How are the pregnant Susans?

[mommywannabe]

Hi all http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Just wondering how the mommies-to-be are doing...haven't seen any updates lately.

I just had my second chicken pox shot Friday, so we're counting down the weeks until we start trying to get pregnant http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Everyone think fertile thoughts toward the middle of January.

[emilycat]

mommywannabe,
There's a post on the Great Food board entitled "Attn. Mrs. Reber," that I think you'll enjoy. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[MrsReber]

Hello mommywannabe! It's been so odd lately. I guess the initial shock has worn off and I don't even really "feel" pregnant. I think in another month or so when I start to really show and actually feel the baby, it'll be different. I go for my second doctor's visit on Friday morning. Hopefully everything will be just fine. I sure hope things happen quickly for you- as quickly as they happened for us! I started going to college again this fall and they keep telling me that I have to be immunized. I keep telling them absolutely not! I haven't told anyone at work yet, but I wonder if they are suspicious since I didn't have any drinks at our company outing a month ago and I refused to get a free flu shot. Of course, my husband thinks it ought to be obvious since I can't button my suit jackets anymore!

I will keep my fingers crossed for you come January! How exciting! And thanks for asking about us pregnant Susans. It's really nice to be able to share with everyone here and get some good advice and wonderful stories from all the moms.

[SusanD]

Hello! Sorry for the delayed response - it's not every day I get a chance to check in! Things are going well, I'm finally starting to get a bulging tummy. Everyone at work was very excited when I told them (of course, they're all about my mom's age, so they're into the grandparent thing) and now they all look me in the stomach instead of the eye when they ask how I am. It's pretty funny! The most frustrating thing now is that my regular clothes are all too small but maternity clothes are all too big - so I'm having to buy a whole new wardrobe of elastic waist pants and skirts. Plus I never knew there were so many ways to wear overalls! By the way, Mrs R - are you aware of the rubber band trick? You can keep the top button of your jeans/pants undone by looping a rubberband through the buttonhole and hooking it onto the button. Also, my doc is insisting that I get a flu shot - she says it's perfectly safe and that pregnant women are at a much higher risk for getting the flu (and not being able to take medication to get rid of it). You may want to ask your doc about it. I'm looking forward to the coming months as my tummy gets bigger and I can start to feel the baby. I've had to start sleeping on my side and it actually feels better to shove a throw pillow under my stomach like a doorstop.

Great to hear that things are going well for you, MrsReber! I hope the morning sickness has started to go away. Mommywannabe, I'm sure everything will go in your favor. It's great to hear that you're so prepared! I never got a chance to finish my immunizations, things happened a little faster than anticipated.

Good luck to all, and everyone please keep checking in! I love to hear how you're all doing!

Okay...Mrs R, have you had any cravings at all? I had some tomato soup for lunch, and got a bag of Doritos (I know, shame on me) to go with it. I can't remember the last time I had Doritos, so I figured I was entitled. Now I'm sitting here fighting the urge to go buy another bag because they tasted sooooo good!

[This message has been edited by SusanD (edited 11-09-2000).]

[MrsReber]

Well, I went for my second dr's visit this morning. We heard the baby's heartbeat (hubby actually went with me after a rather lengthy "discussion"). The doctor is sending me for a sonogram. Seems that my uterus is up higher than it should be for 12 weeks so she said the sonogram will give us a better idea of the actual due date. May be earlier than we thought (or twins?? YIKES!!! Probably not).

Afterwards I went for more bloodwork. I'm surprised I had any blood left. Then I went for a nice relaxing massage. A word to the mommies- this is something that I didn't know- I was told that a massage in the first three months can trigger early labor! The woman who gave me the massage said she could still do it, but just not as deeply as normal. It was heavenly anyway! She was so sweet- she is very spiritual and said a prayer for me and the baby before she started and when she was done, she said that she saw alot of angels around me. Maybe I'm getting sappy, but it was so awesome to hear her say that! I'm going to go back in a month. She said she wants to see if she can guess the sex of the baby. She's got 4 kids of her own at home.

Cravings? Not too many. The problem is, I'll give into a craving and then feel sick after eating whatever it was. I made cookies this week because I really wanted them. Well, I'd eat one or two and wish I never had them. Will I ever learn? Probably not. I am soooooo hungry today!!! Oh, I only gained 1 pound since last month. How can that be? I don't think I have much time left with my jeans. But I'm on the Cindy Crawford plan and I plan on wearing my size 8's out of the hospital- yeah, in my dreams!

[MrsReber]

Well, I went for my second dr's visit this morning. We heard the baby's heartbeat (hubby actually went with me after a rather lengthy "discussion"). The doctor is sending me for a sonogram. Seems that my uterus is up higher than it should be for 12 weeks so she said the sonogram will give us a better idea of the actual due date. May be earlier than we thought (or twins?? YIKES!!! Probably not).

Afterwards I went for more bloodwork. I'm surprised I had any blood left. Then I went for a nice relaxing massage. A word to the mommies- this is something that I didn't know- I was told that a massage in the first three months can trigger early labor! The woman who gave me the massage said she could still do it, but just not as deeply as normal. It was heavenly anyway! She was so sweet- she is very spiritual and said a prayer for me and the baby before she started and when she was done, she said that she saw alot of angels around me. Maybe I'm getting sappy, but it was so awesome to hear her say that! I'm going to go back in a month. She said she wants to see if she can guess the sex of the baby. She's got 4 kids of her own at home.

Cravings? Not too many. The problem is, I'll give into a craving and then feel sick after eating whatever it was. I made cookies this week because I really wanted them. Well, I'd eat one or two and wish I never had them. Will I ever learn? Probably not. I am soooooo hungry today!!! Oh, I only gained 1 pound since last month. How can that be? I don't think I have much time left with my jeans. But I'm on the Cindy Crawford plan and I plan on wearing my size 8's out of the hospital- yeah, in my dreams!

[mommywannabe]

Great to hear things are going well for both Susans http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif A friend of mine at work has been really lucky with the clothes thing...she's always had a large chest and buys her shirts to fit that area of her torso...now that she's pregnant, she doesn't spend a lot of money on maternity shirts becuase her stomach has yet to catch up with her chest http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Unfortunately, I'm not nearly as buxom and see a lot of maternity shopping in my future http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[andi]

It's been so fun following the pregnant notes in all the various threads!
Mrs. Reber, I too would recommend a flu shot once you are safely in your second trimester. There is lots of info out there about the negative effects of flu during pregnancy. I got mine last year in my second trimester and am SO glad I did since there were all kinds of outbreaks. I just got this year's yesterday and was assured it was ok while breastfeeding and may actually offer immunity to my baby (in case there are others out there in the same situation!).

Mommywannabe, our fingers are crossed! Lets hope those little eggs are ready! Keep us posted!

PS: I remember those "in between" weeks before maternity clothes fit! The elastic pants is a great idea because you can wear them post-partum! Unless of course you are like Cindy Crawford and back into regular clothes in a matter of days!!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif

[MrsReber]

Unfortunately, you're not buxom? Count your blessing, mommywannabe! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif I Have always been a bit large on top and it's really been kind of painful these past almost three months! In the beginning, just simply walking briskly would cause me pain. My casual shirts are big enough, but my work suits are rather tailored so I can't button any of my jackets. I am afraid of what size I'll be when this is all over. I did go out to the mall this weekend and got two pairs of pants and a dress for only $47 at Macy's. I was a bit disturbed that the maternity clothes were hidden in a corner of the store by the dressing rooms. I had to ask a salesperson where they were because I couldn't find them. My neighbor and my sister also have some clothes so I may be lucky there. Plus my birthday and Christmas are coming up so I'm sure I'll be getting some more clothes. This is all really exciting. I wish you luck next year. It's not that far off!

