A new era... the pregnant non-Susans

[KristaMB]

Okay, while we're all anxiously awaiting for the news about Marisa's baby, I'll share a little pregnancy humor.

My brother and his GF were visiting for the weekend, and I had given them my house key. Since they were leaving yesterday while I would be at work, I left instructions about leaving the house and locking it, but still allowing me to get back in. Well, you guessed it. They locked me out. Can you imagine a funnier site than a big 'ol pregnant lady climbing through a window?!? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif Luckily, the bedroom window was cracked, and I could boost myself up on our water spigot to vault on through. Too funny! I'll never let my brother live down the fact that he locked his pregnant sister out of the house.

I have been so tired lately. I finally have decided to stop tutoring at the library. I'm sad, because I really love doing it. I just can't muster up enough energy anymore to get up early, plan lessons, etc. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif

Shoyski, how has your back been? I hope that it's getting better. Let me suffer for the both of us!

I still haven't done anything on the room. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif Did you start over the weekend?

Dinner is calling my name....

Take care,
~Krista

[shoyski]

Hi Krista, great story! We locked ourselves out of our home twice last summer but imagining a pregnant woman climbing through the window is much funnier.

Dave put the crib together while I was out on Saturday. Before I left, I asked if it would fit through the bedroom door, remembering the other stories from this board. He assured me it would be no problem.
Well, you guessed it......he put it together in the hall and it didn't fit so he had to tear it apart and do it again. I asked if he muttered any bad words the baby shouldn't hear and he replied that the incident was so laughable that he didn't. (I really get on him about cussing because I don't want to hear my four year old using that kind of language)

Thanks for asking about my back. By Monday I wasn't feeling any pain at all and it has stayed away. Sorry your back is still bothering you. The worst pain I've had so far is leg cramps in the night. I can count on having several episodes each night. Last night I had to bite my pillow it hurt so bad but it wasn't sore this morning so I lucked out.

I hope you can feel more relaxed now that you've quite the tutoring. Luckily it's something you can go back to since you love it.

[KristaMB]

I've been having occasional leg cramps. I woke Damon up at 4 a.m. yesterday morning so he could help me stretch out my calf. It's still sore! I can't imagine having several each night. Ouch!

Which pieces of furniture (besides the crib) did you buy for the baby's room? A lot of people that I've talked to seem to think that a changing table is a waste of money. They say that you'll just end up changing the baby on the bed, couch, floor, etc. I am debating whether or not to buy 1) a dresser and a changing table, 2) one of those conversion dresser/table units, or 3) just a dresser. Opinions, please!

Damon is finally done with school, so we'll be starting on the room and other pre-baby tasks. Hopefully we can get a little bit accomplished this weekend.

[lindrusso]

Krista - I did not invest in a separate changing table, I bought one of the dresser combos. This was mostly because we simply did not have room for both.

I think the changing table can be handy for storing items, but certainly not necessary. You just have to realize that once the baby/future babies grow up, you will have a piece of furniture that is pretty much useless.

As for where to change baby - I know a lot of people who never used a table per se. However, I always used a table! I can't imagine changing a poopy diaper anywhere else on a regular basis (I always had images of them trying to crawl away and getting the floor or bed dirty!)??? One of the other reasons that I used the table was to keep my children used to not being able to crawl around. Seems like once you use the floor, etc., they just crawl all over the place and it makes changing time harder.

I guess some people switch to the floor because they are afraid their active children will fall off the table, but keeping my kids on the table just worked better for me (you can get safe pads with straps and all to keep baby in place).

So, it's really a matter of preference. Whatever you think would work best for you!

[mb]

Krista, I'm certainly not an old pro (yet!), but i can let you know what we did. We bought a standard double dresser and a tall chest also. These are pieces the baby will always be able to use. We bought a Rumble-Tuff changing pad that can attach to the top of the double dresser. This brand is very good, and much nicer than the Simmons one at BabiesRUs. I bought it online. Anyhow, then we found a crib separately that matched the furniture. It turns out that the whole set is just really different and doesn't look like all those ones at the baby store. Plus, it can grow with the baby! We have used it to change baby Amanda since she came home. We haven't changed her anywhere else yet (for fear of getting it diaper-dirty!)

And Krista, between your DH eating your ice cream and you brother locking you out of your house, I'm a little worried about the men in your life! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Glad to be back!
Marisa http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[beacooker]

Wow Marisa, hows that for a low-key return. HOW WAS IT????? Or did I miss a post somewhere?

[mb]

Anne, for all the details, check the 'we're finally home!' thread. sorry about that! (p.s. things went great and we're happy to be home!)
marisa http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[shoyski]

Krista, so far we haven't purchased anything for the baby's room. Dave's brother and SIL donated a "loaner" crib and we are refinishing an antique jelly jar cabinet that my Grandma gave to me about five years ago...think very tall, skinny cabinet. We plan on using that for clothes, etc.

We are definitely not getting a changing table. As everyone has stated, it appears to become useless after awhile and I'm not a packrat kind o' gal. We were planning on using the floor, bed, etc. However, after reading Lindrusso's post I'm planning on using our big beach towels underneath. By the time our little one arrives, the pools will be closed and there aren't any exotic vacations in the works for awhile http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif so the towels are up for grabs.

We are definitely planning on getting a glider. I'm not excited by it but Dave has his heart set on one after testing out the hospital's during our tour. We had our annual "Weekend after Memorial Day" party yesterday and when I mentioned the glider thingey, all the moms nodded and said, go for it, wish I had one, love mine, you'll love it, etc.

Speaking of the party, it was really interesting. We've been having the same party for eight years now with the same group, expanding a bit every year with add-ons. Eveyone who came either had one kid (over two) or multiple children, and two of the women who came are due in July. Since Dave and I waited quite a while to have kids, I felt like I was being checked out by everyone, even the guys. Weird feeling! Every one had a comment as to how little I'm showing which cracked me up. I've gained 14 pounds and I feel like I'm sticking out pretty far now.

All I care about it what the doctor thinks and he said I'm doing fine. I'm trying so very hard not to listen to others and compare so I don't become a Nervous Nellie.

Have a great week everyone! Anyone want some rain?!

[KristaMB]

I did some searching on the web last night and found a few options on the changing table. It's hard to describe, but I found a few that are a chest drawers with the table on top, but you can flip the the whole thing over to have a more grown up look. Hadn't seen that one before.

