12:12am Sep 1, 1999 EDT
Not so much ankles, but swollen hands and especially swollen face is a sign of preeclampsia/toxemia.
07:27pm Aug 2, 1999 EDT
Elizabeth, I'd take your ring off. Who cares what people think you look like? No one said anything to me when I was
pregnant with Nathan, nor this time about if I'm married or not. No strange looks, either! I just wouldn't want to see you
have to get your ring cut off if your hands swell up too much. I know mine swell up very easily in the hot weather, and sometimes to
the point of itching and hurting! (Even when not pregnant.)
06:47pm Aug 8, 1999 EDT
Where am I? At the moment, I'm in bed. I changed the font on here to huge because of it, and here's why...
I went in to the hospital late tuesday night. Dilated to 2 1/2 in a couple hours and got put in the hospital, put on magnesium sulfate and
nearly killed for the next 48 hours. They were like, "Oops. She has no reflexes...". I was so tubed up- 3 IVS, catheter, blood pressure
cuff-- and bearly knew what was going on. My vision was double for at least 24 hours, I felt drunk. I couldn't move my body at all for
a while. They had to turn me on my side, etc. My legs wouldn't work at all. At one point I felt like my chest was being crushed, so they
downed the dose. They kept having to do that, actually. I got two shots of steroids for the baby's lungs, 24 hours apart. Had a bunch of
ultrasounds which basically said a healthy breach baby. Finally I got to leave friday at about 4 p.m. and now not only am I on strict bed
rest and can only go to the bathroom, but my hospital trip also gave me a UTI/bladder infection-- had "cherry" colored urine--
AND a yeast infection. Jonathan just set up the computer for me, but I'm only 2 days into this and already I'm almost insane.
09:00pm Aug 8, 1999 EDT
Snow? In August in Florida? Only thing I can think of is ice skating rink shavings. LOL
09:53pm Aug 8, 1999 EDT
Yes, I am very glad I'm here and not out there! We have stuff lined up for taking care of Nathan. Poor little guy comes in
and says "Hi, Momma" to me every now and then.
02:06pm Aug 9, 1999 EDT
No, I'm not on anything at home. Nathan is kind of jumpy when he's around me. Asleep he's fine. LOL
12:21pm Aug 10, 1999 EDT
Sheri, I wouldn't worry about labor. It doesn't last that long, relatively. I guess 17 hours is average for a first baby. There
really isn't anything you can do "wrong"-- your body does most of the work. Besides, as uncomfortable as labor can get,
at least you get a baby out of it-- its not like you have a bad virus or cancer or something. You just are having a baby. When its over,
its over-- pretty much, anyway. Believe me, I'd rather be allowed to go through labor than EVER to have to be put on the magnesium
stuff again! Anyway, within days or even hours of the birth, you'll be forgetting that labor was uncomfortable at all. It will take a few
months to really recover, what with the lochia and your middle going back down (and your skin shrinking back up), but by that time,
you'll be an old pro at baby care and breastfeeding (if you're doing that). Bottom line is, its just one day in your life. Just one-- not
two or three or four. If you can make it through the first few weeks after, as they say, you're home-free.
06:15pm Aug 10, 1999 EDT
I had a dr. appointment today. The one I missed from last week. It was with the nurse, actually, since my dr. is on
vacation. I got another shot of steriods and go in twice a week from now on. Tomorrow I go for a steroid shot and then
next week I go once for a steroid shot and the next day for a steroid and to see the dr. It will be like that through 34 weeks. Then, I
think they will just "let me go" as it were. Still go in every week, but at least be off the steroids, if not bedrest altogether.
That gives me hope. Basically, I've got to make it through August and things will be looking up dramatically.
The nurse said sometimes when they take people off the steroids, they expect them to go into labor the next day and they end up going to
term. LOL Either way would be fine with me.
I'm doing everything I'm supposed to -- magnesium sulfate is a STRONG "insentive" to do what you are told!
06:16pm Aug 10, 1999 EDT
Oh yeah-- about the weather. Its been gorgeous here: 70's and breezy for days. I have had the windows open in my room!
10:56am Aug 11, 1999 EDT
Rose, tell me again what you are "doing"? Same as me-- bedrest and steriod shots? As for the labor being in the past
once you have the baby in your arms, yes and no. LOL Yes, you are done with the hard part, but no, you still have to
deliver the placenta, which, comparitively is no big deal. Still, you've got to recover from the birth, which technically takes over 2
months, no matter if they do tell you "6 weeks". For those of you who are on your firsts, let me just be nice *grin* and say its like a
really heavy period (but that smells different). Plus, your "bottom" is sore, stretfched out (think "Grand Canyon") and probably
bruised and swollen. You can't use TP-- a squirt bottle of warm water, instead. Tucks pads will be your best friend. And sitting down
the first week is basically out of the question. LOL
About bottles, what a a pain. I had to supplement with formula when I had Narthan because he couldn't latch on well at first. What
with pumping, feeding, then cleaning the pumping equipment, bottles, etc. I cut down on my precious sleep time considerably! We had
1/2 the counter filled with drying bottle/nursing paraphanalia and the other 1/2 covered with tylenol, cough meds (had a cold), and
antibiotics. You can see why I want to exclusively breastfeed this time!
Heather, the shots aren't that bad. Its basically an "ow, ow" and that's it. Today I didn't even say owe. Like I said, everything is
relative. I remember my sister's friend, Lori, having her son about 7 years ago. I visited her in the hospital after the baby was born. A
nurse came in and said she was giving her a shot of something. Lori said, "Whatever. I won't even feel it compared to what I just went
through." LOL Which reminds me that when I was in transition with Nathan, I finally got my epdirual and was like, "stick it in my
eyeball if that's what it takes-- I don't care!" LOL
Robin, my husband is waiting to hear about a church job, too. Its not a full-time pastor, but some sort of assistant. Part of the pay is
this really neat house with a fireplace and a fenced-in back yard! (Jonathan saw it the other day.) I'm not sure if its just part of the
pay, or if we have to pay a bit into it too. I really hope your new church as a nursery! Its so hard when they don't.
Sheri, exactly. We need to forget the pain of it so we'll want others. It reminds me of an episode of "A Baby Story" when this woman
kept saying, "Why don't I remember this??? Why don't I remember this??" LOL The nurse just said "You're not supposed to". LOL
Besides which, I remember that euphoria right after Nathan was born, and I'll still go through labor for that!
03:52pm Aug 11, 1999 EDT
Oh yes, now I remember, Rose. Good thing you don't have my irritable urterus on top of your leaky sack, huh?
That would be almost a "done deal". About nursing, yes it hurts at first! I had to take pain pills for the pain!
Hot washcloths before nursing always helped, too. And of course, Nathan had to learn to latch on right, so that was part of the problem.
Cracked nipples, etc. Even 102 fever with mastitis when he was 2 or 3 weeks old! About men, I think Nathan latched onto Jonathan a few
times when they were sleeping in bed, when he was still a few months old. LOL!