[lindrusso]

I agree Mrs. Reber!! I've been to both ends of the spectrum and I can say that if I had to choose between the two, I'd choose a smaller chest. I'm a C now which is just fine, but I'd rather be my old "almost B" before I EVER want to go back to my DD nursing bras. I felt like a cow with udders!!!

I remember my mom telling me that when she was nursing she went to the store to find an A-cup nursing bra and was told that they didn't make them that small! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif Hey she was proud of her increased bosom!!!

[slknight]

I'm really slow on the update here, because I haven't been around for about 2 weeks. I have been so nauseated that even reading about food has been unbearable. I'm hoping to "rejoin" the boards soon. I'm almost 8 weeks, so I'm a little behind everyone. Just feeling exhausted and pudgy. I have my first doctor's appointment on Thursday. Hope everyone is doing well.

-The third pregnant Susan.

[MrsReber]

oh, man, am I in trouble! I am starting out as a D! What does that mean? Where will I end up? What comes after DD?? Now am I really scared!!

Slknight- I totally understand about reading about food. I still (at 12 weeks) am having trouble with some of the things on the Great Food BB! Good luck to you! The good news about not liking food right now is that you won't overeat!

[mommywannabe]

Hey, no complaints here about a relatively small chest, just about having to shell out the $$$ when they start growing with the baby http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Glad to hear from the third Susan http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Hope your feeling better soon!

[bijoux22]

MrsReber, I also started out as a D and by 12 weeks increased one size and one cup to DD. When I went to the maternity shop to buy the bigger bras the woman told me that I would probably have to have them specially made for me if I continue to grow at the same rate. Well, when she left the dressing room I shed a quick tear for I could only see myself as this HUGE BOSOMED(sp) farm animal. I could not wait for my belly to stick out further than my boobs! It finally did happen and I felt much smaller chested (a true blessing). Anyway, I never got bigger than a snug DD. Also many people say they lose their bust after children, I am back to a D, unfortunately not smaller.

[MrsReber]

I guess people always think the grass is greener! My sister is about half the size of me and was thrilled when she had kids and got bigger! I am at 12 weeks now and I am just barely fitting into my regular D. I hope they don't go over that! Not that my husband has any complaints http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif!

I am trying to schedule my sonogram for next week. These people are impossible to deal with! I am trying to wait until Thanksgiving to tell my mom, but she just got a job in the city and is now on my train with me three mornings a week. She'll notice that I'm not wearing my smaller suits. I want to surprise her and my brother at dinner. Hope she doesn't catch on sooner. I am hiding under my coat since the mornings are chilly.

[SusanD]

Okay, enough talk about the voluptious (sp?) bosoms - I'm 16 weeks and still waiting for mine! I was secretly hoping that my chest would sprout out before the rest of me and I'd have at least a couple of weeks looking like a Victorias Secret model. I know my husband wouldn't have minded, but no such luck! Starting out at 5'8" and a 34B, I'm going to be seriously bumming if they shrink even more after the baby. Well, I guess that's why they make wonder bras...

Had my third doc appointment yesterday, heartbeat's strong and healthy. She ordered my second ultrasound - just to check the growth and make sure everything's where it should be. Funniest thing is that my husband was the one who asked her if it wasn't about time for it. He must be reading behind my back because I had no idea he was so knowledgeable! We're both totally itching to find out the sex. I went ahead and got the blood test for birth defect risk. Did anyone else do that (Mrs R, do you think you will)? I'm fairly confident that everything's going to be okay, in fact the thought really hadn't occurred to me until my Dr. asked us if we wanted the test, but my husband said as long as it's available it probably wouldn't be a bad idea.

By the way Mrs R, don't be surprised if, when you tell your mom, she says that she already knew. Somehow women who've had children have a way of figuring these things out - I was amazed at the number of women who told me they "suspected it".

[MrsReber]

Scheduled the sonogram for the 24th at 1:00. My husband was torn between racing (street stock) or going with me. Somehow or other, common sense won out and he's going with me. What can they see this early? The doctor was just concerned because she thought I felt a little bigger than I should be. And what's the deal with drinking all that water and then not being able to use the restroom until AFTER the sonogram? I think I'm more afraid of that than anything!

I have a feeling that my mom does suspect something, but I don't know why. She is my mom, after all.

Yes, I am going to have that blood work done. They took more blood last friday. What do they do with all that blood???? I need some too! I think in another month I have to go for the genetic blood work. I already signed the consent form for it. I hear it's scary waiting for results, and even then, the results will only show what your risk is, not if the baby will actually have a defect. I am not too worried about it since everyone on my side and my husband's side have had healthy babies without any defects.

Susan, Glad to hear that everything's going along just fine!

[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 11-14-2000).]

[SusanD]

Ahhhh...yes, the bathroom thing. Let me tell you, that was about the worst I've ever had to go. The reasoning is that if your bladder is full then it pushes your uterus out so they can see better. Well, I've got a small bladder to begin with (I'm one of those annoying people who has to go all the time), and when they told me how much I had to drink I was a little concerned. Well, by the time I got up to the women's center, I had to go so bad I could barely walk, couldn't sit OR stand, and I was starting to sweat profusely. It's just a good thing I didn't have to sneeze. After what seemed like an eternity, they finally called my name. The radiologist told me to lie down on the table, only I had to go so bad I couldn't even put my legs out flat. Well, when she put the scanner on me she FREAKED..."Oh my gosh is your bladder full! You must be dying!" and sent me to the bathroom to go just halfway. After that everything was fine and I was able to enjoy the ultrasound...which is just about the neatest thing, being able to watch your baby moving around in there. If you're at all emotional, make sure you bring tissues - I sure got a little sniffly!

I agree with you about the bloodwork, sometimes I wonder if there's going to be enough left for me. I'm such a baby about it too. Due to borderline high cholesterol, I have to have blood drawn fairly often so you think I'd be used to it by now but I still have to close my eyes. Ugh!

[MrsReber]

Susan, that story is so funny! I don't mean to laugh at your bladder pain, though! I just hope I make it all the way through.Yes, I probably will get pretty teary eyed. When I heard the baby's heartbeat last Friday, I had to contain myself. I felt like crying for the next half hour. I am not usually that emotional, but it really gets you to realize what's happening and how this life is coming about. It really is a miracle. Ahh! I guess we'll be able to see it moving then? I can't wait to go. I wish I could go sooner, but I don't have enough days left to take off work before the end of the year. I'll just have to patiently wait for the next 10 days.

[SusanD]

Yes, you'll most likely see it move. It's absolutely the greatest thing! At one point we had a head-on view of the baby and its hands were up next to its head and it looked like it was waving at us. That's when I got all misty. It was quite wiggly, though, and didn't stay that way for long. Even yesterday, trying to find the heartbeat, my doc commented on how active the baby was because it kept "running away" from the doppler. My husband decided that that means our child's going to be a swimmer, because he swam in high school.

Good luck! I guarantee once you're on that table you won't want to leave.

[karen w]

O.K. Just a few words of advice concerning the McGuffey's-no, they are not your next door neighbors...you know...the boobies...the ones on your chest. Oh Yah! Well, I started out as an A- before kids. With each pregnancy(except the first), I think I became an A+. For whatever reason with the first pregnancy they expanded more-maybe a B+.
One word of warning!!! Do not, I repeat...DO NOT buy a nursing bra the day your milk comes in. I made that mistake with my first child. My husband and I went to the mall with the baby when he was 3 days old to buy a nursing bra. The whole afternoon I complained my chest was burning. Later I realized my milk was coming in. I ended up buying a bra 2 sizes too big since I was engorged from my milk coming in. (Bought a D and needed a B). Anyway, I just stopped nursing my third child last month. She's 15 1/2 months now. My chest is now back to an A-(not smaller, not bigger than prepregnancies), and to quote my husband..."more than a mouthful's a waste!"

