Susan- does your baby move around this much?

[MrsReber]

I can finally feel this kid kicking- and kicking and kicking. I'm pretty sure that this is the same feeling I had about five weeks ago-it's just alot more prominent now. I finally see what you mean about you being able to feel it, but not your husband. I have just started my 19th week and this kid is moving like crazy today!

Is your husband able to feel it yet? Not to get too too personal, but I want to try breastfeeding. Have you decided yet? I am just worried about how it'll work when I have to come back to my job. I have created two registries on line- one at Babies R Us and the other at JC Penny. My MIL works at JC Penny and gets some great discounts. I think she wanted me to register there. They didn't have too many things that I wanted, but I put a small registry together to make her happy. Ah, the things we must do.

[SusanD]

Hi! It's really wierd, some days she's really active and other days she's more mellow. New Year's Eve we were sitting in the living room and all of a sudden she started going nuts. I told my family that we were too boring for her so she was throwing her own party. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif The next day she hardly moved at all, she must have pooped herself out. I get a little concerned on days when she's so inactive - I don't know if that's anything to worry about so I'm going to ask my dr. Everyone told me that it was kind of a "fluttery" feeling, but that's not the sensation I get at all - for me it feels more fluid, like she's swimming around or something. What does it feel like for you? My husband hasn't been able to feel her yet - I really wish he could, but that will happen soon enough.

I'm going to start shopping for baby stuff this weekend. Hubby & I are going to go to USA Baby and check out cribs, car seats, etc. Yikes...so much to think about! I'm definitely going to check out the Babies R Us website too. I also have to go shopping for maternity clothes, the drawstring pants just aren't cutting it anymore! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif

I plan to breastfeed too, at least until I go back to work. I'm taking 12 weeks off and then going back 4 days (I've already talked to my boss about it and she's very willing to be flexible - which is sooo nice!), so I'll nurse until then, and then continue pumping after I go back.

Have a great morning and give your baby a pat for me!

[SusanD]

I agree with your sister, the amusement park analogy is just about right. It's just this bizarre sensation that I've never felt anything like before - so that's what first made me decide it must be the baby. When I told my husband, he freaked. OOH! There she goes! I just finished my lunch...she must like PB&J on whole wheat and strawberry yogurt.

So far I haven't had too much of a problem with people touching my stomach without asking. That would bug me too! My husband does it all the time, but of course I don't mind that. And a good friend of mine whose stomach I was always touching when she was pregnant. I told her she's allowed.

Good luck with the ultrasound! I guarantee, it will be the most amazing thing you've ever seen. Both times that I went in, they gave me still shots to take home and they're all up on our fridge. You're husband's going to love it too. Mine actually started to get a little teary...it was so cute! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[MrsReber]

Yes!! I always feel the baby move just before and just after I eat! I wonder if they like the food or if they're saying "ugh!!" If I lean forward, I can feel it more, too. When I am reading the paper on the couch, sometimes I sit with my legs crossed and the paper spread out in front of me (we have a sectional). I end up leaning forward to read the top of the page and then I can really feel it! It really is quite amazing, but every day seems amazing now.

[MrsReber]

I hear that they wake up when we stop moving since motion rocks them to sleep. When I sit at my desk, the kid goes crazy! I started really feeling it yesterday. That's so funny you say it feels like she's swimming. I was trying to explain it to my husband. I told him it almost feels like if you were holding a little fish in your fist and it started to squirm. No, it doesn't feel like fluttering at all, more like twitching. My sister said it felt like she was on a ride at an amusement park. I haven't really gotten that sensation at all, but I can see how she'd think that. Every so often I feel like my stomach is sort of sliding downwards. Baby is moving around alot right now. My husband will really enjoy the sonogram, I think. I am hoping we don't get too much snow on Monday. I don't want them to cancel it on me! It's probably nothing to worry about when you don't feel alot of movement. I bet we'll just feel more and more with each day.

I've been wearing the maternity clothes. They're just so much more comfortable. What drove me crazy over the holidays is that my husband's sisters think it's okay to sit next to me and rub my stomach. I never understood why my sister hated that so much when she was pregnant. It's not something I would ever do to someone else. I try to just be polite and understand that they don't mean anything by it, but it's still a little weird for me. My husband is free to pat my stomach or talk to it if he likes, but I just wish everyone else would keep their hands to themselves unless I specifically said to them "put your hand there and see if you can feel the baby".

I am going to look at cribs with my mom hopefully on Monday since I am taking the day off. My husband has taken a hands-off approach to the baby's room, except for painting (which still needs to be done!) Good luck shopping. I had a hard time picking out clothes because they were all too big when I first went shopping. They seem to be fitting better each week.

[SusanD]

I've definitely noticed that the feeling is different depending on the position I'm in. If I'm standing or sitting upright at my desk, it's a completely different feeling than if I'm lying down or lounging w/my feet up. Just within the past couple of days the heartburn has started to come back - yuck! It was really bad during my first couple of months then it went away for awhile and now it's back again. Guess I'm going to have to stock up on Tums again!

I had to break down and buy some maternity clothes this weekend. I feel so lucky that we're business casual at work so I don't have to buy any suits! I bought a skirt and a pair of pants, and then a turtleneck sweater that I can wear with both. I also went to Old Navy and bought a bunch of XL men's shirts - they were really cheap and seem to have a lot of room to grow.

Hope all went well with your ultrasound - keep me posted! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[MrsReber]

I hear you on the heartburn! It seems to be almost everything that causes it and some days are much worse than others. My mother and I had lunch right before the sonogram so they had my lying down right after I ate. Not good for heartburn! Everything seemd to go well. My mother and husband were allowed in after the tech took all her measurements. It seemed like 20 minutes to me, but my mom said I was in there for a while. I was glad she could be there since she didn't get to see any of that with my brother's and sister's kids. I was a little concerned because the radiologist asked for more pictures of the heart, but the tech said the baby was just in a weird position. We did see some legs this time - they were curled under the baby last time. My husband thinks for sure it's a girl since he didn't see anything else with those legs! The tech said she didn't really focus in on the area since we didn't want to know, but she also said she couldn't really tell anyway from the position the baby was in. Afterwards, I went to my doctor for my monthly visit. It was funny, she'd put the doppler stethoscope on the baby and she'd get a strong heartbeat, then the baby kept moving away and the heartbeat would get softer. Maybe baby was tired of being poked at! I know I was!

That's funny you went to Old Navy. I bought some mens large pajama bottoms for hanging out in the house. They were on sale last month and boy are they comfortable. I figure my husband can have them when I'm done. I've been wearing the maternity clothes for a little over a month now. My regular work clothes are very tailored and don't leave me much room for any extra- which keeps me on top of my weight! But I found the maternity clothes were just so much more comfortable. They make them so much nicer now, too, so they don't look stupid or really obvious. I had one woman here ask me when I was going to start wearing maternity clothes. I told her "I have been!".

[MrsReber]

wow, those are the two classes that I signed up for, too! That's so funny. They have other ones, but I think those two are the most important. It's going to be funny when my husband goes with me. This is such a different world for him. Not that I'm any expert! He seems to think I just "know" things since I am a woman.

I'll have to try those tights. My husband chuckles at my body anyway. He actually told me that I am starting to become round "like a porpoise". Gee, thanks, honey. At least I can laugh at it. As for the bras- I don't even know if they come in the size that I need. I am so uncomfortable in all of them. My husband asked the tech yesterday if she could do a sonogram of my chest because he thinks there's two more babies in there! He says this in front of my mother, no less. Well, he does make me laugh.

[SusanD]

How exciting! I loved both of my ultrasounds because it felt like I was really getting to "visit" the baby! I was almost sad when they were over - especially the most recent because I won't get to see her again until she's born.

Okay, I just have to tell you that I'm a big fan of maternity tights. Boy are they comfortable! Very silly looking, in fact my husband got a good laugh this morning as I was getting dressed. He said I didn't need to buy any more bras, as the tights looked like they'd reach that far up. But they're great because not only do they cover your belly completely, but the waistband is really soft and doesn't dig into you at all.

