<img src="http://www2.postcards.org/postcards/pix/0012/001204a.gif"width="200"height="200"border="1"target="blank"></a>

As it seems my previous thread about MoonChild and her pregnancy has disappeared with the new Sabla, I have no other choice but to open once again another thread about it.

MoonChild, the last time you post about it, you said that your official due date was on the 19th of August. According to my calculation, this means that Baby "Bean" was conceived on the 26th of November last year. His first heart beat was on the 24th of December 2001, which marks Christmas Eve for you. :)

So, if your dates are correct, this means that, from today till next Sunday, you are in fact into your 26th week of pregnancy!

Lol. x-press... great person you are ;) .. very caring :)

Hope Moonchild will bring a beautiful kid.. you gonna neme him/her:D

I stand by my claim that Bean was conceived the weekend of Dec 1st - 2nd, on the boat (I have informed several Bavarians of this so I hope it's true). Full moon, gentle breeze, ... you know.

Now, on which part of the boat is still open to speculation.

Well Wandy, it seems you did it before too :)...though the 26th of Nov. was a Monday...I pressume Bean was conceived on between Sunday night 25th and past midnight...

Wandy do you usually sleep early?.... :p

Actually, it pretty much could have been any night in November or December (except November 13th when I didn't feel well). I just like the thought of Bean being conceived on the boat - and it was something we discussed.

I'm a bit of a "night owl". MoonChild generally goes to bed before me.

Bean seems to get active around 10 pm each night and I can feel him moving about. It's really cool.

so
when is the Big Day ?????

How does faith feel about being a big sister?

I'll try to retain a few shreds of dignity and keep out of the repartee' between X-press and Wanderer - only mentioning that the "boat" date matches my fertility calendar (I was tracking my basal temps - will explain if anyone is wondering what that is).

We have no idea when the "big day" will be - as I have some medical problems and history that leads us to be prepared for quite an early arrival - a month early would not surprise us!

Faith is more than ready to be a big sister and wishes daily that the baby would come out right away! She is a quiet child and doesn't like noise, so she may change her mind rather quickly ;)

I do believe that Bean is in a growth spurt this week as I am *completely* out of room and feel stretched to the limit. I'm pretty sure I heard my ribs creaking yesterday...

Originally posted by MoonChild
... a month early would not surprise us!



I'm still betting on July 15th.

Moonie.......hope 'Bean' is patient enough to wait until the appropriate time.......got my fingers crossed for you :)

I think it will be nice if we could send you a little outfit or present for Bean. It is as if he is already part of the sabla family :) How can we sent it?

Originally posted by X-press
I think it will be nice if we could send you a little outfit or present for Bean. It is as if he is already part of the sabla family :) How can we sent it?

Whoops, almost lost this thread the lounge has been so busy!
X-Press that's an awfully nice thought :) Send an e-mail to me privately and I can send you our address... although Wanderer thinks it might be "safer" to wait until the little guy is here safely...

(which won't be that long now, I am in shock that it might only be 8 more weeks!!!)

If Wanderer think it is better to wait, then I will. I know a lot of culture prefers to buy things for the baby or receive presents only after the delivery. It is a tradition in the States to have a "baby shower"; will you have one for Bean?

MoonChild, you are supposed to be in your 27th week of pregnancy from today 20th till Sunday 26th...this means that you still have about 16 more weeks to go. How come you talk about 8 more weeks only? :confused:

This is supposed to be a picture of a belly at 27th week. Is your like that MoonChild?

<img src="http://pregnancy.about.com/library/belly/0227d.jpg"width="200"height="300"border="1"target="blank"></a>

That's her tummy, X-Press !!

Only she has some small bruises on it from where she takes her Heprin injections :(

Originally posted by X-press

MoonChild, you are supposed to be in your 27th week of pregnancy from today 20th till Sunday 26th...this means that you still have about 16 more weeks to go. How come you talk about 8 more weeks only? :confused:


:eek: 27+16=43???! I would explode!!! :D

Here's my math - I'm 27 weeks today (sorry that's what my doc says and I'm stickin' to it!), and I expect I'll deliver between 35 and 37 weeks due to my uterine problems - that's 8-10 more weeks :)

It is May, isn't it?

Delivery by explosion would certainly be quick and effective, but as it would also be inevitably fatal for the mother it would have some drawbacks in a species which nurtures its young for such a protracted period. I would recommend leaving that to a small minority of arachnids.

26 or 27 weeks? If you are in your 27th week, then you have only passed 26 weeks.....I think you are both right. ;)

MoonChild, you are actually starting today Monday your 27th week and it will end next Sunday. You have therefore fully complete 26 week. A full pregnancy is 42 weeks, so if my calculations are correct:

42 - 26 = 16

You told us that your due date was on 19th August. If you think that you will deliver in 8 weeks, this means that Bean will come a month before, around 15th July. There is a big difference here, so I advice you to ask again your doctor to confirm at what stage you are in your pregnancy.

Wandy, what is Heprin injections :confused:

All this womb math is very confusing.

All I know is that I'm going to have some work to do.

May 30 - last night teaching
Starting in June - truck always has at least 1/2 tank gas.
June 3 - 9 Put crib together - allow time for hands to heal
June 15 Bean's room completed - hands healed
June 15 Buy cell phone
June 30 Have overnight bag packed
June 30 - Health Insurance transfer to my policy
July 14 - no more scheduled server maintenance at work
Wait for stork

Originally posted by X-press
Wandy, what is Heprin injections :confused:

MoonChild has to give herself twice daily injections of Heparin ( a blood thinning agent). This prevents blood clots from forming which may block free flow of blood between MoonChild, placenta, and Bean.

Blood clots may have made it difficult for MoonChild to stay pregnant previously.