[MrsReber]

Karen, thanks for the words of advice! Nobody knows where I inherited these things from- none of the other women in my family seem to have them this size. As for what your husband says, I think my husband would disagree. He is amazed right now with what has happened to my chest over the past three months. But to each his own- I would prefer they were just a tad smaller. I used to be much heavier and everyone told me that when I lost weight, I'd lose weight there too. Well,that never happened. I went from a size 14/16 to a size 6/8, but my chest stayed exactly the same.

Susan- should I wear anything in particular or will they make me put on a gown or something? I can't wait. I am really excited about this. My husband is pretty excited too.

[SusanD]

Karen, that's good to know! Right now I'm still wearing my same old bras, haven't had to buy any new ones yet. One of the books that I read said that wearing a good supportive bra during pregnancy will help reduce sagging afterward. Does anyone out there concur with or dispute this?

Mrs R, about the ultrasound, they had me strip down and put on a gown (cloth, not paper, which was nice). So I would just wear something that's easy to change in and out of. My second one's coming up in the middle of December, and now I will be wiser about how much water to drink beforehand! I've already found myself having to go more often, and told my boss that she may want to consider having a computer & phone hook-up installed in the ladies' room for me.

[Laura]

Do wear a good supportive bra, if for nothing else you will feel better. Does it prevent sagging....in my opinion no. I am only a B but got to C+ during my pregnancies. I don't recall the condition of my breasts after my daughter but they are much lower after my son. Working out has helped but honestly I don't know if it is age, pregnancies, nursing or a combination of all 3 but they just aren't as pert as they were when I was 19 http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif

[karen w]

I just thought I would add another 2 cents worth of my advice/opinions about screening tests. With my first son I had none;with my second son I had an AFP only(it was normal); with my daughter I had what is referred to as a triple screen(an AFP, beta HCG, and a placental estrogen). With her my AFP was again normal, but one of the other hormones was slightly indicative of Down's. I went on to have the Amnio which turned out to be normal, but boy did I go through mental anguish for a few weeks.
Enough of the personal story-here's the facts as I know them. The AFP(or alpha fetal protein) is a screening test for detection of down's or neural tube defects. Unfortunately there is a rate of 60% false positives with this screen. To try to diminish this high rate of false + results, many doctors now do a triple screen which tests for AFP as well as beta HCG, and a placental estrogen. This has brought the rate of false positives to about 40% which is still quite high! So if you choose to have any of these screens and they are normal this is very reassuring(low false negatives), but if it is not normal then one must examine the risk of amnio vs. the likelihood of having a Down's/neural tube defect infant. Often it is quite apparent by ultrasound that the fetus is growing appropriately without anatomic anomalies so the risk of amnio is unjustified. While with other patients an amnio may be indicated due to patient age, poor ultrasound images of the baby due to mother's size, baby's position etc..., or for psychological reassurance etc... This needs to be determined on an individual basis.
I guess the bottom line is doctor's still do an AFP because there is a low rate of false negatives, so if it is normal, it is quite reassuring to everyone. However if it is not normal, I can't tell you not to worry because I know I worried myself silly. But just remember it does have quite a high rate of false positives so you must look at the entire picture(not just one #).
I hope this did not confuse the issue anymore. Good luck to all you moms to be-it's a wonderful experience! The worrying is just beginning!!! It gets even worse after they are born!!! But it's worth it!!!!

[karen w]

By the way SLKNIGHT....maybe flat chests go along with swimmers. I used to swim in high school too. Afterall, less resistance in the water!!?? maybe!!?? I could never do the butterfly well, though, and never did get the broad shoulders!

[MrsReber]

Okay, here I go again, posting another response. Karen, flat chests go better with any form of physical activity! I tell my husband some days "what I wouldn't give to be able to take these things off for a while". Not to mention all the clothes that I can't wear such as things that button down the front.

Thanks for the info on the testing. Let's just hope it comes out negative (for all three of us!) and we won't have to worry about anything further. That is a very high percentage of false positives, though. I'm surprised the test is so widely used. They must know they are stressing out all the pregnant women- as if we don't have enough to think about.

[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 11-15-2000).]

[andi]

I'm am just laughing non-stop reading some of these posts! Gosh this brings back memories! With my first child I did the same thing with my sonogram...I was very good and drank everything they told me to. I waited and waited, and was so full I thought I would pass out. They finally did the scan but the tech needed the radiologist to check something. I was so uncomfortable that I became nauseous and actually threw up as the radiologist walked in the room!!! Great impression I made. Since then when I had a scan I drank "in moderation"-Enough to push that bladder up but not enough to feel like my kidneys were going to explode!

Also, a word of perhaps caution? I had the AFP with my first and second child and the results came back elevated with my second (ie. risk of Downs). We panicked and after discussing options with a geneticist choose to have an amnio. Luckily everything was just fine but it was an agonizing wait. I have since learned after to talking with LOTS of women, that once you approach or are in your 30's the AFP results are "scaled" for age and there are many, many false positives. My last OB suggested that perhaps this wasn't even a good screening tool for Downs... I'm mentioning this only to keep you all from unnecessary worry! I didn't even have one done with my third but instead had a Level II ultrasound where they really look closely at body structure, etc.

This bust thing is so funny! I think it was Lindrusso who described her bust as looking like oranges in socks.. I relate totally! I have a great bust now that I'm nursing (D) but I know from past experience that once I'm done I shrink back to those oranges in a B cup. Wonder if I could just nurse forever...

Have fun with those sonograms!

[MrsReber]

I am praying that I will "shrink" back to my D!

Thanks for the advice on the bloodwork. I know it's nerve wracking. They made me take an AIDS test as part of the office policy. I KNOW I don't have it and I am still nervous about it. The level II ultrasound sounds like a much better option than amnio. I heard there is a small risk of miscarriage with amnio.

Susan, I was telling my husband your story about the ultrasound last night. He laughed too (sorry!). Yeah, make the pregnant woman drink all that water and don't let her use the bathroom! I'll be right at 14 weeks on the day of my appointment.

[slknight]

Karen W-

Thanks for your response. I'm starting out as an A- too! My dream in life is to one day make a B. I have a very broad back from years of competitive swimming (butterfly), so I need a 36 or 38. Just try finding a 38 AA. Doesn't exist! The sales people at Victoria's Secret just laugh at me.

I'm only 8 weeks pregnant, but with 7 months to go, I might just make it! My husband has the same philosophy as yours.

-Susan

[SusanD]

Karen, thanks for that pep talk. Even though I'm really not concerned right now (haven't got test results back), it helps to know that if they are positive, it's just wasted energy to freak out right away. Becuase, and you can just ask my husband, I am the freak-out queen! My second ultrasound is scheduled for Dec. 11, so my dr. said that if the test should come back with elevated levels of whatever the hormone is, that they can just bring in a specialist to look at the ultrasound and that will most likely rule out any problems. Argh...so much to think about!!

Also, Susan #3 and Karen, I can relate to the wide back/small boob situation. Although I didn't swim in high school (in fact, I'm a lousy swimmer) I've just always been built that way. It's very frustrating, I've never been able to wear a strapless dress because if they fit me in the chest area then I couldn't zip them up in back, and if they were big enough to zip up all the way then I couldn't fill them out in front. I had to wear a sleeveless dress to the prom, which was sooo embarassing when all my friends wore strapless. Instead, I've got big thighs from years of downhill skiing. I don't know which is worse!

