[BeckyM]

Okay, let's see/hear those updates from our preggos, our mamas, etc. How's everyone feeling? Latest appointments? How are the LO's growing? Pictures please!

Wow - it felt strange putting in the date for this week's weekly updates. It'll be 2010 by end of the week. It just doesn't seem possible. 2009 has been quite eventful, and looking back I get overwhelmed just thinking about all the different things that have happened with DH & I. It also makes us even more grateful that we're ending 2009 and beginning the new year 2010 expecting our little Mark.

Big congrats again to Jess!!! We're all so happy that little Bug is here & hope you're recovering well.

Sam - you're next sweetie!!! I hope you're feeling great & got DH to get those last few things finished up. Can't wait to "meet" your LO!!!!

[kimberley228]

I have my second beta this morning and I'll post the results on the main board later this afternoon.

We told all of our family and close friends on Christmas and everyone was so excited. We are not the type to keep it a secret for long. DH and I are just too excited.

[*Tonya*]

I just read about Jess little Bug ! That's wonderful news!

Kimberly - I am still new here and not sure what beta is but sounds like you have been given wonderful news - Congrats! Now I am off to do some research so I won't be so lost next time I see something like this......lol

as for me - the dr. called and rescheduled my amnio from Dec. 21st until January 5th. I am at 16 weeks and feeling much better than the last month or so. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this second trimester will have me feeling much better than the first.

[*SamF*]

Becky- can't believe it will be 2010 either in just a few days!! Makes it feel closer that Mark will be here?

Kimberly- going to stalk your latest Beta!!!

Tonya- I felt a lot better in the 2nd tri. Hope all goes well with the amnio next week!


AFM- Had my 38 week appt today. Caved in and got the cervical check because I have been contracting pretty regularly. But although those show up really well on the NST, I'm only 60% effaced and a fingertip dilated. So no telling when the bub will be here. I am super uncomfortable still, contractions are still happening but not super strong, just more annoying than anything.
Officially hit 39 today , was hoping C.J. would show up , so I would have an excuse to not celebrate my b-day anymore!

[BeckyM]

Kimberley - congrats on a 2nd great beta!!! and I couldn't keep it a secret either and told pretty much everyone really soon after getting the BFP.

Tonya - the beta levels are blood levels some docs do after you get a BFP. They want to see them progressing (doubling) every 48-72 hours. For me, they ran 3 sets before scheduling the 1st u/s. Some docs don't do it at all. It depends on the doc. And I too felt so much better & less nervous once I hit the 2nd trimester. Good luck next week at your appt. Will they also do an u/s? Or use the doppler? I feel so much better when I hear or see that heartbeat.

Sam - Happy b-day sweetie!!! I'm sorry you're so uncomfortable and hope CJ doesn't make you wait too long. And yes seeing that it'll be 2010 makes it seem like little Mark will be here soon, as well as now being officially more then 1/2 thru this pregnancy. I can't believe I'm 21 weeks already. Wow!!!

AFM or really Jess, I've got some pics to share. I'll do a separate post as I'm not sure everyone will check in here for them. Jess & little Jaylen are doing fine. Jess's hands are still numb but not as much pain as before (thankfully) and she's trying to sleep when Jaylen is.

and forgot to mention in my earlier post, I AM starting to feel definite movements now. On Christmas afternoon, I got some real big kicks and since then, I've noticed stronger ones more & more. I still get those flutters to, but it feels so sweet to feel the stronger movements now too.

[MarieJ]

Kimberley - off to stalk that beta!

Tonya, good luck with that amnio!


Sam - I can't wait to meet this little one!

Becky-awww, I loved those little movements, enjoy it! Soon enough that LO will be kicking you from the outside

AFM-I think I'm done. Today I am selling all of my 0-12 month baby clothes, except a few pieces which I can't part with, maybe six in total. My mat clothes are all gone, we're selling off all of the outgrown baby stuff. If I haven't ever gotten pg on my own, there is very little chance it'll happen in the next four years If I do get another miracle, we'll have to go shopping! We're ntnp, but it likely won't happen for me again. Maybe three within 29 months are enough anyhow, lol!

[Counting our Blessings]

I wish I had time to respond to all of you. I'm thinking of you, but the kids need me, so I only have a moment.

