July 9th, 2008

Okay, I just now got my AF! Wierd! Never went that long before. Happy yet sad. I only nursed for 3.5 months and it still took four months to get it. Well at least I can start tracking now, hehe. We decided to start trying again this December, for our last one=(. I always believed that you should have kids in pairs, but this would give us three wee ones and one larger, (my oldest lives with his dad in another province and we never see them - yukky story. I had my oldest two together, but now they are apart). So I am praying for twins, a boy and a girl (because I already have a name for each and the clothes for each, lol). It would have to be a miracle from God as it is not heard of in my family. Yes I am a nameoholic, haha. I love choosing names.

Anyways, love to everyone! Congrats to everyone who their bambinos, and to those who are still and already preggers, congrats, stay healthy and happy. To those who are trying, many prayers for your success. God Bless you all!

April 16'08

So....the doctors test was negative. In one way (the main way), phew. But it really made us realize that we actually were excited, believe it or not. So, while we were seriously thinking of calling it quits, we now know that we do indeed want another. Although getting preggers intentionally at this point just wouldn't due, lol.

And if by some weird chance that the test couldn't pick it up yet, well then, I guess I will just get bigger and find out that way, lol!

More....

November 30'07 - Birth Story - And Successful V-BAC

So in continuation to my last entry, lol!!! My contractions continued all night, and did not get "regular". At 4:30am, I woke up my husband and said that I would like for us to go to the hospital as I did not want to chance my water breaking at home (the last time my water broke while in labour I delivered 20 minutes later). We got everything ready, phoned the midwife at 5am and she said that she would come over. Well, after that phone call my contrctions stopped - GREAT! She examined me anyways and I was 100% effaced and 3cm to a stretchy 4cm dilated. We were headed to the hospital. I had 3 maybe 4 mild contractions on the way there - got there @ 6:30am and checked in. I had dilated to a complete 4 to a stretchy 5. They started the IV with some difficulty and then was given the first dose of antibiotics. We then walked and did stairs until 11am, and I had maybe 4 or 5 small contractions. They gave me my second dose of antibiotics (for GBS) and then broke my water. It did nothing=(. 2:30pm had a hot shower and did some nipple stimulation to try and get my contractions going and then was given my third dose of antibiotics. My contractions started up again to every five minutes, but by then an OB came in and suggested to "waken them up" with a "sniff" of oxitocin (sp?). He checked me and I was a 6 to a stretchy 7-8cm (stretchy meaning very pliable cervix). So at 3:15pm I was given a 1/2 dose of oxitocin and BAM within 4-5 contractions I hit transition (signified by my vomiting - apparently throwing up is a good thing as it actually helps with dilation). 5 more STRONG contractions and I was pushing. In one hour I went from early labour to active to transition to brith. He was born at 4:15pm. Now I have to say this was a very strange labour for me as I always had back labour before and because I was more aware of everything this time because the contractions didn't consume me. He hit the pubic bone coming down, which I never remember feeling my baby's actually come down before and then come to the "entrance" so to speak. It was very odd. Then I didn't have the urge to push like I did before, but they just told me to so I did and that was different because I didn't have the momentum from the strong urge that one usually gets, so it was a little harder to do. Lets just say there was no sensation that I did not feel and was not completely aware of. But it all happened so fast, that it was like it never happened. On the last push Seths heart beat dropped and my midwife said "this baby has to come out now" and then the OB and other midwife helped to push by pressing of my stomach and he was out. He didn't cry and I was scared but he was fine, he just wanted to look around first to make his assessment; then he cried, lol. He is the biggest baby I have had and we are all so very in love with him. If you want to ask any questions, please free as I may not have remembered to write everything=). Blessings to all of you and thank-you for your comments.

November 28'07

Owwww! For false labour, this hurts!!!!

Update: Grrr... Enough to not let me sleep all night and then go away when the kids get up. I really don't think I will know when labour starts. It literally took my breath away and I had to focus and breathe through them. Oh my. I wonder if there is a magic number of false labours one must go thru before the real thing happens, lol!