I'm still debating the glider. We have a standard rocking chair that we refinished a few years ago, so I don't really need anything else. But I've sat in those gliders and they sure are nice. However, I read somewhere (maybe on this board?) that a lot of babies pinch their fingers in the gliders once they start to crawl.

Shoyski, you already went on a hospital tour? Have you started going to any classes yet? I still need to call and sign up. I'm being such a slacker!

I have really started feeling big. I can't reach the switch to the garbage disposal, and I keep bumping my belly on things. I forget how far it sticks out. Last time I was at the doctor I had gained about 16 pounds, and I don't think I've grown too much since then. Of course, it's hard to tell on your own body. My belly button is changing, too. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I had a busy weekend. My company picnic was yesterday, and I cooked almost all day today. Once again, I got nothing accomplished on the baby's room. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif I'm sure once I figure out what we're doing in terms of furniture, I'll feel more motivated.

Anne, how are you feeling?

~Krista

[MrsReber]

Here's what we did for changing baby- I have 2 changing pads, one of which I keep in a basket in the living room. I have diapers and wipes in the basket, too, so we can put her on the pad on the couch and change her instead of running to the bedroom each time. In Casey's room, we have a dresser with a flip top changing peice. It's sturdy and it just attaches to the dresser. When she's older, we can take it off and still use the dresser. We simply don't have room for a changing table in Casey's room and it seemed like a waste of money to us. Just my opinion!!

[KristaMB]

Shoyski, the changing table/ dresser unit is from Baby's Dream. They have a website: www.babysdream.com. (http://www.babysdream.com.) I actually like the pictures of their furniture better at www.expressbaby.com. (http://www.expressbaby.com.) (When I tried the original link after posting, it didn't work. Click on furniture, then go to the Baby's Dream section) Of course, neither of these sites list prices, so I have no idea how much these things cost. I think I'll call a retailer this week to investigate. Based on all the feedback, I've pretty much decided that I'm not buying a separate changing table. Seems like a waste of money...

I'm also going for the diabetic drink test on the 15th! I guess that means I should sign us up for the class my doctor suggested.

I have another co-worker story to share. My boss made fun of me today because he says I'm always eating. He said he was going to buy me a "feed bag" like they have for horses. Somebody else suggested that I get a trough for my office. Aren't you all jealous of the lovely folks I work with? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif


[This message has been edited by KristaMB (edited 06-04-2001).]

[shoyski]

Hey Krista,

What web site did you use to find the dresser, if I may ask, please? That sounds pretty cool. I just may go for something like that.

We went on hospital tours when I was just starting my fourth month. The doctor had asked which hospital we wanted to go to and we had no clue at that time. We figured we could take some tours of the two hospitals to choose from and make an informed decision then. If need be, we can always take another tour.

As far as classes go, my doctor said he'd talk to us about the classes at our next appointment which is June 15th (the diabetic drink appointment). He said we'd be taking them after that appointment.

Isn't it weird how you can get bigger but not gain any weight?

[BlueMoose]

I have never had a changing table. With my first, we really didn't have the space for one. I got used to just using the bed or the floor, so I didn't even consider one for my second. I just put a blanket underneath him.

[mb]

krista - where the heck do you work?!? where do they find these people!?!?yikes! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif a 'feed bag'? now i've heard everything! and you have what - 3 more months to go? i know they're just joking with you, but maybe you can take your maternity leave early??? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

marisa

[KristaMB]

Marisa, can't you tell that I work at a highly professional company? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif I work for a hazardous materials consulting firm. Don't worry, there's no haz mat handling involved. It's just a big office where we dole out advice and assistance. It's not too bad of a place to work. We just take teasing a little too far on occasion!

I actually spoke with my boss today about working from home towards the end of July. They have recently let two others do it, so I only think that fair is fair. He seemed pretty receptive to the idea, so hopefully I won't have to put up with my co-workers torture for very much longer! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[KristaMB]

shoyski~ it sounds like you're eating a little healthier than I am. But I don't think it's what I eat, it's just that I'm always eating (according to them). I usually have a bowl of cereal, or whole grain waffles, or a bagel about an hour after I get to work. (I drink a smoothie on the way in) Then I have a piece of fruit around 10, a sensible lunch at 11, I'll eat pretzels or yogurt around 1, then another little something in the afternoon. I eat healthier than all of them combined, they just like to make fun of me. They're lucky I can take it! I'm on jury duty, so I am free of them for a few days. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I have yet another question... To those of you with pets, how did your pets react to the baby? Did you do anything special to prepare them, or is there anything you think I should know?

~Krista

[shoyski]

Krista, thanks for the web sites. Sounds like you and I have similar jobs except we're a distributor of plumbing products to wholesalers. Unfortunately there would be no way I could work from home.

I wonder what you eat that garners such "compliments." For instance, here's my day so far for eating.....yogurt, banana, cantelope, bowl of cheerios and two handfuls of animal crackers. What I have left for snacking this afternoon is an orange, a container of grape tomaotes and some mix a friend made that has beans, cilantro, red pepper, parsley, corn...can't rememer the rest but I eat it with baked tortilla chips. Does that qualify me for a trough? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[beacooker]

Krista, my co-workers are as bad as yours! They have already started talking about what they will do if I go into labor at work (and here I'm only 2 1/2 mos pg!). One of the guys said that a stray cat that came by his house to give birth wanted to do it in the bushes, so they will put me outside. And another guy said he grew up on a farm and gave birth to lots of cows, so he would be happy to help me. Most days I find all of this very amusing, as it sounds like you do! Do you work with a lot of guys also? I think its mainly a guy thing.

[KristaMB]

Most of my co-workers are women, but it's the two guys that make most of the comments. Although, my office mate does make a lot of "always eating" comments. I have a good comeback for her, though. She gained about a hundred pounds while she was pregnant, so I can just point that out to quiet her down.

I'm done with the trial I was on for jury duty, so tomorrow I am going back to work. I am mentally preparing for the onslaught of comments! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I must admit, jury duty has been a nice break from them...

