Spazz

I had the NT ultrasound & bloodwork appointment today to screen for chromosonal defects. I don't get the results til Monday, so keep your fingers crossed that all is well! First I met with a genetic counselor who explained all of our options. I'm not high risk at all, but thought it would be good to be prepared if God forbid something is wrong. The baby was nuts at the appointment. I had an extra long ultrasound because he/she wouldn't stop moving and the tech couldn't get any good pictures. Finally, the baby rested but in the wrong position. They finally got the pictures, but I was just happy that I got to stare at my baby for so long:) After that I had to get bloodwork done and the idiot girl had to stick me 3 different times before she could finally get a vein...ugh! I go back to the doctors in 4 weeks for my 17 week check-up and then to get another ultrasound in 7 weeks to check the anatomy (and to find out the gender but I'm not planning to do that). Mo - I think you should be able to find out the gender at your next ultrasound. I can't wait to find out what you're having!!! My SIL is actually scheduled to find out what she's having on August 25 too!

Martha, I love your pictures...your flowers, your shoes, your baby bump!!! The pic of your hubby kissing your stomach is just precious. Congrats!

Lisa, you look so cute! Did you find something to wear to the funeral? (By the way, I'm so sorry for your loss.) Mo, I'm glad you're feeling better and are able to eat some boardwalk food! Martha, I can't wait to see your bump! So, my second prenatal visit was this morning. It was nice and easy. Mike wanted to come, but it was pretty boring so I think he's done with going. I've gained 1.5 lbs since my last visit 5 weeks ago. The doctor said that was good, but that I need to start putting on about 0.5-1.0 lbs per week from now on (which scares the hell out of me to be honest!). We heard the baby's heartbeat and that was pretty cool. Other than that, no issues...yay

Kate, I'm so sorry! You guys are in my thoughts.

You girls are all so cute!!! I'm glad you all got to meet up and that you had such a great time!

Beautiful!!! Congrats

I'm so sad I can't make it, but I booked Irish Weekend months ago and actually also have a bachelorette party I'm going to try to make it to that night. Have a great time and take lots of pics!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by JessicaLovesBrian ^ Oh, yeah I figured that might be the one you were talking about. I've always wanted to go, but it's a little far from us for just a day trip, I'd want to spend the night. Next year you should definitely get a hotel room for at least a night and come down. It's a lot of fun!

Quote: Originally Posted by JessicaLovesBrian Ooh. Where down the shore are they having Irish Weekend? That sounds fun. It's in North Wildwood. My friends and I go every year and it's so much fun. This year probably won't be as great because I can't drink, but it should still be a good time.

The only weekend I absolutely can't do is September 20-21 b/c I'll be down the shore at Irish Weekend.

Quote: Originally Posted by LisaG I fought with the idea of maternity clothes for sooooo long. But eventually you have to give in to be comfy. My friend is like 9 weeks and she just came by my work and is borrowing my bella band. She's fighting maternity clothes too I know, I should just give in. I'm aggravated with myself b/c instead of just wearing them, I went to Kohl's last night and bought tons of medium-sized shirts to wear (instead of x-small/small) and then ordered a pair of size 6 pants from Old Navy online today (instead of size 4). My reasoning is that I can wear them again after the baby is born and before I lose the weight, but really I just know that I don't want to wear maternity clothes...lol! So I'm spending money I shouldn't be instead of wearing the maternity clothes that were so generously given to me for free...ahhh!!!! I just went on ebay and ordered the belly bands that Sarah recommended, so hopefully that will extend the life of all of my pants. I too have a bit of a butt, so hopefully they'll work well for me.