For me, we found out we are having a little girl. We are thrilled and shocked. I would have bet baby was a boy, but God has a sense of humor! At the ultrasound we were so stunned, we forgot to ask how she was measuring, how much she weighted, etc. I was so stunned. But I did hear her say, baby was healthy, so Thank you God. Andy and I just sat and grinned at each other. But I hit 20 weeks, so halfway, it's flying by! I'm feeling pretty good, so tired though. Feeling little baby kicks, they almost feel like tickles. This is such a fun stage.

For Nathan, he's 9 months old and hope you don't mind if I update on him. He's now 16 pounds and I'm finally bumping him up to 12 month clothes. All his 6-9 month stuff is for fall, and we are in Wisconsin, so we need warmer stuff. So up to 12 month he goes. We just roll the pant legs. I'm trying to get him to try a little more chunky food to no avail. And he is still nursing at night. Andy is giving me a hard time about weaning him. He asks what about when he has a mouthful of teeth and needs a haircut, and can come and ask for it himself. He's such a stinker. I will probably wean him before this one is born. I'm hoping he self weans though when he gets to a year, I hate the thought of doing it myself. Oh well, time will tell.

Hope everyone is well!

[CaseyM]

I too wish I had the time to respond to everyone...But Happy New Year to you all...

AFM - still dealing with the BP issues. Feet still killing me and so are the headaches. Got a call from the insurance yesterday. The doc put me on restrictions...no more than 8 hours a day 5 days a week...ummmmm DOH! That's my regular work week. So I think he misunderstood me. So I called the nurse and explained and she said that she would talk to him and try to redo the paperwork. So now I'm just waiting for someone at the docs to call me back or the insurance lady again....Otherwise, I'm back to work next week or the week after, depending on vacation time available....Also, I have my interview for the promotion next Tuesday morning, so looking forward to that.

[*Tonya*]

Becky, I didn't think to ask if they would do an ultrasound or doppler when having the amnio. I just assumed they would do the ultrasound b/c it seems much safer that way.

[MarieJ]

Casey, what is you bp and what are you on for meds? Shouldn't this have resolved by now with the right meds? I have only an internist adjust my bp meds ever, not family doctors who tend to just try one med after another. You aren't being properly managed. I hope your headaches and swelling go away, are you having your bp checked daily? You're too symptomatic which means you aren't well enough controlled. Hmmm, think the nurse in me is coming out, lol!

[CaseyM]

Marie- my BP is around 135ish/80-90...This really isn't high, but it is for me. I usually run 110/65-70. The meds they have me on are Labetalol, 200mg twice a day. I think that some of the issues with the headaches is due to lack of sleep, but I seem to have them even when DH takes the baby and I get to sleep. They have kept me on the same med just changing my dosage.

[daisygarten]

Happy New Year!

Mari- I hope you got everyone takne care of! I let my son self-wean and he went to 17 months. I had to wean my dd, and that was at 20 months. I've never nursed while pg. Does that seem to be bothering your 9 mo old? How old were the others when you weaned?

Casey- I hope your doctor can buy you some more time while they get your bp under control and your headaches resolved. Could your headaches be caused by something else?

Becky- Congrats on feeling the baby move Has your dh felt it yet?

Marie- I gave away all of my maternity and baby clothes about 3-4 yrs ago... lol! You just never know

Sam- 39 weeks!! Are you taking off from work? Or going "all the way?"

Hi to all I've missed!

AFM- Heartburn rules the day. I'm at about 2 Zantac and 2-4 Tums a day. It started early this pg. With my son, it wasn't until my third trimester...

[MomtoKatieB]

Happy New Year everyone. I don't have time to write a lot. Just know that all my OM ladies are in my thoughts and prayers. I noticed from Casey's post that we are not only on the same medication for bp but also the same dosage right down to the amount of times per day. I will find out in two weeks if I can go off the meds or not. Hope I can. I feel pretty good actually.
I am trying to get a pic of Katie with her favorite toy (a pink musical sea horse) but not having any luck. She won't look at Mommy. She is totally enthralled with her 'friend' and talks to it (okay, babbles incoherently, but she is trying to communicate) I bought her an extra one in case something happens to Sami Seahorse because I do not want to deal with the consequences of her not having it to play with. . . my little princess has quite a temper at times and if I can keep her world as carefree as possible for the moment, I am all for it.
Once again, Happy New Year everyone. We are in NC for another five days before we go back to IN.