Are you going to take any classes? I just signed us up for the childbirth class, and then I'm also going to take a one-night breastfeeding seminar. I figure why not, I'm going to need all the help I can get!

[SusanD]

Hmmm....we should get our husbands together. Mine thinks that perhaps I have another baby growing in my rear end! He calls me "Susie the Caboose". My chest really hasn't grown all that much - of course I didn't have much to work with in the first place. I'm hoping something's going to happen soon, or the baby's not going to get much of a meal! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

He also asked if I could go to the breastfeeding class by myself. He was so funny and awkward about it I just had to let him off the hook. Although part of me wants to make him go just to watch him squirm! He tends to get a little flustered by that kind of thing, one night we had friends over for dinner and she started to feed her baby right there on our couch - I've never seen him turn so red!

[SusanD]

How exciting, you'll have to let me know the address so I can see the baby pics! I can't wait to see how my husband does in the childbirth class. I was talking to one of my co-workers who delivered at the same hospital where I'm going to be, and she took the class and said they do stuff like make you practice labor positions. If nothing else, it should provide me some good entertainment! I'm thinking we won't need to know all that anyway, because just watching him try to keep his composure in the delivery room will take my mind off any pain. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[MrsReber]

Ha ha ha! That would be funny to make him squirm! I registered for that class and knew I was going by myself. I told him right off that he didn't have to go with me, since I knew he wouldn't want to. Boy, if your husband is embarrassed by a little breast feeding, just wait until he's in the birthing class! I just know that my husband will be hysterical. Count your blessings with the small chest. I thought I was hiding mine well, but a co-worker told me this morning that I am huge. I haven't seen her in a couple of months- she was out due to surgery. I have a jacket on today that used to be rather big on me. I can't even think of buttoning it. It's really very embarrassing and I try to wear big sweaters and jackets. I hope it goes away! My sister was thrilled when she was pregnant. She said it was the only time she needed a bra! My husband has been very complimentary most of the time, though, which is nice. My sister is settting up a web page for us.Hopefully it'll be fully functioning when the baby is born so we can put pictures on it.

[MrsReber]

Men are so funny! I have no idea what to expect in the birthing class. Positions would be kind of funny, though. I know we're supposed to bring two pillows with us- regular bed pillows it said. We were talking about the delivery room last night. He wanted to know what he could do for me. I told him he's got to realize that he really can't do anything but be there- and call for more drugs! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Our website is set up, but my sister hasn't put any of our pictures on it yet. She's got our wedding pictures and some fishing pictures (we like to fish). I think she's got one of my husband's race car, too. My nephew brought that one to his daycare for show and tell. He's three. Too cute! She still needs to have them scanned in so she can post them, though.



[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 01-11-2001).]

[SusanD]

Well I'll have to let you know what happens in the classs! We start sometime in mid-February. I've got a dr. appointment tonight - time to see what all that holiday snacking did to me! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif I was amazed, I weighed myself over New Year's weekend (we were at my in-laws' cabin, I don't own a scale) and it said I had only gained a pound since my last appointment. Somehow that just didn't seem right, considering all the cookies (and candy, and nuts, and...) that I consumed over Christmas. My husband and his parents all insisted that the scale was not "off" at all - I don't know if they were serious or just trying to boost my ego.

Do you find that it's difficult to eat a "normal" sized meal anymore? No matter how hungry I get, I can't eat very much in one sitting. Must be that my stomach is being squished all over the place. We went out for dinner last night and even though I was starving when we got there, I could only eat about half my dinner and then I was totally uncomfortable for the rest of the night. Bleh!

[MrsReber]

I know exactly what you mean! I was afraid to get on the scale at my last appointment, but I weighed exactly the same as I did at the last appointment. I was shocked. My doctor's scale is off by almost 10 pounds though. I know it's true because I know 2 other women who go there and have said the same thing to me. Our bodies are using more calories, though. I hear that in the fourth month, there is a rapid growth period taking place- and sure enough, I was hungry!

As far as eating a whole meal- that full feeling just started to happen with me. My meals are getting smaller and smaller, which I am happy about. I am trying to keep some fruit with me for when I get hungry, since I never know when that might be! I see my mom on the train home three days a week- she's been working in Manhattan- so she always has some food to offer me. Wow, you're going for the birthing classes next week? We don't start until mid-April. They wanted me to schedule it as late as possible. I hope we make it to the end of the classes, but I'm sure we will. I think they're over the second week of May and I'm due at the end of May.



[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 01-11-2001).]

[SusanD]

Well, I was right - that darn scale at the cabin was way off, I've actually gained 6 pounds since my last appointment. 15 pounds total so far. Doc said her heartbeat was "perfect" which was nice to hear, and she's been super active the past few days, so it sounds like everything's right on track! Sometimes it still seems so wierd to be real...like I'm dreaming it or something.

Speaking of dreams, have you had any yet? I had one not too long ago that my labor and delivery was a snap, it went really fast and I hardly felt a thing...all of a sudden they were handing me my baby! I woke up hoping that one would come true! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Actually we don't start classes for another month, Feb. 15th is the first class. My breastfeeding class is at the end of March. That's just a one-night seminar, 2.5 hours, and they only offer it once a month. I hope I remember everything they teach me since it's 5 weeks before I deliver, but I didn't want to wait for the April one as it was only a week before my due date and I didn't want to take the chance that she'd arrive early!

One thing my doc told me that I thought I'd pass on to you - she said that studies have shown that it helps make labor easier to have another "mother" in the labor room with you in addition to your husband. Not necessarily your own mom or MIL, but just another woman who's had a child - a good friend, sister, etc. Women who have another support person in the room have reported feeling less pain. Interesting!

[SusanD]

Aren't dreams funny? When I first got pregnant I dreamed I had a boy so everyone said "It's a boy for sure!" My husband told me I should start keeping a journal of all the wierd stuff that happens during my pregnancy so I can share it with her when she's older.

I wouldn't worry about the weight gain - everyone and every pregnancy is different...and remember, it's only temporary (at least that's what I keep telling myself)! Isn't it such a great feeling to finally get your energy back? It was so awful there for awhile because I was never able to get anything done at night - I'd get home from work around 5:30 - 6 and be falling asleep on the couch by 8. You're so good for going to the gym. I was going to take a water aerobics class but I missed the sign-up date and the class filled up. My only source of exercise has been walking the dog. He's a "morning doggie" and wakes us up at 5:30 every morning. A long time ago we got in the habit of taking turns getting up with him and taking him for his long walk then. Our route is about 2.5 miles, and before I got pregnant I was actually running it (pooch kept up just fine). When I got pregnant I swore to myself that I would keep walking it as long as I possibly could and so far I've kept that promise.

Family politics are strange, aren't they? I have a similar problem...my MIL would be the person that I would choose to have in the room with me because my mom would drive me and the doctors nuts (think of Monica's mom on Friends). But then my mom would be offended for sure. What to do? I have a good friend who had a baby in October, I'll probably ask her.

Glad to hear your sonogram was OK! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[MrsReber]

We have two dogs who always want to go outside, but we have a "spot" for them so they don't really get walked unless we take them down to the park. There's a reservoir with a five mile trail around it just around the corner from our house. Unfortunately, it's way too icy for me to even think about walking it. I do have a short walk to and from the train at work, though, which should help a bit. I don't get to the gym all that often, but I am feeling guilty about not going regularly. I do get alot of headaches, but that has been going away. It was bad in the beginning. Befor I knew I was pregnant, I was still forcing myself to go to the gym and run 3-4 miles on the treadmill at least twice a week! I had no idea why it had gotten so hard in the beginning of September. Guess I know now! People keep telling me to "take it easy" and "relax", but I know better- I need to keep the blood flowing in order to have a better delivery and experience overall. Sounds like you are doing great with 2.5 miles each morning.

