May 22 Weekly Thread

[sdlaura]

I figured it couldn't hurt to get this started.  If you have an outside baby feel free to answer, too!  I'm sure you all also have appointments, things you've bought for baby, etc.

How far along are you?

What's new with baby (size, development)?

Name?

Any upcoming appointments this week?

Any new symptoms/changes?

Rants/Raves/Questions?

What is the last thing you bought for baby?

Did you do anything for yourself this week?

Anything you want to add?

GTKY: Do you plan to send out birth announcements?  Anything about them/your plans for them that you want to share?

[violetrose]

How far along are you? 38w, 2d

What's new with baby (size, development)? She's about 8 pounds and just getting bigger at this point.

Name? TBD

Any upcoming appointments this week? I had one this morning. They checked my cervix no change from last week, which is discouraging to hear. I was really hopping we could be seeing baby this week.

Any new symptoms/changes? Horrible cramping and itchy/leaky breasts. I feel like she has to be coming any day with how crappy I feel but I guess not

Rants/Raves/Questions? Nothing really new. Just exhausted and very uncomfortable. I feel bad for DH because I'm so irritable all the time. I'm just so miserable and want this baby here. The idea of being pregnant for 2-3 more weeks scares the crap out of me.

What is the last thing you bought for baby? Diapers I think

Did you do anything for yourself this week? Nothing really specific. When DH was home this weekend, I had him help out more than normal.

Anything you want to add?

GTKY: Do you plan to send out birth announcements? Anything about them/your plans for them that you want to share? No, we never sent out birth announcements for DD or DS either.

[lulu783]

I was about to fill this out, but you can seriously just copy everything violetrose said and just change the weeks to 38w1d.
I am a miserable, miserable person with a large baby and I'm ready for him to come out

[violetrose]

May 22, 2017 13:25:08 GMT -5 lulu783 said:

I was about to fill this out, but you can seriously just copy everything violetrose said and just change the weeks to 38w1d.
I am a miserable, miserable person with a large baby and I'm ready for him to come out

Ugh sorry you are feeing the same way. The end just plain sucks- no other way to put it. Everyone was saying "Oh baby #3 will come early and fast!" But so far my other two made more progress at this point than this baby. Just feeing extremely frustrated and I have basically no patience for anyone or anything anymore.

[agm04]

violetrose i know this isn't your first rodeo, but i'll still offer this anecdote: my cervix was completely closed on a wednesday and DD was born the following monday. don't give up hope!

[lulu783]

May 22, 2017 13:53:32 GMT -5 violetrose said:

May 22, 2017 13:25:08 GMT -5 lulu783 said:

I was about to fill this out, but you can seriously just copy everything violetrose said and just change the weeks to 38w1d.
I am a miserable, miserable person with a large baby and I'm ready for him to come out

Ugh sorry you are feeing the same way. The end just plain sucks- no other way to put it. Everyone was saying "Oh baby #3 will come early and fast!" But so far my other two made more progress at this point than this baby. Just feeing extremely frustrated and I have basically no patience for anyone or anything anymore.

Thanks, it definitely does! My DD was a week late, so I thought I would be more rational/patient/realistic this time. Not the case.

[violetrose]

May 22, 2017 14:01:52 GMT -5 agm04 said:

violetrose i know this isn't your first rodeo, but i'll still offer this anecdote: my cervix was completely closed on a wednesday and DD was born the following monday. don't give up hope!

I know it can happen! I had a cervical check at my 40 week appointment with DD and had made no progress. About 4 hours later my water broke. It's still hard not to get discouraged, though!

[agm04]

violetrose i totally feel you! the not knowing is so hard even if you're not feeling blah.

[applemuffins]

How far along are you? 37+2

What's new with baby (size, development)? Size of romaine lettuce. But last us at 36+6 put him at 7lbs 13oz

Name? Finally have the middle name too

Any upcoming appointments this week? Sitting through my induction right now

Any new symptoms/changes? High blood pressure

Rants/Raves/Questions? I just want this to be all finished so I can both meet new baby and so o can get home faster to dd

What is the last thing you bought for baby? Sheets for the co sleeper and an outfit

Did you do anything for yourself this week? Got a milkshake before going in for my induction

Anything you want to add?

GTKY: Do you plan to send out birth announcements? Anything about them/your plans for them that you want to share? I would like to! I did for DD. Haven't looked at them at all yet though so idk.