I'm watching the movie "Road to Wellsville". Anyone seen it? Its about Kellog-- the cereal guy-- and his ideas on health. He's the
one who said, amongst a ton of other things, 1888: "A remedy for masturbation which is almost always successful in small boys is
circumcision. The operation should be performed without administering anesthetic, as the brief pain attending the operation will
have a salutory effect upon the mind, especially, if it is connected with the idea of punishment, as it may well be in some cases." They
don't mention that, though. They do mention the period idea that sexaul feelings cause all sorts of other ills. All their health remedies
like hot baths with electirc shock, diets of raw meat, tons of enemas, etc. And it all started in Battle Creek< michigan. The Kellog
Center is still there. But I think they've moved on from health related servies. Probably just do cereal, aand a few other things. LOL
09:54am Aug 12, 1999 EDT
Since people are watching Nathan all the time anyway, I assume that's what will happen when I go have this baby.
Sheri, you're 31 1/2 weeks today and due 9/27? I'm 32 weeks tomorrow and due 10/9. Hmm...
My baby moves quite a bit, but its a tight fit in there. I keep telling it to turn head-down and get those feet out of my cervix. LOL At
one of the ultrasounds last week, the doctor laughed and said the baby was putting its hand up to its mouth over and over.
08:32pm Aug 12, 1999 EDT
Heather, I hear you about the truck. We need a car now as our other one died a few weeks ago. We are getting a minivan.
Used-- can't afford new. What are men thinking? "Hauling around 'man stuff' or a seatbelt for the kids...?" (That's if
you'd all fit in a pickup anyway.) I hear you about pumping, too, but you are right, its worth it in the end. Often times I had extra
pumped in the fridge and could "make" dh warm it and feed Nathan. LOL A little bit of a break, anyway. Nathan took the bottle and
formula for the first bit because he had problems latching on, as I said. This one I hope to exclusively breastfeed-- no artificial
nipples.
Elizabeth, send some of that "flying time" my way. LOL I think I need it!
11:10pm Aug 12, 1999 EDT
Sheri, I don't know what this baby is, but I'm round in front and not on the sides whereas last time, I went out on the
sides and had a boy.
Wow, Nici! Got pregnant fast, huh? I did too, but not the month after I got married. LOL
My mother is doing one of her selfish stints again. Besides just giving me nasty looks at least once a day and sighing at me about how
much she has to do--- like what am I suppsed to do?-- now she's STILL giving Nathan bottles before bed when she KNOWS I don't
want that done unless he gets his teeth brushed before he goes to sleep. She's been doing this since Christmas and I've mentioned this
since then-- even though there were 6 months between when Nathan got no bottles at bed since we were in RI... Anyway, she
basically told me "tough; I don't care what you think I'm doing it anyway and no, I'm NOT brushing his teeth before bed." I told her
she's just purely selfish for doing that becuase she's too lazy to figure out how to get Nathan to bed without a bottle now that she's
continueing the bad habit I told her not to start way back in December in the first place.
VENT!
10:07am Aug 13, 1999 EDT
Robin-- "sips of water", LOL! I think there's more than enough "sips" in there, don't you? *grin* They do that after
they're born, too-- get hiccups a lot. They say its their "immature" diaphragm muscles. Its funny to hear them when
they're on the fetal monitor, too.
Karen, I'm ahout in the same boat as you, except I'm not on Brethnine at home-- I go in twice a week for shots of it, though. I just
turned 32 weeks today. Seems SO much farther than 31 or 30! Just a few more weeks, and I can have this baby-- and definately not be
put back on that awful mag stuff.
11:45am Aug 13, 1999 EDT
Mary, funny thing is I don't feel that big. Baby seems squished down low as usual. You are a couple weeks further along
than me, though. I think I lost my plug a couple days ago. The nurse at my appointment that day said not to worry. It can
be weeks until the birth and besides I am at 3 cm so its not a shocker. I lost my plug with Nathan two weeks before he was born. Foot
off the bladder-- no kidding. Its feet off bladder, cervix, and general "crotch" area for me! Every day I say my little "please turn
around, baby" chant. No cravings over here. Just hungry. Good thing my helpers are keeping me fed! I do have chips here for
emergencies, though.
10:38pm Aug 13, 1999 EDT
Oh heaven's no! I don't mean that. The water breaking is much more serious. I don't think you can go long at all with a
broken water. They fear infection. I mean that the mucous plug in the cervix has probably come out. It does when the
cervix dilates enough that it just falls out. I still feel feet down. LOL What's new? Not much. And about not stressing-- oh I TRY! Its
not easy being by myself. Been writing dh emails about how I feel about stuff. Not that he's reading them while he's still out in RI, but
it lets me get my thoughts out of my head. Heaven knows I had enough what with my Mom, etc. doing who knows what to Nathan--
including flat out refusing to brush his teeth. I'm watching some show on cable about student vets. I'll probably never watch tv for
MONTHS after this baby is finally here. LOL
02:11pm Aug 14, 1999 EDT
Karen, yes, you are right-- the shots I get twice a week are the betamethazone, or however you spell it to speed up the
baby's lung development. How was having a baby at 34 weeks? Did they whisk it off to NICU or do extra checking? I
know they told me 34 or 35 at LEAST, but of course 36 or 37 or more is ideal. I'm not even sort of thinking about a hospital bag. I had
mine packed about a month before Nathan was born. Just not a priority. Not much you need anyway. I brought stuff I didn't need last
time. All you really need is going-home clothes which will fit your bigger breasts!
Heather, I don't know about the pics. I know they have posters at WIC offices of that. And actually, Mom and I "had it out" this
morning after she pestered me for the millionth time about when Dh is getting home. After tonight, dh will be taking care of Nathan.
Robin, everytime I go to the dr, I see my reflection in the car window before I get in and think how big I look. Otherwise, I don't feel
that big. Has anyone else not gained weight lately? Since the beginning, I've gained only 15 pounds, yet the baby etc. is all the right
size.
04:06pm Aug 14, 1999 EDT
You can lose the plug whenever, I guess. They say a couple weeks before delivery to any time during delivery. You
probably won't even notice it. Its not a hard "plug" like you might think but just some yellowish/clearish/maybe reddish
mucous. Not to be confused with the bloody show, which is more like a period when you're in transition during labor. All fours--
never tried it while in labor with Nathan. My favorite position then was standing leaning on the wall. Of course, I'm not trying
anything but laying down these days, but I think maybe this time all-fours might be comfortable. About the shower, yes, showers help
a lot. Some places just have a shower, some a bath, or both. Perosnally, I didn't like being sitting down so I took the shower, but some
people find sitting in a tub great.
About gaining weight, I gained about 40 pounds by the time I had Nathan at 39 weeks. Speaking of that, anyone else starving lately? I
need to eat every 4 hours or so, or I'm just too hungry and my blood sugar gets too low. Not easy when I depend on others to get me
food, but sti ll workable. I mean, I don't just want an apple or something, I want some pasta and some pie, etc.! LOL I assume that
means the baby is growing rapidly, which is what I want.