And a message to the Susans...you do NOT need to drink as much water as they tell you to (ha-ha)!

[christinew]

Thanks for referring me to this sight mommywannabe!!! I am ready to start trying now but have a husband who operates on the quarter system and keeps referring to us trying Quarter 1 of next year (must have something to do with his financial background!?@#)I am SO EXCITED to start trying to get pg! So I will be following this board for advice and mentors!

I am 33 and I found what was posted about testing etc interesting. I am wondering if having just an amnio would be better than having the other AFP(?) tests.

http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gifChristine Wagner

oh and by the way, I am looking forward to bigger bossoms! To match my wide hips and balance me out....but the problem is I will probably become wider! I am reading the book Body for Life and hoping to follow this program!



[This message has been edited by christinew (edited 11-19-2000).]

[MrsReber]

Christine, I'd have to disagree about just having an amnio. There are certain risks involved with doing that. The AFP test is simply a blood test which determines what further testing (if any) the doctor would want to do.

That's funny your husband is now pushing things to the first quarter of next year. Well, it's almost here, so he's running out of time! It's scary and exciting and the most amazing thing I've even done. Good luck!

[christinew]

Thanks MrsReber for those words! I can't wait to get started!!!

[SusanD]

Hooray! The AFP came back OK! What a relief.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! And MrsReber, best wishes making the big announcement to your family. They're going to be thrilled!

[This message has been edited by SusanD (edited 11-20-2000).]

[MrsReber]

Yeah!!! I'm so glad your test came back okay! One less thing you have to worry about!

We tried to tell my MIL on Friday night at dinner, but she didn't really catch on for some reason. Guess both sides of the family will have to wait. My sister knows. She will (hopefully) be bringing me some clothes to wear. Too big for my pants, too small for maternity pants. Ugh!

[SusanD]

Isn't that the worst? I'm getting so tired of drawstring and elastic waist pants. I bought a couple of jumpers to wear to work, but now I have to deal with tights - ugh. By the way, Target is a goldmine for cheap, stretchy clothes. Thanks for the thumbs up about the test, we're quite relieved (as you can imagine). That's so funny about your MIL. We barely had to say two words to my in-laws and they freaked. My SIL arrived from Denver last night with her 3-month-old and brought me some clothes. Bonus! Plus we're quite excited that the cousins will be so close in age.

[mommywannabe]

Glad you found this thread Christine http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif My husband and I are planning to start trying in January & I'm really excited, too http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Hey, maybe we'll be giving updates to everyone in a few months http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[MrsReber]

Susan, I'm sure you can appreciate this- I wore my maternity jeans last night for school. They were actually rather comfortable, now that I know you should fold the waist down until your stomach is big enough to leave it up! Anyway, this morning, I put on a pair of my regular work pants- they say size 6, but they've always been big on me. Well, they seemed to fit fine! Then I get to work, put on my heels and notice that they are shorter than they used to be! Of course they fit, they slid up over my tummy!

I found this website yesterday- imaternity.com. I ordered two dresses for work. They seemed pretty reasonable and they had a few shirts and pairs of pants that seemed really cheap. The shipping is free and they gave me $15 off for some reason. We'll see how the clothes are- I'm apprehensive buying anything I can't try on. I'll have to check out Target. I am rapidly running out of clothes that fit!

Christine and Mommywannabe, I sincerely hope that you can take over for the pregnant Susan trio next year. I will keep my fingers crossed for both of you.

[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 11-21-2000).]

[SusanD]

Thanks for the heads up on the imaternity website - I'll have to check it out today! I actually bought a pair of dress pants off the Gap maternity website, but they're too big right now. They were just such a great deal (on sale for $19.99) that I had to take it. I'm guessing I'll be able to wear them by Christmas. That's so funny about your pants being too short! I'm actually wearing a pair of my normal pants today, but they're only zipped up halfway and pinned at the top (with a big sweater over it so no one can see how silly I look). What I'm not looking forward to is the day that my feet swell up. To quote a friend "Imagine waking up one morning and someone has stolen all of your shoes." Yikes!

Christine and Mommywannabe, the countdown begins! I'm looking forward to hearing your updates, please keep us all posted!

[christinew]

MrsReber & Susan......thanks for the encouragement! I am thrilled to be nearing that time. My husband is coming along with the idea however he is a bit freaked out. Maybe it is a guy thing?!?! It will be the best thing yet I am convinced.

Mommywannabe...looks like you and I will be in the ring together Jan 2001. I am planning to start actively trying Mar-April and just now getting off the pill. Hoping at my age (33 almost 34) that it won't require anything out of the normal to get PG!

Smiles to all.
Christine

[SusanD]

Christine, I think MrsReber is right, the idea is much scarier than the reality. All my life I knew I wanted kids but the thing that terrified me the most was being pregnant. Well, I'm happy to report (so far) that it's not so bad. In fact, other than a few minor inconveniences, it's actually kind of fun! Best of luck to you...I'm sure all will go smoothly!

[MrsReber]

Susan, I found another website today (yes, hard at work here at my desk). It's maternity.com. They have quite a few items and they're pretty reasonable. I can't tell the quality, of course, but they'll probably be fine for the next 6 months. Your pants sound pretty funny today. I wanted to try the rubberband trick, but all my skirts have hooks and eyes!

[christinew]

MrsReber,
You wrote exactly what I needed to read! Thanks! I am only taking one more pill pack and then that is it....So you really got pg right after getting off the pill? That is wonderful. I know you are right about hubby getting excited, because not too long ago I was late for my period(missed it) while on the pill and he had a twinkle in his eye when asking me if we could be on our way to being parents. So what is with them being so scared? That is a great story about your Husband telling everyone so quickly. And yes I hope it brings us even closer together as we are in a great marriage now and soulmates. OK I have rambled enough..

OH And Susan D! I am glad you are enjoying your pregnancy too. I think it will be great however I am wondering how much I will have to "p" at night? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif)

Thanks for your thoughts. I will be reading this thread until I have more to input....hopefully soon.

Cheers,
Christine Wagner

[mommywannabe]

Glad to hear from the Susans...I'm trying to keep track of those websites for future reference.
Christine...my husband was a bit freaked also. He'll be 30 in July and, although he's very mature, I think he's a bit scared of having total responsibility for another life. He's slowly getting excited though; we were at Home Depot a couple of weeks ago and he wanted to look at paint and wainscotting (sp?) for the baby's room http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif We went off of the pill mid-October, so we're trying to be "safe" for a few months. My GYN wants me to have 2-3 periods off the pill to build up my uterin lining before we start trying to get pregnant. She says it gets thin once you've been on the pill for a while. I also just had my chicken pox vaccine shots during the last couple of months and they suggest you wait a little while after you've done that.

[MrsReber]

Christine, so funny for you to say must be a guy thing! My husband always talked about having kids, but he kept saying "in a year" and then "in two years" and so on. He said that it wasn't bad to have kids when you're 33. That'd be a good age. I didn't want to wait that long. Finally, after many discussions, he agreed that it'd be okay if I came off the pill.

I came off the pill at the end of July. We weren't officially trying, but one month later, I was pregnant. Well, I told him the night I took the home test and he told EVERYONE (excluding family) within the next two days. He even said to me a couple of weeks ago "too bad you didn't get pregnant two years ago so we could have a 2 year old running around now." He is so very excited. I think the thought of it is much scarier than the reality. Hey, you can't wait forever because he's scared. We're all scared, you just have to go for it! I am still scared, but I know it'll be worth it. Plus, as my sister pointed out, it'll bring the two of you even closer together.