[mb]

to shoyski and krista: wow, you guys eat really well! keep it up! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif your baby will thank you for it! and who cares if you're eating a lot? a) you're supposed to, and b) i'm sure you eat a lot healthier than your coworkers! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

luckily, i didn't really get teased at work for eating a lot. people would sometimes start to make a comment because i was always going to the refrigerator, but i carefully explained by saying i eat small things throughout the day (like a banana at 10am, sandwich at noon, fruit at 2pm, and yogurt around 4pm...) then they left me alone. then again, i just worked with 5 other women, and they all pretty much knew that's how i ate before i was pregnant!

krista, i don't know what to tell you about the pets. i'm sure there are some books out there (or info on the internet - check www.babycenter.com (http://www.babycenter.com) maybe) on how to handle that. what kind of pet do you have?

Anne, glad you're still taking your coworkers comments in good stride!!!! just keep in mind there's 6.5 months to go... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Marisa http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[shoyski]

Well, last night was supposed to be pizza night and it never happened. You guys are going to laugh at this one.

Around 8:30pm I started feeling the ol' gas pain kick in so I quickly took some Mylanta gas reliever stuff to try and keep it from becoming a problem. Not to be....by 8:40 I was in the most pain I've ever been in my life. I couldn't sit, stand, lay down (you get the idea) without severe abdominal pain, right below my bellybutton. Interestingly, the only way I could function was to be on my hands and knees.

Poor Dave, he didn't know what to do. He suggested a car ride to see if we could joggle the pain loose. So there I was on my hands and knees in the car, sometimes laying down, practically crying because it hurt so bad. I was actually kind of frightened something was happening to the baby. We got home around 9:30 and had the doctor paged.

It's funny now but I remember having to pee really bad and trying to go but it hurt the worst in a sitting position so I gave up on that. The doctor thought it was probably gas but decided to play it safe (and humor me, I think) by having me go to the hosptial for an evaluation. He said by the time I got there the pain would probably be gone. It took me three tries to stand.

I knew Dave would drive like a maniac since he's such a nervous Nellie so I asked him to time the drive.....sort of a test run for when we actually are in labor. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif 11 minutes for those of you who are interested.

The doctor was correct. By the time I made it to the nurses station I could stand upright without pain. They hooked me up to a fetal monitor and we heard the heartbeat, steady and strong for about 20-30 minutes. The nurse said she felt some minor contractions and saw them on the monitor which she thought was due to irritability of the uterus from the pain.

I'm sure the doctor and nurses go through this false alarm on a weekly, if not daily basis but I was never so glad to be wrong in all of my life! And if that's what contractions feel like.....give me the epidural!

I'm pretty content now, sitting on the deck with some cranberry juice and some sun. I had planned to take a 1/2 day off work a couple of weeks ago and it worked out just right.

Any stories from others of false alarms....just to make me feel better?

[mb]

shoyski, i had a little scare/false alarm, but it wasn't in my stomach. i had a really bad leg cramp that woke me up in the morning and didn't go away all day. i went to the doctor that afternoon and she sent me for an 'emergency' ultrasound of my leg (sometimes leg cramps can indicate a blood clot, which is not good!)... it turned out everything was fine and the cramp eventually went away, but it was pretty scary at the time.

i don't know exactly what your stomach pains felt like (other than REALLY painful), but I can tell you that my contractions just felt like really really really really bad menstrual cramps. and as you know, i'm a big fan of the epidural! it was a big help.

i was watching 'baby story' the other day on the learning channel and there was a woman on who was having her baby naturally...she was totally writhing in pain - i was just yelling at the TV, "Take the medications!!!"... it was so uncomfortable for me just to watch (now that i've been there myself) that i had to change the channel!

Marisa http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

p.s. glad you enjoyed your day off! you deserve it!

[shoyski]

Thanks, Marisa. I did enjoy myself. I left work at noon, went swimming at the YMCA, hit the library and then sat out on the deck reading. That's what I call relaxing.

Thought you guys would appreciate the following. I remember SusanD and MrsReber (haven't heard from them in awhile...not too surprising!) talking about trying to find childcare...well, Dave and I have decided to hire a nanny since I'll only be working part time. We placed an ad in the paper two Sundays ago, asking for a resume to be sent. We only received two replies, neither of which looked any good.

Then this past Sunday we placed a similiar ad asking people to call (no mention of a resume)and received 12 calls!

We only had time to call back about four of them so far but it was interesting. We made a point of letting them know we were paying them above board and the first lady backed out stating she would only work for cash. I'm glad we mentioned that. It would stink if we found someone we loved and they ended up cancelling at the last minute because of something like that.

Have a great week everyone!

[KristaMB]

I haven't checked in for a few days but I have a great reason. We finally started working on the nursery! We had to disconnect and move the computer, and it just got hooked back up. How bad is that? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif It's up for 5 minutes and I tell DH, "I need to see my friends on the internet." He just gave me a strange look...

We moved all the office furniture out, and purchased a crib and dresser. I decided just to buy a changing pad and use the top of the dresser. (Haven't bought the pad yet.) Can you believe that we actually remembered to assemble the crib in the room? I learned from everybody else's experience.

shoyski, I saw the dresser I was describing in my previous post. In case you were curious, at the baby store the three drawer unit sold for $399. We ended up buying a six drawer unit from another furniture store.

Marisa, I'm mostly worried about how my beagle will adjust. He's pretty spoiled. I think one of "the Susans" had a dog that was like their baby, so maybe if they check in, they'll have some insight. I haven't checked out that website you recommended yet, either.

I have until the beginning of January off, but I really need to start to considering my daycare options. I am really planning on not going back to work, but a part of me feels like that's not reality. Everything is so up in the air with Damon graduating in December, etc. If he can find a high enough paying job, then I won't have to return. I also may be able to work from home. However, I don't know how the logistics will be with a baby.

I hope all is going well with everyone.

Take care,
Krista

[KristaMB]

Even though they said the board would be down, I tried and was successful! Yahoo!

shoyski, your dinner plans sound so much better than mine. I'm leaning toward cereal. Or there's always ice cream! (Damon won't be home for dinner.) I hope you enjoy yourself at your supper club.

I finally called regarding birthing classes. I am having a bit of a hard time deciding on what to do, though. DH starts summer school, so would have to miss at least two classes at the end of each session. The classes he'd miss are in the beginning of August. Or, we could go Saturday, August 4th to a one day affair. I'm not sure if waiting until August 4th is cutting it too close. For the weekly classes we could at least fit some in, if the baby were to arrive early. Hhhmmm...

Good luck with your interview process. I'm sure you'll find somebody who "clicks."