06:14pm Aug 14, 1999 EDT
Heather, about going out, I probalby won't be doing that any time in the near future. That is, unless I get taken off
bedrest in 3 or more weeks and "let go". Then I think we're going to the museum so Nathan can see the cars and trains
and planes. Dh is sure I'll go into labor right then, so we'll bring my "stuff'. LOL Oh yeah-- about weight, I'm no basketball. LOL
Still got big hips and butt, but I think that's just the way my body does pregnancy, since I started out skinny before I was pregnant with
Nathan and then got "wide". This time, I seem more out in front, but I know it all becomes obvious after the baby is born. Sagg-bag
tummy, etc. LOL
10:00am Aug 15, 1999 EDT
Oh GEEZE, Mary! You poor thing! I hope the hotdog settled with you. I thought you were going to say you finally got a
hog dog to eat and then it gave you a bad stomach ache. (They do that to me and there's that risk of listeria, anyway.) I'm
glad nothing too bad happend. You know you will be telling this story to your son years from now. LOL
Beth, I agree with you about the new baby bliss. Its worth all the labor. I actually said, when Nathan was born, "You're real!" LOL No
matter how much I reasoned during the pregnancy that yes, there was a baby in me, it just isn't reality until you see the baby. Now of
course, its different. Don't ask me what that mental strangeness was about. I wouldn't worry about the umblical cord. The baby has to
have enough room make a loop and then swim through it to make a knot. Of course, if you mean it already happened, but I think the
baby at this point is way too big to do that.
12:00pm Aug 15, 1999 EDT
About going to the bathroom, I go every half hour. LOL But I need to keep my bladder empty because it agrivates my
uterus. Where does all the peeing come from? Well, you have more blood to filter and you have a lot of amniotic fluid
that keeps getting recycled.
03:17pm Aug 15, 1999 EDT
That's too bad your mom is "against" this baby. What a not nice thing to say. No matter if its number 57, it shouldn't be
any less wanted. My dreams haven't had anything to do with being pregnant or the baby. The last one, I was in an
auditorium, sitting next to some boy from high school who I don't even know if he really was from there-- and up on the stage was
supposed to be Price is Right. LOL I knew too much tv would affect me sooner than later! DH is home now. Not much has changed,
though... Just he has Nathan now instead of my mom, etc. I guess that keeps my mom from complaining and Nathan even ate lunch
without a complaint. I knew he was acting up solely because dh and I weren't taking care of him. I'm sure he's happier to have
familiarity back, even if he IS extrememly adaptable.
11:36am Aug 16, 1999 EDT
Sheri, I had an epidural with Nathan. Didn't want to go natural. I waited as long as I could to get it. I think I was 7 or 8 cm
when I got the epidural. Of course, I think this really slowed down the labor, but I had some really greart sleep for 15
minutes after it took effect. This time I want to go as far as I can without and then get it if I need to.
I loved the epidural, but I'll take a shorter labor if I can. Its a trade off, because longer labor makes you more exhuasted which
makes stuff hurt more. Besides which,
then I won't have to recover from the epidural and catheter. Both of those take a while to be able to just get out of bed. About
heartburn, I have some mylanta, too. I haven't taken any, though-- it says something about drug interactions. I had terrible heartburn
when I was pregnant with Nathan! Part of that was that I ate fried green tomatoes all the time-- we had a garden in the back yard.
LOL I loved those things, though! About the hair, Nathan did have a lot of hair at birth. LOL Body back? Are you kidding? LOL I
love feeling the baby move and know its a rare thing in life, but I do want my body back if only to function normally. I'm actually quite
comfortable being pregnant in itself-- can still breathe well, etc.
Elizabeth, they told me the same thing in labor with Nathan about period cramps. It is true-- they were amazed at how well I took the
contractions for most of labor-- and I think it that's becuase they just felt like bad period cramps. I hope that's the way it is for you,
too. Maybe you'll just be waiting for it to "get bad" and it just won't.
Nici, "Is transistion worse than pushing?" Yes. LOL To be blunt about it. Transition is the worst part. I know there is this idea that
the pain of childbirth comes from pushing the baby out, but most people will tell you that is the best part! That it feels "good" to push
because you are doing something and you are pushing against the pain of the contractions. Transition is where I was just on autopilot,
basically. Very instincts. Moaning, bleeding, etc. Lots of people throw up. In a good way, its nothing you have control over. It does only
last about half an hour, but you won't have any sense of time anyway, so who cares. LOL Basically, what it seemed like to me is having
a terrible flu. You just feel really bad and want the yuckiness to go away. I don't know if you've ever had a bad virus like that, though.
You know-- that terrible flu feeling where you'd just like to sleep but you feel all nauseated and can't throw up, etc. Not that that's
exactly like transition, but the common denominator is that the "Ickiness" of it wouldn't be so bad if it didn't go on for so long with
out letting up. In that way, its like the flu because then you can throw up and feel better and after transition you can push and feel
better. I've heard lots of people say that's what pushing was like for them-- throwing up.
We are waiting to find out boy or girl, yes. We've have several ultrasounds and it just seems fate to wait at this point, as we could
never see boy or girl in any of them.
02:11pm Aug 16, 1999 EDT
Mary, you'd better watch it, thought. Those breastfeeding boobs will at least weigh 5 lbs each. LOL
10:25pm Aug 16, 1999 EDT
Elizabeth, I don't mean to scare you. Its not scary. There are much worse things out there in life than childbirth,
believe me. Like I said, its not so bad, its just the exhuastion that makes it worse. Besides which, as everyone says, the minute
you see your baby, it will all be a distant memory-- mostly. As long as we're telling ages, I'm 27. Had Nathan at 25. At this point, it
certainly IS normal to go pee so much! Have you ever seen a model of the pregnant body? The bladder at this point is but a sliver
under all your other squished organs. *big grin*
Mary, that's a stupid, immature excuse: "everyone else is doing it". Call whomever you need to. Its against the law and its disturbing
your and others' peace!
Nici, one more comment about transition... It looks MUCH worse to others than it feels to you. My sister and mom and husbnad said,
quote, "If we didn't know you were having a baby, we would've thought you were dying." (Still scaring you? LOL) But really, I NEVER
thought that at all. Thank god for the "altered conciousness" of the mind. LOL
10:28pm Aug 16, 1999 EDT
He he he... after all my posts lately, I can't wait until we're on the "October babies" board and you all can tell me how
wrong I am about all this. *grin*
10:12am Aug 17, 1999 EDT
Yes, bring maternity clothes to wear home, BUT something with a big top, too. Breastfeeding or not, your breasts will be
bigger even within the first day before any milk comes in. Kinda bad when sure, the dress fits on bottom, but not top,
that you brought to wear home. LOL
About induced labor, for some reason, I don't think I'll need it. LOL You never know. Could still be pregnant two months from now,
but I doubt it.