More Update: Okay, so it is now 11pm at night. My midwife said that my uterus (we talked on the phone) is irritated,thus the false contractions - not that they feel false, they just don't do the same job=(. So I slept most of the day, woken up every hour to 15 minutes (very sporadic) to contractions that I struggled with. I am very afraid to try and sleep as I continue to get these sporadic contractions so much so that it make my eyes water, and I am having a hard time breathing as they come so fast and hard. They are the worst when I lay down. The only place of reguge for me right now is on the ball, as it isn't a firm surface. Has anyone figured how to sleep on a ball yet=)? As for the last hour, they have been getting bad again, and they make me sweat, and they are getting longer and I feel like I am in a state of constant contraction, both with pain and without. So - Lesson learned! My midwife said that women who have had multiple children should not attempt to start labour early as our uterus's already know when to start and anything else added could only irritate and thus have a long fruitless painful day for nothing=( SO - with that, I am only to drink my RRL tea and that is it. I will not do anything else until WAY after my due date. She said it is normal to go over and that is when our hormones will start to kick in. I am in constant prayer to have this end.

11:40pm - lost my plug=)

November 27'07

I didn't go to my appointment today. I figured that this will be my 39 week appointment, but on Friday I will be 40 weeks, so I phoned to see if I could switch my appointment to Friday and get a sweep. Well, she doesn't work on Fridays, so I asked her if she would do the sweep if I came in today. She would, BUT, she already had done a sweep today and she has one scheduled for tomorrow. I don't want to risk my midwife not being available so she said that she will come over to my home on Saturday and do one then. Well, I guess it's better than nothing, lol. I feel like he's sitting on my lap, my belly is so low now. I also have lost a pound from last week which is a good sign too=). I am finally going down instead of going up, yippee! Hopefully this will turn into a trend, haha.

Won't be going to the mall to walk, as my husband and I have decided to take his vehicle off the road and go to one vehicle, and start saving some money. I guess I will just have to start doing squats. Other than that, I have been doing everything else (that won't cause a major bathroom situation - will do that in week 41 haha). Been bouncing on the ball, got a pedicure, drinking mothers cordial, taking 2000mg of evening primrose and oil of oregano and drinking TONS of tea. I should eat eggpant, hmmm gotta look that one up. Anyways, Good luck to everyone having thier babies tomorrow, and congrats to all those who had thiers, hope you're having fun=) And hang in there ladies overdue, once your angel is out, we'll see that they weren't overdue, the due date was just wrong=)

November 25'07

Hi everyone, nothing new over here=) But I thought I should at least say something, lol. Had more false labour on Friday night, thought for sure it was it, but after 14 hrs, it fizzled away. My midwife came and checked to see if anything was happening. Was disheartened to find out I was only (maybe) 1cm and about 50% effaced. After all the BH and other contractions this month, wow! I was hoping for at least a 2 and 65-70%. Had some big pressure down there earlier today, but that has dissipated as well. I am getting very bored waiting. I have nothing else to do. Hubby says that I am not allowed to wrap any presents until at least Dec., lol. All Christmas cards are stuffed with pics and into the corresponding envelopes already addressed, ready to written in. Just waiting for him to be born so we can put in pics of him as well. Finished making all my breast pads and the ones that have rice in them to use as hot/cold packs for engorgement. Mind you they are not pretty as I am not very good with my sewing machine yet, haha, but they will work and that's what is important, =). Was thinking that I would take my 2 yr old to the mall every day this week to just give her something to do and run around and I could get some walking in to. I just won't bring the bank card, lol. I haven't even lost my plug yet, but then could I have lost it without realizing it? Oh well, I know I am just rambling now, so hopefully I will talk to you later. Blessings and grace to all.

November 22'07

Happy Thanksgiving to all the American Preggers and families!!!!!