[mreve]

Good luck with your induction applemuffins. I hope everything goes smoothly and you're back home soon!

[sdlaura]

How far along are you? 37 weeks today

What's new with baby (size, development)? Swiss chard

Name? Katherine or Samuel

Any upcoming appointments this week? Yes, my 37 week appt. on Wednesday

Any new symptoms/changes? I'm a little more sleepy the past few days, even though I took a nap Saturday and slept pretty well this weekend.

Rants/Raves/Questions? I look/am gigantic in size, but in general I'm still feeling pretty good physically.

What is the last thing you bought for baby? A diaper pail

Did you do anything for yourself this week? We had our babysitter last night instead of Friday. We went to a quick dinner and saw Guardians of the Galaxy. I wasn't super into it, but I knew DH would like it, and there wasn't anything else out that I really wanted to see. Wednesday is my birthday and I'm taking the day off to get stuff done in the morning and go get a massage in the afternoon. Then we'll probably take the kids out to dinner.

Anything you want to add? My parents arrive a week from tomorrow. I'm hoping baby holds out until at least 38+2 (the day DS was born) so that we have some help with the older kids.

GTKY: Do you plan to send out birth announcements? Anything about them/your plans for them that you want to share? I love stationery/mailing things, so definitely We had newborn pics for the two older kids and used them for announcements. This time we're having the whole family in the pictures and I will design announcements after the photos are done.

[eucalyptus]

lulu783 , violetrose , I'm sorry to hear you're feeling miserable. Babies are coming so soon and relief is on the way. Sending good thoughts to you.

[eucalyptus]

applemuffins, Sitting through an induction! It's almost time! I'm checking for news over and over! Sending you so many positive thoughts!

[eucalyptus]

How far along are you? 9 days post birth (Would be 37 weeks 6 days)

What's new with baby (size, development)? Baby has so much neck control already and cheeks are getting chubbier! It's crazy how much he has changed already.

Any upcoming appointments this week? Yes, I have a post partum appointment with the OB.

Any new symptoms/changes? I'm leaking so much milk. I wake up several times each night in a puddle of milk and sweat. It's quite a sight.

Rants/Raves/Questions? I did not know that this level of hunger was even possible.

What is the last thing you bought for baby? Newborn photos!

Did you do anything for yourself this week? Baby snuggles

GTKY: Do you plan to send out birth announcements? Anything about them/your plans for them that you want to share? I think so. I think we're going to combine them with thank yous for gifts. I haven't gotten that far yet, but I'll work on it soon.

[mreve]

eucalyptus I combined birth announcements with thank you cards with DS. It worked really well!

[brandiewine11]

May 22, 2017 21:26:20 GMT -5 eucalyptus said:

How far along are you? 9 days post birth (Would be 37 weeks 6 days)

What's new with baby (size, development)? Baby has so much neck control already and cheeks are getting chubbier! It's crazy how much he has changed already.

Any upcoming appointments this week? Yes, I have a post partum appointment with the OB.

Any new symptoms/changes? I'm leaking so much milk. I wake up several times each night in a puddle of milk and sweat. It's quite a sight.

Rants/Raves/Questions? I did not know that this level of hunger was even possible.

What is the last thing you bought for baby? Newborn photos!

Did you do anything for yourself this week? Baby snuggles

GTKY: Do you plan to send out birth announcements? Anything about them/your plans for them that you want to share? I think so. I think we're going to combine them with thank yous for gifts. I haven't gotten that far yet, but I'll work on it soon.

Get some flour sack towels from Walmart or target. Wash and dry them a few times then fold them in your sleep bra like a giant pad. You probably need 2 at a time. I also slept on a towel with a waterproof changing pad underneath. At least with all that I avoided changing the sheets.

I leaked forever. I used AVENT overnight nursing pads all day and changed them 6-8 times a day but they worked!

[cheezee]

How far along are you? 36 + 4

What's new with baby (size, development)? Head of romaine lettuce

Any upcoming appointments this week? Friday

Any new symptoms/changes? Eh. No new symptoms here. Same old fatigue and my sciatic nerve hates me.