[MrsReber]

Christine, I think I set a new "p" record for myself last night! I actually wanted to ask Susan about that, too. In the beginning it was like I had to go every 20 minutes, then it seemed to slow down, but it's getting bad agin. I think it's from the pressure on your bladder once the uterus starts to grow bigger.

At first, my doctor said it's best to wait a couple of months after coming off the pill, but he told me no harm would be done since some women become pregnant while they're on the pill. If the dates are correct, I had one normal period before it happened.

Don't worry- your husbands will be just fine with it. Once it happens, you'll be surprised at how excited they will be and how much they think about it and talk about it. And how much fun they'll have laughing about the changes in your body! I laugh at it, too, though. It's fun.

[christinew]

Thanks MrsReber! Hope your Turkey Day was great. I am taking one more pack and then will actively try in Feb. I am taking vitamins currently and drinking lots of water. I have also heard that caffiene can keep a woman from getting pg. Have you heard of this? Supposedly it is fine for the men and helps their sperm however not great for women.

Cheers,
Christine

ps. saw my 6 month old niece yesterday and my husband just smiles and stares at her. So he has baby lust too but is slow to admit to it!!!!

[lindrusso]

Mrs. Reber -

Hope your Thanksgiving (and this applies to everyone!) was wonderful. Dying to know how telling everyone went and how your sonogram went on Friday!!!

As far as the "p" word goes, I go alot normally, so when I was pregnant my husband could not believe how many times I had to go!!! Sometimes I'd have to go twice within 10 minutes - and it was a full bladder each time! I can't remember, but I think the increased trips to the bathroom may be due to other factors early in the pregnancy. Once you get to the end, you'll have NO doubt that pressure on the bladder is the cause! My second son seemed to jump up and down on it - ouch!

[MrsReber]

Christine, I don't drink caffeine at all due to mitral valve prolapse- my one heart valve isn't in sync with the others- very common in women. Caffeine only aggravates it. Your husband will get used to the idea of a baby really fast once you get pregnant. It's just so amazing.

Lindrusso, Thanksgiving was actually quite fun. None of my regular clothes fit right so I wore a pair of those stretchy pants with a sweater. We got to my mom's and I took my coat off. I see her looking at me funny and then she says "you look so thin". I looked at my husband and we both started laughing! All through dinner, my sister was kicking me under the table (never sit next to her again!) urging me to tell my mother. Well, I'm not a very outgoing person and I cannot stand the thought of having everyone's eyes on me and making an announcement. Even my sister's husband was nudging my husband. Unfortunately, we were between the two of them. He kept saying to my husband "Hey, Kyle, don't you have something to be thankful for??" We were getting annoyed with both of them. Finally, we're done eating and my mom is cleaning up in the kitchen by herself. I went in there to help out and hopefully find a way to tell her. She said to me "boy, I'm full". I said "yeah, I'm full too. Would you look at my stomach? Wow, I think there's something in there." She caught on pretty quickly and then was upset that my sister knew before she did. My sister took the opportunity to announce it to everyone else. My brother's wife said that she was going to ask if Iwas pregnant earlier in the day. She said she could just tell by my face.

Around 9:30, we went to my sister-in-law's house to tell my husband's family. He just told them all that we made a special trip so we could tell them we're having a baby. All the men were in the basement watching Gladiator, but all the women were with us. They were really happy. And, oddly enough, his brother's wife said that she thought I was pregnant when I walked in. And his 17 year old nephew. That's good- at least they didn't just think I was fat!

My husband loved the sonogram. He got a better view than I did, though. He couldn't take his eyes off the screen. The woman told us it was 14 weeks at 2 days on Friday, so he's right on schedule. I refer to the baby as he in generic terms. I can't stand the thought of saying "it". They couldn't tell the sex, but we don't want to know anyway. She said everything looks good. We weren't there for that long. I think I drank way too much water and then the woman was late coming back from lunch! There I was in the waiting room about to die. They let me in so I could go some and get rid of the pain. Funny how you have to go so badly only because you're not allowed! We got some pictures which were pretty good. I used to look at other people's sonogram pictures and not be able to see anything, but now I see it!!! He looks like a tiny skeletor. The baby was opening and closing his mouth while we were watching. It's so funny how it affected my husband, too. Now I wonder all the time what the baby is doing- is he moving around? Sleeping? Moving his arm like he was?

And lindrusso, you're right about the "p" thing. In the very beginning, I had to go every 20 minutes- they say that's from the hormones in your body. That was before I even knew I was pregnant, too! I figured I just drank too much water.

Well, that is the shortened (believe it or not) version of my Thanksgiving. Hope everyone else had a great holiday!

[SusanD]

Hello all! Back from a long weekend. Mrs Reber, I'm glad all went well with your big announcement - I was thinking of you on Thursday! We had dinner at my in-laws (my parents are in Minneapolis which is about 5 hours away, so on holidays we have to choose one house or the other - it's great!), and my SIL & her husband were in from Denver with their 3-month-old. He was so much fun, and seeing him really made me excited for my own baby! I was holding him on my lap and everyone joked that he was sitting on his cousin. Then he spit up all over my leg and of course I got teased big-time ("better get used to it!"). By the way, Mrs Reber, how was your Thanksgiving appetite? I was positively out of control!

As far as the "p" issue...I've always been one of those small-bladder people. Rarely did I ever make it through the night without having to get up. So now it's even more fun! At first my husband would wake up all concerned because he thought I wasn't feeling well, now he just sleeps through it. At work the restroom isn't too far from my desk (fortunately), and my co-workers love to harrass me, "Gee, weren't you just there 20 minutes ago?" You're right, I think it's the hormones that make you have to go so much in the beginning, then it eases up during the 2nd trimester, and then it comes back in the 3rd trimester. Well, if this is what they mean by "easing up" then starting February I'm in trouble! Mrs Reber, have you been doing your "exercises"? I find it hard to remember and sometimes go a couple of days without doing them. I should leave myself a sticky note somewhere to remind me but what would it say!? "Don't forget to squeeze"? UGH!

Interestingly, my hubby has been ready a lot longer than me. He wanted to start trying right after our honeymoon! I was the one who said whoa, let's not rush into anything. Wednesday is our 3rd anniversary, so I think our timing was good. I was off the pill for 2 months and had intended to be off for 3 but...WHOOPS! My husband is just bouncing-off-the-wall excited and LOVES to put his hand on my tummy. He's convinced it's a girl - we'll find out for sure in 2 weeks! We're both really excited for that.

Becky, I wouldn't worry too much about your husband's family history. Worry isn't good for the body and might affect your getting pregnant. Just think about the 9 others who are healthy and have faith that all will go well for you too! I wish all three of the prospective mommies the best of luck. It's absolutely the most wonderful feeling, and I guarantee your husbands will be thrilled (in fact, you'll be amazed at the changes in them as well).

P.S. In reference to Mrs Reber's message...Gladiator - saw it twice...Russell Crowe - HUBBA HUBBA! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by SusanD (edited 11-27-2000).]

[BeckyM]

I'm in about the same place as Christine and mommywannabe -- planning to start trying sometime this spring. (In fact, Christine & I were talking about this subject on a different post.) My husband will be 35 just after Christmas, and he is finally warming up to the idea of us actually being parents. When we first got married (almost two years ago), we agreed we wouldn't even consider getting pregnant for the entire first year of marriage, then we would see. When I asked him after our first anniversary, he wasn't really ready to talk about it, so I didn't push it. I bring up the topic every once in a while, and he has actually agreed that this spring should be okay.