So, it has been interesting the last couple of days=) Had my pedicure and calf massage; very nice. I think I should go for a back massage next, lol.

Had what would seem like the start of contractions, but then had a warm shower - not willing to lose sleep over false labour - and went to bed. I figured if they were anything they would continue and sleep would only be helpful while I could get it, lol. Well they stopped, so there you go, I have officially entered the false labour zone, lol. Thank-you to all who have encouraged me in this, and yes, I will remain positive (well until I am in excruciating pain and they send me home because I haven't done a thing, haha). I do believe that no matter what, all contractions are fruitful, so it's just the waiting them out that is important. Not much today as far as consistancy. Just waiting and enduring, knowing that the time is closer than before so I can't complain=). (I went Christmas decoration shopping tonight and made our list for Christmas cards, thus the upbeat complacent mood, haha). Blessings to all of you.

November 20th'07

I had my appointment today with my midwife. Up to this point I was averaging 1 pound per week, but last week I gained 3, and this week I gained 4!!! 4 Pounds!!!!! What's up with that?!?! I have never done that. My sugar was fine though so that was good ( I was +3 last time). So to date I have gained 39 pounds - yikes. She also confirmed that she will not do an internal until week 40.

I was somewhat depressed today - probably lack of sleep again, but seriously done with being pregnant. Isn't that sad. I want to be myself again, to be able to bend over, or walk around the block, or not be moody, to put on shoes!! Also my contractions are not as strong or consistant as they were last week, so that is depressing as well=( As long as I am contracting I know something must be happening, but now there is barely anything, boohoo! I need to start labour naturally though as I am a VBac, and being induced medically can be too dangerous.

I go for my pedicure tomorrow (I never had one before). It is a leg massage and foot thing, I can't wait. I am doing everything I know to do, the pedicure, the ball, the tea, the oil, but I guess if baby is not ready, he isn't ready and nothing will work.

This weekend we will be putting up the Christmas tree and decorations=). Then we will start the writing of Christmas cards, and start buying the ingredients for all the treats we will be making - and giving away, lol. I am under strict midwife orders to lay off the chocolate, lol. I would post more pics, but our digi camera is packed in the van with our bags. Well, that is it for now, Blessings and grace to you all.

November 18th'07

Hi everyone=) I hope your weekend went well. I had my shower today=) It was so nice. Everyone brought me flowers and a little gift=) I received two spa gift certificates, two books, a cert. for Starbucks, some baby outfits (his first Christmas sleeper, awwww, too cute), and alot of bath stuff, lol, with a promise from the lady upstairs for unlimited bath privelidges (sp?), lol. Everyone gave me a poem or verse of encouragement to help in labour (which made the giver and myself tear up most times), and two beads to represent myself and Seth - these will made into a necklace for me to remember all those who love us and who will be praying for us during delivery. Isn't that sweet!

We then left for the Hockey game at 3pm. There was a football game at the same time down there so there was pretty much no parking. But I must say, that the traffic going in has been the best I have ever seen it, no backups at all!!! We finally found parking as some people left the football game early (we lost) so it turned out that we got really good parking=). We then went in and watched the warm up - tryed to go to the store but it was just packed, that's okay, we didn't need another opportunity to spend money, lol. My poor husband had to eat there, as he didn't get to eat before we left - he had company downstairs (a few husbands unexpected) while us girls were upstairs chowing (I can't believe how badly I ate today=(). Such a trooper he is! It was a very surreal experience at first, and very different from on TV. Can you tell that I am a first-timer, lol! It was really neat!!!! Got to sit beside some really nice people, and when we left, it was smooth sailing all the way home. Plus we won, and felt it was the best our team has played all season. I feel so blessed by God right now, like it was my birthday or something - I was totally spoiled. What a wonderful day!!! I hope I can sleep now, as I will probably be thinking about everything all night, lol.