Originally posted by X-press
MoonChild, you are actually starting today Monday your 27th week and it will end next Sunday. You have therefore fully complete 26 week. A full pregnancy is 42 weeks, so if my calculations are correct:

42 - 26 = 16

You told us that your due date was on 19th August. If you think that you will deliver in 8 weeks, this means that Bean will come a month before, around 15th July. There is a big difference here, so I advice you to ask again your doctor to confirm at what stage you are in your pregnancy.


Well I don't know how things are calculated in Oman - but in US, week one starts with the date of your last period (for me, November 12, 2001), and a full term pregnancy is 40 weeks, not 42! So my due date by calendar is August 19. I was one week pregnant on November 19, 2 weeks pregnant on November 27, at which time conception actually occurred (and this works into the boat theory as we were on the boat Nov 24-25 and it takes a day or so for the little swimmers to reach their destination :).

Out of curiosity I pulled out my calendar and counted off the weeks since November 12, and sure enough I completed 27 weeks yesterday, which means I'm 27 weeks pregnant and starting my 28th week.

You can also count backwards from August 19 (due date given by my doctor) - if I finish 40 weeks on that day, I finished 27 weeks yesterday...


You are right in that we are expecting that Bean may make an early arrival, around 35-36 weeks instead of full term at 40 weeks.

testing testing

Originally posted by MoonChild

...I was one week pregnant on November 19, 2 weeks pregnant on November 27, at which time conception actually occurred ...

Now I KNOW that Western Civilisation will soon collapse.

How can any functional system calculate that you were 2 weeks pregnant at the moment of conception ?!

X-Press, I've been baffled by this Mommy Math too. It doesn't make sense.

I stand by by assertion that MoonChild got knocked up Dec 1st on the boat - probably in the main berth.

Moonchild, I can't believe I had to go through all these calculations, but at the end there will be hopefully no more confusion :)


MoonChild Pregnancy Calendar:

12/11/2001 - 18/11/2001 = Week 01 1st day of LPM
19/11/2001 - 25/11/2001 = Week 02 Conception
26/11/2001 - 02/12/2001 = Week 03

03/12/2001 - 09/12/2001 = Week 04
10/12/2001 - 16/12/2001 = Week 05
17/12/2001 - 23/12/2001 = Week 06
24/12/2001 - 30/12/2001 = Week 07 Bean 1st heart beat :)

31/12/2001 - 06/01/2002 = Week 08
07/01/2002 - 13/01/2002 = Week 09
14/01/2002 - 20/01/2002 = Week 10
21/01/2002 - 27/01/2002 = Week 11

28/01/2002 - 03/02/2002 = Week 12
04/02/2002 - 10/02/2002 = Week 13
11/02/2002 - 17/02/2002 = Week 14
18/02/2002 - 24/02/2002 = Week 15

25/02/2002 - 03/03/2002 = Week 16
04/03/2002 - 10/03/2002 = Week 17
11/03/2002 - 17/03/2002 = Week 18
18/03/2002 - 24/03/2002 = Week 19

25/03/2002 - 31/03/2002 = Week 20
01/04/2002 - 07/04/2002 = Week 21
08/04/2002 - 14/04/2002 = Week 22
15/04/2002 - 21/04/2002 = Week 23
22/04/2002 - 28/04/2002 = Week 24

29/04/2002 - 05/05/2002 = Week 25
06/05/2002 - 12/05/2002 = Week 26
13/05/2002 - 19/05/2002 = Week 27
20/05/2002 - 26/05/2002 = Week 28 (You are here)
27/05/2002 - 02/06/2002 = Week 29

03/06/2002 - 09/06/2002 = Week 30
10/06/2002 - 16/06/2002 = Week 31
17/06/2002 - 23/06/2002 = Week 32
24/06/2002 - 30/06/2002 = Week 33

01/07/2002 - 07/07/2002 = Week 34
08/07/2002 - 14/07/2002 = Week 35
15/07/2002 - 21/07/2002 = Week 36
22/07/2002 - 28/07/2002 = Week 37

29/07/2002 - 04/08/2002 = Week 38
05/08/2002 - 11/08/2002 = Week 39
12/08/2002 - 18/08/2002 = Week 40

19/08/2002 = Bean's Birth :) :)

(Keep in mind that Bean can come before the 19th or max. up to 2 weeks after the due date = 42 weeks)

If any doubt, then click here: Pregnancy Calculator (http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Reproductive_Health/Pregnancy_and_Birth/Due_Date_Calculators/)

Confusing isn't it!!!

And don't even ASK me how many "months" I am!!! Because the answer would have to be "lunar, or calendar"? ;)

And I never even knew exactly when I was due with Faith because I didn't have a period before I got pregnant with her-
Nurse: "when was your LMP"
Me: "um... about 6 months ago" (when obviously about 8 weeks pg)
Nurse: ??

poor things didn't know how to fill out their little charts ;)

Umm,

how many paydays before Bean is born ?:D

Originally posted by MoonChild
Confusing isn't it!!!
Not to me MoonChild. On the contrary it is very clear

And don't even ASK me how many "months" I am!!! Because the answer would have to be "lunar, or calendar"? ;)
You are already 6 "calendar" months...

From your "now-own-free-of-charge-online-practitioner :D

LMP=??? :confused:

Originally posted by Bimzoori
LMP=??? :confused:

Sorry.... LMP= "Last Menstrual Period"

Like Wanderer said, it's a weird system that has you 2 weeks "pregnant" at conception but it's the only objective "landmark" the doctor has to go by!

I didn't used to think it was all that important- baby will come when baby is ready - but as I deal with the potential for pre-term labor, I realize there is a lot of comfort in knowing that "by 28 weeks a premature baby has a 95% chance of survival" - you better believe I'll be happy on Monday when I hit that landmark :)

Thnx for the clarification, Moon :)

is it a scientific term (LMP?) something that everyone knows..or is it your own abbreviation?