One thing that is making us wait until this spring (besides my husband's nervousness) is that I just had LASIK eye surgery at the beginning of November. (20/20 vision now!!!) The eye doctor said they recommend not getting pregnant for 3-4 months after the surgery, because the hormonal changes in a woman's body can change the way the eyes heal. I never would have guessed, but I'm glad I asked! So that means by the end of February maybe we could start trying. We will just have been married two years by then, so I think he'll be okay with it.

I am starting to get excited, though I am trying not too fixate on being pregnant. It's still a ways away, plus, I may not be as lucky as MrsReber in getting pregnant right away. I also don't want to get uptight about it, which I've heard can cause difficulties in getting pregnant.

I do share one concern with my husband though. He has 11 nieces and nephews, and of them, two have been diagnosed as autistic. They are both VERY challenging for their parents, and we are frightened by the possibities of having an autistic child. The niece and nephew who are autistic are in different families, and my husband is convinced that he must be carrying the gene (though I don't believe it has been "proven" that there definitely is a genetic link). I know there are all sorts of things that can go wrong with a pregnancy, and all we can do is try to be healthy and have faith. But it's still a scary prospect.

So good luck to the pregnant Susans, and keep us posted! It is so encouraging to those of us who are wanting to become mommies too. And good luck to mommywannabe and Christine. I hope we'll all be posting our own happy news soon. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Becky

[MrsReber]

Ahhh!! I wrote out a whole response and then it somehow got deleted!!!!!!

Well,here goes again. Susan, glad you had a great Thanksgiving. My appetite was out of control as well. I ate an entire plate full of food, then I took some seconds of the stuff I could reach and then I noticed my husband had some food left on his plate so I started to eat that, too. I haven't had the desire to eat sweet things. I suppose that's a very good thing. We had sweet potato pie, pumpkin pie, apple pie, brownies, and a cheesecake from some bakery. Then, believe it or not, my mom pulls out an ice cream cake for my birthday! I did eat two peices of ice cream cake. The kids were very happy about the cake, too. My SIL told me that when I was playing with my 3 year old nephew, she could just tell that I was pregnant. Something about the look on my face- and this was before we told her. My nephew just loves my husband. He looks up to him so much. It's so cute. My husband thinks he's the coolest kid, too. Very articulate for a 3 year old and so very sweet.

I've been reading about those exercises, but I confess I haven't really done any. My doctor never really discussed them with me. I think I'll ask next Friday when I go for my next visit. I am trying to keep active, but it's so hard. I get tired very quickly. I've been feeling some weird stuff on my left side. Do you think it's too early to feel the baby moving? It kind of feels like twitching most of the time, but this morning it felt really weird. Like my insides were moving around.

My husband does the same thing! He puts his hand on my tummy at night before we fall asleep. It's just so very nice. Can't really explain it, but I'm sure you know what I mean. He has even tried to talk to baby, which is pretty funny. My sister gave me some books, one of them is "How to be a Pregnant Father". I was reading it last night and laughing out loud. Have you seen it? It does make some very good points.

I have only told 2 people at work so far. One other guy keeps asking me if I'm okay. He says I look tired all the time. I think that's mostly from my sinuses. They give me alot of trouble at night. Do you have any problem with that?

Well, I guess I should get to work, although it's very hard to work when I am so excited about everything!

[SusanD]

Happy Birthday, Mrs Reber! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Yes, I've been having a lot of sinus trouble too. Especially in September and October before it got cold out. I've always had seasonal allergies but it seems like they were 100 times worse this year. In the past I've taken Allegra and this year my doc switched me to Claritin (safe to take w/the baby) - but even that didn't seem to help a whole lot. I still get stuffy once in a while, a couple of weeks ago I was at the grocery store and suddenly my nose started running so badly I had to bee-line it for the tissue aisle and open a box right there. I definitely notice it more at night. They say you're not supposed to sleep on your back, but sometimes that's the only way I can breathe. I've tried sleeping on my left side like the books tell you to but it hurts my shoulder, so I've mostly been on my right side. I'm going to ask my dr. about that.

I think I may have felt the baby move once, it felt like a little flutter on my left side. It's possible that you're feeling it now - the books say that a lot of first-time moms don't recognize the feeling right away, so they don't realize they're feeling it as early as they are. They either think it's gas or just don't notice it at all. How exciting! I can't wait to start feeling it all the time, I'm guessing that will happen soon since I was 18 weeks on Saturday.

Okay, I must ask you - how many baby clothes have you bought so far? I'm so weak, every time I'm at the mall Baby Gap is like this big vaccuum cleaner sucking me in. It's terrible, but soooo much fun! All those cute itty-bitty clothes!

Well I'm off to get another cup of coffee (decaf of course - can't wait till I can have the real stuff again). Have a wonderful day!

[MrsReber]

The doctor's office told me they can prescribe stuff for sinuses, but that it usually doesn't help. I heard you aren't supposed to sleep on your back, but that's how I usually wake up for some reason. I go from side to side now. I am still able to sleep on my stomach, too, but my husband says I am restless at night.

I bought a wallpaper border and paint last weekend for the baby's room. I hate to say it, but I haven't bought any clothes yet at all. For some reason, I feel like if I buy things, I will somehow jinx myself and something bad will happen. I did buy the crib set that matches the border, but I got an evil look from my mom for some reason so I thought it'd be best not to buy too many other things. My neighbor and my sister and brother have clothes they want to give us, too. But I want SOME new stuff!! I was looking at the baby clothes last weekend in Babies R Us, but I told myself to go straight to the checkout or I'd get lost. I started a registry at the urging of my sister and my best friend (who says I have to have a shower and she is planning it, so there). I just have no idea what we need at all. I get so confused- car seats, bottle warmer, bottle sterilizer, swing, crib???? What brand?? I need help. Alot of help.

[SusanD]

No kidding - it seems like there's no end to all the stuff you have to have. How on earth am I going to remember it all? I heard there's a good book called Baby Bargains. It tells you about all the different things that are out there and the different brands, what's good, what's overpriced, what you need and what you can do without. I'm going to go pick that up one of these days. You are very organized for having started on the baby's room! I'm impressed! I picked up some paint samples but that's about it. Neither of us has the courage to attempt wallpaper so I plan to make some curtains for a little visual interest. My mom gave me the rocking chair that she used for me and also the dressers that she used for my brother and sister when they were babies (although they're 24 years old so they need some touching up) so the only furniture we really need is a changing table and crib. I've received a few books and toys as gifts so I have those set up around the room just so it looks like we've made SOME progress. Although the dog seems to think the toys are for him so I don't know how long that's going to last. I'm sure we'll get more serious about everything after the holidays - and plus finding out the baby's sex will be a big help. Where did you register? I'm debating on that one too...AAAGGGHHH!! So much to think about!

[slknight]

I just got the Baby Bargains book. It's by Denise and Alan Fields, I think. I really recommend it. I used their wedding book in planning our wedding. The baby book rates all of the different manufacturers, tells you what you need vs. what is useless, etc. It's quite good. I'm almost 10 weeks now, and go the doctor Thursday to try and hear the heartbeat!

[MrsReber]

Susan (and Susan), I registered at Babies R Us. You can even register on line, so I did that from my house last Saturday. That book sounds pretty good. I could use some guidelines. I was looking up info on car seats yesterday and it's all so confusing. I mean, they all have to conform to certain standards, so what makes one better than another? I guess just the features they have?

You'll love this- I have a commute of just over an hour (one way) to work. I go to the bathroom before I leave my house and then, before I can get to my building, I have to go again! What am I going to do in another three or four months? I'll have to bring a cup with me!