I do have a journal that I've been writing in. I mostly just put down my thoughts and I don't write in it every day. I write as though I'm writing to the baby, so it's kind of fun for me. I won't let anyone else read it, though! I didn't think of writing down my dreams. That would be pretty funny! I should do that!

Ah, family politics. My husband has three sisters and a brother on his side and I have one brother, one sister, one half brother and one half sister, mother's fiance, and stepmother. Ahhh! It has not been easy over the years.

I hope you have a great weekend!

[MrsReber]

Yes, I've had plenty of dreams! I can remember three so far- and each one was actually similar to yours with no pain at all for delivery. I guess we can't really dream about the pain since we don't know what it will be like. In my dreams so far, I have had a girl once and a boy twice. In the first dream, I'm at work and I give birth in 20 minutes in my cube. The second dream, my mom wakes me up to tell me I had a girl. I told her "I didn't have any pain, how could I have had a baby?" and she just laughed at me. The last dream, I had a baby boy and he was HUGE! I mean, rolls and rolls of fat hanging off of him. Again, no pain with delivery, but I was horribly embarrassed with my very very fat baby. I was mortified that maybe I had eaten too much while pregnant. My sister warned me about these dreams. She said "you think you had weird dreams before your wedding? Just wait for these!" They have all made me laugh after I woke up, though.

I am ashamed to say I have already gained close to 20 pounds. I was hoping for a max of 25, but that's out of the question now. I have been eating a lot more slowly, but mostly to help me breathe. My sinus haven't been so great from day one of the pregnancy. Some days it's not bad at all and other days, it's really bad. My energy seems to be increasing, though. I no longer want to take a nap every day and even made it back to the gym last weekend for a long walk on the treadmill. Too much ice around NJ to go outside to walk!

I was so relieved, the doctor's office called last night and said that everything looks great with the sonogram. I feel much better now.

That's interesting about having another mom there. I bet my stepmother would be great for that, but my mom would never let me hear the end of it! I do have a couple of friends who have had babies, but I always thought I wouldn't want too many people around. It seems like such a private kind of thing.

[Laura]

Hi Susans!

I review your threads with interest because it brings back many great memories. The one advice I have on breastfeeding is that if your hospital has a lactation consultant on staff (I would think most do nowadays) definitely take advantage of her after the baby is born. I took a breastfeeding class as well and something you think should be so natural really does have its own special technique. You do it wrong and you will be very sore (I didn't meet with the consultant with my son because I had breastfed my daughter and paid for it big time) but they can really help you get it right. Best wishes to both of you! Laura

[MrsReber]

Laura, my sister had lots of problems trying to breastfeed her son. It just wasn't working. I try to tell my husband that it doesn't always work, but he doesn't believe me. My insurance company offers help if I call them up, too. They have nurses that will come to your house. What a program they have. I am pretty lucky. They cover everything, it seems.

I finally fell on the ice yesterday. Hurt my leg, my back, and my arm. It was the only spot that my husband didn't clear off. Poor guy, he was going crazy trying to keep the walk and the steps clear for me. He says that it's my awkwardness now, too, and I don't realize that I'm not the same shape I used to be. I was on my way to take a walk with my dog, too. We still went for the walk, but boy did I stiffen up later! I am pretty sure that my body really changed last week. Suddenly it's a struggle to bend down for things and it takes a little more effort to put my boots on.

I almost bought baby clothes last weekend. I was looking at some really cute Pooh stuff in the Disney store at the mall. But I controlled myself. Have to wait to get paid on Friday! I also still feel like it's bad luck if I buy anything. I'm slowly getting over that, but I am so paranoid. My MIL works at JC Penny and she says there's a big baby sale coming up. I get her discount, too, when I shop there so I think I'm going to wait for the sale. However, I just might indulge myself at the Disney store before then!

[Laura]

Mrs. Reber - So sorry to hear about your fall. I hope you are starting to feel better. That is great about the programs your hospital and insurance company offers. The other difficulty I found is that even though I might have been able to nurse in the hospital it was pretty difficult when my milk first came in. It is great though and don't let me scare you off, I just don't want either of you to be discouraged if it seems difficult at first.

[SusanD]

Thanks for those words of wisdom, Karen! I know it's going to be tricky, but am looking forward to it regardless. I know people who've had it both ways. My SIL had a pretty difficult time, and thought about giving up, but didn't and now things are fine. Fortunately my husband is pretty tuned in to these things - he's the one who encouraged me to take the class. It's one of those things that I know I would regret if I didn't at least try!

MrsReber - you poor thing! I hope you're feeling better! I fell on an icy patch in our driveway a couple of weeks ago. I landed on my knees so they were pretty bruised, but that's all. It's such an adjustment getting used to our new "figures", isn't it? The things we used to take for granted, like tying shoes, are now a major production. Our master bath just has a tiny shower stall and on Saturday I came to the realization that if I want to shave my legs from now on I'm going to have to use the tub in our guest bathroom. Fortunately it's winter so I don't have to shave all that often! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Well, hubby and I made our first venture into a baby store on Saturday. It was pretty comical. We walked into USA Baby and just stopped right at the door. Here's how the conversation went:

He "Well?"
Me "Well what?"
He "Where do we start?"
Me "I don't know."
He "What do we need?"
Me "All of it."

And it pretty much went downhill from there. I think this is going to be a long process...I've never felt so clueless in my life! I went and bought "Baby Bargains" - that seems to be a pretty helpful book. I guess we'll try again next weekend. Target has the Diaper Genie on sale this week, I almost went and bought it just to feel like I had accomplished something. The only thing I've bought is clothes. You are so good for not having bought any yet, I just have can't resist those itty-bitty little pants and onesies and dresses!

[MrsReber]

Susan- they key to my being able to resist the baby clothes is to not look at the baby clothes! I looked last weekend and I am now trying to fit in into the budget- along with the furniture we just ordered (a Pali crib, mattress, a matching Pail dresser, and a nice matching changing attachment for the top of the dresser). Ahhh!! I am not buying any of the other stuff yet- I know that there will be a shower so I am holding off on those things. My best friend won't let me get away with not having a shower. My MIL keeps asking me what I bought so far. I think she's taking stock so she knows what to buy. Her and my mom insist that we get everything NEW. My mom gave me the money for the crib, which was a HUGE help. I can't believe how much we need to buy already.

Yes, I agree, it must be our lovely new shapes that are causing us to become unable to walk properly! I hope your knees are feeling better! That is so funny about shaving your legs. I just started to have that problem last week. I went food shopping last Saturday and I noticed that something was amiss. I could no longer bend down and get back up without pulling myself up on something. I told my husband that he is going to have to start helping me with the shopping soon. Good thing he was there when I slipped or I would've been on the ground for hours trying to figure out how to get up.

I laughed at your trip to the store with your husband. Sounds like mine, only he'd be too impatient to even look around! I have got to go back to the Disney store. I just love Pooh stuff and the outfits were so cute! They had a little hat and booties and a hooded towel. I knew I shoulnd't have gone in there! I am trying to be practical, but then I think "well, I have to have some nice outfits for going out" like the baby is going to have some huge social life at the age of three months! I think the clothes are more for mommy than for baby, but I can see how you can't resist. They are so very cute!

[MrsReber]

Thanks, Laura. It really is great to hear from other moms since this is all quite new. Others have told me that breastfeeding can be difficult and even painful at times, but I certainly want to give it a try. My arm and leg still hurt, but it's not extreme pain, just a bit of soreness. In any event, it's good for a little bit of sympathy from the husband http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif!


[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 01-15-2001).]

[karen w]

To the pregnant Susans's:
As long as you are receiving breast feeding advise, I will give you my sage words of wisdom. I have 3 kids-4, 3, and 17 months. I breast fed them all for varying periods of time. I just weaned the baby a few months ago(at 15 months).(Yeahhh!!! I can finally go to bed without a bra again!!!) Seriously, I enjoyed it tremendously and do miss it quite alot. BUT...it IS NOT easy. I tell people to give it a good 6 weeks before they decide to quit or not. In my experience that is how long it takes for your milk supply to become well established and for you to become comfortable with everything. In the beginning few weeks your milk will go up and down with the baby's constantly changing demands, and unfortunately the breasts lag a few days behind the baby's demands so at times it can be frustrating for both of you. Just remember if there are wet and poopy diapers, tears in the baby's eyes when it cries etc..., you're giving him/her enough even though you'll constantly doubt that.
JUST HANG IN THERE. It gets easier and more enjoyable as time goes on!!! Hope this helps a little.

