Steph's Baby Thread

[steph]

This is a thread for my baby related news and info.

I'm pregnant, due on October 12th.

Today, we had an ultrasound. Everything looks great and right on track. And we found out that it's a(nother) boy! I'm going to have a lot of boy in my house, but it'll be fun!

[Luet]

Congrats mommy Steph! I hope the throwing up phase is over?

[Petra456]

Congrats Steph! Aww, two baby boys.

[Claire]

cool cool cool!
any name ideas yet?

[mr_thebrain]

congrats!

[ender1]

Congrats!

[steph]

Since my presence in this thread has been requested, I thought I'd give an update for those interested.

I'm 32 weeks pregnant now. Everything at my doctor's appt yesterday is showing normal, which is great! Last pregnancy, my weight gain was too high, I was borderline diabetic and anemic, and my blood pressure was on the rise. This time, I'm well within normal ranges for everything! I think this baby is smaller, so I think that has something to do with it. My ribs don't have resident feet, which means I'm much more comfortable.

Because I had an emergency c-section last time, I now have the burden of choosing how I give birth this time. I'm a good candidate for a VBAC, but then again, I've never actually given vaginal birth, so I don't know how my body will handle it. And there are risks...some pretty grim risks. I don't know when I'll go into labor, but I was 5 days past my due date last time. I don't know if I want that. On the other hand, if I schedule a c-section, I won't have to go through labor again, and I'll be able to have the baby up to a week before my due date. Recovery time is a lot longer, though. I have no idea what to do.

Since I had the c-section last time, they scheduled me for a 36 week ultrasound to get an estimated fetal weight and to try and check if the cord is around the neck. My doctor suggested I wait to make the decision until after that. We'll see what happens.

Have any of you ever laughed at those commercials for RLS (or Restless Leg Syndrome)? I used to laugh every time I saw them, telling people in my mind to just get over it, that it's just ridiculous. Well, I laugh no more. RLS is something that can be aggravated in pregnancy, and let me tell you, the nights when I'm up for hours crying because I'm so tired and I can't fall asleep because my legs won't stop twitching and I don't have enough energy to keep walking to try and calm the symptoms down, those nights were no laughing matter. I've added more beef and spinach into my diet, because it can be cause by iron deficiency, and that seems to be helping. I hope none of the rest of you ever have to deal with it! It sucks big time!

In any case, we're starting to get excited and nervous all at the same time! It's been a pretty uneventful pregnancy, which is why this thread has been so boring, but I'm glad it has been, and I hope it stays that way!

[Luet]

I've had intermittent bouts of RLS so I can sympathize! I don't get the twitching but I get a feeling of intense tickling deep inside my leg bones that only stops for a moment if I tense the muscles. And of course it's worse at night. I hope it goes away for you soon! And I'm so glad that everything had been uneventful. I'm sure that you have but just make sure you do lots of research yourself about VBAC so that you feel totally informed about whatever decision you make. That way you'll know that you are making the decision that YOU want to make and not what happens to be fashionable at the time.

And after the baby comes if you ever have time to read, I HIGHLY recommend a book called "Birth: The Surprising History of How We Are Born". Fascinating.

[Gravity Defier]

Uneventful or not, we want to know!

I'm so glad things are going well for you. I wish I had some experience (well, maybe not quite yet) so I could tell you what I think about the whole thing...but I don't, so I'll just have to agree with Luet and say the way to go is educating yourself and picking what you want.

[steph]

Had an appointment yesterday. Everything is still looking good. I haven't made a decision on the c-section yet. I have an ultrasound in 2 weeks, and I'm hoping that will give me some definitive information, one way or another. We'll see! But right now baby brother is healthy!

[Luet]

Very glad to hear it! *hugs*

[Oliver Dale]

Steph, that's so great. Have you been feeling okay?

[Eaquae Legit]

Good stuff! I hope everything goes well, and you're happy with whatever decision you make.

[steph]

Thanks, guys.

Ollie, after I finished the 20 weeks of "puke-my-guts-out", I've been feeling pretty good. Until recently. I'm hitting the last handful of weeks, so I'm moving into "no-matter-what-I-do-I-can't-get-comfortable." I'm about ready for this pregnancy to be over!!