I think I am going to tell my boss today. I have a meeting with him this afternoon about another matter so it seems like a good time to bring it up. Then I can be obvious about wearing maternity clothes. So much more comfortable! I am embarrassed to tell you what size bra I had to buy last weekend.

Slknight- good luck at the doctor's. Hearing the heartbeat got me all choked up! Oh, and about the wallpaper- I'm going to talk my mom into doing it. My husband and I have no clue, but I know my mom can do it. She was explaining it to me and I said "why don't you just come over and do it for me?" Well, she didn't say no, so there is hope. I am afriad our two dogs will be stealing all the toys, too. Oh boy. We're not going to find out the sex. It'll all be neutral. My sister was glad she did that with her first because she had a girl and then a boy- she was able to use the same stuff for both of them. We just want to be surprised. My MIL is not happy about that.

[SusanD]

You poor thing! Sorry, I had to laugh a little. I suppose they don't have restrooms on the train. I've got the twice a night routine going these days, and I stop drinking anything after 8. This is NOT going to be the fun part.

I like the idea of the online registry - maybe I'll start checking that out this weekend. My mom suggested that I register at Target because it's national and we've got friends & family all over the place. I also want to look at USA Baby - they're a little more expensive but they have a great selection of everything you could possibly need. They even make stollers with cup holders, can you believe it? That's funny that your MIL is not happy that you're not finding out the sex. I think my mom was a little disappointed because we ARE going to. What about letting us do what we want? I feel like I'm getting married again!

Slknight - I'm so excited for you! Hearing the heartbeat for the first time was the neatest thing. If you're at 10 weeks I would think your dr. will be able to hear it. I had my first appt. at 8 weeks and it was too early, but by 12 weeks she found it with no problem. Good luck & let us know how it goes!

Good luck telling your boss, I'm sure it will go fine!

[SusanD]

Well how did it go, Mrs Reber?

It will be a miracle if I get this furniture thing figured out. Problem is I'm too uptight about matching everything. Our house has natural woodwork and I've decided that it would just be too much of a project to try to paint it white, but the dressers that my mom gave me are whitewashed and she doesn't think they'd strip very well (I'm just going to paint them white). Plus the rocking chair is natural and I know my parents wouldn't be happy w/me if I painted it. So...do I get a natural colored crib to match the woodwork & chair, or a white one to match the dressers? Yikes! I think I've been watching too much HGTV. Fortunately space isn't an issue and neither of the dressers is big enough to accommodate a changing pad so I'll probably go with the table. Our problem is closet space - the closet in our bedroom isn't very big and the guest room closet is packed full of stuff that can't go in the basement so my husband keeps some of his clothes in the baby's closet. I don't know where we would move it to, so the baby & he might end up sharing. Fortunately, like Lindrusso said, baby clothes don't take up much space and I do have two dressers and a trunk. I've never heard of a crib that converts to a regular bed, I'll have to take a look.

Lindrusso, I do have a question for you - did you ever have your babies sleeping in your room? If so, what did they sleep in? I've heard mixed things about it, just wondering what everyone's thoughts are.

[mightyh]

Just wanted to chime in... My son is 9 months old and slept in our room (cause we lived in a one bedroom apartment when he was first born) for four months. To make a long story short, if you're thinking of doing that, I'd recommend doing it in a Graco Pack and Play with Bassinet. Basically it's a very portable (folds up like golf club bag size) bed/playpen (though we never use it as a playpen) that has a bassinet insert for newborns and babies under 12 pounds. It is a godsend when you (1) want to have the baby sleep in any different room of the house than where his crib is or (2) go visit the relatives who don't have cribs on hand.

I have friends who tote theirs everywhere--to parties so the baby will have a safe place to play, to the beach, etc.

It's one of the best purchases we made and we've been so happy with it.

One other thing. We went with a natural finish wood for the crib and dresser, even though that's not normally my preference. Our dresser has a spot to put a changing pad on top and it's worked out well and will grow with Noah--it doesn't look babyish at all. I really liked the white cribs, but didn't find all of them were made of as nice quality wood....

PS - We used Baby Bargains religiously and really got a lot of helpful hints from it. They recommend looking for features that people who have never been parents before would never dream of--like velcro on the car seat straps to keep them out from under the baby when you try to strap him in. The book is well worth its [low] price--and they have a money back guarantee. If they don't save you the price of the book, they'll refund your money.

Best wishes to all!

[Laura]

I thought I would add my 2 cents about children sleeping in your room. When my daughter was born we had a 2 bedroom townhome. We decided to go with a live-in nanny for child care and our daughter ended up in our room until she was 16 months. She was one of those children who slept for 6 hours her first night home and started sleeping through the night when she was about 8 weeks old. When my son was born 2 years later, we had a 4 bedroom home. I planned to have him in our room for the first few months for convenience sake but he was such a noisy sleeper (grunting all the time) he only lasted in the bedroom about 3 weeks. Unfortunately, he woke at least 2x night until he was a year so having him in a different room was a pain. But I slept better not having him there. So....I don't think there is anything wrong with it as long as it doesn't interfere with your sleep patterns or your childs.

Our master bedroom was quite large so I had my daughter's crib in there. I have always had a weak lower back and while I think the traveling cribs are great, I couldn't handle bending down so far to pick her up especially as she got bigger. Wow, is this bringing back memories. My little baby is now 11 and the concerns are so much different now!

[This message has been edited by Laura (edited 11-29-2000).]

[slknight]

Oh, I know the feeling. I have to get up once or twice a night. The really bad part is that we have an old house and the only bathroom is on the first floor, but the bedrooms are on the second floor. So that means I have to stumble down the stairs at 3:30 am.

MrsReber-My husband takes the commuter rail in Boston. They actually do have bathrooms on some of the cars. They're not real obvious, and not that many of them, so I didn't even know that for a while (I take the train on occasion). You might want to ask one of the conductors.

I had my first appointment at 8 weeks which was too early to find the heartbeat. My next "real" appointment is at 12 weeks, but the nurse-midwife said I probably didn't want to wait that long to hear the heartbeat so I could come in at 10. I'm going in just for that. I thought that was very nice of her.

[lindrusso]

Hi mommies-to-be!

Well, everyone will have different opinions on what to get, what brand, etc. Consumer Reports puts out a book on baby things and what to look for in safety, so that could come in really handy. I wish I had thought to register with my boys. I was very happy that so many people were generous and bought us so many nice gifts, but with a first baby you tend to want everything to be perfect and I wish I had had a chance to pick everything out. But, it all worked out in the end.

I can only tell you what I think based on my experiences. One thing I don't think is necessary is a changing table - unless you have lots of room. I just used a dresser with a comfy changing pad on top. Baby clothes don't take up much room in the dresser anyway, so I had enough room in the top drawer for all the changing supplies. Again, I did this because we were short on room.

One thing I really regret is getting furniture to match the crib. I picked out a white-washed set (a mistake in itself because it chipped) which looked really cute for a baby, but now that the boys are growing up, it just doesn't look so cute anymore. I wish I had bought furniture (in may case it's just a dresser) that would grow with the boys - like something in pine that is neutral and grown-up looking - saving the "baby" items for things that are more easily replaced like decorations, etc.

Well, it's impossible to go over all the equipment without boring you all to death, so if you have questions on a specific piece of equipment, just ask - I'd be happy to help if I can. Of course it's all changed a lot in 6 years, so you might be better off asking someone who's had a baby more recently!

One more thing that I'd advise - get the best stuff you can afford and things that you are truly happy with if you plan to have more than one child. That way you'll be able to use it all over again.