Karen W.

[SusanD]

Well my husband finally got to feel her kick last night! We were in bed watching t.v. and I had fallen asleep and he was sitting there with his hand on my belly and all of a sudden he yells out "Oh my gosh is that her??" I nearly jumped out of my skin, but he was so excited and I was so happy for him! He kept his hand there and felt her a few more times before saying "good-night sweetie" right into my tummy. It was so cute! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I talked to my MIL last night, she is going to go crib-shopping with us on Saturday. We need HELP in the worst way, and my husband's sister just had a baby in August, so she knows what to look for. I hadn't planned on registering, but my best friend wants me to so I guess I'll start that this weekend too. I discovered that we don't have any Babies R Us stores around here (bummer) so I'll go to USA Baby. They're a little on the pricey side, but they have EVERYTHING (more than Target which was my other option) and they've got stores in Chicago and Minneapolis which is where a lot of my friends & family are.

So have you started the "pregnant lady waddle" yet? I'm really trying not to do that. I told my husband to remind me to stand up straight if he ever notices me sticking my belly way out, which he does quite frequently. Yikes!

Good luck at the Disney Store...you'll need it! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[MrsReber]

I was lost as far as cribs go. I did a little investigating on line and found a couple of sites where people actually rated the cribs that they bought. This, of course, was after my mom and I put money down on the Pali crib. They seem to be a little more expensive, although they were discounted where we went, so it wasn't too bad. I just wanted all the furniture to match and now it does. The crib meets all the safety standards- I found those on line, too. The Pali cribs are nice because there is no exposed hardware anywhere, all of their cribs can be converted to toddler/daybeds.

I know how you feel, I hate registering, but it's better to get things that you need or really want then a ton of things that you have to return! I really liked babies r us- too bad you don't have one around. My mom wanted me to register at Target, too. I set up a little registry at JC Penny. I've seen USAbaby, but never saw what they have. I am sure that someone will throw you a shower!

My husband is ever so supportive. He tells me that I'll be a "good waddler". At least he still tells me I'm attractive. I can be happy with that. He loves when I wear the maternity overalls. I swear I could see my stomach moving on Sunday night. He still couldn't feel anything, though. The baby was moving all over the place last week, so he had a talk with the baby to tell him or her to calm down and go to sleep so I could finish making dinner. I can't wait until my husband can actually feel the baby move. I feel bad that he can't feel it yet. The kicks are getting much stronger and much more frequent.

I have been planning where to buy some baby outfits now. I knew I never should have looked at anything! My mom reminded me this morning that there's a Carter's outlet store down the road from her. I'll have to stop in there. And back to the Disney store, of course! My friend keeps telling me "you'll have another baby and get to use the clothes again! Or I'll use them if you don't!". I thanked her for the encouragement. Looks like I'll be shopping soon!

[mightyh]

Thanks for letting all of us kind of "participate" in your pregnancies--it's really fun to hear what you're going through month to month...

Mrs. Reber - you'll be thrilled with the Pali crib, etc. That's what we got and we love it. It's probably one of my favorite pieces of furniture in the house--much better than my husband and my bed http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I had a really hard time breastfeeding at first--was completely engorged for about 5 days which was so painful and frustrating. I do not wish this on anyone--you feel there's no way the baby could ever fit his mouth on the nipple (and I am really small chested!). If this happens, I have two hints:

1. Keep breastfeeding--the only way to relieve your engorgement is to get the milk out of there somehow and eventually it will get better. It seems counterintuitive at first--cause you're thinking that the more the baby takes, the more your body will produce, but it evens itself out somehow post-engorgement.

2. If you're in real, serious pain remember this, as crazy as it sounds. It's one of the stories we look back on now and crack up about, but it was not funny (to me at least) at the time....though my dh referred to it as the cole slaw epiphany http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

When I was so engorged that it hurt to even think about nursing the baby, we called a lactation expert and she encouraged us to ice my breasts using bags of frozen peas/corn for ten minutes, then put warm compresses on for ten minutes, then--the truly hysterical part, but I've read it a few places since and swear it works (my dh is a doctor and gives this advice out now, too)--take cabbage leaves and remove the hard spine and score them with a fork on both sides so the "juices" are running and place them over your breasts, under the frozen food compresses for ten minutes. Then breastfeed.... Something about the sulfer? in cabbage helps release your milk. My husband talks about running to the grocery store to get the cabbage and checking to see if it looked like a good head before realizing that no one was going to be eating this http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I honestly felt like a cow for probably the first week or ten days.... like I was constantly being prepared for milking. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif After I caught on, it was much better. I wish you luck and not having to use the tips above. For me that was by far the hardest part of breast feeding.

[karen w]

Mrs. Reber,

It's me again with a few more thoughts on breast feeding. I'm not trying to interfere with your decisions, but I do know how much I enjoyed it. You form such a special bond with the baby that know one else can, but you do need good support(I'm not talking about bras, here, either!) to be successful! Psychological support!!!From hubby, family etc.... And in the beginning you probably will feel like a cow, uncomfortable, tired etc... That's why I tell people to give it 6 weeks before they quit. Because in addition to what I mentioned before, after 6 wks. you won't be bleeding anymore, you won't be as tired, the baby will start to have a more predictable routine....and may even be sleeping long stretches at night. Just don't forget to take care of yourself too-get sleep when you can, eat well(I'm very petite and always ate well, but to keep up my milk production I probably consumed at least twice as much as when I was pregnant!!!). It takes an extra 500 calories a day to make breast milk! And some added perks-women who breastfeed for longer than 3 mos. have an easier time losing the weight from pregnancy and have a lower incidence of breast cancer!!

And finally before I step down from the preacher stand....DO NOT, I repeat...Do not feel guilty if you find it's not your cup of tea. It's not for everyone. Even if you only do it a few days the baby will get some beneficial immunoglobulins from your colostrum(the milk you initially make that is thin , watery, and not as white when your milk first comes in). Millions of babies grow up to be perfectly healthy adults who have been fed formula!! So when the time comes see what's best for YOU too!!!

And GOOD LUCK!!! (sorry this was so long winded!)

Karen W.

[lindrusso]

I just wanted to say that I too am enjoying reading these posts. I keep tearing up because it brings up so many memories! I swear I almost want to go through childbirth again just to savor the sensation of the baby moving inside me! The only time I tired of the movement was when my second son started stomping on my bladder - that hurt!

I second all the great suggestions/advice you've gotten on breast feeding. I breast fed both of my boys and it took 2 months to get really comfortable. I too had many problems - soreness, thrush (a yeast infection that causes pain, tenderness), cracks and bleeding. And my first one wanted to feed every two hours around the clock for 2 months - ack! That was EXHAUSTING. But, even with all the hard parts, I'd do it all over again.

Glad to hear that everything is going so well for both of you and be careful out on that ice!!!

[MrsReber]

Nothing will deter me from at least trying breastfeeding. Men seem to think it's so easy and natural. My husband still doesn't believe me when I tell him that many people have problems. My sister even had to stop after a couple of weeks because she had an infection and her son wasn't eating enough. He started to lose weight.

Seems as though it's warmed up a little- at least enough for the snow to melt. I want to exercise, but I am still a bit sore from my fall (especially my right arm), not to mention the fact that the bathroom scale fell on my big toe this morning, too! My husband likes to set traps for our little dog who likes to go in the garbage. He leaned the scale against the pail, figuring the scale would fall over onto her and scare her- WRONG. First thing this morning, I threw a tissue into the garbage pail and missed. I went to pick it up and disturbed the whole works. Ouch!!! It still hurts. I am a mess.