Robin, that almost happened with me-- the Csecion. Nathan's head kept hitting the top of the pelvic bones instead of passing
through. Luckily, my dr. said, "think down and under" and I did and somehow got Nathan to fit through. I'm glad I didn't have a
c-section because besides all my scar tissue etc. that would complicate it, it might create more scar tissue and prevent any other
pregnancies. (My right side is completely blocked, anyway.) Its not just my reproductive organs, but other organs, too. They always tell
me I work, so they won't chance messing me up. LOL Only 4 more weeks and this can all be done with and in the past.
01:26pm Aug 17, 1999 EDT
We use Dreft. Its got a nice smell to it and shouldn't irritate skin. For the cloth diapers, though, we use Arm and
Hammer Free. That might work just as well for clothes and be a little cheaper. Get used to it, though-- babies cost a lot.
Not millions, but it adds up. That's the main reason we switched to cloth diapers, speaking of that.
Guess what? Our double stroller is finally in. We paid for it over a month ago and have the little reciept, etc. They just were out of
stock. Now of course we have no time to get it. LOL But dh will get it sometime. Maybe tomorrow, now that he works the afternoon
shift.
04:26pm Aug 18, 1999 EDT
Mary! Oh my! You poor thing. That must've scared you to death to think you were suddenly in transition! I know what
you mean about labor being a breeze after "all this"; after the mag., labor will be walk in the park-- almost. LOL
Nici, about diapers, I was going to say to go to the diaper board. LOL But it IS confusing! I have lots of sites on diapers if you want. It
all depends on what you want to afford, etc. Seems people on that board are always having problems, or need new sizes, etc, and advice
on washing, etc. is neverending. What we finally went with is a cotton "prefold" with nylon pull-up pants. (Not vinyl!) Its simple, they
don't fall apart or have the snaps/velcro fall/wear off. (They use diaper pins.) Each part dries separately, unlike the ones that are more
like a disposable where they're shaped and the cover is built-in. You may want some disposables at first, though, what with feeding,
washing, etc. because the first few weeks are non-stop baby. (As if you didn't know that. LOL) Pops are short for a brand called
Popolinios. I think they're a terry diaper. There are different diaper fabrics and lots of different cover fabrics, too. Terry, flannel,
cotton, wool! You just have to wade through the different kinds, consider cost, what looks good to you, etc. The thing is, for every
person who loves one brand/fabric/style, there's another who doesn't.
Robin, I don't see why Purex would be bad for the baby. As long as its free of dyes and perfumes. I think that's another one you can
use for diapers-- don't quote me-- along with Arm and Hammer Free.
Sheri, about going natural, I keep being told by the labor and delivery "crew" that I must have a high tolerance for pain. (See next
post.) I guess so. I just sit there through contracting and dilation and UTI's chatting away. LOL We'll see what happens when the day
comes. I want to avoid an epidural for the side effects and to not prolong the labor. Your description of transition is exactly what it
was for me. Except, I didn't throw up, but I sure felt like it a few times. It looks bad from the outside, what with the boody show and
all. I was leaning on the wall, moaning and bleeding on the bathroom floor like I was having my period. [My sister can still immitate
the moaning. Lovely sister.] Then, they asked me if I wanted my epidural. Not long after, it was time to push. About the throat noises,
I didn't make any of those while pushing. I can see why they'd not want you to do that too much-- ruin your vocal chords, grinding
them like that. The funny thing about me and pushing was, I'd push for 10 counts three times in a row, then immediately fall asleep--
snoring! I think they were laughing at that, but what did I know. They told me I was one of the best pushers they'd ever seen. I'd heard
pushing was just like having a BM, so that's where I pushed. Okay, so other stuff came out too, but that means you're doing it right!
You're 35 weeks? When are you due? Seems you'd be due in Sept, then. I'll be 35 weeks the beginning of next month.
04:29pm Aug 18, 1999 EDT
So, where have I been. One guess. Those "pee" contractions were starting to hurt so I went into L&D again last night.
Got the whole work up with swabs, etc. At 6 a.m. this morning, I came home with an antibiotic prescription for a UTI.
Guess that explains the contractions, pain, and peeing all the time. I've got a little schedule written out of when to take the pills since
its 4 times a day. I'm no good at antibiotic taking without one. LOL Before I went "back", though, I heard someone talking on a
payphone near the waiting room about "she's 2 pounds ____ ounces". Eek.
Dh is waiting to hear about a church job on friday. Here I was thinking it was a pastor's assistant. (He's in theology school studying to
be a pastor-- well, was; he's on leave on absense because of all this.) The job comes with a 3 bedroom house, backyeard and fireplace!
It turns out, though, that its not a pastor's assistant that he'll be--- its music director! Choir directing, organ playing, and all! I was
shocked. We met in college in choir and he was a music ed. major, but I didn't think he was THAT good at conducting or keyboard
playing. LOL His degree is just a general music degree, not education, because he wanted the fastest route out of his bachelor's
degree-- after 7 years it was about time.
09:02pm Aug 18, 1999 EDT
Nici, that's the thing. This doesn't really hurt. Neither did those contractions that sent me into the hospital a couple
weeks ago. I don't know what's up with that! It will be a good thing in a month, though. I know.. water water water. I try. I
need a toilet next to my bed. Er, I mean a drinking fountain-- THEN a toilet. LOL BARK!
12:18am Aug 19, 1999 EDT
Heather, same here for me and Nathan: one boob was bigger than his head at first, and he wasn't a small baby!
10:26am Aug 19, 1999 EDT
Sheri, exactly. It was exhuastion that had me sleeping between pushes. I didn't need woken up, though-- I woke up myself.
The UTI really doesn't even hurt. What's bothering me now is the side effects from the antibiotics. My digestive system is all wonky.
My right breast was always bigger than my left, while breastfeeding. Nathan prefered it. The thing is, if you keep on giving into that, it
just makes the lopsidedness worse. Once, my right breast was SO full, it was hard all over and the nipple was competely flat. I pumped
7 ounces out of that side ALONE!
Rebecca, I'm sure there are others from Australia that are members of Moms Online-- just can't remember if any post on this
particular board. October 1st... that's close! I'm due the 9th and on bedrest for premature labor, so I can't wait until September
17th-- earliest "term" date. This is my 2nd baby. First is 22 months.
10:28am Aug 19, 1999 EDT
We leave in 5 minutes for my dr. appointment. I'll fill you in later!
03:00pm Aug 19, 1999 EDT
Nici, other things to know.... Buy a jillion of the biggest maxi pads you can find. "Super plus overnight" or whatever
they're called. I swear I used about 20 big bags in the end! (Maybe more, since the hospital gave me a ton.) The lochia
went on for about 2 months, by the way. Other postpartum goodies, include several big jars of Tucks pads and a squirt bottle filled
with warm water to "wipe" with, since you won't be able to for the first little while.