Originally posted by Bimzoori
is it a scientific term (LMP?) something that everyone knows..or is it your own abbreviation?

Part of the "jargon" of American baby-doctors, I guess. If you visit any website that calculates your due date they use LMP as well, but I don't know how widespread it is outside US...

We had a doctor appointment yesterday - I don't know if I've described how our prenatal care visits go so thought I'd do that...

First I have to give a urine sample, get weighed and have my blood pressure and pulse checked by the nurse. Then the doctor comes in and reviews these things, measures my tummy (distance between pubic bone and top of uterus to measure uterine growth), listens to the baby's heartbeat and sees what his heart rate is (yesterday it was 120-130, normal is 120-160).
Then we talked about how I've been feeling, anything new that has happened since my last appointment. We discussed my Braxton-Hicks contractions, when they occur, how long/how strong, etc. Braxton-Hicks are the "practice" contractions that normally begin around week 26 and help tone the uterus for labor. however, if they get too strong or occur more than 4 times/hour, it may indicate pre-term labor.

Yesterday we also talked about my options for giving birth - my doctor feels that with my history, the risk of uterine rupture is too great to allow me to try to labor. Therefore if I start labor any time after the 34th week they will do a c-section immediately. If I don't go into labor myself by week 39 they will do a c-section then. Before 34 weeks I would get bed-rest or medication to stop labor and allow the baby to mature some more if possible.

We get to have another ultrasound in 2 weeks to check on how big the baby is and measure the amniotic fluid - the signs that he needs to be born are fetal distress (heart rate going down), not enough amniotic fluid, or of course regular contractions.

This all sounds very complicated but it's reassuring to me that my doctor has made a plan that will keep us both safe. All I have to do is watch for contractions and show up for doctor appointments :)

And... new "time-table" for birth is any time between July 8 and August 12!

Shall we take bets on Wanderer's prediction of July 15? (if he is right I'm putting him in charge of buying lottery tickets!!!)

Moon, have you noted any differences between this pregnancy and the previous one? I heard the second is usually lighter and easier than the first..:confused:

Originally posted by MoonChild
my doctor feels that with my history, the risk of uterine rupture is too great to allow me to try to labor.

MoonChild, you said "risk of uterine rupture"...what cause this medical condition in you?

MoonChild Pregnancy Calendar:

12/11/2001 - 18/11/2001 = Week 01 1st day of LPM
19/11/2001 - 25/11/2001 = Week 02 Conception
26/11/2001 - 02/12/2001 = Week 03

03/12/2001 - 09/12/2001 = Week 04
10/12/2001 - 16/12/2001 = Week 05
17/12/2001 - 23/12/2001 = Week 06
24/12/2001 - 30/12/2001 = Week 07 Bean 1st heart beat :)

31/12/2001 - 06/01/2002 = Week 08
07/01/2002 - 13/01/2002 = Week 09
14/01/2002 - 20/01/2002 = Week 10
21/01/2002 - 27/01/2002 = Week 11

28/01/2002 - 03/02/2002 = Week 12
04/02/2002 - 10/02/2002 = Week 13
11/02/2002 - 17/02/2002 = Week 14
18/02/2002 - 24/02/2002 = Week 15

25/02/2002 - 03/03/2002 = Week 16
04/03/2002 - 10/03/2002 = Week 17
11/03/2002 - 17/03/2002 = Week 18
18/03/2002 - 24/03/2002 = Week 19

25/03/2002 - 31/03/2002 = Week 20
01/04/2002 - 07/04/2002 = Week 21
08/04/2002 - 14/04/2002 = Week 22
15/04/2002 - 21/04/2002 = Week 23
22/04/2002 - 28/04/2002 = Week 24

29/04/2002 - 05/05/2002 = Week 25
06/05/2002 - 12/05/2002 = Week 26
13/05/2002 - 19/05/2002 = Week 27
20/05/2002 - 26/05/2002 = Week 28
27/05/2002 - 02/06/2002 = Week 29 (You are here now)

03/06/2002 - 09/06/2002 = Week 30
10/06/2002 - 16/06/2002 = Week 31
17/06/2002 - 23/06/2002 = Week 32
24/06/2002 - 30/06/2002 = Week 33

01/07/2002 - 07/07/2002 = Week 34
08/07/2002 - 14/07/2002 = Week 35
15/07/2002 - 21/07/2002 = Week 36
22/07/2002 - 28/07/2002 = Week 37

29/07/2002 - 04/08/2002 = Week 38
05/08/2002 - 11/08/2002 = Week 39
12/08/2002 - 18/08/2002 = Week 40

19/08/2002 = Bean's Birth :) :)


Baby "Bean":

He is busy getting ready for the birthday! He is beginning to regulate his own temperature and the bone marrow is completely in charge of production of the red blood cells.
The baby is even urinating about a half liter of urine into the amniotic fluid everyday!

Bean's weighs in at about two pounds nine ounces (1.16 kilograms)!

Originally posted by X-press

MoonChild, you said "risk of uterine rupture"...what cause this medical condition in you?

I have a "bicornate uterus" which means that instead of a normal round space, my uterus (non-pregnant) is "Y" shaped - kinda like a cat's :). This is a congenital problem that runs in my family.

The baby is growing in just one side of the "Y" and the other side is still "non-pregnant" size. My doctor is concerned that if I go into labor, the stress of the contracting muscles on the old c-section scar would cause it to rupture. This is more of a concern for me than for a regular "VBAC" because only one side of the uterus is stretched out and we're not sure how contractions pull on the scar.
(VBAC= Vaginal Birth After C-section)

This condition is also why we think that Bean will be early - that the "half-uterus" won't be able to "stretch" enough to carry him to full-size - and once I run out of room I'll go into labor.