Now, it's green for labour! No more "things" to do, just wait=) (We had our thanksgiving in October). Yay!!! TTYL

1. What do you feel / experience? During this stage you may experience pain in the abdomen and back. This may even go on to the thigh and leg. Initially it may start off with a vague backache or lower abdominal pain (like menstrual pain). Gradually it will increase in intensity, duration and frequency. You will be able to appreciate the hardening of the uterus.The movements of the foetus may also be slightly reduced during labour.The pain may initially come once in ½ - 1 hour lasting for few seconds and by the end of this stage it will peak and you may experience a contraction every 2 – 3 minutes and the contraction itself may last for ½ - 1 minute.

2. In the days before the onset of labor, you may experience minor contractions that feel like tightening, and cause discomfort rather than pain. These contractions are important in aligning and positioning the baby for birth. The first labor pains are grinding, scattered and irregular. Many women describe it as bad menstrual pains. The first labor pains are usually felt in the front site of the pelvis and groin. Pain is mainly caused by pressure on the abdominal and pelvic area due to powerful uterine contractions and stretching of the cervix, vagina and perineum.

Table 2: Differences Between
False Labor and True Labor

Found This Online Regarding Labour:

Type of Change	False Labor	True Labor
Timing of contractions.	Often are irregular and do not consistently get closer together (called Braxton-Hicks contractions)	Come at regular intervals and, as time goes on, get closer and closer together.
Change with movement	Contractions may stop when you walk or rest, or even may stop with a change of position.	Contractions continue despite movement.
Location of contractions	Often felt in the abdomen	Usually felt in the back coming around to the front.

November 15th'07

Nothing too much new here. I am getting sore from how much I go to the bathroom (sorry TMI), and I have been craving yogurt and milk. I got my driver's licence back today, and I have to say that it is the worst one I have ever seen of myself, =(. My husband tried to cheer me up, lol by saying "who ever looks at your licence"? Well lets see, anytime I have to pick up a package at the post office like I do tomorrow. Great!!! Boohoo. (I finally had enough points to order something from Airmiles, woohoo). I have been crying at everything today too, my goodness how pathetic, lol! But, I did get to have a bath and feel so much better. (For those who don't know, we live in a place that doesn't have a tub - and I have really missed it too, as it can be very relaxing and doesn't wake people in the house when you have one like when you have a shower). I used the one upstairs, and I don't ask her very often as we already use it twice a week to bathe my 2 yr old. Hmm I think that is it for now.

Blessings to all TTC, and those waiting anxiously to pass the 3 month mark, and to those who are waiting to find out the sex of thier babies and anxiously waiting to get to the 6 month mark, and to those in the last month who are sooo done, may you all have healthy and uncomplicated births.

November 13th'07

Just wanted to add a webpage that my midwife downloaded a "Comfort in Labour" guide from. It is PDF format, and is 14 pages long. I have my appointment today at 1:30, so I will check in after that again=)

Website: childbirthconnection.org

Went to my appointment=) He has definatley "dropped", but is not fully engaged, and probably will not be until labour. He is still in the "best position" according to my midwife. I had gained 3 lbs in one week!!! And my glucose was really high...so I am to eat more protein.

I have my shower next week - Sunday the 18th, which is the same day as the NHL game. Just found out that it is not a normal shower but one that is focused on the mom. So that is why nothing is being checked off my registry, because nothing is being bought. Mixed feelings about this. The intention is really sweet!!! And my husband did say that anything reasonable we don't get for the shower (which he knew about) we would get after. Kind of sad, kind of shocked, yet I know the heart of the hostess, so I can't be upset. So that is it for now....Hope all is well with all =).