[MrsReber]

Oh, there's bathrooms on the train, but, well, I'd REALLY have to go to want to go in there! Also, I could potentially lose my seat if I get up to go. I have to work out some sort of plan. There is a chinese restaurant near where I park my car, but I hate going in there to use their bathroom every day. I try to be nonchalant about it.

My sister is in NC and she says they have a Babies R Us there- they're part of Toys R Us, too. The registry is available at both stores and on line. I registered at Target for my wedding, but hardly anyone went there. I think JC Penny might have a registry, too, but I haven't checked yet. I could be totally wrong about that. I just loved the collections they had at Babies R Us. They have a new parents checklist, too, which helps some.

Lindrusso, I am considering a natural wood crib, maybe one that has the drawers in it. The room we're painting for the baby is the smallest of the three bedrooms we have. It was also the easiest one to empty out! I don't know if we want to get a dresser or not. I don't know how many drawers we'll need. I am just confused about it. I would like another child so chances are we'll use it again. Oh, and then there's the cribs that convert into regular beds, which is another option I'm considering.

Well, going to see my boss in 10 minutes.

[SusanD]

Thanks for the advice! I've heard both sides of the argument - good for convenience & comfort having the baby right there, but bad b/c the longer you keep baby with you the harder it is to get them to go in their own room. I know people with older kids who STILL sleep in their parents' room! When I was little it wouldn't even have occurred to me to go sleep with mom & dad. So I guess it's just what your own personal experiences are. I just feel so intimidated by all the choices that are out there...any experienced parents out there who want to share your wisdom with us first-time moms, we're happy to listen! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[lindrusso]

SusanD,

Yes, I too know MANY parents that still have their 5-year-olds in bed with them!!!

I had my first son in the room with me for the first week or so, but I couldn't get any sleep. I'm a very light sleeper and would wake at every tiny little sound. Finally, I moved him to his bedroom and had a monitor - even that would keep me awake, but I got used to it.

It is very nice to be near the baby when they are very young so you don't have to go stumbling around the house when it's time to nurse (or bottle feed, not trying to be biased here!). But, it just didn't work for me. On nights when my second son would be up alot, I would just put him in his little moses basket on the floor and I'd sleep on the couch - so at least my husband could get some sleep.

It really is a personal thing. In the long run I'm glad that the kids didn't sleep in our room. I see WAY too many parents whose kids either sleep in their bed or who won't go to bed until 10:00 or even later!! My kids have always slept in their own beds and we have a very regular routine where they are in bed by 8:00. I think that by taking the easy way out early on (and who can blame a parent for wanting to get sleep at any cost????), these parents have had a very difficult time trying to make the transition now that the kids are so used to sleeping with them. I would have been in an insane asylum due to sleep deprivation if we'd gone through all this with our kids.

On the other hand, I know that many families (I don't know of any personally) that embrace the family bed and actually enjoy it!

I think the BEST thing you can ever do (and this applies to all areas of parenting) is figure out what's best for you and your baby and to heck with everyone else's opinion - don't let anyone ever make you feel guilty for what you choose. If it feels right in your heart and it's not harming anyone, then it's probably okay! So, it may take a while to figure out what works for you, but you'll figure it out.

Now that I've finished that very long diatribe, I've seen many cute things for having baby sleep in the room. The moses baskets and bassinets are cute, but only useful for the first 5 months or so - baby outgrows these quickly. The pack 'n play mentioned is VERY useful for several years, but not quite as cozy. So, I'd vote first for the pack 'n play (you can use it for so much) for practical reasons, but if you can afford the bassinet or basket as an extra luxury, they are so nice and cozy! Or do as I did and find someone to borrow from! Whew, think I've "talked" enough!!!

[This message has been edited by lindrusso (edited 11-30-2000).]

[Laura]

Just a note on the kids in the room thing. My children never slept in our bed, and sleeping in the room with my daughter was more of a necessity than a convenience. However, I too know people who had the kids sleep in their beds til a very late (in my opinion) age. Just wasn't anything I ever wanted to do. Of course now, my kids are older and their own space is very important to them.

Mrs. Reber- I think it is great that you are feeling the baby. I remember when I was first pregnant they said the first movements felt like gas bubbles. I had no idea what they meant. Now that I am through being pregnant, I will sometimes have a gas bubble and it will bring back great memories. It is an incredible concept, isn't it?

[SusanD]

I agree with you guys, I'm not a big fan of the family bed. I know too many people who've had their kids sleeping with them since day one and now trying to break that habit is causing major temper tantrums (so rather than hear the child scream, they give in again and again...). Besides, we've got an 85-pound yellow lab who sleeps with us, I don't think we could fit any more in our bed! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Lindrusso, I love the idea of the basket! I saw the cutest one in the Pottery Barn Kids catalog, that's one of those things that I probably wouldn't buy for myself but would register for. (Wouldn't it be great if PB Kids had a registry?) I'll probably go for the Pack & Play, my SIL has one and loves it.

Mrs Reber, if you think you're feeling the baby move, then you probably are. After all, you're the one with the baby in you! I'm so excited for that, I hope I can feel it soon!

[MrsReber]

SusanD, I too am glad to hear what the experienced moms have to say. It sure does help.

Well, I told my boss yesterday and he was very excited for us. He has two little ones at home himself, too. That's a load off my mind!

My friend had asked me if I was going to have the baby sleep in our bedroom. The thought never even crossed my mind- for all the reasons mentioned here. I may be off work for 10 weeks or more, but my husband isn't. Also, my siter always had her kids in the bed with her and her husband. And they still end up there some nights. Her daughter is 6 and her son is 3. I may feel differently after having my own, but I always felt that if they got used to being with mom and dad all the time,they'd never sleep in their own beds. My brother was fairly strict about that with his daughter and she is very good about going to bed and she never really woke them up at 5:00am on a Sunday, either. But then again, they said the trick is the room darkening shades! They'd tell her the sun wasn't up yet, so she should go back to bed! She's 8 now. I don't think she falls for it anymore! Besides all of that, my husband is crabby if he doesn't get his sleep.

I am thinking that maybe we should get a dresser to grow with the baby. I'll have to look around a bit. I haven't really looked for furniture too much (bad mommy!) and all of our siblings have since gotten rid of their stuff. I saw my MIL last night. She is STILL mad that we don't want to know the sex of the baby. She said she isn't going to buy anything until she knows, but she vows to "somehow" find out. I told her she'll know the same time we do, when the baby is born.

On another note, I just know I feel something moving inside of me. I read that you can sometimes feel movement as early as 14 weeks (I'm 15 weeks now). My sisters-in-law both keep saying it's too early and I won't feel anything until 5 months. I am not crazy! The doctor actually asked if I felt anything yet. I get that feeling sort of like being on an amusement park ride (like your stomach has dropped out, but without the pounding heart) and then I get this twitching occasionally, but not everyday. It's all so exciting, though. I just had no idea before.

[LGBurns]

Mommies-to-be: I have been reading this post silently for a while; congratulations to all of you! I wanted to let you know that there is a book out there called "Baby Bargains : Secrets to Saving 20 Percent to 50 Percent on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys, Maternity Wear and Much, Much More" by Denise Fields & Alan Fields. I haven't had a baby yet, but their other book "Bridal Bargains" was a godsend for help in planning my wedding. They have totally honest reviews of items and great recommendations on ways to save money and/or get the best quality, what to look out for, etc. It's in paperback and I think the bridal one was only about $13 -- well worth it for what my husband and I saved from the advice we got. It's in most major bookstores (like B&N and Borders) or you can get it on Amazon.com. Hope this is helpful!