Although looking in the mirror I seem pretty stretched out already!!!!

Originally posted by Bimzoori
Moon, have you noted any differences between this pregnancy and the previous one? I heard the second is usually lighter and easier than the first..:confused:

Well, with 7 years between pregnancies it's hard to tell... also in my first pregnancy I was in a very unhappy marriage so my overall experience was unhappy and disappointing, whereas Wanderer is a wonderful expectant dad and that makes a big difference!!
I think this one is harder in some ways because I'm older (almost 36), but easier in others because, besides being happy and pampered, I haven't gained any extra weight and I'm staying physically active so I'm more comfortable.

MoonChild..May God be with you, and InshaAlla (God willing) everything goes on well..and InshaAlla you don't face any problems w/ delivery. Amen :)

Thanks for the well wishes to MoonChild (and Bean), Bimzoori. That's very kind of you.

I try and "talk" to Bean every day - though it may seem silly to be talking at a big tummy. It just would be cool if he could hear me.

Maybe I should make whale sounds.

Originally posted by Bimzoori
MoonChild..May God be with you, and InshaAlla (God willing) everything goes on well..and InshaAlla you don't face any problems w/ delivery. Amen :)

Indeed thank you very much :)
I feel good about the plan my doctor has made for us - I was afraid of complications during a normal birth and this makes me feel much safer!

Originally posted by Wanderer
It just would be cool if he could hear me.


I know he can because he always kicks where Wanderer's mouth touches my tummy.

I've read that the baby can hear better if you speak through a tube (like an empty toilet-paper tube) touching the tummy, but that seems really silly :)

Thanks MoonChild for all the explainations and it really seems to be a wanderful experience for both of you.

I believe Bean will be okay even if he has to come a bit earlier than expected. At the moment that everything is ready for him and that you are prepared to welcome him home. As we say here: "inshallah everything will go well!"

I can't believe another week went so fast!!!!


[b]MoonChild Pregnancy Calendar:

12/11/2001 - 18/11/2001 = Week 01 1st day of LPM
19/11/2001 - 25/11/2001 = Week 02 Conception
26/11/2001 - 02/12/2001 = Week 03

03/12/2001 - 09/12/2001 = Week 04
10/12/2001 - 16/12/2001 = Week 05
17/12/2001 - 23/12/2001 = Week 06
24/12/2001 - 30/12/2001 = Week 07 Bean 1st heart beat :)

31/12/2001 - 06/01/2002 = Week 08
07/01/2002 - 13/01/2002 = Week 09
14/01/2002 - 20/01/2002 = Week 10
21/01/2002 - 27/01/2002 = Week 11

28/01/2002 - 03/02/2002 = Week 12
04/02/2002 - 10/02/2002 = Week 13
11/02/2002 - 17/02/2002 = Week 14
18/02/2002 - 24/02/2002 = Week 15

25/02/2002 - 03/03/2002 = Week 16
04/03/2002 - 10/03/2002 = Week 17
11/03/2002 - 17/03/2002 = Week 18
18/03/2002 - 24/03/2002 = Week 19

25/03/2002 - 31/03/2002 = Week 20
01/04/2002 - 07/04/2002 = Week 21
08/04/2002 - 14/04/2002 = Week 22
15/04/2002 - 21/04/2002 = Week 23
22/04/2002 - 28/04/2002 = Week 24

29/04/2002 - 05/05/2002 = Week 25
06/05/2002 - 12/05/2002 = Week 26
13/05/2002 - 19/05/2002 = Week 27
20/05/2002 - 26/05/2002 = Week 28
27/05/2002 - 02/06/2002 = Week 29

03/06/2002 - 09/06/2002 = Week 30 (You are here now)
10/06/2002 - 16/06/2002 = Week 31
17/06/2002 - 23/06/2002 = Week 32
24/06/2002 - 30/06/2002 = Week 33

01/07/2002 - 07/07/2002 = Week 34
08/07/2002 - 14/07/2002 = Week 35
15/07/2002 - 21/07/2002 = Week 36
22/07/2002 - 28/07/2002 = Week 37

29/07/2002 - 04/08/2002 = Week 38
05/08/2002 - 11/08/2002 = Week 39
12/08/2002 - 18/08/2002 = Week 40

19/08/2002 = Bean's Official Birth :) :)

Today was my last Heparin injection!!! YAY!!!!
I'll be happy if I never see another needle :)

We have an appointment and ultrasound on Thursday so I'll post then :)

We had our check-up and ultrasound yesterday - everything looks great!
Bean weighs a whopping 3.5 lbs, which is about 1/2 pound more than average, and means he is measuring 2 full weeks ahead of schedule!
He still has room to grow and plenty of amniotic fluid, so we are more comfortable that he will make it to that magic 35-week mark - although he is so big that it's more likely too that he won't make it much farther than that!
So... any time in the next 5-9 weeks will be good for him to be born :)

My only 'symptom' (besides just being big and awkward) is that the joint in my pubic bone is softening, which is very uncomfortable sometimes with the weight of the baby sitting on it. Sometimes it's a sharp pain, other times a dull ache and I walk much more slowly now! Unfortunately there is no exercise I can do, but I have a little "belly belt" that helps hold the weight up off the bone that helps a lot.

We are getting very excited :)

Moon, there isn't much left really.. just a few weeks and Bean will be born. :)

Wow.. you should take a photo of him once he is born and post his photo here.. :)

During the ultrasound I was looking up close at the monitor screen when the technician focused in on Bean's face. Sooo cool to see his face before he's born, and he was moving his lips


Karaoke in the womb.