[Laura]

Originally posted by lindrusso:
I swear I almost want to go through childbirth again just to savor the sensation of the baby moving inside me!
Alysha I agree with you but for me the key word is almost! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[lindrusso]

Alysha I agree with you but for me the key word is almost! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

You said it!! Everyone keeps saying that I "need" to have another (especially since I have two boys - they think I need to have a girl). However, I enjoy playing with everyone else's babies and then handing them back! Our next "baby" will be of the furry sort!

[MrsReber]

I'm glad you love your Pali crib! That makes me feel much better. I felt like I didn't do enough research before buying, but it looks like I made a good choice. I am worried about breastfeeding from a psychological point of view. I just don't know if I'll like it or not. I know that sounds kind of weird, but I am wondering if I'll feel just like you said - like a cow. Hopefully I'll get over that and not have a problem.

I enjoyed the breastfeeding story - didn't know that about cabbage! My sister told me about the bags of peas. I truly am dreading being engourged like that. It's got to hurt so bad!

[SusanD]

It's good to hear everyone's experiences with breastfeeding. I know I want to at least try, I guess you don't know how your body is going to handle it until you actually do it. I've heard good things and bad. I have a friend (one of those people you just want to hate) who had a great pregnancy, easy delivery, easy time nursing, and her baby - at 2 months old - is sleeping for 7 hours at night. I can only hope! Fortunately my husband is very supportive, and understands that not all women have an easy time of it. My biggest concern right now is the fact that my chest hasn't gotten much bigger and I'm only a 34B to start with - I'm worried that the baby won't get enough to eat! Again, my sweet husband said "Don't worry about it, I'm sure your body knows what to do."

My SIL commented that, with all her pregnant friends and relatives, she misses having a baby inside her (her son was born in August). I told her I'd trade - I'm getting very impatient and want my baby NOW. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif She is just starting to wean him off "the boob" and even though she had a hard time nursing at first and thought about giving up, she stuck it out and everything worked out fine. Not to mention she looks GREAT and hasn't had any exercise beyond grocery shopping and Gymboree classes!

MrsReber, maybe we should all chip in and get you a set of full-body armor - with the stretch panel in front, of course http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif!

[MrsReber]

I heard that the size should have no bearing on feeding, too. Anyway, I think it's still a little early for that. Oh, I love feeling the baby move around. Not to be sappy, but it's like I have my whole little happy family with me at all times- myself, part of my husband and our baby. I think I will miss being pregnant. I can't wait until the baby is here, either, but I am amazed that an entire baby fits through a 10 cm opening! How?!?! I am scared of that!

I may take you up on the armor! No incidents today. Still a bit sore.

Oh, get this, last night my husband tells me he wants to come to the breastfeeding class with me. I was shocked. I may push the issue with him since I'd love for him to see how it all works and that it's not always easy. They do encourage the fathers to come along.

Well, it seems like the floor and my feet are getting further away. I can see them just fine, but I can't reach them! I think I need some shoes without laces.

[karen w]

Yep, I'll have to agree with the above...size does not make a difference. I am an A cup, and had no problems nursing. I wore a B cup while nursing, and nursing bras in the smaller sizes are more difficult to find. And don't worry SusanD with my first pregnancy my breasts did not start getting bigger until very late.

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by SusanD:
My biggest concern right now is the fact that my chest hasn't gotten much bigger and I'm only a 34B to start with - I'm worried that the baby won't get enough to eat! Again, my sweet husband said "Don't worry about it, I'm sure your body knows what to do."

Never fear! Size has nothing to do with it as far as I can see. My mom nursed my brother and I and was only an A cup! When she went shopping for nursing bras, she was told they didn't make them that small :O !

My SIL had a very easy time of breastfeeding. She also, unlike me, had a very easy time pumping breast milk. I was over at her house one day and she was wandering around getting chores done and I kept hearing this sqeaking sound. I finally realized that she was pumping! That's how easy it was for her. Me - I'd pump for 20 minutes and maybe get 1 ounce!

So, for all the hardship stories, there are many others who had it very easy!

[SusanD]

Thank you! I feel better now. It seems like all the pregant women that I know or knew had these huge boobs right from the get-go. And I'm still waiting for mine!

MrsReber, I understand what you mean about having the baby with you all the time. I love it! Especially when I'm in a meeting or something and she starts moving around. I just want to make everyone stop and be quiet so I can enjoy the moment! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

That's great that your husband wants to come to the breastfeeding class with you. I'm sure mine would if it weren't for all the other women in the class. He tends to get flustered and embarrassed very easily. I, too, am a little nervous about the delivery - how on earth is a baby going to get through that tiny opening? Frankly I don't even want to know. I wish there was a more graceful way of getting the baby out, like maybe osmosis or something. One of the books I have suggested having a mirror put up in the delivery room so that you can watch. ARE THEY NUTS????? Just tell me when to push and I'll push, and I'll leave the rest of it up to the professionals.

[MrsReber]

I know!! I can't really concentrate in meetings anymore- especially not once the baby moves.

My husband seems to think that with my more than ample chest, I should have no problem at all. These things are very heavy and uncomfortable! What I wouldn't do to get rid of them! But the horror of it all is that they're only going to get bigger. It is just very uncomfortable and embarassing at work. My sister tried breastfeeding for three months and it just wouldn't work for her. I think she gave it a pretty good shot, though. She also said she was surprised at how many men were actually in the breastfeeding class. She laughed when I told her my husband wanted to go. She asked if he thought there was going to be a live demo!

Osmosis, eh? I like that idea! The whole thing defies logic, but I guess it all works out somehow. My neighbor is due in four weeks. It'll be nice to have other babies on our street.

[SusanD]

How nice that your child will have a playmate the same age in your neighborhood! And how nice for you that you'll have another new mom to talk with! We have a ton of kids in our neighborhood, but they range in age from 4-15. However, we're already getting offers to babysit. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Well, I've entered another phase in my pregnancy. This morning I tried to put on a pair of pants that I had bought for those "in-between" months - too big for my regular clothes but too small for maternity. No luck! They're getting packed away for next time (and at this point I don't even want to THINK about next time!).

Well, I'm very happy, I think I've found a daycare place. A couple of women in my office told me about a church daycare center and preschool where they take their kids and are very happy. It's less than a mile away which means I can go over and feed her on my lunch hour or if she's fussy they can call me and I can run over there. Which makes me feel a TON better about this whole daycare thing, which I don't like doing in the first place. The best part is that they take infants on a part-time basis and since I'm only going to work 4 days and hope to cut back to 3 at some point, that makes a huge difference! Many places will only take infants full-time which means that I would have to pay for 5 days even if I wasn't going to use them. Ugh!

[comabri]

I have to interrupt! As I sit at my desk and read your posts, I could have sworn I felt the same thing I used to feel when I was pregnant. It felt like I had a baby moving around in my tummy! Wow! Could reading your posts bring back such a physical reaction? That was weird. It brings back great memories though. Good luck to both of you. It's amazing. I want to do it all over again...

[MrsReber]

Susan, I have been looking into daycare as well. I am glad that my neighbor offered, but I feel like it's a big responsibility for her. I found a Kindercare only 1.5 miles from our house and they take infants part time. Then, since my husband works at Ft. Monmouth, we may be able to get in there. They are accredited by NAEYC- I found them on the internet. The sort of set the standards and training for daycare. Anyway, it would be great to know that my husband was right there and he could drop in on them anytime! There is a waiting list, though. There's about 40 others ahead of us. The woman did say that if we don't get a spot in time, they also have women who live on base who are trained in their program. These women will watch children in their homes, right there on base. The cost is extremely reasonable and might even be less than what my neighbor is willing to take. At my job, they have a temporary back-up program in case your day care falls through or your babysitter can't make it. I can call there in an emergency and make arrangements to take the baby to the daycare in the next building. I know what you mean about them only taking infants part time. Kinder care takes them 5 days, 3 days or 2 days and all of their options are more expensive that a full 5 day week at Ft. Monmouth! I couldn't believe it. I would love to have my neighbor full time, but I am having doubts about if she'd want to report the income, will she take the same amount as the Ft. Monmouth daycare, and what if something happened? My husband said he'd never hold anything against her, but it would still create an awkward situation. She still has her own 1 year old son to look after as well. I am just so confused!! So much to think about. Maybe I can have my neighbor on a temporary basis until a spot opens up at Ft. Monmouth. I want to work less days, too. I am going to try to come back for a three or four day week at first. I know, I hate the idea of daycare, too.

comabri- are you planning on having more children? It sure is amazing. I have really enjoyed being pregnant- even with some of these quirky side effects! It really is awesome.