November 10th'07

Seth has dropped, which is wierd because after your first you're not "supposed" to drop until labour and I am not having any contractions. Anyone else who has had multiple kids have experience with this? I don't remember my first two (very long ago, lol), and my last one was breech, so I don't know what to think, should I be excited? Anyways...I have been having VERY easy bowel movements for the past two weeks (that is unusual for me), and then for the past two/three day I have been peeing like crazy, and then as of yesterday I have been eating like every two hours. I have been eating all day today. ????? And then I looked in the mirror and noticed that I looked different, so I asked my husband, and he said that I looked lower. So, that is cool, I now get to pee more and eat more, lol...I looked this up online and I didn't get any definate ideas, just that there are no rules in pregnancy....so why then do books on pregnancy write stuff and then say that it is not written in stone, and why isn't it written in stone???? LOL. Why can't pregnancy be straight forward and go by the book???? =))) Oh well, I have my appointment on Tuesday and then we'll see what she says - she'll probably just smile and shrug and say "we'll see" and then send me home, that's the thing about having such a relaxed midwife, lol, but I love having her!

November 9th'07

Yay, I finally added some pictures!!! Sorry I haven't done it before. The reason why I haven't taken so many pictures this time around is because my body did really wierd things. I had the pregnancy mask (the pigment change) the first 2/3 of my pregnancy, as well as pregnancy acne and my hair was so oily that I had to wash it twice a day. So , yeah, I didn't feel very pretty for a while, lol. So needless to say, I didn't do myself up much and didn't wear makeup. I didn't let my sweetie take any pictures without me wearing make-up=) I still have some acne, but since I had to go get my picture done for my drivers licence I thought I would take some for the record keeping too.

So great news; my Dear Husband was given free tickets (2) to a NHL hockey game today for.....the same day as my baby shower. So, gratefully, my sister-in-law (hostess of the shower) totally understands and is changing the time of the shower a bit to accomodate. Isn't she wonderful!!! That is going to be one busy day, lol. Do you think it'll be busy enough to put me into labour=) That is next weekend, I'll be 38 weeks.

So, I am feeling better today, I actually got some sleep last night and had a nap as well. So I think sleep really has a lot to do with my mood...=).

November 8th'o7

I am so emotional today=( Crying at a drop of a hat....Can I really make it sane to the end, will the end ever be here. I could still be in this condition for another 5 weeks!!!! My poor family. I can't pick up my 2 yr old or have her sit on my lap (my tummy is too big), and she is really feeling it and acting out. My poor hubby is picking up all the slack, but then my 10 yr old who is needing her dad at this stage of life is feeling his absense and is acting out=(((. My family needs me, and I can't do anything but lay around the house cause I am so tired. I am even thinking of getting my tubes tied at this point to save my family from having to do this again. But my sweet hunny won't even hear about it until we would want to try again anyways. He is so brave. Yes I am having a weak moment=(

November 6th'07

Well, today is a good day!!!! I am sitting here on my ball feeling as though my stomach is going to explode, ohhhh, lol. But I had to update my page=) Sorry no pics yet, maybe later this week. So today is my anniversary, and we were going to go out as a family, but my two yr old refused to nap and had a temperment that showed it. So we waited until the kids went to bed and my hunny & I went for a quick bite (while the lady upstairs stayed with the kids), and he gave me such a lovely card (I keep all my cards) and a certificate for a pedicure and foot & leg massage. Yay!!!!! He is sooo thoughtful!!! So I will book that when I get to 38 weeks=) Woohoo!

I also had my 36 week appointment today. Seth is still head down and apparently in the "most optimal" position. Double yay!!!! I also had to do my strep B test today (I think that is what it is called), and so she pulled out the package and gave it to me and sent me to the bathroom to do my own swab. I like that alternative much more=). Then she filled it out and I dropped it off at the lab on the way home. She also told me that the procedure at the hospital that I am registered at (which is the only one I can go to, to have a VBAC with a midwife) is, depending on the OB who is on, for VBACS to be strapped down the entire labour to monitor the baby!!!! Excuse me....I think not. She said she doesn't think that they will do that with us, but I should know about it just in case. I told her that I would not do that, I need to be able to move around, and that if they insist I will go home and deliver the baby!!!! So, here is to hoping and praying that their is an understanding OB on when I go in who will let me move around and so forth. I think being strapped to machines the entire time would stress me to the hilt!!! No thank-you. Some of you might ask, why not just do it at home anyways....well for one, we can't afford to buy the stuff we were told we would need, and second, we don't have a bathtub or stairs (I like to do the stairs when in labour) and third, well, I find it more sure/secure doing it in a hospital - well if they let me move around that is. Something happened to my sister when she gave birth, and we are very happy that she was in the hospital, otherwise she would not be with us today. So, there is that comfort level there. My midwife didn't check me whatsoever except my size and baby's hb. Oh, his head is starting to engage too so hopefully I can eat and breathe again soon, lol!!