Originally posted by Silent tunes
Wow.. you should take a photo of him once he is born and post his photo here.. :)

do you really think you could STOP proud new parents from showing off their newborn?! :)

MoonChild,

Hope you are still doing well and that Bean's bedroom is nearly finished. Two more days and you will be starting your 32nd week of pregnancy. Tell us if there is anything new...


MoonChild Pregnancy Calendar:

12/11/2001 - 18/11/2001 = Week 01 1st day of LPM
19/11/2001 - 25/11/2001 = Week 02 Conception
24/12/2001 - 30/12/2001 = Week 07 Bean 1st heart beat :)


03/06/2002 - 09/06/2002 = Week 30
10/06/2002 - 16/06/2002 = Week 31(You are here now)
17/06/2002 - 23/06/2002 = Week 32
24/06/2002 - 30/06/2002 = Week 33

01/07/2002 - 07/07/2002 = Week 34
08/07/2002 - 14/07/2002 = Week 35
15/07/2002 - 21/07/2002 = Week 36
22/07/2002 - 28/07/2002 = Week 37

29/07/2002 - 04/08/2002 = Week 38
05/08/2002 - 11/08/2002 = Week 39
12/08/2002 - 18/08/2002 = Week 40

19/08/2002 = Bean's Official Birth :) :)

"Hope you are still doing well and that Bean's bedroom is nearly finished. "

Not much happening on the bedroom - since the baby will stay in our room for a few months we are going to keep our guest room for a bit longer :)
But this weekend is our big shopping trip for "stuff" - bassinet, stroller, car seat and all that. I want everything washed and set up - the nesting instinct kicking in no doubt :)

I'm doing well but we can't believe I can keep growing like this for 6 more weeks!!!!! I'm starting to get more contractions, especially when I walk around so I'm definitely slowing down a bit... last week was very uncomfortable as he moved to "transverse" (sideways) position and stretched me out quite a bit (including my ribcage) to make more room. Now I'm comfortable again and he has room to grow :)
He is getting very strong and can give me some good punches and kicks!

I have pregnant friends who have lots of edema (swelling in ankles and legs), high blood pressure, stretch marks and joint pain. I've had none of those problems, and I feel very fortunate!

Originally posted by MoonChild

I have pregnant friends who have lots of edema (swelling in ankles and legs), high blood pressure, stretch marks and joint pain. I've had none of those problems, and I feel very fortunate!


LOL, me too !

I had a doctor appointment yesterday, moved up a week after going into "false labor" on Monday (9 hours of contractions). I'm fine, baby is fine, although he is breech (head up) now. But since I was at work when I started having contractions Monday, my doctor says if it happens again he will make me stay home from work until I am 34 weeks!

Although I feel fine, even simple things like walking across a parking lot, going up some stairs, or carrying more than 6-7 pounds can start contractions. So, I am to be vigilant about the contractions and stay within the limits of my body right now.

Our new mantra is "3 more weeks, 3 more weeks"... actually Wanderer's is "3 more weeks, 2 more paychecks" :)

My instructions are, if I start having contractions I'm to rest as much as possible, and if they don't stop after 3-4 hours to go to L&D (labor and delivery department of the hospital) to check and see if it is real labor.

Since 2 weeks of bedrest would likely drive me insane, I'm being careful :)

<img src="http://pregnancy.about.com/library/belly/frontbelly.jpg"width="200"height="300"></img>


MoonChild Pregnancy Calendar:

12/11/2001 - 18/11/2001 = Week 01 1st day of LPM
19/11/2001 - 25/11/2001 = Week 02 Conception
24/12/2001 - 30/12/2001 = Week 07 Bean 1st heart beat :)


03/06/2002 - 09/06/2002 = Week 30
10/06/2002 - 16/06/2002 = Week 31
17/06/2002 - 23/06/2002 = Week 32
24/06/2002 - 30/06/2002 = Week 33 (You are here now)

01/07/2002 - 07/07/2002 = Week 34
08/07/2002 - 14/07/2002 = Week 35
15/07/2002 - 21/07/2002 = Week 36
22/07/2002 - 28/07/2002 = Week 37

29/07/2002 - 04/08/2002 = Week 38
05/08/2002 - 11/08/2002 = Week 39
12/08/2002 - 18/08/2002 = Week 40

19/08/2002 = Bean's Official Birth :) :)


Moony, take good care of yourself as you are starting your 33rd week and already experienced some mild contractions. You didn't tell us if you are going to deliver in a public or private hospital. Can you also tell us how long you should be admitted there as you are having a boy? I suppose the rules in the States are different than here in Oman.

Great picture, X-Press !

Last week we toured the Maternity Ward in the hospital MoonChild works in. There are standard rooms (fully covered by insurance) that can host 2 mothers - though the hospitral policy is to put each mother in her own room, unless and until all the rooms are occupied, then they start "doubling-up". The other option are Maternity Suites (involving me getting a second job to pay for) which are beautiful "studio apartments" with a bed for the dad too, and a guest receiving area. Special gourmet meals are available 24 hours a day. The trick is if these will be available when we need them, as they are in high demand and we don't know when MoonChild will go into labor and it's too soon to schedule the delivery surgery.

The Maternity Ward is only a few floors up from MoonChild's Transplant Dept. office, so it would be quite convenient for her to go into labor while at work. I work a few blocks away and could be by her side in under 30 minutes - though I just know this will be a 2am adventure from home ;)

BTW - while touring, we noticed a nice Arabic couple making reservations for the suites :)

Originally posted by X-press
[BCan you also tell us how long you should be admitted there as you are having a boy? [/B]


Same as for a girl, actually :)
Their standards for when to let you start eating food and when to go home are related to various body functions that I don't really want to describe here ;) But we can plan on 3 days in the hospital then we'll both go home, assuming no complications.