Speaking of the squirt bottle, at the hospital, you'll
use that, but you'll also have not onl y a very long and wide thin maxi pad in your undies first, but the over that a really thick maxi and
THEN over THAT a preemie or newborn disposable diaper filled with water and frozen. (For the swelling during the first 24 or so
hours.) Yes, you WILL waddle when you walk. LOL
Well, we hope sore nipples are gone in a day or two, anyway. If not, you might have a latching-on problem. Also, if you are
breastfeeding, make SURE to tell the hospital staff NO nipples! That means, absolutely no bottles or binkies of anykind. Just mom's
boobs exclusively. My son had HORRIBLE nipple confusion because nurses gave him bottles and binkies in his first 24 hours of life.
It took us two weeks before he could even latch on without screaming till his face was almost purple, out of frustration. Don't go
through that torture. Stick with just boobs. Oh yeah, and letdown is pretty interesting. That's when your body responds to suckling
and/or hearing another baby and "lets down" your milk. You can feel the milk moving through you breasts-- doesn't really hurt, but
still. Can't really explain it.
Mary, I hope you get your xray. I don't see why you shouldn't have it, either. I hope you get it scanned too. Sounds neat.
Thigh Master.... IMHO, just ride your bike or run up and down the stairs for 1/2 an hour. Works better anyway, I'd think.
03:01pm Aug 19, 1999 EDT
Got our double stroller today! Its so cool! Dh got it while I was at my appointment. He put it together and drove Nathan
around in it in the house. LOL Good thing Nathan seems to like it. The back seat goes all the way down and the foot rest
folds up to make an inclosed bassinette for the newborn! The whole thing is padded and has wheels that turn nicely and don't slip on
smooth floors. On the way home, dh also ran in and picked up two gift certificates worth an hour each to a themed hottub place as
thanks for my mom and Kevin's and my sister's and her husband's helping out with Nathan.
03:03pm Aug 19, 1999 EDT
My appointment today went well. All is fine. The plan now is to stay on bedrest for one more week and have an
appointment in a week, at which point I'll be 34 weeks. Finish my antibiotics and if in a week the infection is gone, I'm
off bedrest! She said it was really good that I went in, because UTI's can start up labor, too.
I'll still have 2 weeks basically that it would be better not to go into labor, but if I do, no big deal, she said.
After next week, I go two weeks later, and then I guess it will be back to
every week until I deliver, if I haven't already. (Get that? LOL) She asked me about my birth plan and I told her I want to try to go
natural this time and I want no interventions until I have had time to bond with the baby. She said something about unless there is
meconium, but that's a given. She agreed wholeheartedly about no bottles or binkies, too! (She's written several papers on
breastfeeding and is a huge advocate for it.) I told her about when Nathan was born how they gave him both bottles and a binkie, even
with a sign that said "I'm a breastfed boy!" in his bassinette. She looked preterbed about that and said, "They shouldn't have done
that." She said if I want I can write up a one-page summary of my birth plan just so they have it, although I should just be able to say
what I want. The other cool thing about going natural is I can have a birthing pool. I think last time-- when I was pregnant with
Nathan, that is-- she said they only have one so if I wanted it, I'd have to be 100% sure I didn't want drugs because those are reserved
for those going natural only. I'll mention that and see what she says. I didn't want to be sitting at all when in labor with Nathan, but
you know, every time is different. She also said she wasn't making any promises, but that 2nd labors usually go faster and by the way I
was dilating a few weeks ago, she bets mine will be much shorter this time. (Nathan's labor was 17 hours!) I also mentioned how
they'd come to take Nathan to be circumcised even though I'd told them I didn't want it done, when asked about 3 times. She said
basically that all boys get their name on "the list" a day after birth and they ask just to make sure they don't "miss" anyone that does
want it. Seems backwards, if you ask me. Not like they can't get it done the next week at the ped's office or anything. She assured me
they wouldn't've taken him, had I been sleeping when the man came, but I can't be 100% sure, even so. What I didn't tell her is I have
a NOCIRC tshirt for when the baby is born. In the next few weeks, I should get my hospital bag together and buy the million dollars
worth of maxi pads I'll need, and tucks, etc. for after. LOL
06:25pm Aug 19, 1999 EDT
Elizabeth, so they obviously know you'll have a baby sooner than later. They expect you to return right away, or give you
6 weeks off? You'll need at least that to recover physically, even if your dh can take care of the baby all the time. (I
assume that means you're bottlefeeding? I hear pumping at work it very hard, not to mention that breastfeeding in itself makes you
really tired.)
Accents? I have your basic midwestern one. Like people on TV. LOL
01:54pm Aug 20, 1999 EDT
Heather, that's good that they put the sticker on! That way no "mistakes". Still, a t-shirt "marks" the baby himself.
*grin* I hope I get the pool. I'll mention it, like I said. Its not guaranteed. There are no tubs there-- only showers. I liked
the shower last time, so at least there's that. My last period was November 5th. You don't know how many times I had to go 10 rounds
with people in RI about the fact that I'm NOT due August 12th. LOL (Although I wish I were, kinda.) The hospital here just took my
word for it--- well, added to the fact that I brought my records with me from RI which said "EDD 10/9/99 per 6-week ultrasound."
About losing weight, you need aerobics AND muscle toning to be most efficient in fat loss.
Mary, you DO have to sign a consent form for circumcision. Its just that they ASSUME everyone wants it and most put all boys'
names up on "the board" no matter what. I've heard stories of boys being circ'd and the consent being brought after. (See my site at
the Newborn Bliss? section.) About the Civil War site, you mean outside? No comment if I've done that. LOL
Rebecca, don't believe that stuff about "six weeks". Sure, it can and does happen, but you will NOT be the person you were before you
got pregnant, a mere 6 weeks after giving birth. Your uterus should be back to its original size-- supposedly. And about lochia, its not
exactly like a period. Its like a really heavy period for quite a while and tapers off to pink and then actually white before disappearing.
It also has a distinct smell-- kinda sweet. Again, not like a period. The squirt bottles are instead of using toilet paper.
You'll be so sore down there, plus you don't want to chance infection, so you squirt warm water to "wipe".
Works well with all the lochia, etc. Another comment is forego the sitz bath.
Sure, if they give you one at the hospital, take it, but I found that it was just plain gross to sit in hot
water like that on the toilet.
Well, and now for my news. Dh got the job! Don't know details on moving-- of course, i'm not going anywhere until after the baby is
born-- but the house has 3 bedrooms, a fenced-in backyard, a washer and dryer, a new fridge, a dishwasher... Its in the country, so we
may have well water. (Yuck.) But, hey... small potatoes, I guess. He's going to keep his factory job since I don't think they pay any
money, but utilities are paid except phone and cable. He needs to keep his job anyway for the insurance, besides we need money to eat
off of. This might just all work out. Oh how my life will be so much different in a mere month!
08:44pm Aug 20, 1999 EDT
Nici, I'm a happy person. I wasn't about 3 or 4 months ago. That's when we were out in RI and I had extreme
homesickness which manifested into anxiety and depression. Now that we're back home, I'm much better.