~Krista

[shoyski]

Krista, glad to hear everything's going well. I wondered where you were. Thanks for the pricing info on the dresser. Dave got his behiney in gear and stained/polyurethaned the antique jelly jar cabinet from my grandma so now we have "a dresser." However, although it looks pretty cool at over six feet tall, it would not be too practical for changing a baby on. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I must have missed the fact that you were planning on possibly not going back to work.
Excellent! My current plan is part time...Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. We placed an ad in the paper Sunday and as of last night, have over 30 applicants. Some are real duds but a few sound really neat. One is a 41 year old mom who's youngest is in 5th grade. She home-schooled all three (or two?) kids but decided to send her youngest to "real" school this coming September. I'm not sure why...Dave spoke with her.

One lady left a message on our machine and sounded about 55 years old and a five pack a day smoker. I told Dave I didn't think she'd be able to chase a kid around the house! (Due to the smoking, not the age)

Anyway, this interviewing stuff should keep us pretty busy for awhile. Tonight I'm going to our local CL dinner party and am taking Jicama Salad. I'm looking forward to trying some new dishes.

[Kristilyn1]

Hi ladies! I saw a couple postings on babies and pets. What we did to prepare our cat for the baby was--my husband brought home one of the babies little blankets from the hospital that we had used with the baby--the day before we came home. We let the cat sniff it, etc. and left it on the couch where he could investigate it further.

Otherwise, I don't have any other suggestions!

Kristi

[shoyski]

Krista, did you decide on the classes? I need to call today or Monday and sign up. Maybe your doctor can give you some input as to how late you can schedule. My friends told me to try and take the one day class as opposed to strecthing it out over several.

How's the room coming along? We haven't done anything since Dave stained/polyurethaned the cabinet last weekend.

You'll never guess what this dumbbutt did yesterday. I assume your diabetes test went well.....mine didn't and I have to go to a lab to get one done becasuse I didn't fast.
What an idiot! I wasn't thinking and ate some fruit in the morning...duh! Then I still had to wait an hour until the doctor showed up at 9am, just for my regular fetal checkup. Gosh, I felt so stupid.

Anyway, now I moved into the "every two weeks seeing the doctor" instead of every month. I'm assuming you did as well. Have you talked to your doctor about Lamaze vs. Bradley? I wasn't very clear on Bradley and still am not educated but my doctor clearly doesn't like that method. He called it militant.

Dave and I went to a Doula seminar at BRU Thursday night. I think I'm leaning towards hiring one for labor AND postpartum. I don't know how much it costs but if it isn't too bad, I'm thinking it sounds like a gift from heaven. And BRU gave each attendant a free diaper bag. We actually received two because we hung out and spoke with this couple who are expecting twins and the store manager was trying to get rid of them! It's not what I would pick out but hey, it was free. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

This couple we spoke to were neat. The kind of people I could see being friends with. The girl was a marathon runner and she and I discussed how we've pulled out of our favorite workout schedules and pared down to gentler things. I used to rollerblade and now I swim and do step aerobics.

I think they were very interested in getting a Doula because the guy had never changed diapers before and the closest family around was four hours away. Twins! I used to think it would be neat to have them but now that I'm pregnant and thinking about actually caring for the little one I have changed my mind. And the funny thing that came out of all of that is I learned Dave has never changed a diaper! He's willing to learn, though, so that's cool.

[This message has been edited by shoyski (edited 06-16-2001).]

[mb]

shoyski, good luck with your ongoing nanny search. i'm sure it has proven to be interesting, if nothing else. hopefully you are finding some good people!

congrats on working on the nursery. it's really fun as it gets closer - everything becomes so much more real! we moved the baby's crib into our room for now, so we haven't even spent much time in her room, so we haven't really had a chance to 'enjoy' the nursery. we're thinking of moving her into her room in a few weeks though. (oh, and luckily our crib fits through the doorway, so we were able to just move it around the house without having to disassemble it!!!)

krista, don't worry too much about your working plans after the baby. things will eventually fall into place. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

about the birth classes: i liked having a 5-week class. that way, we were able to make friends with other people in the class, and also there was a lot of time to go over stuff and ask lots of questions. i read a little bit about the bradley method, but i'm not familiar with it either. our hospital only had 1 choice - lamaze - so that made things easy. i thought bradley was more 'natural childbirth' centered, but lamaze is also in a way - it just stresses more breathing and relaxation techniques. but honestly, we spent much of the classtime learning about the whole birth process and options that are available to us, rather than sitting around breathing all the time!

shoyski, that doula seminar sounds interesting. i only read a little bit about doulas prior to birth, but i knew my DH would be a great labor 'coach' so we didn't worry about finding a doula. and as it turned out, i slept through most of labor, so hiring a doula probably would have been a waste for me!

be prepared for free diaper bags! i got 2 free ones filled with all kinds of stuff from the hospital. in any case, we ended up buying our own diaper bag anyhow. we didn't want a feminine one & i didn't want one that was too big either (then you put too much stuff in it & it gets too heavy!!!)

marisa http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[KristaMB]

shoyski, my dr. apt. was about as successful as yours. I knew they would send me to the lab for the test, so I was prepared for that, but they did not tell me about fasting, either. They were really disorganized on Friday. My apt was at 10 and I didn't see the dr until 11:30! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif By that time, I wouldn't have had time to sit at the lab for an hour anyway. The nurses we're really stressed out. They forgot to take my blood pressure, and didn't give me the paperwork for the lab. (I had to ask for it on my way out.) I was so frustrated because if they would've told me about the fasting, and had their act together, they could've sent me to the lab while they caught up on patients.

I'm also on the two week schedule. However, I'll be in Northern California for a baby shower on the 29th, so I'm not going back until July 3rd. Hopefully the office will be back to it's normal self, and I won't have to wait an hour and a half! My dr. must've had a delivery in the morning that threw them off schedule.

I called to sign up for classes on Thursday and Friday, but there was nobody in the office and they didn't call me back. The classes actually start on Thursday, so I hope that they let us register for them this late. If not, there's always the weekend session in August!

We bought some new blinds for the nursery yesterday, and Damon hung them last night. They look really nice. Besides that, we haven't done anything else to the room.

I haven't really discussed Lamaze vs. Bradley with my doctor. I'm not super familiar with Bradley, but I think I remember reading that a big part of it is diet.

How is the nanny search going?

Enjoy your day!

