Week/Fruit? 26w5d... Ovia says the size of a butternut squash

2. How are you feeling physically and emotionally? Physically I am doing okay, sleeping is getting more difficult but not too bad yet. Emotionally it's been rough, my anxiety is getting the best of me. I am starting with a new therapist next Tuesday, so I'm hoping that will be helpful.

3. Other updates? Thoughts, vents, baby preparation, etc.? I have so much to do to prep still, I feel like I was almost done preparing this point in my last pregnancy and this time around I'm slacking so bad! I don't know what I'm waiting for

4. Upcoming milestones or appointments? I took my 1 hour GTT this morning, waiting on the results of that and I'm fully expecting to take the 3 hour next because I had GD last pregnancy.

5. Do you need T&P's for anything? That I like this therapist! I have been through a few in the past few years and I swear I'm not really that difficult, but I have yet to find one I really click with. It makes it hard to stick with them when you aren't crazy about them or their way of doing things.

QOTW- What are your valentines day plans? Are you doing anything for s/o? or for your kiddo(s)? We are having a date night tomorrow/Saturday afternoon, my mom is keeping DD. We're going to a chocolate tasting tomorrow night followed by a hockey game, and then on Saturday we're going to a local ice wine festival. Obviously I won't be drinking, but I will be indulging in all the yummy foods! I'm not sure what we'll do Saturday evening, hopefully I can think of something fun to do with DD.

[cgmb]

Feb 12, 2015 11:01:47 GMT -5 cgmb said:

[honeylemon]

Feb 12, 2015 11:46:27 GMT -5 cgmb said:

Welcome! You can absolutely play here!
I'm so sorry to hear about the PPD and the anxiety of it starting up again. I think talking to your midwives is a great idea, and it's good that you can recognize the signs about what's happening. I had awful PPA after my son was born and I worry that it will happen again with this little guy. Did you take medication for it last time? Please keep us posted on how you're feeling. If you need to talk out some scary thoughts or vent (about anything!) we are always here and you can PM me!!

Your V-day plans sound awesome! I love hiking and I think I will go on Sunday with some girlfriends. The weather here is great (West coast, Best coast!) so that sounds like a perfect day! How old are your other kids? Hopefully you and your husband can make some date time that evening!

Thanks! I've had PPD/PPA after both kids (PPD was worse the first time, PPA was worse the second). It went untreated the first time because I was afraid to get help and people kept telling me I was "just tired" and it was normal. I was better prepared the next time. I actually encapsulated my placenta and that helped a lot, but I ran out of the pills around 3 months PP and started on Zoloft then. I'm planning to do placenta encapsulation again. I would love to stay off prescription medication, but I'll do whatever it takes to not experience the hell of untreated PPD again.

My son is 4 and my daughter is 18 months. This little one is due May 15 which is a week before my EDD (2 years ago) with my lost baby.

[honeylemon]

@enchanted I felt the same way at the beginning with this little one. My most difficult time was my 9 week ultrasound since it was almost exactly 2 years to the day after the 9 week ultrasound where we found out we lost baby Felix. But I haven't had much PgAL brain other than that and a few random moments when the anxiety will hit me.

[bethelgal42]

cgmb - Thanks for leading the check-in.

@boxerific - I'm so happy for you.

honeylemon - What kind of double stroller did you get?  There are so many different ones to choose from.  I need to find one that is good for a Toddler and an infant that will hopefully grow with them.

@enchanted - I'm so happy you are here.  I'm sorry that you aren't feeling good mentally.  Like I said on FB, I find myself feeling the same way.

---

1. How far along are you? Week/Fruit? 10 weeks, 5 days; I'm a Prune

2. How are you feeling physically and emotionally? I'm feeling fine actually.  Occasionally, I will feel some light stretching but I don't have much nausea or cravings this time.  I'm trying really hard not to compare pregnancies or worry that I don't have many symptoms.  With my rainbow, my breasts hurt so bad but this time they only seem to hurt when Anne nurses.

Like, @enchanted, I'm having trouble mentally and emotionally.  I just don't feel as connected to this baby as I was to my rainbow.  With Anne, I was so excited to see my ticker change and took weekly pictures.  I was crazy careful about what I ate and did.  I worried about taking my prenatals and never missed one.  This time, I just feel complacent.  Maybe, it was the excitement of getting a rainbow and the miracle she is.  I talked and sang to the baby all the time.  I'm hoping that once I start feeling movement or get more symptoms that I get more excited.  We wanted this baby so much so I want to make sure he or she feels as special and loved as Anne is.

3. Other updates? Thoughts, vents, baby preparation, etc.? I finally found an OB that takes our new insurance.  We had an issue when we were first found out we were pregnant that my old OB didn't take my new insurance.  That caused a lot of stress and anxiety for me.  I found a free clinic in the area that does one free ultrasound, but they don't do it until 10 weeks.  Going blind in the pregnancy until 10 weeks doesn't go well when you are Pgal.