[steph]

I had an ultrasound and checkup yesterday. The baby is already about 7 lbs. My doctor doesn't want me to go past my due date due to the size, so the plan is to see if my body goes into labor before then, and if not, schedule a c-section.

I got home this morning and there was a message on my voice mail from the scheduler saying that I'm scheduled for Oct 8. And I'm freaking out. That's only 2 1/2 weeks away, not 3. Am I ready? Is that enough time for my body to go into labor? I don't know. I'm emotional, I'm crying, I'm a wreck. I know it's ridiculous. It's only 2 days earlier than Brian and I were hoping for. 2 lousy days! Why does that make me so upset? I wish I knew.

I'm so ready to be done being pregnant. I'm tired. My body hurts everywhere. Some days I can hardly move.

At the same time, 2 1/2 weeks seems so soon. I'm not sure I'm ready.

Gaahhhh!

[Eaquae Legit]

((((Steph and family))))

You'll be awesome. It'll work out.

[VelvetElvis]

*does the "The-baby's-coming!" dance"

[Gravity Defier]

Steph, love, you're going to be ready and you're going to do wonderfully, so hang in there!

*hugs*

[Petra456]

I literally make a very girly squeel every single time I read this thread!

Yay for baby time!

[steph]

Thanks for all the love and support, you guys. Any encouragement I can get makes a huge difference!

I had my 2nd to last appointment yesterday. Everything is right on track. In fact, I lost weight, so I'm only up 17 lbs from pre-pregnancy weight. I'm so done being pregnant today, so send all the prayers/good vibes/labor chi you can manage to help this baby get out of my belly!

Also, here is an interesting bit of news going around these here parts of Colorado: Blizzard Babies. Although technically we shouldn't be included because we purposely went off birth control, my baby will always be considered a blizzard baby around here! Brian's joking that we need to make a reservation at the hospital to make sure we get a room!

[v-girl]

Blizzard babies, that's funny. Kind of like a small baby boom! I'm glad to here everything is on track, and I hope the last couple weeks go smoothly! I demand pictures ASAP (or as soon as you can... please?)

[Claire]

*sends good vibes*

[steph]

Here's my belly picture!



1 week tops! Then I'll start posting pics of the cute baby!

[Young Val]

Steph, you are such a lovely mom-to-be!

[Petra456]

Aww!

I seriously said that out loud when I saw your picture.

: )

[Oliver Dale]

I absolutely agree. One week... how exciting!

[Gravity Defier]

You're gorgeous, Steph!

And in my thoughts, as it gets closer to show time.

[starlooker]

You're so gorgeous. I love that dress.

Every time I see this thread bump, I feel a little flutter of, "Ohmygosh! Is baby here yet?"

[Amka]

Wish all the best for you. Do you know if you are going to have a VBAC if you do go into labor?

Babies are so wonderous. They make us look at the world all young again, and of course they're cuddly too.

I'm almost, almost sad I'm not having any more.

[steph]

Thanks, you guys! You're all so great!

Ami, if I go into labor on my own, I am doing the VBAC. I feel I need to give myself a chance to do it. Hopefully labor will start soon!

I'll keep you guys informed. I just hope the forum is up and running from the server switch so I can let you guys know!

[Amka]

Don't worry. Actually, we've figured out a way that will probably mean no freeze.

And good luck on the VBAC! Just know, whether it can happen or not isn't a testament about your feminitiy or the goddess in you or anything that important. Some of the sites on childbirth that could give you good advice on that are unfortunately also so self righteous about the anti-medical.

[Eaquae Legit]

Pardon the inexperience, but... VBAC?


Anyway, good luck and blessings, Steph! I hope everything goes really well and smoothly. Can't wait to see pictures!

[Dr. Mobius]

Google is your friend.

[Ela]

Good luck, steph. I think you made the right decision about the VBAC. Just remember that whatever happens, the most important thing is giving birth to a healthy baby.

And you know where to come for breastfeeding questions.

Sending you lot of good vibes.

[Amka]

Submitted after the database backup:

Luet

So, today is the day? If you haven't gone into labor yet? You're in my thoughts, babe...

steph

Thanks, Nomi.

Today is the day. We're packing up the car and heading out in about 1/2 an hour to drop the kid off at Grandma's. By noon (mountain time), pweb will have it's youngest member!