Looking forward to this weekend of rotten weather so that my husband will finish painting the baby's room!

[MrsReber]

Susan- my sister just sent me an email- she finally put some pictures on our webpage! The address is http://www.whackmaster.iwarp.com/, if you get a chance to check it out. I know I always like to see what everyone looks like.

yes, that's whackmaster- my husband hunts deer and I was kidding about the name for the page, but my sister used it! No baby yet, but I love the wedding pictures. The last picture is of my mom, her fiance and my two neices. The one on the right is my brother's little girl, Emily (she was 7) and the one on the left is my sister's little girl, Mary (she was 4, but just turned 6 in December). The dress that Mary was wearing still fits her!

[MrsReber]

Oh yes, my hubby loves the outdoors. He keeps wanting to go camping on our property in VA- yes, in the cold. I told him that mommy isn't doing that. We can go down there, but it's a hotel for me! We were down there in the beginning of September last year and it was so peaceful- we just slept in a screen tent for two nights and didn't see a soul. Baby was with us, but we didn't know it at the time. Yes, we do go racing, we have a track only 15 minutes from the house. We go in the pits together since my husband doesn't have a crew- he only races about 6-8 times the whole season. Some of the other guys get bent out of shape when they see a woman in the pits (they don't belong in the pits!) but I just hang out with this other guy's wife. My husband tells them "there is nowhere that I go where my wife can't go". The other girlfriends and wives get jealous. We go fishing together quite often, but I only like it when it's really nice out. I won the pool twice for the biggest fish on the fluke boat! And to think, I don't even eat seafood! We also caught blue marlin on our honeymoon. That was a trip and a half. We're going back again to do that. Expensive, but well worth the money for us.

I loved all of our wedding pictures. They came out so nice. I love that dress, too. I had to have a train. That was just the most beautiful day I ever had the pleasure to experience. And it just keeps getting better.

Yes, the black lab is Jed. He's a lab mix- he's part golden, part black and part - oh, what's the other one? It's the big lab breed. That's where he gets his size from. He loves to roll in the snow. He's 13 now and we are dreading the day he goes. The little one is trouble. She'll be 9 soon. That's Lindsey, a Bichon Frise. Capable of learning, but not ever willing to listen to me! The cat is Stryper. He's 14 and in great shape.

Wow, sounds like you have an ideal situation with the daycare. I'd sign up for that one that's close to work. I would love to get into the one at my husband's job, but with 40 ahead of me, I'm not holding my breath. I still have some more to check out.

Yes, it'd be great to see some of your pictures! I wish I had a scanner at home. I actually had to mail those pictures to my sister in NC and she had someone scan them in.




[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 01-19-2001).]

[clairea]

SusanD and MrsReber,
I am new to the CL bulletin boards, but am one of those who has been reading this thread with interest because it brings back so many wonderful memories. There is nothing like the feeling of new life growing inside you. When I saw your posts about looking for daycare and not being very happy about using it, I just had to jump in with a few encouraging words. I stopped working at the end of last year to stay at home full-time with my 2 children (31/2 and 10 months), but before that I had used several different childcare options, including a friend who was a stay at home mom, a nanny, and daycare. I can honestly say that I don't think any one of these options is necessarily better than the others. There are some great daycare centers with teachers who really love the children they care for, and most children seem to do well in that environment. All this to say that if you need to/choose to use daycare you shouldn't feel bad about it. You both sound so committed to doing the right things for your babies and to being there for them, and I really believe this makes more difference in their lives than whether or not you work and what type of childcare you use.

[MrsReber]

Thanks Clairea- and welcome. I am curious, how did things work out with your neighbor, the stay at home mom? I am just afraid to put that responsibility on someone - I know she can handle it since her own son is well adjusted and a very bright, friendly, little boy. I think I just worry about her being able to care for them both at the same time. Also, I would feel weird if she were to be doing her daily chores like shopping or whatever, with my baby in tow. Yes, I do want to do the right thing. There just seem to be so many options and I want something that is convenient, reasonable and most of all, good for the baby. I hate to skimp on the money since I can't put a price on my baby's welfare.

[SusanD]

Clairea, thank you for those kind words. This daycare thing has been pretty difficult for me, and it's nice to hear some positive things about it. Welcome to CL, hope we'll hear from you a lot!

MrsReber, your pets are just so cute! I know what you mean about dreading the day Jed passes. Bucky (our yellow) is only 2, and I already think about that. Have you heard any good tips on introducing the pets to the baby? I doubt we'll have too much of a problem, he's pretty laid back, but it never hurts to do whatever you can in advance. The only piece of advice that I've gotten was from one of our friends who brought the baby's blankets home from the hospital for their dog to smell. Whoops...it's almost time to go home! TGIF! Have a great weekend and happy baby-decorating! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[SusanD]

What a great site! I love your pets - is that a black lab? We have a yellow lab, although he's not trained for hunting. Your hubby is quite an outdoors guy! Do you go watch him race often? My best friend's husband is really into racing. I loved your wedding pictures, your dress is pretty similar to mine. Your nieces are so cute! It's fun to be able to put a face on our conversations. We don't have a website but I'll have to email you some photos sometime. My SIL wants me to send her a picture of my big belly.

The daycare situation at the military base sounds ideal, that would be great if you can get in. Waiting lists are so frustrating! That was another nice thing about this church daycare - if I sign up soon they can guarantee me a space. One of the places I looked at, the YMCA, I'm fourth on the list for July!

[mightyh]

I don't know if you two are internet shoppers, but just wanted to let you know that I just bought two baby shower gifts on www.etoys.com (http://www.etoys.com) and they are having a "up to 75% off" sale--though some things are even more discounted. So I immediately thought of you two http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I got a $50 Beatrix Potter mobile for $12 and a $50 noah's ark gymini playmat for $30 and was so excited with my deals.... so it's not just toys. You may be able to find some of the stuff you're using in your nursery.

[clairea]

MrsReber

Things worked out pretty well when my neighbor took care of my son, but as I said in my earlier post, there are pros and cons to every childcare situation. I really liked having him in a stay-at-home environment and it didn't really bother me that he just went along while she was running errands, etc. One of the things I worried about when I had a nanny in my home was that he didn't get enough of that kind of stimulation. Also, because I knew my neighbor quite well, I was very comfortable with the care he was getting. Also (and to my surprise) the money situation wasn't awkward -- we agreed that I would pay her what I would have paid daycare and I don't think either one of us really ever thought about it the rest of the time. On the down side, I think it would have been uncomfortable for me if I wanted to ask her to do anything differently. Also, our children were only 5 months apart, so when they got close to 1 it got harder for her to keep up with them both and so we stopped the arrangement. This might not be as much as an issue for you since it sounds like your neighbor's little boy will be quite a bit older than your baby, so it would be more like having a toddler and an infant (which is not easy, but at least one can walk, follow directions, etc). Also, as my son got older I really liked that he had the structure and stimulation of daycare, especially since he was only there about 25 hours/week. Maybe your neighbor would be willing to keep your baby just for a few months? When I first went back to work, I definitely thought it was easier leaving my son in that kind of environment rather than having to adjust to having him in daycare at the same time I was trying to adjust to going back to work. This might also give you more time to get into the daycare that you want at the military base.

I understand what you mean about not wanting to skimp on the money, but remember that cost alone will not determine the quality of care that your child is getting. We all have to do what is right for our own families, and for most of us that includes thinking about the cost.