~Krista

[MrsReber]

Hi everyone! Yes, I've been busy. Seems the first 2 weeks were easiest since Casey slept so much. Now we play when she's up. Anyway, we have 2 dogs ans a cat. Kyle brought a blanket home for the dogs to snigf. They couldn't be bothered. We thought the lab would be protective, but he just wants to lick Casey's head. The bichon is very concerned when Casey cries and the cat doesn't want to come in the house anymore. He's getting a bit better and actually asked to come in a couple of days ago. I'm not at all worried about the pets around the baby. The worst they do is lick whatever skin they can get to.

Wow, I didn'y have to fast for the diabetes test. I asked beforehand, too, and they told me it didn't matter.

Gotta go- crying baby!!

[KristaMB]

MrsReber: It's good to hear from you! I saw the lady who kennels my dog (she's also a breeder and groomer) on Friday, and she said that she didn't think I had anything to worry about. Hopefully she's right! She volunteered to come pick up the dog if he's too much to handle when we get home from the hospital. It sounds like you've had no problems with your pets, so I'll count on that, too.

Maybe I don't have to fast. They didn't tell me I had to, but on the lab slip it looks like the box is marked "glucose, fast." Since the dr. office was so disorganized, maybe they just forgot to mention it. I'll call the lab tomorrow to double check.

[Kristilyn1]

I believe the "fast" in the glucose test refers to the quick test--vs. the few hours long one that you take if they suspect gestational diabetes from your first test.

Kristi

[mb]

i had to fast for my glucose tolerance test. in fact, diabetes runs in my family so i've had to have my blood sugar tested many times - and every time i've had to fast. i'd check with the lab to make sure though.

when i went for my GTT, i made sure i was the first one at the lab (i got there before it opened, around 6:45am). even though they opened at 7 and i was the first one there, it wasn't until 7:45 that they finally took my blood!!! after drinking the stuff, i waited an hour in the lobby. i had to tell them when the hour was up and then they'd draw more blood. needless to say, i already get shaky/dizzy when i don't eat. add to that being pregnant, and i was NOT a happy camper. but i did survive, and the test was negative, so all turned out well.

a woman in our childbirth class had gestational diabetes though. she made some changes in her diet, and she was doing just fine, so it's not the end of the world if the test is positive... oh, and if your first test is positive, then you will have to go back for a longer test to double-check the first test's results.

those of you who didn't need to fast are lucky! it's not one of my favorite things to do!!! you must also be the ones that didn't have to drink 32oz of fluid in the hour prior to your ultrasound... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

marisa http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[KristaMB]

Off the topic, I've had a less than happy day today. I found out this morning that my brother's GF's parents died in a car accident yesterday. Yesterday was my brother's GF's 21st birthday, and he had surprised her with a trip to Vegas. She didn't know her parents had passed until my mom read the article in the paper this morning, and tracked them down at their hotel in Las Vegas. Her 15 year old brother was also in the car and is in critical condition.

Since I was one of those who got off easy on the water with the u/s, I thought I'd have good luck on the fasting, too. WRONG! I called the lab this morning, and they told me to double check with my dr. When I called the dr, the receptionist said I have to fast. Unfortunately the lab doesn't open until 8, so I'll be starving by the time I get to eat. I usually eat breakfast at 6:15! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif I think I'll go in on Wednesday morning. Shoyski, when are you planning on going?

I finally signed us up for childbirth classes. I had to end up doing the weekend series at a different hospital due to scheduling conflicts. Luckily, they give tours of the birthing suites at "our" hospital every Monday night, so I can still see where I'm going to be. I think I'm also going to sign up for a breastfeeding class.

My MIL offered to buy us a years supply of diapers as a gift. I wonder if she knows what she's in for! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Take care, everyone!

~Krista

[shoyski]

Krista, I am very sorry to hear about your brother's GF's family. I will keep them in my prayers. That's really a tough situation.

I went to get the test yesterday morning; they only offered the orange, not the lemon-lime that someone recommended. I've also heard they offer a coke flavor..blech!
They ended up pulling blood twice but had to stick me three times. Good thing I'm not afraid of needles.

The pediatrics office that I'm planning on going to is right next door to the blood lab so I took the opportunity during my hour wait to go over and interview the office manager and meet some of the staff. (Whew, long sentence). The OM was very nice and friendly, as well as the staff and I was able to get a good overview of the different personalities of the three doctors from the OM. Well worth my time going.

Krista, thanks for reminding me of the classes. I forgot to sign up. I keep thinking I'll do it at work and then it gets so crazy I forget...plus I stay so late at work that the place where you sign up for classes is closed. I suppose Dave could do it but he's doing the bulk of the nanny screening so I don't want him to feel overwhelmed.

We've had over 50 responses on the nanny ad. There have been some real losers but a few that we are excited about calling back and meeting.

[This message has been edited by shoyski (edited 06-19-2001).]

[shoyski]

Anyone's bellybutton ever hurt while you were pregnant? I feel like it's bruised today.

[Peeps]

I have no business posting here as I'm not PG but shoyski I just wanted to chime in on your belly button question because I have a friend who is pregnant and recently went through the same thing (at around 6 mos. I think) - her bellybutton hurt, felt bruised and she said it even looked a little bruised. She asked her doctor about it and they said it was perfectly normal. So there's 2 cents from a non-pregger, hope you don't mind. (Sorry to lurk but I love reading these threads because I have - no kidding - 6 friends who are expecting now so I read for gift ideas, etc. and its been fun!)

[This message has been edited by Peeps (edited 06-19-2001).]

[mb]

peeps, i think being PG is not a requirement for posting here!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif feel free to post anytime!

krista, i am so so sorry to hear about your brother's gf's family. that is such a tragedy. how is her brother doing? i hope your brother's gf is hanging in there, although it must be so difficult. i'll keep her in my thoughts & prayers. it's so scary because she and her brother are so young. not to be morbid, but i guess this is why it's so important for us to have life insurance and a will... then our children will be 'taken care of' if something happens to us (god-forbid...)

shoyski, i never felt like my bellybutton was bruised, but sometimes it did sort of feel uncomfortable, especially if my stomach rubbed up against something. however, i'm kinda weird and have this thing about my bellybutton - i can't even touch it because i get really skeeved. it's a weird thing that my DH teases me about constantly. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

glad to hear your gtt went ok - i hope the results come back favorably for you. how was the orange 'soda'? i was the one that recommended the lemon-lime. just curious to know what the other choice was like. i bet the coke flavored one would be really nasty! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

marisa http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[KristaMB]

Hello, all! Thanks for your kind words and thoughts regarding my brother's GF and her family. I haven't talked to my brother today, but last night he told me that Chris (the 15 yr old) was expected to survive. That's about the extent of what I know at this point. I was going to check the online newspaper for Sacramento to see if I could find out anything else, as my brother is unavailable.