We had that 10 week ultrasound on Monday and everything looked healthy.  The baby even waved at us.  That was such a huge relief.

4. Upcoming milestones or appointments? We have passed both of our loss milestones.   I have first appointment with the new OB next Tuesday.

5. Do you need T&P's for anything?  Just that I start to feel connected to the baby.  Also, for my appointment on Tuesday that the new OB understands the Pgal brain.  My old OB was my OB for both of the loss and Anne so she understood my anxieties and was very patient with my silly questions.  I'm afraid this new OB will dismiss my anxieties.

QOTW- What are your valentines day plans? Are you doing anything for s/o? or for your kiddo(s)?
My DH and I will probably just go out to dinner somewhere special.  I'm not sure exactly what yet.  DH works retail and has to work both Friday and Saturday so if we do anything it will likely be on a different night.

[honeylemon]

bethelgal42 hi and congratulations! You probably don't remember me from TTCAL/PgAL (I was ramy over there), but I remember you. Sorry if that's creepy.

I got the Contours Options tandem stroller. I got last year's model because it was on sale. I really like it. It's heavy, but it handles really well. And I love that the seats can be moved around and it comes with an infant seat adapter.

[bethelgal42]

Feb 12, 2015 15:32:23 GMT -5 honeylemon said:

bethelgal42 hi and congratulations! You probably don't remember me from TTCAL/PgAL (I was ramy over there), but I remember you. Sorry if that's creepy.

I got the Contours Options tandem stroller. I got last year's model because it was on sale. I really like it. It's heavy, but it handles really well. And I love that the seats can be moved around and it comes with an infant seat adapter.

Not creepy at all.  *Hi* I'm so glad that you are here.  Congratulations to you too.

I will look into that stroller. Thanks.

[Maggie0424]

1. How far along are you? Week/Fruit? 7w3d/Blueberry

2. How are you feeling physically and emotionally? Physically I'm feeling so good it's scaring me. I haven't had any m/s for the past 2 days. I honestly don't feel of at all right now. The only thing I'm getting is bad hip pain at night. Emotionally - I'm PGAL so I'm wondering if this of is going to really work out.

3. Other updates? Thoughts, vents, baby preparation, etc.?

None

4. Upcoming milestones or appointments? we saw the baby right before my milestone of 7w1d when Samuel died. I think that makes me more nervous too. My next appt for a u/s is 3/10 at 9:30 am.

5. Do you need T&P's for anything?

QOTW- What are your valentines day plans? Are you doing anything for s/o? or for your kiddo(s)?

I made DH a homemade 2 layer chocolate cake and it turned out delicious! I also got him a card. For DD I bought her pj's that say "Sorry boys, dad says I can't date!"

[cgmb]

Feb 12, 2015 11:51:53 GMT -5 shmee said:

I hope it's okay if I jump back in! It's been a while but I'm happy to see some familiar faces over here


1. How far along are you? Week/Fruit? 26w5d... Ovia says the size of a butternut squash

2. How are you feeling physically and emotionally? Physically I am doing okay, sleeping is getting more difficult but not too bad yet. Emotionally it's been rough, my anxiety is getting the best of me. I am starting with a new therapist next Tuesday, so I'm hoping that will be helpful.

3. Other updates? Thoughts, vents, baby preparation, etc.? I have so much to do to prep still, I feel like I was almost done preparing this point in my last pregnancy and this time around I'm slacking so bad! I don't know what I'm waiting for

4. Upcoming milestones or appointments? I took my 1 hour GTT this morning, waiting on the results of that and I'm fully expecting to take the 3 hour next because I had GD last pregnancy.

5. Do you need T&P's for anything? That I like this therapist! I have been through a few in the past few years and I swear I'm not really that difficult, but I have yet to find one I really click with. It makes it hard to stick with them when you aren't crazy about them or their way of doing things.

QOTW- What are your valentines day plans? Are you doing anything for s/o? or for your kiddo(s)? We are having a date night tomorrow/Saturday afternoon, my mom is keeping DD. We're going to a chocolate tasting tomorrow night followed by a hockey game, and then on Saturday we're going to a local ice wine festival. Obviously I won't be drinking, but I will be indulging in all the yummy foods! I'm not sure what we'll do Saturday evening, hopefully I can think of something fun to do with DD.

wow 26 weeks already! How awesome! Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?
I'm sorry you are having a hard emotionally right now. Hopefully the therapist will help, that was huge for me during my last pregnancy. And I will definetly keep you in my thoughts and prayers that you click with her/him.
Prepping for baby seems so much harder this time! Why is that?
Good luck with your GTT! Let us know what they say. Maybe you'll skip GD this time? I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

And chocolate tasting?? OMMMGGGG...jealous girl right here!! Have a blast!