I hope this helps. I know how hard it is to think about leaving your baby and going back to work, but things will work out.

[MrsReber]

SusanD, I too heard that you should bring something home with the baby's scent on it before bringing the baby into the house. I think our pets will respond well, though. My friend's husband tried the blanket trick with their dog- and I think my neighbor might have tried it, too. They seemed to think it worked. And my neighbor has a pit bull and a boxer. Yikes! They love her little boy, though. Oh, that was another issue with the daycare. I know her dogs are pretty harmless, but I don't know how they'd react to a new baby. I'd have to spend some time over there with the baby myself before I could feel comfortable leaving my baby there.

Clairea, that is exactly what I was thinking, that my neighbor could help us out for the first few months and maybe by then we'd get a spot in the daycare at my husband's job. Hopefully for the first few months, I won't have to go back to work full time, so I wouldn't have to leave the baby for a whole week. I just don't think I could do that. I'd be so sad.

Mightyh- thanks for the tip on etoys. I bought a few things there in the past for my neice and nephew in NC and they were very well recieved!

Susann, I wish you all the luck in the world. I am so glad that your doctor is confident they can solve the problem so you can have children. I can't imagine not going through this experience.

Have to get back to making my dinner!

[Susann]

This is my first post on the healthy living bb, but I am a regular on the food bb. Several months ago, many of the Susans announced that they were pregnant and have since become known as 'the pregnant Susans.' Although, I am a Suzanne and not a Susan, hearing about all of this was a very emotional experience for me. This is all very personal, but I feel really close w/everyone on the BB. In July, it was discovered that I had a problem with my uterus and would be unable to carry a child to term. Thankfully, surgery corrected this. But during the surgery, it was discovered that I have something called PCOS. I will spare all the medical details (unless you are interested, then I am happy to share). But the bottom line is I do not ovulate. We have been trying medication, but it looks like my body does not respond to it. So if the medication does not work this month, next month we go to a series of injections and tests. My doctor is very hopeful and says I should be pregnant by spring. Anyway, I just want to share my experience. I am so happy for both of you, Susan and Susan. I continue to hope and pray that soon-very soon-I will be able to compare pregnancy stories with you.

Thanks for listening. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[SusanD]

MrsReber, how goes the decorating? We actually got a lot done this weekend which I'm very happy about. We ordered the crib & changing table and I found some bedding I liked. The crib will take 10-12 weeks and I'm due in 14, so hopefully the baby doesn't come early or she's going to be sleeping in a drawer! We also decided on a theme for her room - aquarium. I don't know if you've ever seen these, but there's a brand called Funny Friends that makes these silly-looking stuffed fish (also moons, stars, flowers, sunshines). They're hysterical to look at (we were laughing out loud in the store) so we're going to buy some and hang them from her ceiling. We also bought a "fake" fishtank from Linens & Things (real tank, real water and real bubbles but fake fish) that will not only be interesting for her to look at but the white noise will be soothing. My husband started stripping the wallpaper in her room, and discovered that it's going to be a lot tougher to get off than we thought (they must have used superglue to put it up). So now we're trying to figure out what to do with that. Oh, I thought of you when we were out on Saturday, they had a NASCAR car seat that had all these racing logos all over it. Your husband should get that one to put in his car! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif By the way, I had my husband take a picture of me with my big belly over the weekend, as soon as I get the film developed I'll email it to you!

Mightyh, I discovered the etoys sale over the weekend! I got on that site and it was bad news...for our credit card that is. I bought a bunch of the Lamaze development toys, they are really nice!

Susann, I wish you the best of luck. With all the miracles that doctors can perform these days, I'm sure you'll have your own little bambino in no time. I look forward to hearing from you on how everything's going.

[MrsReber]

Decorating is coming along- very slowly. It is not my nature to nag, but hubby was not being very cooperative! He promised me the room would be painted by the 26th so I had to nag -ugh!! Anyway, it's all painted now and I am ready for my mom to come help with the wallpaper. I got the Bears Express things from Babies R Us. I love bears. I knew it had to be bears of some sort. I did actually think about doing fish and water. I have a friend who did that. I haven't seen the funny fish, though. It's going to look great when you get done! I want to put stars on the ceiling for the baby. We have stars in the other two bedrooms. We put up one set and the people who owned the house before us put up one set. I hope your crib comes in time. I didn't realize until we started looking that some of them take a long time and have to be ordered. We were lucky- the guy I bought mine from has them all in his warehouse. I just have to call him and tell him when we can pick up. Of course, I was looking for the receipt on Saturday and couldn't find it anywhere. I'm sure it will turn up.

I looked on etoys, too. What cute stuff! That's funny, we both liked the same toys on there!

Haven't seen the Nascar car seats, but he is a very big fan. The company that makes the seats for the actual race cars (Simpson) also makes a baby seat. My friend tells me that she wants to buy it for us. I suppose they would know how to build a safe car seat!

Great! I can't wait to see your picture! I have to get a picture of my belly, too- as much as I loathe the idea. I look fat mostly because of my top half, not my bottom half! I am waiting for the belly to catch up. My husband was trying to feel the baby last night, but still no luck. He fell asleep with his hand on my stomach and THEN the baby moved. Oh well. Soon enough. He does still talk to the baby, which cracks me up. He told the baby that he painted the bedroom yesterday since grandma (my mother) was cracking the whip!

[sal]

Oh, the memories - thanks for sharing this time with all of us! In ref to breastingfeed, I can attest to the cabbage leaf thing, too - I used them when I had breast infections (got more than one due to thrush) and put them inside my bra - really helped, I'm not sure if it was psychosomatic but it seemed to work! If you are planning to bf, it is good to check w/daycare provider to be sure they will work with you (for ex. try to hold baby off at end of day so that you can nurse right away, warm the milk properly, those kind of little details). Good luck . sally

[MrsReber]

Thanks for the tip, Sally. I didn't even think about breastfeeding when considering day care providers! Too much to think about! My brain is going to explode!

[SusanD]

OOH! I like bears too! That will be so cute! There are so many great things out there, it's very hard to choose a theme. They also make bedding sets with the Funny Fish, but the colors don't match what I have picked out for the walls - so I'm just going to do solid colors for the bedding and then buy some extra sheets to make curtains. What color did you paint the room? Our baby will have stars, too. The previous occupant of the room was a teenage girl (as we could tell by the Brad Pitt poster that was hanging on the back of the door when we moved in) and she stuck a whole galaxy all over the ceiling. We knew that it would eventually be a baby's room, so we left the stars there. My sister slept in there over Christmas and commented how much fun they were to look at! That's great that you can get your crib right away. I'm a little concerned - but that's so far off, I'm sure we'll figure something out if it doesn't come in time. She'll probably be in our room at first anyway.

Sal, thanks for the advice! Actually the daycare places that I've looked at are very conscious about addressing that issue which makes me happy. I agree with Susan, there's so much stuff to know, I have no idea how I'm going to remember it all!

[MrsReber]

I agree -there are so many cute themes to choose from for baby's rooms. I tend to like the calming effects of more neutral colors and I always loved bears. I guess now I'll have somewhere to put my little collection. I have a bunch of bear cross stitches that I've done, too, so now I can hang them up in the baby's room! The walls are now yellow, thanks to my husband's hard work. What a guy. I got a yellow that matches the border. It's in the beige family so it's not YELLOW (in your face yellow), it's a very soothing yellow. I had a yellow room when I was younger, too. It's nice and cheerful. I can't wait until it's all done. Then I want a glider and ottoman in there and I will probably never come out. My mom is coming Saturday to do the border- and be taken to dinner. I hope my husband is not around to laugh at the two of us!

The people at work are starting to notice my belly. It'll be exactly five months on the 31st, so I guess it's about time. Some of the women tell me "at least you have an excuse for having that stomach! Look at mine!". Then I had one woman complain of being too thin (she had an operation and was out for 2 months). Then she said "oh, I guess I shouldn't complain to you!" I have been wearing rather loose dresses which are very comfortable. You can't see where my stomach is under them, but it's right there. The side view is much more entertaining. I am proud to say I have not waddled at all! My lower back is in bad shape, though. How's your back doing? I am going to be going back to the chiropractor more often, I think!