Wanderer is taking good care of me - cooking great meals and taking over many of the household chores as it gets harder for me to bend and twist - he could give lessons to all the husbands out there :)

Originally posted by MoonChild
- he could give lessons to all the husbands out there :)

I have learned:

1) One doesn't put chlorine bleach in all wash loads.

2) Ketchup and spaghetti sauce (marinara) are not interchangeable.

3) A watched pot DOES boil, but you end up wasting a lot of time.

4) Don't try to feather dust the ceiling fan while it is spinning.

5) there are 2 different sheets in a bed set and it is important as to the order you put them on the bed.

6) A cat will climb into a dryer filled with warm clothes.

7) a dryer filled with warm clothes has a lot of static electricty built up.

8) an electrostatically charged cat looks twice as big as normal ... and shouldn't be touched.

9) chlorine bleach eats through stainless steel sinks

10) do not use a high pressure hose to clean a toilet. The little brush is best.

LOL!, i guess all the above was learned through experience?

ok, so wanderer is getting domesticated!

Originally posted by Wanderer
2) Ketchup and spaghetti sauce (marinara) are not interchangeable.


...BUT ketchup DOES count as a vegetable for toddlers :)

wish u all the best moonchild .. healthy child with a stable birth condition .. just keep a way from tough homework ..relax and u will get through it .. the uterine problems u mentioned are normally dealt with these days .. but i guess he/she might stay in the SCBU for a while .. but do not worry haa.. it will be ok .. just precautions to be taken out...coool .. and all the best a gain

lol Wanderer.......I've been there buddy lololol



Moonie/Wandy, good luck - thinking of you :)

Wanderer,

Another domestic tip just occured to me:

Small children (but must be larger than mini-vacuum cleaner) can be persuaded to undertake houeshold chores for remarkably small amounts of money or sugar. Once trained, they are much better at adults, particularly at cleaning chimneys.

Thanks Samy! I had more contractions yesterday (about 5 hours) so it is time to take it even "more easy" if that is possible!

Mimosa - I totally agree - Faith has had duties to set the table and clear her own place since she was 4. As she gets older we add more to it, like getting out and putting away salad dressings. She also has to put her own toys away etc. She is capable of doing much more than that but is still too short for a lot of it, lucky for her!! :)

She's also expected to pitch in when we have "cleaning day", she's good at fetching and carrying, and washing baseboards and trim wood up to about 4' ;)

I'll have the same expectations of Bean - no preferential treatment for boys in this household!!! His future wife will thank me :)

Originally posted by mimosa
Small children (but must be larger than mini-vacuum cleaner) can be persuaded to undertake houeshold chores for remarkably small amounts of money or sugar.

Ah ha. Indeed. I shall invest in a cache of goodies - of the Gummi variety - with which to purchase cleaned auto interiors and a livingroom free and clear of "Junk Yard Jack" and "Balerina Barbies".

It'll be another year before I ask Faith to polish silverware or wash pans. Hmm, loading the dishwasher ... ?

Originally posted by Wanderer
The Maternity Ward is only a few floors up from MoonChild's Transplant Dept. office, so it would be quite convenient for her to go into labor while at work.


You guys made me laugh with your comments :D ...what a great imagination you have Wandy and I hope Bean will inherite your good sense of humor.

Big thanks for giving us so much details about what is happening around you too and it is as if we are there with you. Now, isn't it too much for MoonChild to work until the last minute? Isn't there a rule to start her maternity leave few days before her due date?

In Oman, (correct me if I am wrong), the maternity leave is 45 days, what about in the States?

Having given birth twice, or rather having been present at the birth of my 2 children, I have been able to read this thread without fainting or throwing up.:D

MoonChild, it sounds as if Bean may pop out several weeks earlier than planned, which will make him another MoonChild and he´ll get on better with his Pop.

Originally posted by Shakoosh Kabir
Having given birth twice, or rather having been present at the birth of my 2 children, I have been able to read this thread without fainting or throwing up.:D

Thanks for planting that thought, SK :rolleyes: I'm not normally squeamish - no stranger to the Emergency Room (observing and assisting) and having been the practice arm for a few nursing students learning to draw blood, but this WILL be different.

Originally posted by Shakoosh Kabir

MoonChild, it sounds as if Bean may pop out several weeks earlier than planned, which will make him another MoonChild and he´ll get on better with his Pop.

LOL. I believe Cancer Sun and Libra Moon is available on and about July 15th (about 4 weeks early). Ah, the ethical considerations of planning a birth to coincide with favorable aspects.

I hate the idea of my insides being cut open and looked at. I don't really want anyone to see me with my belly cut open :(
I suppose Wanderer will want to look, but it gives me the heeby-jeebies!

Do ya know, they pull the uterus all the way out and plop it on your belly whilst stitching it back up. Yuck.

Maybe Wanderer can watch the opening scenes of "Saving Private Ryan" to prepare!

Originally posted by X-press

Now, isn't it too much for MoonChild to work until the last minute? Isn't there a rule to start her maternity leave few days before her due date?

In Oman, (correct me if I am wrong), the maternity leave is 45 days, what about in the States?

It's getting to be too much. I didn't make it to work until after noon today! I was just sooo exhausted, I drove half-way to work and turned around, went home, and slept for an hour!
But I'm trying not to use very much leave time before the baby is born, so I can spend more time WITH him... after all it could still be 5 weeks or so...

In US, we get 12 weeks (unpaid) leave guaranteed by the government. Some companies pay for part of it... but not mine :(
My plan is to work part-time for several months rather than have to go back full time after only 3 months.

Ah, the irony.