Shoyski, I bumped my bellybutton on a computer monitor today, too! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif It doesn't hurt, but it surprised me. I forget how far I stick out. I've never been too skittish about my navel, but it has been super sensitive lately. Damon keeps trying to touch it to annoy me.

A co-worker sent me this link for a baby carrier yesterday. He said it's the best carrier he's found. I'm thinking about ordering one. At a baby store near us they retail for about $30 more than on the website. http://www.travelingtikes.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/?E+scstore (this link is being funky, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. sorry...it's the Theodore Bean Sports Carrier)

Shoyski, you reminded me that I need to work on finding a pediatrician. My trick for remembering things now is that if I'm at work, I send an e-mail to my home address, and vice versa. Otherwise I forget!

Peeps, I concur with marisa and shoyski. Post away!

It's 98 here today and I feel like I'm melting. The ice cream I just devoured didn't help. I might have to break down and use the air! With the rolling blackouts here and the outrageous energy prices, I know I should just head for a fan, but.... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

~Krista

[This message has been edited by KristaMB (edited 06-19-2001).]

[This message has been edited by KristaMB (edited 06-19-2001).]

[beacooker]

Krista, I am so sorry to hear about your brother's gf's family. Its hard to imagine someone having to deal with so much at once. It must have been hard on your mom to have to be the one to break the news. How is her brother?

The whole belly button thing is really cracking me up - I've already been worried about that! Last week I wore my jeans, and they were still fitting, but were tighter than normal around my waist. I guess the back of the button was rubbing against my bb all day, because when I got home by bb really hurt! So now I've been worried about how it was going to feel when my cute little innie (if I do say so myself!) becomes an outie. Has that happened to you yet shoyski? Needless to say, I'm adding my jeans to the list of clothes that are no longer comfortable to wear! When did you guys start wearing maternity clothes? A lot of my clothes are uncomfortable to button, but I could still do it. It seems like I have a long way to go before I need maternity clothes.

Marisa, I've never heard of getting skeeved before! I like it though! Does it mean mad, or weirded out, or something else?

[KristaMB]

Anne, we must have been typing at the same time! Have you tried looping a rubber band through the button hole of your jeans and attaching the other side to the button? That might help you feel a little more comfortable for awhile. Also, if I was wearing a long enough shirt, I would just zip my pants up as far as they would go, then fold down the tops to help them stay.

My innie isn't an outie yet, but there is hardly a hole left. All the skin is sort of closing up, and the edges are puckering. I think this means I'm almost an outie! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif

[mommywannabe]

Hello fellow expectant mommies http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I followed the Susan's for quite a while, but since I became PG in January, I haven't been to the board much http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif

It's been interesting to hear about your gtts...I have mine in a couple of weeks. I feel a bit more prepared now http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Best wishes to you all.

[shoyski]

Oh you guys are going to laugh at me! About two hours after I posted the bellybutton question I remembered I had bumped into a coworker's computer. It hurt at the time but I didn't think anything of it. Well, I took a look in the mirror and sure enough, I have a quarter-size bruise around my bb. Duh!

Peeps, don't worry about not being pregnant and dispensing advise. I'll take all I can get! Appreciate the input.

Marisa, the orange truly tasted like a sweeter version of orange crush without the fizz. I chugged it fast because I don't care for sweet drinks at all. The tech was upset because she didn't have a chilled one for me but I think it was easier for me to drink it down faster while it was warm.

[MrsReber]

Krista, I high;y recommend the breastfeeding class. I went to one and learned alot. Hubby didn't want to go, but there were quite a few men there. I was surprised.

My bellybutton area felt weurd while I was pregnant! The surrounding area was a little sore.

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother's girlfriend's family. I can't imagine how awful that must be for all of them.

[shoyski]

Krista, your description of your bellybutton is a perfect one for me. That's exactly what mine looks like. Maybe it'll just stay stretched and we won't have an outie.

Also, thanks for the website. I'm going to check that out next. And you know what, I STILL haven't called and signed up for classes. Dang! I should just do it here at work instead of reading the BB. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

BeaCooker, I'm trying to remember when I graduated to maternity clothes. I'm not sure I could tell you because I've flowed from winter clothes that fit while I was pregnant into spring/summer tank dresses...some of which I can still wear. I have purchased some maternity clothes, like a long black skirt, but what I'm finding is most maternity outfits are too big for me still and I just look fat instead of pregnant.

I was complaining to Dave about this last weekend and wonderful guy he is, took me out and scoured some stores to find a dress that I could wear that I felt I looked pretty decent in. I said I feel kind of vain, worrying about it, but I work so hard to stay in shape, even during the pregnancy now, that looking fat is major depressing.

[KristaMB]

Ick! Yuck! Eeeww! They only had the cola flavored syrup at the lab this morning. How come I got stuck with that one?!? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif

I spoke with my brother today. His GF's little brother is still in ICU, but is doing better. He will need a lot of plastic surgery, and has some internal injuries, as well as a broken jaw and other broken bones. The really sad part is that they finally told him about the death of his parents today. He hasn't been coherent or able to speak until today, so they weren't able to tell him earlier. My brother said his GF is doing as well as can be expected...

Congratulations, mommywannabe! A few weeks ago I was re-reading the "Susans" threads and was wondering about you and some of the others who were going to start trying early this year. When is your due date?

Shoyski, I just called one of my friends to see if she would go shopping with me this weekend. Damon absolutely hates shopping, so I'm not even going to try that route! I don't have anything to wear to my baby shower. Okay, I do have a few dresses that are nice, but they are black, and I don't think that'd go over too well. Mom would definitely not approve.

Marisa, I keep getting stuck, too! I hate it! It's so funny that we're not used to our bodies and assume we can fit places. I made DH rearrange the garage because I kept getting stuck between the trash cans.