Quote: Originally Posted by Sarah Did you get those bella bands yet Lizz? Those are working so well for me. Here's the ebay seller where I got the "knock off" ones: 3 Bloomn Belly Bands maternity pant jean bella tube top - eBay (item 310074254988 end time Aug-13-08 21:00:00 PDT) I still haven't bought a stitch of maternity clothing and am doing just fine in all my old pants, jeans, etc using these bella bands. I know some girls said they didn't work well for them, but they're great for me- but I have a little bit of a booty so maybe that's why they stay on I normally wear an 8/10 pre-preg, and bought the Mediums. I almost think I could have gone with small though- they seem to fun a little big. Quote: Originally Posted by LisaG Yep - the bella band worked great for me. I also used a pony tail for awhile and that actually worked fine for me for several weeks. Just put it though the hole of your pants and loop it around, then wrap it around your button several times. No need to undo it while going to the bathroom because it stretched Thanks girls! I've been meaning to buy the Bella Bands, but was going to wait to give a bigger order of clothes to my cousin. She is a designer for Motherhood & A Pea in the Pod and told me whenever I want something to tell her and she'll use her 40% discount (which is so nice!), so I wanted to give her a big list instead of just 1 thing. But I don't think I can wait much longer so I'll use the ebay seller that you did, Sarah...thank you!!! I really didn't want to put on maternity pants just yet.

Ugh...4 pairs of pants did not button for me this morning as I was rushing to get ready for work. I finally found a pair that fit, but now I'm not sure what to do. I have maternity pants (that Mike's sisters sent to me), but they're too big on me and I'm only 3 months. Do I go out and buy the next size up in regular clothes? I really don't want to waste money on clothes I'll probably never wear again, but I have nothing to wear!!! When did you girls start wearing maternity clothes? What did you wear in the in-between stage?

Alyssa, everything looks awesome! I can't believe your big day is almost here...wow! how time flies!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Kelly C They didn't tell us we had too. But they did tell us every church is different on their rules. And that if we didn't have the marriage blessed they still would baptize our child. But on the other hand I have a girlfriend that is in a different parish and the priest there will NOT baptize her son. Which is crazy! I know! Not to get into a crazy religious discussion, but that's why I don't even care if we get our marriage blessed (because of all of the different rules & whatnot). But our moms feel so strongly about getting our baby baptized that I wanted to make an effort. I'll call the church and let you know what I find out. The only problem is that I actually haven't joined the church since I moved to my new parish...uh oh!

Does anyone know what you have to do to get the Catholic church to bless your marriage? We weren't going to do it but are now worried that they may not baptize our baby if our marriage isn't recognized by the church. Do we have to go to Pre-Cana and all of that stuff or is it just a simple ceremony?

Quote: Originally Posted by carly Hmmmm, how can I add a poll? I tried to edit my first response, but nada. I haven't done one in so long, I forget. Mod??

Good idea! I'm booked up the rest of the month and a lot of September, but I'm in if it's a date when I'm free. Carly, can you add a poll of different dates that you're available and we can go from there?

Martha, I love your furniture! I can only imagine how stressful registering in. I seriously walk in Babies R Us to buy shower presents for people and get stressed out because it's so overwhelming! I'm sorry to hear about the "no dessert" rule...maybe cut down to 3 or 4 times a week

$1400 for 7 nights occupancy (double) - cheapest room option possible at your resort (inc airfare and taxes) 216 ppl invited 85 of guests attending Riu Ocho Rios Resort Name 4?? stars

Awesome pics! Rebecca, you look gorgeous!!!

HAPPY WEDDING DAY

HAPPY WEDDING DAY

Quote: Originally Posted by TA Maureen Mmmm! that sounds good. I actually ate real food for the first time in months. I am hoping things stay this way. I actually was able to eat a Chik Fil A sandwich. Tomorrow I leave for the shore and I am hoping my appetite continues to increase because I have been thinking about saltwater taffy, funnel cake, caramel popcorn, and all the other boardwalk goodies!! Mo, totally off the mommies topic, but I grew up going to OC in the summer (my dad moved there after my parents divorced). My ultimate night on the boards include: Mack & Mancos, Kohr Bros. (I worked there one summer) & Johnsons Popcorn...yummm....eat some for me!

I had to wear a boot for 4 months last year because I had a stress fracture in my calf. I continued going to the gym and just did weights. I was never big into lifting before that (was always a runner) and surprisingly to me not only did I stay in shape but I actually lost a few pounds (that I wasn't even trying to lose). Now I'm a total convert and lift 5-6 days/wk and only do cardio about 2-3 days/wk. Just do as many weight-lifting exercises as possible that don't require you to stand. Good luck!