Rants/Raves/Questions? ECV was unsuccessful yesterday. It hurt like hell and he wouldn't budge. My fluid is borderline so it's unlikely he'll flip but they gave it a shot anyways. I'm heartbroken that it looks like we'll be scheduling a c/s at my next appointment. I have tried everything in the books and he's been in the same position since about week 30. I really feel like nothing will work at this point so H and I said I just need to chill and enjoy these last few weeks. If he flips on his own then he flips. We just want our boy to be healthy and safe...one OB told me sometimes there's reasons why babies are breech and we just need to leave them alone. I needed to hear that!

What is the last thing you bought for baby? A new diaper bag.

Did you do anything for yourself this week? Nothing for me this week but I did book a massage and facial for the first weekend in June.

Anything you want to add? I'm having a terrible time keeping up with all you ladies here and really life in general! I have no clue about all this board drama and why everyone is leaving!

GTKY: yes we'll send out announcements! Gotta get every penny we can out of those expensive newborn pics!

[mreve]

How far along are you? 37 weeks

What's new with baby (size, development)?

Name?

Any upcoming appointments this week? Weekly appointments now, so I go back on Thursday.

Any new symptoms/changes? Heartburn actually seems better lately, I'll take it! Sleep is awful, I'm up every 90 minutes to pee regardless of how much I drink in the evening.

Rants/Raves/Questions?

What is the last thing you bought for baby? New swaddlemes. I had one handed down one that I used a ton with DS, so I got a few more to use with this baby.

Did you do anything for yourself this week? I went to the city all by myself on Friday. It was wonderful to shop and eat without worrying about anyone else's timeline or DS's schedule.

Anything you want to add?

GTKY: Do you plan to send out birth announcements?  Anything about them/your plans for them that you want to share? I will probably combine with thank you cards like I did with DS. There will probably be a lot fewer since I won't have a shower this time.

[mreve]

cheezee sorry the ECV was unsuccessful. I agree with your H that you should enjoy these last weeks knowing that you did what you could.

[agm04]

cheezee i'm so sorry. i completely understand how you feel. i agree though - some babies are just where they are, and that's that. hugs.

[trebletrouble13]

How far along are you? 37 weeks

What's new with baby (size, development)? Size of an 80's brick phone.

Name? Ellie

Any upcoming appointments this week? Had my OB Appt yesterday, got to GBS swab. NST on Thursday.

Any new symptoms/changes? Starting to wear out faster, especially in the hot weather (high 80s) we're suddenly having this week.

Rants/Raves/Questions? Rave: MH has started stepping up his help with household chores and grocery shopping. Thank goodness. Question: anyone else feeling like baby is pushing their whole foot out their side?! Sheesh.

What is the last thing you bought for baby? A new infant car seat insert (made by the same company that made my car seat).

Did you do anything for yourself this week? I went over to my parents' house early on Saturday for a barbecue so that I could have a long shower without DS.

Anything you want to add? DH has admitted that he is not thinking about the fact that baby is due in three weeks. "We have plenty of time." When I asked him to raise the level of the crib, he said he'd get to it at some point. I asked him to do it this week, please, so that I could finish the crib and other nursery setup. Maybe that logic will get through...

GTKY: Do you plan to send out birth announcements? Anything about them/your plans for them that you want to share? Likely not; we didn't send them out with DS either. We will print out early pictures and bring them to family gatherings to give to people.

[sabrinaml]

How far along are you? 36+2

What's new with baby (size, development)?

Name? pai.ge mar.ie

Any upcoming appointments this week? Weekly OB and NST on Wednesday

Any new symptoms/changes? Not really new but has moved up to a higher level. I'm get so annoyed, crabby, frustrated, emotional so easily and it seems like it's all the time.

Rants/Raves/Questions? I have to remember to throw my bags in the car tomorrow morning, since beginning tomorrow I could be sent to L&D after any appointment.
Rant: my MIL sent me a text yesterday that just said "hi. How are you feeling". All she was getting at was making sure I'm still pregnant. (They are out of the country.) if I get that message everyday I'm going to lose my shit.

What is the last thing you bought for baby? I had some onesies made that say "hello world, I'm Paige" (had them done in NB and 0-3) but I don't actually have them just yet.

Did you do anything for yourself this week? Never really do.

Anything you want to add?

GTKY: Do you plan to send out birth announcements?  Anything about them/your plans for them that you want to share? We didn't for C, so I doubt we will this time either.

[mreve]

May 23, 2017 12:55:26 GMT -5 trebletrouble13 said:

Question: anyone else feeling like baby is pushing their whole foot out their side?! Sheesh.

Yes, I always put my hand over and push to try to move it back in, it does not feel pleasant!