It wasn't as hot here today, thank goodness. I managed to take the dog for a walk, so now I feel like I deserve some ice cream. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

~Krista

[mb]

krista and shoyski - be careful with your newly protruding stomach! there were many times when i bumped into stuff thinking i could 'fit' through a tiny space, but i miscalculated and got stuck!

krista - 98 degrees?!?!?! yikes! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif thank goodness it's not that hot here yet (hopefully it won't get that hot either!!!) i've mostly been inside enjoying the air conditioner (no power crisis here) since the baby can't go out too much yet.

anne, skeeved=weirded out, basically. i'm just very particular about my belly button and no one knows why. i was SO happy that my innie didn't turn into an outie - that would have been the worst for me. mine basically flattened out all the way. some days, it did stick up a little, but it never turned into an outie, thank god. on the days it protruded more, it made me crazy every time my clothes just rubbed on my stomach! and the worst was when i went for an ultrasound and they started rubbing the transducer right on my bellybutton! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif

i can't really remember when i started wearing maternity clothes either. at about 4 months (january), i was still able to wear my drawstring pants and bigger jeans, plus sweaters in 1 size larger than usual. by february (5 months), my maternity pants finally started to fit, although i was still afraid of them falling down! but at that point, my jeans didn't fit anymore, and the drawstring pants were getting kinda tight around my stomach. now i've just been wearing my maternity sundresses - they are just really comfortable!

[MrsReber]

Krista, I wore black to my baby shower! Hey, it made me feel thinner at the very least.

I was in maternity clothes by the fourth month, but only because my regular clothes didn't fit at all anymore. They make so many nice maternity things now, though, that my co-workers had no idea that they were maternity outfits. I had a few people ask when I was going to start wearing "mommy" clothes! I hate that in between stage where you feel like you just look fat. Kyle used to tell people that I was pregnant and not fat just so I wouldn't feel so self conscious! I felt really weird at the gym, like everyone was looking at me and saying "boy, she really needs to work out more!" It is kind of fun when you really start to look pregnant and that first person asks you "when are you due?". You'll feel like kissing them!

[mb]

MrsReber is so right! I clearly remember where I was when the first person asked me when I was due! I was just tired of feeling 'fat' - it was great to know people started realizing I was pregnant! Of course, that later progressed to 'haven't you had that baby yet?' And now the main question is: "When are you having another one?" So you see, it never ends http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[mommywannabe]

KristaMB, we're due Sept. 25th and we're having a little girl...Baylee Nicole. I have a feeling she'll be late though. My husband and I were both a month late and my sister's baby was 9 days late...genetics is not working in my favor http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

As to bellybuttons...I still have my innie, but I have extra padding anyway, so mine may never get to the point of flattening out anyway http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[KristaMB]

Hello, all! Hope you are all doing well. I have some pregnancy related news on the work front. The guy who made up all my nicknames gave notice today. So, from here on out I shouldn't be teased as much. I'm actually bummed that he's leaving because I really liked working with him, even if he did call me "Poochie." http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Also, today my splendid boss told me that I could not work from home at the end of next month as we had previously discussed. I got a bunch of measly excuses, one of which was "Well, it's not fair. I mean, I can't have a baby, so I wouldn't be able to work from home." Hhhmm. Our company recently allowed two other women to work from home the last few weeks before they delivered, so my contention is that it's not fair to me, when others were allowed to do it. But apparently since our company does not have an official policy on it, each manager can do whatever they want.

After getting really mad, (not in front of him), and going on a walk, I decided that this isn't worth my energy. I'll work as long as I can take it, and then I'll just stop. He told me in front of one of my co-workers, and she started yelling at him, so that helped me feel a little better, too. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

MrsReber, if I can't find anything I like this weekend, I'll be in black. Hey, at least I won't have to worry about finding shoes to match something new!

~Krista

[mb]

congrats to mommywannabe! (p.s. after sept 25, are you going to change your screen-name? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif )

krista, that really stinks about your boss. that doesn't seem very fair, either. (typical guy!) but if it's any consolation, i could have gone to work every day until they induced me. however, the agency was closing and i had to use up sick time (we didn't get paid for that - only vacation& personal days), so i stayed home a few days. plus, there wasn't any work left for me at the office, but that is another story.

do you think you're going to go back to work after you have the baby? what is your company's policy on maternity leave, etc.? your boss really burns me up. DH doesn't have such great managers at his work either, so i have no patience for so-called managers at this point! (he works 60-70 hours every week - even though he's supposed to have a 45 hr work week - and they only gave him 1 'free' day off after the baby was born. they didn't even LET him take the whole week off (and that was a 4-day week b/c memorial day). and this is after telling him that he would somehow be rewarded for all his extra work. meanwhile, they gave his office-mate a brand new computer (and his office-mate doesn't even do his work, which the managers are aware of...and they know he lies to them about stuff he's doing!). needless to say, DH is giving notice today, since he got an offer from another place that should be much more nurturing.

whew! sorry to vent there! krista, i think your boss sounds like a real jerk - butyou're right, it's not worth your energy. just work until you can't anymore, and then that's it. it's a shame that managers don't do things to accommodate their employees!

oh, and by the way, i'd wear black to your baby shower. heck, i wear black most of the time...especially when i was pregnant. at my wedding, i had all my bridesmaids wearing black dresses and even my mom wore a black dress. i don't think it's so bad. black is slimming, too http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Marisa http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by mb (edited 06-22-2001).]

[shoyski]

Mommywannabe, congratulations! I can't believe you already have a name picked out. Dave and I are still trying to figure that one out. My top picks are Lucy if it's a girl and Riley if it's a boy. And you guys should consider yourselves priviledged. I haven't divulged that to anyone but Dave. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Dave, of course, isn't so sure so we keep tossing out new names.

Krista, your boss SUCKS.....and Marisa, so does your husband's company! Glad both situations will be remedied soon.

Krista, sorry about the cola. I laughed out loud when I read that and had to tell Dave since we were speculating on what flavor you'd pick. Didn't realize you wouldn't get a choice, though.

Wow, I have only worked out once this week due to overtime at work. I feel so crabby when that happens. I plan on swimming tomorrow so that should help. Are any of you guys working out? Marisa, I hope you say no. We're supposed to wait six weeks or something like that after having the baby before doing anything more strenuous than walking and picking up the baby, right?

[mb]

shoyski, i'm not so sure if i can exercise or not. to play it safe, i'm not http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif i wasn't too good about exercising while pregnant either. i definitely didn't do anything really strenuous in terms of exercise!!!

on a positive note though, as of 2 weeks ago, i lost 24 of my 40lbs that i gained. now there's only 16lbs (or less) to go. considering i'm not exercising, that's not too bad. i'm hoping the rest will go away so easily too! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Marisa http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

p.s. we didn't finalize the baby's name until the day we were going to the hospital. well, her first name was pretty certain - we just debated a lot on a middle name!