My (privately-owned) company gives paid maternity leave for female employees, while the state university hospital doesn't.

Sad to read that you will not get even one day paid maternity leave. It is quite unfair I think. Thanks God they still give you 3 months off.

Here in Oman, according to the law, the Employer has to paid the expecting mother her 45 days leave. Usually in private companies, she should come back to work after that period, unless she take some extra approved unpaid leave then.

W and MoonChild

15 July sounds like a good time to be born. My birthday is on the 16th.

Originally posted by Shakoosh Kabir
W and MoonChild

15 July sounds like a good time to be born. My birthday is on the 16th.

We'd try and coincide, but I believe the 16th gets us a Scorpio Moon - and that seems rough.

There is a 24 hr. window of opportunity for a Capricorn Moon (like the old man) right at the Cancer-Leo cusp, though I doub't MoonChild will make it that long. Libra may be our best bet.

Have assembled all the baby furniture (investment hint: Graco), however, it's in the livingroom and must be disassembled to move it upstairs. Ah, that's what weekends are for, eh?

MoonChild Pregnancy Calendar:

01/07/2002 - 07/07/2002 = Week 34 (You are here now)
08/07/2002 - 14/07/2002 = Week 35
15/07/2002 - 21/07/2002 = Week 36
22/07/2002 - 28/07/2002 = Week 37

29/07/2002 - 04/08/2002 = Week 38
05/08/2002 - 11/08/2002 = Week 39
12/08/2002 - 18/08/2002 = Week 40

19/08/2002 = Bean's Official Birth :) :)

Time is passing so fast!!!! Wandering if MoonChild will be able to hold Bean for another month. Inshallah yes. Wandy, thanks for the "Graco" tip....;)

I just discover this site, (which could be in the art sabla too) where an expecting mother can easily create a sculpture of her torso to remember for ever her pregnancy, thanks to a kit! (hum) Once the caste is dry, she can painted the way she wants and here are few exemples:

http://bellymask.com/belly_14_small.jpg http://bellymask.com/belly_1_small.jpg http://bellymask.com/belly_17_small.jpg http://bellymask.com/belly_8_small.jpg

Anyway, I learn something new everyday and I wanted to share this with you, not expecting that Moonchild will place an order ;)

Too funny, X-Press.

We could make something like that, but I have no idea where we'd be able to put it !

Maybe make a hot tub out of it :)

Wanderer, you are in soooo much trouble...

although, sadly, he's not far wrong!!!

I can't see my feet anymore - in the last 2 days I've stubbed toes on both feet and almost fallen down the stairs (luckily I was nearly at the bottom already!).

Wanderer had to snip my toenails, as I cannot reach them anymore :(

I don't know how much more I can grow!!!

Originally posted by Wanderer
Maybe make a hot tub out of it :)

:D lol Wandy, you always come with funny comments! Anyway, though the it is a weird thing to do, but in case you want to create something different and in rememberance of Moony's pregnancy, you can order the kit Here (http://bellymask.com). (Censored Site to non-expecting parents!!)

MoonChild, you still have another month to go, and you know that you can easily put one kilo every week during that last month. You say that you are already too big to see your toes, did you put on the proper amount of weight for your stage of pregnancy or did you go overboard?

Originally posted by X-press

MoonChild, you still have another month to go, and you know that you can easily put one kilo every week during that last month. You say that you are already too big to see your toes, did you put on the proper amount of weight for your stage of pregnancy or did you go overboard?[/COLOR]

I think I'm so awkward because my womb has not gotten very "wide", I mean I'm sticking out a lot to the front but still narrow side-to-side. At least I can still feel my ribs, they aren't covered with fat :)
I'm on track for recommended weight gain and my hips and legs haven't gotten big. It's gotten harder to stay on track since I had to stop exercising, but I'm trying to be extra careful to eat healthy foods!

I am trying to make her nutritive meals with lots of vegetables and quality protein.

:) mmmmmmmmmmm :)

I wish everyone could come to our house for dinner and see what a good cook Wanderer is. He makes the best stir-fry dishes! The best roast chicken/turkey/duck I've ever tasted too.

It's a good thing he cooks healthy stuff because I always want to eat too much of it!!

[b]MoonChild Pregnancy Calendar:

08/07/2002 - 14/07/2002 = Week 35 (You are here now)
15/07/2002 - 21/07/2002 = Week 36
22/07/2002 - 28/07/2002 = Week 37

29/07/2002 - 04/08/2002 = Week 38
05/08/2002 - 11/08/2002 = Week 39
12/08/2002 - 18/08/2002 = Week 40

19/08/2002 = Bean's Official Birth :)

MoonChild, hope you are still holding on well and don't have trouble sleeping at night, as it is commun at this stage of your pregnancy.

Baby Bean should be putting on an average of .5 pounds a week at this point. The length is reaching about 18 inches from head to toe. All organ systems have been present for a long time, now they are just putting on the final touches before birth.:)

Wanderer should be done with the nursery at this point and should be doing 99% of the house shores :p

Originally posted by X-press
Wanderer should be done with the nursery at this point and should be doing 99% of the house shores :p

:rolleyes:

I'm negotaiting for 85%. The crib / bassinett is in our bedroom -

http://images.targetco.net/product/109901-1-p_lw.jpg


All I need to get now is a baby carrier like this and I'm ready.

http://www.dandelionkids.com/slings/bbd.JPG

Originally posted by X-press

MoonChild, hope you are still holding on well and don't have trouble sleeping at night, as it is commun at this stage of your pregnancy.
[/B]

Well, I wake up 3-4 times a night to go to the bathroom! If I'm lucky I can do the bathroom trip and turn over to the other side at the same time - otherwise I wake up again to roll over (it's not easy right now!!). Then there are the late-night parties that Bean holds sometimes...