Getting this job/house, etc. is great. So we have to move again, but we were going to have to last spring when we were in a rotten
neighborhood in RI-- dh just moved us out of there last week, in fact! In all probabability, I won't be helping with the actual moving,
so what they heck? LOL Either I'll be on bedrest, pregnant and not on bedrest, or have a new baby, so I don't see my shoving boxes
around any time in the near future! *grin* It will mean depending on the church and having to have some of our privacy gone--
watching our P's and Q's and all, but that's the trade we'll have to make for a house and all utilities paid. Not such a bad deal, if done
right, huh?
08:48pm Aug 20, 1999 EDT
I'm not taking a class. Obviously, not going to be any time for one. LOL But I took one before I had Nathan. I don't think
I really used any info during labor, though. I just know what it looked like when the baby moved down the birth canal,
etc. LOL Like I was really thinking of that at the time! I had signed up for a CB class and a breastfeeding class when in RI, but then
you know the story from there.
About your picture, do you have Photo House? That's the only picture editor I know how to use.
10:44am Aug 21, 1999 EDT
Sheri, about Ohio and accents, there's something in TV called the midwestern standard. That's why most people on TV
and movies sound like they're from the midwest. I guess someone decided that this area has no accent and everyone else
must. LOL Something like that, anyway. Of course, when I was in Boston, I was the one with the accent. Jonathan and I actually
couldn't stop laughing one of the first times we were on "the T" (subway) there and heard the man announce the stop "Malden
Center!" (Said more like "Moo-aul-den Cen-tah!")
I haven't seen the house yet. Probably won't until we're moved in. Still got another week of this bedrest.
Let's pray you only stay on bedrest for the weekend! Unfortunately, that's not enough time to get your body used to bedrest, so it will
be hard, but like I said, only 3 days we hope. I guess that means you'll be posting a lot more? *grin*
10:13pm Aug 21, 1999 EDT
Not sure on stuffed animals. I just know they collect dust and therefore can contribute to allergies, etc.
How is everyone? I feel okay, but these antibiotics are rotten. My whole digestive tract is messed up. I have a week left on them. Its
going to be a long week. I think the baby may have turned head-down last night. Can't be sure without an ultrasound, but it sure was
flipping and I feel more kicks above and fewer below.
12:15pm Aug 22, 1999 EDT
Sheri, I know that "duckbill" pelvic exam feeling all too well, lately-- All those "POL" workups I've had, you know.
Very uncomfortable. That must be terrible to feel like that all the time where they can't just "unscrew" the duckbill and
you feel a little better!
That's what I meant yesterday about your not being used to bedrest in only a weekend-- the achey legs, etc. from laying around. And,
yes, it takes a while to adjust back to a normal "internal clock" schedule so you sleep at night and not all day.
Nici, "a fount of knowlege". LOL You're the second person to tell me that. Someone last year commented that I'm just full of trivia
and asked where I picked up all this info. Heck if I know. "Waited too long" to have your first? Only if you plan on having more than
10 kids. LOL I consider those to have waited too long to be the ones who put off having kids until they get the house, car, etc. and then
find they have a fertility problem and truely are running against the clock. Otherwise, there is no right or wrong time to have a baby.
Techinically, I think fertility is at its best in your early 20's and declines slowly after that. Add to that that teenagers get pregnant
most easily... Getting my trivia all mixed up. LOL
12:19pm Aug 22, 1999 EDT
I've been feeling rotten lately. Its the antibiotics I'm on. And to think I'm not even half done with them. I'll be done
with them on Saturday morning. My stomach hurts and my digestion is all messed up. Only thing I can think of is maybe
the pills are killing some of the good bacteria in my intestines, as well as the bad bacteria in my urinary tract. It doesn't matter what I
eat, either, so it must be the pills.
03:01pm Aug 22, 1999 EDT
I'm holding off on any nesting. I guess when we're moved into our new place weeks from now and I'm closer to 37 weeks,
I'll get more into the nesting. You can bet mid- next month, I'll be washing and setting up, etc! Right now, I'm still on
hold. Just as well. Seems right after I set up all of Nathan's things before he was born, I started having more contractions, etc. He still
wasn't born for two weeks after, though. To think I spent two weeks with "false labor" and was so upset the baby would come-- and
he was eventually 6 days EARLY!
04:32pm Aug 22, 1999 EDT
I guess I could call the doctor's office tomorrow morning. I don't know of much that pregnant people can take.
Kaopectate is just for heartburn. Certainly can't take Peptobismol. I suppose bran and fresh fruit... Not that we have any
of that. LOL
10:39am Aug 23, 1999 EDT
Yogurt. I'll put it on the grocery list. I don't know who's going next. I think we're low on grocery money at the moment
11:55am Aug 23, 1999 EDT
I think you are, Mary. LOL I'm not even sort of ready. Well, I have the car seat and stroller and diapers, but nothing is
washed and the clothes are stored away. My mind is still on bedrest for the week and these nasty pills. After that, we'll
see. Still waiting to hear when we can move in, too. Not that I'll be moving anything myself, but still. Then we can get the baby's room
set up, etc. We had Nathan's crib in our room, at first. Might do the same this time. Never had the crib not in our room, actually,
except in RI and Nathan never slept in it then anyway.
05:41pm Aug 23, 1999 EDT
I called the nurse at my OB's office this afternoon. I just had to find out if there's anything I can do about these
horrible side effects from the antibiotics. Earlier, I thought I'd faint and I couldn't breathe right! She consulted my chart and I
think asked either my doctor or another one in the office. She came back with the verdict of finish them today and then come in
friday and we'll do an "official" urine sample. Basically, I'm off these things. Plus, I think the baby has turned and dropped. I feel more
pressure and there is definately something hard and low down near my pelvic bone. I've been drinking water a lot. Hopefully in a few
days I won't be feeling horrible anymore. (Until transition, that is. LOL)
11:47pm Aug 23, 1999 EDT
Two to four weeks? Why that guess? Is your cervix changed at all? How many weeks are you now? I need to get to friday
at least, but of course the longer the better. Full term for me is 9/17, really, but with these shots for the baby's
lungs, it wouldn't be too bad if born at 34 or 35 weeks, too. Sounds like the first restrictions I was on-- just not walk long distances
and sit on the couch most of the time with no vacuuming, etc. Glad you're not on strict bedrest anymore. We'll see what my verdict is on
friday.That seems so far away!
11:10am Aug 24, 1999 EDT
I'm a little better, but not much. I just hope the UTI doesn't come back with a vengance. Then I'm really in trouble.
01:40pm Aug 24, 1999 EDT
Now dh and my mom are throwing a wrench in the works telling me they both like Natalie for a girl instead of Alexa. My
mom even things Nataleigh is cute. LOL
05:47pm Aug 24, 1999 EDT
Yeah, friday will come, but will this infection be gone? I highly doubt it, now that they had me stop taking the
antibioitics.
01:44pm Aug 25, 1999 EDT
LOL You all forget about me. I'm 37 weeks on 9/17 and with all luck I won't have the baby until that very moment, so
watch out. I'm determined to make it to that date. And Mary, I still could be having a girl-- you never know.I thought
the UTI had come back and was having contractions so I went into labor and delivery last night. They were so busy that I got stuck in
one of three beds in a recovery room. Someone that was there already for the first 10 minutes or so had had a c-section and couldn't
remember that fact very well. Her baby was all cute and newborn! Anyway, the monitor picked up contractions, but after three
cervical checks and 8 hours later-- no duckbill thing mind you!-- I went home with no UTI and a perscription for a different
antibioitc to take once a day to keep the UTI's away. Some of the contractions I was having at first, though, were pretty evil. Made me
think twice about if I want an epidural or not. LOL Seems I'm a regular there, now. The doctor joked that I need some frequent flier
miles and I had another doctor come by just to chat because he saw my name and wanted to say hello. Oh yeah-- they said my cervix
hadn't changed-- still 3 cm-- yet they marked down 50% effaced and I didn't think I was effaced at all before. And also, they said the
baby's head isn't down yet. Go figure.
07:28pm Aug 25, 1999 EDT
Elizabeth, I don't know what to tell you about your doctor. Hopefully its just her that's like that,
but it could be how that hospital is, too. She shouldn't have laughed at you. Of course, you can't map out your birth, but you CAN say some
things you definately want and don't want, and those things don't depend on how labor goes, like if you want the baby to have only
bottles, or no bottles, or if you want circumcision done, or if you want an epidural (assuming everything goes well), or if you would
prefer to avoid an episiotomy, etc.. Its just so they know what you want and can keep that in mind. About the stirrups, your "real
labor"?? What is that? Remember, this is YOUR birth, not hers, and you are paying her-- indirectly or not. There is no reason you
need to be in bed or in stirrups, unless you have had an epidural and obviously can't use your legs very well. At least she's honest
about it being easier for her, if you are in stirrups, but that is one of the hardest positions to give birth in-- pushing the baby uphill--,and it only CAME out of convenience for the doctors. Look into other positions-- otherwise, you may just get stuck in the stirrups.
Again, you want to look back on your labor with few "I wish I would have's" as possible. I get my weight, blood pressure, and pulse,
taken, at my appointments. They also have me check my urine with one of those sticks. They listen to the baby's heartbeat and
measure my middle. Other than that, we just talk about how I'm feeling and if I have any questions, etc. Last time she asked if I'd
thought about a birth plan at all yet. I don't think you are feeling anything abonormal. If you really don't feel comfortable, then switch
doctors! Who cares if it would only be for a handful of appointments? Sounds like you'd feel much better. And about your doctor
being there at the birth, I doubt it. You get whomever is on call and available, at my hospital. And its the nurses who support you
during labor, not the doctors. They aren't sitting on their butts, though. They run around like I don't know what. Trust me-- I've
been to labor and delivery more than probably all of you. Including those who have 3 kids! LOL
02:11pm Aug 26, 1999 EDT
Speaking of moving, we should be moving one of these weekends soon. Not this one, but at the soonest next weekend.
We can't wait too many weeks because our free storage time runs out the middle of September. Dh went to the church
today and got some music and practiced the organ a bit.
11:51am Aug 27, 1999 EDT
I'm not trying to go into labor, mind you. My OB said the betamethazone shots don't work much after 34 weeks, so if I get
anymore, today's will be the last, I think. I just feel really PMS-ish lately. I know some about preemies, because I was
a preemie myself. The pictures, of course, are from 1972-- the machines may look different, but the people don't, really. I was a
31-weeker. I breathed fine on my own and sucked fine. Not that I didn't have my relapses-- I was put on a respirator after my
surgery. It just depends on the baby, really. Other babies there with me didn't make it, and some that were only in the 20's weeks
made it!
Only three more weeks. Not that long, is it?
03:00pm Aug 27, 1999 EDT
Back from appointment. Baby is definately breech. Still on bedrest and back to going in every week.
08:43pm Aug 27, 1999 EDT
They gave me that same exercise to do, too. I'm waiting until dinner settles a bit, for obvious reasons!
01:19am Aug 28, 1999 EDT
What do I look like now? At the bottom of that page are two pics of me at about 9. Just multiply that by 3. LOL I look
pregnant with shoulder-length semi-curly auburn hair with long bangs that I barret back.
12:43pm Aug 28, 1999 EDT
We have a queen size bed. Right now, we're on a full-size couch bed, though. My eyes are a normal size, I guess, now.
Nathan has really big eyes, though. Guess that's from me! That's one of the things people comment on-- how big his
eyes are. If you want to see his pictures, by the way, they're a little outdated (like by 10 months!), but cute --And there are some
post-baby fat pics of me in there, too, come to think of it!-- you can go to Nathan's site.
Jonathan went to the new place today. He says there's a deck out back and two pumpkins growing in the yard. The house is one floor
with a basement that is partially finished. (A plus in a tornado warning!) He brought some more music home. I really hope he can do
this job! I know I couldn't. LOL (And yes, I've been in choirs all my life.)
12:46pm Aug 28, 1999 EDT
Mary, you're new quote in your signature.... I just can't help thinking the quiver is full waiting to shoot those arrows at
the boys! LOL (Or is my pregnant brain on the wrong track? Either way, its funny in my mind. *grin*)
01:11am Aug 29, 1999 EDT
You're tired of being pregnant... ?
The music is the music to The Carousel of Progress at Disney World. Its called "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow." The
words are something like, "There's a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day. There's a great big beautiful
tomorrow, and tomorrow is just a dream away. Man has a dream and that's the start. He follows his dream with mind and heart. And
when it becomes a reality, there's a great big dream for you and me. (Repeat refrain from beginning.)" LOL The things that are stuck
in my head!
No kidding about the basement for tornadoes. We lived in a house that had no basement 3 years ago. Terrible. Only once did I have to
go to the neighbor's, though. Plus, part of the basement at the new place is furnished. A bonus for spending possible hours down
there.
Making a link is easy. On here, of course, I'll need to substitute "<" and ">" with "(" and ")"-- otherwise, it will make the link. LOL
Here's how I would link to my circ site. (Nathan's site is a LONG address, that's why I picked this one.):
(A HREF="http://circquotes.tilted.com")Any Words You Want Here(/A)
Be sure to use "<" instead of ")", like I said, and don't forget your quote marks around the URL. I guess the "A" tells it to start the
link and the slash "A" tells it to stop it.
12:49pm Aug 29, 1999 EDT
Beth, you are too funny. That's about how it goes these days, though. When I was pregnant with Nathan, we were at our
"OB Tea" to meet the other OB's. I went up to get a sticky name tag. I wrote my name on it and left. I had to go back to
get it to stick it on. And that's the only thing I went up there for! I never can remember if I took pills or not. You'd think I'd write it
down, but that doesn't help muchWell, I'm not too great today and yesterday.
Great. Nathan just erased my long post. ****************!!!!!!!!!!!!!
11:52am Aug 30, 1999 EDT
I won't be one of those who go through pregnancy so many times. This is the last time. Don't know what kind of b/c we'll
get, but something. I'm going to breastfeed as long as possible like I did with Nathan. Well, until the baby wants to quit,
anyway. Nathan didn't quit until June when he was 20 months. Not that that's birth control, obviously. I just mean that certain b/c
methods aren't compatible with breastfeeding. What are you considering? And how many more kids do you think you want?