[Kristilyn1]

Hopefully no one will be offended by this post--and first off--let me say that Krista's boss is definitely unfair for letting some employees do one thing and others do another. BUT. I think it may be a trifle tempting (this is not to say that I think people on this board do this....)to think of pregnancy as a "free ticket" or a disability. Which thank goodness--usually is not. Maternity leave AFTER a baby is born is not something that companies grant because they are understanding or accomodating---your doctor is saying that you are temporarily disabled after the birth of a baby. I have to say that if I was an employer (and this is said after having two children) that unless someone actually had a physical reason for needing to work from home during a pregnancy (again assuming that I don't already let employees work from home)I would say no too. BUT AGAIN--the fact that they let some people do it and not others, is a completely lame policy and one that really should be addressed. I'm surprised non-pregnant employees haven't raised a stink themselves. Either way--you are right, work as long as you can and either they will accomodate you or they won't. Definitely don't let it stress you out!

Kristi

[KristaMB]

Hi! Thanks for supportimg me in the stand against my boss! I had to really try hard not to be bitter at work today. The co-worker that yelled at him yesterday had told two others, so they were all fired up this morning about it. I was just trying to ignore them so I can get over it.

I personally am not against wearing black, and I wear it all the time for it's slimming effect. However, I'm just trying to avoid all the comments I know I'll get if I wear it to the baby shower. I think it'll be easier to try and please my mom and g'ma than defending my cute black dress. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

My company's maternity policy is the state's 6 week disability pay. I am using the disability in conjunction with my two weeks of vacation time, and then taking the 12 weeks of unpaid time under the Family and Medical Leave Act. (FMLA) They said I couldn't use my 4 days worth of sick time, but since I'll lose it if i don't use it up before I go, I've decided to not work a full week for the rest of the time I'm there. (They are not aware of this http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif) Next week I already have Friday off to go to up for my shower, then there's the 4th of July holiday, then 4 more weeks for my to use up a day per week calling in sick. Is that spiteful?

If the truth be told, I'm really hoping not to go back. However, I haven't completely ruled out the possibility. It all depends on how my husband's job prospects end up after he graduates in December. He'll have a computer science degree, so I'm not that concerned, but you just never know. I'm trying not to burn any bridges at this point. My boss' comment yesterday has made that a challenge. It makes me mad, because I liked him just fine up until now.

We have the first name solidified. He's going to be named Jared. The middle name is still undecided, but we are leaning toward Steven (after my dad), Scott, or Thomas (mom's maiden name). I'm open to any opinions or suggestions... I wanted to use the name Caleb, but since our last name starts with a "B", it doesn't flow well.

I have hardly worked out at all. Are you ready for my excuses? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif My first trimester, I was absolutely exhausted, and was still in management at my company, working about 60 hour weeks. Then I was having horrible hip and back pains (remember all my whining?), and now I'm just plain too lazy. I have been walking a lot more lately, now that my back feels better. But I'm nowhere near what I should be doing. Shoyski, it sounds like you, and from what I remember, "the Susans," have been really good about it. I'm impressed!

Marisa, that's great that you've effortlessly lost so much weight! I hope that I'm as fortunate. Can you send some luck my way?

Tomorrow we're going to pick up the cradle and swing that my cousin is letting us borrow. We have to drive about an hour and half each way, but decided to visit some friends for lunch, and make a day out of it. Yay!

I hope you all enjoy your weekend!

~Krista

[mommywannabe]

Maris...nah, I'm keeping the screen name http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I thought about changing it, but I it's catch and easy to spot on the postings.

As to the name, we had them picked out pretty early, mostly because my husband didn't like most of the girl names I picked out, so when I came up with Baylee and he liked it, I wasn't about to let it go http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Nicole is after her godmother. The boy name was easier...my father passed away last year from pancreatic cancer at age 52 and we were going to name the baby Steven after him if it was a boy.

I relate to the exercise (or lack there of) comments...I was soo good in about the 4th month, walking and doing pre-natal yoga a couple times a week, but then I got busy with other things and I just haven't worked it back in regularly. DH and I try to walk the neighborhood a few times a week after dinner, but I know it isn't enough. How to motivate myself???

I feel for you Krista...my office is actually being shut down this year, so I was suppose to get layed off in the Fall. HR conveniently set my end date at 4 days prior to my due date...that means no maternity leave http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif However, co-workers found out and brought it to our General Manager's attention. He told me Friday that my end date is now in early November, so I should get 4-5 weeks of my maternity leave http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif There is another woman at work in the same boat as me, and he did the same for her.

Have a great week all!

[mb]

Kristi, I think I agree with you about the maternity leave! no offense taken! However, what i had a problem with was Krista's boss's attitude... If he had said, "well, it's not really our policy", or "your work isn't really something that can be done from home", or something like that, then fine. What I thought was messed up was how HE thought it wasn't fair that a pregnant woman could work from home (since he's a guy and has no chance of getting pregnant, and therefore no chance of working from home...) I especially thought it wasn't fair since other women in the company were allowed to work from home.

Krista, nice plan about not going back to work. Does DH know about this?!? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I think you should take as much time as you can. The baby will grow so fast... Although I have to say that if I HAD to go back to work, it wouldn't be the end of the world... (although it would be tough...)

Jared is a great name! Good luck picking a middle name. I kinda like Steven for a middle name... Choosing a middle name was tough for us. We didn't even really finalize it until we were onour way to the hospital!

mommywannabe: I'm definitely impressed that you have chosen names already! good idea to choose a boy's name (just in case!)

baby amanda is doing great. she is really getting big (oh yeah - so large! maybe 7lbs!). tomorrow i go back to my dr for a 4 week checkup. i got on my mom's scale today, and now it looks like i have 13 lbs left to lose. not bad, considering i'm still not exercising. krista, i wouldn't feel too bad about your non-exercise plan. i'm in your boat - i can always find SOMETHING to 'excuse' me from exercising, although I used to be really good about working out, etc. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif yesterday I tried to put on a pair of (non-maternity) shorts to go out in, and none of them fit! i can't even pull them up all the way! uh oh! i guess i know where that last 13 lbs is hiding!

have a great day everyone!
marisa http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif