Mamas to be check in August 12th

C

cyclinggirl

Cathlete
Hey Mamas,

Just checking in to see how everyone's doing. Haven't seen a check-in post so I thought I'd put one up. How are you lovely Mamas to be doing? How are your workouts going and how are you feeling? Hope you're all doing well and feeling healthy and strong!!

I'm feeling really large these days and my balance is not as hot as it was just a few weeks ago (27 weeks now).

My weight workouts are getting shorter, I'm doing more with bands and I have less patience for the DVDs. I'm doing more walking, trying to go longer to keep the aerobic side of things intact and hopefully burn off the extra stuff that I'm eating and craving now. Anyone else get to a point where they leveled off and didn't feel as great about lifting weights as they did in the early mid 2nd trimester?

I ordered a new kickboxing DVD (Kickbox Extreme by Amy Bento) b/c I wanted an old copy of Billy Blanks Basic (used) but they weren't able to ship it via Amazon and I was tired of waiting. I wanted something that was brief and flowed like Billy's original did. It's tough to find kickboxing videos that flow, there's a lot of stopping and teaching new moves. Any suggestions? I have Kick Max and a recording of KPC. I like KPC, but what I have recorded doesn't flow much either.

Okay, enough about me.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Steph

p.s. oh yeah... my belly button pain is gone now. :) I got this awesome book that will help prevent diastasis and aid in an easy delivery "Maternal Fitness: Preparing for a healthy pregnancy..." It's called the Tupler Method. Scroll down to "success story on pushing where the Tupler Mehtod was used: http://www.healthcoop.bm/testimonials.htm
 
Steph,
Thanks for reminding us to post. I am 25+ weeks along, and oddly enough for the past two weeks I've had a burst of energy. Still, though, I have slowed down considerably in my workouts and I moderate whenever needed. I figure that any movement, however small, is better than sitting in the chair with my feet up. Also, the heat has been insufferable where I live, so every morning I've been going for a relaxing swim. My belly is starting to get in the way of certain exercises (lunges, for example, and even kicks). Also, I find that I love yoga and stretching so much more than ever before.

I think this burst of energy might be related to the fact that school is about to start up again in two weeks. I wonder what will happen to my exercise then. I have a lot of work to compress into September and October before the baby arrives, and my stress level tends to increase anyways during the school year. I must say that I am not without nervousness about mixing up baby and career. Sometimes I wonder how it will all shake out. Oh well, the ride starts in two weeks, and I'm on it.

I'm glad to hear the belly button pain subsided. I haven't had any major bodily complaints--just a couple of small annoyances like heartburn (from overeating) and poor sleep due to frequent urination and the discomfort I feel from sleeping on my side (I am an inveterate back sleeper).

When is your due date? Mine is November 18.
Manmohini
 
Hi, ladies,

Steph, thank for starting this!

I'm sooooo exhausted! I'm 36 weeks (37 on Thursday), and we started back to school this week. Well, us teachers had to go in last week, and I can't believe how these work days are totally wiping me out! It's like the final countdown for me this week and next. My maternity leave starts on Aug.27th, and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

I started slowing down around the same time that you ladies did, and now that I'm in my last month, I am REALLY slowing down - although, I think it's due to the fact that I'm back to work. My lower back and pelvis were killing me today - wonder if baby has dropped!

Chrissy
 
Hey teachers and mamas to be,

Glad to hear from you! Manmohini the morning swimming sounds delightful, I think you're absolutely right in choosing to embrace the remaining open time you have until school starts. Especially hearing Chrissy's story, it could be a tough transition back -- luckily you're not as far along. :)

My due date is just before yours, it's November 10th. Though I keep noticing the alarm clock at 11:11 and thinking this kids going to be born on that day 11/11/07...would be kind of cool. Eleven is a significant number and date for me for a handful of reasons...too long to go into now. The night annoyances are no fun, my babe gets into full kick mode just as my head hits the pillow...and these are the big kicks, I call them the bloops -- they make me jump. So, I can relate. I'm thinking of night time walks to lull her to sleep with motion...I suppose it could work.

Chrissy, you're a trooper, hang in there!! My friend finally gave birth at 5:13am on Saturday (a boy!), she went about a week late and was at work right up to the end. She said it got really tough around week 37 too. She had no energy and was completely distracted (pains, thoughts, etc). I find it tough to focus and I'm not even close to where you are - I can only imagine. I hope you go quick and in the meantime maybe the back pains will subside...I find myself stretching in the ladies room stall when I can do it really helps.

Hope the rest of you are well.

Arancini, how's the new house coming along? And Nico's room?

Have a good week!
Steph
 
Hi everyone.

I am no longer a mama-to-be, as I had our son Jeremy last Wednesday. He was about two weeks early, but 38 weeks is considered full term, so I made it. :) He was born very, very fast. I barely made it to the hospital in time. We got there at 2:45 pm and he was born at 3:57 pm! He was a very healthy 7 lb, 10 ounces and 19 inches long. Of course, I think he is absolutely beautiful, precious and perfect. :)

I wish you all the best of luck with the remaining time of your pregnancies, and very happy, healthy babies, too. Take care!

Erin
 
Congratulations Erin!! And a BIG welcome to Jeremy!! :)

That's an awesome birth story, I love fast, early and HEALTHY -- sounds like a dream. :) Yayyy for both of you!!!!

Take care of yourself and your new bundle, we'll look for you on the post-partum fitness list. ;-)

Best,
Steph
 
Thanks so much, Steph! I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well and you will be blessed with a quick labor like I was. :)
 
Thanks Erin, I hope to be blessed too! I'd be delighted.

I'm so happy for you! Was Jeremy your first? Just curious because this is my first and I know they generally don't go as fast, though there are probably lots of exceptions.

I hope you're recovering well, bonding with Jeremy and getting used to learning all of his cues, little needs, etc. :)

Take care,
Steph
 
Congrats, Erin! Hurray! I'm also curious as to whether this was your first or not. How long was your labor/delivery?

I'm now at 37 weeks, 75% effaced, and 2-3 cm dialated, and sooo ready! My hips, lower back and pelvis are sooooooo sore! My ankles have disappeared, and I have slight carpal tunnel in my right arm because of all the water retention. Ick! I'm definitely in the miserable state . . .

I gained 4 lbs in ONE WEEK! Do you think that's water weight? I'm so shocked! It kind of depressed me and made me self conscious suddenly about appearance . . . but I'm so close!

Chrissy
 
Thanks for the congratulations, Chrissy. And to answer both you and Steph's question, no, this is not my first child. I have an almost 5 year old son named Ethan. He loves his little brother Jeremy and has been quite the helper. :)

My labor with Jeremy was only 6 hours or so, and I went from 2 cm dilated and 80% effaced to fully dilated and ready to push in less than 2 hours. So, it was definitely a very quick labor. I was unable to get my epidural or pain medicine it was so fast. Ethan was born prematurely, at less than 31 weeks. My water broke while taking a nap, and he was born about 9 hours later. So, I was glad to make it to nearly 38 weeks this time. But, I was extremely uncomfortable, so I know exactly what you are talking about Chrissy. Are you taking Tylenol and using a heating pad? That was helpful for me. And try to stay off your feet as much as you can. It will be over soon, so hang in there.

How long do you have left, Steph?

As for the weight gain, don't stress about it too much. I gained 32 pounds with Jeremy, but have already lost 17 pounds of it, and more will likely come off before my 6 week check up. I had a huge clot come out yesterday, which nearly scared me to death, but I figure it must weight at least a pound. ;)

Hang in there, ladies. And let me know how you are doing. Bye for now!

Erin

Jeremy born 8/8/07
Ethan born 10/12/02
 
Hey Erin,

Thanks for letting us know about both of your births, that's great that you made it to 38 weeks -- definitely an accomplishment!!

I'll be 28 weeks tomorrow, so I'm wayyyyy behind you ladies. Your story of Ethan's birth scared me a bit. We're in the middle of negotiating new housing and making a move, so we've tried not to stock up on any baby gear -- we have nothing at this point other than a few onesies and some outfits people have given us as early gifts.

The other night I went online and decided I should get a Pack n' Play (with a changing table) just in case this one decides to arrive early. I'm beginning to feel a bit irresponsible even though I know many people, due to religious beliefs and superstition, don't let any baby stuff into their homes until the last minute. But the bottom line is you just never know how quickly it may all unfold.

Anyway, you've given me more reason to get on the ball and get some basics on hand & convince DH that this is necessary. Thanks!!

Chrissy, I hope you're relieved soon, you sound like you're sooo close! Good luck to you!! :)

Steph

p.s. ...a 1 pound clot??? Yikes. Easy weight loss though eh?
 
Congratulations, Erin. You must feel so happy and relieved.

Steph--I'm going through the same thing about buying stuff. I haven't bought a thing yet at 26+ weeks. A few friends have sent pajamas and blankets, but that's about it. I never thought of myself as superstitious, but maybe I am. My plan was to keep the purchases minimal (car seat, sling, breast pump, crib only if co=sleeping doesn't succeed). Also, I was going to put them off until the eighth month. I guess after a late miscarriage in my last pregnancy, I feel gun shy about planning too much.

Manmohini
 
Manmohini,

I'm so glad to hear that you're in the same boat. Makes me feel less weird about it. I do feel funny about stocking up for all kinds of reasons, practical and personal. I want to keep the gear to a minimum as well. I think the miscarriage taught me a big lesson about not taking anything for granted. So I'm in a wait and see mode too.

How late was your late miscarriage? ...I'm very sorry you went through that, I'm sure it was difficult to accept on so many levels. :-( Miscarriage really changes a person, you can never go back to that wide-eyed place of innocence and pure faith.

Most of what I've read says that the 8th month is a good time to really get prepared. Plus, most showers happen about a month before your due. So, I guess it's fairly normal. But I've read about plenty of other women stocking up at 8 weeks! I can't really relate to that but I do understand the enthusiasm behind it. I always just pray that it all goes smoothly for them. :)


Steph
 
My m/c was around 13 or 14 weeks. Yes, it certainly sobered me up about all of the possible things that can go wrong. Now that I am approaching the third trimester, I have to control my mind and anxiety about pre-term labor. (As the Bhagavad gita says, there's danger at every step in this material world). I am thrilled about our soon-to-appear son, but I still find myself taking one day at a time. Even though I am attached to him already, I will wait until the eighth month for the gear. I don't want to get into the planning mode prematurely. Like you, I too shudder when I see women six or eight weeks pregnant making huge public announcements and piling up on baby gear. I sincerely pray all goes well for them and that they make it unscathed through that perilous first trimester.

As for gear, I tend to be pretty thrifty and environmentally sensitive. My husband, the one in our family who likes to spend, often jokes that the "F" word in our family is "frugal." I just can't tolerate seeing resources wasted or underused. He thinks I take it a little too far (but then again, I think he can be an extravagant wastrel.) Some of our stuff will be handed down by friends whose sons are a few years old. This is fine by me. I have been repelled by the pg mags. they hand out to pregnant women at the doctors. They have turned pregnancy and childbearing into a consumerist trip! Granted, a few things are necessary, but come on. I think in month 8, I'll get the car seat, sling, breast pump, and a couple of other necessities, and then I'll go from there. Already, friends have offered to donate all kinds of things, which is great because I'm not the type who must have the newest or the latest. Hopefully, baby will sleep with me, and I already have an empty armoire for all of his things. I just can't see the point of having a baby and turning it into a shopping frenzy. But then again, I'm a little austere and rarely buy things unless I truly need them. Even my wedding was a bargain basement affair--hubby and I eloped and spent 100 dollars and a whole day preparing a huge Italian feast for everyone in our yoga community. Then we served them. I wouldn't change anything about that day. The love and friendship was there and the food was plenty. What more could we want?
Manmohini
 
Hey, ladies,

One more week to go before maternity leave! Ahhhh! I love the weekend. The nice thing is that the kids have been pretty nice to me so far! hee hee

So far, I've only got 2 workouts in this week, but I don't feel too bad about it. I'm hoping I'll be delivering before I know it . . .

What's everyone got planned for this weekend?

Chrissy
 
Manmohini,

That is a late m/c...I'm so sorry. Mine was just 8 weeks. I'm sure it's so hard when you've passed the supposed "danger zone" and then it happens anyway. My heart goes out to you and everyone who experiences such a thing. A friend of mine and his wife lost their first at 5 months, it was completely devastating for them and honestly I think it was difficult for all the people who knew them. It was hard for people to fathom that that could even happen.

Anyway, I don't want to go there too much. Let's be thankful and hopeful and visualize our babies arriving healthy and full term into our loving arms. I truly believe that our thoughts matter and help a great deal in creating a positive outcome. We can do this!!!!!

I'm on board with pretty much everything you wrote about baby stuff and consumerism. Our house is a bit off balance too, my guy is definitely the spendthrift. I joke that he's the Daddy Warbucks of his family -- very generous -- he just doesn't have the bankroll to support it! He's been learning a lot lately though, definitely more aware of prices and bargains and sort of bragging about choices he makes. I LOVE it!! He's gone from Label Man (more designer and brand conscious) to a much more practical version of himself.

We're going to get LOTS of hand me downs in terms of clothing and we're happy about it. Some are even from my 13 year old step-daughter and have been through all 4 of her girl cousins -- they still look cute. :)

The car seat, pump, and a pack n' play or a portable co-sleeper are the main things I'd like to have on hand. A friend of mine made a point the other day, she said "Our parents put us in drawers when we came home from the hospital. You don't need all that crap!" So true. She has 2 kids and very little "stuff". I know one couple that ran out and bought a huge Honda Pilot when they had a nice mid-size luxury car and said it was "for the baby". CrAzY!! A barely 10lb being needs to be driven around in a huge SUV? Sometimes you just have to laugh.

Chrissy, congrats on your approaching maternity leave! You're almost there. Sounds blissful. My weekend? Beach with a friend and house hunting...still haven't found our new living space...trying not to freak. We'll probably rent a bigger house short term until we find our new home and ride out this horrific real estate market. Thankfully there are lots of beautiful rentals here and they're less than half what our mortgage might be. (!!!)

Some good news, my friend had her son last Saturday, her 2nd child. She has a girl and now a boy. I just spoke to her about the birth, it went really well, better than her first. Sooo happy for her. Can't wait to see her and her new son Ronan on Sunday. :)

Have a wonderful weekend ladies!!

Steph
 
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