It's training for after he is born, I'm sure :)

It's getting pretty comical- if I drop something on the floor I have to do this weird giraffe thing of standing with my legs really wide apart before I lean over ;)
If Wanderer is around, I just look helpless and whimper and he picks it up for me though :)

Some things you just have to have a sense of humor about -
like when the baby kicks when you are trying to be intimate with your husband!! :p Or when he (the baby, not the husband) does weird alien movements and my tummy looks like a sack of puppies - especially when I'm in a meeting at work ! :eyes: :duh:

We had a good doctor appointment yesterday - my weight, blood pressure, etc are all good. Bean's heart rate is very good (140) and we got to see him again on ultrasound. He still has enough room and amniotic fluid, and he weighs 5.5 pounds! He is also very strong and can make my belly bulge and contort in strange ways :)

From now on I'm supposed to get weekly check-ups. If I don't go into labor on my own, will probably have a c-section scheduled for about August 5.

Wanderer still thinks that the baby will be born this Monday, so if you don't hear from me, he was right :)

MoonChild Pregnancy Calendar:

15/07/2002 - 21/07/2002 = Week 36 (You are here now)
22/07/2002 - 28/07/2002 = Week 37
29/07/2002 - 04/08/2002 = Week 38
05/08/2002 - 11/08/2002 = Week 39
12/08/2002 - 18/08/2002 = Week 40

19/08/2002 = Bean's Official Birth :)


originally posted by MoonChild
Wanderer still thinks that the baby will be born this Monday, so if you don't hear from me, he was right

http://www.ecomother.com/design/graphics/pregnancy/babyintummy2.jpg

Just wandering if Wandy will be right with his predictions...
MoonChild, can you tell us the meaning of the name "Bean" for your boy? Any personal significance?

Monday isn't over yet :D

MoonChild may wish to tell you all about our little Saturday night adventure - 2 went to hospital, 2 came home.

Great pic, X-Press. You get some great graphics.

Originally posted by X-press
MoonChild, can you tell us the meaning of the name "Bean" for your boy? Any personal significance?

"Bean" is our nickname for him, short from "belly bean". Although he is now more like a "belly bowling ball" or "belly watermelon"! We just wanted a nickname, this dates from before we knew if it was a girl or a boy...

Our top two choices for names are Braedon (a celtic name meaning "out of the dark valley") or Nathaniel (or Nathan for short). but we won't decide until we meet him :)

We were in the hospital for about 4 hours Saturday and had contractions for about 7 hours (3-5 min apart). Apparently I was dehydrated and that was enough to start contractions. That surprised me because I drink a LOT of water! But that day I'd eaten lots of salty food, plus we ran errands for a few hours and I didn't drink much while we were out. anyway, they started an IV and put 2 bags of saline solution in me and the contractions stopped. That made everyone happy because at 34 1/2 weeks not all babies have mature lungs.
I've been extra-careful to drink lots of water since then!

As Wanderer said, the day isn't over, so he might still be right :)

ohhhhh that was a bit scary.. going around,, here and there ..
i wonder how did wondy looked like :confused: ( Wanderer :what shall i Do)??? but u know i think it was a good experiance..haa :D

thanx god that the baby is still ok and i just came here and im curious to know about the baby and ur pregnancy adventures ;)

ohhhhhh
what's happing now is really nice
I love the time whne the mother is waitting and thinking all the time that maybe he is comming today maybe in an houer
loOolz
wish u allllll the best
and cant wait till u post us the babay's photo here
I really can't wait:rolleyes:

After waiting all weekend - nothing. Bean is still quite happy to stay in MoonChild :rolleyes:

Spent the weekend shopping, cleaning and cooking. Since MoonChild can't walk long distances, I did most of the shopping errands. But the best news of the weekend was I found a great deal on a Calphalon 10 piece stainless steel cookware set. So I will be pampering MoonChild with whatever cravings she has :)
Last night was fish with spicy citrus sauce, red potato and steamed broccoli.


Next ultra-sound exam is Tuesday morning. I look forward to seeing Bean - even if it's only in black and white.

that's soooooooo nice
i love reading this
u send my regards to moonchild PLZ

Hi Kitkat :)
I'm around every so often! Am still waiting, and waiting... it is so unexpected that we would make it this long ... it's great for the baby now we know that he will be healthy... but I thought it would be over and we would have him in arms by now!

Wanderer is really pampering me and making these final days/weeks special :)

MoonChild Pregnancy Calendar:

22/07/2002 - 28/07/2002 = Week 37 (You are here now)
29/07/2002 - 04/08/2002 = Week 38
05/08/2002 - 11/08/2002 = Week 39
12/08/2002 - 18/08/2002 = Week 40

19/08/2002 = Bean's Official Birth :)

MoonChild, as I am going on leave this week, this will be unfortunately my last "pregnancy calendar" post. I was very happy to go through nearly your entire pregancy and wish you a very safe delivery. I hope Wanderer will keep updating this thread until the end and maybe you can print it for Bean as a nice sabla memorie :)

Take good care of yourself.

Hey Moonchild..how are u and Bean doing?
We havent heard from u in a long time i hope u are both well

MoonChild is resting.
Our son is asleep in the crib at the foot of the bed.
All is quiet in this house right now except for the humming of the airconditioner and the clicking of this keyboard.

I am very tired ... and very happy.

Congratulations!!!

Mabrook .....mabrook

http://www.123greetings.com/thumbs/fkt_baby/1065-005-43-1042.gif
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey Congratualtiooooooon :)
Nice to hear this news, please send my wishes to Moonchild and Faith :)

so what did you name the younge boy? :)

Congratulations !! when was the baby born...??Love to Moonchild i am sure Faith is so happy and proud to be a sister....