[cgmb]

Feb 12, 2015 12:20:28 GMT -5 @enchanted said:

Feb 12, 2015 11:01:47 GMT -5 cgmb said:

1) 5w5d No idea on fruit since I never had a fruit ticker.

2) Physically, I'm doing pretty well. Itchy boobs, which is a new one for me. My last two pregnancies, they hurt. I'm also only nauseated when I smell something bad, like the pelicans at the zoo yesterday. Mentally is another story. I'm not excited (even though we were trying), but I'm also not stressed. I've talked to quite a few other PALers who have had two or more successful pregnancies post-loss and they all say it's pretty normal. I'm sure, though, once I get closer to the end of first tri and the start of second tri, I'll be stressing more.

3) None right now.

4) Appointment on March 2nd.

5) I'm good right now.

QOTW: We have a dance so it will be almost like a date. Except he's the photographer and DJ and I'm on the board of directors. We'll make dinner at home Sunday night and exchange cards then. We got the kiddo some curious George coloring books and another Melissa and Doug sound puzzle since those are his favorite.

I must have missed your announcement! Congratulations! EEKK!!

I totally get where you are coming from with your emotional state right now. That's how I was, and even with symptoms it just didn't feel real. Still doesn't. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the stressful thoughts and anxiety stay away! And hopefully you will start to get excited the farther along you get (I know you will!)

Have fun at your dance! Even if you are both working it sounds like an awesome time! Will you get dressed up?

[cgmb]

Feb 12, 2015 15:01:13 GMT -5 bethelgal42 said:

cgmb - Thanks for leading the check-in.

@boxerific - I'm so happy for you.

honeylemon - What kind of double stroller did you get?  There are so many different ones to choose from.  I need to find one that is good for a Toddler and an infant that will hopefully grow with them.

@enchanted - I'm so happy you are here.  I'm sorry that you aren't feeling good mentally.  Like I said on FB, I find myself feeling the same way.

---

1. How far along are you? Week/Fruit? 10 weeks, 5 days; I'm a Prune

2. How are you feeling physically and emotionally? I'm feeling fine actually.  Occasionally, I will feel some light stretching but I don't have much nausea or cravings this time.  I'm trying really hard not to compare pregnancies or worry that I don't have many symptoms.  With my rainbow, my breasts hurt so bad but this time they only seem to hurt when Anne nurses.

Like, @enchanted, I'm having trouble mentally and emotionally.  I just don't feel as connected to this baby as I was to my rainbow.  With Anne, I was so excited to see my ticker change and took weekly pictures.  I was crazy careful about what I ate and did.  I worried about taking my prenatals and never missed one.  This time, I just feel complacent.  Maybe, it was the excitement of getting a rainbow and the miracle she is.  I talked and sang to the baby all the time.  I'm hoping that once I start feeling movement or get more symptoms that I get more excited.  We wanted this baby so much so I want to make sure he or she feels as special and loved as Anne is.

3. Other updates? Thoughts, vents, baby preparation, etc.? I finally found an OB that takes our new insurance.  We had an issue when we were first found out we were pregnant that my old OB didn't take my new insurance.  That caused a lot of stress and anxiety for me.  I found a free clinic in the area that does one free ultrasound, but they don't do it until 10 weeks.  Going blind in the pregnancy until 10 weeks doesn't go well when you are Pgal.

We had that 10 week ultrasound on Monday and everything looked healthy.  The baby even waved at us.  That was such a huge relief.

4. Upcoming milestones or appointments? We have passed both of our loss milestones.   I have first appointment with the new OB next Tuesday.

5. Do you need T&P's for anything?  Just that I start to feel connected to the baby.  Also, for my appointment on Tuesday that the new OB understands the Pgal brain.  My old OB was my OB for both of the loss and Anne so she understood my anxieties and was very patient with my silly questions.  I'm afraid this new OB will dismiss my anxieties.

QOTW- What are your valentines day plans? Are you doing anything for s/o? or for your kiddo(s)?
My DH and I will probably just go out to dinner somewhere special.  I'm not sure exactly what yet.  DH works retail and has to work both Friday and Saturday so if we do anything it will likely be on a different night.

Hey! Great to see you here!
I know not comparing pregnancies is difficult. I always compare mine, but the last two have actually been really different.
Honestly, I htink what you are feel emotionally/mentally is pretty normal (at least it seems to be for me and others I've talked to). I will be thinking of you and hoping you can strengthen your connection with the baby, but I'm sure it will happen in time. And when he or she is here I'm sure you will love this baby just as much as you do. Your beautiful family will just feel so much more "complete" or at least that's what they tell me!
Good luck with the new OB! let us know how it goes and don't be afraid to voice your concerns and share your story with him/her!