[MrsReber]

I almost bought a body pillow, but it seemed so cheap. It'd be really easy to make one of those, after looking at them. That is a good idea. I use the throw pillows when I sit on the couch (we desperately need a new couch) and I actually use a regular bed pillow in bed- or I just sleep leaning on my husband, which also seems to work well. He's not as mushy as the pillow, though. I am most comfortable on my back, but I hear that's bad. I wake up on my back all the time. I know what you mean about the different sides- I slept mostly on my left side last night and my shoulder hurt this morning, plus my hand was all pins and needles. Ouch! I find that my arms and legs seem to fall asleep very quickly these days. I can't turn over in my sleep anymore, though. I wake up first and then turn over. That is a good idea for being on your feet-to wear good shoes. I normally go barefoot or just wear socks around the house and I am more than ready to sit down when I am done making dinner.

Well, after we do the border this weekend, I am going to have to go shopping for some carpet. The stuff in there is awful. It doesn't even deserve to be called carpet.

Do you find that you're much warmer than usual? My husband is always complaining that I keep the house too cold, but I feel just fine. I get way too hot when he turns the heat up- and we keep it at 68 or below all the time. I really turn it down before going to bed because I get way too hot. I don't know if I mentioned before, but I have the vaporizor on every night to combat my sinus troubles. It does seem to help some.

I hear you, with the busy baby! Sometimes he (or she) just won't sit still! I can see my stomach moving, but hubby still has not felt it. I feel bad, I want to share that with him. One of our neighbors had a baby over the weekend. I hope she's okay, she had the baby Saturday and wasn't home yet last night. Anyway, they had a boy and he was three weeks early. I believe they're naming him Kyle.


[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 01-23-2001).]

[SusanD]

You'll have to put some pictures of the baby's room on your website, it sounds so cute! We're hoping to have the room done in the next couple of weeks. The wallpaper that's in there now is not coming off very easily and my husband made a bunch of phone calls yesterday to paint stores & professionals to try to figure out what we can do with it. Once that's done it shouldn't take too long to paint.

I laughed at the story of your co-workers, I get the same thing here. I can't tell you how many people just in the past two weeks have told me that FINALLY I'm starting to look pregnant. I wear pretty big tops so it hides it well, but I know my big belly's there! I'll be 27 weeks this saturday, almost into my third trimester. I can't believe how fast it has gone! My back is bothering me a little too. I used to walk around the house in my socks all the time, but now if I'm on my feet for a long period (like making dinner) I have to wear good shoes otherwise my back just kills. I bought these big clogs that are kind of ugly but soooo comfortable, they have great arch support in them. How are you sleeping? I read in one of my books that you're supposed to sleep on your left side, but for some reason it really hurts my shoulder and hip if I do. I have no problem sleeping on my right side, though. Do you have any special pillows? Right now I just shove one of our throw pillows under my belly, I tried a standard size down pillow but it was too big and uncomfortable. The Company Store makes a maternity pillow but it's so expensive. I'm going to try sewing my own pillow first before I go spend the $$.

By the way, I think I have the next Mia Hamm living inside of me. She is one busy girl! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by SusanD (edited 01-23-2001).]

[SusanD]

It's so fun to come in to work every morning and read the latest additions to our conversation! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I have the problem with sleeping on my back too. I really try not to, but sometimes I just wake up that way. My sinuses are bothering me too and I breathe better on my back. I just hope I don't snore! I'm sure I'd have heard complaints by now if I did. I should go buy a vaporizer, that might help. We're in bad need of a new couch too, ours is all chewed up from when Bucky was a puppy. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Actually my body temperature seems to be all over the place these days. I used to be just cold all the time, but now it seems like I'm either one or the other. I wear layers around the house so I can strip down when I need to. It's like I'm going through menopause or something...I keep having hot flashes! Yesterday I was wearing a turtleneck and pants and was freezing but the day before I was wearing a sweater w/a long skirt and was roasting. We turn the heat way down at night because we have a down comforter on our bed, and the other night I woke up and had to kick the covers off because I was so hot.

Did I tell you that my husband felt her move? He was so excited! I'm sure your husband will be able to soon because I think you were feeling your baby before I felt mine and it was only about a month from the time that I first felt her that he could too. It's so funny to be sitting there at my desk and all of a sudden see my shirt move. One day I was sitting there feeling her kick or whatever it is she does in there and thinking about how neat it was...and it suddenly occurred to me that this was a real person with a mind of her own that was moving around inside me. It was kind of a bizarre realization.

I hope everything's okay with your neighbor! I'm sure it is, I had a friend who delivered 11 days early and everything was fine. Mr dr. told me that they officially consider 38 weeks to be full-term so then really he was only a week early. I like the name Kyle, one of the neighbor kids is Kyle and he is the funniest kid! By the way, I picked up my film today, as soon as I get a chance to scan some of the pics I'll email them to you!

[MrsReber]

That's so funny, you say it's like menopause- my co-worker is going through menopause (at 39!!) and she and I seem to feel the same- forgetful, warm, irritable at times. I recommend the vaporizor. Sometimes I fall asleep on the couch and when I get up my head is so stuffy. Then I go into the bedroom and plug in the vaporizor and within minutes it's all cleared up. And the trees in the bedroom are really enjoying the "rain forest" atmosphere.

I know my neighbor was having some kind of problem. My husband was at their house a week ago and they said they had a ton of sonograms because of some problem- but leave it to a man to not get more details!! They knew they were having a boy. Kyle (my husband) thinks it's so cool that they're naming the baby Kyle. I'm sure it has nothing to do with him, however.

Yes, I think the same thing! The first time I feel the baby move each morning, I have to say good morning. I am sure my husband will feel the movement soon. He just keeps missing it. He'll have his hand on my stomach at the wrong time. Some of the kicks are still not strong enough for him to feel. Usually after I eat, I can feel some really strong movement- that's when I see my shirt moving around. It looks so funny!

[Kristilyn1]

Well, I post on the food board, but am mostly a lurker on here. I love hearing about "the susans". I think this wld be a great feature for the magazine!

Anyway, the daycare thing. As a mom of two, in daycare, I've had my sister babysit and done the daycare center and I have a couple of things to add about what makes you comfortable with a daycare situation. I chose my sister first because my big thing with my firstborn was that he get lov. Of course my sister loves him and that was great, but there were other issues that have to at least be thought about. Illnesses. Home daycare, what will you do if your provider has children that are sick? Keep yours out? Will you expect her to inform you that morning? Will she want yours while she's dealing with even the sniffles of her child? Not that it needs to be a big deal, but it needs to be considered. The other issue that came up a lot with my sister was tv watching and errand running. How much tv will your child have access to and what kind? My sister kept the tv on all day--and that is just not something I wanted. The other thing--errands. In theory, this didn't bother me, but when he got to be two or three and I learned that he basically spent a beautiful summer day grocery shopping, going to the bank,etc. that didn't make me feel too good. They are all just part of the big picture...that need to be ironed out ahead of time.

Kristi

[MrsReber]

Thanks Kristi- I have many of the same concerns with my neighbor. As it is, we see her going out all the time with her baby. I don't want my baby in the car all day at the stores or whatever. That makes me nervous. I have also thought about illness. I don't know what we'd do. I am mostly concerned, though, because when I leave for work in the morning, their house is completely dark and no one is up. Even though she offered, I still feel that as time goes on, she will not want to be tied down with two kids to watch all day. I have been calling daycare centers and found two rather good ones which are completely within reason (as far as $$ goes). One of them has a waiting list and the other one doesn't, but it's kind of out of the way for a morning drop off before work. My husband would have to drop off since I leave the house by 6:10 every day and most places don't open until 6:30.

Thanks for your input. It really does help to hear different opinions from everyone.