Well that is it for now - next appointment in on the 13th. Talk to all soon=)

Hey - here are some sites for those that might be interested:

http://radmid.demon.co.uk/presentation.htm - for unusual birth/baby presentations (posterior, breach etc.)

http://childbirthsolutions.com/articles/birth/acupressure/index.php - for those about to go into labour - acupressure

http://babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/isitsafeto/herb&drugchart/ - for those who like to take thier herbs =)

http://babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/labourandbirth/planningyourbabysbirth/naturalbringonlabour - for those that would like to try something else before they are induced.

I hope this is helpful=) I will post more tomorrow after my appointment.

November 3rd'07

Hi everyone, again I came on and missed all the action on the chat page. I think someone said that maybe when everyone goes on maternity, some of you might be on after work too. That would be nice - hopefully you all have home computers, lol.

Well lets see, so much to say....I am DONE Christmas shopping for my husband so everyone is done!!!! Now all I have to do is ignore all the flyers, lol. But really, how nice and relaxing, to just breathe until our son arrives. Tried walking last night, didn't fare too well. Had total contractions (BH) on the way back from dropping off the movies which is just up the road, so not a big feat. I was uncomfortable to the point that I had to rest several times, lol. Good time to practise that breathing.

Our friends stopped by tonight (our landlords), to let us know that they will be selling the house in March, and will start showing it in January - they wanted to give me some time after the baby is born. You see, when we first moved in, we had people upstairs that were just terrible - they wouldn't even let us use the backyard, plus so many unthinkable things. It was a nightmare - but no good to drudge up bad memories, so when they were finally evicted, another friend of ours moved in up there. However, she needs to move out at the end of February, so instead of going through the hassle of getting more tenants and risking bad ones (the sound proofing in here is none existant), they are going to sell. We were planning on moving anyways sometime in June (to another city five hours away), so we'll see if this is God prompting us to move ahead of our schedule or not. Only can wait and see. Hmmmm.

So today I took the girls to Walmart for the Portrait Christmas package. Well, wouldn't you know it, Sarah (my youngest) refused to nap today, lol. so my husband said to just take the first picture that looks half decent, because it could be too risky to keep trying with her. Well I took the first one, and at Walmart they don't let you change them and then they keep taking pictures to try and get you to buy more than the package. Well...every other picture was beautiful. So, my package was so-so (47 pictures), and so I was sad and broke down and bought two more sheets for $10 each (usually $20 each). The two extra sheets equalled 1 5X7 and 5 wallets plus 4 of the smaller ones.=((. And they're not offering the Christmas ornament this year, so I couldn't get one of the pictures on that=(. Okay, had to get that out, lol. I'll try to let that go now...does anyone else do thier pictures anywhere else, that is a different experience.

Started to pack my bag today - babies is done, I could probably do my husbands now too. He was wondering if he should deflate our ball before we go - I think that would be a good idea. Can you imagine, checking me into the hospital, carrying two bags (maybe three), a big ball, CD player, camera and a coffee, lol. Yeah, I think three bags would be good, one for all the extra stuff, lol! I'll be going to Walmart tomorrow to get a couple more nursing bras, as I only have one left. (I had lent them to my friend- they were new from my last- and thought they would fare better. But after two pregnancies, they packed it in. So now I have just one of four that I started with - oh well, she would've lent me hers too if she had them to lend, so there are no hard feelings). I also need to sew some breast pads - I like the terry cloth ones personally, so I cut a bunch of circles out of a towel and now need to sew them. Also took some fleece scraps and cut out circles and will fill them with rice for using cold or hot for sore breasts (engorgment). Tea bags do not help, lol, at least not for me.