I always have strange dreams. But at least they're about being out and about. Sad, but true.
02:23pm Aug 30, 1999 EDT
Well, I'm not doing any of it. LOL Guess that's a plus for bedrest. Don't wear yourself out too much-- it will just be the
day your are exhuasted like that that you decide "this is it" at 11 p.m. And with your first baby, don't count on labor
being shorter than the average 17 hours! Besides which, if you thought you were tired after having the baby, guess who needs to eat
every 2 hours along with changing, washing clothes, etc? Your shower sounds really nice. My mom keeps mentioning that I "need" a
glider rocker, but do I have one? No. LOL She's going to get Nathan another toddler bed. He has one at her place, but he needs one of
his own. He has nowhere to sleep when he's not at his Nanna's.
I hope we won't need the basement too often, either. However, last summer we had tornado warnings seems like every few days. This
year, not so many. Besides, there's a bathroom in the basement, so that's a plus. Won't have to hold it or make a mad dash upstairs
and worry. LOL Its not like Oklahoma or anything, but South Eastern Michigan IS at the very tip of Tornado Alley, I guess.
05:08pm Aug 30, 1999 EDT
Yeah. Don't forget-- I'm "term" on 9/17 so it may be close with Mary. *grin* Believe me, I'll give you my labor story.
LOL
05:10pm Aug 30, 1999 EDT
Olden days. LOL Like when it took 2 days to do the laundry by hand? And there was little or no indoor plumbing?
06:56pm Aug 30, 1999 EDT
I've never heard of a tornado hitting anywhere near us. A lot of time, a warning is on the radar only-- no sighting-- so
it probably doesn't even exist. Still, you can't chance it, so you have to go to the basement anyway. About in 1988, we
had such a bad tornado warning/storm, the sky was completely GREEN and the small trees in our yard were completely bent over to
the ground, without breaking. And to think my parents had us at the front door looking at it. *Shaking head*
About breastfeeding, I said that too: probably only until 6 months. Guess what? Nathan had other ideas. LOL It just depends on when
the baby wants to wean. Weaning takes a bit, too. Its not a quick process. I think it took us maybe 4 months? I think back at the
beginning of March, we were away from Nathan for a week. I needed the breast pump once every two or three days. Nathan still would
nurse, but only a few sucks at a time, a few times a day. I think the Academy of Pediatrics suggests breastfeeding a minimum of one
year, preferably two.
About your maternity clothes, don't burn them right after the birth. You probably won't be fitting anything but them and sweats for a
while. Even if you gained little baby fat, your middle will still be all sag-baggy and your breasts will get BIG within the first week with
engorgement. Bring sweats to go home from the hospital in. I made the mistake of bringing a dress. The top wouldn't fit-- even 24
hours after birth!
10:35pm Aug 30, 1999 EDT
Birth control is something I'll have to learn to use if I don't want to be in bed for 9 months straight.
I hadn't really used any birth control, actually, since the beginning of 1995.
11:51am Aug 31, 1999 EDT
Sheri, I had forgotten about the pill and gaining weight. Hmm... Back to the drawing board. I intend to lose weight after
this baby and keep it off. I lost weight last summer and now am pg again, obviously. I've never used an IUD but with my
history, I don't want to. I scar easily and I hear the IUD can contribute to that. I also hear it's for people who don't want any more
kids, because of this. For some, it does its job, but for others it irritates so much that they end up with scar tissue inside that impairs
their fertility.
Nathan used a bottle and nursed, so when we went out, I had a bottle of pumped milk for him. Well, sometimes. Usually, I just found a
place to nurse him. I guess if I had "left over" from pumpinmg, I'd take it with us, but it doesn't last long, even with ice packs. Gosh--
we hauled that electric pump around with us for at least the first two months-- bag with ice packs and little 4 oz bottles with tops to
store the milk in. I don't think we ever used all the milk I'd pumped. It was nice to have, though, for dh to use when I was too lazy to
nurse. (Of course, you can't get TOO lazy, or you could get mastitis!)
LOL Uncomfortable "down there" from a snip. Didn't he already go through that at birth? LOL
I'm loving this weather, too. Only, I hear its supposed to warm up again. Phooey!
Glad you got your crib parts. We had an iguana cage built about 4 years ago. A huge 6X4X4 foot thing! When we sold it two years ago,
we'd lost all the screws!! And the people bought it anyway. We had the instructions for how to put it together and that said the sizes,
but still. I hope they liked it. LOL We bought diapers, etc. for Nathan with the money.
Robin, what about instant messaging with your parents? That's more like talking. You can get the AOL instant messanger for free.
I guess, Robin, speaking of csections, if this baby does not turn, I very well may have to have one. We'll see. Like I said before, they
won't jump at the chance with my history, but if they do, they could just tie up my one working tube. LOL And get a glimps of how
messed up my insides REALLY are! I do want a vaginal birth though-- easier to recover from.
Karen, will I be off bedrest? Seems like they probably won't let me off until I'm 37 weeks, which is two weeks from friday. I guess
that's kinda soon, but not really when I'm running out of things to do in bed 24/7! I seem to gain a pound a week. I'm still going every
week. By the time they decide I can not go every week, I'll be into my last month and go every week anyway. LOL My last month,
actually, starts in about 10 days. I, too, want a "take-home" baby. I want to relax with him or her right after-- not have him or her
whisked away and poked, etc. They told me to come in if contractions "double" me "over" or with bleeding or water breaks. None of
that. Just the usual braxton hicks and achiness.
06:19pm Aug 31, 1999 EDT
Pains in the cervix? LOL Been having them for months. And don't even mention when they do a cervical check. LOL
I guess I MIGHT make it to the 17th. I figured out that my appointment this week is thursday, not friday. I also finally hit rock
bottom-- well, maybe not THAT far-- and called my OB's office about my depression. I lucked out and someone cancelled at my
councelor's office, I go in to see HER a little after I see my OB this thursday.
This baby is still feet down. I'll have to ask about that on thursday.
Some times I feel normal, and sometimes I feel crampy. Hopefully the crampiness isn't changing my cervix. Never know when it will.
Seems when I do n't feel anything, it changes, and when I feel like I might die-- like last week in the hospital-- it doesn't budge. LOL
About hot flashes, don't mention those! I've been getting those today. I put the fan on. *Twiddling thumbs* Is it 9/17 yet???
We're moving saturday, we hope. Well, I'm not doing anything. I hope there will be someone to get me my food, etc. I hightly doubt
they'll take me off bedrest this week, although it would make it easier for this weekend to get food. I did go sit on the couch this
afternoon for a minute.
Got to go. Phone monster again.
07:37pm Aug 31, 1999 EDT
I thought about your belly button thing. The only thing I can come up with is either its when you have a braxton hicks
and everything is hard. OR, your abdominal muscles are separated and you're feeling the baby through there!