[marshian]

May 23, 2017 20:32:40 GMT -5 mreve said:

May 23, 2017 12:55:26 GMT -5 trebletrouble13 said:

Question: anyone else feeling like baby is pushing their whole foot out their side?! Sheesh.

Yes, I always put my hand over and push to try to move it back in, it does not feel pleasant!

I get this with the booty. And do the same - try to push it back in.

[teachermomtobe]

May 23, 2017 22:47:10 GMT -5 marshian said:

May 23, 2017 20:32:40 GMT -5 mreve said:

Yes, I always put my hand over and push to try to move it back in, it does not feel pleasant!

I get this with the booty. And do the same - try to push it back in.

Yes! She pushes her butt up into my ribs and I try to push it back down. Doesn't work lol

[marshian]

How far along are you? 36 weeks

What's new with baby (size, development)? Cabbage Patch doll, kidneys full developed

Name? We have frontrunners. To be confirmed when baby is here. Note: My mom and sisters were annoyed when I wouldn't answer their question as to whether we had decided on names. They said they wouldn't ask us what they were, but I know if I had answered we had names chosen they would have pressed for them. Did not want to get into that.

Any upcoming appointments this week? Tomorrow. GBS swab, fingers crossed!

Any new symptoms/changes? Sleeping is getting tough on the hips. Back up to two Colace daily plus Metamucil.

Rants/Raves/Questions?
Rant - I made baked ziti last night for dinner, plus we froze the leftovers for our freezer stash. Doula came over fairly late for our first prenatal (because H's hours are insane right now), so it was bedtime when she left. H didn't even attempt to help clean the kitchen so I got to do it all myself this morning.

Rave - After a two-hour session last night, H and I agree once again we made the correct choice in doula. She fits with us perfectly. Gave me plenty of "homework".

Question - Anyone have any birth affirmations they particularly like?

What is the last thing you bought for baby? Ordered basic clothes from Primary.com to fill out what we got as gifts and had already purchased.

Did you do anything for yourself this week? Not yet.

Anything you want to add? I feel so unprepared! This week is dedicated to getting all the baby stuff organized and completing registries for necessities. Then I need to finish up open personal projects.

GTKY: Do you plan to send out birth announcements? Anything about them/your plans for them that you want to share?
Yes, definitely! I'll be taking the formal newborn photos myself. We have a photographer coming for a lifestyle session, but the posed photos will be mine. Looking forward to it! Right now I'm debating between Mint and Tiny Prints because they both have good discount codes.

[marshian]

sabrinaml - Ah yes, the vague text really prying for more info. I would ignore those but I have no patience for them.

cheezee - Sorry he wouldn't flip. Must be comfy in that position! I can't deal with the drama. Just waiting for the dust to settle because there's no way I'll keep up with more than one location.

sdlaura - Happy birthday! Enjoy the massage!

violetrose - Sorry you're uncomfortable! The end is near!

[agm04]

marshian do you want to share the homework from your doula? i need to look for birth affirmations too. my homework from doula consists of squats, kegels, pelvic rocks, visualizing labor and delivery from first contraction to holding our girl, and practicing relaxation techniques with DH. i give myself a B-.

also, i LOVE primary.com. their stuff is so comfy and soft!

[marshian]

agm04 - So glad to hear you love primary! I read reviews everywhere I could because I usually like to touch clothes in person before buying. Prices are so good too.

As far as doula homework, sounds similar to yours:
- Birth affirmations
- Pelvic floor work (squats, kegels, cat/cow, 30+ minutes on the yoga ball)
- Visualizing at what point during labor specific positions will be helpful and practicing them (we have a worksheet with comforting positions)
- Practicing relaxation techniques (breathing, etc)
- Adjusting my diet to include more fiber, more protein, and adding in dates
- Put together a list of activities to do during early (non-active) labor if it's during the day (crafts, baking, etc)

I'm open to anyone's suggestions on any labor/delivery prep which worked for you!

Oh, and learned an interesting (potential) fact. The reason we get RLP mostly on the right and providers encourage you to lay on your left during labor and prop up your right leg is because the right side of our body apparently needs to stretch more than the left. I tried to google to confirm this, but it's a tough search to get right, so could be wrong, but it all adds up.

[sdlaura]

marshian my favorite birth affirmation from hypnobirthing was 'I trust my body and my baby.' I'll try to think of some others