[cgmb]

Feb 12, 2015 20:09:09 GMT -5 Maggie0424 said:

1. How far along are you? Week/Fruit? 7w3d/Blueberry

2. How are you feeling physically and emotionally? Physically I'm feeling so good it's scaring me. I haven't had any m/s for the past 2 days. I honestly don't feel of at all right now. The only thing I'm getting is bad hip pain at night. Emotionally - I'm PGAL so I'm wondering if this of is going to really work out.

3. Other updates? Thoughts, vents, baby preparation, etc.?

None

4. Upcoming milestones or appointments? we saw the baby right before my milestone of 7w1d when Samuel died. I think that makes me more nervous too. My next appt for a u/s is 3/10 at 9:30 am.

5. Do you need T&P's for anything?

QOTW- What are your valentines day plans? Are you doing anything for s/o? or for your kiddo(s)?

I made DH a homemade 2 layer chocolate cake and it turned out delicious! I also got him a card. For DD I bought her pj's that say "Sorry boys, dad says I can't date!"

Hi there!
Deep breaths, it's scary but symptoms can come or go at a moments notice. And every pregnancy is different. How are you feeling today?
It would be too early for a heartbeat on a Doppler right now, but can you go in for a heartbeat check between now and your next u/s?
Try to stay positive even though it's hard not to go that dark place. And feel free to come here and share any scary thoughts you have. We have all been there and we are here for you!

Those pj's sound adorable! And homemade chocolate cake?! Damn, sounds perfect!!

[cgmb]

I tried to do my own update but PB ate it.... I'll do it again quickly.

1. How far along are you? Week/Fruit?

I'm 15w and change but I've never really kept up with the fruit.

2. How are you feeling physically and emotionally?

Surprisingly well. Like others, this seems to be flying by. I don't feel as connected as I did to LM, but I'm sure that will change. Physically I *feel* like my tummy is huge, because it's so much bigger, quicker than it was last time but I guess that's normal. I'm still trying to work out like normal so I stay "sane".

3. Other updates? Thoughts, vents, baby preparation, etc.?

I've done nothing. Except stalk the Tula website.

4. Upcoming milestones or appointments?

I have a regular OB apt on 2/28 and our A/s the first week in March! How is that happening already!?!?

5. Do you need T&P's for anything?

Nope!

QOTW- What are your valentines day plans? Are you doing anything for s/o? or for your kiddo(s)?

For LM I'm going to put balloons around his crib and make him (me) chocolate chip pancakes...with whipped cream...and sprinkles. Then it's date night!! WHOOP! I need to try and find something cute (but still hot??) to wear. Blah.

[Maggie0424]

Feb 13, 2015 12:01:41 GMT -5 cgmb said:

Feb 12, 2015 20:09:09 GMT -5 Maggie0424 said:

1. How far along are you? Week/Fruit? 7w3d/Blueberry

2. How are you feeling physically and emotionally? Physically I'm feeling so good it's scaring me. I haven't had any m/s for the past 2 days. I honestly don't feel of at all right now. The only thing I'm getting is bad hip pain at night. Emotionally - I'm PGAL so I'm wondering if this of is going to really work out.

3. Other updates? Thoughts, vents, baby preparation, etc.?

None

4. Upcoming milestones or appointments? we saw the baby right before my milestone of 7w1d when Samuel died. I think that makes me more nervous too. My next appt for a u/s is 3/10 at 9:30 am.

5. Do you need T&P's for anything?

QOTW- What are your valentines day plans? Are you doing anything for s/o? or for your kiddo(s)?

I made DH a homemade 2 layer chocolate cake and it turned out delicious! I also got him a card. For DD I bought her pj's that say "Sorry boys, dad says I can't date!"

Hi there!
Deep breaths, it's scary but symptoms can come or go at a moments notice. And every pregnancy is different. How are you feeling today?
It would be too early for a heartbeat on a Doppler right now, but can you go in for a heartbeat check between now and your next u/s?
Try to stay positive even though it's hard not to go that dark place. And feel free to come here and share any scary thoughts you have. We have all been there and we are here for you!

Those pj's sound adorable! And homemade chocolate cake?! Damn, sounds perfect!!

Thank you! My ob said I'm welcome to schedule a u/s in 2 weeks from my last appt if I would like. I told him it wasn't necessary since I've already had 2 u/s and both went great. Now I'm wondering if I should take him up on it. I'm trying to hold onto the fact that yes this is a totally different pg and not all are the same. I've just never felt this good before. I know many people would probably hate me for saying that (especially those who have hg) but when your PGAL you know how it is. If I end up going I will update. DD was adorable in her pj's (I don't think I can post photos in mobile) and DH loved the chocolate came so it was a win all around