I need to go get my picture done for my licence on Monday - Yay, I get to look an extra 30+ lbs for the next five years, lol! It's strange too because every time I hit nine months, my face changes. I can't explain it, it just looks different. Well there you go, my update. Will let you know what my midwife says on the 6th. Hope you all are well!!!=) And God Bless.

October 31'07

I am so tired, boohoo. I pray I can fall asleep before at least midnight tonight. (Last night was 3am and than I got up at 5:30 - fell back to sleep at 6:30 to 8:30). Also, when I sleep, it feels like I haven't slept. Not very refreshing=(.

I had so much pressure "down there" today at one point that I couldn't even stand up. My midwife said that the more babies you have the more you will feel that kind of thing - like increased feelings of labour (menstral cramping and BH with and without pain), but not labour, and pressure there. Well this is my fourth and this is the first time I have felt all this. I have a feeling Seth will be here early, but watch, just because I say that, I'll be eating my words at 42 weeks, lol. Other than that, Pampers says I am 36 weeks and I'm sticking to it, lol!!!!

Well, that's it for now, I will try to finish off shopping for my husband this weekend, so I can concentrate on packing for the hospital.

Blessings to all of you!!!=)

October 28 '07

It is so nice to finally say "we only have one month to go". That's it! Four more weeks (technically) and that's it. No more pregnancy=). Can you believe it!!!! So nice to be able to count down than up, lol! Next midwife appointment will be on the 6th of Nov. and then we're onto weekly visits. Woohoo! Then our babies will be here!!!! It went by faster than I thought it would. And it's nice to have a baby before Christmas for once=). It's sorta like having Christmas for two whole months - November will be for all final preperations for baby - and then December will be all final preperations for Christmas.

Watched the Penny Simkin video tonight (if anyone has a midwife - she'll probably have this). It's short but with some really good pointers for the support person. Another video I watched was called "Labour of Love", got it from the library. I feel as ready as I can be. Just gotta pack the bags.

My list of items to bring to the hospital if you need some ideas- (feel free to add something if you think I forgot anything too+)

• Birth ball
• CD player and CD's
• Lip gloss ( for chapped lips)
• Mouthwash (in case you vomit)
• breast pads
• hair clip
• make-up (for pictures and going home)
• shampoo and soap
• toothpaste and toothbrush and dental floss
• deodarant (sp?)
• moisturizer
• container for ice chips
• swimsuit and old skirt (my girl friend used a skirt and I thought it was such a good idea, especially after you get out of the shower - I plan on wearing my swim top and the skirt instead of a gown if I can)
• slip on shoes for walking inside (for when you get out of the shower or bath)
• Pj's and nursing bra's
• Baby's Best Chance (or other pregnancy book you rely on)
• warm socks
• watch
• cameras with film or charger (don't forget extra batteries)
• Clothes to come home in
• Big pads
• hairbrush
• focus items and massage tools
• rice packs or heat packs
• ice packs (put your name on them so they will not be taken)
• cell phones and chargers (don't forget the chargers)
• pillows

Items for dad's bag -

• change of clothes
• pj's
• pillow and blanket
• shoes for walking inside
• toiletries
• gum
• kneeling pad
• change for parking
• drinks and/or cash for coffee bar
• snacks

They say your support person should not eat or drink anything smelly that could make you feel nausious (sp?) and thus excommunicating them from the room=)

For the baby's bag I have -

• Hat, mitts, booties
• diapers and wipes/cloths
• onsies
• sleepers
• vaseline
• carseat
• receiving blankets
• blankets
• swaddle bag and/or cuddle bag

Other than that, everything is good - I think the extra calcium and magnesium is working, yippee. Sleep still isn't my friend, but at least it is deeper in between pee breaks=) I feel so ready for this! Oh - gotta share=) Found a cool site for kids called Kaboose - on it you can find Christmas colouring pages for kids and games and craft ideas. I added it to my favourites. Thought some of you might like to know=) Still trying to find the best monitor regarding interference. I asked on Talking babies what thier favourite was, but haven't heard much. I heard about he evenflo whisper one, but I think they only sell it at Target=( Can't find it here in Canada. I would love to hear any feedback regarding this. Oh and the Graco digital. Any thoughts?

Well should try to sleep - hope you all are sleeping okay. God bless you all.

Hi everyone,

I used to be on here as Lovinbabies from 10 weeks to 22 weeks, but left as I found I spent too much on here - but now I miss it and want to come back and share with everyone, lol.

I hope everyone is doing okay. Pretty exciting to be so close, but yet so far, lol! I have been miserable this pregnancy (my fourth child), and very tired. I do not sleep at night except for a shattered few hours - oh well just getting prepared. I am taking Calcium Magnesium for cramping right now (it is supposed to help me sleep and be less irritable too, lol).

I have finished all the Christmas shopping for extended family and the kids, including the stocking stuffers. I just need to finish shopping for my husband. I think the reason why I am going nuts with Christmas already is to help put my mind on something else besides waiting for our son=). Plus I do not want to be driving in November when It will be hard to back up the van doing shoulder checks and such, lol. I know I will miss all the cool stuff that they bring out just for Christmas, but now I won't have the stress of shopping (at least I find it stressful), and can jsut concentrate on spending time with family decorating and doing crafts - my favorite part. The one thing that I know I missed are the action figures Bumblebee and Optimus Prime from Transformers, I cannot find them anywhere so I think those are some of the items being saved for Christmas. Well, February always has great sales too, so I can always go back then, when baby is a bit older, lol.

When I was on here before I was two weeks ahead, but the u/s put me back to here. I hope I can have him before December, but God knows best. I will start drinking Red Raspberrry Leaf Tea at week 36 and start taking Mothers Cordial, hopefully I can find some without the blue or black cohosh - I think that is what it is called, lol.

As I said earlier, this will be my fourth child. My oldest lives with his dad in a different province (yukky situation - but I leave it in God's hands) and will be 13 in Feb. My oldest daughter will be 11 in Jan. And my youngest daughter will be 2 in Jan. I did not do well with my first two labours as I didn't understand much, but I had them naturally. The first, they gave me demoral too early and stopped my labour so then they gave me the drip and I had back labour. My second, they induced, and I had back labour. My third was breech so it was a scheduled C-section. I hope to do a VBac this time. I have no idea what to expect from this time around, as it has been been almost 11years since my body has done labour, and I wonder If it will be like a first time labour or will it be like I have carried four kids and get my butt to the hospital yesterday type of labour. I have studied lots through videos and such, just to take the mystery out of it. I want to be able to envision the baby descending, so I am going to bring some books with me that show pictures of the baby going down. Penny Simkin has a great video that is very helpful too.

I am under the care of a midwife which I have appreciated much more than my experiences with doctors. She just involves me more in everything and gives me options ( I didn't have to take my glucose test because a) my measurements and my urine tests every week were fine and b) there is no history of it for me or my family).

This pregnancy has been very different from all the rest as it seems real but at the same time not. I think it is because I haven't had time to focus on him as I did with my last. Having a toddler and being pregnant has proven to be challenging as I know many of you can atest too. But then I wonder how the pioneer women did it. I am hoping to have one more after this - but we'll see. Hopefully not another winter baby, lol!

Well, talk to you all soon, as I probably will be on here often due to not sleeping=) God bless you and your pregnancies and the wee ones inside=)